Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park: Pioneering a new model of semiconductor talent collaboration

The Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park aims to transform into a vibrant nexus where enterprises, research institutes, universities, and government agencies converge to nurture semiconductor talent for Hanoi and beyond.

Tran Dac Trung, Deputy Head of the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park Management Board, passionately outlined this vision during today’s [July 30] seminar, organized by the Hanoi Promotion Agency and several others, on advancing the semiconductor industry's workforce.

Tran Dac Trung, Deputy Head of the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park Management Board, speaks at the conference. Photos: Phi Nhat

"At today’s conference, representatives from research institutes, universities, and government agencies gathered to forge a new path for advancing the semiconductor industry in Hanoi and across the country. 'I hope the hi-tech park will spark a ripple effect that drives economic growth in the capital,' he told The Hanoi Times.

He highlighted Hanoi’s current focus on semiconductor industry development and emphasized the potential of the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park’s universities, research institutes, and enterprises. The park's management board is poised to propose policies that address the evolving needs of the park and its stakeholders.

Trung also noted that the Hi-tech Park Management Board will concentrate on creating investment strategies tailored to the needs of businesses, researchers, and students in the semiconductor field."

Speaking at the event, Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s National Innovation Center (NIC), which fosters connections and supports collaborations between foreign enterprises and research institutes on innovation, shared an exciting update: "NIC, based in the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, is drawing significant interest from semiconductor companies. We are eager to work with the City People's Committee, the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment, and the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park to streamline administrative procedures, making it easier for investors to save time and navigate the process."

Hoai elaborated on NIC’s role in shaping the semiconductor workforce development plan through 2030. He highlighted recommendations for subsidizing initial investment costs for semiconductor industry participants, aiming to position Vietnam as a leading hub for semiconductor talent.

"We envision Hanoi, particularly the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, becoming a magnet for technology giants and a nurturing ground for future tech talent," Hoai emphasized.

He also revealed that just two weeks ago, NIC engaged in discussions with Japan, which is interested in developing a plan to train 100,000 high-tech engineers, including in the semiconductor field, across Vietnam and ASEAN. NIC is actively exploring this collaboration with Vietnam.

Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the NIC, gives a speech at the event.

NIC is actively working to identify resources to bolster local universities in developing robust semiconductor workforce training programs—a crucial challenge as Vietnam seeks to make its mark in the semiconductor industry, according to the Deputy Director.

FPT University Chairman Le Truong Tung shared that the university began training microchip engineers in 2023, with plans to produce around 1,000 design and testing engineers by 2024. These programs will be offered at their campuses in Hanoi's Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Tung also highlighted the university’s commitment to securing employment for its graduates. However, he acknowledged the difficulty in attracting a significant number of students to this field. To address this, the university is exploring ways to make the major more appealing beyond just competitive salaries.

Additionally, FPT University is introducing tuition support policies for Vietnamese students and will advocate for similar policies with its international training partners.

He stressed the urgent need for semiconductor training on a large scale and in a condensed timeframe, as experts believe Vietnam has just three years to align with industry trends. Tung emphasized that Vietnam’s semiconductor workforce must meet global standards, serving both domestic and international facilities. "Our focus will be on short-term intensive programs as well as long-term and postgraduate training," he said.

A corner of Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, about 30 km from Hanoi.