Beyond Assembly Lines: Vietnam’s Vision to Become Asia’s Next Semiconductor Giant

Vietnam is quickly becoming one of Asia’s most promising semiconductor hubs. As global demand for semiconductors surges and supply chains diversify, Vietnam has positioned itself as a strategic player - earning attention from tech giants and global investors alike.

According to industry forecasts, Vietnam's semiconductor market is projected to reach USD 31.39 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of nearly 10% from 2025 onwards. With a robust strategy in place and a government committed to transforming the country into a tech powerhouse, the next phase of growth looks not only possible - but inevitable.

At Reeracoen Vietnam, we believe this transformation holds exciting implications for employers, engineers, and future job seekers alike.

A Strong Start: 2025 and the Industry’s Current Landscape

Vietnam’s semiconductor momentum gained global traction following the announcement of the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. The agreement catalysed investment from leading players such as Intel, OnSemi, Hana Micron, and Amkor, which have all expanded their manufacturing and R&D operations in the country.

In 2025, Vietnam’s semiconductor sector is expected to generate USD 21.45 billion in revenue, with integrated circuits contributing over USD 18.33 billion of that value. The country is fast becoming a preferred destination for outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) and is steadily climbing the value chain.

Government Strategy: From Assembly to Innovation

Vietnam is not just assembling chips—it’s building a long-term ecosystem. In September 2024, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1018/QD-TTg, a national roadmap to develop the semiconductor industry through 2030, with a vision extending to 2050.

This plan outlines a clear vision:

• Develop domestic chip design, packaging, and testing capabilities

• Increase collaboration with international tech partners

• Support foreign and local semiconductor firms in R&D and production

• Foster a generation of highly skilled talent to support the industry

Human Capital: The Heart of Vietnam’s Semiconductor Strategy

To achieve these goals, Vietnam is placing significant emphasis on workforce development. By 2030, the government aims to cultivate a pool of 50,000 high-skilled workers, including:

• 42,000 engineers

• 7,500 professionals with master’s degrees

• 500 with doctoral qualifications

Key focus areas include chip design, packaging, materials science, embedded systems, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Education reforms, international partnerships, and scholarship programs are all being mobilized to fill the talent gap.

This strategy opens up exciting opportunities for Vietnamese students, STEM professionals, and job seekers interested in joining one of the fastest-growing tech sectors in the region.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite its progress, Vietnam’s semiconductor industry still faces critical challenges:

• Shortage of experienced semiconductor engineers

• High R&D costs

• Global competition from more established hubs like Taiwan and South Korea

To address these issues, Vietnam is increasing collaboration with global education institutions, offering tax incentives for R&D, and promoting public-private partnerships to accelerate innovation and talent development.

What This Means for Employers and Talent in Vietnam

For Vietnamese employers, especially those in electronics, AI, automotive, and industrial tech, the semiconductor boom presents both opportunity and urgency. Companies will need to:

• Compete for semiconductor-savvy talent

• Invest in upskilling existing employees

• Develop career paths tied to chip innovation and product design

For workers and job seekers, the outlook is even more exciting:

• Entry-level and mid-career roles in chip design, testing, materials, and automation are expanding rapidly

• Salaries in tech and engineering are expected to rise in parallel with industry demand

• Vietnamese talent will increasingly be part of global innovation teams driving the future of technology

Conclusion: Vietnam’s Semiconductor Rise is Just Beginning

Vietnam’s rapid progress in the semiconductor space is more than just an economic headline—it’s a story of strategic foresight, cross-border collaboration, and workforce transformation. Beyond 2025, Vietnam has the potential to become Southeast Asia’s semiconductor powerhouse.

At Reeracoen Vietnam, we’re closely watching this transformation and helping connect employers with high-potential talent to shape the future of technology in Vietnam and the region.

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References:

• Vietnam Briefing – Vietnam’s Semiconductor Industry

• Vietnam Law Magazine – Semiconductor Industry Strategy

• Statista – Semiconductor Market in Vietnam

• Vietnam Law Magazine – HR Development Priority