Introduction

In recent years, the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan has expanded beyond traditional sectors into cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence (AI). With a shared vision for digital innovation and technological self-reliance, enterprises in both countries are increasingly forging collaborations that blend Vietnam’s growing tech ecosystem with Japan’s advanced technological expertise. From joint ventures and strategic investments to training programmes and government-led initiatives, the momentum in AI cooperation is transforming both economies.

Government Support and Strategic Alignment

Bilateral support at the governmental level provides a strong foundation for AI cooperation. The Vietnam–Japan Joint Initiative, launched in 2003, has evolved into a platform for addressing key economic challenges. Its latest phase (Phase 8), launched in 2023, focuses heavily on digital transformation and AI integration[1]. Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Programme prioritizes AI development through targeted funding, policy reforms, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at boosting national competitiveness[2].

Meanwhile, Japan’s Society 5.0 vision promotes the integration of digital technology into every aspect of society[3]. These aligned national strategies support public–private partnerships, regulatory innovation, and infrastructure development. Moreover, Japanese government-backed agencies such as JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation) and JICA have supported numerous initiatives to foster innovation in Vietnam’s tech startups, including those working on AI, robotics, and fintech[4].

Business Partnerships and Investment in AI

At the commercial level, the Vietnam–Japan AI collaboration is already yielding tangible outcomes. FPT Corporation, Vietnam’s leading technology company, has announced a US$200 million investment in an AI factory set to launch in 2024, leveraging Nvidia’s advanced chips and software to develop large language models, generative AI, and autonomous systems[5]. In addition, FPT has signed memoranda of understanding with Japanese firms such as Yamato Holdings[6] – a leading Japanese logistics company known for its advanced parcel delivery and supply chain solutions and TradeWaltz[7] – a Japanese startup offering a blockchain-based platform that digitizes and streamlines international trade processes to jointly create AI-powered logistics solutions, data integration tools, and cloud platforms, all aimed at optimizing global supply chains and trade operations.

Meanwhile, NTT Data Vietnam, a branch of Japan’s NTT Data Group providing IT services and digital transformation solutions to clients in Vietnam and across Asia, is collaborating with Vietnamese software firms to build AI-driven business intelligence tools[8] and is also engaged in research and development initiatives with local universities focused on smart city technologies and healthcare solutions.

Talent Development and Knowledge Transfer

Workforce development is a crucial pillar of this cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. Japan’s AGEST Inc., a company focused on digital assurance and software testing, has established AGEST Vietnam with the mission to bridge the talent gap in digital engineering and AI development. In collaboration with over 20 Vietnamese universities, AGEST Vietnam is helping to design curricula and offer certification programmes in key areas like machine learning, network security, and cloud computing. The goal is to create a talent pipeline that benefits both Vietnamese firms and Japanese corporations facing labour shortages in the tech sector[9].

These initiatives complement broader educational partnerships, such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s work with Vietnamese institutions to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education[10]. Scholarships, internships, and exchange programmes have also increased, giving Vietnamese students access to AI research environments in Japan [11].

Case Studies: AI in Action

a. Education

One notable example of applied cooperation in AI is the development of AkaTrans, an AI-powered translation tool created by Vietnam’s FPT Corporation. AkaTrans uses neural machine translation models trained on millions of sentence pairs to improve the accuracy of Japanese-Vietnamese translations, particularly for IT-related documents. Originally designed to assist engineers and translators working on projects for Japanese clients, the tool helps bridge language gaps in the technology sector and enhances communication in trade, education, and tourism between the two countries[12].

b. Healthcare sector

Japanese-funded AI initiatives in Vietnam are enhancing the healthcare sector with innovative diagnostic technologies. These tools, which use AI for image analysis, assist doctors in detecting diseases such as cancer earlier and more accurately. One notable example is the Nura health check model, a collaboration between the T-Matsuoka Medical Centre and Fujifilm, offering fast and precise health screening, including cancer detection[13]. This model is already being tested in hospitals across major Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi and Da Nang.

The entrance of the new NURA Source: Fujifilm	CT scan installed at the new NURA Source: Fujifilm

c. Agriculture

Japan has pioneered AI applications in agriculture, such as smartphone apps that predict pest outbreaks to reduce pesticide use[14]. In Vietnam, similar AI-driven technologies are being adopted to bolster agricultural efficiency and sustainability. For instance, farmers in the Mekong Delta are employing drones for precise fertilizer application, which not only conserves resources but also diminish labour costs. These innovations are now being introduced in Vietnam, where farmers in regions like the Mekong Delta are adopting similar AI-driven tools to improve farming efficiency and sustainability.

In Vietnam, similar AI-driven technologies are being adopted to bolster agricultural efficiency and sustainability. For instance, farmers in the Mekong Delta are employing drones for precise fertilizer application, which not only conserves resources but also diminishes labor costs. Additionally, AI-powered systems are being utilized in aquaculture, such as super-intensive shrimp farming, to monitor environmental conditions and optimize production.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Language and cultural differences can complicate coordination. There is also a digital divide between urban and rural Vietnam, which may hinder the broad adoption of AI tools. Furthermore, Japan’s traditionally conservative approach to corporate change can sometimes slow down the pace of joint innovation. However, the long-term outlook remains highly optimistic. As Vietnam continues to attract foreign direct investment in high-tech sectors and Japan looks to diversify its supply chains and talent sources, AI collaboration is likely to become a central pillar of bilateral relations. The creation of more AI-focused business delegations, innovation hubs, and cross-border incubators could further accelerate progress. Increased government funding for bilateral R&D, coupled with new incentives for AI startups working across the two countries, would also help sustain momentum.

Conclusion

The expanding cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese enterprises in the field of artificial intelligence is a testament to the strategic foresight and mutual trust between the two nations. From industrial AI applications to educational collaboration and policy coordination, the partnership is not only driving . With robust support from governments, universities, and corporations, Vietnam and Japan are poised to co-create an AI ecosystem that benefits their citizens, businesses, and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

[1] https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1689178/viet-nam-japan-joint-initiative-undergoes-mid-term-review.html

[2] https://vietnamlawmagazine.vn/maximum-support-for-data-industry-to-turn-vietnam-into-digital-nation-party-chief-73807.html

[3] https://vju.ac.vn/en/japans-society-5-0/

[4] https://vir.com.vn/inno-vietnam-japan-fast-track-pitch-2023-comes-to-hanoi-106121.html

[5] https://www.reuters.com/technology/vietnams-fpt-invest-200-mln-ai-factory-using-nvidia-chips-2024-04-23/

[6] https://english.thesaigontimes.vn/fpt-partners-with-japanese-firms-to-boost-digital-transformation/

[7] https://www.tradewaltz.com/en/news/1361/

[8]

[9]

[10] https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/vietnam/activities/index.html

[11] https://vietnamnews.vn/society/1689873/japan-to-offer-scholarships-for-vietnamese-students.html

[12] https://fptsoftware.com/newsroom/news-and-press-releases/news/akatrans-an-it-translation-tool-using-ai-developed-by-fpt

[13] https://www.fujifilm.com/vn/en/news/hq/11563

[14] https://dig.watch/updates/japanese-farmers-turn-to-ai-to-combat-pests?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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