Launching the Vietnam Semiconductor Innovation Centre

Launching the Vietnam Semiconductor Innovation Centre

The Vietnam Semiconductor Innovation Centre (VSIC) and the semiconductor startup incubation space FPT-AICHIP was inaugurated by the National Innovation Centre (NIC) and FPT Semiconductor, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, along with technology partners on March 28 in Hanoi.

This marks a significant step forward in Vietnam’s efforts to develop its semiconductor industry, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to innovation, public-private collaboration and developing a highly skilled workforce.

Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in developing a strong workforce and helping Vietnam compete globally. Training needs to shift from a mindset of providing what is available to the practical needs of the market and businesses. Moreover, following international standards will help Vietnamese human resources meet the requirements of the global economy.

“Public-private collaboration and the ‘Three Houses’ model – government, academia and enterprises are key to Vietnam’s semiconductor growth,” Tam said, adding that the Ministry of Finance has tasked the NIC with partnering with top tech firms, notably FPT, to train talent and support chip design at universities.

He said the Ministry of Finance pledged to continue to provide supporting policies for businesses and international partners in growing the industry, aiming to provide thousands of high-skilled semiconductor engineers this year.

NIC director Vu Quoc Huy has highlighted the importance of the Vietnam Semiconductor Innovation Centre (VSIC) and the FPT–AICHIP incubation space in advancing national policies on technological breakthroughs, innovation, and public-private partnerships.

“The VSIC initiative demonstrates the pioneering spirit and strategic vision of the parties involved in developing Vietnam’s semiconductor industry, with the aim of securing a strong position in the global value chain,” he said. “It also contributes to the government’s goal of training 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030 and fostering the growth of 100 chip design enterprises.”

In recent years, NIC has collaborated with leading global technology firms on several initiatives, including short-term semiconductor training scholarships for students and technical support for chip design across around 40 universities in Vietnam.

Tran Dang Hoa, chairman of FPT IS and FPT Semiconductor, emphasised the importance of collaboration in launching the new incubation and development centre. He said the initiative supports government policies while opening up greater opportunities for Vietnamese engineers to develop their skills and advance their careers.

The VSIC was launched by NIC and FPT with support from major tech companies and universities, including Cadence, Keysight, Tektronix, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and Vietnam National University. A key milestone is the participation of Alchip, Taiwan (China)’s leading AI chip company, as a strategic partner. With a valuation of around $7 billion, Alchip is a major player in AI chip design and counts TSMC among its shareholders.

Peter Teng, vice president of Alchip Technologies Limited, said the event marked more than the opening of a new office–it signalled a gateway to unlocking potential and connecting with Vietnam’s outstanding technical talent.

VIR