UK-Vietnam Semiconductor Collaboration Gains Momentum

The recent workshop that showcased the flourishing collaboration between the UK and Vietnam in the semiconductor sector marked an important milestone in strengthening ties based on shared innovation goals. With both countries working tirelessly to develop their technological landscapes, the event revealed a shared commitment to economic resilience, innovation, and long-term partnerships.

Vietnam’s Vision for Semiconductor Development

Vu Quoc Huy, the director general of Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre, emphasized the critical role semiconductors play in Vietnam’s transformation agenda. He reaffirmed the Vietnamese government’s dedication to creating an investment-friendly environment aimed at high-tech industries. “We prioritise high-quality investment in sectors like semiconductors, AI, and R&D,” he stated. Huy acknowledged that to achieve the ambitious targets of double-digit growth, the nation needs to embrace concepts such as digital transformation and green transitions.

Vietnam is on a path to not only elevate its semiconductor industry but is also working towards raising R&D investment to 2% of its GDP and climbing into the top 40 of the Global Innovation Index. To reach these goals, a comprehensive policy framework has been established, exemplified by Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which focuses on breakthrough science and technology. Additionally, the government is committed to fostering a skilled semiconductor workforce to drive these efforts.

UK Expertise in Semiconductor Technology

British Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, highlighted the UK’s diverse strengths in the semiconductor landscape, such as chip design, advanced packaging, and compound semiconductors. “The UK brings deep expertise across the semiconductor value chain,” Frew said, noting that the UK hosts over 140 design and IP companies, along with the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster. With Vietnam’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape, the ambassador pointed out the immense potential for collaboration.

Both countries recognize that aligning technology initiatives with their national growth strategies creates synergistic opportunities for cooperation. Frew emphasized, “Semiconductors are central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy, and we are eager to explore long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that support innovation and skills development.”

Joint Initiatives and Workforce Development

John Warland, first secretary for digital economy and technology at the British Embassy, reiterated the UK’s commitment to leveraging its semiconductor strengths as part of its broader industrial roadmap. The UK’s Industrial Strategy 2025 aims to increase business investment in future industries, with a significant focus on R&D and chip design.

Various initiatives are paving the way for collaboration, including UK-led training courses designed to bolster Vietnam’s semiconductor workforce development goals. Additionally, strategic partnerships aim to implement UK semiconductor technologies across various Vietnamese sectors, such as clean energy and AI.

Academic institutions are also playing a crucial role in facilitating this collaboration. Representatives from the University of Liverpool shared their capabilities in chip design and semiconductor materials, while Oxford Instruments discussed analysis solutions for semiconductor materials and critical minerals.

Vietnam’s Local Commitment to Semiconductor Advancement

Local representatives from Vietnam National University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, FPT Semiconductor, and CT Semiconductor emphasized their dedication to supporting training, research, and product development in the semiconductor field. Their goal is to create a globally integrated supply chain, further solidifying the collaboration between the UK and Vietnam.

Strengthening Bilateral Engagement

The workshop signifies a continuation of the growing bilateral engagement that began with the first UK semiconductor mission to Vietnam earlier in the year. Other events, such as the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week and Vietnam’s participation in London Tech Week, are further enhancing cooperation in the tech sector.

A notable milestone in this alliance is the UK-Vietnam iTechPath 2025 initiative launched by the British Council. Focused on semiconductors, this initiative aims to support joint university projects and foster long-term academic-industry collaboration.

As the global semiconductor race gains momentum, the partnership between the UK and Vietnam is shaping into a forward-looking alliance. This collaboration is built on a foundation not just of economic interests but also of mutual respect and innovation, paving the way for a sustainable high-tech future.