The semiconductor industry, considered the lifeblood of the digital world, plays a pivotal role and has garnered interest from various global industrial sectors.
According to Gartner, a leading research and advisory firm, the semiconductor industry is poised to generate a colossal revenue, estimated to surpass USD 620 billion by 2024 and potentially reach USD 1 trillion by 2030. It is also viewed as a strategic cornerstone in the technological race among leading nations of this century.
Vietnam’s initiative, “Human Resource Development for the Semiconductor Industry by 2030, with a Vision to 2045,” aims to intensify its focus on workforce training. The goal is that by 2030, Vietnamese engineers will be deeply involved in the design process of advanced semiconductor microchips; actively participate in the packaging and testing stages of semiconductor microchips, mastering a portion of the packaging and testing technologies; contribute to work in semiconductor manufacturing plants, gradually gaining proficiency in the production process; and train 50,000 engineers to serve the semiconductor industry across all stages of the value chain.
By 2045, Vietnam aspires to become a crucial link in the global semiconductor industry value chain, with a team of engineers and experts capable of meeting the demands of the industry’s development in Vietnam in terms of both quality and quantity.
The projected规模of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam by 2030 is estimated to reach USD 20-30 billion. It is estimated that by 2030, Vietnam will require approximately 15,000 design engineers and 35,000 engineers to work in semiconductor chip manufacturing plants; simultaneously, it will generate 154,000 indirect jobs, contributing 360,000 billion VND to the GDP.
AI-generated illustration.
Presently, numerous major semiconductor companies are seeking to diversify their supply chains, capitalizing on the availability of a young, skilled workforce in Asian countries, including Vietnam.
Vietnam has been increasingly attracting renowned corporations in the semiconductor microchip industry from the United States, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan (China), and the Netherlands, among others. Concurrently, domestic companies such as Viettel, FPT, and VNChip have also entered the market.
Regarding training, a few years ago, only the University of Science and Technology specialized in semiconductor and electronic design education. However, currently, numerous universities and training centers in Vietnam are expressing interest and investing in this sector. Additionally, the salary range for the semiconductor industry is highly attractive.
In the United States, the average annual salary for a chip design engineer ranges from USD 100,000 to USD 300,000. Meanwhile, according to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Yen, General Director of CoAsia SEMI Vietnam, in Vietnam, fresh graduates can expect a starting salary of USD 10,000 – USD 15,000 per year (excluding bonuses). Salaries increase commensurate with capabilities and experience…
For instance, engineers with 1-3 years of experience earn between USD 10,000 – USD 15,000 per year, while those with 4-6 years of experience earn between USD 16,000 – USD 25,000 per year. Salaries can reach USD 46,000 – USD 80,000 or even higher for individuals with over 11 years of experience.
However, according to Mr. Harsh Bharwani, CEO of Jetking Infotrain Limited (India), one of the weaknesses of Vietnamese students is their foreign language proficiency, which needs improvement. Furthermore, Vietnamese students require a comprehensive understanding of the global market, including staying abreast of the latest chip design trends and artificial intelligence, while simultaneously enhancing their practical skills alongside the theoretical knowledge they have acquired.
