AISC 2025: Vietnam's new role in AI and semiconductors

Vu Quoc Huy, director of NIC

AISC is a key international event that explores the integration of AI and semiconductors, offering opportunities to access the latest insights, forge cross-border business connections, and affirm Vietnam’s role in the global value chain of the semiconductor and AI industries.

In his opening remarks, Vu Quoc Huy, director of the NIC, said, "The AISC is an academic exchange forum and an opportunity for Vietnam to assert its position in the regional technology race. This event will help domestic businesses strategise, enhance their innovative capacities, and drive sustainable development in the high-tech sector."

AI and semiconductors are driving global digital transformation, reshaping industries and economies. The Vietnamese government is embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution as it recognises AI and semiconductors as strategic pillars for development. These fields offer a unique opportunity for Vietnamese companies to integrate into global value chains and contribute to technological progress.

Christopher Nguyen, founder of Aitomatic, said, "The Vietnamese government’s efforts to encourage the development of AI and semiconductors are proving to be in line with the global trends. A blend of national vision with international investment has created significant momentum, opening many vital opportunities for the development of AI and semiconductors here."

Christopher Nguyen, founder, Aitomatic

Ihe open-source AI model SemiKong was also introduced to the Vietnamese technology community at the event. This pioneering model, developed through the collaboration of Aitomatic, Japan'sTokyo Electron, and FPT Software, optimises chip production.

Emerging at a time when the demand for open-source AI platforms is on the rise, SemiKong plays a crucial role in enhancing speed, accuracy, and productivity across high-tech production fields. Its launch in Vietnam marks an important milestone in enabling domestic firms to master advanced technology, opening doors for deeper integration into the global semiconductor production value chain.

AISC 2025 is focusing on new technology trends in AI and semiconductors, including revolutionising chip design and production, the potential of advanced semiconductor architectures, and strategic policies to boost global cooperation. Key contents include innovation in chip design through AI.

The opening session of AISC 2025 provided insights into the convergence of AI and semiconductor technology, bringing together leading experts in the industry. Anna Goldie from Google DeepMind spoke about AlphaChip – a revolutionary advancement in AI-driven microchip design by Google. Pioneering researchers from Stanford University and the University of Warwick presented cutting-edge studies on AI-applied IC design, scaling semiconductor production, and the potential of Large Language Models in specialised fields. Bui Hai Quan, vice president of VPBank, presented on AI applications in banking.

This opening session underscored the role of open-source AI in driving innovation and optimising chip production, offering domestic enterprises a pathway to access advanced technologies and strengthen their position in the global supply chain.

At the end of the session, for the first time in Vietnam, participating companies took part in the Startup Pavilion – an international 'Shark Tank' scheme, where leading investment funds can directly evaluate innovative ideas. The platform enables domestic technology firms to quickly connect with senior leaders, pitch their projects within a limited timeframe, and secure key agreements during the conference, paving their entry into the global technology market.

Other activities over the three days include specialised workshops on semiconductors and their impact on AI at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi March 12-13, and a policy forum on Vietnam's preparedness to develop domestic semiconductor and AI industries, with participation and keynote addresses from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, at the NIC campus in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park on March 14.

International AI & Semiconductor Conference set for mid-March The International Conference on AI-Semiconductor Conference (AISC) 2025, organised by the National Innovation Centre (NIC) and Aitomatic from the US, will be held on March 12–16 in Hanoi and Danang.

Education a major cog for semiconductor advances In a bid to provide more talent for Vietnam in high-tech industries, the government will establish a training system that will be the first of its type in the country.

High-tech transition plans reach new stage Chip and semiconductor manufacturers as well as 5G network infrastructure developers in Vietnam will be entitled to various incentives from the government.