Google Labs’ AI Futures Fund and Vietnam’s Saigon AI Hub (SAIH) will jointly establish an Applied AI Lab, marking a new collaboration to support artificial intelligence development in the country.
SAIH, founded by Vietnam’s top tech company VNG Group and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), will work with Google Labs to provide Vietnamese researchers with access to advanced AI models and technical support from Google and Google DeepMind, according to a release of VNG Group on Monday.
The initiative, the first of its kind in Vietnam, aims to support local researchers in translating theoretical work into practical applications. The collaboration can enable Vietnamese researchers to develop solutions with both domestic and global relevance, said Josh Woodward, VP of Gemini app, Google Labs, and AI Studio.
Le Hong Minh, Founder and Chairman of VNG Group, said the partnership addresses gaps in resources and infrastructure that have limited AI research in Vietnam, despite the availability of talent.
The Applied AI Lab focuses on areas such as computational linguistics, computer vision, human-robot interaction, healthcare applications, and cybersecurity. Each group is expected to publish research in international academic venues and develop at least one working prototype with practical applications.
SAIH aims to expand the program and position itself as a national center for AI research, supported by infrastructure, global partnerships, and potential startup investment through the AI Futures Fund.
The initiative aligns with Vietnam’s broader policy direction, including its national AI strategy to 2030 and Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which seeks to strengthen the country’s position as a regional AI hub.
VNG Group, also a tech unicorn, recorded a consolidated net revenue of VND2.785 trillion ($105.8 million) in the first quarter of this year, up 32 percent year-on-year. Adjusted operating profit (AOP) rose 154 percent to VND470 billion, while net profit reached VND125 billion, reflecting continued recovery driven by revenue growth across key business segments and cost management efforts.