NVIDIA Eyes Vietnam as the Next Hub for Semiconductor Innovation

In a move that underscores the rapidly evolving global semiconductor landscape, NVIDIA is looking to broaden its footprint in Vietnam, viewing the country as a crucial market for its future growth. The U.S.-based chipmaker’s expansion plans were revealed by the Vietnamese government, which cited comments from NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang.

Huang’s recent inaugural trip to Vietnam, a bustling Southeast Asian country, revealed NVIDIA’s deepening commitment to the region. Expressing his company’s affinity for the country, Huang announced plans to establish a dedicated center in Vietnam, a move that signifies a long-term commitment to nurturing and expanding the nation’s semiconductor sector.

The forthcoming base in Vietnam is not just about business expansion. It is also about fostering global talent to boost Vietnam’s march toward digitalization and a robust semiconductor ecosystem. The commitment was announced by Huang after his high-profile meeting with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

NVIDIA has already planted its roots in Vietnam with a sizeable investment of $250 million. Further building on this foundation, the company is set to engage in pivotal discussions on semiconductor cooperation deals with Vietnamese tech counterparts and industry regulators in a meeting scheduled for Monday.

Vietnam, a country that has been a significant player in chip assembly — hosting the largest Intel factory in the world — is seeking to extend its reach in the semiconductor industry into chip design and, potentially, chip manufacturing. This ambition is given a tailwind by the increased trade tensions between the U.S. and China, offering Vietnam an opportune moment to make its mark in the industry.

NVIDIA has already forged solid partnerships with several major Vietnamese tech firms, and they worked together to deploy AI technologies in diverse sectors, including the cloud, automotive, and healthcare industries. This collaborative approach was recognized in a document published by the White House last September, just as diplomatic relations were upgraded between Washington and Vietnam.