On August 22, a scientific seminar titled “Ensuring security and technological autonomy in Vietnam’s chip production amid national digital transformation” was jointly organized by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) and CT Group.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Thai Truyen Dai Chan, a member of the scientific council at CT Group, semiconductor technology has become the backbone of every industrial sector in the digital age.

While oil once served as the “lifeblood” of the 20th-century economy, microchips now act as the “brain” of the modern world. From smartphones and computers to electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, 5G/6G networks, and defense systems, all rely on powerful, microscopic integrated circuits.

This has led to what is now termed a “chip war” - one of the most intense battles among global powers vying for control of semiconductor technology.

According to Dr. Chan, the United States currently dominates in chip design and specialized software, Taiwan (TSMC) and South Korea (Samsung) lead in advanced chip manufacturing, while China has invested hundreds of billions of US dollars in efforts to reduce its dependence on Western technologies.

“This race is not merely about trade; it is a geopolitical contest. Whoever controls semiconductor technology will command future technological power. Without mastering integrated circuits, a country faces enormous strategic risks,” emphasized Associate Professor Dr. Thai Truyen Dai Chan.

He stressed that Vietnam must pursue chip autonomy through a realistic, selective roadmap. “We cannot compete head-to-head in ultra-advanced semiconductors, which require tens of billions of dollars and decades of R&D. However, we can focus on practical areas aligned with domestic demand,” said Dr. Chan.

Specifically, Vietnam could target low- and mid-power chips for IoT, sensors, smart devices, and 6G infrastructure - sectors with broad markets and compatible with Vietnam’s current capabilities. Additional focus areas include security chips for e-government, national defense, UAVs, and smart identification, where Vietnam already has strengths in cybersecurity research.

Another potential direction lies in application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for smart transportation, edge AI, and defense uses. Vietnam could also work on chips for energy systems and electric vehicles, such as battery management, motor control, and energy conversion, supporting the country’s green industrial development strategy.

“Today, chips and semiconductor technologies are not just tech products - they constitute elements of national sovereignty. A country that fails to master integrated circuits risks falling behind and becoming dependent. With focused, long-term investment, Vietnam can achieve autonomy in key chip segments, ensuring technological security and elevating its position in the global value chain,” concluded Associate Professor Dr. Thai Truyen Dai Chan.

Experts discuss chip production at the seminar, held as part of the scientific forum.

According to Tran Kim Chung, Chairman of CT Group, Vietnam currently relies entirely on foreign chips, leaving it vulnerable to sudden disruptions, data leaks, and a lack of control in emergency situations.

He emphasized the need for Vietnam to master core technologies across chip design, manufacturing, and commercialization - ultimately creating “Made by Vietnam” products for both civilian and defense purposes, with global market competitiveness.

Mr. Chung noted that Vietnam needs to develop fewer than 10 essential chip types, but the task is formidable. Designing a standard chip takes about two years. Then, if a partner like TSMC agrees to manufacture it, an additional three to four months are needed for photolithography, packaging, and testing. In total, it takes over two years to produce a single chip. If Vietnam starts working on all essential chips now, the earliest possible results would be seen by 2027.

“In the meantime, domestic digital transformation is progressing rapidly. Every hour counts. Therefore, agencies like the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense should quickly reach consensus and advise the government on the list of critical chips to prioritize. In reality, even resource-rich countries have no choice but to seek chip independence,” proposed the CT Group Chairman.

Building a ‘gold-standard’ workforce

According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Bao Son, Vice President of VNU Hanoi, the institution has proactively implemented innovative programs to develop high-quality scientific and technological talent - contributing to national core technology development.

Recently, VNU Hanoi established a High-Tech and Innovation Park in Hoa Lac and three strategic research institutes focusing on semiconductors, quantum technology, and applied artificial intelligence - three key national priorities.

VNU Hanoi is also currently leading the construction of a national key laboratory for semiconductor research.

Experts agree that Vietnam must achieve autonomy in essential chip products.

Associate Professor Dr. Mai Anh Tuan of VNU’s University of Engineering and Technology noted that retaining investors in semiconductor technology requires comprehensive action. First, Vietnam must elevate its workforce from being merely abundant to becoming elite.

This calls for universities to closely collaborate with businesses in tailoring curricula to market needs - training chip design engineers, process engineers, and test engineers.

In addition, Vietnam must attract overseas Vietnamese experts and engineers, especially from Silicon Valley, to return for teaching, research, and leadership roles.

Alongside talent development, Dr. Tuan emphasized the need to build a supporting ecosystem by offering special incentives to attract auxiliary industries such as materials, IC packaging tools, chemicals, and industrial gases.

Another critical factor is the absolute reliability of core infrastructure. For instance, high-tech parks must have uninterrupted 24/7 power supplies, and there must be commitments to green production based on renewable energy.

Finally, Dr. Tuan highlighted that policy consistency and streamlined administrative procedures are essential to giving businesses long-term confidence.

“Tax and land incentives must remain stable over time, accompanied by strong administrative reforms to eliminate bureaucratic barriers - shortening the timeline from investment decision to factory operation,” said Dr. Tuan.

Tien Phong