Japanese statesman Takebe Tsutomu (centre) receives an honorary doctorate from Văn Lang University at a ceremony held in HCM City on December 16 in recognition of his contributions to Việt Nam-Japan cooperation in education and human resource development. — Photo courtesy of VLU

HCM CITY — HCM City-based Văn Lang University (VLU) on Tuesday (December 16) conferred an honorary doctorate on the senior Japanese statesman Takebe Tsutomu in recognition of his long-standing contributions to Việt Nam–Japan relations, particularly in higher education, science, innovation and human resource development.

The award reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and enhancing its academic standing under its internationalisation strategy towards 2030.

The honorary degree was granted in accordance with Vietnamese regulations and international academic standards, honouring individuals whose work has generated lasting academic and social impact.

At VLU, the honorary doctorate is regarded as a strategic commitment rather than a ceremonial distinction.

The conferral underscores the university’s efforts to build high-level partnerships with Japan, expand international collaboration in research and education, and promote university-government-industry cooperation.

Associate Professor Trần Thị Mỹ Diệu, President of VLU, said the award recognises Takebe’s distinguished political career and the values he has consistently championed, including education as the foundation of social development, cultural dialogue as a means of building trust, and international cooperation as a driver of shared prosperity.

“These values align closely with VLU’s mission to nurture human potential, disseminate knowledge and create positive impact for society,” she said.

A bridge between Việt Nam and Japan

Over several decades, Takebe Tsutomu has played an important role in promoting educational diplomacy, scientific cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Việt Nam.

With extensive networks and sustained engagement, he is widely regarded as a symbol of Japan’s “soft connectivity”, contributing to long-term trust and cooperation between the two countries.

As Chairman of the Japan–Việt Nam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance from December 2003 and later as a special adviser, Takebe helped advance bilateral cooperation in areas including infrastructure development, healthcare, disease prevention, and the promotion of Japanese investment in Việt Nam.

Education and human development have remained central to his efforts. He has actively supported vocational education, human resource development and cultural exchanges, viewing people-centred cooperation as the foundation of sustainable development.

Representatives of Văn Lang University and Japan’s TOA SOKEN Public Interest Incorporated Foundation exchange signed documents after a Memorandum of Understanding was inked in HCM City on December 16 to promote academic exchange and research cooperation. — Photo courtesy of VLU

Expanding academic cooperation

Within the framework of the event, VLU and Japan’s TOA SOKEN Public Interest Incorporated Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote future academic exchange and cooperation.

The agreement focuses on scientific research and innovation, joint international training programmes, exchanges of scholars, lecturers and students, and connections with leading Japanese universities and organisations.

Sharing his expectations for future cooperation, Takebe Tsutomu said: “Education and human capital development are key drivers of national progress.”

He praised VLU’s experiential learning model, which encourages students to learn through practice, develop critical thinking and gain real-world skills.

Founded more than 30 years ago, VLU is one of Việt Nam’s largest private universities, offering more than 100 multidisciplinary programmes.

The university has been recognised by international rankings, including the QS World University Rankings 2026 (1001-1200 globally) and the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 (Top 251 in Asia), and continues to pursue its goal of becoming a leading innovation-oriented university in the region. — VNS