On the afternoon of the 5th of December, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Mr. Jensen Huang, Founder/CEO of NVIDIA Corporation, held a press conference after the Announcement Ceremony of the Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Vietnam and NVIDIA Corporation.

Minister Nguyen Chi Dung stated that NVIDIA will be an important partner, accompanying Vietnam in developing its AI ecosystem – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

According to Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, the cooperation agreement with NVIDIA holds great significance for Vietnam, asserting the country’s potential and position in the field of high technology research and development, especially artificial intelligence (AI).

The agreement demonstrates the determination of the Vietnamese government to “catch up, keep pace, and surpass” in the field of AI, which is currently witnessing numerous breakthrough developments.

Under the guidance of the government, the Ministry of Planning and Investment has exerted tremendous efforts and determination during the negotiation and collaboration process with NVIDIA, with close coordination from various ministries and contributions from VinGroup and Viettel corporations.

Chairman Jensen Huang has developed a favorable impression of Vietnam’s land, people, and potential. Just a year after his first visit, along with the Vietnamese government and the Ministry of Planning and Investment, he directed NVIDIA to materialize the commitment to “make Vietnam NVIDIA’s second home.”

Establishing a world-class AI Research and Development (R&D) center, invested in and operated by a leading technology corporation like NVIDIA, is of utmost importance and serves as a prerequisite for developing Vietnam’s AI ecosystem. This will, in turn, promote R&D and the application of advanced AI technologies.

The center will attract numerous talented engineers and experts in high technology and AI to work and live in Vietnam, creating a premise for accessing and attracting NVIDIA’s vast resources. NVIDIA will invest in internship programs and scholarships to cultivate new talents and support innovative startups in Vietnam, focusing on AI and other high-tech fields.

The development of NVIDIA’s AI Research and Development center in Vietnam will be a significant boost for the country’s technological advancement in the coming years, with a far-reaching impact on other high-tech investors worldwide, particularly in the AI industry.

Moving forward, both parties will continue their efforts to swiftly implement the commitments outlined in the agreement. NVIDIA will serve as a crucial partner, accompanying Vietnam in fostering its AI ecosystem, thus contributing to the development of science and technology, innovation, and ultimately, the overall growth of Vietnam during this era of national advancement.

Mr. Jensen Huang expressed his delight at being present to announce a significant milestone and a momentous day for NVIDIA. “Today, we are pleased to inaugurate NVIDIA’s large Research and Development (R&D) center in Vietnam, where we will focus on AI, software, and system technology, which are at the core of NVIDIA’s research endeavors.”

NVIDIA Chairman Jensen Huang: Vietnam’s AI should be processed, built, and operated here for its people and industry – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Chairman of NVIDIA shared, “As we commenced this event, I thought it had been two years, but Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reminded me that it has only been 13 months. It feels like two years have passed since the Prime Minister visited NVIDIA in Silicon Valley (USA).”

With great enthusiasm and trust, the Prime Minister convinced me that Vietnam should be NVIDIA’s home for the future. The people of Vietnam and the opportunities within the country make it ideal for investment right now.”

Emphasizing the unique moment in the technology sector, where the world of technology is being reshaped by AI, Mr. Jensen Huang affirmed that this is the perfect time for Vietnam to build an AI-driven future.

“As you know, AI learns from data. It’s a new form of computing that learns intelligence from the provided data. Vietnam’s AI should be processed, built, and operated here for its people and industry,” said Mr. Jensen Huang. He added, “To establish a new design center, we need exceptional people. We are fortunate to have the cooperation of the VinGroup Corporation and VINBrain, an excellent and extraordinary AI startup in Vietnam. With VINBrain, we now have a starting point for a future large-scale design center.”

To propel Vietnam’s AI development, the Chairman of NVIDIA outlined three crucial tasks. Firstly, building infrastructure dedicated to AI is essential.

Secondly, continuing to nurture and expand the pool of AI experts is vital, and Vietnam has a distinct advantage in this regard due to its excellent tradition in STEM education. The country boasts a large and talented software engineering community, presenting a unique opportunity. Therefore, collaborating with universities and AI researchers, NVIDIA’s R&D center will foster a substantial number of AI researchers in Vietnam.

Thirdly, supporting Vietnamese AI startups is imperative, as this is a novel technology. Young innovators and AI researchers aspire to build their future in their homeland. Many Vietnamese entrepreneurs are eager to establish remarkable AI companies in their own country.

With the necessary infrastructure, the support of technology companies like NVIDIA, and the encouragement of the government, the Prime Minister, and ministries, particularly the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam has the opportunity to create a vibrant and thriving AI startup ecosystem.

Infrastructure, students, researchers, and AI startups will propel a brilliant future, as envisioned by the Chairman of NVIDIA. He hopes that one day, when people talk about Vietnam, they will not only mention its rich culture, beautiful people, and delicious cuisine but also recognize it as a leading technology nation.

Nhat Quang