On the morning of November 26, at the National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hoa Lac, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung chaired a working session with the Vietnam Global Innovation Network (VIN). The event gathered nearly 70 experts from 22 countries, along with representatives from ministries, agencies, research institutes, and universities to discuss orientations for the development of Vietnam’s 11 strategic technology sectors.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam is facing an urgent need to build scientific, technological, and innovation capabilities to create new drivers of growth. Among these, strategic technology domains such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, new materials, and biotechnology have been identified as priority areas for the coming period.
He stressed the need for breakthrough mechanisms to mobilize expert resources—especially the pivotal roles of “Chief Engineers” and “Chief Architects” capable of leading large-scale national technology programs with cohesion and long-term vision.
At the session, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Yen – Chairwoman of VSAP Lab and Senior Researcher at Soitec (France) – shared several observations on the development pathway of Vietnam’s semiconductor sector. Below is the full text of her remarks:
1. Introduction and Strategic Significance of VSAP Lab
VSAP Lab – the Vietnam Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Lab-Fab – is a laboratory and pilot production project for advanced semiconductor packaging technology located in Da Nang, Vietnam. The Da Nang People’s Committee approved its investment policy in June 2025. The project’s Groundbreaking Ceremony took place on July 28, 2025, and the Lab-Fab facility is expected to be completed and operational by March 2026.
The project was founded by a team of highly experienced Vietnamese-origin experts working at leading semiconductor corporations in the United States, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, united by a shared aspiration to bring core technologies back to Vietnam.
We focus on R&D, testing, prototyping, and gradually mastering key technologies such as Fan-Out, 2.5D/3D IC, chiplet integration, and advanced packaging for wearables, AI devices, IoT systems, drones, and more.
2. Response to Question 1: What should Vietnam do to promote its strategic technology sectors, especially semiconductors?
Drawing from the experience of developing VSAP Lab and collaborating with international partners, I respectfully propose four major directions:
First, develop critical technology infrastructure:
Vietnam needs core laboratories — semiconductor technology anchors — in design, materials, packaging, and testing. These are essential conditions for domestic tech enterprises to create real products.
Second, establish “breakthrough and long-term” talent policies:
Semiconductors require elite human capital. Vietnam must offer strong incentives for experts and top engineers; promote public–private collaboration in training; and create legal frameworks that enable flexible engagement of international specialists.
Third, create market mechanisms and technology sandboxes:
To motivate Vietnamese enterprises to invest in core technologies, we need regulatory sandboxes for high-tech products, government procurement policies, and strong incentives for technology upgrading.
Fourth, implement preferential policies and a “fast-track one-stop mechanism” for administrative procedures related to semiconductor cleanroom projects (construction, environmental permits, fire safety, semiconductor equipment import procedures, etc.).
3. Response to Question 2: Immediate (1–2 year) solutions and long-term orientations
3.1. In the next 1–2 years, Vietnam can immediately:
• Establish clear investment mechanisms (capital, human resources, infrastructure, incentives, streamlined procedures) to set up three specialized experimental centers (design – packaging – testing) to meet urgent industry and academic needs.
• Develop and flexibly operate a Semiconductor Technology Innovation Support Fund for SMEs and startups.
• Build substantive partnerships with semiconductor-leading nations through technology alliances and shared infrastructure programs.
In particular, as the U.S. and its allies increasingly enforce export-control mechanisms on advanced technologies and equipment, Vietnam falls under the group required to comply with these regulations — resulting in significant compliance time and cost. We hope the Government will negotiate and support Vietnamese semiconductor projects in this regard.
3.2. For the long term, we need to:
• Develop a comprehensive “Make in Vietnam” semiconductor ecosystem and a National Strategy on advanced packaging and chiplet technologies — areas where Vietnam can leapfrog and shape a unique identity.
• Position Vietnam as a destination within the ASEAN semiconductor supply chain, especially in design, packaging, and intelligent system manufacturing.
• Invest systematically in R&D: expanding research talent and upgrading capabilities from materials, MEMS components, and sensors to chiplets and AI-driven semiconductor design.
4. Policy Recommendations for VSAP Lab
To enable VSAP Lab to fulfill its mission as a “national strategic infrastructure for advanced packaging” and as the connector from IC design to advanced semiconductor packaging in Vietnam, we respectfully propose three key policy mechanisms:
- Government grants covering 30–50% of investment costs for equipment, materials, and personnel under the Joint Design, Chiplet Manufacturing, and Advanced Packaging Alliance between leading universities and VSAP Lab.
- Government research procurement and prototype product development for selected national-priority electronic products, creating an initial market for Vietnamese semiconductor firms.
- Policies supporting housing, salary supplements, and living stability during the first 05 years to attract international experts for short- and long-term work at VSAP Lab.
The working session at NIC provided a valuable opportunity for domestic and overseas experts to share insights and contribute recommendations for Vietnam’s strategic technology development roadmap. The proposals presented — including those from VSAP Lab — are expected to help refine policies, strengthen infrastructure, and develop talent, thereby building a strong foundation for enhancing Vietnam’s competitiveness in critical technology sectors.
Tiếng Việt