Vietnamese youth set to excel in high-tech industries
ENGAGED LEARNING: Engineering students conduct experiments at Saigon Hi-tech Park Training Centre in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ |
Young people in Việt Nam are at the forefront of innovation and technological changes, particularly in AI and semiconductor production.
These industries are viewed as essential for driving economic breakthroughs, helping the country transition out of the middle-income trap. As a result, the younger generation is placed at the centre of this transformation, both in terms of opportunities and challenges.
Trần Đăng Hòa, chair of FPT Information System (FPT IS), believes that young Vietnamese professionals have a unique opportunity to excel in these industries, which are forecast to reach a US$1 trillion market value by 2030.
"Việt Nam has strong advantages in these sectors and is building a solid reputation," Hòa said, underscoring that the country's investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects is paying off.
According to Hòa, the country has long been recognised for its excellence in mathematics, physics and chemistry, fields that are crucial for AI and semiconductor production.
"The government’s emphasis on STEM education is vital for the future, ensuring that young people will have the skills to thrive in these sectors," he said.
Amid the rapid technological advancements, young Vietnamese like Lương Thị Nhung, a third-year student at the University of Transport and Communications, are both excited and apprehensive.
Majoring in logistics and supply chain management, Nhung uses software like SPSS and Solver to analyse data and solve optimisation problems. While she recognises the advantages that AI brings, she is also wary of becoming overly reliant on technology.
"AI can solve complex problems in minutes that take me hours, but it’s important not to become dependent on these tools," she said.
Nhung believes that young people must be proactive in learning about new technologies, staying updated, and constantly honing their skills. "If we don't adapt, we risk becoming obsolete in this fast-moving digital age."
WHIZZKIDS: Students learn to design semiconductor circuits at FPT University in Hà Nội. Photo vietnamplus.vn |
The Government has set ambitious goals for the country’s technology sector, aiming to train 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030. This is a key part of the strategy to develop the semiconductor industry, which is essential not only for manufacturing but also for broader digital transformation efforts.
For students like Tạ Bảo Huy, a first-year electronics and telecommunications major at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Government's focus on semiconductors brings a mixture of excitement and challenge. Huy, who is studying in an advanced programme taught in English, finds the technical content challenging.
"It's difficult enough to understand these complex subjects in Vietnamese, but studying them in English adds another layer of difficulty," he said.
Despite the challenges, Huy is determined to seek out additional training, internships, and projects that will help him gain practical experience in semiconductor and AI technologies.
Gap between academia and workplace
While Vietnamese students are well-educated in STEM subjects, many industry leaders have noted a gap between academic training and the practical skills needed in the workplace.
Trần Anh Minh, vice president of research at Nexus Photonics, described his experience trying to hire Vietnamese engineers for his company.
"They have good academic knowledge, but they often lack the practical skills needed to solve real-world problems," Minh said.
After meeting with several candidates, Minh realised that it would take more than a year of training to bring them up to the level of their US counterparts.
This gap inspired Minh to establish the Vietnam Semiconductor Foundation (ViSEMI), an organisation that aims to help final-year students gain hands-on experience.
ViSEMI offers an intensive three-month training course, followed by a three-month internship at a global research institute or technology company. Minh hopes to train 60 job-ready engineers every six months.
"Our goal is to prepare these students to work at the same level as engineers in the US and other major tech markets," he said.
In addition to training final-year students, ViSEMI is also targeting MA and PhD students who are studying engineering abroad. Minh believes these students will form the backbone of Việt Nam’s future semiconductor industry.
"We estimate that we can train 300 highly skilled engineers every three years," he said.
OFFICIAL LOOK: Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng (middle) views technological tools developed by the University of Transport and Communications at the conference Innovate Vietnam earlier this month. — Photo www.utc.edu.vn |
ViSEMI is not alone in its efforts to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs. Major tech companies like FPT and Intel have launched their own initiatives to support the development of Việt Nam’s engineering workforce. FPT IS, for example, offers degree programmes and short courses designed to train workers for jobs in semiconductor packaging and testing.
