American tech firm AMD partners with Ho Chi Minh City to develop regional hi-tech hub

The signing marked the beginning of a comprehensive partnership between AMD and the city in such areas as research and development, hi-tech workforce training, and digital transformation initiatives.

As per the deal, AMD will engage in various city-led programs, including policy testing, co-hosting innovation-focused events, and assessing the investment environment at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP).

The firm will also cooperate with local educational institutions to enhance technical expertise among students, lecturers, and officials.

As part of the agreement, the Electronics and Semiconductor Center (ESC) at SHTP was officially upgraded to ESC International, which will serve as a hub for training high-quality personnel in AI, electronics, and semiconductor design.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ryan Sim, senior director, component channel, Asia Pacific and Japan at AMD, affirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Vietnam, emphasizing investments in education, technology transfer, and innovation.

A key strategic focus will be establishing an internationally recognized training center specializing in AI and high-performance computing (HPC).

The partnership is aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce and positioning Ho Chi Minh City as a leading regional hub for advanced technology, Sim said.

He also revealed that AMD had launched a pilot project applying AI in the healthcare sector, especially in medical imaging at People's Hospital 115, to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency.

The company plans to expand AI applications beyond healthcare, aiming to integrate technology more deeply into everyday life.

“We are committed to working closely with Ho Chi Minh City to establish a world-class training center that focuses on talent development, innovation, and technology transfer,” Sim emphasized.

Toward mastery of semiconductor design

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha praised the application of chips in Vietnam as a strategically sound move amid global digital transformation and technological competition.

He stressed Vietnam, in the long run, should master chip architecture design, a segment requiring high levels of creativity and technical expertise.

The deputy prime minister threw support behind AMD’s core technology-focused strategy, noting it fits well with Vietnam’s goal of developing key technology capabilities and mastering critical design solutions.

He called for prompt and actionable steps to turn the MoU into concrete results, backed by clear roadmaps and measurable accountability.

The signing came at a symbolic time as Vietnam and the United States celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties.

Addressing the event, vice-chairman of the municipal administration Vo Van Hoan emphasized the partnership’s significance for both the city and the country, describing it as a testament to the trusted and growing relationship between one of Vietnam’s most dynamic cities and a global tech giant.

Founded in 1969, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is a global leader in semiconductor design, including central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and integrated chips.

Unlike traditional chipmakers, AMD focuses on research, development, and chip architecture design while outsourcing manufacturing to partners like TSMC and GlobalFoundries.

AMD is widely regarded as one of the main competitors to NVIDIA in the AI chip market.

AMD recorded over US$25.8 billion in revenue in 2024, employing more than 28,000 people worldwide.

The company is led by CEO Lisa Su, the first female billionaire in the semiconductor industry and a relative of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang.