Shortage of One Million Semiconductor Engineers: Where Does Vietnam Stand and What Role Can International Education Play?

Amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the semiconductor industry—the backbone of all modern technologies—is entering an unprecedented growth phase. According to McKinsey & Company, the global semiconductor market could reach a value of USD 1 trillion by 2030.

However, this rapid expansion also presents a major challenge: the world may face a shortage of up to one million semiconductor engineers by the end of this decade. In this context, Vietnam is emerging as a new link in the global effort to train high-quality semiconductor talent.

Vietnam’s Opportunity in the Global Semiconductor Supply Chain

Semiconductors have become a strategic industry, underpinning key technologies such as AI, electric vehicles, and data centers. As global supply chains continue to shift, Vietnam is increasingly seen as an emerging destination for the semiconductor industry.

In recent years, the relocation of semiconductor supply chains has brought a growing presence of global technology corporations to Vietnam. Intel has continuously expanded its chip assembly and testing facility in Ho Chi Minh City—one of its largest worldwide. Meanwhile, Amkor Technology has launched a billion-dollar packaging and testing plant in Bắc Ninh, and Hana Micron has increased its investment in OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) operations in Vietnam.

According to Tran Duc Long, Deputy Director of Vietnam operations at NXP Semiconductors, amid global geopolitical shifts, Vietnam is becoming a destination for semiconductor companies expanding R&D and engineering activities—creating new job opportunities for high-quality domestic talent.

The presence of these global players not only reinforces Vietnam’s growing importance in the semiconductor value chain but also drives urgent demand for highly skilled engineers. However, experts note that the domestic talent supply has yet to keep pace with the industry’s rapid expansion, both in quantity and international standards.

As awareness of emerging technologies grows, Vietnamese youth are increasingly interested in and actively exploring careers in the semiconductor field.

According to Dr. Hoang Viet Ha, Director of FPT International University Institute and Director of Gachon Vietnam under FPT, Vietnam does not need to participate in the entire semiconductor value chain from the outset. Instead, it can focus on areas where it has competitive advantages, such as IC design, packaging, and testing.

“The semiconductor workforce challenge is not just about the number of engineers, but about identifying which segments of the global value chain Vietnam should participate in. With the right strategy, Vietnam can become a key talent hub for critical segments of the regional semiconductor industry,” he noted.

Solutions from Education, Industry, and International Collaboration

Addressing the semiconductor talent shortage requires building a synchronized ecosystem in which educational institutions provide foundational knowledge, enterprises drive real-world demand, and international partnerships ensure global standards and access to advanced technologies.

These topics will be discussed at the Semiconductor Future Summit – “Inside the Chip, Inside the Future,” organized by Gachon Vietnam on April 11 in Hanoi. The event aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and international partners in the semiconductor sector.

The summit will gather experts across the semiconductor ecosystem, including policymakers, enterprises, and educational institutions. Notably, speakers from Gachon University will present international-standard training models and share experience in developing semiconductor talent.

Semiconductor Future Summit gathers experts and businesses in the semiconductor sector

In addition to expert discussions, the event will feature interactive technology experience zones, allowing participants to explore semiconductor technologies, understand international learning environments, and stay updated on emerging trends—while also connecting with career opportunities.

Scholarship programs and networking sessions among businesses, universities, students, and parents will also be organized, helping bridge the gap between education and the labor market.

In this context, the experience of leading semiconductor nations provides valuable reference points for Vietnam.

Among global leaders, South Korea stands out as a top technology hub with a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem. The country ranks among the world’s leaders in key segments such as chip design and memory manufacturing, while also being at the forefront of R&D investment and innovation.

It is home to major corporations such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which dominate the global memory chip market. The close integration between academia and industry in South Korea is widely regarded as a key factor in building a high-quality semiconductor workforce.

Launch of an International-Oriented Semiconductor Training Program

A key highlight of the event is the launch of the Gachon Vietnam program—a joint Bachelor’s degree in Semiconductor Technology between FPT University and Gachon University. The program follows a 2+2 model, with two years of study in Vietnam and two years in South Korea.

Gachon University is the first university in South Korea to establish a dedicated semiconductor school, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories. It is ranked among the top 501–600 universities globally according to THE (Times Higher Education) 2026 rankings.

During the program, students will have opportunities for hands-on training and internships within the FPT ecosystem and Gachon University’s extensive network of semiconductor partners, including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, DB HiTek, and Magnachip, as well as research institutes and national technology centers. Upon completion, students will receive an internationally recognized bachelor’s degree awarded by Gachon University.

The event is open to students, parents, and anyone interested in the semiconductor field. Registration is limited and available until April 9, 2026.

Event Information: Semiconductor Future Summit – “Inside the Chip, Inside the Future”
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, April 11, 2026
Location: FPT Tower, 10 Pham Van Bach Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi

More Information about Gachon Vietnam:
Website: https://gachon.edu.vn/

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