On May 5th, Intel announced the completion of the handover of 31 chip assembly and testing devices to the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park (SHTP) and the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
These are chip manufacturing facilities that have been repurposed for semiconductor training and research. Intel claims to be the first company to implement this conversion in Vietnam, within the framework of a cooperation agreement signed with the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park. This
move comes as Vietnam aims to develop its semiconductor industry, gradually mastering the technology and training tens of thousands of highly skilled engineers. Introducing real equipment into teaching and research is expected to bridge the gap between training and production, especially in packaging and testing.
This allows students to practice directly on specialized equipment. The project also supports SHTP and Hanoi National University in building complete microchip training capabilities, from design to assembly and testing. Utilizing equipment from the company optimizes available resources, reduces the burden of public investment, and accelerates the readiness of training facilities.
Kenneth Tse, Vice President and General Manager of Intel Products Vietnam, stated that Vietnam is emerging as a "crucial link" in the global semiconductor value chain. Intel's donation of equipment aims to help training institutions implement practical training programs that closely align with real-world needs, bridging the gap between academic environments and manufacturing practices.
"This also accelerates the readiness of human resources to realize Vietnam's long-term semiconductor development ambitions," said Kenneth Tse.
Technicians transport and deliver equipment for assembling and testing chips to Vietnam. Photo: Intel
Over the past few years, the domestic semiconductor industry has grown rapidly, leading to a high demand for human resources. The number of integrated circuit design companies has increased from approximately 40 to nearly 60 in just two years. In the packaging, testing, and manufacturing sectors, the number of companies has also increased from 7 to 15.
The domestic semiconductor engineering workforce currently numbers around 15,000 people, including 7,000 design engineers and 7,000-8,000 engineers in other areas, not to mention approximately 10,000 technicians. Much of this increase comes from retraining programs in related fields.
The Semiconductor Industry Human Resource Development Program until 2030, with a vision to 2050, issued by the Government in September 2024, aims to train at least 50,000 personnel with university degrees or higher, while also establishing four national semiconductor laboratories and 18 basic-level laboratories to serve training and research.
Not all semiconductor engineers trained in Vietnam are employed in the domestic market. The semiconductor industry is global, and graduates can find jobs in developed economies such as Japan, South Korea, the United States, Europe, and Taiwan – where there is a shortage of semiconductor engineers.
In the list of 12 new strategic technologies awaiting approval, semiconductor chips are classified as foundational technologies for the future. While this sector may not generate immediate economic impact in the short term, it plays a crucial role in driving new growth and ensuring self-reliance in national security and defense. Vietnam's strategic semiconductor technology products include AI chips, IoT chips, and specialized chips.
Trong Dat,
According to VnExpress.