Following the MoU signed to train high-quality human resources for the development of semiconductor microelectronics in Danang, DTU worked with the Danang Hi-Tech Park & Industrial Zones Authority (DHPIZA) and Sun Edu international education JSC to organize the seminar “Training Manpower to Meet Development Needs of Danang Semiconductor Sector” in the afternoon of January 27, 2024, at DTU. The seminar was an important forum where experts, lecturers, and students could exchange information about manpower demand and training programs in microelectronics and semiconductor design in Danang.
Mr Vu Quang Hung, City Party Standing Committee Member and DHPIZA Head, speaking at the seminar
“Following a series of initial events, such as the establishment of the Danang Semiconductor and AI Center for Research & Training (DSAC), the colloquium ‘Danang and its policy on semiconductor and AI development’, and the MoU signing ceremony between the Danang Hi-Tech Park & Industrial Zones Authority, Duy Tan University, and Sun Edu international education JSC, today’s seminar demonstrates the swift action in pushing forward the subsequent steps among the partners in this field,” Mr Vu Quang Hung, City Party Standing Committee Member and DHPIZA Head, emphasized at the opening of the seminar.
“Semiconductors is a highly complex and sophisticated high-tech field. Circuit production can be summarized into three main phases: design, manufacture, and assembly–testing–packaging. Design and assembly–testing–packaging have been identified as giving Vietnam many opportunities to participate in the value chain of the global semiconductor industry. Currently, there is a significant demand for manpower in the semiconductor industry, or more precisely, the sector is facing a shortage. Therefore, one of the first solutions to develop the sector is to develop domestic specialized manpower, and especially highly qualified, stable, and competitive manpower, to attract global microelectronics companies to Vietnam. Danang is focused on creating a strategy to develop the semiconductor industry. Initially, the focus is on circuit design and the development of manpower for microelectronics, while aiming to supply not only the city but also the rest of the region.”
Sun Edu CEO Mr Luu Hue Tien shared his passion for training on semiconductors
Sun Edu CEO Mr Luu Hue Tien explained that, “We’re honored to be here for this important seminar as it allows us to contribute to the creation of a high-quality workforce for Danang. We’re proud that the Sun Edu team has been trusted by local leaders and Duy Tan University to sign a cooperation agreement for the joint development of high-quality manpower for the semiconductor industry. Sun Edu’s role is to bridge the gap between university education and the corporate world. How can we ensure that our students are job-ready upon graduation and eliminate the need for re-training? Driven by these concerns, we constantly strive to develop training programs that are closely aligned with real-world demands. Each of our training programs is researched based on the common standards of each job position and profession, aiming to create segments that match the work our students will undertake in the corporate world.”
Hero of Labor and Meritorious Teacher Le Cong Co, DTU Chairman, commented that, “Being assigned by the City Party Standing Committee and the Danang People’s Committee to train semiconductor manpower for the city is a great honor for our university. You could also say it’s also a challenging task, as microelectronics & semiconductors requires significant investment. Especially, students pursuing this field must be proficient in maths and possess perseverance in their studies. While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City possess many large universities and a concentration of talented students, Danang is a city of Central Vietnam, a poorer part of the country, and although there’s a lot of young talent, it can’t yet be compared to the two extremities of our country. DTU lecturers and students must therefore strive even harder to enhance their training capabilities. The university hopes that, with its investment in modern infrastructure, a team of professionally skilled lecturers, and high-quality training programs, its students will study tirelessly to achieve certain successes on their own journeys of career development.”
To provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of IC design and manufacturing, AD Technology Vietnam Backend Director Mr Le Thanh Tuan shared important information about microelectronic design. This gave the students a clear understanding of the roles of circuit design engineers, test engineers, circuit simulation engineers, and circuit integration engineers. This knowledge will give students a clearer picture of the field and of the attractive career opportunities it offers.
A significant part of the program was devoted to a panel discussion aimed at career counseling, discussion of opportunities and challenges, and what must be prepared to join the circuit design workforce. Besides the invitees Mr Vu Quang Hung, Mr Luu Hue Tien, and Mr Le Thanh Tuan, there were representatives from DTU: School of Engineering & Technology Provost Assoc.Prof. Dr Ha Dac Binh and School of Computer Science Provost Assoc.Prof. Dr Nguyen Gia Nhu.
The panel discussion provided numerous answers for students seeking
deeper understanding of semiconductor microelectronics
According to the human resources development plan for the semiconductor industry in Vietnam by the Ministry of Planning & Investment, the goal for 2030 is for Vietnam to train 50 thousand semiconductor engineers, including an estimated 15 thousand chip design engineers. To meet this demand for manpower, a significant responsibility falls on the shoulders of universities and other institutions currently offering training in the field.
Students can participate in short-term training programs designed for those studying related fields to obtain a certificate that ensures they meet business needs. They can choose to study a 4 or 5 year minor in Circuit Design at a university to obtain an official degree in the field.
Guests, lecturers, and students of DTU at the seminar
“DTU currently offers a minor in Semiconductor Circuit Design with a duration of 4.5 years,” DTU School of Engineering & Technology Provost Assoc.Prof. Dr Ha Dac Binh explained. “Students graduate at the end of the calendar year so they can immediately catch the recruitment wave. This is a big advantage for the students. The university has systematically invested in infrastructure, training programs, and a team of experienced lecturers for maximum support, so that students have the mastery they need to start working upon graduation.”
As with other high-income fields in IT, graduates of Semiconductor Circuit Design can expect starting salaries of over 12 million VND per month, which can rapidly increase to up to 100 million VND per month depending on abilities, experience, and job position. This is a significant incentive for students to choose this discipline and commit to their studies for their career development.
Regarding the short-term training program on microelectronic design for lecturers and students, DTU, in collaboration with Sun Edu international education and the DHPIZA, will forge many cooperative connections with microelectronic design companies for recruitment agreements and to provide tuition support to learners.
The seminar truly provided a meaningful forum giving experts, businesses, lecturers, and students a clear understanding of the importance of this field in the economic transition and a comprehensive overview of the profession, to make informed career choices for their future.
(Media Center)