APAC DAO at Vietnam Night Vol.2 in Fukuoka

In early October 2025, APAC DAO, in partnership with DMZ Global, embarked on the RAMENtech Japan Study Tour — a week-long journey that went far beyond tech exchange. It was a mission to connect innovation ecosystems, strengthen Vietnam’s presence on the global stage, and showcase the country’s new generation of entrepreneurs shaping the future of Asia.

Fukuoka – Japan’s Emerging Tech Gateway

Our journey took us to Fukuoka, a city quickly becoming Japan’s rising star in technology and startup innovation. Known for its open mindset and dynamic policy toward global startups, Fukuoka represents the perfect gateway for cross-border collaboration in Asia.

Throughout the week, the APAC DAO and DMZ delegation — including founders, innovators, and community leaders — explored the city’s thriving ecosystem through a series of high-impact engagements:

• RAMENtech Exhibition & Showcase – spotlighting Vietnam’s emerging tech and Web3 innovators to Japan’s startup community.

• Pitching Sessions – where Vietnamese founders presented directly to Japanese investors, accelerators, and ecosystem builders.

• 1:1 Business Meetings – exploring strategic partnerships and expansion pathways for Vietnamese startups.

• High-level Meetings with JETRO Fukuoka and the Fukuoka City Government – deepening institutional collaboration and opening new doors for future joint initiatives between Japan and Vietnam.

Vietnam Night Vol.2 @ CIC Fukuoka – Bridging Innovation and Business

A highlight of the week was Vietnam Night Vol.2 at CIC Fukuoka, themed “Bridging Innovation and Japanese Business Expansion.”

 

The evening brought together founders, investors, and innovation leaders from both countries for an open dialogue on collaboration, growth, and shared opportunity.

 

Our Founder, Nicole Nguyen, represented APAC DAO as one of the speakers — sharing insights on Vietnam’s fintech growth story, Web3 innovation, and the power of cross-border collaboration to build stronger ecosystems.

 

She was joined by:

• Quynh Vo – General Director, DMZ Vietnam

• Gaku Echizenya – CEO, Talented Company Limited

• Do Bui – CEO, ThinkZone Ventures

 

We were also honored to have the participation of:

• Yuji Hokazono – J-Bridge Coordinator, JETRO – Japan External Trade Organization

• Masako Teramoto – Chief, Fukuoka City Government – Economy, Tourism & Culture Bureau

 

The event symbolized more than just dialogue — it was a statement that Vietnam’s innovators are stepping confidently onto the global stage, ready to partner, invest, and co-create with leading ecosystems across Asia.

Elevating Vietnam’s Innovation Presence

Through this study tour, APAC DAO and DMZ showcased how Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem is rapidly maturing — from fintech to Web3, AI, and beyond.

 

We were proud to see Vietnamese founders not only pitching their products but holding their own in discussions with top-tier Japanese investors, institutions, and city leaders. These exchanges go far beyond immediate deals — they are building the foundation for long-term collaboration that strengthens Vietnam’s role as a regional innovation hub.

“Every conversation we had in Fukuoka reflected mutual respect, curiosity, and a shared vision for Asia’s tech future. Vietnam is no longer just participating — we’re co-creating the narrative of innovation in the region.”

— Nicole Nguyen, Founder, APAC DAO

Building the Bridge, Together

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support and collaboration of our amazing partners and friends — CIC Fukuoka, BlueBolt, Deedword, and Viet Dynamic JSC — who played a crucial role in connecting us with Japan’s ecosystem and making every moment impactful.

 

The RAMENtech Japan Study Tour reminded us that innovation diplomacy — where ecosystems collaborate beyond borders — is just as vital as business itself. And Vietnam, through communities like APAC DAO and DMZ, is proudly standing at the center of that movement.

 

We return from Japan inspired, connected, and ready for what’s next. The bridge between Vietnam and Japan is stronger than ever — and this is only the beginning.