Applying open source software, open data and artificial intelligence (AI) in information management

Open Source Freedom Day 2024 – an opportunity for VNU-USSH students to learn and update knowledge about information technology, open source software, open technology and open science

Software Freedom Day/SFD is an annual event, held on the third Saturday of September every year around the world. In Vietnam, SFD has been successfully organized every year since 2012. Under the chairmanship of the Free and Open Source Software Club (VFOSSA) and the support of ministries, departments, organizations and businesses, this year's SFD event was organized by VFOSSA in collaboration with the Faculty of Information and Library, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU in Hanoi.
In his opening speech, Mr. Nguyen Quang Toan, Vice President of VFOSSA Club, shared: “The 2024 Free and Open Source Software Festival (SFD 2024) with the theme "Open source software, open data & AI: The key to improving information management efficiency", with the spirit of spreading and sharing values ​​widely to the community, VFOSSA wants to expand its reach, targeting students in the social sciences, instead of only approaching students in the information technology sector like previous years. We appreciate the proactive connection from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, because this is the first time the Free and Open Source Software Festival - SFD has been held at a leading university in social sciences nationwide. This is a breakthrough step of SFD to help students have the opportunity to learn about fields related to information technology, open source software, open technology and open science. Highly appreciating the significance of the event, Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Thanh Nam, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the School Council emphasized: “Open source, open data, AI have become inevitable trends and are increasingly widely applied in many fields. On behalf of the School's Board of Directors, I highly appreciate the proactive connection of the Faculty of Information - Library as well as the support of partner units in organizing useful forums like today. This is a great opportunity for lecturers and students to listen to experts share, exchange the most updated information and solutions to improve the application efficiency of open source software, open data and AI in all fields, especially the field of information management”.Software Freedom Day at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities attracted the attention of many experts in the field of open source software, open source businesses and the student community who love information technology and information management. This is also an opportunity for exchange and connection between the Vietnamese Open Source Community, businesses operating in the IT field, programmers, network administration experts and IT students of universities/colleges in Vietnam.
Software Freedom Day 2024 is accompanied by many sponsors from many different fields, from leading technology companies to promising software startups: NetNam Joint Stock Company, Linagora Vietnam Co., Ltd., i3 Network Systems Company, Information Solutions Joint Stock Company (iWay), Vietnam Open Source Development Joint Stock Company (VINADES),...
                                                   

Regarding new solutions applying open source in information management and processing in many fields, the speakers gave many specific examples of solutions that have been built and operated effectively in practice: “SAHANA - Open Source Disaster Management Solutions” - Disaster response, relief and recovery tools (Truong Anh Tuan - iWay Information Solutions Joint Stock Company); “Netbox open source software: Smart infrastructure management, the choice for modern infrastructure management” (Duong Huy - Suncloud Technology Infrastructure Joint Stock Company)
In his presentation, Mr. Truong Anh Tuan shared: Sahana is an open source solution for managing and sharing data on disaster response, relief and reconstruction with the participation of many specialized agencies and organizations with functions in disaster response and relief of countries; hundreds of volunteers around the world. Sahana has proven its effectiveness through deployment in hundreds of locations around the world, supporting humanitarian relief and recovery after hundreds of natural disasters over the past 20 years.
“In the coming time, SAHANA wishes and is ready to share information data and technological solutions to join hands with organizations participating in disaster response and relief work in Vietnam to improve the effectiveness of this work, minimizing damage caused by disasters” - Mr. Truong Anh Tuan expressed.
  Speaker Do Duc Nam, Product Director of Zamiga Company, brought new information about AI applications in the field of cultural preservation: "The ability to use open source AI to convey national culture through gamification applications" promises to bring a new and creative perspective on the application of these technologies to preserve and promote national cultural values".At SFD 2024, Associate Professor Dr. Do Van Hung (Head of Information and Library Department, VNU-USSH) brought the topic "AI gene competency framework for learners" with the following knowledge: What is AI gene? Definition, operating principles and practical applications of AI gene; AI gene competency framework: What skills are included? Why are these skills important? How to develop AI gene skills? Specific applications of AI gene in different fields; Challenges and opportunities when working with AI gene: Ethical issues, cybersecurity, and how to maximize the potential of this technology.
“Gen AI does not just stop at understanding data, but also has the ability to create new, creative content such as text, images, sounds, and even code. This opens up countless opportunities in many fields, from artistic creation to solving complex problems in business and science. The rapid development of Gen AI means that the demand for people who can work and create with this technology is also increasing. By grasping the necessary skills, learners can proactively equip themselves with the appropriate knowledge and skills to succeed in the AI ​​era” – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Duc Hung emphasized.The presentations of the speakers attracted the attention of representatives from technology corporations as well as students. Many questions and concerns about the wide applicability of the proposed technological solutions, or the scientific nature and value of open data, shared open sources, etc. were raised and discussed enthusiastically and openly at the forum.      
The 2024 Free and Open Source Software Festival event brought the perspective of experts on the application of free and open source software and open technology in many fields in the era of Industry 4.0 such as blockchain technology, IoT, AI (artificial intelligence), Big Data, ... for students of social sciences. The goal is to increase awareness of the value and benefits of open source software, open technology, open science, applications in the academic and research community, applications in business activities of organizations and enterprises. At the same time, this is also a forum for exchange and connection between students, lecturers, and experts from organizations and enterprises in the field of open source.