Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Boston Global Forum BGF Roundtable: “Humanity and Compassion in Vietnamese Film and Contributions to the AI World Society” Harvard University Faculty Club, March 11, 2025
Good afternoon, everyone. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this Boston Global Forum Roundtable at Harvard University. A special warm welcome to His Excellency Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations; Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association; and our distinguished professors, scholars, filmmakers, and innovators here today. Your presence makes this gathering truly remarkable.
We are here to celebrate a milestone—30 years of normalized relations between the United States and Vietnam. Today, Vietnam and the USA stand as comprehensive strategic partners, a testament to our shared journey and commitment to progress. This anniversary is not just a moment of reflection but a springboard for deeper collaboration. For decades, Vietnamese cinema has woven stories of humanity and compassion that resonate far beyond its borders. Now, we explore how these values can shape the AI World Society, blending tradition with innovation to build a better future.
The Boston Global Forum has proudly supported Vietnam since 2014, and that commitment continues stronger than ever. We are thrilled to back the Vietnam government and the visionary AIWS Film Park—a pioneering hub connecting Vietnam to Boston, New York, Hollywood, and beyond. This initiative embodies our belief in AI as a force for creativity and global collaboration.
Through the Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration, we’re deepening ties between our film industries. We’ll promote the Da Nang Asian Film Festival here in Boston and champion the AIWS Film Park as a beacon of shared innovation. These efforts honor our past 30 years while forging a vibrant path ahead.
Thank you all for joining us in this celebration and commitment. Let’s make today a step toward a world enriched by film, technology, and mutual understanding.
Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
At the BGF Roundtable “Humanity and Love in Vietnamese Cinema and Contributions to AI World Society”
Harvard University Faculty Club, Cambridge, MA
March 11, 2025
Dear Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations,
Dear Governor Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Boston Global Forum (BGF),
Dr. Ngô Phương Lan, President of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA),
Distinguished professors, scholars, filmmakers, creators, and esteemed partners,
Today, I am deeply honored to be present at this seminar, organized by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and VFDA at Harvard University. This event marks the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Vietnam–U.S. relations, while also opening a new chapter in cinematic cooperation between our two nations.
For me, cinema is not just a creative industry; it is a mission—a powerful medium that conveys humanistic values and connects the international community. Over the past decades, Vietnamese cinema has brought forth profound stories about people, history, and culture, not only for domestic audiences but also reaching global viewers.
Today, we gather here to discuss the role of cinema in the AI Era—a time where technology and creativity converge, unlocking unprecedented possibilities.
VISION: AIWS FILM PARK IN VIETNAM
As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, we must take a bold step forward. Therefore, I am pleased to introduce the AIWS Film Park initiative in Vietnam—a pioneering cinematic hub integrating AI and storytelling, where art and technology intersect.
Under the guidance of AI World Society (AIWS), AIWS Film Park will not only be a film production facility but also a dynamic creative ecosystem, connecting Vietnam with major global film hubs, including Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington DC, Paris, Rome, and London. This initiative aims not only to elevate Vietnamese cinema but also to pioneer AI-powered filmmaking on a global scale.
We are currently conducting research and evaluation to select an optimal location in Vietnam, ensuring a perfect synergy between infrastructure, natural landscapes, and long-term development potential.
KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
Fostering Global Collaboration – Establishing a network that connects filmmakers, scholars, and investors from the United States, Vietnam, and other countries.
Innovating the Filmmaking Process – Integrating AI and digital technology into film production to enhance creativity and optimize workflows.
Developing the Vietnamese Film Industry – Expanding the global reach of Vietnamese cinema by leveraging international distribution networks to attract a wider audience.
Promoting Education and Accessibility – Providing opportunities for young filmmakers to access AI technology, learn from international experts, and develop new cinematic models in the digital era.
VIETNAM–U.S. COOPERATION IN CINEMA
This project is part of the Vietnam–U.S. Film Cooperation Program (Friends of Vietnam–U.S. Film Collaboration), initiated by VFDA and BGF. It is a significant initiative aimed at:
Strengthening connections between filmmakers, producers, and technology companies from both countries.
