HO CHI MINH CITY – In a significant move to cement its position as a leading high-tech hub in Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City has officially unveiled a strategic plan to develop a skilled workforce of 9,000 engineers and technicians for the semiconductor and microelectronics industry. The announcement was a key highlight of the International Innovation Exhibition & Forum (InnoEx 2025), which opened in the city this week.
The initiative is a direct response to the growing global demand for semiconductors and Vietnam's national strategy to attract high-value foreign direct investment (FDI). By building a robust talent pipeline, the city aims to create an attractive ecosystem for multinational corporations to establish and expand their research, design, and manufacturing operations in the region.
Speaking at the forum, a representative from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology emphasized the plan's strategic importance. "This is not merely about filling jobs; it's about moving Vietnam up the global value chain," the official stated. "Our goal is to transition from assembly and testing to the more complex and lucrative stages of chip design and fabrication. A world-class workforce is the foundational pillar for that ambition."
The comprehensive human resources development plan will focus on three main pillars:
University and College Program Enhancement: Collaborating with key institutions like Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology to modernize curricula, invest in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and increase enrollment in relevant fields such as electrical engineering, material science, and computer science.
Industry-Academia Partnerships: Fostering close ties with leading semiconductor companies already present in Vietnam. These partnerships will facilitate internships, co-op programs, and guest lectures from industry experts, ensuring that students graduate with practical, in-demand skills.
Short-term Training and Reskilling: Launching intensive training courses and professional certification programs for existing engineers and technicians looking to transition into the semiconductor field.
The announcement at InnoEx 2025, a premier event that gathers innovators, investors, and policymakers, was strategically timed to signal the city's commitment to the international tech community. The forum serves as a platform for showcasing Vietnam's growing innovation capacity and its readiness to play a larger role in the global technology supply chain.
Industry analysts have lauded the plan as a proactive and necessary step. With global companies actively seeking to diversify their supply chains, Vietnam, and particularly Ho Chi Minh City with its established Saigon Hi-Tech Park, presents a compelling alternative. However, experts also caution that the ambitious target of 9,000 specialists will require sustained investment and a long-term commitment to quality education.
The success of this initiative is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy, fostering the growth of auxiliary industries and creating a new generation of high-income jobs for the city's residents.
