Qualcomm deepens Vietnam commitment as key global hub

U.S. tech giant Qualcomm has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Vietnam, describing the country as a key strategic base in its global operations after more than two decades of presence.

Speaking at the “Fostering Innovation and Developing Strategic Technologies” forum in Hanoi on Thursday, Thieu Phuong Nam, general director at Qualcomm Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the company has partnered with major Vietnamese telecom and technology firms over the past 20 years to develop critical digital infrastructure.

Qualcomm worked with Viettel to build 5G infrastructure based on Open RAN standards - making Vietnam one of only five countries mastering the technology, and supported Vsmart in designing 4G and 5G “Made in Vietnam” smartphones, Nam elaborated. The company has also teamed up with VNPT to deploy Wi-Fi 7 connectivity solutions.

In June, Qualcomm opened a major R&D center in Hanoi, staffed entirely by Vietnamese engineers. The facility, Qualcomm's third-largest one globally, focuses on artificial intelligence applications with potential deployment in global markets.

Nam said Qualcomm’s global CEO recently reaffirmed plans to expand the firm’s R&D footprint in Vietnam, positioning the country as an important base for its R&D segment globally, supported by strong local talent and supportive government policies.

The company is currently focusing research on three core technology pillars: advanced connectivity, high-performance and low-power computing, and edge AI.

“AI will transform how we interact with technology. This presents a prime opportunity for Vietnam to integrate more deeply into the global value chain. Qualcomm is committed to working with the Vietnamese government and local tech firms to advance next-generation technologies,” the executive underscored.

In Vietnam, Qualcomm currently has representative offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The company established its first R&D center in Southeast Asia in 2020, located in Hanoi.

In April, Vingroup (HoSE: VIC), a leading Vietnamese conglomerate, sold its 65% stake in AI company MovianAI to Qualcomm for VND1.76 trillion ($66.93 million).

Qualcomm earned a revenue of $38.96 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending September 29), including 12% from Vietnam, the second-highest portion among all nations.