Overview of the Semiconductor Market in Vietnam

According to data from Statista Market Insights, Vietnam’s semiconductor market revenue is projected to reach $18.23 billion in 2024 and climb to $31.39 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.48% between 2024 and 2029.[1] Globally, the semiconductor industry is on track to become a trillion-dollar market by 2030, driven by robust demand. However, the sector faces critical challenges, particularly in workforce shortages and supply chain constraints. [2]

Revenue of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam (Billion USD)

Source: Statista

Rising Demand for Skilled Human Resources

In the field of chip design, Vietnam is home to around 50-60 companies, excluding an increasing number of startups fueled by investments from countries like China, Taiwan, and the U.S. Despite this growth, Vietnam faces significant challenges in meeting the demand for skilled engineers. The nation currently has more than 5,000 semiconductor design engineers, concentrated largely in Ho Chi Minh City, where over 30 companies operate. The influx of global design firms into Vietnam is expected to further amplify the need for talent.[3]

Globally, the semiconductor supply chain can be categorized into four segments: chip design, fabrication, assembly/testing, and equipment manufacturing. Vietnam primarily contributes to the design and assembly/testing stages, with global revenues for chip design alone reaching $215 billion in 2022. However, Vietnam’s workforce capacity remains limited, underscoring the urgency for workforce development.[4]

Government Policies and Training Initiatives

In September 2024, the Prime Minister approved Decision 1017/QD-TTg, outlining a national semiconductor development strategy and a program to nurture semiconductor talent by 2030, with a long-term vision extending to 2050.[5]

• – The goals include training 50,000 semiconductor engineers with a university-level education or higher by 2028 (15,000 design engineers and 35,000 manufacturing and packaging engineers), increasing to over 100,000 by 2038. [6]
• – Additionally, the government aims to develop at least 5,000 specialists in artificial intelligence to support the semiconductor industry. [7]
• – In-depth training on semiconductor industry for 1,300 Vietnamese lecturers teaching at research institutes, universities, training support facilities and enterprises.[8]
• – Educational institutions are actively tailoring their curricula to meet industry demands. Notably, 18 public universities and institutions nationwide have been prioritized by the government for investment in semiconductor laboratories to support training efforts. These include institutions such as Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam National University Hanoi, Hue University, and Danang University, among others.[9]

Collaboration with global technology leaders is also a key focus. Some of the case studies emphasize the cooperation between business and educational institutions including:

• – The University of Science and Technology, University of Danang, discussed collaboration with Marvell Group, a global leader in semiconductor chip design and data infrastructure. Key topics included Marvell’s involvement in Capstone projects, student internships, graduation support, equipment provision for training, and recruitment of graduates.
• – The University of Technical Education, University of Danang, recently launched a three-month microchip design training course with nearly 30 participants. The program was developed with significant support from Acronic Solutions Company Limited, the only Vietnamese private firm in Central Vietnam specializing in FPGA-based microchip design and complete product integration.
• – The University of Science and Technology, University of Danang, hosted a basic VLSI microchip physical design training course for the Central region. This initiative was organized by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, in collaboration with FPT Corporation, Tresemi Organization (Silicon Valley), and Cadence Corporation.[10]

Conclusion

Vietnam’s geopolitical stability and competitive costs make it an attractive destination for international semiconductor companies. Vietnamese engineers, known for their strong academic foundations, adaptability, and collaborative spirit, are well-positioned to thrive in this high-growth industry.[11]

With government-backed training initiatives and private-sector collaboration, Vietnam has the potential to become a key player in the trillion-dollar semiconductor industry, securing a competitive edge in the global market.

[1] https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/semiconductors/vietnam#revenue

[2] https://en.vneconomy.vn/vietnam-holds-promise-in-chip-design.htm

[3] https://vneconomy.vn/con-so-muc-tieu-ky-su-ban-dan-cua-viet-nam-du-hap-dan-cac-tap-doan-chip-toan-cau.htm

[4] https://vneconomy.vn/viet-nam-thieu-hut-tram-trong-nguon-nhan-luc-nganh-ban-dan.htm

[5] https://baochinhphu.vn/day-manh-dao-tao-nhan-luc-cho-nganh-cong-nghiep-ban-dan-va-mot-so-nganh-cong-nghe-so-cot-loi-10224120419070798.htm

[6] https://vneconomy.vn/con-so-muc-tieu-ky-su-ban-dan-cua-viet-nam-du-hap-dan-cac-tap-doan-chip-toan-cau.htm

[7]https://phongthanhtra.neu.edu.vn/Resources/Docs/SubDomain/phongthanhtra/Th%C3%B4ng%20bao/625371.pdf

[8]https://phongthanhtra.neu.edu.vn/Resources/Docs/SubDomain/phongthanhtra/Th%C3%B4ng%20bao/625371.pdf

[9] https://phongthanhtra.neu.edu.vn/Resources/Docs/SubDomain/phongthanhtra/Th%C3%B4ng%20bao/625371.pdf

[10] https://giaoducthoidai.vn/doanh-nghiep-cung-tham-gia-dao-tao-nhan-luc-nganh-cong-nghiep-ban-dan-post675283.html

[11] https://vneconomy.vn/con-so-muc-tieu-ky-su-ban-dan-cua-viet-nam-du-hap-dan-cac-tap-doan-chip-toan-cau.htm

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