Promoting AI applications in the film industry based on AI World Society (AIWS) standards.
Expanding the market for Vietnamese films in the U.S. and vice versa.
Facilitating bilateral collaboration projects, seminars, and training programs on AI-powered filmmaking.
We are honored to collaborate with outstanding individuals and organizations in this field, including:
Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of BGF
Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University
Tony Bui, Vietnamese-American Director, Columbia University
Investors, experts, and enterprises from both the U.S. and Vietnam.
STRATEGIC IMPACT
Once operational, AIWS Film Park is expected to bring about positive transformations in multiple dimensions:
Elevating Vietnamese cinema onto the global stage.
Attracting investment from major corporations in the technology and film industries.
Creating opportunities for the next generation of Vietnamese filmmakers.
Shaping AI-powered cinema towards a sustainable and humanistic future.
CONCLUSION
Distinguished guests,
AIWS Film Park is more than just a film project—it represents a major leap forward in the global integration of Vietnamese cinema. We strongly believe that, with the collective efforts of filmmakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and leading organizations, AIWS Film Park will become a world-class creative hub, honoring traditional values while pioneering innovation in the AI Era.
Thank you for your time and attention. We look forward to your support and collaboration in turning this vision into reality!
Launched at the BGF Roundtable: “Humanity and Compassion in Vietnamese Film and Contributions to the AI World Society” Harvard University Faculty Club, Cambridge, MA March 11, 2025
Overview
The Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration program is a landmark initiative to strengthen cinematic ties between Vietnam and the United States, celebrating 30 years of normalized relations and our comprehensive strategic partnership. Spearheaded by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), this program unites esteemed leaders, filmmakers, scholars, and innovators to foster creativity, advance AI-driven storytelling, and promote cultural exchange through film.
Objectives
Enhance Industry Ties: Facilitate collaboration between Vietnamese and U.S. filmmakers, producers, and technologists to share expertise, resources, and opportunities.
Promote Innovation: Support the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in cinema, guided by AI World Society (AIWS) standards, to responsibly shape the future of storytelling.
Celebrate Cultural Exchange: Highlight the humanity and compassion in Vietnamese cinema while expanding its reach through U.S. platforms and vice versa.
Build Global Networks: Connect film communities in Vietnam and the U.S. with international hubs, amplifying their impact in the AI era.
Access Film Markets: Open pathways for Vietnamese and U.S. films to enter and thrive in each other’s markets, enhancing visibility and economic opportunities.
Key Initiatives
AIWS Film Park: Develop a pioneering cinema hub in a beautiful city, Vietnam, linking it to Boston, New York, Hollywood, and beyond, with support from program friends.
Da Nang Asian Film Festival Promotion: Elevate the festival’s profile in Boston and other U.S. cities, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
Workshops and Exchanges: Organize events, roundtables, and mentorship programs to connect filmmakers, innovators, and scholars from both nations.
Esteemed Friends
The program is honored to include the following distinguished individuals as foundational supporters:
Governor Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Boston Global Forum
Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University,
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO, Boston Global Forum
Meg Montagnino-Jarrett, Director, Massachusetts Film Office
Angela Peri, Founder, Boston Casting
Sara Archambault, Director of Harvard Shorenstein Center Doc Film Program
Matthew Salloway, Filmmaker and CEO GSI Ventures
Le Vinh Hoa, Director of Harvard University Vietnamese Language Program
Tony Bui, Artist-in-Residence at Columbia University, Acclaimed Filmmaker
Mark Kennedy, Director of the Wilson Center’s Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition, Mark Kennedy
Lorie Conway, Boston Film Producer
Professor Robert Desimone, MIT, Neuroscience and Technology Expert
ProfessorDavid Silbersweig, Harvard Medical School, Innovator in Science and Culture
Jeff Saviano, Harvard University
Lrod, MIT Lecture
ProfessorSuk-Young Kim, UCLA
Cameron Kerry, Former Acting Secretary of Commerce
Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman, Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vietnam’s Ambassador to the United States
Tran Thi Bich Van, Spouse of Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations
Ambassador Hoang Anh Tuan, Consul General of Viet Nam Consulate General in San Francisco, California, the United States of America
Pham Viet Dung, VST Business Leader, VFDA
Dinh Trong Tuan, Member of Standing Committee, VFDA
Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Vice Chairwoman, VFDA
Roles and Contributions
The Esteemed Friends will:
Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and advocacy for the program’s initiatives.
