SAP Launches New Innovation Hub in Vietnam, Invests €150M

SAP unveiled the SAP Labs Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City on August 7. This move is backed by a €150 million investment that SAP has planned over the next five years, signaling a deep commitment by the company to one of Asia Pacific’s most vibrant digital economies.

Apart from the SAP Lab in Singapore, this lab, located in The Nexus in Hi Chi Minh City, is SAP’s second SAP Labs Network hub in Southeast Asia. According to SAP, Vietnam’s digital economy is projected to have grown by 20% in 2024, contributing 18.3% to the country’s GDP.

Thomas Saueressig, Member of the SAP Executive Board, noted that Vietnam’s proven track record in delivering tech innovation and its deep pool of engineering talent made it a fitting choice for SAP’s 20th global lab. “SAP Labs Vietnam is more than just a research and development center – it’s a catalyst for transformation in one of the most dynamic tech markets in Asia,” he said.

A Hub for Innovation and Talent

According to SAP, the lab will be a key engine for the company’s global product development. The teams here will focus on some of the most critical areas for modern enterprises, which include sustainable digital supply chains and AI-enabled intelligent solutions. The hub will also provide localised innovation for key Asian markets, including Korea and Japan, highlighting its strategic importance in SAP’s global network.

More importantly, SAP is focused on building a talent ecosystem from the ground up. The lab has already brought over 200 employees on board and aims to expand to a team of 500 by 2027, of which 350 new roles are planned for 2025.

Manik Saha, Managing Director for SAP Labs in Singapore & Vietnam, noted, “We’re not just opening an office, we’re building a talent ecosystem.” This involves forging close ties with top universities in Ho Chi Minh City to create career pathways for the next generation of innovators in data analytics, AI, and software engineering.

What This Means for Mastering SAP Insiders

The launch of SAP Labs Vietnam is a strategic signal for Mastering SAP Insiders. For SAP professionals across the Asia Pacific region, here’s what it means:

• Innovation is getting closer to home. The Vietnam hub, complementing the one in Singapore, creates a powerful R&D axis in Southeast Asia. This signals a shift from applying global solutions locally to developing them with a deep, intrinsic understanding of regional needs. Expect future solutions to be better tailored to APAC-specific challenges, from the intricate logistics of maritime trade to the unique regulatory landscapes of markets like Korea and Japan.
• Your next project is likely AI or sustainability-focused. SAP’s declared focus on sustainable supply chains and AI-powered solutions is a direct look at its R&D roadmap. This is a clear directive for professionals: the demand for expertise in SAP Business AI, the Green Ledger, and advanced, resilient supply chain solutions is about to accelerate significantly across the region. Thus, upskilling in these domains is no longer optional; it’s essential.
• SAP’s influence is becoming foundational in the APAC region. This €150M investment cements SAP’s role as a core technology partner in the digital transformation of the APAC economy. For Mastering SAP Insiders, this translates to greater long-term opportunity and stability within the ecosystem. As SAP deepens its influence with governments and major enterprises, being an SAP expert means being positioned at the heart of the engine driving regional growth.