Ho Chi Minh City: Mastering core semiconductor technology through in-depth R&D.

Ho Chi Minh City will upgrade its research and development (R&D) centers in the High-Tech Park to international standards, gradually mastering core semiconductor technology through in-depth R&D.

Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department Huynh Thanh Dat (right) and leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee listen to a presentation on innovation activities. Photo: Organizing Committee

On December 17th, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, organized a workshop titled "Developing Policies and Solutions to Promote the Development of Vietnam's Semiconductor Industry in Implementation of the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030 and Vision 2050".

At the workshop, the Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, Lam Dinh Thang, stated that for the semiconductor industry development strategy, the city has identified four key tasks: The first group focuses on developing human resources according to actual needs, such as training at least 9,000 semiconductor engineers and experts by 2030, and attracting foreign experts and scientists to participate in teaching and direct guidance – this will be the fastest way to improve quality.

The second group focuses on developing product ecosystems, selecting products with competitive advantages such as specialized chips in areas where the city has practical needs: IoT chips, AI chips, and chips for smart city management applications.

The third group focuses on mastering core technologies through in-depth R&D via close collaboration with international research institutions (USA, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan) to upgrade R&D centers in the high-tech zone to international standards; and encourages research into next-generation semiconductor materials.

The fourth group focuses on building institutions and policy mechanisms suitable for semiconductors, such as piloting (Sandbox) mechanisms to reduce administrative barriers for semiconductor businesses; establishing free trade zones linked to the digital industry; and supporting the recruitment of foreign experts in a flexible, less rigid manner.

Delegates attending the workshop. Photo: Organizing Committee

At the seminar, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong stated that the city possesses all three "golden" elements for the semiconductor industry that few localities have: firstly, the "brain" of R&D and human resources; secondly, the "muscle" of production; and thirdly, the "lifeline" of logistics. This is the most solid foundation and the absolute competitive advantage that allows us to confidently invite global technology "eagles" to "nest" and thrive here.

According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong, Vietnam's semiconductor industry development strategy aims to leverage the shift in global supply chains to attract leading enterprises, becoming a "plus one" point in the supply chain; to capitalize on the advantages of its scientific and technological human resources, gradually mastering all stages from research and design to production, packaging, and testing; and to focus on developing specialized semiconductor chips and linking semiconductor industry development with the electronics industry.

By 2025, Vietnam will have 16 enterprises producing materials and equipment for semiconductor chips, initially forming capacity in the supporting stages. The chip design sector currently has more than 50 foreign companies and about 10 domestic companies, with a workforce of approximately 7,000 engineers – an area where Vietnam has a competitive advantage.

Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department Huynh Thanh Dat delivers a speech. Photo: Organizing Committee.

Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department Huynh Thanh Dat emphasized that the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Semiconductor Industry until 2030, with a vision to 2050, needs to be implemented systematically and long-term, avoiding a hasty and impulsive approach; in which, the private sector is an important partner, gradually playing a leading and influential role.

Comrade Huynh Thanh Dat noted that the development of the semiconductor industry requires a unified approach based on the value chain and Vietnam's appropriate position; considering human resources as a decisive factor, while clearly identifying obstacles related to institutions, infrastructure, coordination mechanisms, and promoting the pioneering role of innovation centers and localities with potential, especially Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/tp-ho-chi-minh-lam-chu-cong-nghe-loi-ban-dan-thong-qua-rd-chuyen-sau-727179.html