Viet Nam set to become regional AI research hub, says Qualcomm CEO
VGP - Qualcomm expects Viet Nam to emerge as a leading regional research and development (R&D) center, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), according to the tech giant's CEO and President Cristiano Amon.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Qualcomm's CEO and President Cristiano Amon, Ha Noi, August 12, 2025 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for Qualcomm's CEO and President Cristiano Amon at the Government headquarters in Ha Noi on August 12.
The Prime Minister welcomed Qualcomm's two decades of collaboration with Viet Nam in areas ranging from mobile connectivity and technology transfer to AI research, STEM education, startup incubation, and innovation ecosystem development.
He highlighted the opening of Qualcomm's AI R&D center in Ha Noi—its third-largest globally after the U.S. and India—and the recent agreement with VNPT to establish the VNPT–Qualcomm Center of Excellence.
Pham briefed about Viet Nam's major economic ambitions, including GDP growth of 8.3–8.5 percent in 2025 and double-digit growth in subsequent years, driven by knowledge, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
The host leader called on Qualcomm to expand partnerships with Vietnamese enterprises, research institutes, and universities, and to help integrate local firms into its global supply and production chains.
He also encouraged the company to share expertise in governance, institutional reform, and workforce training, noting new incentives for foreign experts and scientists in hi-tech industries, including visa exemptions.
The CEO reaffirmed Qualcomm's commitment to investing in Viet Nam's talent and expanding cooperation in AI, semiconductors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, electronics, and smartphones, with the aim of making the country a regional R&D powerhouse.
Cristiano Amon praised Viet Nam's progress and cooperation potential as well as its favorable policies on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. He also commended the rapid development of Vietnamese partners such as Viettel, VNPT, and FPT.
Over the past 20 years, Qualcomm has supported Viet Nam's innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as the Qualcomm Viet Nam Innovation Challenge, which has incubated 29 startups, raised over US$32 million in funding, commercialized 25 products, registered 87 patents, and advanced 5G and WiFi technologies in partnership with Viettel and VNPT./.
