Over the past decade, Mizuiku has become a leading programme in water conservation education, reaching more than one million students, training 16,000 teachers as 'inspirers' and building or upgrading nearly 200 clean-water projects. These efforts have improved access to safe water for more than five million people nationwide and reinforced Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam’s role in sustainable development.

CEO and General Director of Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Ashish Joshi said: “The 10-year journey of the Mizuiku programme is the journey of impacts and evolution.

"These achievements are the fruit of far-reaching partnerships with the Government and diplomatic partners. Building on this foundation, we are committed to expanding Mizuiku to a new chapter, going beyond teaching about water, it teaches for water, creating lasting, sustainable impact on this precious natural resource.”

Launched by Suntory Group in Japan in 2004, Mizuiku aims to raise awareness of the importance of water and water conservation among primary pupils. Việt Nam was the first country outside Japan to implement the programme in 2015 under the name 'Mizuiku – I Love Clean Water.'

Mizuiku has been adapted to Việt Nam’s specific water-resource challenges while retaining Japan’s proactive educational approach. The programme offers a blend of in-school and outdoor activities designed to spark creativity and critical thinking while fostering long-term awareness of environmental protection.

The model places students at the centre and equips teachers as knowledge multipliers – true inspirers for future generations. In 2023, Mizuiku expanded through a strategic partnership with the Việt Nam's Ministry of Education and Training. Under this partnership, its materials were reviewed and approved for integration into the mandatory curriculum, paving the way for its rollout to 34 provinces and cities nationwide.

Building on this success, the 'Nature Expedition with Mizuiku' initiative was expanded nationwide in July 2025 through a public–private partnership with the Vietnam Forestry Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. This became Việt Nam’s first educational programme to link water conservation with nature through such a partnership, raising awareness among students and communities about the connection between forests and water while inspiring stronger commitments to environmental protection.

What sets 'Mizuiku – I Love Clean Water' in Việt Nam apart is its extensive public–private collaboration. The strong partnership with the Government and key ministries has transformed the programme from a modest start into a nationwide education platform.

Ambassador of Japan to Việt Nam Ito Naoki said: “Addressing the water agenda requires involvement by a wide range of actors, from private companies and governments to local municipalities. Mizuiku has extended water education beyond the classroom across Việt Nam, changing mindsets and nurturing a sense of responsibility in the next generation for water and environmental conservation.”

To mark its 10-year milestone, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, endorsed by the Embassy of Japan in Việt Nam, organised a nationwide creative contest on water conservation from July to August 2025.

The painting awards went to Huỳnh Ngọc Tuệ Tâm (HCM City), Nguyễn Diệp Bảo Hà (Đà Nẵng City), Trần Gia Hân (Nghệ An Province), and Lê Thị Trúc Vy (Lâm Đồng Province), who received first, second, third and most impressive prizes, respectively. Each work conveyed heartfelt messages and unique perspectives on water conservation for a greener future.

The Top 3 Creative Explorers – Trần Tôn Bảo Ngân, Nguyễn Phúc Gia Bảo and Nguyễn Ngọc Huy Khang, all from HCM City, blended art and technology to produce striking posters promoting water protection.

Meanwhile, the final Mizuiku lectures by teachers Ngô Thu Thảo (Trưng Vương Primary, Quảng Ninh Province), Lê Thị Thanh Thủy (Phan Đăng Lưu Primary, Đà Nẵng City) and Hồ Thị Ái Châu (Hiệp Tân Primary, HCM City) highlighted the programme’s nationwide impact after a decade.

The standout entries are showcased at the 'Nurture the flow, future will grow' exhibition, running from October 1 to 6 at 19/12 Book Street in Hà Nội. Designed around six interactive zones that illustrate the water cycle, the exhibition is free and open to the public. — VNS