Nvidia, the global leader in AI and graphics processing technologies, has announced plans to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and development center in Vietnam. This move comes in collaboration with the Vietnamese government, signaling the country’s ambition to become a regional AI hub.

The agreement, signed on November 5th in Hanoi, was attended by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. However, the financial details regarding the investment for the AI research and data center have not been disclosed.

This new center will serve as a cornerstone for Nvidia’s AI initiatives in the region. The company aims to leverage Vietnam’s strong pool of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) talent to enhance AI software development. Nvidia will also work closely with local startups, government agencies, universities, and students to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors.

“We are excited to open this R&D facility in Vietnam to drive AI innovation,” said Jensen Huang. “With our expertise in AI development, we will partner with a dynamic ecosystem of researchers, startups, and enterprises to build exceptional AI solutions here in Vietnam.”

In addition to the AI center, Nvidia recently acquired VinBrain, a healthcare startup under Vietnam's Vingroup conglomerate. While the details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, this strategic acquisition further strengthens Nvidia’s footprint in Vietnam’s growing tech ecosystem.

Nvidia's commitment to Vietnam underscores its strategic focus on expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. Over the past year, Huang has emphasized the importance of forging partnerships with leading Vietnamese technology companies to develop AI talent and infrastructure.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted that AI has the potential to drive the country’s economic growth and facilitate the development of clean energy technologies. “We aim to harness AI not only to revolutionize industries but also to develop clean energy solutions from the sun, wind, and ocean,” he stated.

The growing momentum in AI development in Vietnam is evident as local tech companies, such as FPT, have also unveiled plans to establish AI production facilities. FPT’s project, worth $200 million, will utilize Nvidia’s graphic chips and software to power the next wave of AI innovations in the region.

This partnership is expected to open new doors for AI research and development in Vietnam, making the country a competitive player in the global AI landscape. As Nvidia deepens its investments, the center will likely become a key resource in advancing both AI technology and Vietnam’s digital economy.

CNNINDONESIA