On January 3, 2025, Foreign Trade University held a farewell and gratitude ceremony for Mr. Yoneda Kazuhiro - Chief Advisor of the VJCC Project for the 2023-2024 term and welcomed Mr. Hanazato Nobuhiko - New Chief Advisor of the VJCC Project for the 2025-2026 term.

Attending the ceremony, on the side of Foreign Trade University, there was the presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan - President of the University, Director of the VJCC Project; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong - Vice President of the University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien - Director of Vietnam – Japan Institute for Human Resources Development (VJCC); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Director of International Affairs; MSc. Le Hoang Lien - Head of Department of General Administrations and lecturers and staff of the VJCC Institute.

At the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr.Bui Anh Tuan expressed his deep gratitude to Mr. Yoneda Kazuhiro for his important contributions to the development of the Foreign Trade University in general and the VJCC Institute in particular, especially in promoting cooperation activities between Vietnamese and Japanese enterprises, typically the exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Japan Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (JCCI). He also emphasized Mr. Yoneda's role in advising and supporting the successful implementation of business training programs in Vietnam, such as the Keieijuku Advanced Business Course, CEO Intensive Executive Director, etc. In particular, Mr. Yoneda has contributed to promoting the strong development of the Keieijuku community in the past term, with a series of meaningful activities on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Keieijuku program. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Anh Tuan expressed his respect for Mr. Yoneda - a gentle and sincere person who left many good impressions in the hearts of the school's staff. At the same time, he affirmed that Mr. Yoneda is the bridge that brings the relationship between Foreign Trade University and the JICA International Cooperation Agency to become warmer and deeper, a testament to the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thu Huong expressed her emotion when saying goodbye to Mr. Yoneda Kazuhiro, a person who has been attached to and made important contributions to the development of VJCC Institute. She emphasized that VJCC Institute is on the journey to realize many big ambitions and plans, towards new steps of development. Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thu Huong hopes that Mr. Yoneda will continue to accompany and support VJCC Institute, Foreign Trade University as well as the Vietnamese business community on this journey. At the same time, she hopes that he will return to Vietnam to meet the VJCC collective on special occasions, continue to connect and share valuable values.

On behalf of all staff and lecturers of VJCC Institute, Director of VJCC Institute Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien expressed gratitude to Mr. Yoneda Kazuhiro for his continuous support and advice in building a database system and connection channels with Japanese enterprises as well as prestigious universities in Japan. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hien affirmed that the successes of VJCC Institute all have great contributions from Mr. Yoneda and hoped that Mr. Yoneda would continue to become an "ambassador" of VJCC, contributing to spreading the image and value of VJCC to friends in Japan, thereby promoting the cooperation and connection between the two countries. She also emphasized that Japan is an important partner of Foreign Trade University as well as VJCC Institute in building generations of young leaders and a sustainable business network.

At the ceremony, Mr. Yoneda Kazuhiro expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors of Foreign Trade University, along with the entire Board of Directors and staff of VJCC Institute for always accompanying and striving to make VJCC Institute develop more and more and be ready for future innovations. He cherished the memorable memories during his tenure and affirmed that the affection and support from the entire Board of Directors of the University and the VJCC team was the great motivation for him to have inspiring working days. Mr. Yoneda also shared that accompanying VJCC was the last train in his career journey, and he believed that expanding the cooperation network between Vietnam and Japan in the fields of academia and business production would help the cooperative relationship between the two countries become deeper, more effective and more meaningful.

Also during the meeting, Mr. Yoneda Kazuhiro introduced Mr. Hanazato Nabuhiko - the new Chief Advisor of the VJCC Project. Mr. Yoneda expressed his hope that together with Mr. Hanazato, Foreign Trade University and VJCC Institute will achieve even more remarkable developments in the future.

Mr. Hanazato Nobuhiko has more than 9 years of experience working in Vietnam on JICA projects, and has also participated in training senior leaders for the Vietnamese Government. Previously, he also held important positions such as Chief Representative of JICA in Afghanistan and Director of the Tokyo International Center (TIC). With his extensive experience and deep understanding of Vietnam - Japan relations, he is committed to inheriting and developing the achievements of his predecessor, aiming for sustainable cooperation in the fields of education and business. He hopes to receive support from the Foreign Trade University and the VJCC Institute during his term as Chief Advisor of the VJCC Project.

The ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere and marked an important transition of the VJCC Project, promising to open up many new cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and Japan.