Vietnam Innovators
Vietnam Innovators is a podcast by Vietcetera that explores Vietnam's rapid economic growth. Each week, host meets with business leaders to discuss the country's future prospects, team management, and the role of innovation in Vietnam's global position.
Tập
661 Videos Later, Here’s What Khanh Vy Learned | Khanh Vy, Creator & MC | EP 408
[English below]Nền kinh tế sáng tạo (Creator Economy) tại Việt Nam đang nhận được sự ủng hộ và công nhận chính thức từ các cơ quan quản lý nhà nước cũng như các tổ chức lớn. Các nhà sáng tạo Việt Nam đồng thời cũng đang thể hiện sự chuyên nghiệp, tỉ mỉ và từng bước khẳng định vị thế trên bản đồ nội dung quốc tế.Vậy điều gì có thể biến niềm yêu thích sáng tạo trở thành một sự nghiệp lâu dài? Và hàn
Vietnam’s Next Gen Founders Are Unlocking Global Wealth | Nagesh Devata from Payoneer | EP 407
[English below]Trong bối cảnh các doanh nghiệp Việt Nam đang vươn ra thị trường quốc tế với tốc độ nhanh chưa từng có, sự khác biệt giữa việc bán hàng ra thế giới (selling globally) và thực sự vận hành ở quy mô toàn cầu (operating globally) đang trở thành bài toán chiến lược cho các nhà sáng lập Việt. Rào cản này không chỉ nằm ở sản phẩm hay tiếp thị, mà xuất hiện ngay ở tốc độ xử lý dòng tiền, sự
440 Years of British Education Just Landed in Vietnam | Tony Ngo & Kirsty Lowery from Uppingham Hung Yen | EP 406
[English below]Trong bối cảnh công nghệ và AI đang thay đổi cách con người học tập, làm việc và tương tác, một môi trường giáo dục tốt cần chuẩn bị cho thế hệ trẻ điều gì ngoài thành tích học tập?Đến với Vietnam Innovators, ông Tony Ngo - Thành viên HĐQT tại Uppingham Hưng Yên, và bà Kirsty Lowery - Hiệu trưởng Uppingham Hưng Yên, sẽ cùng chia sẻ về hành trình đưa một nền giáo dục với 442 năm lịch
Can Immigration Save Japan? | Kenji Govaers & Michael Kokalari | EP 405
[English below]Khi Nhật Bản đối mặt với bài toán dân số giảm và thiếu hụt lao động ngày càng rõ rệt, nhóm lao động người nước ngoài (expat) dần trở thành một phần quan trọng trong tương lai của nền kinh tế nước này. Nhưng để một expat có thể thực sự xây dựng cuộc sống tại Nhật, việc được cấp phép làm việc và đặt chân đến đất nước này mới chỉ là bước đầu.Trong cuộc trò chuyện tại phiên bản 2.0 thuộ
Emergency Podcast: When Will Vietnam's Stock Market Go Up? | Michael Kokalari - Chief Economist, VinaCapital | EP 404
[English as below]Vietnam Innovators (Tiếng Anh) tuần này tiếp tục là cuộc trò chuyện giữa host Hảo Trần & ông Michael Kokalari - Chief Economist tại VinaCapital, xoay quanh tình hình hiện tại của nền kinh tế Việt Nam. Trong bối cảnh thâm hụt thương mại đang có những diễn biến phức tạp, cuộc trò chuyện sẽ đi sâu vào các khía cạnh cốt lõi của nền kinh tế, tập trung đặc biệt vào thị trường chứn
What Will Closer US-Vietnam Ties Mean For The World? | Michael Kokalari & Dan Martin | EP 403
[English as below]Mối quan hệ hợp tác Việt - Mỹ đang bước vào một giai đoạn mới với nhiều thay đổi quan trọng. Trong tập tiếp theo của phiên bản Vietnam Innovators 2.0, host Hảo Trần cùng Mr. Michael Kokalari (Chief Economist, VinaCapital) & Mr. Dan Martin (Head of Hanoi Office, AmCham Vietnam) sẽ mang đến góc nhìn toàn cảnh về tác động của mối quan hệ này tới nền kinh tế toàn cầu.Cuộc trò chu
