Vietnam and Japan Travel Tech Boom as To Lam Visit Sparks Major AI, Semiconductor, Chip Export and Innovation Breakthroughs in 2026

Vietnam and Japan are entering a new phase of technological cooperation, with semiconductor development, artificial intelligence, commercial chip exports, digital healthcare and advanced research partnerships being positioned as major drivers of innovation. During the official visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to Japan, growing attention has been directed towards a transformation in bilateral relations, as Vietnam moves beyond technology adoption towards joint research, product development and participation in global technology supply chains.

A significant transformation is being witnessed in scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, with traditional technology transfer arrangements increasingly being complemented by joint research, advanced manufacturing and collaborative innovation.

The changing relationship has been highlighted during the official visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to Japan, scheduled for November 8-11. New opportunities for cooperation have been identified across semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, digital infrastructure, space technology and healthcare innovation.

The emerging partnership has been examined by Dr. Architect To Kien, a senior expert in urban planning, design, and management at Eight-Japan Infrastructure Development Consulting Group (Tokyo), in an article prepared for Tuoi Tre newspaper.

According to the assessment, a transition is beginning to take shape in which technology is no longer being transferred predominantly from Japan to Vietnam. Increasingly, technological products developed by Vietnamese companies are being introduced into Japanese markets, while Vietnamese research teams are being entrusted with important responsibilities in joint scientific projects.

This development has been illustrated by the export of Vietnamese-designed semiconductor chips to Japan, the advancement of collaborative research programmes and proposals for new experimental infrastructure at the Vietnam-Japan University.

Although significant challenges remain, the evolving relationship has been presented as an opportunity for both countries to participate more actively in the creation, development and commercialisation of advanced technologies.

Vietnam-Japan Technology Cooperation Enters a New Development Phase

For several decades, bilateral technological cooperation was largely structured around the transfer of Japanese expertise, infrastructure investment and technical knowledge to Vietnam.

Japan was established as an important development partner through official development assistance (ODA), technology provision, management expertise and educational opportunities.

Through these arrangements, Vietnam was supported in strengthening infrastructure, industrial production capabilities and human resource development.

The contribution of this traditional cooperation model has been widely recognised, and its continued importance has been acknowledged in the assessment presented by Dr. Architect To Kien.

However, a broader partnership is now being developed.

Instead of being limited to technology supply and adoption, cooperation is increasingly being directed towards jointly identifying technological challenges, conducting research and creating commercial products.

The transformation has been described as a movement from a conventional supply-demand relationship towards a model based on technological co-creation.

Under this emerging framework, research responsibilities can be shared, complementary expertise can be combined and commercial value can be developed through contributions from both countries.

The change has also been associated with the growing capabilities of Vietnamese researchers, engineers and technology businesses operating in increasingly sophisticated sectors.

Semiconductor Research Becomes a Major Pillar of Vietnam-Japan Cooperation

Semiconductor technology has emerged as one of the most important areas of scientific cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

A significant example has been provided through the NEXUS programme of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Within the semiconductor sector, five projects were selected from 17 proposals for implementation over a period of 42 months.

The selection has demonstrated the development of structured research cooperation in a strategically important technology field.

Under these projects, Vietnamese researchers have not been restricted to supporting roles. Leadership responsibilities have also been assigned to Vietnamese teams in specific research directions.

One project involving thin-film technology for energy devices and sensors has illustrated the complementary capabilities being brought together.

Within the project, a flexible thermoelectric module and a chemical sensor were developed by the Japanese research team.

Meanwhile, research into high-durability perovskite solar cells and microfluidic chemical sensor chips was led by the Vietnamese team.

The distribution of responsibilities has been presented as evidence of a more balanced research partnership, with scientific contributions being made according to the specialised capabilities of each side.

Graphene Oxide and Advanced Manufacturing Strengthen Joint Innovation

Further technological cooperation has been demonstrated through a project combining Vietnamese expertise in graphene oxide with Japanese capabilities in equipment manufacturing.

The project has been identified as an example of how complementary strengths can be integrated into advanced research and development.

Instead of receiving completed technologies exclusively, Vietnamese participants have been involved in the development of specific technological components.

This arrangement has been recognised as an important distinction between conventional technology transfer and collaborative innovation.

Under a joint development model, scientific knowledge can be contributed by both partners, while technological challenges can be addressed through shared research activities.

