On 16 September, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), in collaboration with Synopsys, held the closing ceremony for the 2026 Intensive Training Programme in IC Design (Intensive Training Program 2026 – Summer Program) at the Synopsys office in Ho Chi Minh City. Following 13 weeks of intensive training, 27 participants completed the programme, which covered areas aligned with workforce needs in integrated circuit (IC) design and the semiconductor industry.

The closing ceremony was attended by MSc Văn Chí Nam  – Vice President of VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS); Mr Luc Elman – Chief of Staff, Technical Sales Group, GTM, Synopsys; along with representatives from both organisations, lecturers, engineers, and programme participants.

Throughout the programme, lecturers from VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) taught alongside engineers and mentors from Synopsys. A number of HCMUS lecturers had completed the Train The Trainer programme organised by Synopsys, contributing to the development of advanced teaching capacity in IC design.

Speaking at the event, MSc Văn Chí Nam emphasised that educating high-quality human resources for science and technology, particularly in fields of strategic importance to the country, represents one of the University’s key missions. He noted that developing talent for the semiconductor industry requires close collaboration between government, universities, and industry, thereby connecting education and research with technological development and practical needs.

Representing Synopsys, Mr Luc Elman highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and universities in developing talent for IC design and the semiconductor sector. Incorporating industry-standard design tools and methodologies into the programme enables participants to strengthen practical skills and prepare for professional working environments.

The Intensive Training Programme in IC Design has been delivered by Synopsys – a US technology company specialising in electronic design automation (EDA) – since 2022. In 2026, the programme entered the seventh edition and was delivered for the first time through collaboration with VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS). This year’s programme attracted more than 285 applications from students at engineering and technology universities across Ho Chi Minh City.

Notably, 70% of participants passed the SCDA examination and received certification. Three participants with outstanding performance were awarded full scholarships: Đỗ Quốc Khánh – VNUHCM–University of Information Technology; Hoàng Vũ – VNUHCM–University of Technology; and Phạm Quốc Thịnh – VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS).

Over the 13-week programme, participants gained experience with IC design tools, practised on Synopsys’s specialised cloud platform, and explored the chip design process, while also developing engineering thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

For the Chipathon Project, the class was divided into five groups to apply knowledge to design challenges, providing participants with experience of an end-to-end project development process. Group 1, comprising Huỳnh Võ Anh Cường, Lê Đại Phong, Trần Xuân Đức, Nguyễn Trọng Quí, and Cao Minh Hậu, received the award for outstanding performance.

The programme strengthens connections between education, research, and industry practice, while expanding HCMUS’s activities in developing high-quality human resources for IC design and the semiconductor sector.