Vietnam Wafer JSC Suggests Semiconductor Materials Initiative under PPP Investment Model

Vietnam Wafer JSC: A Bold Move into Semiconductor Materials

Vietnam Wafer JSC is making waves in the tech industry with its recent proposal to develop a semiconductor materials project in Quang Tri province, central Vietnam. This venture, backed by a substantial investment of nearly VND 400 billion (approximately $15.23 million), is aimed at positioning Vietnam as a significant player in the semiconductor field.

The Project Outline

The company’s proposal was formally submitted to the Quang Tri People’s Committee and centers around establishing a testing and research and development (R&D) center. This facility will focus on creating semiconductor-grade materials derived from silica (SiO₂) and silicon (Si), essential for wafer manufacturing. The initial phase of the project will take root at Vietnam Wafer’s existing plant in the Quan Ngang Industrial Park, with plans to expand research and pilot production to additional suitable sites across the province in future phases.

Goals and Objectives

Vietnam Wafer’s vision for this project is multifaceted. It aims not only to develop technologies for testing and production but also to establish Quang Tri as a central hub for semiconductor materials R&D. Key initiatives include:

• Refining silica and high-purity natural quartz
• Developing crystal-growing technologies
• Techniques for wafer cutting, grinding, and polishing
• Setting up pilot R&D production lines ready for industrial application
• Training a skilled local workforce equipped to meet industry demands

Investment Breakdown

The total investment for this ambitious project is estimated at VND 400 billion, with Vietnam Wafer investing about VND 270 billion (or 67.5%) from its resources and legal sources. The remaining VND 130 billion (32.5%) would come from state contributions within the public-private partnership (PPP) framework. This collaboration ensures the state’s share remains less than 50% of the total investment, facilitating the transfer and adoption of cutting-edge technologies from private investors, which is crucial for ensuring the financial viability of the project.

Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships

Vietnam Wafer is not going it alone. The company has engaged in discussions with foreign partners from Japan, China, the United States, and Australia to design a comprehensive semiconductor materials production complex. A preliminary assessment of their capacity to mobilize private funding has also been conducted, demonstrating significant groundwork in securing investment for the project.

Aligning with National Priorities

This initiative aligns closely with Vietnam’s national priorities on science, technology, and innovation. It is in line with the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW, which emphasizes breakthroughs in scientific development while placing enterprises at the core of R&D activities. The project is expected to benefit from special incentives under the revised Investment Law that will take effect in 2025, making it even more appealing for investors.

Existing Developments in Quang Tri

Vietnam Wafer is already making strides in Quang Tri with its ongoing development of a high-purity quartz materials plant at the Quan Ngang Industrial Park. This project, approved in June 2025, requires an investment of over VND 96 billion ($3.66 million) and is designed to produce 1,500 tons of high-purity quartz annually. Construction and trial operations are set to begin between October 2025 and March 2026, with commercial production on the horizon for April 2026.

Company Background

Founded in April 2024, Vietnam Wafer is based in Ho Chi Minh City. Initially starting with a charter capital of VND 2 billion, the company has seen its charter capital grow to VND 6 billion ($228,520) by March 2025. Chi Tri Duong represents the company legally, while the board includes notable figures such as Thomas Forsberg, a former senior director of global procurement at IBM, now serving as chairman.

Looking Ahead

Vietnam Wafer JSC’s initiative to venture into semiconductor materials is not merely a move to tap into a growing market; it also signifies Vietnam’s readiness to embrace advanced technologies and foster local capabilities in high-tech industries. The successful realization of this project could pave the way for further innovations and economic growth in the region.

Photo caption: Quan Ngang Industrial Park in Quang Tri province, central Vietnam. Photo by The Investor/Vu Phuong.