Ho Chi Minh City — The G42 Group, a leading artificial intelligence and cloud computing company from the United Arab Emirates, is set to invest nearly $2 billion in developing an AI super data centre in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the city’s Department of Science and Technology. The announcement was made during the closing session of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Organisation Congress (2025–2030 term) on October 15.
The investment marks one of the largest AI infrastructure commitments in Vietnam to date and highlights the city’s emergence as a regional hub for innovation, digital transformation, and advanced technology investment.
“Science, technology, and innovation have become key drivers of Ho Chi Minh City’s growth,” said Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the Department of Science and Technology. “This project reinforces our vision to build an international-class innovation centre by 2030.”
The AI super data centre will serve as a foundation for AI development, data processing, and next-generation digital applications. It will also support Vietnam’s broader goals of strengthening national data infrastructure, advancing smart governance, and positioning the country as a competitive AI player in Asia.
Ho Chi Minh City’s digital economy already contributes 22% of its regional GDP, projected to rise to 25% in 2025. The city ranks second nationally in both the Digital Transformation Index and the National Innovation Index, and 110th globally in the startup ecosystem rankings.
G42’s planned investment comes amid a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) into Ho Chi Minh City’s technology sector — which attracted $1.6 billion in the first half of 2025 alone, accounting for 40% of the city’s total FDI. The UAE-based group joins a growing list of international technology leaders establishing a presence in the city, including SAP, Marvell, and Qualcomm.
The initiative aligns with Vietnam’s broader digital vision, which targets the digital economy contributing 30–40% of regional GDP by 2030. G42’s participation will also enhance cooperation between the UAE and Vietnam in AI, data governance, and high-tech industries, supported by investors such as Mubadala, Microsoft, SilverLake, and The Dalio Family Office.
As part of its roadmap, Ho Chi Minh City will continue expanding high-tech and experimental zones, promoting AI, semiconductor, robotics, blockchain, and biomedical innovation, and developing a startup fund model to attract global venture capital.
“This investment reflects our commitment to fostering a digital workforce, strengthening international cooperation, and building a data-driven government,” Thang added.
The $2-billion project by G42 is expected to become a cornerstone of Vietnam’s AI ecosystem, boosting research, infrastructure, and cross-border technology collaboration across Southeast Asia.
