Join the global technology flow

Vietnam is making efforts to turn the situation around, change the state, and keep up with the general development trend of humanity in the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor industries, with strong determination.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and delegates at the Policy Forum themed “Vietnam proactively develops the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industry in the new era”, on March 14 at the National Innovation Center. (Source: NIC)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the above message at the recent Policy Forum with the theme “Vietnam proactively develops the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industry in the new era”. The forum, within the framework of the International Conference on AI and Semiconductors (AISC) 2025, attracted more than 1,000 leaders and experts from world giants such as Google, Nvidia, IBM, Meta, Intel, TSMC, Samsung, MediaTek, Tokyo Electron, Panasonic, Qorvo, Marvell and technology corporations from Silicon Valley (USA).

Own a "gold mine"

Sharing with more than 1,000 "giants" in the world's AI and semiconductor industries, the Prime Minister said that Vietnam's development perspective is based on the foundation of science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, promoting green economy, digital economy, circular economy, creative economy, sharing economy, knowledge economy, and strongly developing emerging industries such as AI, cloud computing, Internet of Things, and semiconductor chips.

The head of the Government stated that there are three pillars for developing AI and semiconductors. First, institutions. Vietnam will create institutional breakthroughs with a transparent legal environment, cutting 30% of unnecessary administrative procedures, and enhancing decentralization and enforcement capacity.

Second, infrastructure. The government will invest heavily in transportation, telecommunications, information technology, digital infrastructure and energy, ensuring there is no power shortage, thereby reducing input costs and improving competitiveness.

Third, human resources. Vietnam is focusing on implementing and finding solutions to innovate the education and training system towards better quality, focusing on promoting basic research, training English as a second language, and rationally dividing training streams with the spirit of lifelong learning. In particular, the country is striving to achieve the goal of training 100,000 AI and semiconductor engineers in the coming years.

Regarding Vietnam's advantages, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam affirmed that the country is among the top three countries in Southeast Asia in research and development of AI and semiconductors. In recent times, the National Innovation Center (NIC - Ministry of Finance) has cooperated with many leading research institutes, universities and technology enterprises in the world such as the University of Arizona, Cadence, Siemens, Google, Meta, Samsung, Nvidia... to promote incubation, training, and applied research in the fields of AI and semiconductors. Domestically, corporations such as Viettel, VinGroup, FPT, CMC... have also proactively implemented many technology development projects. "Vietnam has great potential for cooperation and attracting investment in this field," the Deputy Minister of Finance affirmed.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Christopher Nguyen, CEO and founder of Aitomatic (USA), said that Vietnam has many advantages to keep up with the strong development of the semiconductor and AI industries globally.

International businesses also highly appreciate Vietnam’s great strides in investing in AI and semiconductor infrastructure, especially through programs to encourage innovation and attract foreign investment. “Japan wants to invest in Vietnam. South Korea wants to invest in Vietnam. Taiwan (China) also wants to invest in Vietnam. And in terms of geopolitics, Vietnam also has a prominent advantage,” said Mr. Christopher Nguyen.

Meanwhile, Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of FPT Corporation, especially emphasized the strong aspiration and spirit in training human resources in the AI ​​and semiconductor industry in Vietnam. According to him, Vietnam is aiming to train 50,000 semiconductor employees by 2030 and will reach hundreds of thousands of employees in the future. “We have prepared a force for a new generation of experts to join the global AI and semiconductor 'flow'. This is a 'gold mine' waiting for international enterprises to exploit,” Mr. Truong Gia Binh expressed.

Seize the “4,000-year opportunity”

Currently, the world is witnessing a tremendous growth in demand for AI chips. Countries such as the US, China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in this field. The race between leading countries in technology is extremely fierce.

In that context, Mr. Christopher Nguyen commented that Vietnam has the opportunity to become an important link in the global supply chain. However, the country also has challenges that need to be resolved immediately to be able to truly "rise" in this field. First of all, human resources. Vietnam has the advantage of a young population that quickly absorbs technology, but still lacks AI experts and highly qualified semiconductor engineers. Training programs for quality human resources need to be prioritized.

Next, on technology infrastructure. Vietnam needs to continue investing in large data centers, high-tech parks, and advanced computing networks. Businesses need a complete technology ecosystem that will facilitate the deployment of AI applications and promote innovation in the semiconductor industry.

Finally, the legal environment. According to Mr. Christopher Nguyen, Vietnam needs to build a clear and flexible legal framework to support the development of AI and semiconductors, while creating a transparent playing field to attract foreign businesses. Perfecting data protection policies, intellectual property and related regulations will help the AI ​​and semiconductor industries develop more sustainably.

“Many people say that now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Vietnam to develop AI and semiconductors. However, in my opinion, this is a once-in-4,000-years opportunity. Mastering technology and moving towards self-reliance in the fields of AI and semiconductors will be the key for Vietnam to build a strong digital economy and enhance its position in the international arena,” Mr. Christopher believes.

Vietnam has many advantages to keep up with the strong development of the semiconductor and AI industries globally. (Photo created by Chat GPT)

Become a “trailblazer”

In order not to miss the opportunity, Vietnam needs to cooperate extensively with international experts and businesses to develop the AI ​​and semiconductor industries. This is also the suggestion of Professor Young-Sup Joo at Seoul National University (South Korea).

This expert hopes that Vietnam can seek new fields and become a “pioneer”. In addition, instead of competing directly with AI powers like the US or China, the Southeast Asian country can focus on applying AI in industry. Investment in AI should not stop at technology but must go hand in hand with human resource development, building digital infrastructure and cooperating with global partners.

According to the Prime Minister, Vietnam needs advice to build a vision and appropriate and feasible goals, and at the same time receive comments to improve institutions, reduce administrative procedures and create a creative environment. Financial support is also an important factor.

At the same time, the country encourages businesses to invest in research and development (R&D) centers and participate in global supply chains to facilitate technology transfer. At the same time, it strengthens cooperation with technology corporations to train high-quality teams, focusing on AI, semiconductors and emerging technology industries.

“The Government is committed to creating favorable conditions for investors with an open business environment, reasonable incentive mechanisms and strong administrative reforms, including implementing a one-stop investment reception model, minimizing costs and procedures for businesses. Vietnam desires a ‘working together, enjoying together, and winning together’ relationship with investors around the world,” the head of Government emphasized.

Strong commitments, strategic vision, aspirations, efforts, and determination have partly demonstrated that the S-shaped country is integrating into the "flow" of AI and semiconductors, improving its position on the global technology map.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hoa-vao-dong-chay-cong-nghe-toan-cau-308285.html