"We work closely with partners like NVIDIA and Microsoft to ensure our programmes meet global industry standards," Hòa said.
Intel is also playing a significant role in workforce development. Sarah Kemp, Intel’s vice president of international government affairs, highlighted the company's AI-focused programmes like "AI for Youth" and "AI for Future Workforce", which offer thousands of hours of training content.
Kemp emphasised the importance of collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Training, and local universities to bring these programmes to Việt Nam. "We’re excited to help train the next generation of Vietnamese engineers," she said.
As Việt Nam continues to focus on AI and semiconductor production, there is widespread optimism about the country’s ability to become a major player in these industries. Success, however, will require sustained investment in education, training, and infrastructure.
By fostering stronger ties between academia, industry, and government, Việt Nam can ensure that its young people are well-prepared to lead the country into a high-tech future.
While challenges remain, including the need for more practical training and the difficulties of studying in English, Việt Nam's young engineers are determined to rise to the occasion. With support from companies like FPT and Intel, and organisations like ViSEMI, the future of Việt Nam's technology sector looks bright.
See also
Việt Nam and Korean NIPA strengthen tech cooperation
10:42 | 22/11/2024 Science - Technology
Cyberattack risks surge with AI advancements
10:39 | 22/11/2024 Science - Technology
People, community at heart of digital transformation: Deputy PM
09:26 | 21/11/2024 Science - Technology
AI is core technology of 4th Industrial Revolution: Minister
11:19 | 20/11/2024 Science - Technology
Global scientific luminaries to gather at VinFuture sci-tech week
11:08 | 19/11/2024 Science - Technology
Hà Nội to host 2024 e-commerce and digital economy forum on November 21
17:23 | 17/11/2024 Science - Technology
See more news
Telecoms service providers invest in 4G, 5G technologies
17:20 | 17/11/2024 Science - Technology
Việt Nam, US sign cooperation agreement on cybersecurity
09:02 | 15/11/2024 Science - Technology
Viettel launches the world’s first O-RAN 5G Network
16:59 | 14/11/2024 Science - Technology
4G mobile network coverage reaches 99% of Vietnamese population: Minister
16:51 | 13/11/2024 Science - Technology
Quang Ninh to host 3rd Vietnam Int'l Digital Week next week
17:11 | 12/11/2024 Science - Technology
Việt Nam's new fast track policies to boost high-tech investment environment set for approval
09:33 | 09/11/2024 Science - Technology
Practical innovations
09:15 | 06/11/2024 Science - Technology
Technology “key” to attract FDI
09:09 | 05/11/2024 Science - Technology
HCM City partners with Google for Education in digital transformation
14:47 | 04/11/2024 Science - Technology
Việt Nam develops 'purely Vietnamese' generative AI
09:45 | 01/11/2024 Science - Technology
Exhibitions in Hà Nội downtown celebrate Heritage Day
13:55 | 23/11/2024 Culture
Speculation a factor behind skyrocketing housing prices in major cities: ministry
13:44 | 23/11/2024 Economy
Party chief visits embassy, meets with Vietnamese community in Malaysia
13:04 | 23/11/2024 News and Events
Party General Secretary receives leaders of major Malaysian groups
12:57 | 23/11/2024 News and Events
Agritourism needs opportunities to “take off”
12:05 | 23/11/2024 Tourism
Multimedia
Strengthening Vietnam-Cambodia friendship and cooperation
09:00 | 22/11/2024 Infographic
Vietnam - Malaysia Strategic Partnership
10:54 | 21/11/2024 Infographic
Vietnam, Dominican Republic strengthening cooperation
08:45 | 20/11/2024 Infographic
Vietnam - Brazil strategic partnership
10:26 | 19/11/2024 Infographic
