Qualcomm Opens AI Research Center in Vietnam

Qualcomm has inaugurated a new AI research and development center in Vietnam, marking a significant expansion of its global AI initiatives. The center, located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, will focus on advancing generative AI and agentic AI technologies for applications in smartphones, personal computers, extended reality (XR), automotive systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This strategic move underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to leveraging Vietnam’s growing IT talent and strengthening its presence in the region.

The launch event was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh, who highlighted the center’s role in fostering technology cooperation between Vietnam and the United States. Dinh emphasized that Qualcomm’s investment reflects confidence in Vietnam’s IT workforce and deepens the strategic partnership between the two nations. The center is expected to enhance Vietnam’s AI research capabilities, train AI experts and engineers, and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.

Thieu Phuong Nam, Country Director for Qualcomm Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, stated that the center aligns with Vietnam’s national strategies on AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation. By combining Vietnam’s talent with Qualcomm’s global expertise, the company aims to develop advanced, energy-efficient AI solutions and bolster Vietnam’s role in the global innovation ecosystem. The center will focus on technology transfer, ecosystem development, and capacity building to achieve these goals.

Qualcomm’s presence in Vietnam includes two representative offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as its first Southeast Asia R&D Center, established in Hanoi in 2020. The company also runs the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge, an annual program supporting local tech startups through financial, technical, business, and intellectual property assistance. This initiative has played a crucial role in nurturing the country’s startup ecosystem and fostering innovation.

Vietnam aims to become one of the top three countries in Southeast Asia for AI research and development by 2030, as outlined in Resolution 57-NQ/TW issued in December 2024. The country’s strategic location, favorable policies, and abundant resources have attracted significant investments from global tech firms, positioning it as a key player in the region’s technological advancement.

Focus Areas of the AI Research Center

The new AI research center will concentrate on two primary areas: generative AI and agentic AI. Generative AI involves creating new content, such as images, music, or text, using machine learning algorithms. Agentic AI, on the other hand, focuses on developing AI systems that can operate autonomously and adapt to changing environments, making them ideal for applications in smartphones, personal computers, XR, automotive technology, and IoT.

For smartphones and personal computers, the center will explore AI-driven features that enhance user experience, such as improved voice assistants, predictive text input, and advanced image processing. In the XR domain, Qualcomm aims to develop AI solutions that create more immersive and interactive virtual environments, benefiting gaming, education, and remote collaboration tools.

In the automotive sector, the center will work on AI technologies that improve vehicle safety, efficiency, and connectivity. This includes developing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities. For IoT applications, the focus will be on creating AI-powered devices that are more intuitive, secure, and energy-efficient, catering to smart homes, cities, and industrial automation.

Impact on Vietnam’s AI Landscape

The establishment of Qualcomm’s AI research center is expected to have a profound impact on Vietnam’s AI landscape. By attracting top talent and providing advanced training opportunities, the center will help cultivate a new generation of AI experts and engineers. This, in turn, will enhance Vietnam’s AI research capabilities and support the country’s ambition to become a regional leader in AI development.

The center’s activities will also contribute to Vietnam’s broader socio-economic development. As AI technologies become more integrated into various industries, they will drive innovation, increase productivity, and create new job opportunities. This aligns with the government’s vision to transform Vietnam into a technology-driven economy and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Qualcomm’s AI research center in Vietnam is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI technology. By leveraging the country’s talent pool and strategic advantages, the center will not only advance Qualcomm’s global AI initiatives but also strengthen Vietnam’s position in the global innovation value chain. As the center continues to grow and expand its research capabilities, it will undoubtedly contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI solutions that benefit both the local and global communities.