The agreement, finalized on the evening of December 5 at the Government Office, was witnessed by the Prime Minister, underscoring its national importance. This groundbreaking partnership will lead to the establishment of the Vietnam Research and Development Center (VRDC) and an AI Data Center, setting a solid foundation for Vietnam's aspirations in the high-tech arena.
The partnership with NVIDIA, a global leader in AI and computing technologies, builds on years of Vietnam’s strategic investments in innovation and technology. The agreement is the result of efforts made during NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s second visit to Vietnam, signifying NVIDIA's recognition of Vietnam’s potential in the AI landscape. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng represented the Vietnamese government in signing the agreement with NVIDIA’s Executive Vice President, Jay Puri.
These two centers—the VRDC and the AI Data Center—will be instrumental in fostering AI research, innovation, and application within the country. By providing cutting-edge infrastructure and access to NVIDIA's advanced AI technologies, these centers will empower Vietnamese researchers, startups, and businesses to innovate on a global scale.
The VRDC and AI Data Center will serve as critical platforms for AI development and deployment. Their objectives include accelerating AI research, driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating new employment opportunities for Vietnam's burgeoning tech talent. With NVIDIA’s expertise, the centers are poised to become a cornerstone of Vietnam's AI ecosystem, enabling advancements in key sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and finance.
This collaboration is also expected to pave the way for partnerships with local companies and institutions, promoting a vibrant innovation ecosystem. Vietnamese talent will have access to world-class AI tools and training, enhancing their skills and enabling them to contribute significantly to the global AI industry.
Vietnam’s young and dynamic workforce has positioned the country as a promising hub for AI development. The government has identified AI as a cornerstone of its national development strategy, recognizing its transformative potential across various industries. This vision is reflected in initiatives such as the National Innovation Center (NIC), which serves as a focal point for fostering innovation and collaboration.
Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng highlighted the strategic importance of the NVIDIA partnership, stating:
"This collaboration is not just a significant step for NVIDIA but also a historic move for Vietnam. It underscores our ambition to establish Vietnam as a leading AI research and development hub in Asia. This partnership symbolizes Vietnam's commitment to digital transformation and its aspiration for prosperity and global leadership."
This partnership is not an isolated effort. It builds on previous agreements, such as the strategic collaboration signed in October 2024 to develop a nationwide AI ecosystem. That agreement focused on enhancing AI skills, supporting AI research, and promoting entrepreneurship, laying the groundwork for the current initiative.
NVIDIA’s involvement in Vietnam also aligns with the government’s efforts to create a conducive environment for high-tech investments. Policies supporting innovation, the development of digital infrastructure, and the establishment of innovation hubs like the NIC have created a strong foundation for partnerships with global tech leaders.
The establishment of the VRDC and AI Data Center is expected to accelerate the integration of AI into Vietnam’s key industries, particularly those driving economic growth and improving quality of life. By leveraging AI, Vietnam aims to address pressing challenges, such as enhancing healthcare delivery, modernizing education, optimizing transportation systems, and boosting financial services.
At the heart of Vietnam’s AI aspirations is its vibrant and tech-savvy workforce. The partnership with NVIDIA will provide Vietnamese researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs with access to cutting-edge technologies and training programs. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision to develop human capital in high-tech sectors, including AI and semiconductors.
One of the key objectives of this partnership is to nurture local talent and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the AI-driven economy. The government has already launched initiatives to upskill its workforce, such as the program to develop 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, with at least 5,000 specializing in AI. These efforts aim to ensure that Vietnam remains competitive in the global tech landscape.
This collaboration between Vietnam and NVIDIA marks a turning point in the country’s journey toward becoming a global AI powerhouse. The establishment of the VRDC and AI Data Center signals Vietnam’s readiness to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.
By leveraging NVIDIA’s expertise and resources, Vietnam is well-positioned to lead in AI research and application, not only in Southeast Asia but also on the global stage. This partnership represents a confluence of vision, technology, and talent, creating a pathway for Vietnam to drive innovation, enhance its global competitiveness, and achieve sustainable economic growth.
As Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng aptly put it:
"This is a pivotal moment for Vietnam to accelerate its digital transformation and realize its aspiration to become a prosperous and innovative nation. It is a bold step into the future, where AI will redefine industries and improve lives."
Vietnam’s collaboration with NVIDIA is expected to have a ripple effect across the region. As Southeast Asia emerges as a key player in the global tech ecosystem, Vietnam’s proactive investments in AI and innovation set an example for neighboring countries.
The VRDC and AI Data Center will not only benefit Vietnam but also position the country as a hub for AI collaboration and knowledge-sharing in Asia. This initiative will attract more investments, partnerships, and talent, reinforcing Vietnam’s status as a regional leader in technology and innovation.
As Vietnam embarks on this transformative journey, the partnership with NVIDIA symbolizes more than just technological advancement—it represents the nation’s determination to build a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and prosperity.
Let’s celebrate this milestone as Vietnam steps confidently into the AI era, setting a benchmark for excellence in innovation and technology in Southeast Asia and beyond.