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Samsung SEAO Leader: Vietnam – The Innovation Hub

As per President Cu Kim, Vietnam has evolved from a “manufacturing hub” into an essential element of Samsung’s worldwide plan, owing to its ability to embrace innovation and its stock of tech-savvy professionals.

For the last thirty years, Samsung has remained the top foreign investor in Vietnam, having poured more than $23.2 billion into the nation. This tech leader sees Vietnam as an emerging hub for innovation and workforce advancement. As part of this shift, Samsung seeks to aid Vietnam’s rise as a leader in artificial intelligence by fostering research, partnerships, and the creation of intelligent systems.

President and CEO of Samsung Southeast Asia and Oceania, CU Kim, provided insights on
VnExpress
The significant part Vietnam plays in Samsung’s worldwide plan and the firm’s dedication to achieving its artificial intelligence goals.


– In what way do you evaluate Vietnam’s contribution to Samsung’s expansion within Southeast Asia?

Vietnam has consistently played a significant role in Samsung’s growth. Throughout the years, we’ve established a solid base through six production facilities along with extensive sales and marketing branches. In 2022, we opened our biggest research and development hub in Southeast Asia, situated in Vietnam.

In brief, Vietnam serves as a key hub for innovation and manufacturing within the area.

This decision was not influenced by one specific element, but rather by a mix of Vietnam’s growing technical skills, dynamic workforce, and the nation’s strong desire to take the forefront in digital development. We identified chances to strengthen our dedication through investments in manufacturing, research, and regional knowledge.

Currently, Vietnam stands as one of Samsung’s key strategic centers within the region and worldwide. We work hand-in-hand with local collaborators to develop skills and jointly create innovations tailored for growing economies. Our aim is to assist Vietnam in becoming a pioneer in the age of artificial intelligence, not only as a production center but also as an ascending epicenter for creativity and skilled professionals.

– What benefits does Vietnam have in terms of technological advancement and creativity?

Vietnam and Southeast Asia are notable for their unique energy and positive outlook. The youth in this region show an impressive enthusiasm for technology. They aren’t merely using artificial intelligence; they’re incorporating it deeply into everyday activities—such as education, career preparation, and fostering social transformation.

Young shoppers in this region tend to be pragmatic and imaginative. They swiftly recognize and adopt technologies that provide true worth. This attitude is evident in how pupils nationwide interact with tech—not merely as end-users, but as innovators who tackle issues. With our initiative titled “Solve for Tomorrow,” we’ve observed students utilizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts to confront actual problems.

Since its introduction in Vietnam back in 2019, involvement has increased from 500 to more than 560,000 students, establishing it as one of Samsung’s most significant programs. By 2024, champion Nguyen Hoang Dung was recognized as a global ambassador for the Digital Olympic Community, encouraging young people across Vietnam to take part internationally.

The speed at which Vietnam embraces new technologies is rapid, and I observe that the enthusiasm here comes from a group of young people who are passionate about learning, innovating, and leading. In this area, we witness creativity emerging in various ways, and in Vietnam, it is intentional and based on a strong desire to develop. This is what makes the technological outlook in Southeast Asia particularly promising.

– In terms of human resources, how do Vietnamese engineers and tech students align with international company requirements, and what areas need enhancement?

Vietnamese young engineers and technology students demonstrate significant promise due to their solid background in STEM subjects and flexible, committed attitudes. At Samsung, we’ve observed this during our hiring processes and internships, as numerous participants transition into permanent positions and play key roles in innovative projects within research & development and production.

For success, they must keep enhancing their knowledge of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber security, while simultaneously improving interpersonal abilities including communication, teamwork, and analytical reasoning. Samsung backs this effort via programs like the “Samsung Innovation Campus” (SIC), offering education in AI, large-scale data analysis, and coding, alongside job counseling and development of personal skills.

As of now, SIC has provided training to more than 19,000 students throughout the nation. Additionally, via the “Samsung Hope School” initiative, we are increasing learning opportunities for thousands of children across the country.

– Where does Samsung stand regarding incorporating artificial intelligence into its offerings in Vietnam, specifically within the smartphone and household appliances sectors?

Every effort we’ve made in artificial intelligence aligns with a central approach: leveraging more intelligent tools to enhance people’s lives, tailored to each individual user in ways that suit their needs.

For many years, Samsung has focused on customization since we understand that each individual interacts with technology uniquely and holds varying perspectives on how it integrates into their daily life. This approach continues in Vietnam, where we view artificial intelligence as a key force behind impactful innovations that enhance people’s quality of life and contribute to the nation’s expanding digital sector.

– In what ways have Samsung’s products with artificial intelligence enhanced people’s everyday experiences?

More than ten years have passed since Samsung started working on artificial intelligence, but we still strive to break new ground in innovation to provide the optimal integrated experience for our customers. Through Galaxy AI, Bespoke AI, and Vision AI, we are offering more intelligent, tailored, and user-friendly solutions to Vietnamese users, aiming to improve communication, efficiency, creativity, health tracking, and smart home connectivity. The Galaxy Z series showcases the combination of AI, technology, and design to offer real value to our users.