Has Your Company Been An Awesome Culture Yet? | Stephen Turban | EP 402
[English as below]Tập 402 phiên bản tiếng Anh của Vietnam Innovators đón chào Stephen Turban - Co-founder & CEO của Lumiere Education, đồng thời là gương mặt quen thuộc trên sân khấu hài độc thoại Saigon Tếu. Chuyến đi 2 tháng đến Việt Nam năm 2017 đã hoàn toàn thay đổi quỹ đạo sự nghiệp của cựu nhân sự McKinsey, đưa anh vào hành trình xây dựng một tổ chức giáo dục toàn cầu mà không phụ thuộc
Why This Global Healthcare Giant Chose Vietnam To Innovate Its Product? | Carol Anne Stewart - President of Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA), Opella | EP 401
[English as below]Tuần này, cùng Vietnam Innovators & host Hảo Trần ghé thăm Trung tâm R&D của Opella tại TP.HCM để trò chuyện cùng bà Carol Anne Stewart, Chủ tịch Khu vực Châu Á - Thái Bình Dương, Trung Đông và Châu Phi (AMEA). Trong bối cảnh Opella lựa chọn Việt Nam làm trung tâm R&D duy nhất cho toàn khu vực AMEA, 1 trong 4 trung tâm toàn cầu, buổi đối thoại mở ra góc nhìn sâu sắc v
Techcombank CEO's outlook for Vietnam future development | EP 400
[English as below]Trong tập thứ 3 của phiên bản 2.0, cùng host Hảo Trần & ông Michael Kokalari - Chief Economist tại VinaCapital, gặp gỡ ông Jens Lottner - Tổng Giám đốc Techcombank. Dẫn dắt Techcombank trải qua hơn 6 năm chuyển mình mạnh mẽ, ông Jens Lottner đã cùng ngân hàng khẳng định vị thế tiên phong trong làn sóng số hóa, biến tư duy kỹ thuật thành nền tảng xây dựng trải nghiệm tài chính
How Hotels Need To Prepare For The Next Chapter Of Vietnam? | Mr. Niklas Wagner, General Manager of New World Saigon Hotel | EP 399
[English as below]Việt Nam đang bước vào một giai đoạn tăng trưởng mới của ngành Hospitality, được thúc đẩy bởi sự gia tăng của khách quốc tế, những thay đổi về hạ tầng và làn sóng ứng dụng AI trong vận hành. Nhưng khi công nghệ ngày càng phát triển, điều gì sẽ tiếp tục tạo nên lợi thế cạnh tranh của một khách sạn cao cấp?Trong tập 399 của Vietnam Innovators (Tiếng Anh), host Hảo Trần trò chuyện c
What Will Transform Vietnam's Next Generation Of Leaders? | Mr. Jamie Large - Director of ACIL & Ms. Thao Trinh - Deputy General Director of KNI | EP 398
[English as below]Việt Nam đang đứng trước bước ngoặt kinh tế quan trọng, dịch chuyển mạnh mẽ từ gia công chi phí thấp sang nền kinh tế tri thức và công nghệ cao. Để hỗ trợ bước nhảy vọt này, một câu hỏi lớn được đặt ra: Liệu giáo dục có thể trở thành đòn bẩy tái định hình nền kinh tế Việt Nam, và chúng ta cần chuẩn bị gì để nuôi dưỡng thế hệ lãnh đạo toàn cầu tiếp theo?Trong tập 398 của Vietnam I
Vietnam is The Golden Child of Globalization | Mark Gillin & Frederick Burke | EP 397
[English as below]Trong tập tiếp theo của phiên bản 2.0, cùng host Hao Tran gặp gỡ ông Frederick Burke (Cố vấn cấp cao tại Baker McKenzie) và ông Mark Gillin (Chủ tịch Hội đồng Quốc gia AmCham Việt Nam).Là những người tiên phong đặt chân đến Việt Nam từ đầu thập niên 90, họ sẽ mang đến những câu chuyện thực tế và góc nhìn sắc bén về hành trình chuyển mình của Việt Nam trong kỷ nguyên toàn cầu hóa.
