The Keieijuku Vietnam Business Community recently held a deeply meaningful and dignified 15th-anniversary ceremony, marking a long and sustained journey of relentless dedication to developing business human resources and enhancing corporate management capabilities in Vietnam. This significant event was not only a milestone for the entire community to reflect on its brilliant achievements but also a strong affirmation of its future goals and aspirations for global outreach.

15 Years: From Concept to a Strong Business Community

The Keieijuku Advanced Business Program (経営塾), a special cooperative initiative between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments, officially launched its first course in Hanoi in 2009. This project was implemented by the Vietnam-Japan Human Resources Development Center (VJCC) – now the Vietnam-Japan Human Resources Development Institute (VJCC) under the Foreign Trade University, with strong support and close cooperation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Keieijuku’s core objective from its inception was to train and cultivate Vietnamese entrepreneurs, focusing on applying lean and sustainable management methods in the Japanese style. The program particularly emphasized the spirit of Monozukuri (Japanese manufacturing) and human-centered management, aiming for the noble goal of “striving to contribute to society” through the creation of high-quality products and services.

Over the past 15 years, Keieijuku has proven its exceptional effectiveness, recognized by JICA as the most successful entrepreneur training program worldwide. The most prominent highlight, and indeed the most proud achievement, is the establishment and development of a robust post-graduation business community – the Keieijuku Vietnam Business Community. By 2024, the community has grown to include 1025 members, spanning across the three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam. Enterprises managed by Keieijuku members have created jobs for approximately 1.2 million workers and achieved an impressive total revenue of over 100 trillion VND by the end of 2023. These figures are powerful testimonials to the Keieijuku community’s growth, influence, and significant contributions to Vietnam’s economy.

Notable Milestones Through Community Activities

The Keieijuku Vietnam Community is not just a place for entrepreneurs to connect but also a dynamic ecosystem that constantly propagates the spirit of “learning together,” “acting together,” “innovating together,” and “developing together” through various diverse and practical annual activities:

• Professional sharing and capacity building:
  • Regular “Business Fire Starter” (BFS) seminars provide advanced management knowledge and inspire businesses.
  • The “Cafe KEI” and “KEIEIJUKU Sống chất” (Living with Quality) event series are platforms where members share practical experiences, discuss current business issues, and seek solutions.
  • Factory and business visits allow members to learn directly from successful models and receive in-depth support.
  • Specialized professional sessions enhance broad management knowledge and skills.
• Promoting internal trade and supply chain connections:
  • “Internal trade” is not just an economic activity but also a bond of integrity and sustainability among businesses. Every transaction, every successful collaboration is a testament to the strength of the Keieijuku entrepreneur community – individuals who conduct business with both heart and vision.
  • Members actively share suppliers, trading partners, and collaborators with each other, expanding business networks.
  • The community also supports businesses in participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, and, notably, connecting with Vietnamese-Japanese and other international supply chains.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities:
  • Annually, Keieijuku Vietnam organizes charitable trips worth hundreds of millions of VND, demonstrating a strong commitment to positively contributing to society and the community.
• Sports and bonding activities:
  • Golf tournaments, Tennis matches, and relay running events with Japanese partner organizations not only promote health but also strengthen camaraderie and teamwork among members.
• Development of specialized groups:
  • The establishment and development of specialized groups like KEI Metal, KEI Services, etc., address the specific needs of various industries, creating a more effective collaborative environment.

15th Anniversary Ceremony: Warmth, Sincerity, and Deep Pride

The 15th-anniversary ceremony of Keieijuku Vietnam concluded a week filled with emotion, marking memorable moments and opening up bright prospects for the future. Despite a preparation period of only five weeks, thanks to the collective effort and extraordinary dedication from the Executive Board, especially Standing Vice Chairman and Head of the Organizing Committee Vu Tien Cong with high determination and passion, along with the continuous support from Ms. Hien, Ms. Kieu Minh, faculty members from VJCC, FTU, JICA, and most importantly, the heartfelt unity of all Keier members, the ceremony was incredibly warm, sincere, and filled with pride.

In the solemn and moving atmosphere of the ceremony, Professor Toda – one of the dedicated instructors who has inspired generations of Keieijuku entrepreneurs – shared profound insights. He metaphorically described Keieijuku and its members as the “second youth” of the faculty. Professor Toda expressed particular admiration for the Keieijuku community in Vietnam, a rare community that has subtly and effectively blended the essence of Japanese management with the strong identity and working style of the Vietnamese people. He conveyed his wish that Keier enterprises would continue to strengthen their position, develop unceasingly, and contribute significantly to the nation-building process. This year’s ceremony was proudly 100% “make in Keieijuku – made by Keiers,” perhaps not perfect, but it was the culmination of the full effort and affection from all members.

The Gratitude Path and “Go Global” Aspiration

The “Gratitude Path” at the anniversary celebration was a sacred space where the community collectively remembered, cherished, and deeply thanked organizations such as JICA, FTU, VJCC, and the esteemed Professors who not only shared valuable knowledge, experience, and insights but also ignited the flame of passion and aspiration in the hearts of Keier entrepreneurs. It also served as a gathering place to honor partners and clients – fellow alumni and internal trade partners within the large Keieijuku Vietnam family.

The resounding sound of the “Dong Son” drum at the National Convention Center not only awakened national pride but also signaled a new and promising era for Vietnam. In the strong current of innovation and integration, the 15th-anniversary celebration of Keieijuku Vietnam was an opportunity for Keier entrepreneurs to unite their will, connect their aspirations, and embark on a shared journey to “JOIN HANDS TO BUILD THE NATION.”

Bearing the pioneering mission of fostering the spirit of “learning together,” “acting together,” “innovating together,” and “developing together,” the Keieijuku Vietnam Community will continue to develop sustainable businesses, building a Vietnamese business community strong in internal capacity, confident to stand alongside regional and global counterparts. The community is committed to ceaselessly contributing to society with quality goods and services, “living with quality and working with quality” in accordance with the “Kei spirit and Kei flame,” to collectively embrace new national opportunities and work together towards building a strong and prosperous Vietnam with the vision of “Keieijuku Vietnam – Go Global!”

Deepest Gratitude from the Community

The Keieijuku Vietnam Community extends its deepest gratitude to all members, partners, and experts who have continuously accompanied, contributed, and spread the Keieijuku spirit – a spirit of perseverance and steadfastness for a sustainably developing Vietnam. “Your presence and support are not only a great honor but also affirm the trust and cohesion dedicated to the Keieijuku Community throughout the past journey.” The Keieijuku spirit will continue to expand and shine, aiming for a sustainable future of 50 years, 100 years, with the desire to receive sincere feedback to make “Kei’s home” events even “more qualitative and warmer.”