Overseas Vietnamese expert maps out strategy for national semiconductor leap

Speaking in a recent media interview, Dr. Thang, an Assistant Professor at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, highlighted that the most valuable lesson from Taiwan (China), which produces over 90% of the world’s most advanced chips, lies in its complete semiconductor ecosystem. Taiwan's dominance spans IC design, fabrication, packaging, testing, and AI server manufacturing, with TSMC alone commanding roughly 70% of the global foundry market.

Dr. Thang stressed that Taiwan's success stems from seamless synergy among the government, research institutes, universities, and major enterprises. From this model, he advised Vietnam to pursue long-term investment, focus resources on high-potential segments, and establish genuine collaboration across the public, academic, and private sectors.

Regarding Vietnam's advantages, Dr. Thang noted that the country has established clear policy directives through its Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy through 2030, with a vision to 2050, which targets training at least 50,000 university-educated engineers by 2030.

Vietnam also possesses a young workforce with strong foundations in mathematics, physics, electronics, and IT, while the presence of global tech corporations enables gradual participation in chip design, packaging, testing, and component production. However, the expert pointed out four major bottlenecks that Vietnam must swiftly resolve.

However, the expert pointed out four major bottlenecks that Vietnam must swiftly address. First, the country faces a severe shortage of experienced specialists in chip design, materials, process technology, and fab management. Second, a disconnect persists between academic training and industry demands, as many university programs lack modern laboratories, specialized design software, and experienced faculty.

Third, domestic supporting industries have yet to meet market needs, showing limited capability to supply ultra-pure chemicals, industrial gases, precision parts, and technical services. Finally, the sector requires high-standard infrastructure and a stable investment climate, notably uninterrupted power supplies, ultra-pure water, robust logistics, intellectual property protection, and transparent administrative procedures.

To navigate these challenges, Dr. Thang recommended that Vietnam prioritize accessible segments, such as IC design, assembly and testing, and supporting equipment and materials, before advancing to capital- and technology-intensive stages.

He underscored that the Vietnamese intellectual community in Taiwan can serve as a vital bridge by transferring knowledge, facilitating university-industry links, assisting in workforce training, promoting joint research, and advising on national policy.

VIN Taiwan currently has over 100 official members and connects around 4,000 Vietnamese scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and students studying and working in the territory. Moving forward, the network will focus on building an expert database, promoting research cooperation, facilitating workforce training, and supporting technology transfer projects between Vietnam and Taiwan, helping Vietnam integrate deeper into the global semiconductor supply chain.

Vietnam debuts first national semiconductor chip prototyping centre

VOV.VN - Vietnam on June 26 launched its first National Semiconductor Chip Prototyping Support Centre, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to build a domestic semiconductor ecosystem and reduce reliance on overseas chip fabrication services.