Nvidia keen on building AI center, relocating GPU production in Vietnam

Nvidia is keen on working with Vietnamese authorities to establish a training-research-development center for artificial intelligence (AI), install super computers, and relocate part of its graphics processing unit (GPU) production to the country.

Nvidia’s vice chairman for worldwide AI initiatives Keigh Strier made the statement at a Friday meeting with Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Phan Van Mai. The Nvidia delegation has been surveying Hanoi, HCMC and the central city of Danang to select suitable locations for high-tech investments, Strier added.

The visits to those three major cities of Vietnam have fortified Nvidia’s optimism in cooperation with the Southeast Asian country, the executive affirmed. Vietnam has all necessary factors to develop and master AI technology, Strier said, noting that he could feel the same vibes that Nvidia chairman and CEO Jensen Huang experienced during Vietnam visit in December.

A key factor is the determination and vision of Vietnamese authorities in developing AI, Strier highlighted. In order to facilitate AI development, he also suggested Vietnam focus on developing infrastructure, information-technology, and businesses’ capacities. Nvidia strives to help improve the infrastructure in Vietnam and facilitate Vietnamese engineers without coming to the U.S., the executive emphasized.

In reply, Phan Van Mai said HCMC is willing to cooperate with Nvidia in developing AI, turning the city into an AI hub of not only Vietnam but also the region. To reach the goal, he suggested both sides establish a joint working group to set a detailed development path for HCMC.

HCMC is financially capable of the move, such as investing in computing, AI, high-tech infrastructure, Mai said. Mai also proposed Nvidia collaborate with HCMC in applying AI in public administration services, while the city is building plans to utilize AI in management of healthcare, education, and urban administration.

Earlier this week, Strier visited Hanoi and Danang city. In Hanoi, Strier met with Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and visited the National Innovation Center (NIC). Nvidia also reached an agreement with tech firm FPT Corp. to invest $200 million in building an AI-propelled factory using Nvidia’s latest technology like H100 Tensor Core graphics processing unit (GPU).

In Danang, Keigh Strier had a meeting with Danang Party Secretary Nguyen Van Quang.