Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan held a working session with the Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Ajpal Singh, representatives from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Becamex IDC for discussion about a proposal to establish the Vietnam Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (VAMRC).
VAMRC is envisioned as a collaborative platform connecting enterprises, universities, research institutes, and technology solution providers within the advanced manufacturing sector.
The center will address real-world challenges faced by businesses as it will develop, test, and validate technologies before they are implemented on production lines. This approach allows enterprises to evaluate the effectiveness of solutions, thereby reducing risks and costs associated with large-scale investment.
Priority sectors for the center include automation, robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, digital factory transformation, green manufacturing, and enhancing supply chain resilience.
VAMRC also aims to build a system of shared laboratories and research facilities. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and universities will be able to utilize this infrastructure for research, prototyping, technology testing, and new product development.
For existing factories, the center will assist in applying technology to upgrade equipment, optimize processes, and improve productivity as an alternative to replacing entire production lines.
Drawing from the experience of A*STAR’s Advanced Remanufacturing and Technology Centre (ARTC), experts noted that the initial phase requires significant investment in facilities, equipment, core personnel, and foundational research programs. Participating businesses are expected to contribute funding, human resources, and specific manufacturing problems to ensure that research outcomes align with market demands.
As the center builds its capacity and demonstrates practical applications, revenue from corporate projects and competitive grants is expected to increase, providing a sustainable foundation for long-term operations.
Concluding the discussion, minister Quan highly valued the initiative to establish VAMRC and affirmed that the MoST would accompany Becamex and A*STAR throughout the investment and construction process in Vietnam.
The ministry will consider supporting VAMRC under the model of a national-scale shared research center utilizing state resources. The center will create favorable conditions for FDI firms, SMEs, and universities to collaborate on research, testing, and the creation of new technological products.
The minister requested that Becamex coordinate with A*STAR to promptly develop a detailed proposal, clearly defining objectives, priority sectors, governance models, investment needs, financial mechanisms, and the specific roles of each stakeholder.
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