International AI & Semiconductor Conference set for mid-March

This event, under the theme "Innovating Futures: Bridging AI & Semiconductors Globally" is a premier international gathering on the convergence of AI and semiconductor technologies. It provides an essential opportunity to access the latest break through information and reinforce Vietnam’s role in the global value chain of the semiconductor and AI industries.

The conference will feature a high-level policy forum, “Vietnam Taking the Initiative in Developing the Semiconductor and AI Industries in the New Era,” organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (which, following its merger with the Ministry of Finance, will be overseen by the latter from March 1), in collaboration with NIC and Aitomatic. The specialised sessions on March 12, 13, 15, and 16 will be hosted by Aitomatic.

The event will gather over 1,000 leaders and experts, including prominent names such as Google DeepMind, IBM, Intel, TSMC, Samsung, MediaTek, Tokyo Electron, Panasonic, Qorvo, and Marvell, as well as many other leading technology corporations from US' Silicon Valley and other advanced economies.

AISC 2025 focuses on the most transformative developments—how AI is revolutionising chip design and manufacturing, and the potential of advanced semiconductor architectures for AI. The five-day programme includes technical workshops; exhibitions cross-border business networking; and a high-level policy forum featuring Vietnamese government leaders.

At the press conference on March 24, at NIC headquarters in Hanoi's Cau Giay district, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Duc Tam said that the Politburo has issued Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on breakthrough development in science, technology, digital transformation, and national digital transformation, which reaffirms that advancing science, technology, digital transformation, and innovation is the key to socioeconomic development.

"Vietnam is at a crucial juncture, preparing to enter a new era, a time of national resurgence as declared by Party General Secretary To Lam. We are committed to accelerating digital and green transformation, as well as advancing science, technology, and innovation to achieve breakthroughs in productivity, quality, and competitiveness, with the semiconductor and AI industries playing a pivotal role,” Tam said.

"AISC 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI and semiconductor technologies," said Christopher Nguyen, general co-chair of AISC. "We're bringing together the world's foremost innovators to showcase real breakthroughs at the intersection of AI and semiconductors."

Vu Quoc Huy, NIC director shared, "The AISC event will help replicate the successful collaboration model between Vietnam and leading global technology corporations such as Nvidia, showcasing our goodwill and openness. It demonstrates our readiness to welcome the titans of the global tech community, particularly in semiconductors and AI."

Following the success of the International Industrial-AI Conference at Stanford, AISC 2025 in Vietnam brings together global technology pioneers, discussing Vietnam's opportunities in the global semiconductor chain, and further exploring practical AI deployment in semiconductor manufacturing.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the global semiconductor market reached $500 billion by the end of 2024, with AI driving the digital economy. The breakthrough of DeepSeek-R1, an open-source AI model achieving similar performance at one-third the computing power of leading models, has sparked a $1.2 trillion market transformation and urgent demand for efficient computing solutions.

A recent McKinsey report highlights that AI integration in chip design and manufacturing is attracting massive investments, redefining the industry through enhanced efficiency and creating new opportunities for emerging technology hubs worldwide.

Vietnam is seizing this explosive trend with policies aimed at attracting investment and supporting workforce training, including subsidies for chip production and AI. The government is focusing on systematic training in AI and semiconductors, providing scholarships and tuition waivers for semiconductor students to enhance workforce quality.

On February 11, at the Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and High-Quality Human Resources Development Conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised accelerating international cooperation and integration, as well as developing Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem on the global stage with NIC playing a key role in attracting talent, technology, and personnel worldwide.

However, Vietnam also faces the challenge of sustainable development and enhancing its competitiveness with other countries in the region and globally. To turn these challenges into opportunities, Vietnam is working to elevate its position in the AI and semiconductor sectors through investments in infrastructure, talent development, and the attraction of foreign investment.

A major highlight will be the world premiere of SemiKong a pioneering open-source semiconductor foundation model developed by Aitomatic in collaboration with FPT Software and international semiconductor experts will be launched in Vietnam. This launch represents a significant step forward in the global application of AI in chip manufacturing and demonstrates Vietnam’s capability in high-tech industry development.

In addition to the main event series, AISC 2025 will host the ceremony announcing the official membership of Vietnamese organisations into the AI Alliance–a global consortium founded by IBM, Aitomatic, Meta, AMD, and Intel along with leading academics. The alliance currently comprises over 140 members from 25 countries and is dedicated to promoting open innovation in AI development.

The Vietnamese government has announced financial support of up to 50 per cent for major initiatives in semiconductor manufacturing and AI.

Amkor Technology Vietnam, under US-headquartered semiconductor giant Amkor Technology, is planning to triple the capacity of its semiconductor factory in Vietnam from 1.2 billion to 3.6 billion items.

Thanks to favourable government policies, Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for semiconductor manufacturers. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung spoke with VIR’s Nguyen Huong about this vision.

With more than 150 delegates from leading South Korean corporations and universities in attendance, the Vietnam Semiconductor Investment Forum is expected to open up new cooperation opportunities.