That message is at the heart of this year’s Mathematics Summer School and training course for high school mathematics teachers, jointly organized by the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), the Gia Lai Department of Education and Training and Asia Pacific International School Gia Lai (APC Gia Lai).
![toan-hoc-mo-duong-vao-ky-nguyen-ai.jpg](https://en-cdn.baogialai.com.vn/images/a2d5be0c49bb4861ac54e289d4a1e18cf4a5fe521641aa370011d286668224ae1ae63e52955866c7e62802f0398750686528e7d2441e9f6dccfb791bcb6cfb1f729eb54d86fd68bf45815de273ec9cd9/toan-hoc-mo-duong-vao-ky-nguyen-ai.jpg.avif "Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình (University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) delivers a lecture on "The Mathematics Behind Artificial Intelligence: From School Mathematics to Modern AI" at the 2026 Mathematics Summer School. Photo: Minh Chí")
The program is being held simultaneously in two regions. Students and teachers from northern Vietnam are attending activities at Phenikaa University, while Gia Lai is hosting 229 students and 43 teachers from specialized high schools in southern Vietnam and the Central Highlands.
Over 10 days, students take part in advanced modules covering geometry, algebra, number theory, combinatorics and calculus. Teachers receive updates on mathematical knowledge and teaching methods while participating in academic exchanges with leading mathematics experts from across the country.
Unlike previous programs that typically opened with topics such as geometry or algebra, this year’s summer school began with a lecture on artificial intelligence.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Thanh Bình of the University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, presented “The Mathematics Behind Artificial Intelligence: From School Mathematics to Modern AI,” offering students insight into the role mathematics plays in the development of AI.
Associate Professor Dr. Lê Minh Hà, Executive Director of VIASM, said the decision to place AI at the opening of the program reflected the technology’s growing impact across society and the central role mathematics plays in its development.
Not every student needs to become a mathematician, he said, but understanding the fundamentals of AI can help young people use the technology more effectively, regardless of the field they eventually pursue.
According to the organizers, the 2026 “Mathematics Summer School” is not only a place to nurture talented students and enhance teachers’ professional skills, but also a forum connecting scientists, lecturers, teachers, and students who share a passion for mathematics. The program aims to spread academic spirit, nurture a love for mathematical research, and build a vibrant community of young math enthusiasts.
He also stressed that the Mathematics Summer School is not solely intended to prepare students for academic competitions. Its broader purpose is to foster a love of mathematics and create opportunities for students with a shared passion to meet, learn and develop together.
For many participants, the AI module was among the most anticipated parts of this year’s program.
Huỳnh Ngọc Minh Anh, a student at Nguyễn Quang Diêu Specialized High School in Đồng Tháp Province, said she was excited to spend 10 days away from home for the first time while studying alongside mathematics students from different regions.
She described AI as a “teaching assistant” that can make difficult concepts easier to understand, but said the technology should remain a support tool rather than replace independent thinking and problem-solving.
Trần Nguyễn Gia Minh, a student at APC Gia Lai, expressed a similar view. He said AI can suggest different solutions and help analyze difficult problems, but students must first develop their own approach.
“First, I try to solve the problem on my own, then use AI to verify or explore alternative approaches. If you rely entirely on AI, it’s very difficult to develop your own thinking”, Gia Minh said.
He hopes the summer school will help him broaden his knowledge as he prepares for national academic competitions.
Beyond classroom study, the 229 students at the Gia Lai program live together on campus, participate in extracurricular activities, visit local landmarks and attend a gala night. The activities are designed to encourage learning, networking and connections among young mathematics enthusiasts from across the country.
Teachers are also using the program to strengthen their knowledge of emerging technologies and teaching trends.
Tiên Thị Mỹ Tâm of Nguyễn Thiện Thành Specialized High School in Vĩnh Long Province said teachers must proactively update their knowledge and master new technologies if they are to guide students in using AI effectively.
“I hope to learn about new technologies, new types of problems, and current trends in exam questions. This course is also an opportunity for teachers from specialized schools to connect, share resources and teaching experiences, and create opportunities for students to interact and learn from one another”, she said.
Đàm Văn Ngọc, Principal of APC Gia Lai, said the school had prepared facilities for study, accommodation and experiential activities. The teaching staff includes many leading mathematics experts in Vietnam, including some who have recently coached the country’s International Mathematical Olympiad team.
By the end of the 10-day program, organizers hope students will leave with stronger subject knowledge, new problem-solving methods, a deeper appreciation of mathematics and a clearer understanding of the scientific foundations underpinning artificial intelligence.
The Mathematics Summer School ultimately aims to provide an academic environment where young mathematics enthusiasts can meet, learn from one another, nurture their passion and continue pursuing research and discovery in the field.
