California-based Meta, formerly known as Facebook, plans to produce its mixed reality virtual headset Quest 3S in Vietnam in the coming year as the American tech giant eyes the Southeast Asian country.
Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Meta, revealed the plan at a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, adding that the project would potentially create some 1,000 jobs in Vietnam.
Starting at $299.99, Quest 3S is Meta’s latest virtual reality headset and a cheaper offering than its predecessor, the $499 Quest 3.
In addition, Meta will introduce virtual assistant Meta AI in the Vietnamese language, providing a tool for businesses and people in Vietnam for diverse purposes and helping bolster innovation in the country, according to Clegg.
The executive highly regarded the Vietnamese government’s data strategy and the country’s advantages such as a young, dynamic, tech-savvy 100-million population, as well as a solid education foundation. He tipped that Vietnam is among the leading messaging markets for Meta via the Facebook Messenger app.
Expressing Meta’s pleasure in joining the 'Innovation Challenge' launched by the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment, Clegg committed to continuing to launch innovation initiatives, supporting the growth of small and medium businesses in Vietnam. The executive also made recommendations regarding band planning and regulatory frameworks for a smoother business environment.
For his part, PM Chinh asked the tech company to keep collaborating with Vietnamese agencies and partners, especially the Vietnam National Innovation Center, to promote cooperation in science-technology, education, innovation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
Chinh called on Meta to help local businesses, organizations, and individuals participate in the value chain, online platforms, and apps of Meta. He also asked Meta to enhance coordination with local authorities in preventing toxic information illegal services and online fraud for better protection of social media users. The government chief pledged to ensure sufficient clean energy for investors.
China reiterated the government’s guarantee to safeguard legitimate rights and interests and facilitate operations of foreign investors, including Meta, within the law.