SEMIEXPO Vietnam 2024, scheduled for November 7-8 at Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, aims to strengthen international cooperation in mobilizing resources and connecting investment opportunities between domestic and foreign businesses for the development of Vietnam's semiconductor industry.

SEMIEXPO press briefing. Photos: NIC

Themed “Elevating Vietnam in the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain,” the event is organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment's National Innovation Center (NIC) in collaboration with the Global Semiconductor Alliance (SEMI), according to NIC Director Vu Quoc Huy at a press briefing in Hanoi on October 23.

He said the event is the ministry's proactive step in implementing the tasks outlined in the government's Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy and Human Resources Development Program.

"The exhibition also aims to develop the ancillary industry ecosystem and attract investment from leading global semiconductor firms," Huy said.

Linda Tan, President, SEMI SEA, said that SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 is a significant event for the country as it continues to emerge in the global semiconductor supply chain. She added that with strong government support and a focus on building a robust semiconductor ecosystem, Vietnam is poised to make significant contributions to the global supply chain.

“This event supports collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships. SEMI hopes to facilitate the next growth phase for the semiconductor industry in Vietnam and the broader Southeast Asia region,” she stressed.

Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of NIC estimated that SEMIEXPO Vietnam 2024, the first edition to date, is expected to attract around 5,000 delegates and feature 100 booths from major global semiconductor companies, including Global Foundries, Amkor, AMD, Lam Research, Coherent, Cadence, KLA, Synopsys, Intel, Marvell, Onsemi, Qorvo, and FPT.

Organizations and companies attending SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024 will gain insights into the latest global technology trends in the semiconductor sector, including AI applications in chip design, and engage in dialogue with government agencies to develop the industry's ecosystem and workforce.

Moreover, the event will focus on developing human resources and providing connections and scholarship information for students in the semiconductor field.
According to the Global Semiconductor Alliance, Vietnam's semiconductor market is expected to reach US$7 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CARG) of approximately 6.7% from 2023 to 2028.

Linda Tan, President of the SEMI SEA, told The Hanoi Times about SEMI's plans to foster global collaboration and support Vietnam's ambitions in the semiconductor sector.

What should Vietnam do to become an attractive destination for the semiconductor industry and achieve the projected 6.7% growth by 2028?

 Linda Tan, President of the SEMI SEA, speaks at the event.

Vietnam has made significant progress under the leadership of the prime minister, with companies such as South Korea's HANA Micron actively contributing to the development of the country's semiconductor industry.

In terms of workforce development, Vietnam has been aggressively training and retraining students to prepare for the semiconductor industry. However, the country needs to accelerate foreign direct investment (FDI) to ensure job opportunities for the trained workforce.

At the same time, Vietnam should have policies and incentives to attract more FDI in the semiconductor industry. This includes facilitating local companies in the ecosystem instead of encouraging foreign companies.

What will SEMI do to help Vietnam's semiconductor ecosystem?
SEMI has a vested interest in helping Vietnam grow its semiconductor industry. We will make SEMI Expo an annual event to bring thousands of global players to the Vietnamese market.

What should be done to encourage Vietnam's youth to semiconductor engineering?

The semiconductor industry is a relatively new field for young people in Vietnam, but the government has done a good job of encouraging students to take STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and electronics-related courses. This is seen as a positive step in inspiring students to consider careers in the semiconductor industry.

SEMI is committed to inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM. In partnership with NIC, we will bring together more than 200 engineering students to interact with industry leaders on the TalentCONNECT stage during the event. In addition, it would be the launch of the "SEMI TECH Zoomers Bootcamp", which is designed to develop human resources to meet Vietnam's rapidly growing economic needs. The program will involve nearly 100 students from nine Vietnamese universities.

Outstanding participants will have the opportunity to attend the Southeast Asia TECH Zoomers Bootcamp in Singapore in 2025 where they will tour leading semiconductor fabs, interact with industry leaders, and enhance their technical skills through workshops at prestigious Singaporean universities. They will also gain insight into the regional semiconductor ecosystem at the largest semiconductor exhibition.

We have also conducted talent development programs, such as boot camps, to showcase Vietnamese talent to the world. We plan to bring these programs to different parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, to highlight the country's workforce capabilities and readiness.