Amidst growing technological ambitions, Vietnam has reached out to Japan to bolster collaboration in key strategic areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. This call for enhanced cooperation was a central theme during a meeting on September 3, which brought together Vietnamese science and technology officials and representatives from Japan’s House of Representatives. The discussions emphasized the significance of joint efforts in semiconductor research, AI advancements, energy technologies, and the development of skilled personnel, while also encouraging stronger business ties within these strategic sectors.
The NEXUS joint research program, an ongoing initiative between Vietnam and Japan, has been pivotal in driving semiconductor research that spans chip design, advanced materials, and essential manufacturing technologies. Both nations are poised to extend their cooperative ventures beyond 2027. Vietnam is keen on Japan’s support to advance its sovereign AI capabilities and develop Vietnamese-language large language models. A joint working group from both countries is scheduled for an October meeting to push forward technology transfer and reinforce business connections in the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has proposed transforming the NEXUS program into an annual collaborative mechanism while broadening its scope to include research in AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The country is advocating for tighter business partnerships and seeks to enhance training opportunities for highly skilled engineers and experts across these strategic technology fields. Japan has shown particular interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor progress, labor policies, and its comprehensive energy strategy, which includes ambitions to expand nuclear power.
In terms of energy strategy, Vietnam is charting a course towards a diversified mix that integrates conventional energy sources, renewables, and nuclear power, along with research into small modular reactors. The energy transition Vietnam envisions will demand substantial investment and a workforce with high-level skills. In this context, Vietnam expressed a desire for Japan to continue as a vital partner in developing the necessary energy infrastructure to sustain its burgeoning high-tech industries.