HUST, JICA, and Matsuo Lab Join Forces to Develop AI Talent in Vietnam

As part of a project supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to develop AI for Vietnam, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), in collaboration with the Matsuo Laboratory of the University of Tokyo (Japan), today (September 17) launched the "Global Consumer Intelligence" course.

Strengthening Strategic Cooperation in High-Quality AI Human Resource Training

During a working session to discuss future directions for AI development cooperation for Vietnam, Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng, President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, warmly welcomed the delegation from Matsuo Lab and JICA. He expressed the university's desire to further expand international cooperation, particularly in the field of AI for its faculty and students.

Assoc. Prof. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng affirmed: "Hanoi University of Science and Technology has a team of excellent lecturers and researchers who are ready to collaborate on activities that support our undergraduate and graduate students in their studies, research, and pursuit of good employment opportunities both domestically and abroad, especially in Japan. We are also keen to develop joint courses and build talent cultivation programs to contribute not only to Vietnam but also to the international community."
  According to the HUST President, with the steadfast support of JICA, the university expects to achieve significant collaborative outcomes in the next one to two years, contributing to the formation of a dynamic center for training, research, and innovation at HUST.

Prof. Yutaka Matsuo, Head of the Matsuo Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, expressed his deep gratitude for the warm reception from HUST, sharing: "We are greatly honored to collaborate with Hanoi University of Science and Technology and believe that together, we can cultivate talented students while strengthening the global standing of both our institutions."
  Also during the meeting, the JICA representative emphasized the goal of supporting Vietnam in developing a high-quality workforce for the AI era. JICA has identified the National Innovation Center (NIC) and Hanoi University of Science and Technology as two pioneering AI organizations in Vietnam, well-positioned to become pilot centers for building an AI cooperation platform between Vietnam and Japan.

HUST's collaboration with Matsuo Lab to implement the Global Consumer Intelligence (GCI) program is one of JICA's three main strategic directions for promoting Vietnam's AI human resources, alongside implementing an AI Startup Accelerator Program with NIC and piloting AI/DPI projects.

Over 25,000 students worldwide have participated in GCI, contributing to research projects or launching startups from ideas developed during the course. At HUST, the course is offered completely free of charge exclusively for its students. Over 14 sessions, learners will be equipped with digital competencies, hypothesis-driven thinking, and foundational knowledge of AI, taught directly by Prof. Yutaka Matsuo and his associates.
  A Golden Opportunity for HUST's AI Talents

Immediately following the working session, Hanoi University of Science and Technology held the Opening Ceremony for the Global Consumer Intelligence Course.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Vũ Văn Yêm, Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, affirmed the strategic importance of artificial intelligence: "AI is becoming a driving force that is reshaping the global economy and redefining how society operates. For Vietnam, AI is both a challenge and a great opportunity. With the right investment in human resources and education, Vietnam can certainly rise to become a regional leader in AI-based solutions."

The Vice President expressed his sincere appreciation to Prof. Yutaka Matsuo and the research team from the University of Tokyo for directly teaching and sharing their valuable experience. He also acknowledged JICA's persistent support in bringing this program to Vietnamese students. (Full text of Prof. Vũ Văn Yêm's speech)
  Representing Matsuo Laboratory, Prof. Yutaka Matsuo stated that the program not only provides foundational knowledge of AI but also helps students learn how to analyze real-world data to formulate strategic proposals for businesses.

Notably, outstanding students will have the opportunity to intern at the Matsuo Laboratory in Tokyo, with all expenses sponsored.

"We want to connect technological skills with the creation of socio-economic value," said the Head of Matsuo Lab. To date, more than 7,700 learners from 430 educational institutions globally have participated in the program. Hanoi University of Science and Technology has the highest number of registrants, with approximately 1,500 students. (Full text of Prof. Yutaka Matsuo's speech)

At the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Kobayashi Yosuke, Chief Representative of the JICA Vietnam Office, expressed his confidence that the GCI program will contribute significantly to building a force of AI talent for Vietnam while broadening students' global perspectives. He emphasized that JICA will continue to support Vietnam in policy development, human resource training, and international cooperation, aiming to help Vietnam become a high-income country by 2045. (Full text of Mr. Kobayashi Yosuke's speech)
  Concluding the ceremony, the first lecture on the topic "Why learn data science?" was delivered, officially kicking off the GCI program at Hanoi University of science and technology.

With the close collaboration of the three partners—Hanoi University of Science and Technology, JICA, and Matsuo Laboratory—the Global Consumer Intelligence course is expected to become a launchpad for HUST students in particular, and Vietnamese students in general, to confidently step into the era of artificial intelligence, contributing to the nation's socio-economic development and deep international integration.

Leaders from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, JICA, and Matsuo Laboratory perform the opening ceremony ritual.