Vietnam is becoming an attractive destination for businesses in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. The growing interest from the world's leading technology corporations as they continuously seek cooperation and investment opportunities shows the strong development potential of the industry. In particular, Da Nang - with the aspiration to become the leading innovation center in the region - possesses great advantages in attracting investment and training high-quality human resources for these two key technology fields.

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Swinburne Vietnam students in a Smart Information Technology class with experts. Photo: NVCC

Core technology in the era of growth

Semiconductor and AI are closely linked, together driving the development of technology. If semiconductor chips are the "brains" that help AI process data and learn, AI supports the design and optimization of new generations of chips. This resonance is opening up an era of explosive technology, with widespread applications from phones, computers to self-driving cars and smart healthcare .

At the 6th National Forum on Vietnam Digital Technology Enterprises held in January 2025, FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh made three commitments to the Government to promote the high-tech industry, bringing Vietnam into an era of growth. One of the focuses is to invest heavily in "core technologies" such as AI, semiconductors, automotive technology, digital transformation and green transformation. Mr. Binh especially emphasized that in the future, the world will depend on AI-integrated semiconductor chips, and Vietnam aims to produce millions of these chips. This opens up great prospects for the AI and semiconductor industries in Vietnam.

Da Nang - A bright spot in the high-tech race

The semiconductor and AI industries are booming globally, leading to a demand for high-quality human resources. In Vietnam, Da Nang is gradually asserting its position as a strategic destination, attracting international investors. By the end of 2024, many large corporations in the field of semiconductor design such as Synopsys, Marvell, Renesas will be present in Da Nang, while Nvidia, Intel, Qualcomm, Mediatek, etc. are studying investment opportunities and cooperation in human resource training. Thanks to this wave of investment, Da Nang is expected to become a high-tech center, attracting large corporations, engineers and leading experts in the industry.

Recently, the National Assembly issued Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15 on the organization of urban government and piloting special mechanisms and policies for the development of Da Nang city. Accordingly, strategic investors and individuals working in the fields of AI and semiconductors will enjoy many outstanding incentives, contributing to making the city a leading innovation center.

Currently, Da Nang has a number of universities that train in AI and microcircuit and semiconductor chip design. However, limitations in equipment and supporting ecosystems make reaching international standards still a big challenge. Cooperating with the world's leading universities is an important solution, helping Vietnamese students access advanced programs right in the country, while opening up job opportunities in the global market.

Swinburne Vietnam - a joint program between Swinburne University of Technology (Australia, in the top 1% of the world) and FPT University - is currently training in AI and plans to open a Semiconductor Technology major in 2025.

Students studying at Swinburne Vietnam can study at the Da Nang campus according to Australian standards, with a team of internationally qualified lecturers. In particular, students can easily transfer to Australia to access many job opportunities in the high-tech industry. According to Dr. Hoang Viet Ha, President of FPT International University, Director of Swinburne Vietnam, the training program at Swinburne aims to develop high-quality human resources for the fields of AI and semiconductors. With thorough preparation, Vietnam is gradually affirming its position in the global high-tech supply chain.

According to HANH LAM (Da Nang Newspaper)