Vietnam Launches $1 Billion Sovereign AI Initiative in Partnership with UAE's G42
February 9, 2026
Vietnam has entered a landmark agreement with Emirati artificial intelligence giant G42 to develop a comprehensive sovereign AI ecosystem, marking a significant strategic move to secure technological autonomy and accelerate its digital economy ambitions. The initiative underscores the growing global trend where nations are prioritizing the development of homegrown, secure AI capabilities to drive economic growth and maintain data sovereignty.
Under the partnership, G42 will collaborate with Vietnamese conglomerate FPT and telecom operator Viettel to invest approximately $1 billion in building AI infrastructure and talent within Vietnam. The investment will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art AI data center, slated to commence operations in 2025, which will form the computational backbone for the initiative. Furthermore, the partners plan to develop and deploy large language models (LLMs) specifically tailored for the Vietnamese language and context, a critical step in reducing dependency on foreign AI technologies.
The scale of the commitment is substantial for Vietnam's tech landscape. The planned AI data center is expected to reach a capacity of 100 megawatts at full build-out, providing the necessary power for advanced computing and model training. This infrastructure will support the broader goal of creating a localized AI ecosystem that serves government, enterprise, and public sector needs while ensuring data remains within national borders.
The initiative is poised to have a profound impact on Vietnam's industrial and technological trajectory. By developing sovereign AI models, Vietnam aims to enhance productivity across key sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and public services. The partnership also signals Vietnam's assertive positioning in the global AI race, seeking to become a regional hub for AI innovation and secure its digital future amidst intensifying geopolitical competition over emerging technologies.
Source: techinasia
