In a significant move to bolster its presence in Southeast Asia, Nvidia (NVDA) has forged a strategic partnership with the Vietnamese government to establish both an AI research and development center and an AI data center in Vietnam, according to a report by Reuters. This collaboration, formalized through an agreement signed on Thursday in Hanoi, underscores Nvidia’s ambition to deepen its roots in the region known for its burgeoning tech sector.
The agreement was witnessed by Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, highlighting a mutual commitment to advancing AI technologies. While financial specifics of the project remain undisclosed, this partnership is seen as a step towards enhancing Vietnam’s digital infrastructure and AI capabilities.
Nvidia’s involvement in Vietnam isn’t limited to this new agreement. The company has also acquired VinBrain, a healthcare startup owned by Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates. This acquisition, though without publicized financial details, aims to leverage AI in medical applications, aligning with global trends where AI is increasingly used to innovate in healthcare.
This expansion comes after Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, expressed interest in expanding partnerships with Vietnam’s tech leaders during his visit to Hanoi a year prior. His vision includes not only supporting the development of AI but also fostering talent that can drive Vietnam’s digital economy forward. This aligns with Vietnam’s strategic direction towards becoming a hub for tech innovation, particularly in AI.
Moreover, Nvidia’s technology has already been earmarked for significant projects within Vietnam. In April, FPT, another key player in Vietnam’s tech landscape, announced plans for a $200 million AI factory utilizing Nvidia’s graphics chips and software. This indicates a trend where Nvidia’s hardware and software solutions are becoming integral to large-scale AI initiatives in Vietnam.
According to the report, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized during the signing that AI is pivotal for national growth, not just in digital sectors but also in sustainable energy. He envisions AI playing a crucial role in harnessing natural resources like solar, wind, and ocean energy, pointing towards a broader application of AI in environmental and energy sectors.
This partnership between Nvidia and Vietnam is indicative of a larger trend where global tech giants are investing in AI development outside traditional tech hubs like the U.S. and China, seeking to tap into new markets and talent pools while also contributing to local technological advancements. The focus on AI research and data centers in Vietnam could potentially make it a notable player in the global AI landscape, leveraging Nvidia’s expertise to foster innovation and economic growth.
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