Vietnam has now become the destination of many of the world's leading technology corporations such as Intel, Samsung, Qualcomm, Marvel... By the end of 2024, the semiconductor industry is expected to surpass the milestone. 6 billion USD . However, Vietnam is still at the low end of the global semiconductor supply chain, with most of its activities focused on assembly, testing and packaging.
Dr. Bui Xuan Minh, Head of the Semiconductor Design and Industry 4.0 Research Group at RMIT University Vietnam, said this is a key time for the country to enhance its ability to master key technologies and promote industrial transformation.
However, the analyst said Vietnam still lacks a domestic semiconductor wafer fabrication plant, which limits its ability to move into high-value-added segments such as chip design and advanced manufacturing.
Get out of the assembly role
Not only in building factories, Vietnam is facing a shortage of high-quality human resources, research infrastructure and specialized logistics systems, from stable power sources to raw materials that meet chip production standards.
“To be competitive, Vietnam needs more than just investment capital. We need comprehensive policies, a strong legal framework on intellectual property and a fully integrated ecosystem to promote innovation,” he said.
Despite many barriers, the momentum for the semiconductor industry is becoming increasingly clear. The establishment of a national steering committee headed by the Prime Minister , along with a plan to train 5,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, demonstrates a strong commitment from the highest level.
Dr. Minh emphasized that the country is entering a decisive phase. With the right moves now, Vietnam can become a formidable force in the semiconductor race in Southeast Asia.
Today, the semiconductor industry serves as a driving force behind modern technological advancements, providing the foundation for innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), edge and cloud computing, telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Vietnam’s opportunity lies in the trend of diversifying its supply chain. As geopolitical tensions force businesses to look for alternatives to China and Taiwan (China), Vietnam is quickly seizing the opportunity.
Companies like Synopsys, Renesas, and Marvel are stepping up research and development (R&D) in areas ranging from medical devices to data centers, beyond just assembly.
Several cutting-edge technologies are being eyed, including memory computing – a solution that could dramatically reduce the power consumption of AI hardware – as well as the development of quantum chips for areas like cryptography and pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Minh added that chip design tools from corporations such as Cadence, Synopsys and Siemens are also redefining the speed and cost efficiency of chip manufacturing.
However, the transition will not happen automatically and he warned that it is a risky game. Without substantial investment in human resources, infrastructure and intellectual property protection, Vietnam risks missing out on a golden opportunity.
To succeed, the RMIT expert said Vietnam needs to approach the problem at a systems level. "Engineering training is not enough. We need a coordinated strategy in which the government, businesses and universities need to work together," he added.
Assembling the future of Vietnam's semiconductors
To improve its position in the global semiconductor supply chain, the Government needs to play a leading role in developing preferential policies and technical infrastructure.
In addition to tax incentives, subsidies and funding to attract investment in semiconductor manufacturing and research and development, Vietnam needs to invest in a national semiconductor manufacturing plant and improve the reliability of its electricity, water and logistics infrastructure to support high-tech semiconductor R&D and manufacturing activities.
On the other hand, legal frameworks for intellectual property protection and technology transfer agreements with leading corporations such as TSMC or GlobalFoundries also play an equally key role.
Dr. Minh commented that domestic companies are at the center. Therefore, the process of promoting cooperation between Vietnamese enterprises such as Viettel or FPT with the world's leading semiconductor corporations such as Intel, Samsung, Cadence, Synopsys, TSMC is a decisive factor to promote knowledge transfer and technological progress.
Education should also be a focus. He suggested that schools incorporate subjects such as microchip design, microelectronics and semiconductor physics into their curricula.
More importantly, schools need to build close links between academia and businesses to train human resources ready for real jobs.
For Dr. Minh, the road ahead is both exciting and urgent. "We are on the rise. Now is the time to turn our aspirations into action. Let's learn continuously and adapt flexibly. The semiconductor industry changes very quickly, and those who maintain curiosity, humility and creativity will be the ones to lead the future of Vietnam's semiconductor industry," he advised young people.
Towards 2050, the journey of Vietnam's semiconductor industry may not be as dramatic as the transition of other technologies, but it is vital.
In this race, it is the tiny chips that can become the driving force for big changes in the country's digital future.
Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/viet-nam-co-the-la-doi-thu-dang-gom-trong-nganh-chip-ban-dan-3379485.html
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