The establishment of two Training Networks of Excellence and Talent in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Semiconductor Technology in the Southern region marks a strategic turning point, bringing together dozens of leading educational institutions and enterprises, and harnessing their collective strength to build an ecosystem of effective cooperation – training – and innovation-driven research, gradually elevating the position of Southern Vietnam and the nation on the global 4.0 Technology map.
The announcement ceremony for the establishment of the AI and Semiconductor Technology networks took place on October 18, 2025, at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), which also assumes the role of chairing, leading, and developing both networks in the South.
Attending and delivering remarks at the ceremony, on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Hung – Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Information, Dr. Tran Nam Tu – Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Information. From VNU-HCM, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Quang Vinh, Head of the Department of Science and Technology, was present. Representing HCMUT were Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong, President, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thien Phuc, Vice President, along with leaders of various units. The event also saw the enthusiastic participation of representatives from member universities and enterprises of the two networks, as well as organizations operating in related fields.
At this early stage, the formation of the two networks has rapidly become a focal point of attention within both the academic and industrial communities. Specifically, the AI Network currently attracts 27 members (20 universities and 07 enterprises), while the Semiconductor Technology Network consists of 34 members (18 universities and 16 enterprises). These promising beginnings are expected to create a positive ripple effect, expanding the networks and attracting more potential members to join the national mission entrusted by the Government.
Each network has clearly defined its operational goals and key priorities:
To organize at least one excellence program on adaptive, reskilling, upskilling, or specialized training to develop high-quality human resources in AI and Semiconductor Technology;
To become a national and regional hub for research, development, and application of AI and semiconductor technologies, meeting the development requirements of businesses, society, and national development efforts.
To attract at least 100 excellent scientists and experts, either foreign or overseas Vietnamese, to participate in teaching and research within the networks.
Prof. Dr. Mai Thanh Phong, President of HCMUT, expressed his hope that training institutions and enterprises would maximize shared resources, synergize efforts to achieve the goal of training high-level human resources, and focus on collaborative research to address technological challenges – ultimately contributing to positioning Southern Vietnam and the country as centers of excellence in training and research in these two domains.
With the spirit of strong innovation underscored in the two recent Party Central Resolutions No. 57-NQ/TW and 71-NQ/TW, Prof. Mai Thanh Phong also expressed his expectation that the Government will continue to provide supportive policies, resources, and mechanisms to help the network model achieve its intended impact.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Hung, Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Information, considered the establishment of these networks a prime example of the “triple helix” cooperation model, which links academy, government, and enterprise through training, research, production, and innovation. From a governmental management perspective, he urged network members to develop cooperation plans promptly, coordinate to commission research and technology transfer, and work with local authorities to connect and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the Southern region.
Within the framework of the conference, delegates listened to 07 presentations from leading units and enterprises in the field of Artificial Intelligence, including JAIST Institute of Technology (Japan), Kyushu Institute of Technology, TMA Technology Group, and YouthDev Company Limited, and the field of Semiconductor Technology, including Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) of Singapore, Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, and Ampere Computing Company Limited. The presentations went beyond sharing information and practical experience; they also demonstrated collaborative potential and the strong commitment of these entities as core members of the networks.
For HCMUT, chairing and leading the network is both an acknowledgment of its pioneering role and strengths in training and research in these two cutting-edge areas, as well as a great honor and responsibility. As the representative of the network chair, Prof. Mai Thanh Phong called for the collaboration and effort of current and future members, along with the support and guidance from higher-level authorities: VNU-HCM, the Ministry of Education and Training, and relevant ministries and agencies to further advance the network’s activities.
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