Leverage their networks to connect Vietnamese and U.S. film communities with global opportunities and markets.
Participate in key events, such as the AIWS Film Park launch (April 2, 2025) and the Da Nang Asian Film Festival showcase (June 30, 2025).
Implementation
Launch: Discuss at the BGF Roundtable on March 11, 2025.
Next Steps: Convene an inaugural meeting of the Esteemed Friends by April 2025 to outline priorities, followed by workshops and exchanges throughout 2025-2026.
Support: Backed by BGF’s strategic expertise and VFDA’s leadership, with collaboration from academic partners (Harvard, MIT, Columbia, UCLA).
Vision
The Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration program aspires to create a vibrant, interconnected film ecosystem that honors the past 30 years of Vietnam-U.S. relations while forging a future where cinema and AI unite to inspire, educate, and connect the world. Together, we will build bridges that amplify Vietnamese and American voices in the global AI landscape and open new markets for mutual growth.
Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends,
As we conclude today’s roundtable, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our distinguished speakers, panelists, and organizers. A special thank you to Governor Michael Dukakis, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, and our panelists for their invaluable insights, and to Professor Thomas Patterson and the Boston Global Forum for making this gathering possible.
We were also honored by the participation of Ambassador Đặng Hoàng Giang, whose contributions to today’s discussions reflect the significance of this moment—marking 30 years of normalized relations between Vietnam and the United States.
Throughout today’s conversations, we have explored the power of cinema—not only as an art form but as a way to connect cultures, reflect history, and spark meaningful dialogue. Vietnamese cinema, in particular, has long carried themes of resilience, compassion, and shared humanity. These are qualities that resonate far beyond the screen, especially as we navigate an era of rapid technological change.
The formalization of the Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration and the introduction of initiatives like the AI World Society Nha Trang Film Park signal new opportunities to deepen these connections. While this film park is still in its early stages, I hope that over time, it will also foster academic and creative exchanges, creating new opportunities for future generations to engage in meaningful ways.
As Director of the Vietnamese Language Program at Harvard, I see every day how cultural exchange transforms the way students learn and think. Language is not just about vocabulary and grammar—it shapes how we connect, interpret the world, and engage with different ways of thinking, storytelling, and cultural traditions. Events like this bring those dimensions to life, making connections that extend far beyond the classroom. Initiatives like today’s reflect a growing space for collaboration, where scholars, filmmakers, and innovators can work together to create something lasting.
I hope today’s discussions serve as the beginning of more conversations, partnerships, and creative endeavors. Thank you all for your engagement, and I look forward to seeing how these conversations evolve into future collaborations. Now, I’d like to invite Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of Boston Global Forum, to share his concluding thoughts before we continue our discussions over dinner.
Organizers:
Boston Global Forum, Harvard University, Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations
Venue:
Harvard University Faculty Club, 20 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Date & Time: March 11, 2025, 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Moderator:
Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman, Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
Honored Speakers:
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations
Governor Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder & Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum
Event Overview
This roundtable unites distinguished scholars, filmmakers, innovators, and cultural leaders to celebrate Vietnamese cinema’s profound role in advancing humanity and compassion. It explores how these values shape storytelling in the AI era, strengthening Vietnam-U.S. ties in cinema and technology through initiatives like the Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration, the Da Nang Asian Film Festival, and “AIWS Nha Trang Film Park.” Marking 30 years of normalized Vietnam-U.S. relations, the event honors this artistic legacy while forging pathways for innovation and partnership within the AI World Society framework.
