The emergence of semiconductor technology training programs is becoming a notable trend within Vietnamese educational institutions, aiming to address the growing demand for skilled engineers in this field.
Deputy Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son noted that while such training initiatives aren’t entirely new, with major universities having offered similar programs for years, enrollment and graduation rates remain relatively low. The shortage of high-quality human resources, particularly in high-tech sectors, poses a challenge in attracting major corporations to invest in research, development, and manufacturing within Vietnam.
Approximately 35 local higher education institutions have the capability to participate in this trend, with over 10 currently offering semiconductor training programs.
Notably, leading universities with expertise in engineering and technology disciplines, such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam National University in Hanoi, and Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, have heavily invested in their faculty and infrastructure, including well-equipped laboratories. Meanwhile, other institutions are actively preparing infrastructure, leveraging existing expertise from related fields, recruiting new faculty, and investing in laboratory facilities and practical training to engage in this promising area.
Son underscored the immediate priority of enhancing the capacity of higher education institutions, particularly in terms of faculty expertise, infrastructure, technological resources, curriculum development, and software tools.
Recently, the University of Engineering and Technology under Vietnam National University in Hanoi, along with the Republic of Korea-based conglomerate Samsung Electronics, signed a cooperation agreement to launch the VNU-Samsung Technology Track (V-STT) scholarship program. This initiative supports exceptional students in pursuing master’s degree training in semiconductor and microchip fields. Upon graduation, these students will have opportunities to work within Samsung’s semiconductor chip division in the Republic of Korea.
The introduction of semiconductor and microchip training programs appears timely. However, experts caution against universities hastily adopting this trend. They stress the importance of carefully considering the quality of graduates and post-graduation employment opportunities.
