Vietnam aspires to become a global semiconductor hub, supported by the United States as a counterbalance to China. The country considers innovation and digital transformation as pillars to achieve development by 2045. In February, Trump removed Vietnam from the export control list, facilitating access to advanced technology for chip manufacturing. Additionally, Hanoi is negotiating with ASML to establish a semiconductor research and training center.
Technology and training: the Vietnamese recipe 🚀
The agreement with ASML not only seeks access to advanced lithography but also to train local engineers. Vietnam needs a solid technical foundation to compete in chip design and packaging. The removal of restrictions allows importing state-of-the-art equipment, although the real challenge is building its own supply chain. Without a network of suppliers and testing, the country risks being just a sophisticated assembler. The bet is long-term and requires constant investment.
From motorbike workshops to cleanrooms 😅
Vietnam will go from repairing motorbikes on the streets of Hanoi to wearing bunny suits in cleanrooms. Of course, they must first ensure that technicians don't confuse a wafer with a bowl of pho. But hey, if they manage to keep semiconductors from overheating like a Honda engine, maybe the plan will work. That said, they better not think of selling chips at the floating market, because humidity is not good for circuits.