Agenda
3:00 PM – Welcome & Introduction
Opening remarks by Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard University
3:30 PM – Honored Remarks
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations
Governor Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder & Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum
3:50 PM – Keynote Speech
Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman, Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
4:10 PM – Panel Discussion
Panelists:
Jeff Saviano, Harvard University
Tony Bui, Columbia University
Robert Desimone, MIT Professor
Nazli Choucri, MIT Professor
Moderated by: Professor Thomas Patterson
4:50 PM – Initiative Announcement: Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration
New initiatives to deepen ties between Vietnamese and U.S. film industries:
Da Nang Asian Film Festival – Ngo Phuong Lan
“AIWS Nha Trang Film Park” – A pioneering cinema hub uniting writers, creators, innovators, directors, investors, and marketers of film and AI. Based in Nha Trang and guided by AI World Society standards, it connects to Boston, New York, and Hollywood, fostering creativity and collaboration on a global stage.
Dinh Trong Tuan, Member of Standing Committee of VFDA
Joseph Caristena, AI Evangelist, Founder of EGov Metrics and Mediterranean Academy of Cultural Diplomacy
Lorie Conway, Boston Film Producer
Tony Bui, Columbia University
Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration Program – Professor Thomas Patterson
5:10 PM – Open Discussion
Moderated by Professor Thomas Patterson
5:45 PM – Concluding Remarks & Dinner
Le Vinh Hoa, Director of Harvard University Vietnamese Language Program
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of Boston Global Forum
Networking dinner with continued discussions on AIWS Nha Trang Film Park
The “AIWS Nha Trang Film Park” is envisioned as a groundbreaking cinema hub that unites writers, creators, innovators, directors, investors, and marketers at the intersection of film and artificial intelligence (AI). Rooted in Nha Trang, Vietnam, and guided by AI World Society (AIWS) standards, this initiative connects Nha Trang to global film capitals—Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington DC, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Venice, and London—fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation on an international stage. By blending natural beauty with cutting-edge AI and digital technology, the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park aims to redefine filmmaking, empower communities, and elevate Vietnamese cinema’s global presence in the AI Age.
Objectives
Foster Global Collaboration: Create a dynamic network of filmmakers, scholars, innovators, and investors to exchange ideas, develop new films, and explore the responsibilities of cinema in the AI era.
Innovate Filmmaking: Build a new model of studios that combines natural settings with AI and digital tools, revolutionizing film production and storytelling.
Expand Market Reach: Analyze and enhance the Asian film market while connecting it to global audiences and industries.
Promote Education and Accessibility: Democratize filmmaking by educating individuals to create short and mobile films using AI tools, natural studios, and real-world settings.
Celebrate Cultural Legacy: Highlight humanity and compassion in Vietnamese cinema while advancing its contributions to the AI World Society.
Collaborative Framework
Partners:
Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) and VST Entertainment
Boston Global Forum (BGF)
Centers, Programs of Harvard University, MIT, Columbia University, UCLA
Investors: Business communities from the USA and Vietnam
Offices: Nha Trang, Vietnam, and Boston, Massachusetts
Support: Nha Trang Khanh Hoa government, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with BGF in May 2024
Strategic Advisors: Boston Global Forum (BGF), providing expertise in AI innovation, AI World Society (AIWS) standards, and cultural integration, while connecting the project to globally eminent figures. BGF offers pioneering ideas and solutions to make the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park a unique cinematic hub in the AI era.
Key Components
AIWS Nha Trang Film Park Community
A special network connecting Nha Trang with Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington DC, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Venice, and London.
Activities include:
Roundtables and meetings with writers, screenwriters, directors, innovators, investors, scholars, and stars to brainstorm new ideas and films.
Development of studios integrating natural landscapes with AI and digital technology.
Discussions on the Asian film market and its global potential.
