Hanoi, 12–13 September 2025: A landmark event marked the deepening of healthcare collaboration between Japan and Viet Nam, as leaders from 108 Central Military Hospital, the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam, Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ), and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) inaugurated the Vietnam–Japan Medical Collaboration Center.

The new centre, established under ERIA’s flagship initiatives, Medical Excellence in Asia (MExx), reflects a shared commitment to health system strengthening, capacity building, evidence-based clinical research, and the advancement of medical technology and surgical innovation. Located at 108 Central Military Hospital, one of Hanoi’s largest and most advanced tertiary hospitals, the centre aims to become a model for regional health cooperation.

Prof. Dr Le Huu Song, Director of 108 Hospital, underscored the importance of training young physicians, advancing precision medicine, integrating AI, and fostering scientific co-authorship and multidisciplinary expertise.

H.E. Naoki Ito, Ambassador of Japan to Viet Nam, hailed the tripartite MoU as a breakthrough in bilateral health cooperation, envisioning 108 Hospital as a regional hub for innovation and health equity in ASEAN.

Representing ERIA, Dr Takayuki Yamanaka, Chief Operating Officer, reaffirmed ERIA’s commitment to the MExx initiative and to forging multisectoral partnerships that expand access to high-quality healthcare across the region.

Ms Kanoko Oishi of MEJ highlighted the value of sustainable innovation and public–private partnerships, noting that the MoU not only strengthens institutional cooperation but also symbolises enduring friendship between Japan and Viet Nam.

Viet Nam–Japan Doctors Meeting

The event continued with the Viet Nam–Japan Doctors Meeting, which gathered experts from the National Cancer Center (NCC), Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS), Toyama University, and ERIA, alongside Vietnamese specialists from 108 Hospital.

Prof. Le Huu Song welcomed the delegation, emphasising a shared vision formedical excellence. Japanese participants shared insights on advanced cancer care, minimally invasive surgery, and international fellowship programmes. Discussions focused on clinical exchanges, online second opinions, and joint research, particularly in oncology.

Dr Manami Uechi of ERIA reiterated ERIA’s support for regional health system strengthening, while METI representatives acknowledged operational challenges such as visa procedures and pledged to facilitate smoother collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a unified commitment to long-term cooperation in healthcare innovation and training.

Follow-up Expert Discussions

On 13 September, senior physicians from 108 Hospital met with Dr Shun Kohsaka (Keio University School of Medicine), Dr Manami Uechi, and Dr Sarah Abe (ERIA) to discuss clinical training, academic exchanges, and public health research.

Dr Kohsaka stressed the importance of bridging public and private healthcare systems and promoting two-way scientific exchange. The hospital’s Deputy Director expressed interest in short-term exchanges with Keio University and explored plans for joint seminars, hybrid forums, and site visits under the MExx framework.

Both parties acknowledged challenges such as licensing and visa requirements for foreign medical professionals but expressed optimism for practical collaboration in cancer care and precision medicine.

The scientific conference brought together senior professors from Australia, France, Germany, and Japan, alongside emerging scholars and doctoral candidates, showcasing vibrant international collaboration and a shared dedication to advancing medical science through innovation.