Vietnam’s President To Lam met with leading US firms in New York, pledging to strengthen the domestic tech sector. Discussions focused on boosting Vietnam’s digital transformation and enhancing strategic industries like AI and semiconductors. The Vietnamese president also held talks with major companies including Apple, Blackstone, and Warburg Pincus.
Meta, which already has millions of Facebook users in Vietnam, committed to increasing its investment in the country. Plans include expanding virtual reality production in Vietnam, signalling a stronger presence in the nation’s tech landscape. Meta’s Nick Clegg expressed confidence in Vietnam’s digital potential.
During Lam’s visit, cooperation agreements with US firms were signed. These agreements cover various sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and a new data centre initiative, further solidifying ties between the two nations.
The Vietnamese government emphasised that digital transformation will be key to future economic growth. Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to advancing the tech economy and fostering innovation through international collaboration.
During a visit to Washington, Netherlands’ economy minister Dirk Beljaarts emphasised the significance of China as a trading partner. They advocated for the semiconductor equipment maker ASML to operate with maximum freedom. His discussions with US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves were focused on enhancing bilateral trade rather than addressing export restrictions, which are not under his jurisdiction.
Beljaarts’ visit comes amid anticipation of expanded US export rules affecting semiconductor sales to China. ASML, a leading supplier to chip manufacturers, recently faced new export license requirements imposed by the Dutch government, influenced by US pressure.
While the US is a crucial ally of the Netherlands, Beljaarts highlighted that ASML’s main markets are in Taiwan, China, and South Korea. He stressed the need to maintain balanced trade relationships, arguing that ‘We have our economy to uphold,’ and expressed pride in ASML as a vital asset for the Dutch economy.
UAE-based AI firm G42 has announced a partnership with US chipmaker Nvidia to focus on developing advanced climate technology. A new operational base and lab will be established in Abu Dhabi to create AI solutions that improve global weather forecasting. This collaboration comes as the UAE seeks to diversify its economy away from oil through heavy investment in AI technologies.
UAE’s government-backed G42 has been making strides in the AI sector, forging agreements with various US firms. Recently, G42 and Microsoft revealed plans to open two AI centres in Abu Dhabi, further expanding the Gulf nation’s capabilities in AI research. These developments align with Abu Dhabi’s broader goals of advancing technological cooperation with the US.
While the UAE builds on AI collaboration, concerns have emerged in Washington about US technology potentially reaching China. To counter this, the US government has introduced stricter export controls on AI chips to the region. However, this has not hampered the UAE’s ambitions for AI growth and strategic partnerships.
Next week, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit the White House, marking a historic moment. Discussions will centre around regional security and technological cooperation in AI with President Joe Biden, reinforcing the strategic relationship between the two nations.
According to a statement from the Vietnamese government, Vietnamese and US businesses have reached several agreements to collaborate on energy, AI, and data infrastructure. These partnerships were sealed during a business forum in the US, marking a step forward in economic cooperation between the two nations.
The memorandums of understanding (MoUs) include vital agreements such as a technology transfer deal between PetroVietnam and Kellogg Brown and Root, a partnership on liquefied natural gas (LNG) between PetroVietnam’s subsidiary PTSC and Excelerate Energy, and an AI and data centre development collaboration between Sovico Group and U.S.-based Supermicro. Budget airline Vietjet signed a $1.1 billion deal with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies for avionics and technical services to support its aircraft fleet.
Vietnamese President attended the forum To Lam, who is set to meet with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Lam highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration between the two countries and expressed hope that the US would become Vietnam’s top foreign investor.
Vietnam has also been advocating for the US to officially recognise it as a market economy, a status that could ease trade tensions and reduce anti-dumping duties. However, the US Commerce Department recently classified Vietnam as a non-market economy, a designation Vietnam has long sought to change. If Vietnam reapplies, the process for review could take months.
African perspectives are vital for developing AI solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges, according to US officials. At the Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa Conference, the acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Dr Seth Center, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Joy Basu, emphasised the importance of African representation in shaping global AI policies.
The event focused on fostering deeper conversations about AI’s potential role in Africa’s development. Basu praised the diverse voices from across the continent and stressed the need for African leaders to influence AI’s future applications, especially in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. The conference marked a pivotal step in increasing African engagement in critical technology discussions, which are already being supported in global forums like the G20 and the United Nations.
AI could help Africa achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, addressing key challenges across agriculture, healthcare, and education, according to Dr Seth Center. He noted the transformative role AI can play in boosting economic development, reducing poverty, and improving healthcare access. However, collaboration, both regional and global, will be essential to ensuring that AI is developed responsibly.
Startups and entrepreneurs will play a significant role in shaping Africa’s AI landscape, with many countries already crafting national AI strategies. The African Union is also working on governance frameworks to enable cross-border collaboration. These efforts will help unlock opportunities for innovation, ensuring AI’s benefits reach all parts of the continent.
The US Commerce Department is set to introduce a new regulation to ban Chinese software and hardware in autonomous and connected vehicles in the country, citing national security concerns. The proposal, expected to be announced soon, reflects growing worries from the Biden administration about the potential risks posed by Chinese companies collecting sensitive data on US drivers and infrastructure. Additionally, there are fears that foreign actors could manipulate connected vehicles, potentially creating significant security threats.
The proposed restrictions would apply to Chinese-made vehicles with communication or autonomous driving systems, escalating trade tensions between the US and China. The proposal follows last week’s move by the Biden administration to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and key components like batteries. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has been vocal about the potential dangers of Chinese technology in US vehicles, stressing the catastrophic risks if critical software were turned off in large numbers of cars.
