Held on September 27 in Tokyo, Vietcetera Open Japan 2025 brought together over 200 attendees, including leaders, experts, and members of the Vietnamese community in Japan. The event focused on three core values: innovation, identity, and integration. From technology and investment to cuisine, each story carried the same message: Vietnamese people can create value on a global scale.
This event was more than a gathering; it was a journey to explore Vietnamese identity, nurture aspirations to shape the national brand, and connect the Vietnamese community in Tokyo.
Led by Vietcetera, the event featured Vietnamese and Japanese leaders and experts, including Nguyễn Hữu Long (CEO, FPT Consulting Japan), inventor Trần Ngọc Phúc (Chairman/CEO, MAGOS), Lê Ngọc Bảo Vi (Co-Founder & Director, Solara & Co JSC), Leo Nishimura (Executive Director, Becamex Tokyu), Summer Le (Founder & Executive Chef, Nén), Nguyễn Mạnh Đức (CEO, Cô Hương Béo brand), Cat-Thao Nguyen (Managing Director & Leadership Coach, Global Ready LLC), Trịnh Lữ (Translator and Artist), Satoki Tsuyuri (CEO, Technica), Taichi Fukuhara (Partner, Risa Partners Asia), and Yuto Kono (Principal, Genesia Ventures), creating a space for connection and exchange between the Vietnamese community in Japan and Japanese experts.
From “Made in Vietnam” To “Made By Vietnam”
In the first fireside chat, Nguyễn Hữu Long, CEO of FPT Consulting Japan, together with moderator Satoki Tsuyuri, CEO of Technica, shared the impressive journey of FPT becoming the first and only Vietnamese company to establish a strong foothold in Japan’s highly competitive IT consulting market – a testament to Vietnam’s transformation into an “innovation powerhouse” through AI integration and high-tech talent.
Their conversation painted a vivid picture of Vietnam’s rapid transformation.
Next, the “Elevating Vietnam's Global Standing” fireside chat highlighted the story of Trần Ngọc Phúc. When Vietcetera first chose the theme “How Vietnamese People Build Vietnam’s Brand,” Phúc was the first name that came to mind. Widely known as a scientist and inventor of life-saving technologies such as the high-frequency oscillatory ventilator (HFO – Hummingbird) that saved hundreds of premature infants, with over 80 patents and numerous international awards including the Order of the Rising Sun presented by the Emperor of Japan, Phúc exemplifies how a Vietnamese individual can leave a mark in Japanese and global science and technology.
More than that, his story of leaving his homeland before 1975, building a career in the demanding Japanese society, and steadfastly creating unique value inspired the audience, showing how an individual can contribute to shaping the “Vietnam brand.”
Opening Opportunities For Vietnam As A Strategic Growth Partner
The second part of the event provided a comprehensive view of Vietnam as a strategic partner for regional growth. Leo Nishimura, Executive Director of Becamex Tokyu, in his keynote, recounted 12 years of transforming the once-undeveloped land of Bình Dương into a dynamic and sustainable “new city,” from Tokyu Garden City and Hikari to MIDORI PARK, building infrastructure while creating a living environment aligned with ESG principles – demonstrating that Vietnam is an attractive investment destination for Japanese corporations.
Next, a dialogue between Taichi Fukuhara (Partner, Risa Partners Asia) and moderator Yuto Kono (Principal, Genesia Ventures) emphasized that Vietnam not only exports products but also quality and value, becoming a strategic market where Japanese businesses see long-term collaboration opportunities. The clear message: Vietnam is moving from “workshop” to strategic partner, from a regional presence to a global position.
How Vietnamese Identity Shines On The Global Stage
The final session returned the audience to what is closest to home: cuisine and culture, where Vietnamese identity is expressed in the most authentic and nuanced way.
Not limited to economy and technology, the event also celebrated Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Chef Summer Le, with the philosophy “Consciously Vietnamese,” shared the story of the Nén restaurant from Da Nang to Tokyo. Through each dish, Chef Summer demonstrated that cuisine is not just food, but the “living heartbeat of Vietnam’s brand growing worldwide.”
Similarly, the Cô Hương Béo brand showcased Vietnamese street food – from phở and bún riêu to bánh mì – as the fastest way for the world to understand Vietnam.
Cat-Thao Nguyen, Managing Director, Leadership & Life Coach, Global Ready LLC, together with Kien Hoang, Portfolio Manager, JapanCor, emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability of Vietnamese people, shaped by history and cultural values. She affirmed that these form a solid foundation for a “national brand rising strongly.”
Some highlights from the event:
Conclusion
Vietcetera Open – Tokyo, Japan 2025 painted a multi-dimensional picture: from innovation and investment collaboration to cultural identity. More than that, it was a space for the Vietnamese community in Japan to share, connect, and inspire each other.
Vietcetera sincerely thanks all speakers, partners, and attendees for making this event memorable.
See you in Tokyo again soon – and look forward to the next Vietcetera Open in Los Angeles on October 18, 2025.
Join the next journey here.
Special thanks to our sponsors & partners for accompanying us in this event:
- Title Sponsor: FPT Japan- Program Sponsor: Reazon Holdings, Money Forward & Tokyo Corporation- Engagement Partner: Vilasia- Travel Partner: Vietjet Air- Strategic Partner: Solara & Co- Communications Partner: VANJ - Vietnamese Academic Network in Japan, VYSA (Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Japan), Cộng đồng DHS Đông Du, Overseas Vietnamese, FTU Alumni in Japan & Legacy Brand.