The recent semiconductor chip shortage crisis has paralyzed production lines in several countries. In this context, the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia has emerged as a solution, with Vietnam expected to become a focal point in the global semiconductor investment chain.
Visitors at VIIE 2023 International Innovation Exhibition in Vietnam Show Great Interest in UIT's Microchip Products
According to economic experts' forecasts, in the next 5 years, the semiconductor industry will require about 20,000 skilled workers, and in the next 10 years, this number will rise to 50,000 individuals with at least a bachelor's degree. Currently, only about 20% of this demand is met by the domestic workforce.
The demand for skilled labor in the microchip technology sector is rapidly increasing. Universities have recognized this demand and are strategizing their training programs accordingly. The Ministry of Education and Training has compiled plans from various universities to form a comprehensive strategy. Despite the limitations in laboratory facilities and equipment, Deputy Minister Hoang Minh Son stated, "The challenge lies in ensuring the quality of education under these circumstances. We will plan to enhance our capabilities to attract more students to pursue microchip technology."
Currently, there are approximately 35 higher education institutions in Vietnam involved in training the workforce for various stages of the semiconductor technology process. Among them, 11 universities offer programs closely related to this field such as Electronics and Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Automation Control, and Computer Engineering. Some of these institutions are expected to play a leading role by becoming the core centers for semiconductor industry education.
A Classroom Session on Microchip Design by UIT Students
According to a report from the Labor Forecast Center of Ho Chi Minh City, Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Tu Anh, the Presidents of VNUHCM-University of Information Technology, stated that the semiconductor workforce is one of the city's four key sectors until 2030. Therefore, there will be a high demand for high-quality human resources in this field. Dr. Vu Hai Quan, Associate Professor and Ph.D., the Chancellor of the Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, added that during the period from 2023 to 2030, the university will establish undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Microchip technology, aiming to train approximately 1,500 engineers and 500 masters, gradually meeting the labor market's demands.
For several years, the member universities of the Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City have implemented programs related to microchip design and semiconductor technology. Professor Dr. Nguyen Hoang Tu Anh noted that in 2006, the University of Information Technology enrolled students in Microchip Design specialization. In the academic year 2024-2025, the University of Information Technology plans to enroll students in the Microchip Design program, ensuring that the curriculum and skills align with the industry needs. Additionally, the university is developing plans for scholarships, investment in infrastructure, human resources, and expert teams to support education and research. Furthermore, they have proposed to the Ministry of Education and Training to swiftly consider and supplement the direct training code for semiconductor microchip technology, guide the construction of the field and training programs, and facilitate the connection of international experts and international universities with Vietnamese educational institutions to foster the training of human resources for the semiconductor industry.
