Sharing Experiences on Semiconductor Development Strategies, Training Cooperation, and Lab Operations

On the afternoon of July 8, 2025, the Da Nang Semiconductor and AI (DSAC) welcomed and held a working session with Mr. Jason Conrad from Arizona State University (ASU, USA) to exchange in-depth perspectives on semiconductor industry development strategies, workforce training, and collaborative research and development (R&D) models between the two sides.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Le Hoang Phuc, Director of DSAC, and Mr. Huynh Tran Hai Au, Director of VSAP LAB.

Policies Supporting the Semiconductor Ecosystem in Vietnam

At the meeting, Ms. Hoang Thuy Duong, representing DSAC, provided an overview of the high-tech ecosystem in Da Nang City, highlighting key incentive policies such as: five-year corporate income tax exemptions for high-tech projects, support for working space and infrastructure connectivity, and scholarships and post-graduation tax incentives for students and lecturers.

A representative from VSAP LAB introduced a newly approved project for an advanced packaging laboratory for semiconductor production in Da Nang, which recently received investment approval from the city government.

Insights from Arizona State University (ASU)

ASU is currently the largest engineering university in the United States, with over 119,000 students. It leads several research and development initiatives in the semiconductor sector, notably the “ASU Shield” program—a five-year, USD 100 million initiative focused on heterogeneous integration technologies. ASU also operates a 25,000 m² state-of-the-art cleanroom facility equipped with high-end tools for research, manufacturing, and education.

The ASU representative emphasized that collaboration between universities, industry, and government is a key driver for technology commercialization, helping to bridge the so-called “Valley of Death” between research and market application. ASU also actively develops modular, stackable training programs and short-term certifications tailored for both students and working professionals in the semiconductor field.

Cooperation Opportunities and Future Directions

During the meeting, both sides expressed their intent to strengthen experience-sharing on lab operations, shared-use equipment models, talent development, and co-development of prototype products. The Vietnamese side proposed specific collaboration opportunities such as student exchange programs, remote training, tool and design-sharing for IC testing and verification, and extended invitations for ASU to visit Vietnamese universities, research institutes, and semiconductor production facilities.

Looking ahead, DSAC and ASU will maintain close engagement to jointly develop a concrete roadmap for collaboration, with a focus on establishing standardized laboratories to support research, education, and technology prototyping in Vietnam’s growing semiconductor industry.

 

 

(Ngọc Bích)