HCMC – Hue City is looking to strengthen its cooperation with Japanese national universities, including Shizuoka University, in high-quality educational programs across various fields, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).
More local students and teachers will be sent to Japan to study and gain educational experience, with the goal of bringing their expertise back to Hue to contribute to the development of the semiconductor and AI industries in the central city.
This initiative was discussed at a meeting on February 17 between Hue City leaders and representatives from the Consulate General of Japan in Danang and Shizuoka University.
To achieve this goal, Hue has proposed that its Japanese partners support the establishment of joint training programs, facilitate lecturer and student exchanges, and promote internships and vocational training for local students at companies and organizations in Japan.
The city is seeking support for Hue University lecturers and students to access funding from Japanese institutions such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan Foundation for International Exchange, and organizations like KEIDANREN & JCCI. These funding opportunities would help facilitate overseas study programs, scientific research, cultural exchanges, and employment prospects.
On February 16, Professor Aoki Toru and Associate Professor Hiruma Yoichi from Shizuoka University introduced the Asia Bridge Program (ABP), an exclusive scholarship initiative aimed at training future global leaders in semiconductor and AI industries.
The ABP is a collaboration between businesses and Shizuoka University, targeting students from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The program is designed to develop skilled professionals by closely coordinating with global corporations headquartered in Shizuoka.
ABP provides comprehensive support to students, covering everything from admission procedures to student life and job placement after graduation. The program also offers financial assistance, including exemptions from application and admission fees, as well as free tuition for the first year.
The 100% tuition exemption package for subsequent years is based on students’ academic performance in the previous year. Additionally, first-year students receive monthly ABP scholarships and have opportunities to secure further sponsorships from Japanese businesses and government.
However, students aiming to study at Japanese national universities must take the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) and achieve the required scores. Currently, the EJU exam is held twice a year in Hanoi and HCMC. As a result, students interested in studying in Japan are encouraged to take the exam early to increase their chances of admission.
Among Japanese localities, Shizuoka was the first city to sign a cooperation and friendship agreement with Hue in May 2005. Since then, it has actively fostered ties with Hue, regularly organizing delegations to visit and collaborate on various initiatives. Shizuoka has supported numerous programs in Hue, including welcoming interns, training officials in environmental management, providing Japanese language training, offering scholarships, and promoting cultural exchanges.
Through the Lions Club Shizuoka Business Club, the Japanese side has also introduced business delegations to Hue to explore investment opportunities. Additionally, Hue has hosted art troupes from Shizuoka at the annual Hue Festival and welcomed groups of Shizuoka citizens and youth as part of people-to-people exchange programs.
Since 2019, Hue University and its member institutions have signed and renewed over 70 cooperation agreements with universities and organizations in Japan, including Shizuoka University. Over the past five years, they have worked together to establish joint training programs in key fields such as IT, medicine, pharmacy, and agriculture.
Over the past five years, Hue University has been cooperating with universities and organizations in Japan to build joint training programs in IT, Medicine, Pharmacy, Agriculture. Notably, from 2007 to 2024, Hue University has collaborated with Okayama University on the Okayama-Hue International Master’s Program. To date, 15 cohorts have completed the program, with 117 students earning Master’s degrees from Okayama University.
