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  • First Steps for Vietnam’s Fast Retailing Scholarship Students Heading to Japan

    2025.08.08

    In June, the Fast Retailing Foundation held a send-off party for twelve Vietnamese high school students, the third group to receive The Fast Retailing Foundation scholarships to study bachelor’s English based undergraduate programs at universities in Japan.

    This ceremony, which took place in Ho Chi Minh City, was attended by the scholarship recipients, their families, teachers from the students' high schools, Consul-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, officials from the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training (HCMC DoET) and many media representatives from Vietnam.

    ■Remarks by Mr. Masuo Ono, Consul-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City

    “This scholarship program by The Fast Retailing Foundation was launched in 2023, a milestone year marking the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Vietnam. We believe this project will serve to deepen the friendly relations between the two countries and demonstrate a bright outlook for the future. We hope that the third-intake scholarship recipients will not only strive in their studies and research at their respective universities, but also visit various regions of Japan, interact with people of different ages and backgrounds, and cultivate a broad perspective and flexible thinking skills by paying attention not only to Japan's charms but also to its challenges. We sincerely hope that in the future, all of students will utilize the knowledge and experience gained during your study abroad in Japan to excel in your chosen fields and contribute to the further development of exchange and cooperation between Japan and Vietnam.”

    ■Remarks from Mr. Đặng Vĩnh Cường, a scholarship recipient who will attend Waseda University from Fall 2025

    “When I was young, my family lived in an apartment complex and we were in a difficult financial situation, but since my mother started working for a Japanese company that had just expanded into Vietnam, our lives have improved significantly. I have come to realize that international economic cooperation, economic development, and modernization contribute to improving the lives of people like my family. I believe that my family's experience can be applied to support Vietnam and other regions, and I want to learn from Japan, which is a successful model, and apply it to the development of my own country.”

    ■Remarks from Ms. Nguyễn Phú Minh Châu, a scholarship recipient who will attend Kyoto University from Fall 2025

    “I love the tea ceremony, and the reason I love it is because it allows me to take a break from my busy daily life and appreciate the beauty of quiet moments. Captivated by this harmony of tradition and innovation, I have explored Vietnam's tea culture. By incorporating Japan's commitment to sustainability and quality, I believe that blending the cultural depth of Vietnam's tea culture can bring meaningful transformation to this industry. Choosing Japan as my destination for further education is not only about economics and business but also an opportunity to seriously learn about social responsibility. As a scholarship recipient of The Fast Retailing Foundation, I aspire to serve as a bridge to promote Vietnamese products worldwide and contribute to society in a manner rooted in respect for the country's culture.”

    ■Remarks from Mr. Nguyễn Anh Dũng, a scholarship recipient who will attend Sophia University from Fall 2025

    “My passion for engineering was sparked by an expedition to a mountain village in northern Vietnam. There, I witnessed the reality that many households lacked access to stable electricity supplies, and I came to understand that engineering is an important means of promoting sustainable development and creating real value in underdeveloped regions. As a scholarship recipient of The Fast Retailing Foundation, I aim to advance research in renewable energy, microgrids, and green technology, with the goal of providing concrete solutions for impoverished regions in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to study abroad in Japan, where I hope to grow both in knowledge and humanity while learning about dedication, effort, and social responsibility.”

    ■Remarks from Mr. Noriaki Koyama, Senior Secretary General of The Fast Retailing Foundation

    “The twelve students selected as the third group of scholarship recipients are all extremely talented and will go to study in Japan with clear aspirations. The Foundation hopes to provide ongoing support that will allow them to make a significant contribution to the future development of both countries even after completing their studies in Japan.”