Vietnam - Japan Youth Exchange Program 2025 (VJYE 2025)

05 Sep, 2025

In August 2025, The Vietnam - Japan Youth Exchange Program 2025 (VJYE 2025), jointly organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Tokyo Keizai University (TKU), concluded successfully with many meaningful experiences. With the theme “Sustainable Minds, Global Ties”, the program offered students from both countries valuable opportunities centered on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through academic activities, cultural exchanges, field trips, and team building, VJYE 2025 not only helped students expand their knowledge and global integration skills but also strengthened the lasting friendship between UEH and TKU. The success of the program reflected the strong collaboration and thorough preparation of the organizers, as well as the enthusiasm and dynamism of all participating students.

Program Recap Video:

International Integration – Towards Global Citizens & Sustainable Action

The Vietnam - Japan Youth Exchange Program 2025 (VJYE 2025), operated directly by students under the dedicated guidance of UEH’s School of Economics, Law and State Management and UEH Vinh Long Campus Board of Directors, was a resounding success. Over two weeks, UEH students demonstrated remarkable growth in organizing and coordinating international activities, honing problem-solving abilities, and adapting to multicultural environments.

Within the program, students from both universities engaged in numerous meaningful activities: visits to the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, cultural and academic experiences at Somo Farm Cuu Long in Vinh Long, Vietnam - Japan cultural exchanges, bilingual learning sessions in Vietnamese and Japanese, conical hat decoration, and academic discussions under the theme “Global Friendship and Cooperation”.

A key highlight of VJYE 2025 was the Vietnam - Japan Student Summit, where UEH and TKU students together issued a joint declaration on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

With a spirit of cooperation and integration, VJYE 2025 offered multidimensional experiences, deepening the Vietnam – Japan friendship while reaffirming UEH’s commitment to training global citizens and promoting sustainable action.

Dr. Trần Thị Tuấn Anh delivered the opening remarks on behalf of UEH

Prof. Akinori Seki delivered the opening remarks on behalf of TKU

Fostering Mutual Understanding through Academic Activities

One of the first highlights of VJYE 2025 was the bilingual language exchange sessions. At UEH Mekong, UEH and TKU students were divided into small groups to teach and guide each other in Vietnamese and Japanese. Through activities such as practicing basic pronunciation, introducing themselves, and learning the alphabets, students not only enhanced their language skills but also explored cultural differences and unique expressions of each language.

Students learning each other’s languages

To further strengthen connections, the organizers also hosted lively team-building activities. Through group challenges, outdoor activities, and interactive games, students developed teamwork, coordination, and cross-cultural communication skills. The cheerful and vibrant atmosphere helped bridge differences, creating a friendly and open environment where students quickly became true companions.

Students engaging in team-building games

Strengthening Friendships through Cultural Exchange Activities

Alongside academics, VJYE 2025 left strong impressions through unique cultural-historical experiences and field trips. In Ho Chi Minh City, students visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic site vividly reflecting the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people during wartime. The underground tunnels and preserved artifacts gave TKU students a deeper and more authentic understanding of Vietnam’s history while instilling national pride in UEH students as they shared their heritage with international friends.

Japanese students exploring historical sites

In Vinh Long, students joined both academic and cultural activities: exploring traditional brick-making, enjoying tropical fruits, and participating in folk games at Somo Farm. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Mekong Delta left unforgettable memories for Japanese students while giving UEH students pride in introducing their hometown culture.

Students visiting cultural sites in Vinh Long

At UEH Mekong Campus, the cultural exchange performance became a remarkable highlight. UEH students presented powerful Vietnamese patriotic songs, expressing national pride and youthful aspirations, while TKU students impressed the audience with creative plays and energetic dances that reflected Japanese artistry and vibrancy. Fun interactive games brought both groups together, breaking down language and cultural barriers, turning the event into a shared stage of creativity, solidarity, and international friendship.

Students at UEH Mekong enjoying performances

Japanese students performing on stage

Students joining interactive cultural games

Another shining highlight was the Vietnam - Japan Cultural Exchange Day at Hall B1, UEH Campus B. The hall transformed into a lively cultural fair with booths showcasing traditional Vietnamese folk games and Japanese cultural experiences. This convergence created an atmosphere of excitement, discovery, and bonding.

UEH students at cultural booths

In the afternoon, the program continued with a Minishow featuring artistic performances. TKU students and the Traditional Music Band brought to life the cultural beauty of both countries through Vietnamese folk instruments, traditional dances, and Japanese-inspired music, theater, and dance performances. Each act received enthusiastic applause, creating a youthful, creative, and inspiring cultural space.

Traditional Vietnamese music ensemble performing

TKU students performing on stage

Through these diverse cultural activities, UEH and TKU students not only learned to appreciate and respect cultural differences but also built genuine, lasting friendships – a strong foundation for future cooperation between the two nations.

Program Highlights:

1. Opening Ceremony for TKU students at UEH: