Pham Quang Viet's return to FPT is motivated by a quest for substantial challenges rather than nostalgia. Having previously worked at one of Vietnam's largest corporations, Viet gained unique experiences that he now brings back to FPT, where he aims to develop FA.AI, a unit dedicated to enhancing AI capabilities.

Viet acknowledges that he rarely takes photos, with the most recent being from a Lunar New Year event at FPT Tan Thuan, where he interacted with colleagues. He expressed, "I am simply seeking a position where I can challenge myself and make a difference." His time outside FPT has enriched his perspective, allowing him to appreciate the opportunities he once had.

Upon returning, Viet felt a mix of excitement and anxiety, as this time was not just about returning to a familiar environment but about tackling a new challenge. FA.AI is tasked with developing AI capabilities and forming a team capable of handling complex technologies in the automotive software industry. Viet is no stranger to starting from scratch, having pursued AI since its early days when it was not widely recognized.

His previous projects, including FPT's self-driving cars and robotics, laid the groundwork for his current endeavors. "This is not my first time building a unit from zero," Viet shared, emphasizing that this time, he has the support of FPT Automotive leadership and long-time colleagues. "It feels simple; just get to work," he added.

Initially starting as a lone member, Viet has grown FA.AI to over 30 staff members, making it a key technology hub within FPT Automotive. For him, building a team is not just about recruitment; it's about creating a workforce that can adapt to the rapid changes in AI technology.

Under Viet's leadership, FA.AI has opened doors for collaboration with major global partners. He remains actively involved in complex technological projects such as Automotive Copilot, Voice Assistant, and AI Orchestrator. Another significant achievement is the establishment of an AI Lab and the development of Edge Computing capabilities, which enhance FA's ability to integrate AI into practical applications.

Viet's focus extends beyond specific platforms or products; he aims to create a system that fosters continuous innovation and experimentation. One memorable initiative is the internal innovation program, where team members can propose product ideas, receive initial training and support, and develop their concepts. Successful ideas can be integrated into departmental products, exemplified by the evolution of FPT Automotive Virtual Engineer (FAVE), which has grown to over 200 solutions.

While not every product succeeds, Viet values the model for creating an environment where teams can experiment, learn, and grow from their creations. He continues to seek answers to the challenges he faces: moving from 100 to 1,000. "Building from zero requires vision and inspiration; moving from 100 likely needs teamwork and a bit of luck," he noted.

Despite his managerial role, Viet retains his engineering roots. He has had a passion for technology and programming since childhood. While he describes his management style as more inspirational than traditional, he also enjoys getting hands-on with technology, sometimes leading to comments from colleagues about his quiet, action-oriented approach.

Viet's journey at FPT began in 2007 as a student at FPT University. His early career was marked by numerous achievements and certifications, including being recognized as the top student in embedded systems in 2009. In 2017, he and his team introduced Vietnam's first self-driving technology, marking a significant milestone in FPT's technological journey.

Viet's accolades include being named a top technology officer at FPT in 2016 and making the Top 100 FPT list in 2017. However, his journey does not end with these initial successes. After a stint in another environment, he returned to FPT to face the challenge of building from the ground up once again.

From demo vehicles to the AI Lab, from a single member to a team of over 30, and from early experiments to hundreds of developed features, Pham Quang Viet's journey at FPT continues, driven by new challenges. As he reflects on his past, he now focuses on how to progress from 100 to 1,000, with a strong team and the ability to adapt quickly to push the boundaries of technology.