On the morning of March 21, FPT Japan Academy (FJA) held the Graduation Ceremony for students of the April 2022 intake, October 2022 intake, and the second Enjoy Japan class. The event took place in a warm and joyful atmosphere, with many emotional moments between teachers and students. Attending the ceremony were Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Hoa, COO of FPT Japan Holdings (FJP); Mr. Asami Takashi, Senior Advisor at FJP; Mr. Kuroda Hideo, Principal of FJA; teachers currently teaching at FJA; and 70 graduates.

The students from the April and October 2022 intakes were among the first cohorts to travel to Japan after the Covid-19 pandemic, facing many challenges during their early days in the country. Meanwhile, students from the Enjoy Japan class also had to balance school and family responsibilities to successfully complete their studies.

Despite these challenges, many students achieved remarkable accomplishments. For instance, Chau Thanh Sang was awarded a scholarship by the LSH Foundation. Dang Thi Thuy Quynh passed the N1 Japanese Language Proficiency Test, received a certificate of merit from the Japanese Language Association, and won first place in the Japanese Speech Contest organized by Arakawa Ward. Nguyen Thi Huong Ly (a family visa holder) also passed the N1 exam and secured a good job. Additionally, many students received job offers from major companies like JAL Infotec and Tokyu Hotels.

In his speech at the Graduation Ceremony, Principal Kuroda gave the graduates a word of advice: “Katsumi”—which means “to overcome oneself.” He proudly emphasized that FJA provides a supportive and friendly environment, where even if students miss class, teachers ensure they catch up with the lessons. However, he reminded the graduates that, whether they pursue higher education or enter the workforce, they will face greater challenges in the future, and when that time comes, “Katsumi” will be essential.

Mr. Asami expressed how impressed he was to attend such a multinational graduation ceremony, where students used Japanese to connect different cultures. Referring to Apple CEO Tim Cook’s graduation speech at the University of Washington, Asami encouraged the students on this “first day of the rest of their future lives” to “find their steadfast North Star”—a clear dream, vision, and goal that they can hold onto with unwavering determination, just like the North Star that never changes its position.

Ms. Hoa also shared practical insights on how to create happiness through the four key hormones: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphin.

Graduate Mai Tram, representing the graduating class, gave a heartfelt speech. She recalled how her initial excitement upon arriving in Japan was mixed with anxiety about living in a foreign land. From struggling to understand those around her, she and her classmates are now able to speak confidently and move forward on their individual life paths. She described her time at FJA as “fulfilling” and an unforgettable chapter in her life.

After the ceremony, students, teachers, and guests celebrated together with music, games, and festivities. FJA hopes that all graduates will cherish the time spent learning together at the academy and wishes them continued success on their future journeys.