RMIT and UNIQLO Vietnam partner to develop fashion retail talent

RMIT and UNIQLO Vietnam partner to develop fashion retail talent

UNIQLO, a global fashion retailer from Japan under Fast Retailing Group, has officially announced a partnership with RMIT Vietnam to collaborate on training and developing talent for the fashion retail industry. 

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both parties are committed to equipping students with in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and access to a global-standard working environment. Through this collaboration, UNIQLO and RMIT Vietnam aim to build a high-quality talent pipeline that contributes to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s retail sector.

The signing ceremony took place at RMIT’s Saigon South campus on 24 April 2026. The signing ceremony took place at RMIT’s Saigon South campus on 24 April 2026.

As the fashion retail industry continues to evolve towards enhanced customer experience, the demand for talent with strong practical foundations and adaptability has become more critical than ever. In this context, UNIQLO Vietnam and RMIT Vietnam have agreed to establish a structured partnership framework, strengthening the connection between academia and industry, and enabling students to gain early exposure to real-world operations and develop professional readiness while still at university.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr Noriaki Koyama, Senior Group Executive Officer and Senior Secretary General of The Fast Retailing Foundation, said: “RMIT is one of the leading universities globally that UNIQLO is keen to strengthen collaboration with. We are pleased to formally establish this partnership through the MoU. Through agreed initiatives, including the Global Management Program (GMP), recruitment of outstanding graduates, and both domestic and international internship opportunities, UNIQLO will support RMIT students in developing professional capabilities, discipline, and leadership mindset, preparing them to become future leaders in the fashion retail industry and contribute to the growth of the Vietnamese market.” 

Professor Seng Kiat Kok, Dean of Students at RMIT Vietnam, said: “We’ve been in Vietnam for more than 25 years, including six years of support from Uniqlo. That means for nearly a quarter of our time here, this partnership has played an important role in helping us develop successful graduates for the future.

“With today’s MoU signing, we look forward to expanding and strengthening our partnership further, bridging academic and industry learning to create more opportunities for our students as the future leaders of tomorrow to grow and succeed.” 

Representatives from RMIT Vietnam and UNIQLO VietnamRepresentatives from RMIT Vietnam and UNIQLO Vietnam

As part of the collaboration, RMIT Vietnam students will gain access to international professional standards through opportunities to apply for and participate in the Global Management Program (GMP) of Fast Retailing, UNIQLO’s parent company. Launched in 2019, GMP is a strategic initiative designed to identify and nurture young talent with leadership potential, offering exposure to a multinational working environment and a broader perspective on the global retail industry. It serves as a key pathway for Vietnamese youth to confidently step into future management roles across international markets.

In addition, Fast Retailing and UNIQLO Vietnam will strengthen their presence within RMIT Vietnam’s learning ecosystem through career fairs, intensive training programmes, and talent competitions. At the core of this engagement is a work integrated learning model, where academic knowledge is directly translated into practical capabilities. 

UNIQLO Vietnam will also collaborate with the University on co-designed projects and simulated work environments, allowing students to engage directly with real-world business challenges. Industry talks and company visits will provide multi-dimensional insights into global operational standards and Japanese professional practices. These initiatives will help students build a strong career mindset and long-term development capabilities.

UNIQLO representatives toured the Fashion Lab at RMIT Vietnam. UNIQLO representatives toured the Fashion Lab at RMIT Vietnam.

A key component of the partnership is the creation of internship opportunities for students at UNIQLO stores and offices. Students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in day-to-day operations, gaining an understanding of discipline in retail, visual merchandising standards, and teamwork, thereby transforming knowledge into workplace skills.

Activities under the MoU are expected to commence from May 2026, with ongoing coordination and evaluation between both parties to ensure effective implementation and continuous enhancement of student learning experiences. Through this partnership, UNIQLO Vietnam and RMIT Vietnam aim to contribute to the development of a professional, high-quality workforce aligned with global standards, supporting the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s fashion retail industry.

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