Vietnam is actively seeking to enhance its collaboration with Japan in the realm of strategic technologies, particularly in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. This initiative also includes a call for increased support in workforce development. These discussions took center stage during a meeting that took place on September 3 between Vietnamese science and technology officials and representatives from Japan’s House of Representatives. The talks concentrated on semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, and strategies to bolster relationships between businesses in these critical sectors.
A significant aspect of this collaboration is the NEXUS joint research program, under which Vietnam and Japan aim to co-finance semiconductor research. This research encompasses areas like chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing processes. Both nations have plans to further expand this cooperative effort starting in 2027. Additionally, Vietnam has expressed interest in having Japan’s support to develop its sovereign AI capabilities, including Vietnamese-language large language models. An upcoming meeting of a joint Vietnam-Japan working group is scheduled for October, where the focus will be on advancing technology transfer and strengthening business links within the semiconductor sector.
The Vietnamese proposal suggests that NEXUS should evolve into an annual cooperation mechanism. Moreover, it advocates for the broadening of research initiatives to include AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. Vietnam is also calling for closer business partnerships and an increase in training opportunities for highly skilled engineers and experts in strategic technology fields.
Japan has shown a keen interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor development, as well as its labor policies and long-term energy strategy, which includes plans to expand nuclear power. Vietnam, on its part, is pursuing a diversified energy mix strategy that combines conventional energy sources with renewables and nuclear power. This includes research into small modular reactors, which are part of the country’s broader energy transition plan.
Vietnam acknowledges that its transition to a new energy paradigm will necessitate substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce. The nation hopes that Japan will continue to play a pivotal role in developing the necessary energy infrastructure to support Vietnam’s burgeoning high-tech industries.