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Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, is making strides in technology with the establishment of an Integrated Circuit (IC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Training Centre. The People’s Committee of Da Nang issued a pivotal decision on December 30, formalising the inception of this innovative facility, which will operate under the auspices of the municipal Department of Information and Communications.
This transformative initiative is a result of reorganising the Da Nang High-Quality Human Resources Development Centre, previously housed within the Department of Home Affairs. According to Chairman Le Trung Chinh of the Municipal People’s Committee, the hub is primed to undertake diverse activities encompassing research, training, technology transfer, and resource mobilisation in microchips, semiconductors and AI, all adhering to legal regulations.
Vietnam, recognising the pivotal role of high-quality engineers in the semiconductor industry, is prioritising the cultivation of this talent pool to foster sustainable economic development. Market research from Technavioa forecasts significant growth in the semiconductor market in Vietnam, estimating a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% between 2021-2025.
Presently, the country boasts more than 5,570 IC engineers, with the majority concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City (over 85%), followed by Hanoi (8%), and Da Nang (7%). With the establishment of the IC and AI Research and Training Centre in Da Nang, the city is poised to play a pivotal role in cultivating talent and contributing to the burgeoning technological landscape of Vietnam.
Earlier, In a significant milestone for the Central Highlands region, Da Lat University in Lam Dong province announced the inauguration of the first-ever Artificial Intelligence Training and Research Centre (AIC). This establishment marks a pioneering initiative in the Tay Nguyen Central Highlands, introducing a cutting-edge facility dedicated to AI education and research.
With an impressive investment of nearly US$305,000, the AIC stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to advancing technological education. Offering a comprehensive international education program focusing on AI future-intelligent manufacturing, the centre aligns with similar programs taught across ten countries worldwide. This strategic curriculum aims to equip students with a robust foundation in AI knowledge, bridging the gap between programming, AI, robotics, and the realms of natural and social sciences.
Foreseeing an innovative approach to education, the AIC is set to alter learning methodologies, fostering an environment conducive to effective skill acquisition. Moreover, this initiative endeavours to heighten public awareness surrounding AI and robotics, aiming to enrich the collective understanding of these emerging fields.
Beyond the educational domain, the centre aspires to elevate Lam Dong’s collaboration and research initiatives, specifically targeting advancements in critical sectors like smart city development, agriculture, and tourism. By promoting synergistic efforts in these domains, the AIC aims to position itself as a hub for pioneering research and collaborative activities, contributing significantly to the region’s technological and economic growth.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has outlined a strategic digital transformation plan for the upcoming year. Ministries and agencies were assigned specific tasks to bolster the nation’s digital economy across four key pillars: fortifying the IT industry, advancing sectoral digitalisation, reinforcing digital management, and prioritising digital data initiatives.
Prime Minister Chinh stressed the urgency of enhancing online public service delivery, particularly the 53 essential services, by focusing on upgrading the national digital infrastructure and establishing the National Data Centre. Priorities include deploying commercial 5G services by 2024 to eliminate mobile dead zones and extend fibre-optic connectivity to rural areas.
Vietnam is also accelerating the development of digital platforms, AI systems, citizen applications, digital payments, and signatures. The Ministry of Information and Communications recommends a steadfast focus on universalising digital infrastructure to drive the nation’s digital economy and enhance overall productivity.