Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc will produce its next-generation virtual reality and augmented reality headsets in Vietnam, creating more than 1,000 jobs, the company said yesterday.
Speaking at a tech conference in Hanoi, Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg said that the firm would focus on the production of the Quest 3S headset in the Southeast Asian country.
“We will, with our local partners, be manufacturing them here in Vietnam, and we estimate that this will create well over 1,000 new jobs,” he said.
Photo: AFP
Vietnam — long a low-cost destination to make clothes, shoes and furniture — is eyeing a rapid climb up the global supply chain.
The Vietnamese government last week said that Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans to invest US$1.5 billion in the country.
Vietnam is particularly intent on developing its capabilities in the lucrative chip industry, with global supply chain shocks and fears about US reliance on China for key resources boosting investment there.
Facebook is widely used in Vietnam and Clegg said the nation was among the global leaders in using its Messenger platform “not just to send messages to family and friends, but actually communicate with businesses and so foster trade and commerce across the country.”
However, Facebook has also faced criticism from human rights groups in the past few years for blocking content deemed illegal by the country’s government.
Facebook is a popular platform for rights advocates in Vietnam, where all independent media are banned.
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