May 26 – IBM has opened an innovation center in Ho Chi Minh City to provide businesses access to digital infrastructure technologies for the telecommunications, finance and energy industry.

According to IBM, Vietnam has the highest internet penetration rate among developing countries.

The center will offer training workshops, consulting services and assistance to help test new software technologies. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Dinh Tien said: “The opening of IBM Innovation Center marks a milestone in closely associating technology with the business community. It has further asserted the government’s determination for Vietnam to become a leading regional technology center.”

Globally there are now 43 IBM Innovation Centers. These centers helped a total of more than 22,000 partners through workshops, seminars and consultation to build their skills and develop solutions.

The company also announced Friday two separate initiatives with the College of Technology in Hanoi and the University of Technology in HCMC to establish a new research and curriculum program to meet future job opportunities for students.