The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
At the launch ceremony of the new Qualcomm AI R&D centre in Vietnam on June 10 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The US-based tech giant Qualcomm officially inaugurated a new artificial intelligence research and development (AI R&D) centre in Vietnam on June 10.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group. It is set to play a key role in developing cutting-edge generative AI and agentic AI solutions, with applications spanning smartphones, personal computers, extended reality (XR), automotive technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh described the launch of the AI R&D centre as a significant step forward in technology cooperation between Vietnam and the US in a field of mutual interest. He said the establishment reflected Qualcomm’s confidence in the potential and capabilities of the Vietnamese IT workforce, while serving as a testament to the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
The official expressed his belief that the centre would enhance Vietnam’s AI research capabilities, contribute to the training and development of local and international AI experts and engineers, and promote the country’s sustainable socio-economic development.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh speaks at the launch. (Photo: VNA)
According to Thieu Phuong Nam, Country Director of Qualcomm Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, Qualcomm’s activities in Vietnam align with the country’s national strategies on AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation, with a focus on technology transfer, ecosystem development, and capacity building.
By combining Vietnam’s talent with Qualcomm’s global scale and expertise, the company hopes to accelerate the development of advanced, energy-efficient AI solutions for diverse applications while reinforcing Vietnam’s role in the global innovation value chain, Nam said.
Qualcomm currently operates two representative offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside its first R&D Centre in Southeast Asia, launched in Hanoi in 2020. The company is also known for the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge, an annual initiative that supports and nurtures local tech startups through financial, technical, business and intellectual property assistance.
Under Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, Vietnam aims 𝔉to rank among the top three countries in Southeast Asia for AI research and development by 2030. Toward such ambition, Vietnam, its strategic location, attractive policies, and rich resources, is increasingly drawing investment from leading global tech firms./.
Welcoming the proposed partnership between KT and Vietnam's tech giant Viettel, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung suggested KT consider joining Viettel in developing low-Earth orbit satellites and generative AI for socio-economic applications, where Vietnam is building capabilities.
Leveraging AI in producing sustainability information may enhance efficiency, accuracy and also strategic decision making, a banking and finance forum has been told.
AI and semiconductors have been identified as core sectors for development by both Vietnam and the US in the coming decade, thus contributing to balancing trade and investment between the two countries.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
The week features a rich lineup of activities, including a plenary conference on blockchain and AI development, thematic seminars on future technology trends and investment visions, applications of blockchain and AI in business, the Super Vietnam PitchFest, as well as forums for blockchain and AI.
According to the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, on making breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, this is considered a decisive factor in the development of nations. It is seen as a prerequisite and the best opportunity for Vietnam to become prosperous and powerful in the new era of the nation’s rise.
Vietnam’s demographic advantage, including a youthful population of 100 million in a “golden age”, further bolsters its ambitions. Its dynamic workforce, with a natural inclination toward science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), is a key asset in attracting private investment to innovation-driven sectors.
Vietnam views sci-tech as a decisive factor in national development and a key tool for achieving sustainable development goals, and is ready to boost sci-tech cooperation with Venezuela for mutual prosperity.