The Whole World Knows The Vietnam But Why Aren't They Buying More Of Our Products? | Cuong Dang, Chairman of Vietnam Vanguard | EP 396
[English as below]Việt Nam đang đứng trước cơ hội hiếm có để bứt phá khỏi bẫy thu nhập trung bình và tiến gần hơn đến mục tiêu trở thành nền kinh tế nghìn tỷ USD. Nhưng tăng trưởng nhanh thôi là chưa đủ. Câu hỏi lớn hơn là: Làm thế nào để Việt Nam xây dựng được những động lực tăng trưởng bền vững, thay vì tiếp tục phụ thuộc vào FDI và lợi thế lao động chi phí thấp như nhiều nền kinh tế đi trước?Tr
A Global View On Studying Abroad: Insights From HSBC Premier | Manpreet Singh, HSBC | EP 395
Studying abroad provides students with valuable opportunities to grow strong, but it also brings significant challenges for both students and parents, particularly in financial planning.Beyond tuition and other fixed costs, many families also have to manage unexpected expenses and unforeseen situations when their children live away from home. In this context, the support of international financial
This is why Vietnam Built An International Financial Centrers | Michael Kokalari & Richard D. McClellan | EP 394
Behind Vietnam’s plan to establish an International Financial Center (IFC) is a broader ambition to strengthen the country’s position within the global financial system and make it a more attractive destination for international investors. A more open, transparent, and efficient financial ecosystem could enable capital to flow more directly into key growth sectors while accelerating the modernizat
How Vietnam Could Become A Developed Country Besides GDP? | Warrick Cleine MBE | EP 393
GDP is often the starting point when evaluating a country’s development. But it also invites a deeper question: can an economy be truly called “prosperous” if rising output is not matched by meaningful improvements in people’s quality of life?This is the focus of Episode 393 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast (English episode), featuring Mr. Warrick Cleine MBE, Chairman & CEO of KPMG Vietnam an
![[Part 2] Emergency Podcast: If You Are Not Confused, You're Not Paying Attention | Michael Kokalari | EP 392](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/43288479/43288479-1779522801858-0cfd2fbc55695.jpg)
[Part 2] Emergency Podcast: If You Are Not Confused, You're Not Paying Attention | Michael Kokalari | EP 392
Against a backdrop of ongoing global economic uncertainty, Vietnam has managed to maintain relatively strong macroeconomic stability, supported by infrastructure investment, resilient domestic consumption, and controlled inflation. Our financial markets have also shown notable resilience despite persistent external pressures from geopolitics, energy volatility, and shifting global capital flows.Ho
Your Next Colleague Won't Be Human - Are You Ready to Be Their Manager? | Huy Nguyen Tuong, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group | EP 391
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving beyond basic support tools into a new generation of “AI agents” - systems capable of independently analyzing information, making decisions, and executing tasks that once required human involvement. This shift is expected to reshape global workforce structures and transform how businesses operate. For Vietnam, it presents an opportunity to accelerate digital
15 Years In Vietnam: This Is How You Work With Vietnamese | Giovanni Zangani, Founder & Managing Partner, Maestro Equity Partners | EP 390
In Episode 390 of Vietnam Innovators (English Edition), Giovanni Zangani, Founder and Managing Partner of Maestro Equity Partners, shares his perspective on what foreign investors often misunderstand about doing business in Vietnam.Beyond the country’s strong macro growth story, Giovanni explains why real returns come from understanding local entrepreneurs, family-run businesses, and the operation
How You Package Is How You Sell | Thomas Hultin & Peter Hauggaard, Ecolean | EP 389
As consumers are presented with more choices than ever before, packaging is becoming an increasingly important touchpoint between brands and customers.Beyond helping products stand out and capture consumer attention, new packaging solutions also enable businesses to optimize transportation costs, expand distribution capabilities, and meet rising standards for food safety and sustainability.Episode
Vietnam’s Export Innovation: How E-commerce Export is Rewriting the Global Playbook | Larry Hu, Amazon | EP 388
Vietnam is gradually evolving from a traditional manufacturing hub into a market where local businesses are building their own brands and reaching global consumers through e-commerce export.The growth of digital platforms is lowering barriers to entry, enabling Vietnamese companies - especially SMEs - to participate more directly in global value chains. This shift is also extending beyond major ur
Vietnam Set a 10% GDP Target: Here's What It Actually Means | Eddie Thai | EP 387
In Episode 387 of Vietnam Innovators, Eddie Thai, Co-founder and General Partner of Ascend Vietnam Ventures, shares his perspective on the unique “DNA” of Vietnam’s tech ecosystem. From the country’s impressive economic growth, averaging 7% annually since 1990, to ongoing structural reforms in government, Vietnam is steadily building a strong foundation for long-term potential.The conversation hig
After Doi Moi in 1986, Who Built Vietnam From Nothing? | Sam Korsmoe & Sam Van | EP 386
