ICOS 2026 highlights pathways for Vietnam’s semiconductor development

This was the first international, specialised semiconductor conference held in central Vietnam and the first time the country hosted a large-scale academic forum dedicated exclusively to this sector. Organised in line with international standards, it featured plenary sessions, technical presentations and industry forums, reflecting major research trends shaping the semiconductor sector.

An expert speaks at the International Conference on Semiconductors (ICOS) 2026 (Photo: VNA)
An expert speaks at the International Conference on Semiconductors (ICOS) 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang (VNA) - As global technology supply chains undergo rapid restructuring, particularly in strategic fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), Vietnam’s first hosting of the International Conference on Semiconductors (ICOS) carries both symbolic and practical significance, providing timely insights into workforce development, research–industry linkages and its positioning in the global semiconductor value chain.

ICOS 2026 was held from January 5–7 in the central city of Da Nang, hosted by the Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) under the University of Da Nang, in coordination with the Republic of Korea’s Institute of Semiconductor Engineers (ISE). The conference brought together around 300 scientists, experts, lecturers, researchers and industry representatives in semiconductors, electronics and smart systems.

This was the first international, specialised semiconductor conference held in central Vietnam and the first time the country hosted a large-scale academic forum dedicated exclusively to this sector. Organised in line with international standards, it featured plenary sessions, technical presentations and industry forums, reflecting major research trends shaping the semiconductor sector.

Professor Hanho Lee, Vice President for Technology at ISE, said ICOS is envisioned as an annual platform connecting academia and industry worldwide, enabling participants to share research breakthroughs and discuss technologies that will define the future of semiconductor systems. Hosting ICOS 2026 signals growing international recognition of Vietnam as a potential partner in the regional semiconductor ecosystem, rather than merely a market for technology adoption.

A notable focus of the conference was the convergence of semiconductors and AI, which is driving demand for specialised chips, heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging. ICOS 2026 featured 72 scientific reports by nearly 300 authors, covering topics from semiconductor materials and devices to AI hardware design, testing and interdisciplinary systems.

Associate Professor Dr. Huynh Cong Phap, Rector of VKU and Co-Chair of the organising board, noted that as semiconductor chips are increasingly viewed as a new form of infrastructure, the sector’s development directly affects innovation capacity, economic competitiveness and digital transformation. He added that human resources remain a key bottleneck, not only for Vietnam but globally, underscoring the need to place education and training at the centre of semiconductor strategy.

The conference took place as Da Nang accelerates its strategy on science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation. A 2025 review of the city’s science and technology sector shows the coordinated implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation. Da Nang has also rolled out a range of strategic programmes, including a dedicated scheme for the development of semiconductors and AI./.

VNA

See more

Trio of core drivers of new growth model highlighted at 14th National Party Congress

Trio of core drivers of new growth model highlighted at 14th National Party Congress

Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasised that in moving from middle-income to high-income status, Vietnam must rely on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. These three drivers have been expanded and redefined by the Party under a new approach, creating broader development space and unlocking new resources for growth. With this trio, Vietnam has the potential to achieve double-digit growth.

A view of the site where the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant is located in Phuoc Dinh commune, Khanh Hoa province (Photo: VNA)

Gov’t rolls out communication scheme for nuclear energy development

By 2027 around 60% of leaders, managers, civil servants and public employees in relevant ministries and localities will acquire basic knowledge of nuclear energy development and application. In parallel, the professional capacity of reporters, editors and information officers covering the sector will be strengthened.

According to Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnam has established a new framework in which science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are judged by outcomes, with socio-economic effectiveness as the core benchmark. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Science, technology and innovation elevate Vietnam’s standing in new era

The most significant achievement in recent years has not been a single technological success, but a fundamental shift in awareness, mindset and ways of doing. Vietnam has established a new framework in which science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are judged by outcomes, with socio-economic effectiveness as the core benchmark.

Dr. Heng LiHong, Permanent Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Association. (Photo: VNA)

New growth model helps position Vietnam on global technology map: expert

Heng LiHong, who is also a member of the Standing Board of the Business Association of Overseas Vietnamese (BAOOV), expressed his confidence that this new growth model will help Vietnam move beyond a development path reliant on low-cost labour and resource extraction, enabling the country to gradually climb to higher levels in the global value chain.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung receives a delegation of Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. led by its CEO Lee Chung-hoon in Hanoi on January 16. (Photo: Government Portal)

Vietnam seeks stronger sci-tech cooperation with international partners

Informing the UN official about some of Vietnam’s achievements in sci-tech development, innovation, and digital transformation, Deputy PM Nguyen Chi Dung highlighted that the country and the UN have recorded progress in their sci-tech relations, with cooperation in strategic areas matching global trends and bilateral cooperation demand.

The ASEAN Digital Awards 2025 ceremony is held in Hanoi on January 15 (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Vietnam wins three awards at ASEAN Digital Awards 2026

In the digital startup category, MedCAT’s Idus platform, developed by MedCAT, won the gold award. Designed for reading, classifying and structuring documents, the platform has been applied in banking, public administration and healthcare, supporting automated insurance claims processing, smart healthcare services and the development of personal electronic health records.

Illustration of part of the digital technology and mixed-use park project in Hanoi Tay Tuu and Phu Dien wards. (Photo: FPT)

Hanoi breaks ground on digital technology, mixed-use park

The digital technology and mixed-use park in Hanoi is envisioned as a key nucleus of the capital’s innovation ecosystem, aligned with its goal of becoming a major national hub for science, technology and the digital economy.

Illustrative photo (Photo: Ampshireflag)

Promoting cooperation aligned with ASEAN digital priorities

The sixth ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM) and related meetings took place from January 12 to 14 in Hanoi. Delegations exchanged views and reviewed progress in priority cooperation areas, focusing on enhancing coordination and harmonisation of digital policies across ASEAN.