Events
SSCV2026 Alumni Event in Ho Chi Minh City Promised Vietnam-Japan Collaboration at All Levels
The secretariat wishes to congratulate all coordinators, supporters, and participants in Vietnam for bringing the fifth SSCV (Sakura Science Club Vietnam) alumni event to a remarkable turning point. 87 attendees filled the venue at Saigon Prince Hotel. Since SSCV’s launch in 2019, it was the first time for the event to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, and the first event to officially welcome NEXUS Y-tec alumni. Mr. Minh Quang Duong and Ms. Mai Ngan Giang acted as masters of ceremony. The event covered very personal experiences which impacted each member’s future─where they are today. We could also foresee a stronger Vietnam-Japan relation through ongoing collaborations presented by our expert guest speakers.
Dr. Minh Hang Duong, Vice President of SSCV, officially opened the event by emphasizing SSCV’s role in connecting researchers, institutions, and young talents. She also welcomed attendees, expressed appreciation to JST and the organizing team.
SSCV Vice President
In his welcome remarks, Mr. ITO Sotaro, Deputy Director-General, SSP Headquarters, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) noted that SSP has invited more than 44,000 youths to Japan since 2014, including over 3,400 participants from Vietnam. He praised the alumni for maintaining a strong network and encouraged participants to stay connected with Japan.
Deputy Director-General, Sakura Science Program
Headquarters, JST
The first distinguished guest, Consul-General Mr. ONO Masuo from the Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted ongoing bilateral initiatives, including SSP and NEXUS Y-tec, collaboration on satellite data utilization for disaster prediction and climate change, the establishment of the Faculty of Semiconductor Chip Technology at Vietnam-Japan University, and joint research projects between Japanese and Vietnamese institutions. He expressed confidence that the alumni would become future leaders in Vietnam’s scientific community.
Consul-General
Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City
A virtual video message from Ms. OBUCHI Yuko, Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship League, was aired at the venue.
The second guest, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Oanh, Rector of Vietnam Japan University (VJU), introduced the origins of academic exchange between Japan and Vietnam, by touching upon historical background. Turning to the present, Dr. Oanh highlighted the rapid expansion of Vietnam-Japan cooperation at national, institutional, and industry levels. He cited initiatives such as the VJU Presidents’ Forum, joint and dual-degree programs, collaborative curriculum development, and growing research partnerships in strategic fields including semiconductors, AI, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and public health. He also noted the increasing involvement of Japanese companies in higher education, leading to deeper university-industry partnerships. Looking ahead, Dr. Oanh argued that Vietnam’s higher education sector is moving from a model of importing knowledge and foreign programs to one of co-creating knowledge with international partners.
Rector, Vietnam Japan University
After the energetic photo session, the third guest speaker, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Minh Quang, Vice Director of the External Affairs Office, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) introduced how the university has grown into a comprehensive institution with research strengths in areas like computer science, AI, automation, materials science, and engineering. He also emphasized HCMUT’s long-standing collaboration with Japanese universities and industry partners like Nagaoka University of Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo*, and the University of Tokyo. He also noted the growing role of Japanese companies in education, research, and talent development. *Formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)
Vice Director of the External Affairs Office
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
In the Sharing Session, SSP alumnus Dr. Nguyen Thien Phuc, Lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering (HCMUTE) shared how participation in SSP2015 became a turning point in his academic career. As a chemical engineering student, he spent three weeks at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech)*, where he conducted research on nanocellulose and gained hands-on experience using advanced analytical equipment such as scanning electron microscopes. Beyond the laboratory, he was inspired by Japan’s research environment, scientific culture, and work ethic, which motivated him to pursue further study and research in Japan. *Now Institute of Science Tokyo
Dr. Phuc later returned to Tokyo Tech to enroll in its doctoral program, conducting research on composting processes, microbial communities, and waste utilization. He highlighted the technical skills, critical thinking, and international perspectives, and the lasting professional network he built across Asia. Reflecting on his journey from SSP participant to PhD graduate, and to a researcher working on carbon-dot materials, he stated that “seeing is believing.”
Next, Ms. Le Thi Thanh Truc, of Ho Chi Minh City University of Information Technology (UIT) shared her experience from the NEXUS Y-tec (Young Talents Exchange and Capacity Development) program at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), during the summer of 2025. During her two-month internship at the Human-AI Interaction (HAI) Lab under the supervision of Prof. Sakriani Sakti, she conducted research in natural language processing. She developed a specialized model that significantly improved code generation accuracy for computer architecture applications.
Beyond the research project, Ms. Truc highlighted her academic and cultural experiences at NAIST, including collaboration with fellow interns from across Asia, participation in research presentations, and visits to places like Expo 2025 Osaka. Looking ahead, she plans to aim for a master’s degree and a career in Japan, a country she has come to like very much.
Ms. Le Thi Thanh Truc
Ho Chi Minh City University of Information Technology
In the discussion session moderated by Ms. Nguyen Truc Quynh, three SSP alumni shared the lasting impact of SSP. All three speakers emphasized that SSP broadened their perspectives, strengthened their confidence, and shaped their professional development. Ms. Tam Nguyen, now a PhD candidate in Public Health, described her 2015 Sakura Science experience as a turning point that inspired her to pursue a career in research and how SSP taught her the importance of perseverance and believing in her ability. Dr. Minh Hang Duong, a researcher at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted Japan’s culture of punctuality, respect, and meticulousness, which continue to influence her work today. Meanwhile, Ms. Vuong Ho, a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, shared how participating as a supervisor in the 2024 KOSEN Global Camp hosted by the National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Toyota College, exposed her to innovative approaches to international collaboration and student-centered learning, through projects focused on sustainable urban development and community engagement.
The panelists also expressed future hopes for SSP. Ms. Tam emphasized the program’s role in inspiring young researchers and fostering human connections beyond scientific exchange. Dr. Minh Hang Duong advocated for greater inclusion of medical and health-related fields. Ms. Vuong called for stronger follow-up activities for alumni to amplify the program’s impact. Collectively, the discussion underscored how Sakura Science can further support academic and professional growth.
In his closing remarks, SSCV President Mr. Dinh Huy Duc expressed sincere appreciation to all the distinguished guests, speakers, JST representatives, and all alumni. Recalling his own experience at Kyushu University, he reaffirmed SSCV’s commitment to advancing science and technology while strengthening the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Japan. He encouraged everyone to continue serving as “living bridges” between the two countries by creating innovation that benefits society.
SSCV President
Prior to the panel discussion, an informative video on studying in Japan, by Ms. Vu Minh Hanh of JASSO Vietnam Office, was aired. The video featured concrete data like the cost of living in various regions of Japan. Many participants watched with keen interest. Overviews of the NEXUS joint research initiative and the Young Talents Exchange and Capacity Development Program (NEXUS Y-tec) were also presented by JST. Additionally, a quiz where the first five alumni who sent in correct answers—based on hints projected on the front screen—were invited to the stage to receive prizes. During the networking session, many alumni were seen happily reconnecting and enjoying relaxed heartfelt conversations.
