Overview of the workshop at VNUHCM-University of Science | 30 May

On 30 May, a specialised workshop entitled “Design of Post-Quantum Cryptographic Cores with Open-Source RISC-V CPUs and Encryption Core Attack Methodologies” was held at the VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS). The event was jointly organised by the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, HCMUS, in collaboration with the Integrated Circuit Design Laboratory (VLSILAB), University of Electro-Communications (UEC), Japan.

In the context of quantum technology increasingly challenging traditional security foundations, the development of electronic systems resilient to next-generation attacks is no longer a mere upgrade option but an indispensable requirement in core system design. Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms must be deeply integrated into hardware while simultaneously supported by comprehensive protection strategies at the system architecture level.

HCMUS – UEC Academic Workshop

The workshop was coordinated by Professor Phạm Công Kha, Head of VLSILAB, UEC, and Associate Professor Lê Đức Hùng, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, HCMUS. This academic forum served as a practical platform for knowledge exchange between the two institutions and contributed to promoting the trend of embedding security at the hardware design stage—an essential prerequisite for future electronic systems.

The event featured four in-depth academic sessions presented by doctoral researchers from HCMUS and VLSILAB:

– Multi-core RISC-V SoC integrated with NTRU post-quantum encryption – Dr. Tạ Trí Đức (PhD Candidate Year 1 – HCMUS);

– Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Hardware Implementations – Dr. Nguyễn Trọng Hùng (PhD Candidate Year 3 – UEC);

– Hardware/Software Design on RISC-V SoC for PQC – Dr. Đàm Đức Thuận (PhD Candidate Year 2 – UEC);

– Side-Channel Analysis: Classification, Attacks and Countermeasures – Dr. Trần Thái Hà (PhD Candidate Year 3 – UEC).

The presentations not only carried high academic value but also reflected urgent practical demands, as various sectors—from IoT devices, smart healthcare, and telecommunications infrastructure to national defence—face increasing requirements to integrate new security standards. Embedding post-quantum cryptographic algorithms at the circuit and control system level will lay a robust foundation for the next generation of secure electronic devices capable of withstanding emerging cybersecurity threats.

With active participation and discussions involving faculty members, doctoral researchers, and students from both institutions, the workshop functioned not only as an academic exchange but also as a bridge connecting research groups pursuing core challenges in hardware security and integrated circuit design.

Long-term Academic Collaboration Outlook

This workshop represents a continuation of the academic partnership between the VNUHCM – University of Science and the University of Electro-Communications, Japan; focusing on high-application topics in the post-quantum era. Sharing expertise and developing research talent in electronics, integrated circuits, and security play a pivotal role in Viet Nam’s strategic efforts to elevate the scientific and technological capacity to meet international standards.

PMN