Qualcomm Launches New AI R&D Center in Vietnam

Panel Discussion: Energizing Viet Nam’s Future AI” – A powerful exchange of ideas as Mr. Thieu Phuong Nam and top industry leaders dive into the future of AI at Qualcomm’s strategic forum in Hanoi.

On June 10, 2025 Qualcomm officially announced the opening of its new Artificial Intelligence Research & Development (AI R&D) Center in Vietnam, marking a significant step in its nearly two-decade journey of advancing the country’s technology ecosystem. The event, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, as well as key partners and stakeholders, underscored Qualcomm’s dedication to accelerating AI innovation, nurturing high-value talent, and supporting Vietnam’s transformation into a regional high-tech powerhouse.

Strengthening AI Capabilities Through Strategic Integration

Following Qualcomm’s strategic acquisition of the generative AI division of VinAI, one of Vietnam’s leading AI research institutions, the Center incorporates Qualcomm’s world-class expertise with deep local understanding in machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. This milestone strengthens Qualcomm’s capabilities in foundational AI models while establishing a long-term R&D presence in Vietnam.

The newly established AI R&D Center will have researchers and engineers based in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, who will be part of Qualcomm's global AI Research team. These teams will play a critical role in advancing generative and agentic AI solutions across smartphones, personal computers, XR, automotive, and IoT applications.

Mr. Thieu Phuong Nam, General Director of Qualcomm Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, spoke at the AI Research and Development Centre launching ceremony in Vietnam.

Leadership Anchored in Global Vision

As part of the acquisition from VinAI, Dr. Hung Bui, Vice President of Technology and former CEO of VinAI—who brings decades of experience in AI/ML research from leading institutions such as SRI and Google DeepMind—will lead the AI research strategy for the local center and contribute to Qualcomm’s global AI research direction.

Additionally, Dr. An Mei Chen (Trần Mỹ An), Vice President of Engineering with deep expertise in Qualcomm’s technology and licensing areas, will head the engineering operations at the new center. She will also be responsible for spearheading expansion into other engineering areas.

The Center will focus on technology innovation from fundamental research to platform prototyping, foster regional talent growth and academic collaboration, and contribute directly to Qualcomm’s global product roadmap as well as contribute to Vietnam’s AI industry.

Launch Ceremony: A milestone moment: Qualcomm officially launches its AI R&D Center in Viet Nam, marking a bold step forward with the support of key partners and government officials.

Empowering Vietnam’s High-Tech Future

Qualcomm’s investment aligns closely with Vietnam’s national strategies in AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation, supporting initiatives such as technology transfer, ecosystem collaboration, and capacity building.

As Vietnam actively fostering an ecosystem where public-private partnerships accelerate digital transformation, upskill local talent, and enhance sovereign innovation capacity, Qualcomm’s investment will directly support national priorities by bringing world-class AI capabilities while empowering local researchers and engineers to co-develop scaplable solutions tailored to both domestic and global challenges.

“Qualcomm’s investment in AI research and development in Vietnam underscores the growing strength of our tech ecosystem and the critical role of international partnerships in advancing our National Strategy on AI,” said Mr. Bui The Duy, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology. “We value the involvement of leading global technology companies like Qualcomm in enhancing local capabilities, facilitating knowledge transfer, and building a high-quality science and technology workforce for the future.”

“The launch of our AI R&D Center not only reflects our long-term commitment to supporting breakthrough research and nurturing local talent in Vietnam, but also contributes to the journey toward becoming a high-tech innovation leader,” said Mr. Alex Rogers, President of Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL) and Global Affairs.

“By combining exceptional Vietnamese talents with Qualcomm’s global scale and expertise, we are enhancing our ability to develop advanced, energy-efficient AI solutions across a wide range of applications, while helping to strengthen Vietnam’s role in the global innovation value chain,” added Mr. Thieu Phuong Nam, Country Director for Qualcomm Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

The Center aims to generate long-term socioeconomic benefits by creating high-value engineering jobs, partnering with Vietnamese universities, and accelerating the local talent pipeline. By embedding advanced R&D capabilities on the ground, Qualcomm is helping Vietnam transition from a manufacturing hub to a global center for technology innovation—with AI solutions developed in Vietnam, for the world.

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