Vietnam is seeking to deepen its technological collaboration with Japan, focusing on strategic areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. This initiative was highlighted during a meeting on September 3 between Vietnamese science and technology officials and representatives from Japan’s House of Representatives. Discussions during the meeting prioritized strengthening research in semiconductor technology, AI advancements, energy innovations, and training a skilled workforce, alongside fostering closer business ties in these crucial sectors.
Under their joint research initiative known as the NEXUS program, Vietnam and Japan are making strides in co-funding semiconductor research, covering aspects like chip design, advanced materials, and manufacturing technologies. Plans are in place to broaden this cooperation beyond 2027. Additionally, Vietnam is keen on receiving Japanese support to build its own AI capabilities and develop Vietnamese-language large language models, with a joint working group scheduled to convene in October to accelerate technology transfer and enhance connectivity in the semiconductor arena.
Vietnam has proposed transforming NEXUS into an annual collaboration platform, aiming to expand research efforts into areas like AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine. There is also a push for strengthening business partnerships and intensifying training programs for engineers and experts in strategic technology fields. Japan has shown interest in Vietnam’s semiconductor ambitions, labor policies, and energy strategies, including the latter’s plans to incorporate nuclear power into its energy mix.
In its pursuit of a diversified energy portfolio, Vietnam is combining conventional energy sources with renewables and nuclear power, with research underway in small modular reactors. The country has expressed that its energy transition will require substantial investment and a highly skilled workforce, hoping that Japan will continue to be a pivotal partner in building the energy infrastructure necessary to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.