Vietnam is advocating for enhanced collaboration with Japan in strategic technological fields, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. The call for increased cooperation emerged from discussions held on September 3 between Vietnamese science and technology officials and a delegation from Japan’s House of Representatives. The meeting focused on several key areas such as semiconductor research, AI, energy technologies, personnel training, and fostering closer ties between businesses in these vital sectors.
Central to this cooperative effort is the NEXUS joint research program, through which Vietnam and Japan aim to jointly fund semiconductor research. This includes various aspects like chip design, advanced materials, supporting technologies, and manufacturing processes. Both nations are eyeing further expansion of this collaboration from 2027 onwards. In addition, Vietnam is keen on receiving Japanese support to develop sovereign AI capabilities and Vietnamese-language large language models. A joint working group from both countries is slated to meet in October to facilitate technology transfer and bolster business connections within the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has proposed transforming the NEXUS program into an annual cooperation mechanism, with an expanded scope to encompass AI, new materials, renewable energy, and biomedicine research. The proposal also emphasizes the need for stronger business partnerships and heightened training for engineers and experts in strategic technology sectors. Japan, on its part, has shown interest in Vietnam’s ambitions concerning semiconductor development, labor policies, and its comprehensive energy strategy, which includes expanding nuclear power.
In its energy transition plan, Vietnam aims to create a diversified energy mix that includes conventional energy sources, renewables, and nuclear power, with research initiatives focusing on small modular reactors. Acknowledging that this transition will require substantial investment and a skilled workforce, Vietnam is hopeful that Japan will continue to be a significant partner in building the energy infrastructure necessary to support its burgeoning high-tech industries.