Qualcomm, a leading U.S. semiconductor and wireless technology company, has expanded its operations in Southeast Asia by opening a new artificial intelligence (AI) research and development center in Vietnam. The Vietnam AI Centre, inaugurated on June 11, 2025, is set to focus on advanced generative and agentic AI technologies, with applications spanning smartphones, personal computers, extended reality (XR), automotive systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
This initiative is closely aligned with Vietnam's broader national priorities, including AI innovation, semiconductor growth, and digital transformation. The new facility is expected to foster technology ecosystem collaboration, technology transfer, and local capacity building, leveraging Vietnam’s skilled workforce as part of Qualcomm's strategy to diversify and strengthen its global research footprint. The move also signals Qualcomm’s intent to mitigate macroeconomic risks and geopolitical tensions by expanding research locations internationally.
During the facility’s opening event in Hanoi, Vietnam's President To Lam met with Alex Rogers, Qualcomm’s President of Global Affairs, urging the company to expand further into the country, especially in the areas of semiconductors and digital infrastructure. This underscores Vietnam’s keen interest in attracting high-tech investments and deepening collaboration with global technology leaders.
The launch of the Vietnam AI Centre is part of a broader pattern of strategic investments by Qualcomm in the country. In April 2025, Qualcomm acquired a 65% stake in Movian AI, a Vietnamese AI research and development firm that was established by Vingroup in late November 2024. Although the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the acquisition strengthens Qualcomm’s regional capabilities and paves the way for collaborative innovation in the local AI sector.
That same month, Qualcomm announced plans to build its third-largest R&D center worldwide in Vietnam, with a special focus on AI development. This proposal was revealed by Jilei Hou, Qualcomm’s Senior Vice President of Engineering, during a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung in Hanoi. The company’s two largest R&D centers are currently located in India and Ireland, highlighting Vietnam’s growing prominence in Qualcomm’s global research strategy.
Industry analysts note that Qualcomm's recent expansion reflects growing recognition of Vietnam as a rising hub for science and technology in Southeast Asia. The country’s emphasis on digital transformation, along with strategic support from government leaders, has made it an attractive site for multinational technology investment. By deepening its commitment to the Vietnamese market, Qualcomm is not only supporting local talent and innovation but also safeguarding its research operations amid international uncertainties.
For further details, refer to coverage by Reuters, Yahoo Finance, Vietnam News, and VNExpress.