Japan’s top AI professor offers free training to 1,500 Vietnamese students

By Duong Tam September 18, 2025 | 07:48 pm PT

Some 1,500 students at Hanoi University of Science and Technology are receiving free AI training from Professor Yutaka Matsuo, chair of the Japanese AI Strategy Council.

The initiative is part of a program called Global Consumer Intelligence launched on Sept. 17 by the university, Matsuo and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Matsuo is among the world’s leading experts in AI and teaches at the University of Tokyo, ranked top in Japan’s and 28th globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

He also chairs the Japanese prime minister’s AI Strategy Council and founded the Japan Deep Learning Association, has written more than 20 books, published over 300 research papers, and serves as a strategic advisor to many major technology corporations.

Japanese professor Yutaka Matsuo at the launch of the Global Consumer Intelligence (GCI) program at Hanoi University of Science and Technology on Sept. 17, 2025. Photo courtesy of Hanoi University of Science and Technology

The AI course, designed by his research lab, includes modules on Python, data science, machine learning, and practical AI applications across industries. Over 14 sessions it combines pre-recorded video lectures for theory with live online practice sessions led by University of Tokyo lecturers.

The course opened at HUST with a session led by Matsuo. He said the program not only provides foundational AI knowledge but also trains students to analyze real-world data to develop strategic proposals for businesses. "We want to connect technological skills with the creation of socio-economic value."

Alongside the 1,500 students from HUST, more than 6,000 students from 430 institutions worldwide are also participating. Graduates in Vietnam will receive certificates from both the University of Tokyo and HUST, while outstanding students will be selected for internships at Matsuo’s lab in Japan with funding from Japanese sponsors.

Professor Vu Van Yem, vice president of HUST, said this was a rare opportunity for students to learn from top global experts.

"I hope you make the most of this chance, approach each lecture with curiosity, ask challenging questions, and step outside your comfort zones. Think about how to apply what you learn to tackle practical challenges in Vietnam and globally."

HUST is a leading engineering and technology university with around 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students.