The semiconductor industry is considered the "heart" of the digital economy and the core of the electronics industry, as it produces microchips and electronic components essential for the manufacturing of complex products. Vietnam is facing a major opportunity in the global semiconductor revolution, but the greatest challenge at present is the shortage of high-quality human resources.

Practical training session of Semiconductor Technology students at FPT Polytechnic College. (Photo: BTEC FPT)

"Firm footing" in the race

Mr. Do Tien Thinh, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC), stated that semiconductors are considered one of the most exceptional industries, the very core of information technology. In the United States, under the CHIPS Act, this is not merely an economic sector but is also regarded as an area tied to national security. Vietnam was identified as having the potential to participate in the semiconductor value chain several years ago. Therefore, it is essential for us to develop this industry. "We cannot remain behind forever. This is a golden moment to accelerate, and if we don’t seize it, the opportunity will pass us by — just as it has many times before..." Mr. Do Tien Thinh emphasized.

In actuality, Vietnam's semiconductor industry has set a goal of training 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, which equates to approximately 10,000 engineers per year, but the current workforce only meets roughly 20% of this demand. At the same time, production operations must concentrate on semiconductor chip design, packaging, and testing processes. However, semiconductor human resource training has not kept up with the industry's growth. The number of engineers who specialize in semiconductor testing and packaging remains minimal.

To establish a "firm footing" in this global race, Vietnam has issued Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, affirming its commitment to choosing innovation and science and technology, including AI and semiconductors, as the roadmap for future development. The country is mobilizing the participation of the entire society in digital transformation activities and the application of high technology in daily life. Additionally, in September 2024, the Government approved the Program on "Developing human resources for the semiconductor industry by 2030".

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy emphasized that AI is advancing rapidly, offering tremendous potential to drive economic growth, enhance labor productivity, and address global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and public health.

Promoting the business ecosystem

Dr. Do Tien Thinh affirmed that Vietnam needs to establish its own unique path. This requires a systematic, coordinated, and long-term investment in policies, as well as in strategies for training and developing human resources. "We should promote domestic training, then send students to study in technologically advanced countries to gain hands-on experience, and then have them return to contribute to the development of the nation", Mr. Thinh stated.

According to Dr. Do Tien Thinh, Vietnam cannot go it alone in the journey of developing the semiconductor industry but needs to promote connectivity, strengthen cooperation, and diversify collaboration models both domestically and internationally. Therefore, connecting with countries that have already developed their semiconductor industries, such as the United States, South Korea, Japan, etc., is essential for learning, technology transfer, and accessing financial resources and infrastructure. At the same time, deep participation in the semiconductor industry is not only an opportunity for technology but also serves as a lever for exports, GDP growth, and attracting high-quality FDI.

Regarding the training efforts, Professor and Dr. Phan Manh Huong from the University of South Florida, USA, commented: "To train a large number of semiconductor engineers, the first requirement is a team of lecturers with deep knowledge of this field, which is something we are severely lacking at the moment".

Meanwhile, Associate Professor and Dr. Chu Duc Trinh, President of the University of Engineering and Technology - Vietnam National University, stated that there is no concern about over-training but rather about the shortage of qualified personnel. The core issue is that universities must raise their training standards so that graduates are of high quality and competitive in the global labor market. If this can be achieved, even with a rapid increase in the number of students in semiconductor-related fields, they will still attract both domestic and international companies.

Developing a new generation of high-quality talent is key to helping Vietnam seize opportunities in technology, innovation, and global integration. (Photo: Viettel)

In particular, to train human resources that contribute to realizing the goal of making Vietnam a true powerhouse in AI and semiconductors, the collaboration of the entire business ecosystem is essential.

As a result, it is vital to create an education-business partnership ecosystem that includes foreign firms, as this is the long-term development model for Vietnam's semiconductor human resources. With this concept, students will be schooled in core information while also having the option to participate in internship programs with industry initiatives from an early stage.

Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of the FPT Group’s Board of Directors, stated: "Recently, more than a dozen top universities have quickly launched training programs in AI and semiconductors. We have already prepared a workforce for the new generation of experts to integrate into the global technology flow. This is a 'gold mine' waiting for international companies to tap into".