The contest is an annual event for Japanese language students in 6 Asian countries, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and China. This year’s finals brought together 19 outstanding students from 7 leading universities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
With the theme of meaningful contributions to society, the 2025 Contest builds on the success of 2024, serving as a strong bridge between Vietnam and Japan. It enables students to showcase their Japanese language skills, share personal experiences, and connect with the international community.
Ms. Mariko Sasaki, Secretary General of the AEON 1% Club Foundation, said: “The AEON 1% Club Foundation strives to contribute to society and the environment. This activity is part of the “AEON Scholarship” project, aimed at promoting friendships with other countries. We support ambitious university students who wish to play a positive role in global development.”
From 19 candidates who advanced through preliminary video judging, the top 7 students won the opportunity to participate in the international finals and experience Japan at the end of February 2026.
Ms. Dao Nguyen Ha Anh, a Japanese language student at Hanoi University and recipient of the top award, shared: “In ninth grade, I was diagnosed with bone cancer, which led to the amputation of my right leg and made me a person with a disability. During my recovery, I learned about barrier-free living in Japan, such as accessible wheelchairs and low-button elevators for people with disabilities. I decided to study Japanese to bring these experiences back to help people with disabilities in Vietnam.
The first place I explored was AEON MALL, which provides supportive facilities for people with disabilities, including accessible restrooms, audio-guided elevators, and easy mobility. I joined this contest to speak on behalf of people with disabilities in Vietnam and to thank AEON MALL for making life more accessible.”
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, a lecturer at Hanoi University and named Outstanding Teacher, expressed: “This is a large-scale, professional contest with highly capable participants. We sincerely thank the AEON 1% Club Foundation for giving Japanese language students in Vietnam a platform to share, demonstrate their oratory skills, learn, and broaden their horizons. This contributes to their personal ambitions and encourages them to positively impact society.”
The success of this year’s contest in Vietnam reflects not only the dedication of Japanese language students in developing their skills and connecting with the international community but also the strong educational partnership between the AEON 1% Club Foundation and universities across the country. More importantly, the contest has become a bridge for Vietnam – Japan cultural exchange, enhancing language proficiency and expanding international opportunities for Vietnamese students.