Vietnam Emerges as Regional AI and Semiconductor Leader with Global Investment and Talent Surge

Vietnam’s AI Economy Gains Global Attention

Vietnam is emerging as a key player in AI and semiconductor innovation in Southeast Asia. With increasing international collaborations and a strong talent base, the country is set to advance its position in AI research, applications, and investment.

Qualcomm Opens Major AI R&D Centre in Hanoi

Qualcomm Corporation recently launched its third-largest AI Research and Development Centre in Hanoi, following centres in India and Ireland. This facility focuses on generative AI solutions for a variety of sectors including smartphones, PCs, extended reality, automobiles, and the Internet of Things.

Alex Rogers, President of Qualcomm’s Technology Licensing and External Cooperation, emphasized that the centre underlines Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to Vietnam’s tech ecosystem. He noted that Vietnam ranks among the top 20 countries globally in AI expertise, supported by both local and international training.

The centre is expected to contribute directly to Qualcomm’s global product development and stimulate growth in Vietnam’s AI industry.

Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre Launches

Another milestone is the establishment of the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre, aimed at advancing 5G/6G research, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. This initiative provides a platform for innovation, policy leadership, and practical applications in AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

Vietnam’s AI Ecosystem and Workforce Drive Growth

A recent report by the National Innovation Centre, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) highlights Vietnam’s strong AI startup ecosystem. In 2024, the country ranked second in Southeast Asia for AI startup numbers and investment capital.

Key drivers include over 150 universities offering IT courses and more than 60,000 annual IT graduates. The report identifies three pillars supporting AI growth:

• Expansion of AI applications across public and private sectors
• A growing AI ecosystem fostering startups and innovation
• Development of a skilled workforce meeting international standards

Additional factors aiding AI development are increased AI literacy, better access to computing infrastructure, and clear policies promoting sustainable AI.

AI’s Economic Impact and Industry Applications

By 2030, AI is projected to add around $5 trillion to the global economy through improved automation and data-driven decision-making. BCG projects that by 2040, AI could contribute $120-130 billion to Vietnam’s economic growth.

This growth is expected from consumer revenue in AI-powered products and services and cost savings in manufacturing through automation and predictive analytics.

Vietnam is already seeing AI applications across various sectors:

• Agriculture: Crop monitoring systems detect pests and predict outbreaks.
• Environment: Ecosystem monitoring through drones and sensors tracks air quality, water, and wildlife.
• Public Services: AI chatbots provide travel information, personalised health advice, and aid sectors like transport, education, justice, and finance.

Key Focus Areas for AI Development by 2040

Nguyen Hoang Hung, CTO of Viettel AI, highlights public administration, education, and healthcare as critical sectors for AI application. Effective AI in education could transform human resource development, while healthcare AI could bridge the quality gap between different levels of medical facilities.

Commitment to Talent and Ecosystem Growth

Qualcomm reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Vietnamese AI talent and collaborating with local enterprises to build a semiconductor and AI ecosystem. Their ongoing investments aim to contribute significantly to Vietnam’s technological and economic development.

BCG’s head in Vietnam underscores that a unified effort is essential: governments need to set frameworks, businesses must lead implementation, and citizens should embrace AI-driven progress to fully benefit from this transformation.

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