Qualcomm Expands in Vietnam, Opens AI R&D Center, Boosts Investment
Qualcomm, a global leader in wireless technology, is strengthening its presence in Vietnam. The company is expanding its research and development footprint, opening new facilities, and forging strategic partnerships.
Qualcomm's global CEO has expressed plans to grow the firm's R&D operations in Vietnam, positioning the country as a key global hub. This commitment was recently solidified with the opening of a major R&D center in Hanoi, staffed entirely by Vietnamese engineers, focusing on artificial intelligence applications.
The company's focus on Vietnam is not new. Over the past 20 years, Qualcomm has partnered with major Vietnamese telecom and technology firms to develop critical digital infrastructure. Notably, it has collaborated with Viettel to build 5G infrastructure based on Open RAN standards, making Vietnam one of only five countries mastering this technology. Additionally, Qualcomm has supported Vsmart in designing 4G and 5G 'Made in Vietnam' smartphones.
In April, Qualcomm's investment in Vietnam grew with the acquisition of a 65% stake in AI company MovianAI from Vingroup for VND1.76 trillion ($66.93 million). This move aligns with Qualcomm's current research focus on three core technology pillars: advanced connectivity, high-performance and low-power computing, and edge AI.
Qualcomm's commitment to Vietnam is further underscored by its recent team-up with VNPT to deploy Wi-Fi 7 connectivity solutions. This partnership follows a long history of collaboration, with Qualcomm earning 12% of its fiscal year 2024 revenue from Vietnam, the second-highest portion among all nations.
Qualcomm's expanding presence in Vietnam, marked by strategic partnerships, investments, and R&D growth, reflects the country's increasing importance in the global technology landscape. With its focus on advanced connectivity, high-performance computing, and edge AI, Qualcomm is positioning Vietnam as a key player in these cutting-edge fields.
