Haiphong Discover
Special National Relic Recognition and Tu Luong Xam Festival Held on February 12 (15th of Lunar January)
07 Feb 2025
On the evening of February 12, at the Tu Luong Xam Relic Site (Nam Hai Ward), Hai An District solemnly held a ceremony to receive the Certificate recognizing the Tu Luong Xam Area – Headquarters of Ngo Quyen in 938 – as a Special National Historical Relic, and to inaugurate the 2025 Tu Luong Xam Traditional Festival, commemorating the 1,087th anniversary of the Bach Dang victory and the 1,081st anniversary of the death of King Ngo Quyen.
Attending the ceremony at the central level were Mr. Le Thanh Long, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; along with leaders from central ministries, the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, and the Ngo family council of Vietnam.
On the city level, the event was attended by Mr. Le Tien Chau, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee, and Head of the Hai Phong National Assembly delegation; Mr. Nguyen Van Tung, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee; Mr. Do Manh Hien, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; Mr. Pham Van Lap, Chairman of the City People's Council; along with other members of the Party Standing Committee, leaders of the City People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Fatherland Front, departments and localities, Hai An District leaders, and a large number of local residents and visitors.
The traditional procession ceremony is a sacred and important ritual of the Tu Luong Xam festival.
Tu Luong Xam is a sacred coastal site located by the Bach Dang River, closely linked to the glorious victory of King Ngo Quyen and the nation in resisting foreign invaders in 938. Through the ups and downs of history, this place has witnessed the tireless efforts of generations of Hai Phong and Hai An people in preserving, restoring, and promoting the historical value of the relic and its traditional festival — a proud part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Port City.
In 1986, under Decision No. 235/VH-QĐ dated December 12, 1986, the Ministry of Culture (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) ranked the site as a National Historical Relic under the name: “Tu Luong Xam Area – Headquarters of Ngo Quyen in 938”, located in Nam Hai Commune, An Hai District. It was one of the "Four Sacred Temples" of the old An Duong District, and is now one of the three "sacred temples" of Hai An District (including Tu Luong Xam, Thuong Doan Shrine, and Phu Xa Temple). Among the sites worshipping Ngo Quyen in Hai An District, Tu Luong Xam is honored as the “Từ Cả” – the primary temple dedicated to Ngo Quyen.
The Tu Luong Xam Festival is the largest-scale festival in Hai An District, held annually from the 14th to 18th days of the first lunar month. In 2022, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized the traditional Tu Luong Xam Festival as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In her speech, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu – Secretary of Hai An District Party Committee – emphasized that the Government’s recognition of the Tu Luong Xam site as a Special National Historical Relic and its festival as a National Intangible Heritage is a great honor and pride. At the same time, it imposes a significant responsibility on the Party, government, and people of Hai An District in particular, and Hai Phong City in general, to preserve and promote the value of the site and its heritage. The district’s leadership pledged to continue efforts to protect and enhance the value of the site so that it remains a lasting spiritual and cultural address that nurtures patriotism in current and future generations.
In his speech, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong emphasized that Tu Luong Xam is the site chosen by Ngo Quyen to establish his headquarters, construct the Vanh Kieu ramparts, and command the historic battle that defeated the Southern Han invaders on the Bach Dang River in 938. The relic holds a special place in the system of sites dedicated to King Ngo Quyen in Hai Phong. Alongside numerous artifacts such as imperial decrees, stone steles, sacred objects, and architectural components with the artistic style of the Le Trung Hung period (17th century) and the Nguyen Dynasty (19th–20th centuries), the site bears witness to centuries of history and cultural development. It has become a unique cultural destination for the local community.
The annual Tu Luong Xam Festival, held from the 16th to 18th of the first lunar month, expresses the people's devotion, remembrance, and reverence for King Ngo Quyen. With its outstanding cultural values, on January 17, 2025, the Prime Minister issued the decision to recognize the Tu Luong Xam Complex – Headquarters of King Ngo Quyen in 938 – as a Special National Historical Relic.
The Deputy Minister called upon the city and Hai An District to develop a comprehensive conservation master plan, implement a heritage conservation and promotion project for the Tu Luong Xam Festival, and continue researching and conducting archaeological excavations to further clarify the site's historical value while improving its landscape and environment to create a complete cultural space.
