Training a high-quality workforce for the semiconductor industry in Dong Nai (Article 2)

Article 2: The pioneering role of local universities

The semiconductor chip industry plays an important role in modern economic development. Semiconductor chips are widely used in electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, cameras, medical devices, automated vehicles. In the context of the ongoing 4.0 industrial revolution, the demand for semiconductor chips is growing, especially in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles.

Thirst for semiconductor human resources

Data from the National Science and Technology Information Portal showed that as of the end of 2023, the country had recorded more than 5,500 chip design engineers. The demand for semiconductor human resources in Vietnam is 5,000 - 10,000 engineers/year, but its human resources supply capacity is only less than 20%.

Dong Nai is one of the promising localities in developing the semiconductor industry. With a favorable geographical location, developed infrastructure and open investment attraction policies from the provincial government, many large companies have begun to invest in this field in Dong Nai. However, there is a human resources shortage for the semiconductor sector in Dong Nai.

Human resources training for the semiconductor chip industry in Dong Nai not only creates job opportunities for local workers, but also contributes to promoting the locality's economic and technological development in a smart and sustainable direction. Universities in the province play an important role in training and preparing qualified workforces for this sector, while orienting and promoting the sustainable development of the local and national semiconductor chip industry.

The pioneering role of local universities

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Vu Quynh, Vice Rector of LHU stated: Universities must be proactive to grasp trends and stay one step ahead in providing high-quality human resources for the semiconductor chip industry, firstly the training program and teaching staff. Besides, they really need the deep participation of businesses in training and the companionship of local authorities. "For the past years, LHU has always proactively offered and collaborated with businesses to transfer and receive the transfer of human resources and technology. Therefore, when the demand for human resources training in microchips is raised, LHU has already had all the essential conditions for opening this training major", Mr. Quynh informed.

The deep participation of businesses and the companionship of local authorities will a big driving force for universities in training human resources for the semiconductor industry

To ensure the training of quality human resources, the local universities' trend is to promote cooperation with businesses in the semiconductor chip industry. Among them, LHU is a training institution with many more advantages such as quality of lecturers, training programs, facilities, network of domestic and foreign partners,…. Therefore, the University has been trusted and tasked by the Dong Nai provincial government to establish and operate the Semiconductor IC Center.

"Fortunately, we do not go alone, LHU receives the attention from the provincial government, as well as the Sun Edu International Education Joint Stock Company and Synopsys Group's accompanying commitments. These two businesses not only participate in building advanced training programs, advise LHU in building the Semiconductor IC Center, IC Lab, but also provide LHU lecturers with in-depth training courses. From April 2024, LHU lecturers will participate in training courses organized by these businesses" - Mr. Quynh revealed.

Dong Nai province sending a delegation to explore semiconductor chip production models in Taiwan, including the participation of representatives of local universities 

LHU's Semiconductor IC Center will be a focal point to carry out provincial and ministerial-level scientific research projects in the field of semiconductor ICs, implement technology transfer from advanced countries and territories such as Taiwan (China), Japan, America... serving human resources training and supply for companies in industrial parks in Dong Nai.

LHU's representative (second, left) and Dong Nai provincial delegation visiting and learning semiconductor chip production models at Hsinchu Science Park (Taiwan) in March 2024

"We are making our curriculum updated with the latest technology trends, and ensuring that students are equipped with essential knowledge and skills, while creating favorable conditions for students to participate in semiconductor technology research and development projects, helping them keep up with the latest trends and advances. We have also been speeding up international cooperation in training high-quality workforce for the semiconductor industry. LHU promotes cooperative programs with foreign schools and businesses, such as big universities in Taiwan and the U.S. This helps students access advanced knowledge and technology from developed countries; improve their competitiveness and meet the requirements of the international working environment", Mr. Quynh added.