Ambassador aspires to expand Vietnam-Japan education cooperation

In his opening remarks on October 4, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki recalled late Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s saying, “Talented individuals are the backbone of the nation”, emphasizing that human resource training is a crucial foundation for the development of both countries.

He cited the joint statement on the upgrading of Vietnam – Japan relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership late last year, saying the leaders of both countries agreed to seek measures to strengthen cooperation in higher education, encouraging Vietnamese students to study and research in Japan.

Ito expressed his hope that universities from both countries would further expand their academic network.

“The Vietnam Office of Hiroshima University will help enhance educational and research activities in Vietnam, and to promote global human resource training through cooperation among the government, businesses, and universities. I hope that through this office, Japanese and Vietnamese universities will increasingly broaden their network and strengthen their cooperation further,” said the diplomat.

Hiroshima University President Mitsuo Ochi thanked relevant authorities of Vietnam for their support in making the office operational and congratulated the doctoral candidates who will begin participating in the joint PhD program.

According to Ochi, Hiroshima University aims to develop four training areas: agriculture, semiconductors, carbon neutrality, and smart cities. He assured that the university has prepared the best conditions for Vietnamese researchers to study and conduct research there.

He recalled his meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the recent G7 Summit, the Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnamese ministries and agencies would create all favourable conditions for joint training programs between the universities of the two countries.

Meanwhile, President of Thai Nguyen University Hoang Van Hung noted that Thai Nguyen University has over 83,000 students enrolled in more than 300 training programs covering various fields. He proposed cooperation with Hiroshima University in joint training programs, scientific research, and human resource exchanges, including cultural and sports exchanges.