Vietnam and Japan Jointly Fund 11 Semiconductor Research Projects
Vietnam is expanding international science and technology cooperation through bilateral research projects and multilateral partnerships. Vietnam and Japan are jointly funding 11 semiconductor research projects, while Vietnam is exploring strategic technology cooperation with Russia and has joined an international framework for the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.
On November 9, 2026, Vietnamese and Japanese agencies exchanged funding documents for 11 joint research projects in Tokyo. The semiconductor projects were selected during 2025–2026 and involve 22 Vietnamese and Japanese scientists. Japan is providing 2.6 billion yen, equivalent to approximately 430 billion Vietnamese dong in the source text; Vietnam is contributing 67 billion Vietnamese dong. Research areas include low-power AI chips, next-generation electronic components, compound semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes, and microelectromechanical devices for smart sensing.
Tô Lâm attends the exchange of cooperation documents between Vietnam and Japan.（VietVance）
Vietnam and Russia have also made joint research and development a priority. At the Vietnam–Russia science and technology forum held in Russia on September 9, 2026, Tô Lâm said cooperation should move beyond expert exchanges and personnel training toward jointly mastering technologies, developing products and participating in markets. He identified AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, space technology, new energy and atomic energy as potential areas of cooperation.
Launch ceremony for the Vietnam–Russia Knowledge Network.（VietVance）
At a November 8 meeting with Vietnamese intellectuals and scientists in Japan, Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology Vũ Hải Quân proposed using gene technology and biotechnology to breed disease-resistant pangasius and black tiger shrimp better suited to farming conditions. He called on Vietnamese scientists in Japan to work with research institutes, universities and businesses in Vietnam to propose projects addressing practical needs.
Vietnam has also joined the Artemis Accords on the peaceful exploration and use of outer space, becoming the 78th signatory. Vietnam aims to strengthen its independent capabilities in space technology and data and promote their use in resource management, environmental protection, climate change response and disaster prevention and mitigation.
At a meeting with the South Korean ambassador to Vietnam on November 6, 2026, Vũ Hải Quân proposed expanding joint AI research and advancing a smart factory demonstration center project in Vietnam. He said the second phase of the Vietnam–Korea Institute of Science and Technology project was expected to be completed in late November or early December 2026, with its focus shifting from infrastructure investment to research projects and the development of products with practical applications.
Source: VietVance
