At the event. Photo: Ministry of Planning and Investment

The event was organized by the National Innovation Center in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Viet Nam and Arizona State University.

The ITSI Fund is a key initiative of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act designed to enhance semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience worldwide.

Viet Nam is one of eight strategic countries selected for the initiative, along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and India, all supported by the State Department’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. The State Department has awarded the ASU $13.8 million to drive talent development and formulate public policy recommendations in these countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung affirmed that this is a practical and meaningful measure to celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between Viet Nam and the U.S.

The event is also an essential milestone in the roadmap implementing the "Developing Human Resources for the Semiconductor Industry to 2030, with a Vision to 2050" project that MPI has researched, developed, and submitted to the Prime Minister.

According to Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, besides cooperative activities in training and human resources development, Viet Nam and the U.S. have agreed to make innovation and high technology, especially the semiconductor industry, an essential pillar of the bilateral cooperation relationship.

The launch of ITSI Fund not only marks the beginning of a new training program with international standards on packaging and testing microchips for lecturers and students of universities in Viet Nam, but is also an essential step in the journey of gradually mastering technology by Vietnamese people in the semiconductor industry.

Expressing sincere thanks to the U.S. Administration and all partners who have contributed to the success of this initiative, Minister Nguyen Chi Dung called for the support of businesses, research institutes, and universities from the U.S. and Viet Nam./.