Southeast Asia Information Harbor (www.dnyxxg.com) – The explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought a turning point to Vietnam's semiconductor industry. From primarily engaging in processing and testing, Vietnam now has the opportunity to participate more deeply in the global value chain. AI has not only created demand for next-generation chips but has also reshaped the way smart factories are designed, manufactured, and operated.
Paving the Way for Semiconductors
The semiconductor industry is becoming a strategic pillar of all modern economies. From artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing to defense technologies, everything relies on chip design and manufacturing capabilities.
AI is a key driver propelling Vietnam from a processing-oriented production model to an innovation-driven model, developing new value. In the semiconductor sector, AI is reshaping the entire production process.
The semiconductor industry is the foundation of the digital age. Vietnam aims for the digital economy to account for 20% of its GDP by 2025 and 30% by 2030; spending on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to account for at least 3% of GDP; and to rank among the top 40 in the Global Innovation Index (GII).
To achieve this goal, the government has introduced a series of important policies, such as Resolution No. 57 (57-NQ/TW) issued by the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam on December 22, 2024, on promoting breakthrough development in national science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation; the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation; the Law on Digital Technology Industries; and the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030 and Vision to 2050.
Vanguardian Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong emphasized that the semiconductor industry is positioned as a strategic technology, playing a crucial role in enhancing national competitiveness, driving economic growth, and consolidating the country's position. As of November, Vietnam had more than 170 semiconductor projects abroad, with a total investment of nearly US$11.6 billion. Approximately 60 design companies, 8 packaging and testing projects, and more than 20 manufacturing, materials, and equipment suppliers are operating in Vietnam.
The new Law on Science, Technology and Innovation allows for the application of a "sandbox" mechanism, intellectual property protection, the development of international standards-metrology-quality systems, and attracts foreign investment with accompanying technology transfer and enhanced endogenous capabilities, laying a solid legal foundation for the development of the semiconductor industry.
Cross-disciplinary talent is key to breakthroughs.
Vietnam boasts over 1.9 million IT professionals, including 7,000 semiconductor design engineers, demonstrating a significant advantage in its young workforce. The government has implemented a semiconductor talent development plan, aiming to train over 50,000 semiconductor engineers and bachelors by 2030, while simultaneously building key laboratories, research centers, and implementing training programs closely integrated with enterprises.
Professor Usagawa Tsuyoshi, a leading Japanese semiconductor talent training expert and special advisor to Viet-Japan University (affiliated with Hanoi National University), believes that Vietnam has enormous potential to become a semiconductor talent hub if the government, enterprises, and universities can collaborate effectively.
Viet-Japan University's semiconductor engineer training program is designed in collaboration with top Japanese universities such as the University of Tokyo and Kumamoto University, aiming to standardize training according to international standards.
According to Ho Duc Thang, Director of the National Institute for Digital Technology and Digital Transformation under the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, the Ministry is drafting an Artificial Intelligence Law and building a national cloud computing and big data center, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in computing infrastructure serving AI and semiconductors. The National Innovation Center (NIC) has identified AI and semiconductors as two strategic pillars, integrating them with the development of high-tech industrial clusters and connecting global supply chains.
It is worth noting that Vietnam's military telecommunications industry group (Viettel) is building its first chip factory to develop a series of chips for 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, aiming to master core technologies. (End)
