On August 7, 2025, Foreign Trade University (FTU) welcomed and held a working session with representatives from Kyoto University (Japan) regarding the Asia Business Leaders (ABL) Program — a collaborative initiative among the Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University, the Kyoto University Business Research Center, and several leading universities across Asia.

Representing Kyoto University were Mr. Kiyoshi Kobayashi – Senior Lecturer and Director of the ABL Program, Ms. Emi Tohyama – Program Coordinator, along with representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan.

From Foreign Trade University, the meeting was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Hien – Vice President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Kien – Head of the Office of International Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Hoang Nam – Head of the Office of Scientìic Management, Ms. Dao Thi Thu Ha, M.A. – Deputy Head of the Office of International Affairs, and other program officers.

Opening the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Hien expressed her sincere appreciation to Kyoto University for initiating the Asia Business Leaders Program, recognizing it as a meaningful and promising initiative that fosters substantive cooperation between the two institutions. She highlighted the program’s contribution in creating valuable opportunities for researchers from leading Japanese corporations to gain academic and professional experience in Vietnam.

During the session, both sides reviewed the program’s notable achievements over the years, acknowledging the remarkable experiences of research fellows during their internships at major Vietnamese enterprises.

The Kyoto University representatives shared positive feedback from ABL fellows, emphasizing the unique opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to business practices across Asia, including meaningful experiences at Vietnamese companies. These engagements not only strengthened their professional expertise but also enhanced their global mindset and intercultural adaptability. The success stories of ABL fellows stand as strong evidence of the program’s value in bridging academic knowledge with real-world business needs.

Looking ahead, FTU and Kyoto University agreed to further expand their collaboration through initiatives such as enhanced faculty and student exchange, joint thematic seminars, interdisciplinary research cooperation, and greater involvement of Vietnamese enterprises in the program’s internship and research projects.

Launched in 2013, the Asia Business Leaders (ABL) Program offers research fellows—professionals from Japan’s leading corporations—an opportunity to acquire in-depth academic knowledge, gain practical experience in various Asian countries, and develop global leadership capabilities. Foreign Trade University is proud to be one of ABL’s strategic partners in Vietnam, actively contributing to training, research, and corporate engagement activities.