Microelectronics as a driver of progress and a better future is a focal topic for both Germany and Vietnam. Vietnam aims to develop the province of Binh Duong in the south of the country into a cutting-edge microelectronics location that combines science, education and the production of groundbreaking solutions for key industries.

“The province of Binh Duong is extremely dynamic and is set to grow into an innovative ecosystem with the development of a new microelectronics hub. Here in Chemnitz and Saxony, Fraunhofer ENAS is embedded in an equally vibrant innovation network that combines research, development and industry to create world-class technologies with international appeal. With ´Silicon Saxony´, the Free State of Saxony has developed into one of the largest microelectronics hubs in Europe and successfully established its global position in recent years. Our countries share this focus, which allows us to build bridges between continents and learn from each other. This will also open up new avenues for growth and innovation for us,” says Prof. Harald Kuhn, Institute Director of Fraunhofer ENAS in Chemnitz, commenting on the intention of the visit.

Impetus for technological progress

To tap into these potentials for the future and utilize synergies, Prof. Harald Kuhn and Pham Ngoc Thuan, General Director of Becamex IDC, signed a “Memorandum of Understanding” on August 7, 2024. As one of the leading industrial estate companies in Vietnam, Becamex IDC is responsible for developing the planned location in the province of Binh Duong. The memorandum confirms the intention of the German-Vietnamese partners to promote a long-term, strategic cooperation and to combine their strengths in the field of applied research and technology transfer to industry as part of the planned new hub.

“We see the transnational collaboration with Vietnam as a unique opportunity for Fraunhofer ENAS to be involved in the development of such a pioneering microtechnology hub in the East Asian metropolitan and high-tech region from the very beginning and to actively shape it. For more than a decade, we at Fraunhofer ENAS have been researching cutting-edge micro- and nanotechnologies to meet today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges in mechanical engineering, mobility, medicine and energy. The close cooperation with our Vietnamese partners, the newly established business contacts and our combined know-how will allow us to initiate research projects and collaborations and to expand our range of expertise in the field of semiconductors on an international level. Together we will be able to unlock innovation potential for tomorrow’s microtechnologies that will benefit both parties. This will allow us to take our research results beyond Germany and Europe and into the global economy and society, thus contributing to making the world a better place,” says Prof. Harald Kuhn, summarizing the planned collaboration between Chemnitz and the Binh Duong province.

Luat Nguyen, Manager Director of CICOR Vietnam Company Limited, who initiated the cooperation and the visit to Germany, adds: “We are also looking forward to a successful, constructive collaboration between Binh Duong Province and Fraunhofer ENAS and are pleased to be able to support innovative projects in the field of microelectronics and nanotechnology in the future. This will not only pave the way for new technologies, but also strengthen relations between Germany and Vietnam. We see great potential here for driving progress that can change all our lives for the better.”

During the delegation’s visit, Thomas Schmidt, Saxony's Minister for Regional Development, also emphasized the broad spectrum of research and industry in the Free State of Saxony as a driver for the highly innovative and dynamic location and its growing attractiveness. This is evidenced by well-known high-tech companies and global corporations setting up shop here in the last few years. The economy of Saxony profits enormously from important branches of industry, such as microelectronics, and will continue to develop positively in the future thanks to groundbreaking technologies and intensive cooperation with important international players in the field of innovation.

The partnership also has further joint interests in the area of securing a skilled workforce. With eight universities and colleges and 108 vocational schools in Binh Duong Province, the country is committed to education and training. Offering courses and programs specifically in microelectronics, Vietnam is targeting well-qualified young professionals who will strengthen the research expertise and innovative capacity of the future location. There are also close ties between Germany and Vietnam through the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) in Binh Duong Province, which was founded in 2008 and was represented by Vice President Dr. Thomas Aulig during the visit to Chemnitz. In the long term, strengthening ties between the two countries will open up new opportunities for training and exchanging young technical and scientific talent.

Participating in European success stories

Consisting of 16 government and business representatives from Binh Duong Province, the Vietnamese delegation visited various sites in the German and European research and development landscape as part of their European tour. The joint discussions not only enabled them to connect with stakeholders responsible for current and future innovation, but also to find out about essential elements of sustainable development of regions and locations. This included insights into current research activities as well as presentations on topics such as a dynamic start-up scene, the education of highly qualified specialists and young talent and the creation of attractive living and working conditions.

In addition to the Saxon State Ministry for Regional Development, the Chemnitz University of Technology, Silicon Saxony, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Chemnitz, the City of Chemnitz and the Technologie Centrum Chemnitz GmbH, local companies such as iSAX GmbH & Co. KG and 3D-Micromac AG also supported the delegation’s visit with their valuable contributions and used this opportunity for mutual exchange with the Vietnamese guests.

Fast-growing region for innovation

Binh Duong is considered one of the most dynamic provinces and a leading production and innovation center in the main economic zone in southern Vietnam. The province is located about 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, the economic center and largest city in Vietnam. More than 30 industrial complexes characterize the region, almost half of which were developed by Becamex IDC. By attracting technology companies and a highly skilled workforce, the region is investing in sustainable economic development in the coming years.