BACKVietnam is rapidly establishing itself as a global hub for technology innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). With a growing pool of skilled tech professionals and a robust national digital transformation strategy, the country has become a preferred outsourcing destination for global companies seeking expertise in AI development.
Industry leaders like Amazon, Samsung, and recently Nvidia and Google have established operations in Vietnam, leveraging its potential for technological advancements. Global businesses are already tapping into Vietnam’s skilled workforce to drive innovation, enhance operations, and thrive in an AI-powered world.
Contents
Exploring Vietnam’s growing role in AI innovation
A strong focus on technology and innovation is positioning Vietnam as a rising leader in AI development. According to research by UK-based Oxford Insights on AI readiness, Vietnam has made remarkable progress in AI readiness, climbing 19 places to rank 39th out of 139 countries. Within Southeast Asia, it stands among the top five, with over 5,000 engineers, 7,000 AI specialists, and nearly 500 AI-focused startups. The country’s ambition to become a key player by 2045 highlights its growing technological momentum.
This growth is fueled by a national commitment to AI and emerging technologies, positioning Vietnam as an appealing outsourcing partner for global companies in AI. By 2025, Vietnam’s tech-savvy workforce, advancing digital infrastructure, and strong government initiatives are set to strengthen its role as a leading outsourcing destination, offering global businesses the perfect blend of innovation and cost-effectiveness.
Vietnam’s AI revolution: Major investments reshaping the future
Recently, global tech giants like NVIDIA and Google have been expanding their presence in Vietnam, highlighting the country’s rise as a regional AI hub to enhance global competitiveness.
NVIDIA: Driving AI innovation with R&D centre
NVIDIA has invested in Vietnam’s technology sector for over eight years, collaborating with more than 100 AI startups through its Inception program and engaging with 65 universities nationwide.
In 2024, NVIDIA launched the Vietnam Research and Development Center (VRDC) to drive research, development, and the adoption of advanced AI technologies. The centre leverages Vietnam’s strong talent pool of STEM engineers and fosters collaboration with industry leaders, startups, government agencies, universities, and students to accelerate AI innovation.
The VRDC aims to become a platform for fostering AI innovation, providing researchers and startups with the infrastructure to develop AI solutions for sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and finance. This initiative further strengthens Vietnam’s position as a rising hub for AI research and development in the region.
Growing role with the new Google office
Google recognises Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies, driven by the government’s and users’ increasing interest in AI and digital innovation. Hence, in 2025, Google confirmed the establishment of Google Vietnam Company Limited (Google Vietnam), headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. This move strengthens Google’s local presence with an on-site team dedicated to supporting advertising clients and advancing Vietnam’s digital transformation initiatives.
Moreover, Vietnam’s online media sector is currently the region’s fastest-growing, with local developers gaining global recognition for creating popular applications. Google’s commitment aligns with Vietnam’s trajectory as a key player in Southeast Asia’s digital landscape, showcasing its potential for fostering innovation and technological advancement.
AI’s role in redefining the outsourcing industry and talent in Vietnam
As AI continues to advance, it has the potential to significantly reshape the outsourcing industry and Vietnam’s talent landscape. With these key benefits, AI is expected to unlock major advantages for experts and business owners to harness this cutting-edge technology for driving innovation and career growth.
Building an AI-skilled workforce
In the AI-driven era, Vietnamese professionals always continually adapt to stay competitive. With a strong focus on mathematics and science, the country’s education system equips young talent to thrive in the evolving AI landscape. Meanwhile, the government supports this transition through substantial investments in the sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam is home to a young and skilled workforce renowned for its expertise in software development. Continuously evolving to meet the demands of an AI-driven industry, this talent pool is actively enhancing essential skills such as data analysis, programming, interpretation, and proficiency in AI-focused programming languages.
As the AI outsourcing sector expands, Vietnamese developers enhance their technical expertise and global collaboration skills, focusing on communication and teamwork. This blend of technical and soft skills is defining Vietnam’s position as a trusted AI outsourcing destination, offering businesses a competitive edge in innovation and efficiency.
Cost-competitive solutions
In addition to nurturing young AI talent, Vietnam is solidifying its status as a cost-effective AI outsourcing hub in 2025. The country offers substantial savings on labour costs compared to other markets, providing international businesses with a competitive financial advantage without compromising on quality. Beyond affordability, the nation is recognised for its reliability and consistent service quality.
The future outlook for AI in Vietnam
Vietnam’s growing AI industry offers substantial opportunities for foreign firms aiming to invest in the sector. According to a global consulting firm, the nation’s AI market, valued at $547.1 million in 2023, is forecasted to reach $2.06 billion by 2032. This rapid growth is driven by a robust startup ecosystem, a tech-savvy young workforce, and government initiatives fostering AI development.
AI is undoubtedly reshaping the future of outsourcing in Vietnam. With its unique blend of innovation, skilled talent, cost-efficiency, and customised technology solutions, Vietnam has emerged as an ideal destination for the AI outsourcing movement, unlocking exceptional opportunities for businesses of all sizes to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.