Global Tech Titans Set Sights on Vietnam
Vietnam has emerged as a promising tech hub in Southeast Asia, attracting significant global attention in recent years. With a young, tech-savvy population, a supportive government, and a rapidly growing economy, Vietnam offers immense potential for tech companies. The country’s strategic location, competitive labor costs, and improving infrastructure make it an attractive destination for foreign investment. As tech giants like Google and Nvidia establish their presence in Vietnam, the nation is poised to become a key player in the global tech industry, driving innovation and economic growth.
01. Google
Google announced the establishment of its official presence in Vietnam in 2023. Google Vietnam Co., Ltd., headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, will officially commence operations in April 2025. This move signifies Google’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s digital transformation and providing localized support for advertisers.
In details, as of April 1, 2025, Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. is assigning the benefits and obligations under your contract relating to your Vietnam payments profile for your existing Google Ads accounts that are using the Vietnamese Dong (VND) currency to Google Vietnam Company Limited (the “Google Reseller”). Your contract includes any amendments and related agreements. This means that from that date, Google Vietnam Company Limited will be the contracting and invoicing entity for that service.
In addition, starting from March 1, 2025, if you become a customer of any of the products listed in the Vietnam section of our help article (the “affected products”), Google Vietnam Company Limited will be your counterparty to any contract governing the provision to you of the relevant affected product, rather than Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (regardless of whether or not Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. is referred to in the relevant contract).
Google is actively hiring local talent and investing in initiatives to foster digital skills and innovation in Vietnam. With the establishment of Google Vietnam, the company aims to strengthen its presence in the country and further its mission of organizing the world’s information and making it universally accessible and useful.
02. NVIDIA
In December 2024, President and CEO Jensen Huang of the US tech giant NVIDIA officially signed a partnership agreement with the Vietnamese government to establish its new Vietnam Research and Development Center focused on AI. The two centers: the Vietnam Research and Development Center (VRDC) and an AI Data Center.
“We are delighted to open NVIDIA’s R&D center to accelerate Vietnam’s AI journey,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “With our expertise in AI development, we will partner with a vibrant ecosystem of researchers, startups and enterprise organizations to build incredible AI right here in Vietnam.”
(source: https://nvidianews.nvidia.com)
Strategic Partnerships:
NVIDIA has been investing in Vietnam’s technology ecosystem for the last eight years. The company is engaged with more than 100 Vietnamese AI startups as part of its Inception program in addition to 65 universities within the country. In 2023, they formed strategic alliances with local companies like FPT Corporation to create AI factories and educational programs. These collaborations aim to boost AI adoption and develop a skilled workforce in Vietnam.
Acquisitions and Investments:
NVIDIA also acquired VinBrain, a Vietnamese AI company, which demonstrates their interest in the country’s AI ecosystem. This acquisition strengthens NVIDIA’s presence in Vietnam and allows it to leverage local talent and expertise.
03. Apple
On April 15, 2024, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, came to Vietnam. The country is now reportedly involved in the development and manufacturing of the MacBook, iPad and Apple Watch.
“Vietnam is important to Apple not only due to its growing base of fans there, but also because the industry is hedging its bets by diversifying its manufacturing beyond China. That includes key locations like Vietnam, where Samsung has long had a presence in the northern part of the country,” Bryan Ma, vice president of client devices research at IDC, told CNBC.
(source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/15/apple-ceo-tim-cook-visits-vietnam.html)
In 2024, Bill Gates also had a short trip to visit Vietnam after nearly two decades. Bill Gates has invested in Vietnam through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust and other means. Gates also has promised to continue supporting AI efforts in Vietnam.
In conclusion, Google and NVIDIA’s entry into the Vietnamese market signifies the growing importance of Vietnam as a tech hub and its potential to become a major player in the global AI landscape.
