Meta Expands AI and VR Production in Vietnam: A Strategic Move in Southeast Asia

Meta to launch free AI in Vietnam - VnExpress International

Meta is set to introduce its free AI tool in Vietnam while also expanding production of its Quest 3S mixed-reality device, creating 1,000 jobs and boosting the local economy. The AI tool, named Meta AI, is a direct competitor to ChatGPT and is expected to be launched in Vietnam later this year. "We are proud to be the only major tech company in Silicon Valley offering free AI tools to Vietnamese users," said Nick Clegg, Meta's President of Global Affairs, during a media meeting at the Innovate Vietnam 2024 event in Hanoi on Tuesday. Meta AI utilizes the Llama model developed by Meta, functioning similarly to ChatGPT. Clegg emphasized that this open-source large language model supports Vietnamese, helping local businesses avoid the high costs of developing their own AI systems. In addition, Meta revealed that its AI for businesses, integrated with Messenger, has been tested in Vietnam since June and will officially launch by the end of this year. This AI product may also be integrated into platforms like WhatsApp. Meta's expansion in Vietnam includes the production of the Quest 3S mixed-reality device, introduced at the end of September with a starting price of US$300. The decision to choose Vietnam as the manufacturing hub is expected to create 1,000 jobs and contribute millions of dollars to the country's economy. "Vietnam continues to be a key nation for Meta, with millions of small businesses and consumers using our platforms," Clegg added. Meta also announced a partnership with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, to offer AI-related credits for students starting in March 2025. This program aims to enhance the skills of both teachers and students, promoting safe and responsible AI use. Meta, known for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, as well as VR/AR headsets, has been expanding its presence in Vietnam since 2015, collaborating with various ministries and departments on digital economy and innovation initiatives.

Meta says it will expand production of mixed reality headsets in Vietnam

HANOI (Reuters) - Meta Platforms said on Tuesday it will expand investment in artificial intelligence innovation in Vietnam, including production of its latest mixed reality headsets from 2025, its latest effort to boost its footprint in the country. The announcement came during a visit to Vietnam by Meta's president for global affairs, Nick Clegg, just a week after he met Vietnamese President To Lam in New York. "Beginning 2025, Meta will expand manufacturing of its latest Mixed Reality device Quest 3S to Vietnam," Clegg said in a statement. Meta did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the size of the investment and of its existing operation in Vietnam. It also did not clarify whether the manufacturing was done via suppliers. Meta has tens of millions of users in Vietnam of its Facebook social media platform. "Vietnam continues to be an important country for Meta. Millions of small businesses and consumers rely on our platforms," Clegg said in the statement. Meta also said it would soon begin testing Meta AI in Vietnamese, having started its Business AI for Messenger testing in the country in June, with its full launch by the end of this year. (Reporting by Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Martin Petty)

Meta to make Quest 3S mixed reality headset in Vietnam - VnExpress International

Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Meta Platforms, said at a meeting Sunday with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh that the company also plans to launch its Meta AI virtual assistant in Vietnamese language in the coming months. The Quest 3S, which costs US$300, is a more affordable version of the Quest 3 mixed reality headset, and is meant to help users experience virtual reality without having to fork out a large sum of money. It was announced by the firm during its Meta Connect 2024 event last Wednesday. Chinh said Vietnam always seeks to create favorable conditions for foreign investors, including U.S. companies like Meta. He expressed appreciation for Meta and Clegg's contributions to Vietnam's economic development and Vietnam-U.S. ties, especially in the fields of the digital economy, innovation and education and training. Vietnam is drafting the Data Law, developing a national data center and creating a transparent legal framework, seamless infrastructure and smart governance to foster development, especially in emerging and high-tech fields. He urged Meta to continue working with Vietnamese agencies and partners to promote cooperation in science and technology, education and training, innovation, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and technology transfer, and help Vietnamese businesses, organizations and individuals participate in its value chain, platforms and online applications. He also called on it to work closer with Vietnamese authorities to prevent the dissemination of harmful and false information and take measures to protect social media users and combat online fraud. Meta is a multinational technology corporation with social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads besides being a manufacturer of devices like virtual reality headsets. It entered in Vietnam in 2015.