King Ngo Quyen is one of Vietnam’s 14 national heroes and is revered as the "king of kings" and the "Founding Father of National Restoration." In 938, he led the people to defeat the Southern Han army in the historic Bach Dang River battle, ending over 1,000 years of Chinese domination and ushering in a long era of national independence and sovereignty, laying the foundation for the brilliant dynasties of Ly, Tran, and Le, continuing into the Ho Chi Minh era.
Haiphong Discover
The Unique Xa Mã Festival – A Spiritual and Cultural Gem of Hoang Chau Village, Cat Hai District
07 Feb 2025
Located amidst the scenic seascape of the Cat Ba archipelago, Hoang Chau commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city is not only famous for its traditional fishing villages and pristine beaches, but also for hosting one of the most distinctive traditional festivals of Vietnam’s northern coastal region: the Xa Mã Festival – Palanquin Procession at Hoang Chau Communal House. This festival, celebrated annually from the 9th to 12th day of the 6th lunar month, is a vibrant cultural and spiritual event that draws locals and visitors alike.
Hoang Chau Communal House – A Time-Honored Spiritual Landmark
According to local elders, Hoang Chau Communal House was built about 300 years ago and is dedicated to Holy Mother Lieu Hanh, one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folk religion. The communal house serves as a sacred cultural center and a symbol of unity for the local island community.
To honor the merits of Holy Mother and ancestral heroes, the people of Hoang Chau hold the Xa Mã Festival and Palanquin Procession each year to express gratitude and pray for national peace, favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and abundant fishing.
Xa Mã – A Vibrant Folk Performance Rooted in History
The centerpiece of the festival is the Xa Mã competition, also known as the wooden horse cart race, a folk performance that recreates scenes of military training and drills from ancient times. It highlights the martial spirit and collective strength of coastal communities.
The race features two teams, traditionally from the Eastern and Western hamlets, with each team comprising 12 to 15 participants in traditional attire: long tunics, headscarves, and leg wraps. Each "Xa Mã" is a sturdy wooden cart with four wheels, carrying a beautifully decorated wooden warhorse adorned with reins, floral chest ornaments, and a bell around its neck.
The race takes place in the communal yard, where the two Xa Mã carts move in opposite directions in circular paths. To win, a team must complete three full laps without crossing the boundary lines or causing damage to their cart or opponents. The victorious team receives a ceremonial gift from the communal house, symbolizing blessings for the coming year.
The Palanquin Procession – A Sacred Ritual of Devotion
Equally significant is the palanquin procession, a deeply spiritual ritual involving the carrying of the statue of Holy Mother Lieu Hanh. The palanquin is ornately decorated and carried by carefully chosen male and female attendants, who must be unmarried and come from families not in mourning.
In a climactic moment of the festival, the palanquin and its bearers suddenly accelerate around the courtyard and through the village, as if possessed by divine energy. This moment is believed to symbolize the goddess herself appearing to bless her people. It is an emotional and sacred experience, embodying the connection between the divine and the earthly.
A Celebration of Community Spirit
Beyond the key rituals, the festival features many other engaging activities, including the Water Fetching Ceremony, Costume Ceremony (dressing the statue), and Ancestral Worship Ceremony. There are also traditional games like cockfighting and Chinese chess, while the evenings come alive with folk singing performances such as Quan họ (love duet) and Chèo (traditional opera).
The festival serves as a time for reunion, celebration, and spiritual reflection. It also provides a space for younger generations to connect with their cultural heritage and appreciate the values passed down from their ancestors.
A Recognized Cultural Heritage
Thanks to its rich historical, cultural, and artistic values, the Xa Mã Festival – Palanquin Procession at Hoang Chau Communal House was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in 2017. This designation affirms the importance of preserving and promoting the festival as a vital part of the nation’s cultural identity.
For centuries, the Xa Mã Festival has been more than just a joyful event; it has been a “living stage” where folk traditions are brought to life and celebrated. Amidst the waves and wind of the sea, this festival reflects the spirit of resilience, faith, and cultural pride of the people of Hoang Chau. In today’s rapidly changing world, maintaining and passing on such traditions is a powerful testament to the love for heritage and the enduring soul of Vietnamese coastal communities.