A “Roundtable of Film in the AI Age – Age of Global Enlightenment,” continuing the legacy of the AI Action Summit.
Innovation in Film
New Models: Introduce short films and mobile films as accessible, innovative formats.
Education Initiative: Equip individuals with tools and knowledge to create films using AI, natural settings, and mobile devices, fostering a global creative community across the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park cities.
Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration
A dedicated program to build the AIWS Nha Trang Film Park, linking Vietnamese and U.S. film industries and leveraging expertise from both nations’ business and academic communities.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday March 6, establishing a government reserve of bitcoin, a key marker in the cryptocurrency’s journey towards possible mainstream acceptance.
Under Trump’s new order, the U.S. government will retain the estimated 200,000 bitcoin it’s already seized in criminal and civil proceedings, according to Trump’s “crypto czar” David Sacks.
“The U.S. will not sell any bitcoin deposited into the Reserve. It will be kept as a store of value. The Reserve is like a digital Fort Knox for the cryptocurrency often called ‘digital gold,’” Sacks said on social media.
The executive order calls for a “full accounting” of the government’s bitcoin holdings, which Sacks said have never been fully audited. He added that the U.S. government has previously sold off about 195,000 bitcoin over the last decade for $366 million. He said those bitcoins would be worth about $17 billion if the government hadn’t sold them.
The Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference on AIWS Government 24/7 will convene on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo, featuring keynote addresses by Japan’s Minister of State for Economic Security, Mr. Minoru Kiuchi, and Minister for Digital Transformation, Mr. Masaaki Taira. Building on the momentum of the AI Action Summit held in Paris on February 10-11, 2025, this event will advance the vision of AI World Society (AIWS) Government 24/7—a model of AI-driven, continuously responsive governance that prioritizes security, innovation, and human-centric values.
The conference will explore the technological frameworks required to support an AI-enhanced government operating 24/7, leveraging Japan’s expertise in cybersecurity and digital reform to offer unique perspectives and solutions. It honors the legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose forward-thinking vision for peace, security, and technological progress continues to shape Japan’s leadership in the global AI landscape.
Bringing together policymakers, tech innovators, and scholars, the event will address how AIWS Government 24/7 can enhance transparency, efficiency, and resilience in governance while tackling challenges such as cybersecurity threats and ethical AI deployment. Held at a venue in Tokyo to be announced, the conference underscores Japan’s commitment to harnessing AI for societal advancement.
As a bridge between the AI Action Summit in Paris and actionable global outcomes, this event promises to outline practical steps toward a connected, AI-empowered society. Japan’s contributions will reinforce its role in driving the Age of Global Enlightenment through innovative governance solutions.
The Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference on AIWS Government 24/7 will convene on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo, featuring a keynote address by Audrey Tang—Taiwan’s first Digital Minister, Cyber Ambassador at Large of Taiwan, and 2025 World Leader in AIWS Award recipient. Tang will join Japan’s Minister of State for Economic Security, Minoru Kiuchi, and Minister for Digital Transformation, Masaaki Taira, at this landmark event, held at a venue in Tokyo to be announced.
Building on the AI Action Summit in Paris on February 10-11, 2025, the conference will explore technological frameworks for AI World Society (AIWS) Government 24/7—a vision of continuously responsive, AI-enhanced governance. Leveraging Japan’s expertise in cybersecurity and digital reform, discussions will offer unique perspectives to enhance transparency, efficiency, and resilience while tackling cybersecurity threats and ethical AI deployment.
Honoring former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s legacy of peace, security, and technological progress, the event unites policymakers, tech innovators, and scholars to advance his vision in the global AI landscape. Tang, renowned for her tenure as Taiwan’s Digital Minister (2016–2022) and her ongoing work as Cyber Ambassador promoting human-centric technology, will share insights on empowering governance with AIWS principles.
As Japan underscores its leadership in AI-driven societal advancement, the conference promises to bridge the Paris summit with actionable steps toward a globally connected, AI-empowered future, setting a new benchmark for governance in the AI era.
