(DLR) – On August 21, the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology signed a cooperation agreement with TORmem Inc. (USA) in the fields of semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), a strategic move that positions Gia Lai to emerge as a regional hub for high technology and innovation.

A highlight of the event was the signing of a collaboration memorandum between TORmem Inc. and Quy Nhon University to develop semiconductor and AI laboratories-paving the way for the operation of what is poised to be Vietnam’s first dedicated AI laboratory.

Vietnamese-born expert brings core technology home

The architect behind this collaboration is Mr. Nguyễn An Thạo, a Vietnamese-American technology expert with nearly 40 years of experience in Silicon Valley. He has held several leadership roles at NetApp, Facebook, and Equinix, and is among the principal architects of the Open Compute Project (OCP) - the initiative that reshaped Facebook’s global data center architecture.

Mr. Nguyễn An Thạo was born and raised in Nhơn Lý Commune, Bình Định (now Quy Nhơn Đông Ward, Gia Lai Province).

Bringing core technologies home as TORmem’s founder, Mr. Nguyễn An Thạo is introducing foundational innovations in AI and semiconductors to Vietnam. TORmem’s mission is to build the next generation of AI infrastructure, solving complex memory challenges for global enterprises while paving the way for Vietnam to master core technologies in artificial intelligence.

Opening the door to technology in Gia Lai

Under the cooperation agreement, TORmem will partner with Gia Lai to advance a series of breakthrough initiatives: building a hyperscale data center, piloting cutting-edge AI applications on advanced platforms, and conducting R&D toward a prototype semiconductor chip manufacturing facility.

Mr. Trần Kim Kha (left), Director of the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, signed the cooperation agreement with TORmem Inc.

In parallel with advancing the partnership, the company will also support the province in investment promotion and in showcasing its strengths in the information technology industry-particularly semiconductors, often described as the backbone of the digital era. TORmem further commits to connecting Gia Lai with a network of leading experts, research institutions, and technology companies in the United States and other advanced economies.

Quy Nhon University - A hub for high-caliber talent

In this strategic initiative, Quy Nhon University plays a pivotal role. TORmem will provide advisory support to establish an on campus semiconductor laboratory, laying the groundwork for research and the development of information technology and semiconductor products. This facility is envisioned to become Vietnam’s first dedicated AI laboratory, a cradle for breakthrough innovations and a training ground for a highly skilled cohort of engineers.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đoàn Đức Tùng, Rector of Quy Nhon University, delivered remarks at the signing ceremony.

In addition, TORmem will collaborate with the University to deliver training programs that upskill faculty and students in AI and semiconductor design, thereby helping to build a high tech talent pipeline for the Central-Central Highlands region and the country at large.

Laying the foundations for a new tech hub

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Phạm Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized the province’s ambition to become a new regional center for the information technology and high tech industries. The province prioritizes attracting projects in semiconductors, AI, digital technologies, and big data. He also expressed his expectation that TORmem will partner with Quy Nhon University to implement human capital development programs, viewing this as a critical foundation for sustainable growth.

Mr. Phạm Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, expressed his hope that Gia Lai would become a new cradle of science, technology, and innovation.

From TORmem’s side, Mr. Nguyễn An Thạo affirmed the company’s intention to pursue a long-term partnership with Gia Lai, not only in research and technology transfer, but also in building a comprehensive value chain around semiconductors and AI.

Looking ahead to 2030, Gia Lai will advance four priority programs: developing the semiconductor and AI industries; ensuring cybersecurity and cyber safety; training human resources and expanding STEM education; and establishing a dedicated information technology zone.

Quy Nhon University aims to advance high tech disciplines to meet evolving societal needs.

More than a cooperation agreement, the signing among the Gia Lai Department of Science and Technology, TORmem Inc., and Quy Nhon University is a strategic statement of intent: Gia Lai is determined to seize the opportunities of the technological revolution, charting a course toward a knowledge-based economy and positioning itself not merely as a participant but as an emerging pioneer in high technology in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

With the support of internationally seasoned experts and a trusted academic partner, Gia Lai is laying the first building blocks for its journey to become a regional hub for high technology and innovation in the Central-Central Highlands.