Vietnam and Japan are strengthening cooperation in higher education and high-tech talent development, with a focus on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and the green transition. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang has called for greater engagement from Japanese businesses, universities and research institutes with Vietnam Japan University (VJU) to develop highly skilled professionals and support the socioeconomic development of both countries.
During a meeting with Takebe Tsutomu, special advisor to the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, at the Government headquarters in Hanoi on October 12, 2026, Thang highlighted the potential to expand collaboration between VJU and Japanese academic and industry partners. He emphasised the importance of building stronger connections between education, research and industry to ensure graduates acquire skills relevant to emerging technologies and labour market demands.
Thang acknowledged Takebe's contributions to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly through cultural exchanges, people-to-people engagement, local cooperation, education and human resource development. He also congratulated Takebe on the successful Vietnam Festival held in Hokkaido in August 2026, recognising his continued efforts to promote friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
Thang noted that the Vietnam Japan University project has made positive progress, with both countries continuing their efforts to advance the institution's development. He encouraged Takebe to promote stronger participation by Japanese companies, universities and research institutes in the university's activities, creating closer links between academic training and employment opportunities in both countries.
The Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the need to develop high-quality training programmes in semiconductor technology, digital transformation, the green transition and artificial intelligence. These areas are becoming increasingly important to Vietnam's development priorities as the country seeks to strengthen its technological capabilities and prepare its workforce for evolving industry requirements.
Collaboration with Japanese businesses and research institutions could support knowledge exchange, innovation and the development of specialised expertise in strategically important sectors. Stronger industry participation could also help graduates acquire practical skills and improve their readiness to contribute to businesses operating in Vietnam and Japan.
Beyond higher education and technical training, Thang called for continued expansion of cultural and tourism cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and partnerships between localities in Vietnam and Japan. He also emphasised the importance of improving working conditions and quality of life for Vietnamese trainees and workers in Japan, urging continued support from the Japanese Government and local authorities.
Takebe welcomed the progress made by Vietnam Japan University, describing the institution as an important symbol of bilateral cooperation in human resource development. He noted that he had devoted considerable effort to advancing the university project and expressed hope that it would enter a new phase of growth as Vietnam continues to reform its education and training systems.
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As VJU marks its 10th anniversary in 2026, Takebe highlighted the importance of sustained Vietnamese Government support and proposed a three-way cooperation model involving the State, universities and businesses. He said closer coordination among these stakeholders could help the institution contribute more effectively to developing high-quality human resources and supporting socioeconomic progress in Vietnam and Japan.
Established on July 21, 2014, through a decision by Vietnam's Prime Minister, Vietnam Japan University is a member university of Vietnam National University, Hanoi. It is also a flagship cooperation project between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments, established to strengthen educational and research collaboration while developing internationally oriented professionals.
The university's academic programmes cover Japanese studies, computer science and engineering, civil engineering, smart agriculture and sustainability, food technology and health, and intelligent mechatronics and Japanese manufacturing. Its postgraduate programmes and research opportunities emphasise interdisciplinary education, advanced technologies and sustainable development.
In 2025, VJU expanded its undergraduate offerings to include semiconductor chip engineering, intelligent control and automation, and global innovation and development. These programmes reflect the growing importance of advanced technological skills to Vietnam's economic ambitions and the demand for specialised talent across emerging industries.
The expansion of cooperation among government institutions, universities and businesses could further strengthen VJU's role in connecting education with practical industry needs. Through greater participation from Japanese companies and research institutions, Vietnam and Japan aim to develop a skilled workforce, encourage technological innovation and deepen their educational and economic partnership.
