A Field Trip for First-year Students: NIIE Class 23 Explores Yakult Vietnam Factory

Yakult – A familiar brand for all of us. With over 75 years of experience, Yakult is a leading company in producing lactobacillus fermented milk distributed in many countries worldwide. Yakult has been present in Vietnam since 2007, officially operating in 2008, achieving significant success in the commercial sector. To give NIIE students a deeper understanding of a real company’s operational model, production, and business, NIIE organized a field trip to the Yakult factory at 5 Tu Do Avenue, Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP), Binh Duong Province.

NIIE Class 23 students 'checked in' at the Yakult production factory. — *NIIE Class 23 students ‘checked in’ at the Yakult production factory.*

From late November to early December, over 500 first-year students from 7 majors at NTT International Education Institute (NIIE) were afforded the opportunity to conduct an on-site exploration of Yakult’s production facility. Facilitated by the earnest support of Yakult’s personnel, NIIE students had the chance to meticulously observe Yakult’s sophisticated and high-standard lactobacillus cultivation process. The fully automated production model, executed entirely by state-of-the-art robots under the vigilant supervision of engineers, was comprehensively showcased—from fermentation and mixing to milk bottling and packaging. In order to ensure the optimal quality of the delivered milk bottles to end consumers, Yakult provided insights to new students regarding the meticulous product quality inspection process before the products are dispatched from the manufacturing facility. Additionally, emphasis was placed on the stringent standards implemented during transportation to mitigate any potential damage and uphold the nutritional integrity of the product. Each facet of the manufacturing process left a profound impression on our NIIE students, who marveled at the modernity and professionalism inherent in Yakult’s operations!

*During the Yakult factory tour, students learned about the fermentation, mixing, bottling, and quality inspection processes. Everything was carried out systematically and professionally.*

Additionally, NIIE students were invited to the Communication Room, where they familiarized themselves with basic business concepts, such as the company’s core values, product value, competitive advantage, and distribution channels, through presentations by Yakult’s guides. Even more interestingly, NIIE students visited the 3D art exhibition area, illustrating Yakult’s development journey under Dr. Minoru Shirota’s dedication, and had the chance to taste the newly produced Yakult to experience its pureness.

NIIE students at the Communication Room, where they learned about the core values and development journey of the Yakult brand.

*In addition, students also shared the inspirational story of Dr. Minoru Shirota.*

This extracurricular undertaking transcended traditional sightseeing, evolving into a highly advantageous practical experience for our new students. It afforded them a holistic perspective on company operations, departmental models, and illuminated the seamless integration of technology in manufacturing plants. Not only did they grasp the pivotal role of engineers in the automation process, but they were also introduced to fundamental concepts in business, marketing, and brand communication. In essence, it was an insightful journey that went beyond the surface, equipping our students with valuable knowledge and real-world insights.

Some adorable snapshots from the Yakult Field Trip: