SK Group has begun a major push to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) industry ecosystem in Vietnam, combining data centers with energy infrastructure in what marks its first overseas implementation of a “full-stack AI” strategy.
The company announced that it signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on April 23 in Hanoi during the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum with the Nghệ An provincial government and the National Innovation Center (NIC). The agreements are seen as a private-sector follow-up to bilateral commitments made at the government level on cooperation in AI, semiconductors, and energy.
The event was attended by Chey Tae-won, along with executives from SK Innovation and SK Telecom, as well as key Vietnamese government officials, underscoring strong mutual interest in the initiative.
At the core of the partnership is a plan to simultaneously develop AI data centers and energy infrastructure. SK Innovation and SK Telecom will jointly explore building an AI data center in Nghệ An Province while advancing related infrastructure projects.
A notable component is the linkage with the Quỳnh Lập LNG-to-power project, in which SK Innovation is already involved. The project includes a large-scale gas-fired power plant, an LNG terminal, and a dedicated port, and is expected to provide a stable electricity supply essential for operating energy-intensive data centers.
SK aims to enhance both energy efficiency and operational stability by designing power generation and data center infrastructure in tandem. Local authorities in Nghệ An have pledged active support through administrative assistance, permits, and investment incentives.
Beyond infrastructure, SK is expanding cooperation across Vietnam’s broader AI ecosystem through its partnership with NIC. The two sides agreed to collaborate on AI data center development, energy infrastructure, and the establishment of policy and institutional frameworks to support AI industry growth.
Under the arrangement, SK Telecom will provide data center technologies and operational expertise while supporting investment attraction efforts. SK Innovation will focus on energy and power solutions. NIC will facilitate government coordination, regulatory improvements, and connections with local partners.
NIC serves as Vietnam’s national innovation hub for advanced industries, including AI, semiconductors, and startups. SK has maintained a cooperative relationship with the institution since its early establishment phase.
This initiative could become the first overseas case of SK’s “AI full-stack provider” strategy, which integrates semiconductors, data centers, energy, and AI services across the entire value chain.
Chairman Chey has previously outlined plans to transform SK into a company capable of delivering end-to-end AI infrastructure and services. Domestically, the group is already pursuing large-scale AI data center projects while expanding global partnerships.
The Vietnam project is expected to serve as a testing ground for applying this strategy abroad and could act as a gateway for broader expansion into Southeast Asia and other emerging markets.
“AI will be a key driver of Vietnam’s sustainable growth,” Chey said. “SK will contribute to local industrial development based on its capabilities in energy, semiconductors, and AI.”
Having maintained business ties with Vietnam since the 1990s through energy projects, SK expects this initiative to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. If successful, the integrated model of building both AI infrastructure and industry ecosystems could be replicated in other developing markets.
