The semiconductor industry requires highly skilled engineers with up to 6 years of basic and in-depth study. To attract foreign investment and achieve rapid and sustainable economic growth, Vietnam needs to develop a suitable training program for aspiring engineers. This was emphasized by Deputy Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son during a conference titled “Training program for the semiconductor chip industry until 2030 – Challenges and solutions,” which took place on April 26.
Deputy Minister Son highlighted that focusing on training engineers for the semiconductor industry is a strategic move to leverage technology access and transfer opportunities, leading to rapid and sustainable economic growth. He also emphasized that the development of training programs should be industry-driven to ensure proper focus. The current 4-year bachelor’s programs with 1-2 years of intensive training may not be sufficient as the first course may not be available until 2030.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Phong Dien from Hanoi University of Science and Technology sees the demand for engineers in the microchip industry as both an opportunity and a challenge for universities. He recommended that training programs need to align with the actual needs of businesses in terms of quantity and quality, focusing on specific fields within the semiconductor IC industry.
Dr. Nguyen Duc Minh, from the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, proposed a pilot manufacturing program that involves collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners. This program would encompass facilities construction, scholarship incentives, tax benefits, and joint investment in training and research programs for international cooperation.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Son, the Head of the Department of Computer Engineering at the University of Information Technology, suggested piloting a training program focused on System-on-Chip-oriented IC design. This approach would involve mastering the IC design process through system-on-chip design. He also highlighted the need for shared laboratory facilities to build a strong semiconductor chip industry ecosystem that fosters research and trains skilled human resources with a specific focus.