2026.08.28
In July, the Fast Retailing Foundation held a send-off party for nine Vietnamese high school students, the fourth group to receive the Fast Retailing Foundation scholarships to study in English-based undergraduate programs at universities in Japan.
This ceremony, held at a hotel in Hanoi on July 13, 2026, was attended by the scholarship recipients, their families, and teachers from their high schools, as well as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Socialist Republic of Vietnam (MoFA), Ministry of Education and Training Socialist Republic of Vietnam (MoET), and many representatives from the Vietnamese media.
■Remarks by H.E. Mr. Naoki Ito, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
“I believe the Fast Retailing Foundation’s support for the young people who will shape the future is an extremely valuable initiative. It not only helps each student pursue their dreams, but also contributes to developing the people who will build the future of Japan and Vietnam. Spending four years in Japan studying in an English-based undergraduate program will offer the scholarship recipients a truly valuable opportunity not only to acquire specialized knowledge, but also to encounter diverse cultures and values and develop a global perspective. In fact, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has drawn on his own experience studying in Japan in his efforts to advance the country’s development. I hope that each of the scholarship recipients will go on to build a career in their chosen field and, by drawing on the experiences and relationships gained in Japan, serve as a bridge between Japan and Vietnam.”
■Remarks from Mr. Đinh Gia Khánh, a scholarship recipient who will attend The University of Tokyo from Fall 2026
“My greatest dream is to contribute to the development of Da Nang, where I grew up, and of Vietnam as a whole, helping to create truly livable cities where talented young people want to remain and build their futures. I believe the first step in Vietnam’s development is to strengthen logistics infrastructure centered on its ports. Growth in the maritime and port industries would not only help ease traffic congestion, but also create many jobs and make Vietnamese products more competitive in global markets. I believe that progress of this kind will drive Vietnam’s further growth and its development into a high-income country. For me, Japan is the ideal place to pursue this goal. As a Fast Retailing Foundation scholarship recipient, I hope to study in an advanced educational environment, learn about cutting-edge technologies and flexible approaches to management, and acquire world-class knowledge and experience.”
■Remarks from Ms. Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Linh, a scholarship recipient who will attend International Christian University from Fall 2026
“In today’s world of rapid economic and technological development, I believe Vietnam must not only offer outstanding products and services, but also communicate their strengths and appeal to the world. By sharing the culture and the aspirations of the people behind Vietnamese products and brands, we can convey not only the value of those products, but also deepen understanding of Vietnam itself. I chose Japan because it is a country that harmonizes tradition and innovation while consistently placing people at the heart of its culture and business. Through my studies in Japan, I hope to embrace these values. I also believe that education not only transforms individual lives, but can serve as a bridge connecting people across countries and regions. In the future, I hope to draw on the knowledge and experience I gain in Japan to share Vietnam’s appeal with the world.”
■Remarks from Mr. Trương Khắc Ngọc Thạch, a scholarship recipient who will attend Kyushu University from Fall 2026
“From an early age, I have been interested in technologies such as machinery, engines, and aircraft, and I have always been fascinated by the way people turn new ideas into tangible products and technologies. For me, studying mechanical and aerospace engineering in Japan will be not only an opportunity to acquire specialized knowledge, but also a valuable chance to challenge my own potential and pursue further growth. I chose Japan because it combines advanced technological capabilities with a spirit of craftsmanship, values discipline and precision, and has successfully translated technology into value that benefits society. In the future, I hope to apply the knowledge and experience I gain in Japan to contribute to Vietnam’s development, particularly in engineering and technology. Through my studies and interactions at university, I will also strive to become a bridge between Vietnam and Japan.”
■Remarks by Mr. Noriaki Koyama, Senior Secretary General of the Fast Retailing Foundation
“The nine scholarship recipients selected as the fourth cohort of this program are all exceptional students, each heading to Japan with a clear sense of purpose. The Fast Retailing Foundation will continue to support them after they begin their studies in Japan so that they can make significant contributions to the future development of both countries.”