Haiphong Discover
A Living Heritage in Coastal Hai Phong: “Dong Mon Ca Tru”
07 Feb 2025
In Dong Mon village, Hoa Binh commune, Thuy Nguyen district, Hai Phong city, for over two centuries, the sounds of dan day (three-string lute), phach (bamboo clappers), and the soulful voice of ca tru singing have resonated through the community, linking generations and keeping alive a unique form of traditional Vietnamese art. Dong Mon Ca Tru is more than a musical genre – it is a source of pride, a cultural identity, and a spiritual thread woven into the fabric of local life.
The Cradle of Ca Tru in the Northern Coastal Region
Ca tru came to Dong Mon in the early 19th century, thanks to To Tien Trong, a talented kép đàn (lute player) and head of the Kinh Mon music guild in Hai Duong, part of the Bac Thach music association in Bac Ninh. With great vision and dedication, To Tien Trong sought permission to introduce Ca tru to Dong Mon and carried with him two sacred statues representing the founders of the art: Dinh Du Thanh Xa Dai Vuong and Man Duong Hoa Princess, along with royal decrees. He established the Dong Mon temple as a regional shrine to honor the ancestors of Ca tru.
To Tien Trong not only brought Ca tru to the village but also passionately taught it to his relatives and members of various local families. Thanks to his efforts, Dong Mon transformed into a vibrant ca tru hub for the entire northern coastal region, where generations of talented artists—both male instrumentalists and female vocalists—nurtured and developed the art.
A Profession Rooted in Melody and Tradition
During the golden years of Ca tru in Dong Mon, particularly from 1940 to 1945, many families in the village earned a living from this art form. Children grew up learning the songs and instruments from their elders, becoming skilled ca nương (female vocalists) and kép đàn.
Local guilds and troupes traveled beyond the village to perform in various provinces, including Hanoi, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, and Quang Ninh. Ca tru became both a livelihood and a cultural ambassador, spreading the spirit and refinement of Dong Mon's people far and wide.
However, war and historical upheavals interrupted this cultural flow. As the nation mobilized for defense and rebuilding, Dong Mon villagers, like many across the country, temporarily set aside their artistic pursuits to fight for the country’s independence and produce for the living. Ca tru fell into decline, and its melodies became fainter with time.
Reviving a Precious Cultural Heritage
Fearing the loss of a valuable tradition, Dong Mon residents took the initiative to preserve and revive ca tru. In 1993, with the support of local authorities, the Dong Mon Ca Tru Club was officially established. Key contributors included artisan singer To Thi Che, lute player To Van Nghi, and a dedicated group of villagers passionate about their musical heritage.
In its early days, the club faced many challenges, including a shortage of trained performers. To maintain its activities, the club mobilized members of the local male and female ceremonial troupes from the village temple to participate. Despite these limitations, the club’s founders persevered, driven by a deep love for the art. Like silkworms silently spinning threads, they quietly kept the tradition alive, preserving each song, rhythm, and technique to pass down to future generations.
A Sophisticated Art for Discerning Ears
Ca tru is often described as one of Vietnam's most refined and intellectually demanding musical genres. It requires both skillful performers and discerning listeners – singers must possess technical mastery and cultural knowledge, while audiences must have an educated appreciation to fully grasp its subtleties.
This dual demand makes preserving ca tru no easy task. Yet in Dong Mon, the community’s unwavering commitment has led to a remarkable cultural revival. Today, the village proudly boasts the distinction of being one of the few places in Hai Phong where schoolchildren learn and perform ca tru, guided by master artists from their own community.
Embedded in Blood and Spirit
The people of Dong Mon often liken themselves to silkworms, patiently and quietly spinning threads from within—an image that captures their devoted efforts to preserve and nurture every verse and melody left behind by their ancestors.
For over two centuries, ca tru has endured not simply because it is beautiful, but because it has become part of the villagers’ identity, embedded in their way of thinking, aesthetics, and daily life. It has shaped personalities, cultivated sensitivity, and enriched the spiritual life of the community.
Pride and Continuity
Today, Dong Mon villagers are justly proud of their achievements in keeping Ca tru alive. The sounds of dan day and phach once again echo during club gatherings and village festivals. The tradition is no longer just a relic of the past, but a living, evolving art form, carried forward by the young, taught by the old, and cherished by the whole village.
The revival of Ca tru in Dong Mon is not only a cultural triumph for the local community but also a valuable contribution to Vietnam’s national heritage. It shows that when tradition is treasured and nurtured, it will never truly disappear.