Listen to this episode on YoutubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovatorFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at hello@vni-digest.com
Scaling Expert: This Is The #1 Rule For Growing Your Business | Andrew Yi Hua Chim | EP 385
With the strong economic fundamentals and growth potential, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most dynamic markets in Asia, drawing increasing attention from international investors and businesses.Yet alongside these opportunities come operational challenges, particularly in areas such as cross-border payments, capital controls, and foreign exchange conversion costs. These financial frictions can
Emergency Podcast: The Iran War Impact on Vietnam | Michael Kokalari
Amid ongoing political tensions in the Middle East, attention is increasingly turning to the potential ripple effects on the global economy, including Vietnam.Volatility in oil prices, risks to global supply chains, and potential spillover effects on inflation and economic growth are among the key issues being closely watched as geopolitical tensions in the region persist.Back on the Vietnam Innov
Silicon Valley Investor: This is Why Vietnam Is One of The Hardest Market I've Ever Seen | EP 383
What is the key to successfully scaling a business?If your answer is a well-crafted strategy, that may be necessary, but it’s not enough. According to Mr. Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, the real differentiators are people and a deep understanding of cultural nuances - factors that help companies grow sustainably as they enter new markets.Lauria began his career as an entr
The Success Of Vietnamese Farmers Is Our Growth Motivation | Rick van der Linden, De Heus | EP 382
Sustainable farming practices and the application of science and technology are becoming increasingly important for Vietnam’s agricultural sector, helping improve productivity, reduce environmental impact, and enable farmers to better adapt to market fluctuations.Against this backdrop, companies such as De Heus are playing an increasingly important role by working alongside farmers to support a mo
How We Shape Vietnam Future Through German Education? | EP 381
Higher education, especially the research university model, plays an increasingly important role in developing Vietnam’s skilled workforce. It also gives students greater access to international academic and research environments.One of the most notable education partnerships between Vietnam and Germany is led by Prof.Dr. René Thiele, President of Vietnamese-German University (VGU). Before taking
Health Tech Founder: Why I Refuse To Charge My Users A Single Cent For Better Healthcare? | EP 380
The rapid growth of the healthtech industry and AI in digital health is reshaping how people access and manage healthcare worldwide. Instead of relying solely on hospital visits, many technology-driven solutions now allow users to track health metrics, manage chronic diseases, and build healthier habits directly through mobile applications.Amid this wave of innovation, technology entrepreneurs are
AI Marketing Expert Mervyn Cheo: This Is What I Scare The Most About AI | EP 379
Listen to this episode on YoutubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovatorFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at hello@vni-digest.com
Investing Expert: What does Vietnam need to become top 20 economy? | EP 378
What does Vietnam need to do to break into top 20 economies?This is one of the central topics that host Hảo Trần and Mr. Tony Ngo will explore in Episode 378 of the Vietnam Innovators (English edition) podcast this week.With more than 20 years of experience in finance and entrepreneurship, Tony Ngo is the Co-Founder of 20in20 Partners, a Vietnam-focused advisory and institutional investment platfo
Danish Ambassador: Can Vietnam achieve NET ZERO by 2050? | EP 377
Listen to this episode on YoutubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovatorFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at hello@vni-digest.com
Macro Economic Expert: It's over for Vietnam if we could not achieve 10% GDP growth | EP 376
Listen to this episode on YoutubeAnd explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovatorFeel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at hello@vni-digest.com
Kenneth Nguyen: 15 Harsh Truth About Life That Nobody Wants To Admit | EP 375
Life does not follow a single set of rules, and the “truths” shaped by personal experience do not always align with what most people believe. Some lessons only become clear after facing real-life challenges.In episode 375 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, stepping away from its usual focus on economics, markets, and innovation, host Hao Tran speaks with podcaster Kenneth Nguyen in an open convers
Dominic Scriven: Vietnam is the winner of the underdogs | Dragon Capital Vietnam (DCVFM) | EP 374
Over the past three decades, Vietnam has undergone a significant structural transformation, evolving from an early-stage reform economy into an increasingly established investment market within the region. Economic growth has been accompanied by deeper global integration, sustained infrastructure development, and the continued expansion of the private sector. This evolution also brings into focus
World Class Investor: Vietnam’s Future Is Bigger Than You Think
