Through semiconductor training collaboration programs, universities in Vietnam now have free access to more than 1,000 of the latest and most advanced licensed software tools.

This information was shared by Dam Thi Hong Lan, Director of Vietbay Technology, at the seminar “Developing IC design human resources and introducing the INTENSE scholarship program,” hosted by the National Innovation Center (NIC) under the Ministry of Finance on July 21.

As part of the event, the closing ceremony was held for two training programs: “Siemens x NIC: Building the digital engineer foundation for future industry” and “NIC - Dolphin - Cadence digital IC design program.”

These initiatives mark significant progress in implementing the "three-party" training model, combining state agencies, universities, and enterprises, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and high-tech industries.

NIC collaborated with Vietbay and Siemens EDA to launch the pilot IC and electronic system design training program. This was the first training course to use IC/PCB design and verification software tools in semiconductor education for Vietnamese universities.

Over the 21-day course, students gained both theoretical and hands-on knowledge in integrated circuit (IC) and printed circuit board (PCB) design using top-tier EDA tools such as Tanner, Calibre, Questa, HyperLynx, Valor, and Xpedition.

According to Ms. Lan, in just over two years of collaboration, Siemens EDA and Vietbay have donated more than 1,000 licensed semiconductor software packages to domestic universities. These tools are typically difficult to access, but the partnership has made cutting-edge technology freely available to universities.

Meanwhile, the NIC - Dolphin - Cadence program targets lecturers, final-year students majoring in IC design, and recent engineering graduates to build capacity in digital IC design. Over 13 weeks, participants were trained in core digital design concepts, hardware description languages, object-oriented thinking, and advanced skills such as SystemVerilog, UVM, Cadence simulation tools, and hands-on integrated circuit testing and design.

For students seeking to pursue semiconductor studies abroad, Taiwan’s (China) INTENSE scholarship offers opportunities to work directly with major industry players like TSMC, UMC, MediaTek, and ASE. According to Vu Duc Thang, a representative of the INTENSE scholarship program, this initiative will serve as a vital bridge for nurturing technological talent between Vietnam and Taiwan.

Speaking at the event, Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of NIC, emphasized that programs like INTENSE are excellent opportunities for aspiring semiconductor engineers. Vietnam aims to train at least 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, including 5,000 with specialized skills in AI. NIC has partnered with top enterprises and universities to create training programs that close the gap between theory and practice.

Moving forward, NIC is committed to connecting with reputable international partners to offer Vietnamese students global learning, research, and internship opportunities, especially in the semiconductor field.

Du Lam