Haiphong Discover
Đồng Dụ Communal House – A Cultural and Spiritual Symbol of a Traditional Flower Village in Hai Phong
08 Feb 2025
In the historical and cultural fabric of Vietnamese rural life, the đình làng (communal house) is not merely an architectural structure. It embodies the spiritual values, pride, and aspirations of the local community. For the people of Đặng Cương commune, An Dương district, Hai Phong city, Đồng Dụ Communal House is a familiar and cherished symbol, deeply rooted in their identity and heritage.
A Traditional Flower Village with Distinctive Cultural Roots
Đồng Dụ village, home to this ancient communal house, is a long-established traditional craft village in Hai Phong. It is well-known for its floriculture, especially the camellia (hoa hải đường), a flower symbolizing nobility and grace, and the renowned royal oranges, once presented as tribute to kings. These agricultural products are not only a source of pride for the villagers but also a testament to their close connection with nature and their deep respect for cultural tradition.
To this day, the villagers maintain the custom of offering the first seasonal fruits and flowers to the village’s tutelary deity on the first and fifteenth day of every lunar month. This practice is both a spiritual ritual and a meaningful expression of gratitude for past blessings and hopes for prosperity.
A Nationally Recognized Historical and Cultural Site
Đồng Dụ Communal House was officially designated a National Historical and Cultural Site in 1991, a recognition of its outstanding architectural, historical, and spiritual values.
The house is built on elevated ground, facing west. Its spacious surroundings are shaded by ancient trees, some over 300 years old, creating a tranquil and sacred setting. The structure follows the traditional “đinh” (丁) layout typical of northern Vietnamese communal houses, with a five-compartment front hall (tiền đường) and a three-compartment rear sanctuary (hậu cung) nestled beneath the old trees. The harmonious blend of architecture and nature lends the house a solemn and timeless atmosphere.
According to historical records and local legend, the communal house is dedicated to Nguyễn Đại Phạm and his six sons, who were prominent figures in supporting the Trần Dynasty (1388–1398). Nguyễn Đại Phạm, originally from Hoa Phong (present-day Cát Hải), passed the national exam in 1397 and served in key governmental positions, including Governor of Nam Sách and later Prefect of Hóa Châu. Known for his integrity and compassion, he governed with fairness and care, earning the trust and love of the people. Under his administration, the local population lived in peace and prosperity.
Tragically, Nguyễn Đại Phạm and his six sons all died heroically in a naval battle at Nam Triệu estuary. Deeply moved by their sacrifice, the people of Đồng Dụ built this communal house to honor them. Their memory has been preserved and revered for generations.
Beyond its spiritual and historical significance, Đồng Dụ Communal House is also a vivid display of traditional Vietnamese folk art. The artisans who built the house infused their craft with emotion and creativity, reflected in the intricate wood carvings, decorative motifs, and architectural details. These artistic elements—featuring dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and sacred symbols—tell stories from history and folklore, revealing the worldview and values of the local community.
The communal house is, in essence, a living museum of folk craftsmanship, where the skills of generations of artisans are immortalized in wood and stone. These artworks not only enhance the beauty of the building but also represent the intellectual and cultural depth of the community that built and preserved it.
A Cultural Hub and Festival Ground
Traditionally, the đình làng is the cultural and social heart of a Vietnamese village. It serves as a meeting place, a site for public gatherings, and a center for community rituals. Đồng Dụ Communal House is no exception. It has long been a witness to the life of the village, a place where important matters are discussed and where traditions are passed on.
Each year, on the 10th day of the second lunar month, the village celebrates its annual communal house festival. The festivities begin with an ancestral ritual, followed by a solemn procession in which the statues and spirit tablets of Nguyễn Đại Phạm and his sons are brought back to the communal house for a three-day ceremonial observance. The festival is a moment of deep reverence and unity, when villagers honor their heroic ancestors who sacrificed their lives for the greater good.
The event also fosters a vibrant, heartfelt atmosphere of community spirit, demonstrating the enduring Vietnamese value of “drinking water, remember the source.”
A Timeless Cultural Symbol
Through centuries of change, Đồng Dụ Communal House has remained a steadfast spiritual and cultural landmark. More than just a place of worship, it is a symbol of protection and continuity for generations of locals. From its moss-covered roof and the sound of ritual drums to the vibrant festivals that mark the seasons, the communal house reflects the soul of the village.
