2026 trends for semiconductors in Vietnam

The year 2026 marks a period of rapid growth across industries linked to technology, energy, and healthcare. Among them, semiconductors serve as the “backbone,” connecting fields from AI and electric vehicles to renewable energy; meanwhile, AI, Fintech, Biomedicine, and Green Energy are opening up huge workforce demands with attractive salaries.

Semiconductors – Backbone of technology
The semiconductor industry encompasses the design, fabrication, testing, and packaging of integrated circuits (ICs), wafers, and chips that power nearly all modern electronic devices. From smartphones, computers, and automobiles to industrial automation, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence systems, semiconductors form the core infrastructure of the digital economy.

The industry’s value chain is complex and highly specialized, including segments such as IC design (fabless companies), wafer fabrication (foundries), assembly and test (OSAT providers), and equipment and material suppliers. These interdependent stages require advanced technology, high capital investment, and a global network of expertise.

Today, the semiconductor sector is also a strategic industry — central to national security, economic competitiveness, and technological sovereignty. Governments across the world, from the U.S. to Europe and Asia, are investing heavily in domestic chip manufacturing and R&D through initiatives like the CHIPS Act and regional semiconductor alliances.

In addition, emerging technologies such as AI chips, 5G connectivity, electric vehicles (EVs), and IoT devices are driving unprecedented demand for high-performance, energy-efficient semiconductors. This continuous innovation cycle positions the industry as the foundation of digital transformation — enabling progress in every sector that relies on smart, connected, and computational technologies.

Growth drivers
* Global semiconductor sales reached USD 676 billion in 2024, as per Semiconductor Industry Association.
* Vietnam’s semiconductor market is projected to hit USD 18.2 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 11.5% until 2029 (IMARC Group).
* Companies such as Infineon and STMicroelectronics have commercialized GaN and SiC wafers, enabling breakthroughs in EVs, AI systems, and renewable energy.

Hiring demand
Current: IC design engineers, process engineers, test technicians.
Outlook: Between 2026-2030, Vietnam may require tens of thousands of additional semiconductor engineers due to supply chain shifts from China.

-- CT Semiconductor, A member of CT Group, Vietnam.