VietNam
Laying the foundation in early childhood education to help children thrive in the age of Artificial Intelligence
In a recent Bloomberg feature (May 29, 2025), Dr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT Corporation, garnered attention by inviting his Bloomberg host to observe an AI Robotics class for 1st graders at the FPT School. In this class, students not only learned to code but also explored how AI works, built chatbots using simple programming, and developed an understanding of machine learning. This reflects a global shift in education: AI is no longer just for adults—it’s becoming a foundational skill for children worldwide.
China is set to officially integrate AI into its primary school curriculum starting from Grade 1 in the 2025–2026 school year. In the U.S, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order mandating the inclusion of AI in education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Meanwhile in Vietnam, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), with support from international partners like UNICEF, is actively working to integrate AI into the national education curriculum (source).
At the early childhood education level, what can we do to prepare children to learn AI confidently in Grade 1?
KidsEdu equips preschoolers to be AI-ready
Developing computational thinking through play
KidsEdu STEM integrates AI Robotic activities, where children engage in screen-free programming activities using command cards, interactive games, and educational robots like mTiny and WhalesBot. Through these, they get introduced to concepts of sequencing, “if–then” logic, and cause-and-effect relationships.
Building problem-solving skills
AI and robotics activities in the KidsEdu STEM program encourage children to explain how they completed tasks, fostering computational thinking, analysis, and logical expression—all essential for learning AI later on.
Introducing AI technology
In the KidsEdu STEM program, children explore light and sound sensors, facial recognition, and other responsive technologies in robots—helping them understand that machines can “sense” and “respond,” laying the groundwork for understanding machine learning.
Fostering a responsible attitude toward technology
The KidsEdu curriculum includes contents that help children use technology responsibly, ask questions, and think creatively and independently—instead of consuming passively.
Starting early—and starting right—is how we prepare Vietnamese children to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence.
