Seeds of Knowledge Widely Shared at SSCV’s Fourth Alumni Meeting to Nurture Blossoms of Innovation

On May 31, 2025, Sakura Science Club in Vietnam (SSCV) held its fourth alumni event at Fortuna Hanoi, welcoming more than 90 attendees. Under the meaningful theme “Seeds of Knowledge and Blossoms of Innovation,” the event, was carefully designed to both inform and inspire, including interactive programs in-between. The new team of coordinators led by SSCV President, Mr. Dinh Huy Duc, successfully orchestrated a vibrant and engaging program. The event was emceed by Ms. Mai Ngan Giang and Mr. Minh Quang Duong, whose lively hosting helped create a warm and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.

<Opening>

Mr. Dinh Huy Duc, President of SSCV thanked all guests and participants who gathered at the venue. As an alumnus who has seen firsthand, the power of Sakura Science Program (SSP), he said that he is continuously amazed at how SSP can change the direction of someone’s career, and spark new ideas anywhere. The seed planted during the SSP experiences, really blossom into innovation when we continue to nurture them through the network like ours,“ he concluded confidently.

Mr. ITO Sotaro, Deputy Director-General, Sakura Science Program Headquarters, JST, also welcomed all the honorable guests and invitees. He mentioned that “JST would like to do the best to continue supporting SSCV,” and hoped for everyone to stay connected with Japan.

<Guest Speech>

H.E. Mr. ITO Naoki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam emphasized the pivotal role of SSP in fostering scientific collaboration. The program has brought around 3,000 Vietnamese students and researchers to Japan so far. He also praised by strengthening networks among alumni, the organization contributes to the promotion of academic exchange, joint research, and the development of science and technology in both countries. Ambassador Ito wished for initiatives like Sakura Science, NEXUS Y-tec, and Vietnam-Japan University (VJU), to continue building robust ties.

We have also received an encouraging video message from Ms. OBUCHI Yuko, President of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association, and member of Japan’s House of Representatives

<Sharing Session from SSCV Members>

●Game - “Sakura Science Memory Flash”

After a lively photo session involving all participants, the MCs called out to the floor to take part in the ice-breaking game “Sakura Science Memory Flash,” where participants submitted the most suitable word that describes his/her moment during the program. Some of the submitted words were: Happy; Memorable; Beautiful; Professional; Exciting; Meaningful; Wonderful; Enjoyable and so forth. One member who joined the program in 2018 as supervisor, specifically submitted the word “Friendship.” After her group returned to Vietnam, she mentioned that her school had invited the Japanese high school students from the program to Vietnam in return to deepen ties.

●Presentation by Dr. Le Minh Tien, Lecturer at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) and SSCV Coordinator

After the first game, Dr. Le Minh Tien shared how SSP had enhanced his research and impacted his students. Invited by Assoc. Prof. Tsubota Toshiki of Kyushu Institute of Technology, his students were able to take part in membrane fabrication for supercapacitors and MOFs (metal organic frameworks) using the casting method. Dr. Tien also expanded his network in Japan and concluded that SSP is more than a program, but a community that can grow together.

●Game - “Unlock the Picture”

In the second game, participants had to unlock nine blocks on the venue screen in order to view the hidden picture underneath. Only when the answer to a fact quiz is correct, the picture hidden underneath will be revealed. The unlocked image was that of a sakura blossom, but the game did not end there. Participants still had to state the precise keyword that best describes the image! Many answers given by the alumni were quite close (e.g. Sakura Program, Sakura Science Club), but it took several rounds, until one of the attendees finally came up with the correct answer “Sakura Science Exchange Program.”

<Information Session>

A detailed presentation on “Study in Japan,” especially tailored to the needs of Vietnamese students was given by Ms. Pham Thi Phuong, Education Advisor of JASSO Vietnam. Some students were eagerly capturing the QR codes shown during the session.

Succeeding JASSO, Dr. SHAN Gu, Manager of the Sakura Science Program Headquarters, JST, introduced the new long-term research exchange framework NEXUS Y-tec (The Young Talents Exchange and Capacity Development Program) which tries to accelerate brain cycle between Japan and ASEAN countries.

As an ongoing successful case study of NEXUS Y-tec, Dr. Vu Duy Hoang, Vice Director of the Center for Organic Agriculture Promotion and Studies (COAPS) at Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA), introduced a joint project with Yamagata University focusing on organic rice farming using advanced ITC technology and weeding robots to address challenges in weed management. This collaborative research involves data collection and field experiments in Vietnam, followed by joint workshops and analysis in Japan. As of May 2025, the crops involved in the trials were thriving, indicating positive progress for both research teams.
Reference:　https://www.jst.go.jp/aspire/nexus/y-tec/en/theme/2024/vol004.html

Besides friends and family of our alumni, representatives from organizations rooting for Vietnam-Japan ties also filled the venue tables. Again, JST would like to thank the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, Ministry of Education, VJU (JICA Experts), JASSO Vietnam, VNUA, Ritsumeikan University ASEAN Office, and VAJA (Vietnam Association of Japan Alumni) for attending the event. Last but not least, the secretariat wishes to extend a warm congratulation to the new SSCV team, who perfected the event in just two months of planning. The 2025 alumni event not only celebrated past achievements but also reaffirmed the strength of the growing alumni community, which continues to serve as a vibrant platform for professional development, and enduring friendship between Vietnam and Japan.

Flyer created by Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Thuy