The AEON 1% Club Foundation Japanese Speech Contest is held in six countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, China, and Malaysia. The contest aims to encourage students to improve their Japanese language skills and promote international cultural exchange.
This year, the contest in Vietnam received 40 video entries from students representing eight universities. Following the preliminary round, 15 outstanding contestants were selected to advance to the final, held at AEON MALL Tan Phu Celadon in Ho Chi Minh City.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Mariko Sasaki, General Secretary of the AEON 1% Club Foundation, shared:
“The contestants delivered outstanding speeches, making the judging and selection process extremely challenging. For those who did not advance to today’s final, I hope you will learn from the finalists’ presentations, continue to improve your Japanese language skills, and further develop your abilities. I hope that in the future, you will become global talents who help build bridges between Vietnam and Japan.”
Under the theme “Building a sustainable future together with our communities,” the contestants presented their unique perspectives and personal stories in Japanese, sharing their experiences and ideas for contributing to society. The contest also provided an opportunity for students to connect, learn from one another, and deepen their understanding of culture and social issues, fostering a global outlook and inspiring them to work toward a sustainable future.
Following the speech presentations, which explored the theme of “Building a sustainable future together with our communities – Starting with repairing and reusing,” Phan Hieu Ky, a student at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, won first prize.
In his speech, he emphasized the importance of changing the habit of throwing away items when they break and instead finding ways to repair and continue using them. He highlighted how valuing the things we own can not only help protect the environment but also strengthen community bonds and encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.
Sharing his thoughts with the Foundation, Hieu Ky said:
“I would like to thank the AEON 1% Club Foundation for organizing such a meaningful contest. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to practice and improve my Japanese language skills. I hope more contests like this will be held in the future, giving students opportunities to develop their language skills and learn more about Japan and its culture.
Since I was young, I have loved Japanese films and culture. Learning Japanese has helped me realize my dream, and I am very grateful to the organizers for giving me the opportunity to visit Japan. I hope that in the future, I will have the chance to continue studying and working in the country I have always admired.”
Ms. Tran Thi Kim Dung, a lecturer in the Japanese Language Department at Ho Chi Minh City Open University, received the Outstanding Teacher Award. She shared:
“The contest offers students a valuable opportunity to confidently demonstrate their Japanese language skills. I particularly appreciate the themes selected by the AEON 1% Club Foundation each year. Beyond helping students improve their language proficiency, the contest encourages them to think more deeply about social issues, their individual responsibilities to the community, and sustainable development.
Through this experience, students not only enhance their Japanese language skills but also develop their critical thinking, a stronger sense of social responsibility, and a desire to create positive value for society. This is what I truly appreciate about the contest.”
According to the contest regulations, the five top-ranking contestants will have the opportunity to participate in an exchange and study program in Japan in February 2027.
Now in its third consecutive year in Vietnam, the AEON 1% Club Foundation Japanese Speech Contest continues to demonstrate its appeal and value to students learning Japanese. Beyond providing a platform for students to showcase their language abilities, the contest encourages creative thinking, raises awareness of social issues, and nurtures a spirit of community contribution.
Through this initiative, the Foundation helps empower a new generation of young people with strong language skills, cross-cultural understanding, and the potential to become bridges of friendship between Vietnam and Japan in the future.