Japan and Vietnam are putting public research money behind a set of shared semiconductor projects, a sign of growing cooperation between the two countries in a strategically important industry.
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) have approved six new international joint research projects focused on semiconductors, according to a report by Vietnam Investment Review. The decision was announced on November 9.
Six Projects Chosen From 16 Proposals
The two agencies ran a joint call for proposals that drew 16 applications. Experts from both Japan and Vietnam reviewed the submissions, and JST and MST then consulted with each other before settling on six projects to fund.
Each selected project is planned to run for three and a half years. The call was designed not only to support research itself but also to fund activities that build the capabilities of researchers taking part in the international collaborations.
How the NEXUS Framework Works
The funding comes through NEXUS, short for Networked Exchange, United Strength for Stronger Partnerships between Japan and ASEAN. It is a flexible, multi-layered framework that builds on decades of science and technology cooperation between Japan and Southeast Asian nations.
The programme aims to position Japan and ASEAN countries as partners in creating innovation together. One of its components, known as International Joint Research, backs collaborative work on challenges that both sides consider priorities. Semiconductors were selected as the focus area for this round of Japan-Vietnam funding.
Building a Pipeline of Chip Specialists
The research grants sit alongside a broader talent effort. Japan aims to train 250 Vietnamese semiconductor specialists through doctoral programmes hosted in Japan.
Both governments also intend to broaden their cooperation in artificial intelligence research and training, extending the partnership beyond chips into adjacent areas of advanced technology.
Why Semiconductors Matter for Both Countries
Semiconductors underpin nearly every modern electronic product, and governments around the world have been seeking to diversify chip supply chains and develop local expertise. Vietnam has been working to move further into the semiconductor value chain, while Japan has long held strengths in chip materials, equipment and research.
Joint research and doctoral training can help Vietnam deepen its technical workforce, while giving Japanese institutions closer ties with a fast-growing regional partner.
What the Partnership Signals for the Industry
Six projects is a modest number on its own, but the combination of research funding, doctoral training targets and planned AI collaboration points to a deliberate, long-term approach rather than a one-off initiative.
For hardware founders and engineers in Southeast Asia, the programme suggests more research capacity and specialised talent may become available in Vietnam over the coming years. For the wider chip industry, it is another example of governments using bilateral science agreements to strengthen regional supply chains and skills.
Source: Vietnam Investment Review - VIR
