In an effort to bolster its strategic technology sectors, Vietnam is seeking to deepen its collaboration with Japan, particularly in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. This initiative was highlighted during a September 3 meeting involving Vietnamese science and technology officials and representatives from Japan’s House of Representatives. The discussions centered around advancing semiconductor research, developing AI capabilities, enhancing energy technologies, and fostering personnel training, while also aiming to strengthen ties between businesses in these critical technological fields.
As part of the ongoing NEXUS joint research program, Vietnam and Japan are committing to co-finance semiconductor research projects that encompass chip design, advanced materials, supportive technologies, and manufacturing processes. The collaboration is expected to broaden beyond 2027, with Vietnam keen on Japan’s assistance in developing sovereign AI capabilities and Vietnamese-language large language models. A Vietnam-Japan working group is scheduled to convene in October to facilitate technology transfer and fortify business connections within the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has put forward a proposal to transform NEXUS into an annual cooperative mechanism, expanding its scope to include research in AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. The country is advocating for stronger business partnerships and enhanced training initiatives to develop a pool of highly skilled engineers and experts in strategic technology fields.
Japan has shown interest in Vietnam’s evolving semiconductor landscape, labor policies, and comprehensive energy strategy, which includes plans to expand nuclear power. In response, Vietnam has communicated its intent to pursue a diversified energy mix that integrates conventional energy sources with renewables and nuclear power, including research into small modular reactors. As Vietnam navigates its energy transition, it emphasizes the need for substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce, expressing optimism that Japan will continue to be a pivotal partner in establishing the necessary energy infrastructure to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.
