Cambodia Investment Review
Saigon Asset Management (SAM) has announced the launch of SAM DigitalHub, a 50-hectare (124-acre), 150-megawatt data center campus aimed at addressing Vietnam’s growing demand for digital infrastructure. The project, based at Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP), represents a targeted investment of up to $1.5 billion, positioning Vietnam as a key player in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
A strategic approach to overcoming industry barriers
SAM DigitalHub is designed to attract international operators by addressing long-standing investment challenges in Vietnam’s data center sector. Over the past two years, SAM has worked alongside industry leaders to overcome land zoning, power supply, and connectivity issues—three critical barriers for global data firms seeking to enter the market.
To meet international data center standards, the initiative has focused on:
- Securing properly zoned land within an hour of major urban centers
- Ensuring access to sustainable power sources and adequate cooling solutions
- Proximity to domestic and international airports
- Reliable connectivity with multiple telecommunications providers
By mitigating these challenges, SAM DigitalHub aims to provide world-class digital infrastructure while integrating renewable energy solutions to meet sustainability targets. The initiative includes plans to achieve a NetZero pathway, with an initial 50MW renewable energy capacity to support eco-friendly operations.
VSIP partnership strengthens Vietnam’s digital ambitions
A key driver behind the project’s success is SAM’s collaboration with VSIP, a joint venture between Singapore’s Sembcorp and Vietnam’s Becamex IDC Corporation. As one of the country’s leading industrial developers, VSIP brings expertise in real estate and infrastructure planning.
Nguyen Phu Thinh, CEO of VSIP, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating: “VSIP is excited to partner with a leading investment firm like Saigon Asset Management (SAM) to jointly develop Vietnam’s first-of-its-kind Data Center Campus.”
The 50-hectare site at VSIP was selected for its ability to rapidly scale in response to increasing demand from international hyperscalers. Many competing locations in Vietnam have faced challenges such as non-compliant land zoning, inadequate infrastructure, and limited power capacity. The SAM-VSIP partnership addresses these concerns, creating a fully equipped, investment-ready data center ecosystem.
Industry leaders endorse SAM DigitalHub
The project has secured backing from PMX, a specialist in mechanical and electrical infrastructure for hyperscale data centers. PMX has played a key role in delivering large-scale data center projects across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, with over 125MW of IT load completed in the past two years.
Louis Nguyen, CEO of SAM, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “The three key obstacles that have deterred our hyperscaler clients from entering Vietnam have been licensing, land, and power. By partnering with VSIP, we have successfully addressed these challenges, paving the way for the launch of SAM DigitalHub.”
Colin Phua, managing director of PMX, also expressed confidence in SAM’s leadership: “SAM has a long history and a successful track record in investment performance in Vietnam. The team has assembled the ideal trifecta of investor, landowner, and data center developer to make this major accomplishment, SAM DigitalHub, a reality.”
$300M Vietnam Data Center Fund to accelerate growth
To support the expansion of Vietnam’s data center sector, SAM has launched a $300 million Vietnam Data Center Fund (VDCF), with the first closing expected by Q4 2025. The fund aims to attract global investors seeking exposure to the region’s digital infrastructure boom.
Reflecting on market trends, Louis Nguyen noted the growing shift of data center demand from Singapore to Vietnam and other regional markets. “Our goal was to collaborate with as many end customers and partners as possible to address their concerns and provide a seamless entry point. SAM DigitalHub is the culmination of that effort.”
With a focus on high-performance, scalable, and sustainable solutions, SAM DigitalHub is set to reinforce Vietnam’s position as a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia.
