Kyushu, Japan’s high-tech hub known as the "Silicon Island," is looking to collaborate with Vietnam in the semiconductor industry. A delegation of semiconductor firms from Kyushu recently visited Vietnam to explore partnership opportunities.

The National Innovation Center (NIC) of Vietnam, in coordination with the Japanese Embassy, organized the Vietnam-Japan Semiconductor Cooperation Program, bringing together key stakeholders from both countries.

The visiting Japanese delegation represented the Kyushu Semiconductor Human Resource Development Consortium, which includes local government officials, research institutions, universities, semiconductor companies, and financial organizations.

Reviving Japan’s semiconductor dominance

Kyushu has long been Japan’s center for high-tech industries, particularly in electronics and semiconductors. During its peak, the region played a crucial role in securing Japan’s global leadership in semiconductors, accounting for half of the global market share.

Now, the Japanese government is determined to restore its semiconductor industry to its former glory, with Kyushu at the forefront of this revival. As part of this effort, the delegation’s visit aimed to assess Vietnam’s potential as a strategic partner, especially in semiconductor workforce development.

According to Vu Quoc Huy, Director of NIC, the event marks a significant step toward deepening Vietnam-Japan cooperation in the semiconductor sector.

"Vietnam is entering a transformative era, as emphasized by General Secretary To Lam. Our country is focusing on digital transformation, green transition, and technological innovation to boost productivity and global competitiveness," Huy stated.

"Vietnam is well-positioned to welcome and collaborate with global investors in the semiconductor industry," he added.

Strengthening Vietnam-Japan semiconductor collaboration

Vietnam has already engaged in semiconductor collaborations with Japan, including workforce training and ecosystem development. NIC has worked with Hiroshima University to send Vietnamese students to Japan for international semiconductor programs.

These efforts have yielded tangible results, with many Vietnamese engineers already contributing to semiconductor production lines in Japan.

Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam, Ishikawa Isamu, acknowledged Vietnam’s strong interest in partnering with Kyushu to develop semiconductor talent.

"Japan’s semiconductor industry remains one of the world’s most competitive, not only in integrated circuit production but also in semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturing," he noted.

Kyushu continues to be Japan’s semiconductor powerhouse, producing more than half of the country’s integrated circuits in 2023, despite occupying just 10% of Japan’s land area. With increased investment, the region is poised for rapid growth in the industry.

A win-win partnership for Vietnam and Japan

Deputy Ambassador Ishikawa Isamu emphasized that Vietnam has great potential in semiconductor talent, while Japan excels in semiconductor technology. A partnership between the two nations would be mutually beneficial.

"Understanding each other’s strengths and priorities is the first step in this collaboration. Open discussions between businesses, institutions, and organizations from both sides will drive progress in semiconductor cooperation," he said.

Both Vietnamese and Japanese representatives agreed on a shared vision: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Following the networking sessions, Japanese enterprises expressed their commitment to supporting Vietnam in developing key industries like semiconductors and innovation, further strengthening bilateral ties.

Trong Dat