The 4th Training Program in Japan

From 12 May to 8 June, a total of 16 young leaders at the level of deputy director general and director from 11 provinces and 3 central cities in Vietnam participated in a 28-day training program in Japan.

The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE)　and Meiji University have continued to jointly conduct the training program in Japan, which consisted of lectures, site visits, and report presentations and discussions.

After attending lectures on topics that are of great interest to administrators, such as Japanese politics and administration, urban planning and community development, and local government management, the participants visited local governments and private businesses in Tokyo, Saitama, Ibaraki, and Gunma prefectures. Through exchanges with mayors, senior local government officials, and civil servants, they deepened their understanding of local autonomy and local governance in Japan.

The participants also visited waste treatment facilities, an elementary school, Haneda Innovation City, agricultural facilities and private companies. At an elementary school in Kawagoe City, they observed students serving lunch and cleaning school facilities themselves, gaining insight into how hygiene education and waste separation are taught from an early age. This approach was recognized as helping to raise citizens’ awareness. In addition, at the city's clean center, participants learned how waste is treated as a resource, with mechanisms in place to help children learn about waste management in a fun way. One participant commented, "It became clear how much this contributes to environmental education. When I return home, I will emphasize the importance of education to relevant stakeholders."

After visiting Haneda Innovation City, one participant said, “I gained valuable experience on solutions to support creative start-ups and companies involved in digital transformation. After returning from Japan, I plan to conduct survey to establish an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center in my locality.''

The participants of the training program, representing various regions across Vietnam, deepened their relationships and re-affirmed their roles as leaders to support the development of Vietnam. A follow-up seminar will be held in Vietnam in September 2024, where everyone will have the opportunity to reunite and discuss Vietnam's development. It is hoped that this opportunity will serve as another leaning platform for the participants to contribute to regional development.