Abu Dhabi-based AI powerhouse G42 has signed a landmark $1 billion agreement to transform Vietnam into a leading Southeast Asian technology hub. Partnering with local giants FPT Corporation and Viet Thai Group, G42 will deploy massive sovereign AI and cloud infrastructure across 3 strategic locations.
This initiative aims to create an ‘AI-native’ society while ensuring that Vietnam maintains full control over its national data and digital future.
The new agreement was signed in Ho Chi Minh City. This is a massive step forward for Vietnam’s digital economy. The deal aims to build 3 large data centers, which will help both the government and private companies. This project adheres to Vietnam's recently-updated laws on data protection that require sensitive information to stay within the country.
According to a report by The National, Ali Al Amine, Chief Commercial Officer of G42 International, stated: “This Framework Agreement represents a new model for national AI transformation – one built on sovereignty, partnership, and purpose.”
The group will use local knowledge and global AI skills as they want to make public services modern and improve factory automation. This infrastructure primarily acts like a ‘digital embassy.’ It allows the UAE to share AI tools while Vietnam stays in charge of its data.
The most important part of this sovereign AI deal is training workers. This partnership is not just about machines; it also includes programs that teach people how to use AI. This is good news for small businesses in Vietnam, as they could receive cheaper cloud services that cater to their needs better than Western options.
As reported by PR Newswire, the initiative plans to support “national AI skilling and workforce development programs designed to support AI adoption across government, industry, and academia.” This means we will soon see new training classes in engineering and security. Local shops and delivery companies will be the first to experiment with new AI tools. This could lower prices for customers and also create thousands of high-tech jobs for Vietnamese people.
This $1 billion deal highlights Vietnam’s efforts to stay competitive in the AI-powered world. By collaborating with the UAE, Vietnam is free from the strife of choosing between the US and China. This ‘Intelligence Grid’ could be a model for other countries.