Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy in Ho Chi Minh City: Orientation to 2050

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has just implemented the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy and the Human Resource Development Program for the Semiconductor Industry and Core Digital Technology to turn Ho Chi Minh City into a leading regional and international semiconductor industry center.

Vision and Development Goals

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has recently launched the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy and the Human Resource Development Program for this industry and core digital technologies. The goal is to establish HCMC as a leading semiconductor hub in both the regional and global markets.

HCMC has issued an Implementation Plan for Vietnam’s Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy and the Human Resource Development Program for the industry through 2030, with a vision extending to 2050. This plan aims to position HCMC as a top-tier center, providing a strong foundation for fostering innovation, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and strengthening research in high-tech sectors.

Quality Human Resources

A crucial focus of the strategy is workforce training. The city aims to train at least 9,000 professionals with university-level education or higher by 2030 to meet the growing demands of the industry. This training will not only concentrate on integrated circuit (IC) design engineers but will also expand into related fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cybersecurity, and blockchain technology. The objective is to build a highly skilled workforce capable of sustaining the rapid growth of Vietnam’s semiconductor industry.

Establishing Research and Development (R&D) Centers

One of the key initiatives is the establishment of internationally standardized research and development (R&D) centers specializing in semiconductor technology and core digital fields. These centers will act as hubs connecting experts, scientists, and enterprises from both domestic and international markets to facilitate research, technology transfer, and the development of high-application products. Additionally, the construction and operation of a national-level shared semiconductor laboratory at Vietnam National University – HCMC will play a vital role in enhancing research capacity and testing new products.

Building an Innovation Ecosystem

HCMC is committed to fostering an innovation ecosystem within the semiconductor industry. This ecosystem will comprise startups, innovation-support organizations, and specialized research universities focusing on semiconductor technology. Investing in this ecosystem will enhance domestic production capabilities, reduce dependence on imports, and provide Vietnamese companies with better integration into the global supply chain.

Policy Framework and Investment Support

Between 2025 and 2030, HCMC will implement a range of tailored policies and incentives to support the semiconductor industry. These policies will include tax incentives, investment support, and favorable conditions for businesses to access land and infrastructure. Additionally, the city aims to attract at least 20 investment projects within the Hi-Tech Park and key industrial zones, creating an enabling environment for multinational corporations and major domestic enterprises to expand their operations.

Promoting Research and International Cooperation

To accelerate industry development, HCMC will enhance research collaboration and international partnerships in the field. The city plans to work closely with research institutes, corporations, and organizations from technologically advanced semiconductor nations such as the United States, Japan, and South Korea. These partnerships will facilitate technology transfer and joint R&D projects focused on specialized chips, advanced electronic materials and systems. This approach will allow HCMC to quickly adopt cutting-edge technologies and progressively establish independent semiconductor production capabilities.

Fostering Startups and Innovation

To support startups and innovation, HCMC will invest in infrastructure, provide startup support services, and organize networking events with venture capital funds. By creating a favorable environment for startups, the city aims to encourage new ideas and offer emerging semiconductor businesses access to major investors in high-tech sectors.

Public Awareness and Industry Promotion

A vital aspect of this industry development strategy is public awareness and industry promotion. HCMC will organize competitions, awards, and technology exhibitions to recognize outstanding achievements in semiconductor design and innovation. These activities will not only raise awareness of the sector’s importance but also inspire creativity, research, and the development of advanced technological products.

Sources: Various sources