President Joe Biden had already initiated a review of whether Chinese vehicle imports posed security threats due to their integration with connected-car technology. The new rules could come into effect gradually, with software restrictions starting as early as the 2027 model year and hardware prohibitions beginning in 2029 or 2030. These measures would cover vehicles equipped with specific Bluetooth, satellite, wireless features and fully autonomous cars capable of operating without drivers.
Why does this matter?
US lawmakers have raised concerns about Chinese companies gathering sensitive data, and the proposed restrictions would also extend to other foreign adversaries like Russia. However, automakers, including major companies like General Motors and Toyota, have expressed worries about the time and complexity required to replace existing systems, noting that vehicle components undergo extensive testing and cannot easily be swapped.
Although Chinese-made vehicles currently make up a small fraction of US imports, the new rule aims to ensure the long-term security of connected cars on US roads. The White House recently approved the final proposal, which would not apply to specialised vehicles like those used in agriculture or mining but will impact all other sectors. The move seems a clear effort to protect the US supply chain in an increasingly connected world where cars function as ‘smartphones on wheels.’
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking sanctions against Elon Musk for failing to appear for court-ordered testimony regarding his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. Musk, citing the need to oversee SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission launch, notified the SEC just hours before the scheduled testimony on 10 September that he would not attend. The SEC, however, contends Musk was aware of the launch in advance and accused him of employing delay tactics, as his absence violated a May court order.
Musk’s legal team defended his actions, stating that his presence was critical for the safety of the astronauts, and rescheduled the testimony for 3 October. They argue that the situation was an emergency that Musk had not created and believe that further sanctions are unnecessary. However, the SEC remains sceptical, warning that Musk’s failure to appear in October could result in additional legal action.
Why does this matter?
The ongoing SEC investigation focuses on whether Musk violated securities laws in early 2022 when he delayed disclosing his purchase of Twitter stock after reaching a 5% ownership threshold. Musk eventually revealed a 9.2% stake and made a bid for the company. Despite his claim of misunderstanding disclosure rules, the SEC continues to scrutinise his actions, reflecting Musk’s long-standing clashes with the regulator, which began with a 2018 lawsuit over tweets about taking Tesla private.
California has introduced three new laws aimed at reducing AI-generated deepfakes ahead of the 2024 election. The legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, is designed to combat election misinformation and protect the public from deceptive political ads. One law requires online platforms like X to remove false materials and empowers individuals to sue over election-related deepfakes.
However, two of these laws are now facing a legal challenge. A creator of parody videos featuring Kamala Harris claims the legislation violates free speech rights. The lawsuit, filed in Sacramento, accuses California of censoring content, despite assurances from Newsom’s office that the laws do not target satire or parody.
Supporters of the laws argue they are necessary to prevent erosion of trust in US elections, as AI-generated disinformation becomes an increasing threat. Critics, including free speech advocates, believe the legislation overreaches and could be ineffective due to slow court processes, limiting its impact.
Despite the debate, California’s laws could serve as a deterrent to potential violations. Legislators hope the rules will prompt platforms to act quickly in identifying and removing misleading content.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced new proposals to regulate AI-generated communications in telecommunications. That initiative, detailed in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) released in August, seeks to define and manage the use of AI in outbound calls and text messages.
The NPRM proposes defining an ‘AI-generated call’ as one utilising AI technologies—such as machine learning algorithms or predictive models—to produce artificial or prerecorded voice or text content. The rules would require callers to disclose AI use and obtain specific consent from consumers, ensuring greater transparency and control over AI-generated communications.
In addition to defining and regulating AI-generated calls, the NPRM includes provisions to address the needs of individuals with speech or hearing disabilities. It proposes an exemption from certain TCPA requirements for AI-generated calls made by these individuals, provided such calls are not for telemarketing or advertising. That exemption aims to facilitate communication for those who depend on AI technologies for telephone interactions, balancing regulatory requirements with accessibility needs.
The NOI, on the other hand, seeks feedback on technologies designed to detect, alert, and block potentially fraudulent or AI-generated calls, exploring their development and privacy implications. It questions how these technologies handle call content data and whether current privacy laws are adequate.
The FCC also invites comments on the potential costs and benefits of the proposed rules and asserts that its authority to implement them is grounded in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). As the comment deadlines approach, the FCC anticipates a thorough discussion on these regulatory changes, which could significantly impact how AI technologies are managed in telecommunications.
Vietnam’s president and Communist Party chief, To Lam, is preparing for a significant visit to the US next week, where he is set to meet with major US corporations, including Google and Meta. According to sources, this marks Lam’s first trip to the US since his appointment in August as the leader of the party, Vietnam’s most influential political role. Although the details of the meetings remain undisclosed, the discussions are expected to focus on business and technological ties, as Meta and Google already have deep involvement in Vietnam through services like Facebook and manufacturing efforts.
Lam is also scheduled to attend a business forum on 23 September, including representatives from various US companies. The forum, organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), highlights Vietnam’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub and a strategic market for American corporations. Over the last year and a half, US businesses have increased their engagement in Vietnam, with major firms such as Boeing, Mastercard, and Amazon actively participating in business missions.
While Lam’s meetings with Meta and Google signal deepening tech collaboration, the larger context of the trip reflects the US and Vietnam’s evolving diplomatic relationship. Washington views Vietnam as a critical partner in diversifying its supply chains, reducing dependency on China, and exploring cooperation in sensitive industries like undersea cables. However, it remains unclear whether Lam will meet US President Joe Biden during this trip, as the White House has not confirmed any plans.
Lam’s US visit comes on the heels of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, reflecting his role in navigating Vietnam’s relationships with major world powers. After addressing the UN General Assembly, he is expected to fly to Cuba and later, in early October, he will embark on a state visit to France.
