Why Global Semiconductor Giants Are Betting Big on Vietnam’s AI R&D: Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and the Rise of a New Tech Hub

Vietnam’s AI Boom: Why Are Global Chipmakers Flocking Here?

Did you know that Vietnam is fast becoming the hottest destination for artificial intelligence research in Asia? Over the past year, global semiconductor leaders like Qualcomm and NVIDIA have poured major investments into Vietnam, turning the country into a new AI R&D powerhouse. This isn’t just a business move—it’s a sign of Vietnam’s growing status as a tech innovator, with its young, skilled workforce and government support making it a magnet for global talent and capital. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it matters, and how local communities are reacting.

Qualcomm’s Hanoi AI R&D Center: A Game Changer for Southeast Asia

On June 10, 2025, Qualcomm officially opened its first AI research and development center in Hanoi, marking the company’s largest such facility in Southeast Asia. The center employs over 100 researchers and engineers, focusing on generative and agentic AI, large language models (LLMs), and practical applications across smartphones, PCs, XR, automotive, and IoT. This move is more than just a business expansion—it’s a strategic bet on Vietnam’s tech ecosystem and a major boost to the country’s ambitions to be a top-three AI hub in Southeast Asia by 2030.
Local officials, including Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, celebrated the launch as a “significant step forward” for tech cooperation between Vietnam and the US. Qualcomm’s investment aligns with Vietnam’s national strategies on AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation, focusing on technology transfer, ecosystem development, and capacity building.

The Mobian Acquisition: Vietnamese AI Talent Joins the Global Stage

Qualcomm’s expansion in Vietnam was supercharged by its acquisition of Mobian (MovianAI) in April 2025. Mobian, previously the AI subsidiary of VinGroup (Vietnam’s largest conglomerate), is known for its work on Vietnamese language LLMs and AI systems for electric vehicles. The deal brought top Vietnamese AI talent, including former DeepMind researcher Dr. Hung Bui, into Qualcomm’s global team. This move not only strengthens Qualcomm’s AI capabilities but also highlights Vietnam’s growing reputation for homegrown AI expertise.
Mobian’s research in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing has already produced open-source projects and new algorithms, making Vietnam a key player in the global AI landscape.

NVIDIA’s Vietnam R&D Center: Building a New Innovation Ecosystem

NVIDIA isn’t sitting on the sidelines. In late 2024, the company signed a major agreement with the Vietnamese government to establish a research and data center dedicated to AI in Vietnam. NVIDIA’s Vietnam Research and Development Center (VRDC) is designed to nurture AI innovation, support local startups, and accelerate the adoption of AI in industries like healthcare, education, transportation, and finance.
Jensen Huang, NVIDIA’s CEO, has repeatedly praised Vietnam’s tech talent and potential, noting that the country produces over 50,000 IT and engineering graduates annually. NVIDIA’s presence is expected to create new jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and help Vietnam achieve its goal of becoming a regional digital technology leader.

Vietnam’s AI Talent: The Secret Ingredient

So, why Vietnam? The answer is simple: talent. Vietnam’s education system emphasizes STEM, and the country is now the world’s second-largest supplier of software engineers. The government’s ambitious plan to train 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030 is already attracting global attention. Programs like the Vietnam Innovation Challenge and the Vietnam Talent Awards are encouraging the development of practical AI solutions that address local and global needs.
Vietnamese AI researchers are making waves internationally, with homegrown LLMs and new methods for efficient image generation. The government’s recent plan to attract 100 top-tier AI specialists and build a national AI expert database shows a clear commitment to developing a comprehensive, human-centric AI ecosystem.

Community Buzz: How Are Vietnamese Netizens Reacting?

Vietnamese online communities are buzzing with excitement and pride over these investments. On Naver and Tistory blogs, users highlight the opportunities for local job creation, the chance for Vietnam to leapfrog into the global tech elite, and the positive impact on the country’s digital transformation. Some representative comments from forums like 더쿠, 네이트판, 인스티즈, 네이버, 다음, 디시인사이드, 에펨코리아, and PGR21 include:
- “Finally, Vietnam is getting the recognition it deserves in tech!”
- “I hope this leads to more opportunities for young Vietnamese engineers.”
- “With Qualcomm and NVIDIA here, our startups can dream bigger.”
Of course, there are also concerns about brain drain and whether local companies will benefit as much as global giants, but the overall mood is optimistic.

Cultural Context: What Foreign Fans Need to Know

If you’re following Vietnam’s tech scene from abroad, here’s what makes this moment special. Vietnam’s rapid digital transformation is rooted in cultural values like respect for education, family, and community. The country’s openness to foreign investment and collaboration is matched by a strong desire to develop homegrown solutions. This blend of global and local ambition is fueling a unique AI ecosystem—one where Vietnamese engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs are not just participants but leaders.
For global fans, understanding Vietnam’s rise means appreciating its history of resilience, its commitment to education, and its willingness to embrace new technology while preserving cultural identity.

What’s Next? Vietnam’s Roadmap to AI Leadership

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s government and tech sector are doubling down on AI and semiconductor development. Regulatory sandboxes, incentives for digital technology investors, and partnerships with global giants are creating a fertile environment for innovation. By 2045, Vietnam aims to be a world leader in digital technology, with AI and Big Data at the core of its digital government, economy, and society.
For anyone interested in the future of AI, Vietnam is a country to watch—where global ambition meets local ingenuity, and the next generation of tech breakthroughs is just getting started.