"Leap to Global AX Operator" KT Forms Strategic Partnership with Viettel Group in Vietnam

KT is expanding its AI transformation (AX) business stage globally.
KT announced on the 27th that it signed a strategic partnership for AX cooperation with Vietnam's Viettel Group on the 26th. The signing ceremony, held at Viettel Group's headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam, was attended by Kim Young-seop, CEO of KT, and Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group.
Before the signing ceremony, CEO Kim met with Nguyen Chi Dung, Deputy Prime Minister, and Bui The Duy, Vice Minister of Science and Technology, to discuss ways to accelerate Vietnam's AX and enhance national competitiveness.
Viettel Group is a global telecommunications and technology company providing various services to 138 million customers in 11 countries, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with Viettel Telecom, Vietnam's largest telecommunications company. It recorded approximately $7.34 billion in revenue last year and is transitioning from a telecommunications company to a 'TechCo' focusing on next-generation technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Through this agreement, KT and Viettel Group will cooperate in six key areas: △AX consulting △AI business development △consumer and SME solutions launch △AI data center and cloud infrastructure △AX capabilities and global development center △joint market entry. The practical business cooperation between the two companies is expected to be around 130 billion won.
First, KT will provide systematic AX consulting to help Viettel Group achieve its AI transformation goals. For precise consulting execution, a mid- to long-term AX strategy and execution roadmap will be jointly developed with Viettel Group. In the AI business field, KT will utilize its AI technology to create national AI models, Vietnam-specific AI agents, and voice phishing prevention solutions. Based on this, Viettel Group will introduce specialized services that Vietnam's B2C customers and SMEs can effectively use.
Vietnam's AI and cloud infrastructure will also be significantly expanded. The two companies will jointly establish an AI-dedicated data center (AIDC) and a graphics processing unit (GPU) farm. In the field of AI capability enhancement, they plan to actively utilize excellent local AX and IT personnel through the Global Development Center (GDC) in Hanoi. This will spread KT's AICT know-how not only in Vietnam but throughout Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, they agreed to expand KT's AI education platform 'AICE' across Vietnam to contribute to nurturing future AI experts.
The two companies expect that this agreement will develop Korea-Vietnam technology cooperation to a national level beyond corporate collaboration. They plan to promote comprehensive AX in Vietnam and Southeast Asia by growing AX business capabilities together and pursuing joint ventures (JV).
Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and CEO of Viettel Group, said, "Viettel Group and KT have started a strategic partnership through close cooperation," adding, "Based on KT's advanced technology and Viettel's deep understanding of the local market, we will provide modern solutions to the international markets where Vietnam and Viettel are present."
Kim Young-seop, CEO of KT, expressed his determination, saying, "Through this partnership, we will support Viettel Group's successful AX transformation, including AX consulting and AI expert training, and promote comprehensive innovation in Vietnam and Southeast Asia," adding, "As an 'AI Innovation Partner,' KT will accelerate the growth of the AX business in both domestic and global markets."

solidkjy@fnnews.com Koo Ja-yun Reporter