Washington D.C (VNA) ꧒– Vietnam boasts a great opportunity to develop semiconductor and AI industries as it has abundant and well-trained young workforce, Dr. Richard Lawton Thurston, one of leading non-engineer semiconductor experts in the US, told Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung at a meeting in Washington D.C on June 26.

Thurston, who is also former Senior Vice President of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.,(TSMC), stressed that AI technology requires various components such as sensors, memory, data collection, and processing, that is why Vietnam can choose one of these stages to focus on for development and build its own strategy. Minister Dung said since the Vietnam – US relations have been elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership, the two sides have actively promoted diplomatic activities and cooperation across fields, including science, technology, and innovation. The US side has agreed to support Vietnam in training and improving capacity in semiconductor industry, as well as integrating into the global value chain, he said, adding that these are also areas where Vietnam focuses on developing high-quality human resources to meet future demands and enhance long-term research and development capabilities. He highlighted Vietnam's efforts and plans on developing the industry, saying that the scheme involves the participation and collaboration of authorities and businesses with high determination. He called on Thurston to share his experience and practical insights, recommendations for boosting semiconductor industry development in Vietnam and supports Vietnamese businesses to connect with the TSMC. Thurston affirmed the TSMC will support proposals by Dung, and agreed to be an advisor to Vietnam in developing plans and roadmaps for the semiconductor industry in the country. While Washington D.C, Dung met with Kathryn Neal, Director of International Policy at Microsoft Corporation, during which he emphasised that the Vietnamese Government values and supports Microsoft's investment and business activities in Vietnam. He proposed Microsoft promptly organise a high-level delegation to Vietnam to study, survey, and engage in discussions with Vietnam on establishing research and development centres. Before arriving in Washington D.C., Dung had a working session with representatives of Super Micro Computer Corporation, which is a global manufacturer of server components. The Vietnamese official suggested the firm collaborate with the Vietnamese government and businesses in developing data centres, infrastructure serving cloud, AI, and 5G in Vietnam, saying that Vietnam currently has great demand in these areas./.