Truong Gia Binh, president of FPT: a decade of groundwork led to the partnership with Nvidia

Over the past year, FPT has become one of Nvidia’s key partners, working together to establish AI factories in Vietnam and Japan. Talk to VnExpressFPT President Truong Gia Binh reflects on his meeting with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in December 2023 and shares his vision for the future of AI in Vietnam.

-You have repeatedly used the term “gamble” to describe FPT’s investment in AI. What were your considerations in making such a decisive commitment?

To say that FPT is betting on AI reflects our great confidence in its success. In the past, when we decided to go global, we avoided using the term “gamble” because we anticipated potential failure and immense challenges. But today we use it because we believe this decision is the right one.

For what? First, global companies are investing heavily in AI, with annual spending doubling in some cases to hundreds of billions of dollars. Nvidia, now valued at more than $3 trillion, is struggling to meet growing global demand for AI chips. While many countries are on the waiting list, Vietnam already has access.

Second, “gambling” means approaching things differently. Traditionally, we approached software investments by conducting in-depth market research, carefully analyzing potential buyers, estimating demand and establishing timelines. With AI, this approach would be too slow. Instead, we reversed the process, prioritizing infrastructure development and then studying the market.

This is our bet and we firmly believe that the future will be driven by AI.

-When do you hope to see the results of this approach?

At FPT, we typically review overall strategies annually. But for AI, we reassess and refine strategies four times a year. Each FPT unit is responsible for researching AI and reporting on initiatives, the number of AI assistants in development or operation, and revenue generated. We have never been more determined or decisive in any endeavor.

This approach provides measurable progress weekly and monthly. An important achievement is our rapid development of AI infrastructure services. Beyond installing and deploying servers on arrival, we build platforms that streamline the process of “turning data into profit” in these AI factories.

-How did FPT convince Nvidia to partner with you and supply its highly sought-after AI chips?

Convincing Nvidia was a success, but it’s important to note that they also worked hard to convince FPT to form a global partnership.

At a recent AI conference in Japan, Nvidia recognized FPT as one of its four priority partners globally. They also announced that FPT is currently their only partner offering both AI factories and consulting services, providing not only infrastructure and products, but also end-to-end support to help customers implement implement and optimize AI.

While many companies only offer hardware or software, we provide both plus the critical expertise needed to resolve any issues that may arise. We innovate, produce and support our clients in the transformation of AI. This differentiates us; no one else does this.

Nvidia equipment used in FPT’s AI factory. Photo by VnExpress/Van Anh

-Less than six months after you met Huang, FPT and Nvidia announced plans in April to build a $200 million AI factory. How did you achieve this?

We have been researching technology and investing in AI for over a decade. Every year, we discuss which technologies will stand out in the coming year, which could dominate in five years, and which will define the next decade. This long-term vision has allowed us to systematically prepare our workforce and develop products. Today, FPT has comprehensive technical expertise for independently researching, deploying and building models.

Meanwhile, Nvidia focused on developing core technologies, producing chips with immense computing power. Their next Blackwell chip, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025, will far outperform current models. At this stage, Nvidia needs partners like FPT.

First, few companies are willing or able to invest in cutting-edge equipment and build AI teams. Nvidia values ​​companies that have a proven track record and can replicate their success for others. This is the foundation of our collaboration. Additionally, our team has obtained Nvidia certification, guaranteeing mastery of their technology.

Second, Nvidia is looking to expand AI applications across industries. FPT’s experience spans industries such as software, education, telecommunications, retail, pharmaceuticals and media. Our collaboration extends to almost all our areas and we aim to explore other areas covered by Nvidia.

-What is your vision for the implementation of AI in Vietnam?

Huang described the emergence of AI factories as one of the most important technological events since the advent of the PC and the Internet. AI factories transform data into intelligence, essentially economic value. This is the most critical change of our time. Simply put, an AI factory converts raw data into financial results.

These factories are designed to serve everyone, offering significant advantages especially to start-ups. In my opinion, this is a decisive turning point.

Humans have already delegated most physical labor to machines; now we entrust them with intellectual tasks. Machines will become personal assistants, while humans will focus on leading and managing these virtual assistants.

Vietnam will see thousands of AI specialists, each creating mature AI models that will permeate every aspect of life. These AI assistants can help millions of people simultaneously, thereby significantly increasing productivity. Once automated, AI can operate at superhuman speeds, far surpassing human capabilities.

Truong Gia Binh, FPT president. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

-What challenges must be met to achieve this future?

Our AI factory is still in its infancy and will need time to mature. In the short term, the growing demand for skilled workers will pose a major challenge. Having advanced tools without knowing how to use them can lead to massive losses. Mastery of these tools is essential.

A troubling misconception is that AI reduces the need for computer science training. The declining number of students pursuing computer science degrees is alarming. The market is expected to move in the opposite direction. As AI becomes capable of coding, we need to learn more, not only about computer science, but also about computer science integrated with AI. Individuals should design their own virtual assistants rather than waiting for others to provide them. Without IT and AI skills, job security will be at risk.

We also need to change our perspective: AI is not stealing jobs. Those who master AI will simply outperform others. Vietnamese workers are expected to excel in AI to serve domestic and global markets.

Today, AI can simplify writing, math, and screenwriting tasks. But tomorrow, when everyone masters AI, what you create today may lose its relevance.

So how to prepare? Through learning. Individuals and companies must embrace continuing education.

Vietnam Party General Secretary To Lam said digital transformation and technological development are the path to the nation’s progress. The government has prioritized AI in its national development strategy.

On December 10, 2023, his birthday, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with representatives of Nvidia. Recognizing the opportunity and his commitment, Huang committed to building an “Nvidia Vietnam.”

At that meeting, I told Huang that Vietnam had a million computer engineers and half a million software developers. He responded by saying: “Vietnam will undoubtedly stand alongside the most advanced nations in the world.” This is why he chose Vietnam as a “second home” for Nvidia.

Nvidia is very selective and only partners with the best. Being chosen demonstrates not only Vietnam’s potential, but also its proven ability to convince the world of its capabilities.