In a recent meeting on September 3, Vietnamese officials in science and technology met with representatives from Japan’s House of Representatives to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in strategic technologies. These discussions centered on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, with Vietnam seeking increased support for workforce development in these fields. The talks emphasized semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, personnel training, and fostering closer collaboration between businesses in these strategic sectors.
As part of the collaborative efforts under the NEXUS joint research program, Vietnam and Japan are working together to co-fund semiconductor research. This initiative covers a range of areas including chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing processes. Both nations have expressed a commitment to expanding this cooperation beyond 2027, with an eye on further advancements in these critical areas.
One of Vietnam’s key interests lies in developing sovereign artificial intelligence capabilities and Vietnamese-language large language models, for which it is seeking Japan’s support. An upcoming meeting in October will see a joint Vietnam-Japan working group convene to push forward technology transfer and enhance business connections specifically within the semiconductor industry.
In addition to semiconductors, Vietnam has proposed broadening the NEXUS program into an annual cooperation mechanism, expanding research into artificial intelligence, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. This expansion includes calls for stronger business partnerships and intensified training initiatives aimed at cultivating a highly skilled workforce of engineers and experts in strategic technology fields.
Japan has shown interest in Vietnam’s ambitions regarding semiconductor development, labor policies, and long-term energy strategy, which includes plans for nuclear power expansion. Vietnam’s strategy involves a diversified energy mix that incorporates conventional energy sources, renewables, and nuclear power, with research into small modular reactors being a focal point. To facilitate this energy transition, Vietnam acknowledges the necessity for substantial investment and a skilled workforce, expressing optimism that Japan will continue to play a pivotal role in helping to develop the energy infrastructure required to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.