On the morning of July 8, 2024, at the VNU University of Science, Hanoi, a formal signing ceremony took place for the cooperation agreement with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan, regarding training and research in the field of Semiconductor Technology, with the goal of launching a new Bachelor's program in Semiconductor Technology.
Signing ceremony of the tripartite cooperation agreement between VNU University of Science, Hanoi, NYCU, and the International College of Semiconductor Technology, NYCU, Taiwan
Attending the ceremony were Mr. Richard R. C. Shih, Chief Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam. From NYCU, participants included Director Prof. Dr. Chi-Hung Lin, Vice Director Prof. Dr. Ta-Sung Lee, Vice Director Prof. Dr. Chen-Yi Lee, and Prof. Dr. Edward Yi Chang, Dean of the International College of Semiconductor Technology at NYCU, along with leading professors in Semiconductor Technology from NYCU.
On the Vietnamese side, the ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Le Quan, President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh, Rector of VNU University of Science, Hanoi; the university's Board of Rectors and representatives from the functional departments of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, along with the functional offices of VNU University of Science, and representatives from the Faculty of Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, and Faculty of Mathematics - Mechanics - Informatics.
Over the past five years, the partnership between VNU University of Science, Hanoi, a leading institution in natural sciences research and education in Vietnam, and NYCU, a global leader in semiconductor technology research and education, has seen significant development. Some of the notable achievements include:
- Collaboration in developing and implementing the Master's program in Semiconductor Technology. Over the past four years, more than 30 students have been enrolled in this program, contributing to the training of high-quality human resources for the future. Students in the program not only receive advanced knowledge but also gain valuable practical experience at leading semiconductor companies in Taiwan, such as Micron and Phison. The joint training program has also facilitated faculty exchanges between NYCU and VNU University of Science.
- In addition to the groundbreaking Master's program in Semiconductor Technology, VNU University of Science and NYCU have co-organized a prestigious series of international conferences. Together with other partners, they successfully held the "Materials Science: Pioneering Development Directions" conference in Vietnam in 2022 and in Hsinchu in 2024. The conference provided a global platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Organizing a large-scale summer camp program, offering 20 students from VNU University of Science the opportunity to experience and enhance their knowledge during an exciting two-week program at NYCU.
Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh speaking at the signing ceremony
Building on the successful outcomes of past collaborations, Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh, Rector of VNU University of Science, Hanoi, emphasized that the partnership between the two institutions still holds great untapped potential for further development in the future. The signing ceremony of today's memorandum of understanding will serve as a springboard to propel future collaborative activities.
According to Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh, the key areas of collaboration that both sides should continue to strengthen include:
- Finalizing plans and implementing the joint Bachelor's program in Semiconductor Technology, contributing to the cultivation of abundant talent to meet the growing demand for high-quality human resources in Vietnam, Taiwan, and globally.
- Further enhancing staff and student exchange activities to enrich the learning experience for everyone.
- Especially, the tripartite collaboration between NYCU, VNU University of Science, Hanoi, and the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center of Taiwan promises to expand the frontiers of research and education in semiconductor technology.
On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh expressed his gratitude for the support from the leadership of VNU as well as colleagues from NYCU. He expressed confidence that with close cooperation, the parties will achieve even more significant milestones. This partnership will create numerous development opportunities for young talents.
