SAP Expands Southeast Asian Presence with New Vietnam R&D Center

SAP has opened its second research and development center in Southeast Asia in Vietnam, with plans to increase its staff from 200 to 500 by 2027. The new center will focus on developing technologies for industries such as manufacturing, retail, and logistics. This expansion underscores SAP's commitment to the Vietnamese market and its growing importance in the region's tech landscape.

German software giant SAP has officially launched its second research and development center in Southeast Asia, in Vietnam. The SAP Labs Vietnam center, located in Saigon ward, Ho Chi Minh City, began operations on August 7, 2025, with plans to invest over €150 million ($175 million) over the next five years [1]. This expansion underscores SAP's commitment to the Vietnamese market and its growing importance in the region's tech landscape.

At the launch event, Clas Neumann, senior vice president and head of the SAP Labs Global Network, highlighted Vietnam's abundant tech talent, strong government support for innovation, and solid academic infrastructure as reasons for investing in the country [1]. The center, which is SAP’s 20th global R&D facility, will focus on developing technologies for industries such as manufacturing, retail, and logistics.

Vietnam is currently one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Southeast Asia, with a growth rate of 20% in 2024, contributing 18.3% to the country’s GDP, three times higher than the overall economic growth rate [1]. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung noted that Vietnam has identified 11 strategic technology sectors and aims to become a global AI hub. He encouraged SAP to expand its investment in HCMC and other localities across the country [1].

SAP Labs Vietnam has already hired over 200 employees since September 2024, with plans to expand to 500 by 2027. In 2025 alone, the company expects to recruit an additional 350 staff. Among SAP’s 20 global research centers, the Vietnam facility has recorded the fastest growth in its first year of operation [1].

The new center will support SAP’s product development in critical areas such as sustainable digital supply chains and AI-powered intelligent enterprise solutions [2]. Mr. Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE for Customer Services & Delivery, described the Vietnam center as a catalyst for transformation in one of the most dynamic tech markets in Asia [2].

SAP is committed to building a talent ecosystem by connecting with Vietnamese tech professionals and partnering with local universities to create long-term career opportunities for young people [1]. This initiative aligns with Vietnam's goal of developing 50,000 to 100,000 semiconductor and AI engineers [1].

References:

[1] https://theinvestor.vn/software-giant-sap-invests-175-mln-in-rd-center-in-vietnam-d16595.html
[2] https://en.vneconomy.vn/sap-launches-innovation-hub-in-vietnam-with-175-mln-investment-plan.htm