Such participation can also create opportunities for research teams to gain experience in advanced product development and specialised manufacturing processes.

The importance of these arrangements has been highlighted in relation to Vietnam’s ambition to strengthen domestic technological capabilities.

A more substantial position in advanced technology development can be established when participation extends beyond the adoption of finished products and includes the research processes through which those products are created.

JST and NAFOSTED Agreement Opens New Opportunities for AI and Quantum Technology

A further foundation for bilateral scientific cooperation was established in October 2026 through a co-funding agreement between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED).

The agreement was designed to support the joint development of research projects between the two countries.

Through the arrangement, opportunities have been created for more structured cooperation involving scientific institutions, universities and technology organisations.

The possibility of expanding collaborative activities into artificial intelligence and quantum technology has also been identified.

The agreement has been viewed as an important step towards developing longer-term research programmes supported by shared financial commitments.

Co-financing mechanisms have been recognised as particularly relevant because research responsibilities and financial participation can be distributed between the cooperating parties.

Through such arrangements, joint technological priorities can be identified and research programmes can be developed around areas of common interest.

The NEXUS programme and the JST-NAFOSTED agreement have consequently been presented as potential foundations for a more comprehensive model of bilateral scientific cooperation.

Vietnam-Japan University Mini Fab Lab Proposal Supports Semiconductor Development

Plans for additional experimental infrastructure have also been brought into the discussion surrounding Vietnam-Japan technological cooperation.

A proposal to establish a Mini Fab Lab at the Vietnam-Japan University was presented by the Minister of Science and Technology.

The proposed facility has been identified as an opportunity to strengthen practical research and experimental capabilities.

Laboratory infrastructure has been recognised as an important requirement for translating scientific concepts into technologies that can be tested, refined and potentially developed for commercial applications.

The proposed Mini Fab Lab has therefore been considered within the broader effort to improve semiconductor research and technological development capabilities.

However, the importance of aligning such infrastructure with actual research and industrial requirements has also been emphasised.

For long-term effectiveness, experimental facilities would need to be connected with the technological needs of businesses and research institutions.

The development of testing capacity has been identified as particularly important for ensuring that scientific projects can progress beyond initial research activities.

Vietnamese-Designed FPT Chips Enter Japanese Technology Supply Chain

Chip engineer working in the laboratory

Illustrative semiconductor manufacturing imagery.

One of the most significant commercial developments in the evolving technology relationship has been recorded through the export of Vietnamese-designed semiconductor chips to Japan.

By the end of 2025, the first batch of power management integrated circuit chips, known as PMIC chips, developed by FPT was exported to Japan through distributor Restar.

The chips were intended for use in multifunction printers.

The shipment has been regarded as an important demonstration of Vietnam’s ability to develop semiconductor products capable of entering the Japanese market.

Japan has been recognised for demanding standards concerning product quality and reliability, making the introduction of Vietnamese-designed chips into its supply chain a notable development.

Further commercial ambitions have been outlined by Restar, with a target of distributing 10 million chips developed by FPT within three years across the Asia-Pacific region.

Although a single shipment cannot be considered sufficient evidence of an established large-scale market position, the development has demonstrated the potential for Vietnamese semiconductor businesses to participate in international supply chains.

The export has also been highlighted as evidence that the direction of technology-related trade between the two countries is beginning to diversify.

Artificial Intelligence and Vietnamese-Language Technology Gain Strategic Importance

Artificial intelligence has been identified as another major field for expanding scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

Research activities are being promoted in areas involving AI models adapted to Vietnamese language and cultural requirements.

Large language models have also been included among the technologies being considered for collaborative development.

The importance of developing AI systems suited to specific linguistic and cultural environments has been recognised as part of the broader technological partnership.

Beyond model development, cooperation has been directed towards AI governance, data sharing and human resource training.

These areas have been identified as important components of a more comprehensive digital technology ecosystem.

The development of appropriate governance mechanisms can be connected with the responsible management of emerging technologies, while data-sharing arrangements can support collaborative research.

Human resource development has also been recognised as an essential requirement for strengthening technical capabilities in both countries.

Through cooperation across these areas, the technological relationship is being expanded beyond individual research projects towards broader institutional and industrial development.

5G, Open RAN and Data Centers Expand Digital Infrastructure Cooperation

The scope of Vietnam-Japan technological cooperation has also been extended into digital infrastructure.

Development activities involving 5G, open radio access networks (Open RAN) and data centers have been included among the areas receiving attention.