Prof. Dr. Chi-Hung Lin expresses confidence that both sides will achieve great success through their collaboration
Representing NYCU, Prof. Dr. Chi-Hung Lin shared the perspective that "together we will go far," especially in collaborations within the fields of Semiconductor Technology and high-tech areas such as Artificial Intelligence. Building on the success of the joint Semiconductor Technology training program, today's signing ceremony marks a milestone in expanding the training partnership between the two institutions, focusing on the development and implementation of the Bachelor's program in Semiconductor Technology in the near future.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Nguyen Hai presents a summary of past collaborations and the upcoming plans between the two institutions
At the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Nguyen Hai, Coordinator of the Semiconductor Technology program from the Faculty of Physics at VNU University of Science, gave a brief presentation introducing the university and summarizing the achievements of the joint Master's program in Semiconductor Technology over the past years. Since the first enrollment in the 2020-2021 academic year, students from the first two cohorts have completed the program, with many receiving PhD scholarships to continue their studies at NYCU, Australia, and Singapore. Students from the third cohort are currently in their second year at NYCU's International College of Semiconductor Technology (ICST), with five students receiving scholarships from Micron and set to work for the company after graduation. Students from the fourth cohort have just started their second year at ICST, and three of them have been accepted by Micron for summer internships.
Alongside the joint Master's program in Semiconductor Technology, VNU University of Science, Hanoi, and NYCU have actively implemented various collaborative activities in scientific research and career fairs. In 2024, together with NYCU and other partners, VNU University of Science successfully organized the 7th International Symposium on “Frontiers in Semiconductor Technology” from January 21 to 24, 2024. Additionally, the largest Semiconductor Technology Career and Study Fair in Vietnam took place on August 5, 2024, at VNU University of Science, with the participation of 12 companies and universities from Taiwan.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Nguyen Hai, the close collaboration between the two institutions has yielded significant results in graduate education and scientific exchange. In addition to continuing and enhancing staff and student exchange activities and organizing international conferences, VNU University of Science and NYCU are set to strengthen their cooperation in education, specifically:
- Developing a 2+2+1 joint program in Semiconductor Technology, where students will study at VNU University of Science for the first two years and complete the program in 2+1 years at NYCU. This program will provide highly skilled human resources to meet the growing demand for high-tech talent in Vietnam, Taiwan, and other countries worldwide.
- Expanding research and training cooperation in fields such as Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, and Medical Engineering.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director Le Quan stated that as a leading center for training and scientific research, VNU Hanoi has proactively developed and implemented the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for the 2021-2030 period. This strategy aims to elevate the development of science and technology to a new level and serves as a breakthrough for transforming VNU Hanoi into a smart and innovative university.
Prof. Dr. Le Quan expresses confidence that the cooperation will contribute to breakthroughs in semiconductor workforce training at VNU Hanoi
The Conclusion No. 64-KL/TW dated October 18, 2023, from the 8th Plenary Session of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party on the socio-economic agenda for 2023-2024, emphasized the need to "focus on training 50,000-100,000 high-quality human resource for the semiconductor manufacturing sector by 2025 and 2030." In recent times, VNU Hanoi has proactively, actively, and flexibly developed plans and effectively implemented specific solutions to advance new technological fields, including semiconductor technology. Director Le Quan expressed his belief that, with its existing potential and by strengthening cooperation with international partners, including NYCU, VNU Hanoi will make breakthroughs in semiconductor workforce training.
Director Le Quan expressed that VNU Hanoi will provide policy and financial support to assist units in developing cooperation in the semiconductor technology field. He also hoped that in the near future, NYCU would help VNU University of Science, Hanoi, train faculty members and assist in building suitable programs and curricula for this field of study. Additionally, the VNU Director believes that the diversification of joint training programs between VNU University of Science and NYCU, along with the participation of Taiwanese businesses, will lead to effective outcomes in training high-quality human resources for the semiconductor industry.
Mr. Richard R. C. Shih, Chief Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vietnam, expresses his joy in witnessing the development of cooperation between the two universities over the years
Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh presents a commemorative gift to NYCU Director, Prof. Dr. Chi-Hung Lin
Prof. Dr. Chi-Hung Lin, on behalf of NYCU, presents commemorative gifts to Prof. Dr. Le Quan and Prof. Dr. Sc. Vu Hoang Linh
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Chi-Hung Lin toured the traditional museum of VNU University of Science and left a message in the university’s guestbook
Leaders from NYCU, VNU Hanoi, and VNU University of Science, Hanoi take a commemorative photo with students of the university