|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Vietnam is keenly pursuing international collaboration to advance its digital transformation and bolster its economy. This ambition was highlighted in recent engagements with Laos and leading global educational institutions.
President Chau Van Minh of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara Co-chaired their third bilateral meeting to strengthen cooperation in technology and innovation. This meeting aimed to enhance joint projects and further collaborative efforts between the two nations.
They reviewed progress on significant initiatives such as constructing a data and communication centre for natural disaster management in Laos and establishing a national hub for data storage and cloud computing in Laos. These projects were initially proposed during the 46th Session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation in 2024.
The Institute of Geophysics under VAST, which oversees national earthquake and tsunami warning systems, and the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications’ Research Institute for Smart Technology (ARIST) have initiated the creation of a joint laboratory for earthquake data and communication. This collaboration includes providing basic equipment and training for ARIST staff on data analysis.
The partnership was further solidified with the signing of a cooperation agreement between VAST’s Institute of Information Technology and ARIST. This agreement highlights ongoing collaboration in human resource development, technology innovation, and digital technology experience sharing.
The meeting also saw Minister Boviengkham Vongdara receiving an honorary professorship from VAST for his contributions to fostering scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
In parallel, Vietnam is actively engaging with international educational institutions to advance its semiconductor technology sector. The National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hanoi hosted delegations from Japan’s Hiroshima University and the University of Idaho from the United States to discuss joint semiconductor training programs and scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students. These discussions are part of a broader effort to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the advanced semiconductor industry.
The proposed program involves a unique undergraduate curriculum where students will spend the first two years at Hiroshima University, renowned for its semiconductor research and education, and the final two years at the University of Idaho, which ranks high in engineering education among US public universities. The collaboration is supported by Micron Technology, a major semiconductor manufacturer with a plant in Hiroshima.
This programme aims to provide students with comprehensive education and training, preparing them for significant career opportunities in the semiconductor industry across Japan, the US, and Vietnam. The program is slated to begin in October 2026, pending approval from Japanese authorities. Hiroshima University hopes Vietnam will support scholarships for 100-150 students, potentially expediting the program’s start date.
NIC Director Vu Quoc Huy emphasised the importance of partnering with top international universities to establish long-term semiconductor training programs. The NIC currently offers short-term semiconductor courses and recognises the need for deeper collaboration to meet Vietnam’s 2030 goals.
These include increasing participation in advanced microcircuit design, mastering microcircuit packaging and testing technologies, and enhancing expertise in semiconductor manufacturing.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam’s Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyen Manh Hung, visited South Korea to strengthen ties in digital transformation and AI. The visit included discussions on digital innovation, semiconductor training, and AI research, as well as participation in the Vietnam-South Korea Digital Forum. A survey highlighted strong economic collaboration potential in IT and semiconductors, with both nations seeking more investment incentives and partnership opportunities.
Vietnam’s proactive approach to seeking international cooperation underscores its commitment to driving digital transformation and strengthening its economy. By forging partnerships with Laos and leading global educational institutions, Vietnam is positioning itself as a key player in technological advancement and economic growth.