These technologies have been recognised as important components of modern digital infrastructure.

The development of advanced telecommunications networks can support digital services, while data center infrastructure can provide essential capabilities for information processing and storage.

Open RAN has also been included within the wider discussion surrounding telecommunications technology cooperation.

The expansion into digital infrastructure has demonstrated the increasingly broad nature of bilateral technological engagement.

Rather than being concentrated exclusively on industrial manufacturing or traditional infrastructure development, cooperation is being directed towards technologies associated with digital transformation.

The integration of telecommunications, data infrastructure and artificial intelligence has therefore been identified as an important element of the emerging partnership.

LOTUSat-1 Satellite Supports Expanding Space Technology Cooperation

Space technology has also been included within the expanding framework of Vietnam-Japan scientific cooperation.

The LOTUSat-1 satellite has been identified as an important foundation for further collaborative activities.

Building on this foundation, cooperation is being expanded towards remote sensing data mining and artificial intelligence applications.

Remote sensing data can be used in a range of scientific and analytical activities, while AI technologies can support the processing and interpretation of complex information.

The expansion of cooperation into these fields has demonstrated the potential for established space technology initiatives to support additional research activities.

Through the integration of satellite-related capabilities and digital technologies, new areas of scientific collaboration can be explored.

The development has also reflected the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the bilateral partnership, with space technology being connected to data analysis and artificial intelligence.

Konica Minolta, NIC and FPT Advance AI-Powered Digital Healthcare

Healthcare technology has emerged as another area of collaboration involving Japanese and Vietnamese organisations.

A joint research initiative involving Konica Minolta, the National Innovation Center (NIC) and FPT has been developed around the combination of dynamic X-ray technology and artificial intelligence.

The project has been directed towards the development of a digital diagnostic platform in Vietnam.

By September 2026, the initiative had been selected for support by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

The selection has been identified as an important milestone in the project’s development.

The combination of imaging technology and artificial intelligence has been recognised as a promising area for digital healthcare innovation.

Through the project, technological expertise from the participating organisations is being brought together to demonstrate a diagnostic solution.

The initiative has also been presented as an example of cooperation extending beyond research institutions into projects involving commercial technology companies and public innovation organisations.

Vietnamese Startups Strengthen Partnerships With Japanese Businesses

The growing role of startups has also been highlighted within the broader transformation of Vietnam-Japan technology relations.

During 2026, memoranda of understanding or contracts were signed by five Vietnamese startups with Japanese partners.

The agreements involved technological solutions in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced manufacturing.

These developments have been recognised as evidence of increasing participation by smaller technology businesses in bilateral innovation activities.

Through such partnerships, opportunities can be created for specialised technologies to be introduced into new commercial environments.

The participation of startups has also demonstrated that technological cooperation is no longer limited to major corporations, government institutions or established research organisations.

A broader network of technology entrepreneurs and emerging businesses is being connected through the relationship.

The agreements have therefore been viewed as another indication of the growing diversity of participants involved in bilateral technology development.

Vietnamese Engineers and Entrepreneurs in Japan Become Important Innovation Links

The contribution of Vietnamese professionals based in Japan has been identified as an increasingly important factor in the technological relationship.

A growing community of Vietnamese intellectuals, engineers and technology entrepreneurs has been involved in connecting scientific knowledge, business opportunities and markets between the two countries.

Alongside major corporations, increasing numbers of companies and startups have been founded or managed by Vietnamese professionals in Japan.

These organisations have been recognised as potential bridges between Japanese technological capabilities and Vietnamese research and commercial interests.

The Vietnam Digital Transformation Association in Japan (VADX Japan) was expected to bring together approximately 30 businesses in early 2025.

The Vietnam Japan AI Hackathon has also been highlighted as a collaborative platform, with its second season providing opportunities for engineers, researchers and startups to develop technological solutions together.

The creativity and dynamism demonstrated by young Vietnamese professionals during the second season were specifically acknowledged in the assessment by Dr. Architect To Kien.

Such professional networks have been identified as important channels through which knowledge, technology and commercial opportunities can be connected.

Vietnam Faces Challenges in Research and Development Investment

Despite the encouraging developments, significant structural challenges have been identified in Vietnam’s domestic research and development capabilities.

According to the OECD, Vietnam’s R&D expenditure in 2021 amounted to approximately 0.4% of GDP.

