On the morning of July 23, the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (HCMC C4IR) hosted a working session with INTACT Base Vietnam and representatives from major universities in Ho Chi Minh City. The event laid the foundation for international collaboration aimed at developing a high-quality workforce in cutting-edge sectors such as STEM, semiconductors, and digital finance.
Under the theme “International Education Cooperation: Promoting Innovation in STEM, Semiconductors, and Finance”, the meeting focused on the INTENSE Scholarship Program – an initiative jointly implemented by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, universities, and enterprises.
According to Prof. Chao-Lung Yang, Principal Investigator of the program, INTENSE offers numerous undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to attract international students to key fields including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), the semiconductor industry, and finance.
Prof. Yang highlighted that in the context of Vietnam’s increasing integration into the global economy and science-technology ecosystem, guiding students’ career development and providing access to international scholarships in high-tech fields is essential for enhancing competitiveness and fostering sustainable career growth.
“INTENSE particularly emphasizes the role of enterprises in receiving and training students through a practical application model, closely integrating theoretical learning with hands-on experience in companies. In the context of Vietnam’s deepening integration, the program aims to open opportunities for students to strengthen their competitiveness,” Prof. Yang shared.
Prof. Yang Chao-Lung – presenting the INTENSE Program in Vietnam. Photo: HCMC C4IR
During the session, participants discussed the strengths and limitations of the INTENSE scholarship program and explored potential collaboration with universities in Ho Chi Minh City.
Representatives from Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (IUH) praised the program’s orientation and objectives, noting that IUH’s training fields align closely with INTENSE’s target sectors. INTENSE also committed to organizing free short-term Chinese language courses for IUH students interested in participating. A noted limitation is that the program currently does not offer PhD-level training, due to limited recruitment demand from Taiwanese enterprises at this level.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đàm Sao Mai – Vice President of IUH – raising the issue of PhD-level training in Taiwan. Photo: HCMC C4IR
Meanwhile, representatives from Saigon University (SGU) discussed scholarship amounts and post-graduation work conditions in Taiwan, suggesting that the program publish a list of partner companies to provide students with a clearer career pathway.
At the same time, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) indicated plans to launch courses related to the semiconductor industry and viewed INTENSE as an important reference source. UEH proposed new collaboration models and shared detailed information on training groups in smart manufacturing, urban transformation, and financial technology.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) highlighted its long-standing international cooperation with Taiwanese universities and recognized INTENSE’s potential. With an application-oriented training approach, HUTECH expressed readiness to support scholarship-sharing activities, workshops and student engagement with INTENSE and HCMC C4IR.
In addition, HCMC C4IR is ready to support and facilitate activities such as introductions, workshops, and early access for universities to engage with INTENSE. The center will coordinate classes, gather students from multiple institutions, and optimize training efficiency, with professional support from INTENSE.
Deputy Director of HCMC C4IR Nguyễn Đức Huy extending an invitation to Taiwan Tech representatives to attend the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum – Autumn 2025 (HEF 2025). Photo: HCMC C4IR
The session established a foundation for cooperation between HCMC C4IR, Taiwan’s education authorities and universities in Ho Chi Minh City through the INTENSE Program, aiming to develop high-quality human resources in advanced technology fields. All parties committed to implementing practical training initiatives and enhancing students’ international integration capabilities. HCMC C4IR will continue to act as the central coordinator, collaborating with INTENSE to form a joint working group to realize future cooperation goals.
Source: HCMC C4IR