The Challenges of Developing Vietnam’s Semiconductor Industry

Vietnam’s ambitions to become a prominent player in the global semiconductor industry have been increasingly apparent. With a growing market for semiconductors and a push to attract foreign investors, the country has set its sights on transforming its economy and climbing up the global supply chain. However, the journey towards achieving this goal is riddled with challenges, particularly in the realm of producing highly skilled engineers.

One of the key obstacles in Vietnam’s path to semiconductor success is the shortage of qualified engineers. While the country aims to expand its pool of semiconductor engineers from 5,000 to 20,000 in the next five years and 50,000 within the next decade, the current rate of producing only 500 qualified engineers per year falls significantly short of the target. This shortage poses a significant roadblock to Vietnam’s semiconductor ambitions.

Despite efforts to introduce additional programs focusing on semiconductor and chip design, experts emphasize the need for quality education and training that equips students with practical skills demanded by top semiconductor firms. While theoretical knowledge is essential, the lack of investment in infrastructure and equipment for students to practice poses a challenge. Without the necessary resources and practical training, graduates may struggle to meet the demands of the industry.

Another critical issue facing Vietnam’s semiconductor industry is the risk of brain drain. The low salaries in Vietnam, particularly in comparison to top chip-making nations like Taiwan, pose a significant challenge in retaining top talent. The allure of higher pay and better opportunities abroad may lead skilled engineers to seek employment outside of Vietnam, creating a potential talent drain that hinders the industry’s growth.

Moreover, there seems to be ambiguity surrounding Vietnam’s goals in developing its semiconductor industry. The question of whether the country aims to establish a national champion company akin to Samsung or simply attract more investment remains unanswered. This lack of clarity may impede progress and hinder efforts to create a cohesive strategy for industry development.

While Vietnam’s aspirations to become a semiconductor hub hold promise, the challenges it faces are significant. Addressing the shortage of skilled engineers, improving the quality of education and training, mitigating the risk of brain drain, and clarifying strategic goals are key areas that require attention. By overcoming these obstacles, Vietnam may be better positioned to realize its ambitions and establish itself as a competitive player in the global semiconductor market.