Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan held talks with Seki Yoshihiro, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), on October 2.
Minister Vu Hai Quan meets Seki Yoshihiro, Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology).
At the meeting, Quan proposed three areas for future cooperation with MEXT: developing strategic technology talent, investing in Vietnam-Japan University and expanding the Nexus Programme.
He called on Japan to continue providing master's and doctoral scholarships for Vietnamese students in strategic technology fields, while supporting and investing in Vietnam-Japan University.
The two sides agreed to review and develop a joint coordination mechanism for the Nexus Programme. Beyond semiconductors, the programme will expand into artificial intelligence and healthcare, including cooperation with the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
Vietnam is also prepared to provide matching funding for Japan to invest in a Mini Fab Lab at Vietnam-Japan University. The pilot research and production centre would help address challenges in hands-on training and experimental chip manufacturing.
Products displayed at the launch ceremony of the National Centre for Semiconductor Chip Pilot Production Support in June (Photo: Hung Anh).
Earlier, Quan met Choi Won-ho, chairman of South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC), in Seoul.
The two sides agreed to prioritise reviewing and eventually renewing a memorandum of understanding and developing an action programme between Vietnam's nuclear and radiation safety authority and the NSSC, providing a foundation for stable, long-term cooperation.
Cooperation will focus on training regulatory officials in safety assessment, licensing, inspection and supervision of nuclear power plants, as well as sharing experience in APR1400 technology, small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies.
Vietnam and South Korea have also stepped up cooperation on completing the legal framework, technical regulations and safety management systems covering the entire life cycle of nuclear power plants, from site selection and construction to operation and decommissioning.
The cooperation comes as Vietnam prepares to implement the Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects, with nuclear safety, security and safeguards set as top priorities. The two agencies are expected to hold a workshop in November 2026 to share experience in radiation and nuclear safety.