Sign up for the Daily Newsletter, sent exclusively to our premium subscribers. We break down the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community. Get the newsletter in your inbox everyday with a premium subscription.
Hello reader,
I’ve helped recruit new players for the flag football team I’m part of. It’s challenging, mainly because it’s a niche sport.
When a rugby or soccer team needs new players, they don’t have to explain what exactly their sport is to anyone who wants to play, whereas ours does. This has pushed us to think outside the box with our recruitment efforts. Now we have open days focusing more on teaching the sport than competing hard.
We also emphasize the social aspect of the team. We’ve realized that the idea of having a few beers after practice may be more appealing to new players than the nuances of the sport.
Vietnam is also thinking outside the box when it comes to attracting investments in AI and semiconductors. The country is offering some pretty unique incentives for tech firms in these industries, as today’s featured story explores.
Today we look at:
- Vietnam getting creative to draw in AI, chip investments
- The Indian government introducing a US$1.15 billion fund of funds
- Other newsy highlights such as Singapore-based startup FileAI raising US$14 million and Trump’s chip tariffs possibly backfiring.
Premium summary
Vietnam says xin chào to AI, chips
Image credit: Timmy Loen
Vietnam has launched the Investment Support Fund in a bid to court investments from global tech giants.
The country is competing with regional neighbors like Singapore and Malaysia in that arena and has some interesting strategies that may make it stand out.
- Chips are up: The fund focuses on the semiconductor and AI industries over other high-tech sectors. For example, AI data centers and companies in the semiconductor space can qualify for incentives with only half of the investment capital or project turnover required of players in other industries.
- Stand out features: Firms that commit to training high-skilled engineers are eligible for special incentives. Direct reimbursement of R&D and training costs are also offered. Analysts say these incentives stand out among other countries in Southeast Asia.
- Hurdles: Challenges remain in attracting tech giants to Vietnam, according to analysts. These include talent shortages, infrastructure deficiencies, and regulatory uncertainties.
Read more: Vietnam bets new fund will bring home AI, semiconductor crown
India’s fund of funds = funded
Fuel both your hunger and ambitions at a fraction of the cost.
Quick bytes
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
