The semiconductor chip industry is now considered a 'launchpad' for the development of the electronics industry as well as the economy. This manufacturing field is facing new opportunities and many difficulties and challenges.
Current status of Vietnam's semiconductor and chip industry
Attracting Intel's investment project to Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park (SHTP) in 2006 is the second major milestone marking Vietnam's efforts in industry development. After the first milestone was the Z181 Project led by Prof. Tran Dai Nghia right after the country's reunification.
To prepare human resources for the development of the semiconductor chip industry, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, established the ICDREC Training and Design Center (ICDREC) in 2005, and the Nanotechnology Laboratory. LNT), now the Institute of Nanotechnology (INT).
In 2010, semiconductor chips were added to the list of high-tech and high-tech products prioritized for development investment under the Prime Minister's Decision No. 49/2010/QD-TTg and continue to be included in the list of high-tech products. Decisions superseding this decision to date.
In 2012, microchips were identified as national products according to Decision No. 439/QD-TTg dated April 16, 2012 of the Prime Minister.
In 2012, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City promulgated the Program on Development of the Microchip Industry for the 2013-2020 period, with a vision to 2030, adjusted and supplemented in 2017, affirming the city's determination in developing the industry. this important business.
It can be said that the period of nearly 20 years is the period in which Vietnam, led by Ho Chi Minh City, has had quite specific and consistent orientations, goals and actions to help Vietnam build important foundations. primary importance for the semiconductor chip industry.
According to data published on the National Science and Technology Portal, by the end of 2022, Vietnam has 1,072 international publications related to the semiconductor industry, 635 international publications related to microchips.
Notably, Vietnam currently has about 5,000 engineers working in the field of IC design. In which, the distribution of human resources is most concentrated in the city. Ho Chi Minh City (85%), Hanoi (8%) and Da Nang (7%).
Along with IC design, IC packaging is also an area where Vietnam has strengths with the presence of strategic investor Intel at SHTP with a total accumulated investment capital of more than 4.1 years. billion USD.
Leaders of the Central Government and Ho Chi Minh City press the button to inaugurate the International Electronics Training Center (IETC)
Strategy for the electronics and semiconductor industry
The strategic issue is how Vietnam can take advantage to participate more deeply in the value chain, the global supply chain of the semiconductor chip industry. Accordingly, it is necessary to simultaneously implement the following four strategic solutions:
Firstly, promoting the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem in the electronics and semiconductor industries. To promote entrepreneurship and innovation requires an ecosystem mindset and approach.
Second, invest in upgrading the technical infrastructure of high-tech parks, an important component of the startup and innovation ecosystem to support the development of businesses in the electronics, semiconductor and semiconductor industries. Focusing on attracting investment projects revolves around the stages and stages in which Vietnam has strengths and helps Vietnam to upgrade its technological capacity, namely the acquisition, application and creation of technology.
Third, expand the scale and improve the quality of human resources in the field of semiconductor chips, while increasing investment in training, science and technology, and attracting a team of Vietnamese experts and scientists. return home from advanced countries to participate in the development of electronic and semiconductor industries.
Fourth, strengthening cooperation with countries and territories with strengths can support the implementation of the above strategic breakthroughs of Vietnam in the context that Vietnam's industrial ecosystem is still weak. are weak and lack the necessary elements, for example, there are no microchip factories.
Mission of Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Park
With a foresight on policy, SHTP is proposing to the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and the Government to add functions and tasks to capture new trends, through the planning of new development spaces and infrastructure. to develop clusters, encourage the development of informal business "technological communities" and social interaction, thereby also contributing to promoting economic restructuring towards a knowledge economy.
IETC contributes to upgrading human resource standards and service provision standards of Vietnamese electronics companies
As a national high-tech park, SHTP clearly defines the pioneering mission, leading the development of key and foundation industries for the country, in which the focus is on developing technology enterprises in the country. water; towards the development of “smart specialization” by industry.
In the past time, SHTP has piloted innovation in investment promotion, associated with the development of electronics and microchip industries; piloting the establishment of training and incubation centers in the fields of electronics (IETC), semiconductor microchips (SCDC) on the basis of creatively mobilizing public and private resources to supplement the ecosystem of the electronics and semiconductor industries, support the formation of start-ups, and promote innovative businesses in these industries.
At the same time, SHTP is also promoting the establishment of the Vietnam Semiconductor Circuit Association, strengthening links and supporting universities and research institutes to train undergraduates, masters and doctoral students related to the electronics industry, semiconductor chip… to accelerate the development of the semiconductor chip industry in Vietnam.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Thi - Head of Management Board of Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Park