With its unique blend of historical, architectural, artistic, and spiritual significance, Đồng Dụ Communal House deserves to be preserved and celebrated—not only as a national relic but as a meaningful cultural destination for anyone seeking to reconnect with Vietnam’s rural heritage and traditions.
Festivals
Three-Day Traditional Festival of Heroine Le Chan Scheduled for March 6–8, 2025
05 Feb 2025
On the morning of February 5, the People’s Committee of Lê Chân District held a meeting to review the preparations for the 2025 Traditional Festival of General Lady Lê Chân. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Phạm Việt Anh, Vice Chairman of the District People's Committee.
The 2025 Traditional Festival of General Lady Lê Chân is an annual cultural and ceremonial event organized by Lê Chân District to honor the life, career, and immense contributions of General Lady Lê Chân — a national heroine who reclaimed land and established the ancient An Biên settlement, the predecessor of today’s Hai Phong City. The festival aims to inspire pride, promote historical and cultural education, and uphold the Vietnamese tradition of “Remembering the source when drinking water.”
It also plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the national intangible cultural heritage — the Traditional Festival of General Lady Lê Chân — as well as nationally recognized historical, cultural, and architectural sites, including Nghè Temple and An Biên Communal House. The festival serves the spiritual and festive needs of Hai Phong residents and visitors during the spring season.
At the meeting, delegates contributed ideas to enhance the festival’s preparation, ensuring it features rich, diverse, and culturally authentic activities that maintain solemnity and reverence. Cultural and culinary events will also be included to help promote the city’s heritage and spiritual tourism destinations, particularly within Lê Chân District.
The meeting also addressed the mobilization of social resources for festival organization and the need to ensure political security, traffic safety, public order, healthcare, and environmental sanitation.
The festival is expected to take place over three days — March 6, 7, and 8, 2025 (corresponding to the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of the second lunar month of the Year of the Snake) — at the following locations: the Statue of General Lady Lê Chân, the Nghè Temple (a national historical and cultural site), and the An Biên Communal House (a national architectural heritage site).
Through its various activities, the festival will continue to promote and introduce the cultural heritage and key spiritual tourism sites of the city and district to both local residents and visitors, contributing to the development of Hai Phong’s tourism industry and broader socio-economic growth.
News
Vinh Khe Wrestling Festival 2025 Kicks Off – A National Intangible Cultural Heritage Event
04 Feb 2025
Opening Ceremony of the Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival, An Đồng Ward 2025 – A National Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival
On the morning of February 4, at the Vĩnh Khê Communal House National Historical Site, An Dương District held the 2025 “Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival” in An Đồng Ward. The event was attended by leaders of the Hai Phong Department of Tourism, An Dương District, wrestling teams from various provinces, and a large number of local residents.
The "Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival" is held annually at the Vĩnh Khê Communal House, a national architectural and artistic heritage site. Originating in the 14th century during the Trần Dynasty, the festival is deeply rooted in the martial spirit fostered by the village’s two tutelary gods, who trained soldiers in martial arts to defend the nation. After the villagers built a shrine to honor them, the festival was established to commemorate and express gratitude to the two gods — Lord Vũ Dao and Lord Vũ Sào — who were virtuous, patriotic generals credited with aiding the poor and transforming Vĩnh Khê into a prosperous and peaceful village.
The wrestling festival is traditionally held over the first three days of the Lunar New Year, with the main event on the 7th day of the first lunar month. It has become a long-standing cultural tradition, deeply ingrained in the local consciousness and passed down through generations.
The Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival is a cultural gem of the Red River Delta, celebrating the spirit of martial arts and promoting physical fitness for national defense and development. The festival features solemn rituals and meaningful folk games tied to the legends of the village's patron gods. It embodies the humanistic spirit and unique cultural identity of the Vĩnh Khê people and reflects their respect for ancestors who established and protected the village. With its distinctive features, the festival attracts people of all backgrounds from within and outside the city.
One special aspect of the festival is its inclusiveness—regardless of age or rank, young men can challenge national wrestling champions, and visitors can participate in matches with locals. The festival revives the traditional customs of An Dương, a land rich in martial spirit and revolutionary legacy, and fosters national solidarity. It is a precious cultural heritage that meets spiritual and cultural needs while promoting traditional values.
