Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng (centre left), US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc Knapper (centre right) and other officials launched the Policy and Supply Chain Leadership Institute in Hà Nội on Wednesday, which aims to increase Việt Nam's semiconductor capabilities. — VNS Photo Bảo Hoa

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's semiconductor industry has received a strategic boost after a US-supported institute was launched in Hà Nội on Wednesday to help enhance its capabilities.

The Policy and Supply Chain Leadership Institute is a collaboration between Việt Nam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment and the US Department of State.

It is supported by the International Technology Security & Innovation Fund (ITSI Fund), a key initiative of the US CHIPS and Science Act designed to enhance semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience worldwide.

The two major roles of the institute are to develop a strong semiconductor workforce in Việt Nam and contribute to the formation of policies to attract investment and innovation to the sector.

It aims to train 120 university staff and 4,000 students in Việt Nam on different stages of the semiconductor supply chain to US standards by 2025.

The Arizona State University, Việt Nam’s National Innovation Center, and Vietnamese universities play an important part in actualising these goals.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng said: “This is a very practical and meaningful way to celebrate the first anniversary of the strategic comprehensive partnership between Việt Nam and the US.

“It is a strong affirmation of Việt Nam’s determination to seize opportunities and become an important bridge in the global value chain of the semiconductor industry.

“By promoting cooperation and investing in human resources, we are creating a promising future for Việt Nam’s semiconductor industry.”

Minister of Investment and Planning Nguyễn Chí Dũng speaks at the launch ceremony. — Photo courtesy of ITSI Program

A plan to develop a workforce for Việt Nam’s semiconductor industry until 2050 is being prepared by the ministry and will soon be proposed to the Government, Dũng added.

With the support of major tech companies and universities from the US, he believes Việt Nam’s goal to train 50,000 semiconductor engineers and graduates by 2030 will soon be realised, he said.

US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc Knapper said: “The United States is proud to invest in Việt Nam’s future through workforce development programs that create lasting partnerships.

"Together, we are building institutional ties that will shape the semiconductor industry for years to come.”

Việt Nam is one of eight strategic countries selected for the ITSI Fund, along with Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and India, which are all supported by the US Department of State Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.

The department has given Arizona State University US$13.8 million to drive talent development and formulate public policy recommendations across these nations.

The university is partnering with educational institutions in Việt Nam so Vietnamese professors and students can receive mentoring and access coursework on semiconductor Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP) capabilities.

A portal offering free courses to students interested in the semiconductor industry has been launched by the university at https://itsi-skillsaccelerator.org.

Teachers who wish to obtain knowledge and certifications in semiconductor technology can also benefit from the portal.

A series of workshops will be held in Hà Nội until Thursday to identify Việt Nam’s strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector and formulate action plans to enhance its capabilities. — VNS