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Hello reader,
Whenever you see headlines like “Company X plans to build data centers in Country A” or “Company Z opens an R&D center in Country B”, it’s always interesting to think about the implications of the decision, especially in Southeast Asia.
Most markets in the region are considered emerging economies, so getting this kind of investment is usually an indicator of business potential, one that will hopefully benefit the country’s economy and citizens in a meaningful way.
The recent Nvidia deal in Vietnam has led to a lot of excitement in the country, but there are a number of question marks around what it will look like and its impact in the long run, as we’ll find out in today’s premium story.
On another note, this will be the last edition of our Daily Newsletter for 2024 – the next edition will be out on January 3, 2025. Happy holidays!
Today we look at:
- What Nvidia’s Vietnam deal really means for the country
- An Indian solar energy startup that’s raised fresh funds
- Other newsy highlights such as the state of startup funding in India and an update on the iPhone 16 situation in Indonesia
Premium summary
Game changer? Maybe, maybe not
Image credit: Timmy Loen
Nvidia has officially committed to establish its first R&D center in Vietnam and acquired VinBrain, a Vingroup-backed AI startup, for an undisclosed amount. What does this mean for the country’s tech scene?
- V for Vingroup: While VinBrain is not yet profitable, the deal benefits Nvidia’s relationship with Vingroup as well as with the Vietnamese government. Moreover, despite being in the red, VinBrain’s DrAid tool has already been certified by the US Food and Drug Administration.
- Question marks: Despite the significant move, Nvidia’s future plans in Vietnam are still unclear, as it has not made any specific announcements about them. There are uncertainties about the size and timeline of the R&D center as well as the integration of the VinBrain team into Nvidia’s operations.
- Time will tell: Nvidia’s move is generally seen as a positive development for Vietnam’s tech sector. However, it remains uncertain if the deal will have a broader impact on the country’s tech landscape and workforce.
Read more: Nvidia’s Vietnam deal: a game changer or just noise?
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