Over the past three decades, Vietnam’s economy has undergone a significant transformation. From the early post–Đổi Mới years, the country has evolved into a strategic destination for foreign direct investment, an increasingly important manufacturing base, and one of Asia’s most dynamic growth markets.In this episode, Vietcetera speaks with Dr. Khongkiat Opas Wongkarn, Founder and CEO of Asia Plus
Leader from McKinsey: Can AI be powerful enough to replace us? | McKinsey & Company | EP 372
As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, many companies are exploring ways to leverage the technology to enhance strategic effectiveness. However, the real advantage lies not simply in the tools themselves, but in how organizations use their existing data - from historical performance and operational efficiency to market expansion potential. When integrated effectively, AI can offer deeper insights i
From Empathy To Purpose: A Leader Built On Protecting People | Sandro Bucchianeri, NAB | EP 371
In the digital era, cybersecurity plays a critical role in business, especially banking, as transactions, data, and customer interactions increasingly rely on technology. Beyond protecting financial and personal information from growing cyber threats, cybersecurity teams help build secure yet seamless systems that enable smooth transactions and support long-term customer trust.When implemented eff
Opella: Thương hiệu "mới" cho những giá trị chăm sóc sức khỏe bền vững | Valentina Belcheva | EP 370
Opella is a leading consumer healthcare company with over 100 global brands. In Vietnam, Opella is well-known for its trusted brands,including Enterogermina, Calcium Corbiere, Telfast, Lactacyd, etc. With a world-class plant and R&D center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is one of the company’s key strategic markets. Guided by the mission “Health in Your Hands,” Opella delivers science-backed, sa
How Game Developers Grow Sustainably with App Quality & AI | Ömer Yakabagi & Božo Janković | EP 369
Launching a digital product is easier than ever, yet sustaining steady growth remains a major challenge. A deep understanding of user behavior and needs, combined with optimized experiences, enables business models to operate effectively without disrupting engagement and retention. In this context, balancing revenue with user experience through high-quality ad experiences and AI doesn't just i
Leading globally with Vietnamese's resilience | Hanh Tran, NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam | EP 368
As Vietnam emerges as a leading destination for global technology centres, innovation, creativity, and digital transformation have become central to the country’s growth story. Once a relatively young technology market, Vietnam is now demonstrating its ability to deliver advanced solutions that boost efficiency and strengthen international competitiveness.In this context, Global Capability Centres
SSI Managing Director: Why Vietnam Joining the FTSE 100 Could Change Everything | EP 367
Amid the ongoing transformation of Vietnam's financial and capital markets, investment prospects and economic growth opportunities have become increasingly significant. Developments in supply chains, Vietnam’s strategic position within the region, and the recent FTSE upgrade collectively present a distinctive opportunity for both domestic and international investors. This period marks the entr
How I Trained 2,000 Underprivileged Youth Into 5-Star Hospitality Talent | Jimmy Pham, KOTO | EP 366
Amid Vietnam’s rapid economic and social transformation since the late 1990s, stories of resilience, opportunity, and positive change have become an integral part of the country’s development journey. From a nation where the majority of people once lived day to day through manual labour, Vietnam has gradually created opportunities for young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds,
If winning is easy, everybody would do it | Patrick Wright, National Australia Bank (NAB) | EP 365
As digital transformation accelerates globally, Vietnam is emerging as a regional hub for technology and creative talent. A young and skilled workforce, combined with a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, has positioned Vietnam as an attractive destination for investment in data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. These drivers are fueling widespread digitalization across industries, p
The Playbook: How Game Developers Monetize in Vietnam? | Daphne Tan, Quyet Phung | EP 364
Vietnam is witnessing a significant advancement in its digital economy, where technology and a culture of innovation have emerged as pivotal drivers of growth. Across sectors ranging from gaming and digital content creation to essential applications, domestic technology enterprises and entrepreneurs are not only aligning with global trends but actively shaping them. Within a few years, numerous Vi
Locket Founder: I built this app for my girlfriend and it took off! | Matt Moss | EP 363
On social media, anyone can become the “best version” of themselves, with perfect photos and carefully selected moments. Yet behind this polished appearance, the sense of genuine connection has gradually faded. Many young people are now looking for a way to share that feels closer and more sincere, where emotions do not need to be edited or displayed, but can appear in their most natural form.From
