Student impressed with Japanese technology and craftsmanship

Student impressed with Japanese technology and craftsmanship

On the JENESYS 2016 study tour to Japan, Master of International Business student Nguyen Vinh Baowas most impressed with the co-existence of cutting-edge technology alongside traditional craftsmanship.

The two-week trip, which consisted of cultural activities and company visits, was a huge eye-opener to Vinh Bao.

Captivated by technology

“In a company tour to Daikin and Shimadzu, I was overwhelmed with the numerous breakthrough innovations including electric cars, smart air conditioners, and automatic health-check machines,” Vinh Bao said.

“These scientific innovations share the same mission of enhancing the living standard of human beings.”

Nguyen Vinh Bao holding the Vietnamese flag in JENESYS 2016. Nguyen Vinh Bao holding the Vietnamese flag in JENESYS 2016.

Vinh Bao also visited the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation where models related to physics, space, and health were on display.

At the museum, ultra-modern technology and interactive robots including the well-known ASIMO amazed the group.

The interesting show of famous robot ASIMO. The interesting show of famous robot ASIMO.

Vinh Bao was also impressed with a robotic machine from Osaka’s Active Lab which could smoothly pick up and move patients or the elderly while they are lying down.

Robotic machine smoothly picks up and moves patients. Robotic machine smoothly picks up and moves patients.

Learning from tradition

Japan was not just about high-technology.

Vinh Bao was also surprised and captivated with the development of handicraft villages such as Sakai and Takashima.

On his visit to Sakai, a village known for bladesmithing, Vinh Bao even learned how to sharpen a knife professionally.

Marvelling at the craftsmanship of the knives, Bao shared: “It is very interesting that Sakai knives made for handling eels for the Tokyo market would be different from those for Osaka, as the way people handle eels is quite different.”

A Sakai craft worker shows Bao how to sharpen a knife professionally. A Sakai craft worker shows Bao how to sharpen a knife professionally.

In Takashima, a village popular for folded paper fans, sake and traditional cakes, Vinh Bao reflected: “I think what Vietnam can learn is to use a manufacturing procedure to ensure the high quality of craft products, while at the same time adding value by building brand names.”

Bao (First from right) and friends visiting Sake wine manufacturing company. Bao (First from right) and friends visiting Sake wine manufacturing company.

Building friendships

Vinh Bao enjoyed his homestay on the outskirts of Kyoto, with the owners of the house became his adoptive parents.

“My adoptive parents prepared every meal with care and attentiveness,” Vinh Bao said.

“I am so touched.”

Vinh Bao and his “adoptive parents” in Japan. Vinh Bao and his “adoptive parents” in Japan.

And while everyone was tired and sleepy on the Shinkansen train, the board of organisers took time to double check the agenda to ensure everything was going well.

Vinh Bao and other JENESYS 2016 fellows from ASEAN, India and East Timor. Vinh Bao and other JENESYS 2016 fellows from ASEAN, India and East Timor.

“I highly admire the way the Japanese are so disciplined, punctual, and dedicated to their jobs,” Vinh Bao said.

But it wasn’t just the Japanese he learned from, as JENESYS teams are made up of participants from ASEAN nations, India and East -Timor.

“It was so hard to say goodbye,” Vinh Bao said.

“We were sad when the program ended, but happy that we will see each other again in different countries after JENESYS 2016.”

Story: Van Doan

25 October 2016

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