HCMC – Korea Telecom (KT), a leading South Korean telecommunications giant, has proposed establishing a Global Development Center in Vietnam to develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and talent for the Southeast Asian market.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung today, May 26, met with KT Chairman Young Shub Kim in Hanoi to discuss the initiative. KT, renowned for its dominance in 5G, broadband internet, AI, cloud computing, and data centers, expressed its intent to collaborate with Vietnam’s Viettel Group, a state-owned telecommunications powerhouse, reported the Vietnamese Government news website (baochinhphu.vn). The partnership would focus on AI, innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development.
Kim emphasized KT’s desire for Vietnam’s Government support to lay the groundwork for strategic AI initiatives. The company also proposed building a state-of-the-art AI Data Center to meet the region’s growing technological demands. “We see Vietnam as a key partner in advancing AI and innovation in Southeast Asia,” Kim said.
Deputy Prime Minister Dung welcomed KT’s plans, underscoring that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are critical drivers of Vietnam’s economic restructuring. “AI is a cornerstone technology for Vietnam to catch up, keep pace, and lead in the new era,” he said.
He affirmed the Government would support KT’s collaboration with Viettel, including technology transfers, AI infrastructure investments, and the establishment of the Global Development Center.
Dung urged KT to tailor its AI Data Center model to Vietnam’s socioeconomic conditions and rapid technological growth. He also called for KT to share expertise in managing AI data centers and to partner with Vietnam’s National Innovation Center (NIC), universities, and research institutes to train AI engineers. Additionally, he proposed fostering connections between Vietnamese and South Korean universities to develop high-quality AI talent.
The Vietnamese Government pledged to provide full support to facilitate long-term investments by foreign businesses, including those from South Korea. “We are committed to creating favorable conditions for KT and other companies to thrive in Vietnam,” Dung said, expressing optimism about the socioeconomic benefits of the proposed projects.
The initiative aligns with Vietnam’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for innovation and digital transformation in Southeast Asia. As KT and Viettel move toward concrete partnerships, the collaboration could pave the way for advancements in AI infrastructure and talent development, benefiting both nations and the region.
