Vietnam is showing strong determination to develop its semiconductor industry with support from the United States. Recently, a U.S.-backed institute was established in Hanoi, aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s semiconductor industry capabilities, providing a strategic boost to the country’s semiconductor sector development. The Institute for Policy and Supply Chain Leadership, a collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment and the U.S. State Department, is supported by the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund. Notably, the ITSI Fund is a key initiative under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at strengthening global semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience.

The institute serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it is dedicated to cultivating a robust semiconductor workforce in Vietnam. Secondly, it will contribute to formulating policies that attract investment and innovation in the semiconductor industry. The institute has set clear goals: by 2025, to train 120 university faculty members and 4,000 students in Vietnam to meet U.S. standards across various stages of the semiconductor supply chain. To achieve these objectives, Arizona State University, Vietnam’s National Innovation Center, and Vietnamese universities will play crucial roles.

At the institute’s launch ceremony, Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, stated that this was a very practical and meaningful way to celebrate the first anniversary of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasized that this initiative strongly affirms Vietnam’s determination to seize opportunities and become an important link in the global value chain of the semiconductor industry. Minister Dung also revealed that his ministry is developing a long-term plan to cultivate the workforce for Vietnam’s semiconductor industry until 2050, which will soon be submitted to the government. He expressed confidence that with the support of major U.S. tech companies and universities, Vietnam’s goal of training 50,000 semiconductor engineers and graduates by 2030 will be achieved quickly.

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc Knapper, stated at the ceremony that the United States is proud to invest in Vietnam’s future through workforce development programs that establish lasting partnerships. He emphasized that the two countries are jointly building institutional connections that will shape the semiconductor industry in the coming years.

Notably, Vietnam is one of eight strategic countries selected for ITSI Fund support. Other countries include Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, and India, all supported by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. The ITSI Fund has provided $13.8 million to Arizona State University to drive talent development and formulate public policy recommendations in these countries.

As part of the project, Arizona State University is collaborating with educational institutions in Vietnam. This collaboration allows Vietnamese professors and students to receive guidance and access courses on semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) capabilities.

To further explore Vietnam’s development prospects in the semiconductor field, a series of seminars will be held in Hanoi until Thursday this week. The main purpose of these seminars is to identify Vietnam’s strengths and challenges in the semiconductor sector and develop action plans to enhance its capabilities. These discussions will provide important references for Vietnam to formulate more precise and effective semiconductor industry development strategies.

Key points:

1. Vietnam establishes the Institute for Policy and Supply Chain Leadership with U.S. support, aimed at developing the semiconductor industry.
2. The institute aims to train 120 faculty members and 4,000 students by 2025, with Vietnam planning to cultivate 50,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030.
3. The ITSI Fund supports Vietnam and seven other strategic countries in developing the semiconductor industry, reflecting the U.S.-Vietnam strategic partnership.
4. Arizona State University launches an online portal offering free semiconductor-related courses.
5. The Vietnamese government demonstrates determination to develop the semiconductor industry and is formulating a long-term talent cultivation plan.
6. A series of seminars are being held in Hanoi to identify Vietnam’s strengths and challenges in the semiconductor field and develop action plans.

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