Recently, at the Conference on Connecting Supply and Demand for Semiconductor IC Human Resources in Danang, Rectors of  member universities of the University of Danang (UD): UD-University of Science and Technology, UD-University of Technology and Education, and UD-the Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (UD-VKU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Da Nang Semiconductor & AI Center for Research and Training (DSAC) on coordination in research, training, and fostering on semiconductor microchips and artificial intelligence. The initiative strengthens a triangular model of “three parties” (State-university-enterprise) to join forces to develop these key industries.

UD fulfills the mission of training high-quality human resources, accompanying the city in developing the semiconductor industry.

According to a representative of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW (November 17, 2022) by the Central Committee outlines the mission to further accelerate Vietnam's industrialization and modernization by 2030, with a vision towards 2045. The resolution establishes the development and implementation of the National Program to enhance the independence, autonomy, self-reliance, and resilience of Vietnam's production sector by 2045 (Make in Vietnam 2045). The program prioritizes the growth of industries that apply high-value-added, low-carbon technologies while encouraging investments in innovation and mastery of core and foundational technologies.

03 UD’s member universties:

UD-DUT, UD-UTE and UD-VKU signed an MOU to cooperate with DSAC

The Government has established the National Steering Committee for the Development of the Semiconductor Industry (Decision No. 791/QĐ-TTg, dated August 8, 2024), with the task of researching, consulting, recommending, and proposing strategies and solutions to promote the growth of Vietnam’s semiconductor industry.

This task requires the development of high-quality human resources, promoting scientific research and innovation, and startups, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and semiconductor chips.

UD's member universities proactively participate in opening majors, recruiting students to train human resources to serve the development needs of the Semiconductor Chip Industry.

According to representatives of Da Nang city leaders, Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15 (June 26, 2024) of the National Assembly was approved on the organization of urban government and piloting specific mechanisms and policies to develop Da Nang city, including outstanding preferential policies for strategic investors and strategic partners in the field of microchips and artificial intelligence.

This presents both opportunities and challenges for Danang to not only take advantage of opportunities and create strong breakthroughs but also for universities, including UD, with its leading role and prestigious position in the country's higher education system, to continue affirming the core and key mission in training and providing high-quality human resources.

UD-DUT invests in an IC Design Practice Room equipped with a computer system with Cadence Standard IC Design Toolkit

This pioneering and proactive approach has been demonstrated through several key initiatives:

At the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year, UD hosted the event to establish an alliance of leading universities, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training, to spearhead education and research in semiconductor chip technology;

The university also signed a cooperative agreement with the State of Oregon, USA, including University of Portland, a leading institution in semiconductor technology, which will serve as a strategic partner, offering support and collaboration;

UD directed its member universities to take early action: All three of its key engineering and technology-focused institutions - UD-DUT, UD-UTE, and UD-VKU simultaneously opened the field and enrolled students in Semiconductor Circuits;

–UD-DUT is a pioneer in connecting with partner organizations and businesses to provide short-term training on "Basic VLSI IC physical design" for officials, lecturers, and students.

UD has actively engaged with leading corporate partners from the United States, South Korea, and Taiwan (China) to leverage their expertise and resources. These collaborations aim to implement training programs and professional development courses for faculty and students in related fields;

In parallel, the university has invested in enhancing its infrastructure, opening the Semiconductor Circuit and Smart Technology Research Center at UD-VKU, the Semiconductor Chip Design Lab at UD-DUT, and the Semiconductor Laboratory at UD-UTE.

UD_UTE signed a cooperation agreement with the National Innovation Center in the field of training and research on semiconductor circuits and advanced technology

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of UD-VKU, the three-member universities of UD recently collaborated with DSAC, the Institute of Information Technology, Hanoi National University, and Synopsys Corporation to conduct the first training course for 25 semiconductor design instructors in the city. Additionally, an Upskill class was organized for 14 students in related fields.

Danang’s goal to train and supply 1,500 to 2,000 semiconductor IC engineers by 2030 is feasible because UD-VKU has announced enrolment to train Semiconductor IC Design Engineers from 2024, with the total target by 2028 is expected to be from 600 - 1,000 engineers.

According to UD-VKU leadership, particularly, the 2024 admission, UD-VKU's Semiconductor Circuit Design Engineering major with 60 targets, has attracted great attention from candidates and parents with more than 1,500 total applications, including the entrance benchmark result is 27 points (top in the country).

Form and foster an innovation ecosystem in semiconductor microchips and AI

The strong collaboration between universities, businesses, and government authorities from the central level to the city of Danang has led to the positive impact of the first successful “Danang Semiconductor Day 2024” event. Moving forward, this event will be held annually on August 30, with a core focus on developing the workforce in semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence.

The event aims to foster both domestic and international partnerships to attract investment and expedite the formation of a robust semiconductor and AI ecosystem in the city.