User confidence in our services holds great significance. This is why security and privacy form the core of all our operations. Samsung Knox guarantees that individual information stays secure across all levels. We hold the belief that progress must be intelligent as well as accountable, maintaining an equilibrium between advanced technology and ethical application of artificial intelligence, strong privacy safeguards, and a thorough grasp of regional market requirements.

– In what ways do consumers from Southeast Asia adjust to using AI within household appliances?

Vietnamese consumers adopt intelligent technologies that ease everyday tasks and align with their routines. Samsung’s Bespoke AI enhances the Smart Home experience, making it more natural and tailored, as devices can understand user preferences or environmental conditions and autonomously suggest meal ideas, adjust thermostat settings, or lower power use.

By integrating with displays, the interconnectivity of household gadgets grows smoother and easier to use, whether it’s handling tasks more efficiently or enhancing family care via food preparation or animal supervision. We aren’t simply linking machines but enriching the user’s interaction across all points of contact.

– How
does
Can Samsung make artificial intelligence integration cost-effective?

Samsung develops artificial intelligence capabilities such as AI Energy Mode within SmartThings Energy to enhance device efficiency, conserve power, and lower expenses. Fridges and washers featuring AI Energy Mode can achieve energy savings of between 10% and 70%.

For instance, this setting can regulate the compressor speed and defrost schedule according to how it’s used, potentially cutting energy consumption by as much as 10% in fridges. With top-loading washers, selecting an AI Energy Mode cycle allows the machine to significantly lower power use—up to 70%—thanks to AI Ecobubble technology, which cleans effectively with cold water. Even for our latest washing machines without AI Energy Mode, we’ve enhanced their design to deliver more efficient energy performance.

Our concept of “AI for Everyone” seeks to make sure that our advancements bring benefits to the largest number of individuals. Artificial intelligence functionalities are integrated across various products, not limited only to high-end models, allowing more people to experience intelligent, energy-efficient solutions. In recent times, we introduced an inexpensive new washing machine in Vietnam called the Bespoke AI Top Load Washer, featuring three artificial intelligence functions: AI Wash, AI Energy Mode, and AI Vibration Reduction Technology Plus (VRT+). Through enhancing local production and research abilities, matching product development with consumer demands, and improving sales networks along with expanding regional collaborations, we aim to deliver impactful innovations at reasonable costs.

– In what ways does Samsung integrate the shopping behaviors of Vietnamese consumers into its artificial intelligence systems?

Localizing AI helps meet the requirements of Vietnamese customers. Engineers from Samsung Research and Development Institute Vietnam (SRV) introduced support for Galaxy AI tailored to the Vietnamese market, finishing the project within four months and considering regional accents, colloquial expressions, as well as practical application scenarios. These professionals are not only participants but also key creators. They collaborate directly with our international research centers located in South Korea and India regarding AI structure, learning techniques, and evaluation systems. Their efforts ensure that our AI functionalities are designed specifically for Vietnamese users.

With AI playing an increasingly vital role in enhancing user experiences, we will keep supporting local expertise and facilities to make sure our technology aligns with the language, traditions, and preferences of those who engage with it.

– In what way does Vietnam serve as an entry point for Samsung to promote its artificial intelligence offerings across Southeast Asia and Oceania?

Vietnam serves as a crucial base for production and research & development, including involvement with Galaxy AI. The regional knowledge and perspectives enable us to create and enhance artificial intelligence-based functions tailored for growing economies.

Vietnam’s production capabilities have generated more than 2 billion Galaxy ecosystem items, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices, up until now. This level of volume and expertise provides us with a distinct edge in rapidly and effectively introducing AI-driven advancements to the marketplace.

– What sectors should Vietnam concentrate on to emerge as a regional technological center?

Sustained focus on human capital, digital systems, and creativity is essential for sustaining Vietnam’s impressive advancements in digital development. Government efforts encouraging technological advancement and learning are laying a stable base for future expansion. Samsung aims to assist Vietnam throughout this process via collaborations, educational schemes, and projects aimed at young people.

– What is the future perspective of Vietnam’s innovative environment?

The Vietnamese innovation landscape is experiencing significant growth, driven by governmental efforts, an expanding entrepreneurial environment, and collaborations with international tech companies. Initiatives such as Techfest, assistance for artificial intelligence startups, and training programs contribute to Vietnam’s rising position in global innovation indexes and draw in investment.

– In what ways might Samsung’s connection with Vietnam develop over the coming five years?

Samsung and Vietnam have maintained a collaborative relationship for more than thirty years, with Samsung being the biggest overseas investor (amounting to $23.2 billion). Currently, the SRV manages smartphones, computers, and networking devices, spearheading initiatives in both hardware and software development, along with mechanical engineering, such as evaluating network performance for 35 international service providers.

We are also focusing on sustainable development through rooftop solar initiatives at the Bac Ninh and Ho Chi Minh factories, helping lower our environmental impact. Programs such as smart factory partnerships enhance local suppliers’ capabilities and help them connect with the global supply network.

Samsung continues to focus on collaborating intensively with the Vietnamese authorities and regional partners to tackle issues and support the nation’s ongoing efforts for sustained technological advancement.

Content by Hoai Phuong – Thy An

Designed by Hang Trinh

Photos courtesy of Samsung

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