First national semiconductor chip prototyping support centre makes debut - Báo VietNamNet

Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology unveiled the Vietnam National Multi-Project Wafer Coordination Centre (VNMPW/CC) on June 26, marking the country's first national facility dedicated to sup... Read original →

Vietnam’s new national MPW coordination center isn’t just filling a manufacturing gap—it’s strategically repositioning the country within the global semiconductor value chain. Technically, while lacking 3nm or EUV capabilities, the hub leverages partnerships with EDA giants like Cadence and foundry access via TSMC and Intel to slash prototyping costs by over 65% and cut design cycles by 40%. From a compliance standpoint, the MPW model sidesteps U.S. export controls on advanced equipment by relying on shared, non-dedicated runs—though long-term reliance on overseas fabs remains a supply-chain vulnerability. Regionally, Malaysia and Thailand may fast-track competing initiatives to retain talent and design activity, while foundries in Taiwan, China could restrict MPW allocations to protect their Southeast Asian foothold. Within 18 months, if Vietnam converts its 7,000-strong engineering base into proprietary IP and lures Amkor-level OSATs to localize, it could emerge as Southeast Asia’s second-tier innovation node after Singapore.