Vietnam is advocating for enhanced collaboration with Japan in the realm of strategic technologies, notably in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. This call for deeper ties also extends to greater assistance in workforce development. The initiative was a focal point of discussions held on September 3 between Vietnamese science and technology officials and a delegation from Japan’s House of Representatives. The meeting centered on advancing cooperation in semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, and training programs for personnel, alongside fostering closer business relations in these strategic sectors.
Through the NEXUS joint research program, Vietnam and Japan are collaborating on co-financing semiconductor research, which includes chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing processes. There are plans to broaden this collaboration further starting in 2027. Additionally, Vietnam is seeking Japanese support to enhance its sovereign AI capabilities and develop Vietnamese-language large language models. To facilitate this, a joint Vietnam-Japan working group is slated to convene in October to advance technology transfer and bolster business connections in the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has put forward a proposal to expand the NEXUS initiative into an annual cooperation framework, while also widening the scope of research to encompass AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The country is also keen on fostering closer business partnerships and enhancing training programs for highly skilled engineers and experts within strategic technology fields.
Meanwhile, Japan has shown a keen interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor development, labor policies, and comprehensive energy strategy, which includes plans to augment nuclear power. Vietnam has outlined its energy transition strategy, which combines conventional energy sources with renewable and nuclear power, including conducting research into small modular reactors. This ambitious energy transition is expected to demand substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce, and Vietnam is hopeful that Japan will continue to be a pivotal partner in building the necessary energy infrastructure to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.