Nhon - Hanoi Station elevated urban railway comes into operation
09:04 | 18/11/2024 Infographic
New decree on using telecommunications accounts for payment proposed
09:29 | 22/11/2024 Policy
Parliament approves amendments to pharmacy law
08:54 | 22/11/2024 Policy
VAT tax reduction should continue until mid-2025: Ministry
17:15 | 21/11/2024 Policy
NA deputies scrutinise investment policy for North-South high-speed railway project
08:54 | 21/11/2024 Policy
Vietnam’s automotive supporting industry: A bright future ahead, riding the wave of growth
20:42 | 22/11/2024 Industry
VN's food processing industry struggles to improve quality and value chain integration
11:36 | 22/11/2024 Industry
Tra fish sector aiming for production, processing greening for sustainable development
15:38 | 20/11/2024 Industry
Solutions discussed to ensure coal supply for electricity generation in 2025
16:24 | 19/11/2024 Energy
Thai packaging giant takes 30-year lease for largest ready-built factory in Tay Ninh
16:58 | 22/11/2024 Investment
Workshop seeks ways to attract Japan’s green investment to Vietnam
09:43 | 20/11/2024 Investment
Government approves investment policy to build Cam Lien Industrial Park in Quang Binh
16:57 | 18/11/2024 Investment
Disbursement of public investment must be accelerated: Deputy PM
12:17 | 17/11/2024 Investment
HDBank wins three awards at Vietnam Listed Company Awards 2024
10:53 | 21/11/2024 Finance-Banking
VIB, Flywire partner to streamline cross-border payments for students from Vietnam
16:46 | 18/11/2024 Finance-Banking
Vietcombank issues 2 trillion VND worth of green bonds for first time
18:55 | 16/11/2024 Finance-Banking
UK stands ready to help Vietnam build international financial hub
17:13 | 13/11/2024 Finance-Banking
Significant progress in fisheries' environmental protection but challenges remain
09:35 | 22/11/2024 Environment
Hà Nội prepares for temperature drop as cold front approaches
16:56 | 21/11/2024 Environment
Hundreds of damaged irrigation reservoirs need repairing
09:02 | 20/11/2024 Environment
Greening e-commerce crucial for sustainable development
10:47 | 18/11/2024 Environment
Việt Nam and Korean NIPA strengthen tech cooperation
10:42 | 22/11/2024 Science - Technology
Cyberattack risks surge with AI advancements
10:39 | 22/11/2024 Science - Technology
People, community at heart of digital transformation: Deputy PM
09:26 | 21/11/2024 Science - Technology
AI is core technology of 4th Industrial Revolution: Minister
11:19 | 20/11/2024 Science - Technology
WB suggests five pillars for Vietnam’s electric transport plans
09:23 | 23/11/2024 Society
Association boosts insurance sector’s sustainable development
16:30 | 22/11/2024 Society
Vietnam, Venezuela step up educational cooperation
16:23 | 22/11/2024 Society
A series of scientific seminars on influenza prevention
15:15 | 22/11/2024 Society
Doubling insurance product’s payout significantly benefits customers
16:22 | 22/11/2024 Vietnamese Brands
PJICO: 30 years of development
11:19 | 22/11/2024 Vietnamese Brands
VN takes part in food and beverage fair in Chicago
09:45 | 20/11/2024 Vietnamese Brands
Hòa Bình honey awaits reactions from UK
10:41 | 19/11/2024 Vietnamese Brands
Exhibitions in Hà Nội downtown celebrate Heritage Day
13:55 | 23/11/2024 Culture
Vibrant cultural rendezvous in Hanoi
15:30 | 22/11/2024 Lifestyle
Cultural activities celebrate Việt Nam Heritage Day
10:06 | 22/11/2024 Culture
Bac Ninh Province: Dong Ho folk painting needs urgent safeguarding
15:04 | 20/11/2024 Culture
Agritourism needs opportunities to “take off”
12:05 | 23/11/2024 Tourism
Golden time for community-based tourism development
10:38 | 22/11/2024 Tourism
Christmas Festival to entertain visitors to Đà Nẵng
09:53 | 22/11/2024 Tourism
How trekking the mountains lifted me up and above ... the clouds: conquering Lùng Cúng
09:45 | 22/11/2024 Tourism