Along with economic and investment cooperation, the partnership in human resources development between Vietnam and Japan has long been regarded as a strategic priority, evolving into one of the key pillars of bilateral relations. Over the years, this collaboration has gone beyond simple labor exchange to encompass a comprehensive approach that integrates education, training, and capacity building. The two countries have not only strengthened the exchange of workers and experts but have also designed and implemented numerous training programs, scholarships, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing skills and facilitating technology transfer.

Key pillar

At the Japan - Vietnam Human Resource Development Conference held by the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam on July 30, Deputy Ambassador Ishikawa Isamu emphasized that bilateral ties have experienced steady and positive growth since the two countries elevated their relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World” in 2023. While economic cooperation remains the central pillar of the partnership, both countries have also identified science and technology, innovation, and the development of high-quality human resources as new areas of collaboration. “Vietnam and Japan have fostered a strong and increasingly profound partnership in the field of human resources development for many years,” the Deputy Ambassador noted.

Japan is currently one of the largest contributors of aid to Vietnam’s education and training sector. At the same time, Vietnam has been a global pioneer in officially incorporating Japanese into its national education curriculum, introducing the language at the lower secondary level as early as 2003 and expanding it to primary schools in 2019. This initiative not only reflects Vietnam’s commitment to foreign language education and international integration but also underscores the special bond between the two education systems, thereby contributing significantly to the joint effort in human resources development.

In parallel, educational cooperation between Vietnam and Japan has been growing increasingly robust. According to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), there are currently over 50,000 Vietnamese students studying at Japanese universities; the highest number among all countries where Vietnamese students pursue higher education abroad. Japanese universities have also been expanding partnerships with Vietnamese educational institutions, particularly in Japanese language training and academic programs tailored to the needs of Japanese enterprises. These initiatives not only enhance learning opportunities for Vietnamese students but also pave the way for promising career prospects in international working environments.

Beyond education, Japan has also been actively implementing practical support programs to promote the development of Vietnam’s human resources. Earlier this year, representatives from the two governments signed and exchanged documents on the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) Program. Under this plan, during the 2025-2028 period, the Japanese Government will continue to provide Vietnam with 38 master’s scholarships and five doctoral scholarships annually. This serves as clear evidence of Japan’s long-term commitment to enhancing the quality of Vietnam’s workforce.

In addition to training, labor cooperation between the two countries has also achieved remarkable results. According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung, Head of the Asia - Africa Market Division at the Department of Overseas Labor Management under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, 71,500 Vietnamese workers went to work in Japan in 2024, or more than half of the total number of Vietnamese workers abroad. These figures not only highlight Japan’s strong demand for Vietnamese workers but also reflect the high level of trust and close cooperation between the two countries in the field of human resources development.

With open policies and effective coordination between government agencies, human resources development cooperation between Vietnam and Japan has emerged as a significant highlight in their bilateral relations. “This collaboration not only helps enhance the quality of Vietnam’s workforce but also contributes to the shared and sustainable development of both countries in the context of deep international integration,” Ms. Nhung added.

Semiconductor talent development

One of the key focuses in Vietnam - Japan cooperation on human resources development is the training of highly-skilled workers for high-tech industries, particularly semiconductors. As Vietnam accelerates the development of its semiconductor industry as a strategic priority, building a qualified workforce capable of meeting international market demands has become a decisive factor for the industry’s success.

Recognizing the immense potential and strategic importance of the field, the Vietnamese Government has introduced a program on developing human resources for the semiconductor industry to 2030 with a vision to 2050. Under the program, Vietnam aims to train approximately 50,000 professionals for the semiconductor industry by 2030, a target that not only reflects the country’s ambition in terms of quantity but also demonstrates its strong commitment to improving quality, ensuring that its workforce can meet rapidly-growing demand in this vital industry, which is considered the “backbone” of numerous high-tech fields in the future.

Meanwhile, Japan stands as one of the world’s leading countries in the semiconductor industry, boasting the presence of numerous major corporations and cutting-edge technologies. A prime example is Renesas Electronics, one of Japan’s top semiconductor companies, which operates its largest global research and development (R&D) center in Vietnam, employing nearly 1,500 engineers. This not only demonstrates Japanese companies’ strong confidence in the capabilities of Vietnamese talent but also opens up vast opportunities for cooperation and technology transfer between the two countries, creating a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and industrial growth.

In addition, Japan has been heavily investing in the development of its semiconductor industry in Kyushu, a region often referred to as the country’s “semiconductor capital”. Kyushu accounts for over half of Japan’s total semiconductor production value, despite representing only about 10 per cent of the country’s land area. This concentration of production highlights Kyushu’s critical role, not only within Japan but also as a hub with significant influence on the global semiconductor supply chain. Its success underlines the strategic importance of fostering talent and innovation to sustain and expand the industry’s competitiveness.

Given this context, strengthening cooperation with Japan in semiconductor workforce training and development presents tremendous opportunities for Vietnam. Moreover, Japan itself is facing a considerable labor shortage in the field. According to the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the region requires approximately 3,400 semiconductor professionals annually but continues to experience a shortfall of around 1,000 workers each year. This pressing demand underscores why Japan increasingly values high-quality human resources from Vietnam, a country rapidly emerging as a promising partner in high-tech sectors.

In recent years, both countries have made continuous efforts to foster collaboration through joint programs, connecting enterprises and training institutions to meet the evolving needs of the semiconductor market in both countries. “In this context, promoting cooperation in semiconductor human resources training between Vietnam and Japan will bring significant benefits to both countries, enhancing competitiveness and driving the sustainable growth of this strategic industry,” Deputy Ambassador Isamu emphasized.

Japan’s strong support not only helps Vietnam improve the quality of its high-tech workforce but also paves the way for the country to integrate more deeply into the global semiconductor value chain, fueling economic growth in the years ahead. Therefore, Ms. Nhung emphasized that Vietnam is ready to work alongside Japan to develop appropriate policies, promote skills training, and enhance management capacity, work ethic, and industrial discipline for its workforce. “Through these efforts, Vietnamese workers will not only meet Japan’s recruitment requirements but also make meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of both countries in the future,” she noted.