In recognition of its cultural significance, on September 11, 2017, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized the “Vĩnh Khê Village Wrestling Festival” as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Promoting traditional cultural identity, the Spring 2025 Wrestling Festival of Vĩnh Khê Village attracted 10 athlete delegations, including the Vĩnh Khê Martial Arts and Wrestling Club, with nearly 40 wrestlers from sports centers and clubs in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and five urban and rural districts within the city competing for top honors.
The festival is maintained to preserve and promote traditional cultural values, honoring the martial spirit of Vĩnh Khê and offering a chance for villagers to pay tribute to their sacred ancestors. Offerings made from the people’s own labor are presented, praying for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and well-being and happiness for all families.
Visitors to the festival can enjoy folk games, cultural and artistic performances rich in ethnic identity, and visit the scenic communal house to offer incense and prayers for health, peace, and luck. Through the festival, community creativity and unity are strengthened, while connections and cultural promotion are expanded, showcasing the culture of An Dương District to other provinces and localities across the country.
Semiconductor industry development in Vietnam: orientation and encouraging results
The semiconductor industry is gradually becoming an important pillar in the economic development strategies of countries in the era of Industry 4.0. With promising steps, Vietnam is not outside this global trend. The strong development of the semiconductor industry is not only an objective requirement but also a strategic choice to create new growth momentum in the context of digital transformation and international economic integration. This article reviews the context, current situation and initial results in the development of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam.
Context of semiconductor industry development in Vietnam
In the coming period, Vietnam will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2030 and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the country in 2045. To achieve the goals set for these two occasion, the country not only needs to maintain and promote traditional growth drivers such as investment, export and consumption, but also needs to seek and develop new growth drivers. These factors include digital transformation, green transformation, circular economic development, and especially high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and the semiconductor industry. The strong development of the semiconductor industry is not only an urgent requirement but also a strategic choice to create new productive forces, helping the country "keep up, progress together and surpass" in the context of increasingly deep international integration. The development of the semiconductor industry in the world has made great strides in the era of Industry 4.0. This is an inevitable trend, reflecting the ever-increasing demand for high-tech products such as computers, mobile phones, electric cars and other smart electronic devices. Participating in the global semiconductor supply chain will create opportunities for Vietnam not only to develop its economy, but also to contribute to the overall development of the global high-tech industry. To do this, Vietnam needs to invest heavily in infrastructure development, develop high-quality human resources and promote international cooperation.
Vietnam also possesses many strategic advantages in developing the semiconductor industry. First is its rare earth reserves, an important raw material for the semiconductor industry, which are currently among the top in the world. In addition, Vietnam's geographical location in the key global semiconductor manufacturing area makes it easy for the country to connect with supply chains and major investors from Asia, the US and Europe. In particular, Vietnam's young and abundant human resources are an important factor helping the country to develop strongly in this industry in the future.
Achievements in the development of the semiconductor industry
In recent years, Vietnam has achieved some important initial results in the development of the semiconductor industry. First, policies and guidelines for human resource development have been institutionalized and strongly implemented. From the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress to the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, the development of human resources in science, technology and innovation has been emphasized. Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW of the Politburo on proactively participating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution clearly identified the goal of rapid and sustainable development based on science, technology and innovation, while emphasizing the development of high-quality human resources in the semiconductor industry.
Along with that, the Government has proactively built mechanisms and policies to support the development of the semiconductor industry. The establishment of the Semiconductor Industry Development Steering Committee and programs for developing human resources in the semiconductor industry until 2030, with a vision to 2050, has opened a solid framework to promote this industry. These policies not only create a strong development foundation but also create a favorable environment for domestic and foreign investors to participate in this field.
The infrastructure serving the semiconductor industry is also being built and completed. High-tech parks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoa Lac and Da Nang have been invested in and developed, creating favorable conditions for businesses in the semiconductor industry to operate. These industrial parks not only meet international standards but are also the destination of large technology corporations in the world such as Samsung, Foxconn, Intel, Amkor. These corporations have invested in Vietnam, not only to produce semiconductor components but also to build high-tech research and development centers.
In addition, many Vietnamese enterprises such as Viettel, FPT, Phenikaa are actively implementing development strategies and promoting projects in the semiconductor field. In particular, the emergence of startups such as Infrasen, VnChip, Hyphen Deux is also a positive signal, showing that the semiconductor industry in Vietnam has begun to have a strong transformation from domestic enterprises.
