Let’s be honest. We saw all the big names making further investments in Vietnam – but for AI? Is Vietnam the new AI destination? We — and NVIDIA might as well just say yes!

Vietnam’s AI landscape

Vietnam has long been a go-to destination for manufacturing, with tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Dell setting up operations. However, AI represents a newer frontier.

Historically, Vietnam was considered “low-tech” compared to regional heavyweights like China and India. But recent years tell a different story.

In January 2021, the Vietnamese government issued a National Strategy for Research, Development, and Application of AI through 2030. The goals? To rank among the top four ASEAN nations and the top 50 globally in AI research and development. The strategy also targets trademarking 10 AI technologies and establishing three national high-performing data centres by 2030.

Reports like the Government AI Readiness Index further validate Vietnam’s potential. Ranked fifth in Southeast Asia and 59th globally in 2021, Vietnam scored high for government support, infrastructure, and data readiness.

NVIDIA’s bold move: A bet or a masterstroke?

NVIDIA’s entry into Vietnam is more than an expansion; it’s a calculated power play. CEO Jensen Huang recently announced plans to establish an AI R&D hub and a cutting-edge data centre in Hanoi. This aligns with Vietnam’s ambitious goal of achieving US$100 billion in annual semiconductor revenue by 2050.

Also Read: AI and healthcare: Navigating challenges and embracing the future

In addition, NVIDIA partnered with FPT, a Hanoi-based tech firm, to develop a US$200 million AI factory.

Equipped with 127 Nvidia HGX H100 server systems, the facility has received approval from US authorities and represents a significant leap in Vietnam’s AI capabilities. This partnership isn’t just about resources; it’s about leveraging Vietnam’s burgeoning talent and infrastructure.

Huang himself has been vocal about Vietnam’s potential. At a roundtable in Hanoi, he noted that Vietnam meets three key criteria to succeed in AI: data, a skilled software workforce, and infrastructure. He described Vietnam as “the future home of NVIDIA,” emphasising that AI’s success relies on processing and utilising data where it originates. AI’s intelligence is built from data and Vietnam’s data is a national resource.

Huang’s enthusiasm isn’t just rhetoric—it’s backed by action. NVIDIA’s investment marks the beginning of a long-term relationship that could transform Vietnam into a global AI leader.

The outlook

This partnership with NVIDIA underscores Vietnam’s commitment to developing high-tech industries and fostering a competitive, skilled workforce. From the establishment of the Electronic and Semiconductor Training Center at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in 2023 to the proliferation of R&D hubs, Vietnam is laying the groundwork for its transformation into a global technology leader.

Also Read: AI: The secret ingredient for unlocking developer success in Asia

The implications go beyond Vietnam’s borders. For foreign investors, Vietnam is emerging as Southeast Asia’s AI nerve centre. Its young, tech-savvy population and growing infrastructure make it a promising market for technology products and services. NVIDIA’s investment sends a clear message: Vietnam is no longer just a manufacturing hub; it’s a serious contender in the global AI race.

But why does this matter?

The stakes couldn’t be higher—for both Vietnam and NVIDIA. Vietnam’s bold vision to become a global AI powerhouse by 2030 is not just aspirational—it’s within reach, especially with heavyweights like NVIDIA in its corner. For NVIDIA, this isn’t just about expanding its footprint; it’s about cementing its status as a leader in AI while harnessing Vietnam’s immense potential as a data-rich, strategically pivotal nation.

As Jensen Huang so eloquently put it, this is far more than a partnership—it’s the “birthday of NVIDIA Vietnam.”

The future of AI in Southeast Asia is being written right now, and Vietnam is wielding the pen. No longer just an emerging contender, Vietnam is fast becoming the destination to watch. With NVIDIA’s backing, the AI revolution here isn’t just on the horizon—it’s happening in real time, with the potential to redefine the tech landscape across the region and beyond.

If you’re searching for the next epicenter of innovation, keep your gaze fixed on Vietnam. The AI revolution has only just begun, and it’s brimming with promise.

Will Vietnam and NVIDIA together rise to echo Taiwan’s transformative role in the tech world? It’s a thrilling question—and one whose answer we’re eagerly awaiting.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: Canva Pro