Challenges in Designing AI Data Centers (DC) in Vietnam
A series of data center projects worth hundreds of millions to billions of USD are being deployed in Vietnam:
- Viettel is building a 140MW DC in Cu Chi – the largest in the country. Expected completion in 2026
- CMC is investing 250 million USD in an AI DC in Ho Chi Minh City, with an initial capacity of 30MW IT load, expandable to 120MW. Construction is expected to start in 2026
- G42 – FPT – VinaCapital Alliance proposed a 2 billion USD super DC
But designing a DC for AI is far different from a traditional DC. This is a problem of strategic bets under unprecedented conditions, with many challenges:
Extremely high loads & unprecedented
AI requires 30–60kW racks, complex cooling, and an unclear equipment lifecycle.
Power supply & sustainability
AI DCs consume 2–5 times more power than usual. It requires ensuring a stable power supply + green solutions.
Legal frameworks have not kept pace with development
Ho Chi Minh City has proposed a special mechanism for cross-border data storage – but is still awaiting specific policies.
Shortage of human resources & supply chain
AI DC operation engineers are very scarce. Specialized AI equipment still relies on imports.
Designing an AI DC is not merely a technical deployment – it is a long-term bet on the future of digital infrastructure, with high risk and a large margin of volatility.
Vietnam is facing the opportunity to become the region’s Digital Hub – if we dare to make calculated, data-driven, and visionary bets.
Have you ever participated in such a “bet” – in engineering, infrastructure, or strategy?
Facebook post by Mr. Le Minh Hieu.