Vietnam not only focuses on developing the domestic semiconductor industry but also proactively cooperates internationally to improve global competitiveness. Memorandums of understanding on cooperation between Vietnam and countries such as the United States, South Korea, and Japan have been signed, opening up opportunities for extensive cooperation in the fields of research, technology development and human resource training. The International Technology Innovation and Security (ITSI) Fund Program is also one of the important mechanisms to help Vietnam increase cooperation in the semiconductor field, while connecting international investors to the Vietnamese market.
In addition, Vietnam also organizes semiconductor industry exhibitions to promote its potential and attract investment. Inviting large technology corporations such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and LAM Research to study the investment environment in Vietnam is one of the specific activities to create a bridge between Vietnamese enterprises and international partners. International meetings and conferences are also opportunities for Vietnam to learn and cooperate with strong economies in the world.
Future challenges and opportunities
Despite significant progress, the semiconductor industry in Vietnam still faces many challenges. One of the issues that needs to be addressed is the development of high-quality human resources in this field. The semiconductor industry requires human resources with in-depth knowledge of technology, high techniques and creativity. Therefore, promoting training and developing specialized training programs will be a decisive factor in helping Vietnam create a generation of human resources capable of meeting the requirements of the semiconductor industry in the future.
In addition, improving policy mechanisms, especially policies on tax, investment and intellectual property, also needs to be focused on to attract more foreign investment in the semiconductor industry. Building preferential tax policies and supporting startups in the technology sector will help create a favorable environment for the development of the industry.
In general, the semiconductor industry in Vietnam is on the rise, but it still needs to continue to improve infrastructure, improve the quality of human resources and strengthen international cooperation. With existing strategic advantages and reasonable steps in the future, Vietnam can become an important semiconductor production and development center in the region and the world.
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Border - Sea Island
11th Ocean Dialogue opened in Hai Phong
WVR/VNA - The 11th Ocean Dialogue, themed “Hybrid Activities: Helping or Hindering Order at Sea”, took place in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 11, 2023.
11th Ocean Dialogue talks hybrid, grey zone activities: Some participants in the 11th Ocean Dialogue in Hai Phong city on July 11, 2023. (Photo: DAV)
The event, held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), the UK Embassy in Vietnam, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) foundation’s Vietnam Office, attracted more than 100 delegates attending in person and over 50 others via videoconference, including 20 experts from 14 countries.
Participants discussed the trend of using hybrid activities by many countries in the region and the world, including grey zone activities in the East Sea. They shared viewpoints on hybrid activities and countries’ experience in responding to grey zone activities and looked to debate and make policy and legal proposals for managing activities to ensure order at sea.
In his opening remarks, DAV Vice President Dr Nguyen Hung Son said that hybrid activities are not a new phenomenon in the world. Many grey zone activities haven’t been fully identified or assessed on the basis of international law. The dialogue aimed to scrutinize the nature of those activities, the lack of goodwill in applying and interpreting international law, or the taking advantage of the unclear regulations of international law to weaken international law, thereby devising more effective response to this strategy.
Speakers at the event discussed hybrid and grey zone activities in the region, including the East Sea. They pointed out that hybrid activities combine traditional and non-traditional, military and non-military measures; are often conducted by non-state entities but supported by states; keep the situation below the red line of war; and often take place in transition zones between different spaces, entities, or rules.
11th Ocean Dialogue opened in Hai Phong: Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam speaks at the 11th Sea Dialogue. (Photo: DAV)
They said grey zone and hybrid activities are posing legal challenges and affecting the international order. In particular, the development of technology has been making challenges from those activities clearer. Besides, grey zone activities occur not only in the field but also other aspects such as economy (sanctions, embargoes, trade restrictions) and information (intentional misinformation).
Suggesting some initiatives for countries in and outside the region to better manage hybrid activities and effectively respond to grey zone activities, the dialogue said countries should enhance the coordination of actions among relevant agencies; and improve the capacity of identifying grey zone challenges and differentiating hybrid activities with legal purposes from grey zone activities with illegal intentions.
Countries and international organizations should perfect the legal frameworks on hybrid activities. Besides, international cooperation is also the key for countries to coordinate actions to better manage hybrid activities, delegates noted.
The Ocean Dialogue, initiated by the DAV, aims to connect scientists to discuss marine science, policies, and legal frameworks towards sustainable ocean governance.
