CMC proposes nearly $800-million innovation city project in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese tech giant CMC Group plans to develop a science, technology and innovation urban area in Ho Chi Minh City's Can Gio Commune spanning up to 200 hectares with an investment of up to VND20 trillion (US$760 million).
THE HANOI TIMES — CMC Group has proposed developing a Science, Technology and Innovation Urban Area (CCS HCM) in Ho Chi Minh City’s Can Gio Commune, spanning 100–200 hectares with an estimated investment of VND10-20 trillion (US$380-760 million).
The project aims to establish an integrated technology complex featuring core functional zones, including research and development (R&D), data centers, digital technology hubs (AI, Big Data, Blockchain), training facilities, offices, residential areas and supporting services, forming a new growth engine for Ho Chi Minh City.
Deputy CEO Dinh Tuan Trung of CMC Telecom (blue shirt), introduces the CMC Tan Thuan Data Center to the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee delegation. Photo courtesy of the company
According to CMC Chairman Nguyen Trung Chinh, the company is surveying potential sites in Can Gio to complete legal procedures on expectations that the project will start in 36 months after receiving investment approval.
The proposal was discussed at the meeting between Chinh and other CMC executives and Dang Minh Thong, Vice Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Standing Vice Head of the city's Steering Committee for implementing Resolution No. 57 on science, technology and innovation development.
CMC requested that the city authorities support in three priority areas: high-quality talent training, connectivity and data infrastructure and fast-track mechanisms for digital projects.
The group proposed opening a CMC University Branch in Ho Chi Minh City and launching training and research activities in 2026 at its Tan Thuan facility, focusing on AI and semiconductor design to meet future human resource demands.
Regarding infrastructure, CMC sought clearance for two neutral landing stations for subsea fiber-optic cables in Vung Tau and Can Gio, and proposed developing the CCS HCM model in Can Gio as a fully integrated ecosystem combining R&D, AI, cloud, data centers and training functions.
The company also requested early approval to start Phase 1 of the CMC Hyperscale Data Center project at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in 2026.
In addition, CMC is collaborating with the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) to develop Vietnam’s first local-level AI Transformation Framework for Ho Chi Minh City, urging the city to act ahead of the national AI framework to secure early leadership.
The group also presented a 2026–2028 pilot portfolio of “Made by CMC” platforms, including C-Agent (AI assistants), C-LS (AI review of legal documents), AI cameras and private cloud systems.
Notably, C-LS has been approved by the Office of the National Assembly and is being implemented with the Ministry of Justice.
Vice Secretary Dang Minh Thong affirmed that the city would review CMC’s proposals and that local authorities are committed to supporting enterprises.
Ho Chi Minh City sees CMC and other enterprises as key drivers to transforming the city into Vietnam’s innovation and technology hub.