This level of investment has been highlighted as an important constraint on the development of stronger domestic research capabilities.

The gap between scientific research and commercially viable products has also been identified as a persistent challenge.

Research findings are not always translated into technologies that can be successfully tested, manufactured and introduced into markets.

Another difficulty has been associated with the limited involvement of businesses during the early stages of some research projects.

Where commercial requirements are considered only after research has been completed, additional challenges can emerge during product development and market introduction.

Greater integration between research institutions and businesses has therefore been identified as an important requirement for improving technological outcomes.

Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Remain Essential Priorities

The development of a sustainable co-creation model has been linked to the establishment of clear arrangements governing intellectual property and commercial benefits.

Questions surrounding ownership, exploitation rights and the distribution of financial returns have been identified as issues that should be addressed at the beginning of collaborative projects.

The importance of these arrangements has been emphasised because meaningful technological cooperation requires more than participation in scientific research.

For value to be shared effectively, contributing organisations must also be provided with appropriate opportunities to develop, use and benefit from the technologies created.

Clear rules have therefore been considered necessary for supporting long-term collaboration.

Additional resources have also been identified as essential for the stages following initial research.

These stages include laboratory testing, product refinement, demonstration activities and market access.

Without sufficient support for these processes, scientific results may remain confined to publications or experimental prototypes.

The transition from research findings to commercial applications has consequently been presented as a major measure of success for future cooperation.

Joint Funding and Business Participation Could Shape Future Technology Projects

The expansion of co-financing mechanisms has been identified as an important step towards strengthening the depth of Vietnam-Japan technological cooperation.

Through joint financial commitments, research programmes can be structured around technological challenges that are relevant to both countries.

The complementary capabilities of Vietnamese and Japanese organisations have been highlighted as a foundation for identifying such opportunities.

Greater participation by businesses has also been recommended from the earliest stages of technology development.

Rather than receiving research results only after project completion, commercial organisations would be involved in defining technological needs and identifying practical applications.

This approach has been associated with the potential to improve the relationship between research activities and market requirements.

Longer-term programmes involving universities, research institutions and businesses could be supported through arrangements such as NEXUS and the JST-NAFOSTED agreement.

The proposed Mini Fab Lab at the Vietnam-Japan University has also been identified as a potential component of this wider research and commercialisation ecosystem.

Human Capital Emerges as a Decisive Factor in Vietnam-Japan Innovation

The role of human capital has been emphasised as a central consideration in the next phase of technological cooperation.

Over several decades, Japan’s contribution to Vietnam has been reflected in infrastructure development, industrial facilities, technology adoption and production capabilities.

These achievements have provided an important foundation for the relationship.

However, the next stage of cooperation has been associated with the capabilities of researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and technology professionals who can connect scientific knowledge with commercial applications.

The Vietnamese professional community in Japan has been identified as particularly valuable in this process.

Through professional networks, collaborative projects and technology businesses, connections can be established between research institutions and markets in both countries.

Opportunities for Vietnamese professionals to participate in project leadership and technological development have also been highlighted.

The development of these human connections has been presented as essential for ensuring that cooperation produces sustainable technological and commercial value.

Vietnam and Japan Look Towards a New Era of Technology Co-Creation

The evolving relationship between Vietnam and Japan has been characterised by a gradual movement towards more balanced technological cooperation.

Traditional arrangements involving Japanese technology transfer and development assistance continue to be recognised as important foundations of bilateral relations.

At the same time, new opportunities are being created through semiconductor research, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, space technology, healthcare innovation and startup partnerships.

The export of FPT-designed chips to Japan has demonstrated the potential for Vietnamese technological products to enter established international supply chains.

Joint research under the NEXUS programme has also shown that Vietnamese teams can assume leadership responsibilities in specialised scientific fields.

The JST-NAFOSTED agreement, the proposed Mini Fab Lab and expanding professional networks have been identified as further foundations for long-term collaboration.

Nevertheless, the development of stronger domestic R&D capabilities, effective intellectual property arrangements and commercialisation support remains essential.

The future success of the partnership has therefore been linked not only to the volume of advanced technology adopted by Vietnam but also to the quantity and quality of new technologies, products and commercial value created jointly by both countries.

Through deeper participation in research, innovation and market development, Vietnam’s position as a technology development partner within regional and global supply chains could be strengthened.

The transformation is expected to depend increasingly on the people, institutions and businesses capable of connecting scientific research with practical technological applications.

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