The difficult problem of attracting leading experts in teaching semiconductor chips

Sir, how does Vietnam's current human resources meet the needs of the semiconductor industry in terms of quantity and quality?

- Nowadays, learners and students are aware of the opportunities in the semiconductor industry. In recent years, the benchmark scores for technology majors at major universities such as the National University and Hanoi University of Science and Technology are very high. For example, information technology and computer science are often at the top of the benchmark scale.

There used to be a saying “First medicine, second pharmacy” but now the computer science group has been leading for several consecutive years. It is clear that the shift is following a good trend in choosing a career, especially in the field of science and technology, for young Vietnamese people.

If we take advantage of high-quality resources and capital from technology corporations pouring into Vietnam, and at the same time take advantage of incentive policies for the development of the science and technology industry, it will be a great opportunity for Vietnam to make a breakthrough.

In the high-tech sector, it is difficult to count the number of human resources because one good human resource can be equal to many average human resources. So it is difficult to confirm whether the current human resources can meet the needs of the semiconductor industry or not? But I believe that with high input quality, new training programs that are internationally accredited, Vietnamese human resources can completely meet the needs of businesses.

Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Hai Quan - Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University. Photo: Duc Manh

What do you think are the challenges for universities in Vietnam to catch up with the opportunities of the semiconductor industry?

- Semiconductor industry is a very difficult field. Students when participating in learning and practicing are not as intuitive as other technology industries. For example, artificial intelligence, from images to sounds when programming will produce intuitive results, career opportunities are very clear.

But for the semiconductor industry, it is just like a back-up. You will design the microchips. Once the design is complete, it takes a long time to mold into chips and deploy them outside. Therefore, the biggest challenge is how to make students passionate and follow this industry.

Second, universities in Vietnam are almost lacking in lecturers and professors who are leading in semiconductor technology, especially in microchip design. Because talented people often choose large corporations outside to enjoy higher salaries.

Third, the laboratory system does not meet the requirements of specialized software and equipment. The investment cost is also very expensive.

Finally, the cooperation between universities in Vietnam and businesses or the "three-way" cooperation has not met expectations. How to get businesses to invest in R&D (research and development) in universities, or what policies to promote students and lecturers to start businesses in the semiconductor field...

What solutions are needed to resolve those problems, sir?

- Management agencies need to have a strategy for developing the semiconductor industry. This includes a strategy for human resource development and research and innovation activities. In addition, universities should cooperate with each other and with businesses to attract and train human resources in the semiconductor industry. Most recently, 5 major universities have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly research and develop high-quality human resources in this industry.

Thank you!

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