Viet Nam unveils ambitious semiconductor talent development plan

Semiconductor chips are seen on a printed circuit board in this illustration picture taken Feb 17 2023 Reuters-Yonhap — Semiconductor chips on a printed circuit board / Reuters-Yonhap

SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - Viet Nam plans to produce 10,000 semiconductor engineers yearly as part of its semiconductor ecosystem development strategy through 2050, with the Vietnamese market expected to expand to $18.23 billion next year, officials announced at the SEMIExpo in Hanoi last week.

The country has attracted major tech firms, including Samsung Electronics, which launched a specialized master's degree program for top graduates. Intel and Amkor have also established local operations, leveraging the nation's young and skilled workforce.

Planning and Investment Minister Nguyen Chi Dung announced plans to streamline investment procedures and enhance incentives for foreign semiconductor firms, addressing key challenges including administrative processes and clean energy supply. About 50 global semiconductor companies have already invested in the country.

While Viet Nam currently has no semiconductor fabrication facilities, its strategic position and diplomatic ties with both China and the United States have made it an attractive destination for industry investment amid global supply chain shifts.

AJP