Qualcomm and Vietnam: Partnering for the AI era

General Secretary To Lam received Mr. Alex Rogers, President of Global Governance, Qualcomm Corporation, on June 10, 2025.

As Viet Nam pursues its ambition to become a leading digital economy and rank among the world’s top countries in AI development by 2045, it is investing in the foundations required for long-term success: advanced connectivity, research and development, talent, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. Qualcomm’s work in Viet Nam reflects these priorities. We are expanding our presence, hiring Vietnamese engineers and researchers, and partnering with local companies to help them build technologies that can succeed both domestically and globally.

A central area of collaboration is next-generation connectivity. Qualcomm® technologies are widely deployed throughout Vietnam’s 5G ecosystem, and the company works closely with operators on network design, optimisation, testing, and workforce development. Viettel Group’s commercial deployment of “Make in Vietnam” Open RAN 5G base stations powered by Qualcomm technologies demonstrates how global platforms can support domestic innovation, manufacturing capabilities, and technology independence.

Qualcomm and Vietnamese partners are also helping build the foundation for AI-enabled infrastructure. In 2025, Viettel IDC announced a strategic cooperation framework with Qualcomm focused on AI inferencing infrastructure, integrating Qualcomm® AI technologies into data centre environments and developing AI solutions for enterprise customers. Qualcomm, Viettel Group, and FPT Corporation have also launched a coalition to advance AI-native 6G standards and commercialisation, helping position Viet Nam as an early contributor to the next generation of communications technologies.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Mr. Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, on August 12, 2025.

Connectivity and AI are increasingly inseparable, especially as more intelligence moves to the edge of networks and devices. Qualcomm is working with operators and local innovators to bring AI capabilities closer to where data is generated and decisions are made. This includes collaboration with VNPT to establish an Excellence Centre focused on developing and commercialising AI-enabled products across multiple device categories.

Qualcomm technologies are also being used in AI-powered traffic management systems deployed by Viettel Group, while HSPTek has developed edge AI modules based on Qualcomm Dragonwing platforms for real-time applications in smart cities and industrial automation. Through its partnership with Vbee, HSPTek is integrating Vietnamese-language voice processing into edge AI devices to support locally relevant AI solutions.

Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to Viet Nam is also reflected in its Research & Development Centre in Hanoi, which was officially inaugurated in May 2026 following the company’s acquisition of VinAI's generative AI division. The centre is integrated into Qualcomm’s global R&D network, supporting the development of advanced technologies across AI, system-on-chip (SoC), automotive, and IoT, while also building on Vietnam’s strengths in machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and engineering talent. As Qualcomm’s third-largest R&D centre globally, the facility brings together researchers and engineers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, contributing to the company’s global R&D efforts. By expanding its engineering presence and integrating Vietnamese talent into Qualcomm’s global R&D network, the centre helps accelerate advanced research, strengthens Vietnam’s capacity for higher-value innovation, and creates new opportunities for Vietnamese engineers to shape technologies used worldwide.

Qualcomm Corporation inaugurated its AI R&D Center in Hanoi on June 10, 2025.

Beyond research, Qualcomm is helping strengthen the broader ecosystem that supports long-term growth in AI and advanced technologies. The Qualcomm Viet Nam Innovation Challenge (QVIC), conducted with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the (renamed) National Agency for Start-ups and Technology Enterprises, helps Vietnamese startups turn promising ideas into scalable businesses. Selected startups receive funding, technical mentorship, intellectual property training, and access to Qualcomm technologies, and the past participants have developed solutions in robotics, IoT, and edge AI.

Building a sustainable innovation ecosystem also requires a strong pipeline of skilled talent. The Qualcomm AI Residency Program gives participants opportunities to tackle real-world AI challenges, conduct research, and develop practical expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Through Qualcomm for Good and its collaboration with The Dariu Foundation, Qualcomm has also supported the Viet Nam Forward program, delivering 3,675 Qualcomm-enabled PCs with 4G/LTE connectivity to more than 100 schools across rural Viet Nam and helping approximately 250,000 students gain access to digital tools and foundational STEM skills. In 2025, Qualcomm and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training expanded this effort through a memorandum of understanding that supports programs to strengthen the country’s AI talent pipeline.

Universities play a central role in this work. Qualcomm is deepening its collaboration with leading academic institutions across Viet Nam to support research, practical learning, and technology commercialisation. At Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the company is establishing an Edge AI Lab to provide students and researchers with access to advanced hardware platforms, hands-on training, and practical experimentation in AI technologies. Qualcomm also collaborates on AI research initiatives with Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, and Viet Nam Electric Power University, where it is supporting a modern laboratory equipped with VR, 3D, AI, and 5G technologies.

As Viet Nam moves toward a more innovation-driven economy, intellectual property development is becoming increasingly important. Qualcomm’s Intellectual Property Training Platform, L2Pro Vietnam, provides entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and students with practical guidance on IP concepts and patent development. By helping innovators understand how to protect and commercialise their ideas, the program supports the competitiveness of Vietnam’s technology sector.

Qualcomm is also contributing to discussions about the policies and infrastructure needed to unlock the full benefits of AI and advanced connectivity. A 2025 report by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, supported by Qualcomm, examined the intersection of 5G and AI across ASEAN and highlighted the importance of continued investment in 5G deployment, AI adoption, digital infrastructure, and talent development. For Vietnam, these priorities are essential to turning technological momentum into sustained economic growth.

Vietnam’s emergence as a regional technology leader will be shaped by the combined strength of its infrastructure, talent, research institutions, entrepreneurs, and industry partnerships. As the country moves beyond technology adoption toward a greater role in global technology innovation, Qualcomm is committed to being a long-term partner in that journey. Beyond bringing global technology expertise, we are investing in engineering talent, co-developing technologies with Vietnamese partners, and supporting local companies as they develop products that can succeed in local and global markets.

As Viet Nam advances its ambitions in AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation, long-term collaboration will remain essential. Qualcomm’s offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are open, and we welcome Vietnamese business partners to visit, learn more about Qualcomm, and discuss collaboration opportunities. We wish the 2026 Diplomatic Conference of Viet Nam great success.

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