On a landmark day for Vietnam’s tech community, our URA team was honored to attend the grand opening of the Saigon AI Hub, hosted within the VNG Campus and supported by both VNG Corporation and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM).
This opening marks a pivotal step in the development of AI in the region, positioning the Hub as an open and collaborative space dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence research and innovation. During the event, the founder and chairman of VNG delivered an inspiring keynote, outlining a bold vision for the Hub as a strategic intersection between the government, academia, and industry. His message emphasized the importance of synergy between these three pillars in nurturing Vietnam’s AI ecosystem.
More importantly, Saigon AI Hub was established to provide funding and support for individual researchers and research groups working in AI-related fields. This initiative aims to remove financial and infrastructural barriers, empowering Vietnamese scientists and technologists to make meaningful breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
Among the key figures involved in shaping this initiative is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quản Thành Thơ, Head of the URA Research group, who is now serving as a member of the SG AI Hub’s executive board.
Following the keynote, attendees were introduced to the operational model of Saigon AI Hub — the first open AI research space in Ho Chi Minh City. This model is designed to encourage collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning among researchers, students, and tech professionals.
A particularly engaging part of the event was the Q&A session, where leading researchers exchanged ideas and insights with the SG AI Hub’s advisory board. It was a dynamic discussion that highlighted the challenges and opportunities in Vietnam’s journey toward AI excellence.
The heart of innovation — the open-concept working space inside Saigon AI Hub, powered by top-tier equipment and collaborative energy
The day concluded with a tour of the Hub, where attendees experienced firsthand the impressive working environment. The space is equipped with high-end computing systems, a cozy coffee bar for recharging, and a networking area that promotes connection and collaboration. This thoughtful design clearly reflects the Hub’s mission to be more than just a lab — it’s a community hub for AI innovation.