Vietnam, Japan seek stronger cooperation in developing semiconductor human resources

Jointly organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka, the Kyushu University Institute for Advanced Study, and the Human Resources Development & Employment Organization (HuReDee) in Japan, the two-day event sees 150 delegates taking part in-person and other 200 online.

It offers a venue for participants to share experience; strengthen and promote the transfer of semiconductor manufacturing technology and expertise from Japan to Vietnam, and support for developing specialised skills for Vietnamese high-quality workforce; create internship and employment opportunities for Vietnamese students and professionals in Japan; and propose and implement long-term cooperation plans for developing human resources and improving production and research in Vietnam’s semiconductor industry.

Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the significance of semiconductor cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, noting that innovation is a key factor in driving the robust development of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam, while improving its international competitiveness.

Japanese partners also highly valued Vietnam's potential in the industry, saying that Vietnam is an important partner of Japan in revitalising and advancing this important sector in the future.

Dr. Tanimoto Jun, Executive Vice President of Kyushyu University, stated Japan is currently accelerating research and development in this field, which is becoming increasingly important and strategic.

Vietnam has become an important partner for Japan in the semiconductor industry, especially as many Vietnamese students and graduates are studying the major at Kyushyu University, he said, noting that they will play a key role in the semiconductor network of the two nations.

Delegates underlined the need for the two countries to strengthen extensive cooperation in research, production, and application development in this industry, towards bringing semiconductor products from both sides into international markets. They stressed that Fukuoka, where the semiconductor industry is thriving, will be a promising area for cooperation on human resources between Vietnam and Japan.

Hoshino Mitsuaki, Director-General of the Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry of Kyushu emphasised the potential for cooperation with Vietnam in human resources, noting that amid Japan's severe labour shortage, Vietnamese workforce plays a crucial role in Japan’s overall development, especially in the semiconductor industry.

Japan is currently implementing a significant investment plan in the industry, particularly in Kyushu, and it hopes to collaborate with Vietnam to build a supply chain and develop the semiconductor sector in the future, he said.

Meanwhile, Fujishima Yasuyuki, President of HuRedee, highlighted the partnership between the organisation and three Vietnamese universities in training high-quality human resources, including those serving the semiconductor industry. He said he hopes that the workshop may reach conclusions regarding future cooperation activities through open and constructive dialogues.

At the end of the October 29 session, a joint statement on Vietnam-Japan cooperation in semiconductor human resources development was signed between Kyushu University, HuRedee, and Vietnam’s Hanoi University of Science and Technology, University of Transport and Communications, and University of Information Technology.