Vietnam Wafer JSC proposes semiconductor materials project in PPP investment form

Vietnam Wafer JSC has proposed developing a semiconductor materials project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model in Quang Tri province, central Vietnam, with a total investment of nearly VND400 billion ($15.23 million).

In a submission to the Quang Tri People's Committee, Vietnam Wafer outlined plans for a testing and R&D center for semiconductor-grade materials derived from silica (SiO₂) and silicon (Si), with applications in wafer manufacturing.

The project would initially be located at Vietnam Wafer’s existing plant in the Quan Ngang Industrial Park, before expanding research, testing and pilot production to other suitable sites in the province at a later stage (phase 2), according to the proposal.

Vietnam Wafer said the project aims to develop testing and production technologies for semiconductor materials, serving as the first nucleus for semiconductor materials R&D in Quang Tri.

Planned activities include R&D and provision of science-technology services in refining of silica and high-purity natural quartz; development of crystal-growing technologies; wafer cutting, grinding and polishing; building of pilot R&D production lines ready for industrial application; and training of a high-skilled local workforce.

Under the proposal, total investment is estimated at VND400 billion (($15.23 million), with the investor contributing VND270 billion, or 67.5%, from its own and other legal sources. The state would provide about VND130 billion, equivalent to 32.5%, within the PPP framework.

Vietnam Wafer said the state contribution, capped at less than 50% of total investment, would support the transfer and adoption of advanced and high technologies from private investors, helping ensure the project’s financial viability.

The company said it has been working with foreign partners from Japan, China, the United States and Australia to design and plan a semiconductor materials production complex, and has conducted a preliminary assessment of its ability to mobilize capital for the private investors-funded portion.

According to Vietnam Wafer, the project aligns with national priorities on science, technology and innovation, and implements the Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, which positions enterprises at the center of R&D activities.

The project would also be considered under special incentive procedures for PPP projects in science and technology, in line with the amended Investment Law taking effect in 2025.

In Quang Tri, Vietnam Wafer is already developing a high-purity quartz materials plant at the Quan Ngang Industrial Park. The provincial government approved the investment in June 2025.

That project has an investment of more than VND96 billion ($3.66 million) and designed capacity of 1,500 tons per year. Construction and trial operations are scheduled for October 2025 to March 2026, with commercial production expected to begin in April 2026.

Vietnam Wafer was established in April 2024 and is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. At inception, the company had charter capital of VND2 billion, with founder Chau Hoang Long holding 85%.

By March 2025, charter capital had risen to VND6 billion ($228,520), and the company is currently represented by legal representative Chi Tri Duong.

The company’s board includes Thomas Forsberg, a former senior director of global procurement at IBM, who serves as chairman.