Mark Zuckerberg Follows Tim Cook's Footsteps: Meta To Begin Quest VR Headset Production In Vietnam By 2025 - Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)

Meta Platforms Inc. META will start producing its Quest virtual reality headsets in Vietnam starting in 2025. What Happened: The announcement came after a meeting that also discussed censorship and artificial intelligence, reported Nikkei Asia. The production of the Quest 3S model is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs in the region. Meta's decision marks another significant electronics contract for Vietnam, which already manufactures iPads for Tim Cook's Apple and Dell laptops. The tech company also revealed plans to support the creation of an AI course at a Vietnamese college. See Also: OpenAI Execs Feared ChatGPT-Parent Would Collapse After Departure Of Ilya Sutskever Why It Matters: This move aligns with Meta's recent strategic initiatives. At the Meta Connect 2024 event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced the Quest 3S alongside other innovations like Llama 3.2 and the Orion holographic glasses. Zuckerberg emphasized the convergence of mixed reality and AI, suggesting these technologies are shaping the future of computing and human connection. Subscribe to the Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox. In a recent interview with YouTuber Cleo Abram, Zuckerberg described the Orion AR Glasses as a groundbreaking development in augmented reality, projecting full holograms into the world. This innovation is the result of a decade of research and development, aiming to miniaturize the necessary computing for such advanced functionalities. Moreover, the Meta CEO has been vocal about the positive reception of the company's AI advancements. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a long-term focus, as noted in a recent discussion on Threads. The CEO pointed out that market sentiment often follows the company's stock performance rather than the actual product quality. Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by following this link. Read Next: Elon Musk Gets Labelled As An 'Outspoken' Trump Supporter After Journalist Gets Banned On X Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Photo courtesy: Meta Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Meta to Expand AI Innovation in Vietnam, Top Official Says

HANOI (Reuters) - Meta Platforms said on Tuesday it will expand investment in artificial intelligence innovation in Vietnam, including production of its latest virtual reality devices from 2025, its latest effort to boost its footprint there. The announcement came during a visit to Vietnam by Meta's president for global affairs, just a week after he met Vietnamese President To Lam in New York. (Reporting by Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Martin Petty)

Meta Expands Footprint In Vietnam, Boosts Investment For AI Innovation

Meta stock price jumps, sparking optimism in tandem with the expansion plans. Mark Zuckerberg's Meta has once again made global headlines, expanding its global footprint with investment in Vietnam. The AI firm on Tuesday revealed that it will inject investment for AI innovation in the Asian country, while also boosting production of its latest mixed reality headsets 2025. This revelation has promptly garnered significant attention, as even the firm's stock price noted a nearly 1% gain recently. According to an official Reuters report dated October 1, Meta Platforms is forging ahead with investment in Vietnam, scoping in on AI innovation and its latest mixed reality headsets 2025. The announcement was revealed by the firm's president for global affairs, Nick Clegg, during a visit to the country just a week after his meeting with the Vietnamese President to Lam in New York. Nick Clegg stated, "Beginning 2025, Meta will expand manufacturing of its latest Mixed Reality device Quest 3S to Vietnam." However, Meta did not reveal the size of the investment planned, neither did it disclose its current size of operations in the country. Vietnam stages as a vital player for the AI firm as millions of small businesses and consumers rely on the platform, Nick added. Meanwhile, the firm also revealed that it would look into testing its platform in Vietnamese, whilst it already started testing 'business AI for Messenger' in June. Altogether, the AI firm is expanding its services in Vietnam, marking a monumental stride. Intriguingly, in tandem with Vietnam expansion plans, Meta stock price today soared nearly 1% to $572.44. This upswing has brought additional attention to the firm as it continues to advance ahead.