FPT cultivates human resources to advance the Vietnam-US semiconductor market

Recently, Mr. Tran Dang Hoa, Chairman of FPT IS and FPT Semiconductor, participated in the "US International Technology Innovation and Security (ITSI) Fund Announcement Ceremony in Vietnam." Alongside leaders from prominent organizations and semiconductor companies, he explored initiatives and collaborative opportunities to boost human resource training and technology development for the emerging semiconductor markets in Vietnam and the US.

The event, organized by the National Innovation Center in partnership with the US Department of State, the US Embassy in Vietnam, and Arizona State University, marked a significant milestone. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung highlighted that the announcement of the US International Technology Innovation and Security (ITSI) Fund in Vietnam is a meaningful gesture celebrating the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the US. Both countries have agreed to prioritize innovation and high technology, particularly the semiconductor industry, as critical areas of their bilateral cooperation. This event also represents a crucial step in the implementation of the "Developing Human Resources for the Semiconductor Industry to 2030, with a Vision to 2050" project, which has been developed and submitted to the Prime Minister by the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Mr. Tran Dang Hoa - Chairman of FPT IS and FPT Semiconductor - spoke at the event.

Established under the US CHIPS Act of 2022, the ITSI Fund aims to boost semiconductor capabilities and supply chain resilience globally. It targets eight strategic countries: Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Indonesia, the Philippines, Kenya, India, and Vietnam. The US Department of State has allocated 13.8 million USD to Arizona State University (ASU) to support talent development and formulate public policy recommendations in these nations.

Marc Knapper, the US Ambassador to Vietnam, highlighted that this program will enable Vietnamese experts to showcase their capabilities in the semiconductor sector. He remarked, “The United States is committed to investing in Vietnam’s future through workforce development programs, fostering enduring partnerships. Together, we forge relationships that will shape the semiconductor industry for years to come.”

At the seminar "Increasing Investment and Promoting the Vietnamese Semiconductor Ecosystem," Mr. Tran Dang Hoa, Chairman of FPT IS, alongside leaders from top semiconductor technology companies, discussed strategies for capitalizing on industry opportunities. The focus was on attracting and developing talent within the semiconductor sector.

"We recognize the gap between training programs and the actual standards required by enterprises. To address this, FPT is committed to bridging the disconnection by establishing international learning and working standards. Just as we founded FPT University to train software professionals, we're applying a similar approach to the semiconductor sector. Following President Biden's visit to Vietnam, FPT University, in collaboration with FPT Semiconductor, launched the Faculty of Microchips and Semiconductors. This initiative aims to develop high-quality talent and advance research in microchips and semiconductors, enhancing Vietnam's competitiveness in the global arena", Mr. Hoa said.

The semiconductor industry's evolution has traveled from the US to Japan, Taiwan, and China, and now presents an opportunity for Vietnam. With support from the ISTI Fund, Vietnam stands out due to its strong STEM foundation and its cultural similarities with successful semiconductor nations like Japan and Korea. These factors position Vietnam as a promising future hub for the semiconductor industry.

Mr. Hoa emphasized that the ITSI Fund and the backing of the US government will pave the way for Vietnam to build a robust semiconductor industry beyond its traditional software sector. FPT is committed to investing in and developing resources and technology while expanding comprehensive partnerships with US and international firms to advance the semiconductor supply chain.
In the semiconductor field, FPT stands out as the first Vietnamese company to design commercial chips, with a remarkable 70 million chip orders from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The Corporation collaborates with numerous global organizations and companies. For resource development, FPT has established a range of training programs, from university and college-level courses to cooperative training with leading Vietnamese experts and international universities. This approach not only accelerates the expansion of skilled resources but also supports the Vietnamese Government's ambitious goal of training 50,000 to 100,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030.