Shaping future fashion leaders: HaUI seminar inspires K20 students

In the first nine months of 2025, Vietnam’s textile and garment exports reached nearly USD 34.8 billion, marking a 7.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This strong performance has laid a solid foundation for the industry to pursue its ambitious export target of USD 48 billion in 2025.

Sustaining this growth and achieving the target depend largely on the development of high-quality human resources. With this objective in mind, the seminar “Career orientation for K20 students: Stepping confidently into the future,” organized by the Faculty of Garment - Textile Technology and Fashion Design at Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI), provided first-year students with practical insights and inspiration from business leaders and industry experts.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Le, Dean of the Faculty of Garment - Textile Technology and Fashion Design, delivered the opening remarks at the seminar

Mr. Akihiro Suzuki, Director of Toray Industries (H.K.) Vietnam Co., Ltd., shared in-depth insights into the textile and garment industry’s outlook over the next five years, emphasizing that its future lies in the development of new materials and advanced technologies.

Mr. Akihiro Suzuki, Director of Toray Industries (H.K.) Vietnam Co., Ltd

At the seminar, Mr. Akihiro Suzuki, Director of Toray Industries (H.K.) Vietnam Co., Ltd., shared his outlook on the textile and garment industry over the next five years, highlighting the growing significance of advanced technologies and the development of new materials. He advised students to identify their strengths early and continuously refine them, noting that real-world work pressure and customer demands often provide the most effective learning environment. According to him, companies value individuals who dare to introduce new ideas and deliver distinctive, innovative solutions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Ha, Sales Director of Anima Vietnam Fashion Co., Ltd. and an alumna of the Faculty’s K9 cohort, reflected on her own career journey and the evolution of Vietnam’s textile and garment industry. She emphasized that the sector has moved far beyond basic outsourcing, with Vietnamese teams now taking full ownership of research, design, and production processes for global corporations. She also underlined two key trends shaping the future of the industry: sustainable fashion and technology-driven innovation, including recycled materials, nano fabrics, and AI-assisted design.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Ha, Sales Director of Anima Vietnam Fashion Co., Ltd., and an alumna of the Faculty of Garment -TextileTechnology and Fashion Design

A further industry insight came from Ms. Chu Thi Thanh Duc, HR Director of Yi Da Vietnam Co., Ltd., who introduced the smart factory model currently operating in Phu Tho Province. Powered by robotics, smart logistics systems, and laser washing technology, the factory illustrates how innovation can drive productivity while aligning with environmental responsibility. She emphasized the company’s long-term sustainability vision, reflected in its zero-water manufacturing target, holistic employee care policies, and dual career pathways designed to nurture both emerging talent and future leaders.

Ms. Chu Thi Thanh Duc, Human Resources Director of Yi Da Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The seminar concluded with a creative and forward-looking discussion led by fashion designer Xuan Thu, who shared perspectives on global design trends and the evolving skill sets required of young designers in today’s interconnected fashion industry.

During the program, scholarships were awarded to top K20 entrants, outstanding students, and those who have overcome adversity, underscoring HaUI’s dedication to empowering students and supporting their long-term career development.