Semiconductor technology development: Need to start from universities and colleges

This is the content of the discussion between experts in the field of semiconductor technology at the seminar on Vietnam's semiconductor technology development strategy - The role of higher education, taking place on October 9.

Mr. Le Thang Loi said that the semiconductor industry is currently identified as one of the strategic fields, playing a backbone role in the digital economy - Photo: HO NHUONG

The program is organized by the Southern Center for Education and Training Development, Office of the Ministry of Education and Training , to discuss the development orientation of the semiconductor industry. Especially the role of higher education institutions in training human resources, research and technology transfer for the microchip and semiconductor sector in Vietnam.

Focus on design, avoid spreading investment

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Le Thang Loi - Director of the Southern Center for Education and Training Development, Office of the Ministry of Education and Training - said that the semiconductor industry is currently identified as one of the strategic fields, playing a backbone role in the digital economy and belonging to the high-tech group prioritized for development by the Government.

Dr. David Nghiem - founder of Global Wireless Technology, General Director of Talented Mind Agency - believes that Vietnam should pursue the philosophy of "simple - effective - sustainable" in its strategy to develop the semiconductor industry.

According to him, instead of investing billions of dollars in expensive chip foundries, Vietnam should focus on design - a field with high intellectual value, low cost and high profitability. Chip designs, if invested in the right direction, can be exported, create high-quality jobs and contribute to the knowledge economy.

"We can take shortcuts and get ahead with design capabilities, which is the core of semiconductor technology. If we don't understand design thinking, no matter how modern the factory is, we will still be behind," he emphasized.

Strong policies are needed to attract talent.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Khanh Nhan - Deputy Head of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics, Ton Duc Thang University - said that to develop the semiconductor industry, especially the field of microchip design, it is necessary to start from the universities themselves, where core human resources are trained and nurtured.

According to him, Vietnam has made progress in training in microchip technology, but still lacks a synchronous ecosystem including research, design, testing, production and product commercialization.

"We can boldly be autonomous, invest and develop according to each school's own strengths. To do this, we need clear mechanisms, specific support policies and a transparent investment roadmap. We cannot just rely on external budgets," Mr. Nhan emphasized.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Khanh Nhan believes that to develop the semiconductor industry, especially the field of microchip design, it is necessary to start from the universities themselves - Photo: HO NHUONG

He also believes that education and training are still the key factors. Universities need to focus on practical programs, internships, testing and simulation of chip design so that students can understand the entire process "from design to product".

Associate Professor Dr. Le Duc Hung - Head of the Department of Electronics, Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City - said that developing a team of lecturers with high professional capacity in the field of semiconductor microcircuits currently faces many challenges.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Duc Hung believes that there needs to be stronger policies in attracting and retaining talent in the semiconductor industry - Photo: HO NHUONG

Universities are lacking lecturers in both quantity and quality; the team with experience in teaching and researching in the field of microchips is very small; facilities and laboratories are limited; while businesses offer more attractive remuneration, many international students do not return to work in the country.

Therefore, there needs to be a stronger policy to attract and retain talent, especially young experts and lecturers. At the same time, it is necessary to expand postgraduate training programs in microchip design and semiconductor technology, and strengthen the connection between schools and businesses in training, research and technology transfer.

In addition, opportunities should be created for lecturers to do 6-12 months of internship at leading enterprises or laboratories abroad, in order to update knowledge, expand international cooperation networks and spread knowledge upon return.

Focus on building a team of human resources for research and development

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Ai Viet - member of the National Advisory Council on Science and Technology Development, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Director of the Institute of Technology and New General Intelligence Education IGNITE - said that the biggest challenge in developing semiconductor technology in Vietnam lies in the limited high-tech infrastructure, the lack of high-quality human resources along with the issue of technology transfer, intellectual property and dependence on foreign partners. In addition, the characteristics of the semiconductor industry require long-term investment, high perseverance and stable power sources, making the implementation even more complicated.

"To realize the semiconductor industry development strategy, Vietnam needs to focus on building a team of research and development (R&D) human resources along with general engineers and chief architects with a global vision. This will be the force that grasps domestic and international technology trends, thereby making policy recommendations and appropriate development roadmaps for Vietnam's semiconductor industry," he recommended.

HO NHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-trien-nganh-cong-nghe-ban-dan-can-bat-dau-tu-cac-truong-dai-hoc-cao-dang-20251009115501297.htm