From its strategic development orientation for the country until 2030, with a vision to 2045, Vietnam has identified science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key pillars for breakthrough growth and enhanced national competitiveness. Within this framework, the semiconductor industry is considered one of the strategic technologies, playing a decisive role in achieving technological self-reliance and deeper participation in the global value chain.
This policy has not remained a vision but has been quickly concretized through clear commitments and actions by the Government. At a meeting with the Semiconductor Association (SEMI) in November 2025, the Prime Minister emphasized that the semiconductor industry is one of the strategic technologies for Vietnam's rapid and sustainable development. The Government has issued the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030 and a vision to 2050, clearly defining the roadmap for self-reliance and enhanced national competitiveness.
Vietnam is not just limited to testing or packaging stages, but is strongly shifting towards higher value-added stages such as research, design, and especially manufacturing. To realize the goal of having a chip factory by 2026, the Government is committed to perfecting a transparent institutional framework, investing in synchronized infrastructure, and especially preparing a high-quality workforce.
In this roadmap, the milestone of Vietnam striving to have its first semiconductor chip manufacturing plant by 2026 is considered a crucial step from policy to practical implementation. Instead of only participating in post-production stages such as testing or packaging, Vietnam aims to delve deeper into the core stages of the value chain, strongly shifting towards higher value-added stages such as research, design, and especially manufacturing.
In fulfilling the task assigned by the Government, Viettel has begun concrete steps to realize the goal of building Vietnam's first chip factory. For Viettel, building the factory is not just a simple economic or technological project, but also a national aspiration in the journey to master core technologies for national development.
To prepare for the factory's groundbreaking in 2026, Viettel recognizes human resources as a crucial factor. On December 4, 2025, Viettel collaborated with the University of Science (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) to launch the first training course for semiconductor chip manufacturing engineers. This course brings together 20 outstanding engineers from the fabrication (Fab) division of Viettel Semiconductor Center (VSI). This core workforce is expected to directly operate and master the production line at the factory in the future.
The training program is designed for in-depth study with nearly 300 hours of instruction, combining theory and practice on modern equipment in an industrial-standard cleanroom system. Engineers are equipped with knowledge of advanced chip manufacturing technology, skills in using cleanroom equipment, and practical training in integrating production processes according to global standards. Collaborating with the University of Science – an institution with strengths in basic science and microelectronics – helps shorten the gap between research and practical production.
At the ceremony for the semiconductor chip manufacturing engineer training program, Viettel's Deputy General Director Nguyen Vu Ha affirmed that the first semiconductor factory project will help Vietnam bridge the gap from the laboratory to reality, enabling scientists, startups, and technology companies to transform ideas into products and research into tangible contributions to the country. Simultaneously, it will open up a semiconductor ecosystem where Vietnamese engineers are trained, grow, and continue to train subsequent generations.
Notably, today, Viettel will announce more new information about Vietnam's first semiconductor chip manufacturing plant.
Dai Phu,
Market Life