Former US Ambassador: That Vietnamese woman left a great impact on my career! | Ted Osius | EP 362
Since 1993, Vietnam has undergone a remarkable socio-economic transformation, lifting over 40 million people out of poverty. The national poverty rate fell sharply from approximately 58% in 1993 to just 1.9% in 2024 (Báo Kiểm toán Nhà nước, 2025). The economy also maintained robust momentum, with GDP expanding by an estimated 7.09% in 2024. According to the Government’s Resolution, Vietnam’s GDP r
The future of financial protection & investment in Vietnam | Prudential Vietnam | EP 361
According to Vietnam Briefing, the middle class in Vietnam accounted for only around 13% of the population in 2023, yet it is projected to rise to 26% by 2026 and surpass 50% by 2030. This rapid expansion, accompanied by an annual growth of 8–10% in disposable income, is driving major shifts in spending habits and financial priorities. Beyond essential needs, more families are now allocating resou
CEO Nestlé Vietnam: Building a better future by empowering youth | Binu Jacob | EP 360
Sustainability is more than technology or global reach, it is about people. For Nestlé, the heart of this journey lies in Vietnam’s young generation. With their discipline, resilience, and growing spirit of innovation, they are not only shaping Vietnam’s future but also creating opportunities for Nestlé to deepen its long-term partnership with this dynamic market.To place young people at the cente
Plan Local, Think Global: Financial Strategies For The Future | EP 359
Wealth management is not merely about safeguarding or growing assets today — it is about laying the foundation for the future. What may appear to be local decisions, such as investing in real estate, education, or capital allocation, are increasingly shaped by global dynamics.This is precisely where international financial institutions play a critical role. With deep expertise and far-reaching net
Google’s Industry Head: How Vietnam’s Culture Reaches the World? | Rafael Scislowski | EP 358
In just a decade, YouTube in Vietnam has grown into a vibrant creator community with more than 140,000 channels crossing 10,000 subscribers. Over half of the watch time for Vietnamese content now comes from international audiences, proving its global appeal. At the same time, the platform has become an economic engine, helping creators turn passion into sustainable careers (Internal Data YouTube)
TK Nguyen: We might lose the game, but Vietnam wins global’s heart | EP 357
For fans of Vietnamese Esports, the name GAM Esports LoL needs no introduction. For those less familiar, this week’s episode of Vietnam Innovators (English Edition) is your chance to get to know the team – through the story of TK Nguyen, CEO of GAM Entertainment.As the organization behind GAM Esports, GAM Entertainment has built Vietnam’s top League of Legends team. With multiple titles in the Vie
Nuclear Investor: Is Vietnam’s future defined by nuclear power? | Tiến Nguyễn, General Partner, Earth Venture Capital | EP 356
Nuclear energy has long been surrounded by controversy, often defined by concerns over safety and memories of past accidents. Today, however, it offers significant potential: the ability to deliver reliable, large-scale electricity with near-zero carbon emissions, making it a strong candidate to support the global clean energy transition. Still, major hurdles remain — from the high upfront costs a
Years in Vietnam: A Frenchman on Vietnam’s Creative Transformation - Matthieu Castaigne | EP355
Trong kỷ nguyên số, khi video ngắn và nội dung sáng tạo trở thành “ngôn ngữ chung” của người dùng toàn cầu, các thương hiệu cần nhiều hơn một agency truyền thống – họ cần một đối tác vừa am hiểu công nghệ, vừa sở hữu tư duy sáng tạo mang tầm quốc tế.Thành lập tại New Zealand năm 2011, Shuttlerock đã nhanh chóng phát triển thành công ty sáng tạo toàn cầu với mạng lưới văn phòng tại New York, London
Art Director reveals the genius of Disney, Pixar & Marvel - Tamir Nadav, Kokku | EP 354
The global gaming industry is entering a period of rapid growth, where developers are fiercely competing for players’ attention and time. According to Newzoo’s latest report, the global games market generated USD 187.7 billion in 2024 (Dân Trí, 2025) - a figure that reflects immense potential but also raises the bar for product quality.In this context, game art has become a critical “weapon” - fro
Google's Director: How AI disrupt the marketing world in Vietnam - James Lange, GGL Vietnam | EP 353
As of April, Vietnam recorded 104.7 million mobile broadband subscriptions, marking a 14.4% increase compared to the same period last year (VnExpress, 2025). This clearly reflects the growing dominance of mobile-first behavior among consumers. In response, Google is adapting its advertising solutions to better align with local user habits. From integrating Click to Zalo and YouTube Shopping to app
How freelancing can power a nation’s economy? - CK Cheong, fastlance Vietnam | EP 352
Since 2023, interest in the keyword “freelancer” in Vietnam has remained consistently high, ranging from 60% to 100% on Google Trends — peaking shortly after the 2024 Lunar New Year (Tiền Phong, 2024). This signals a growing appetite for flexible, independent work. When properly supported, the freelance economy could be a powerful catalyst for sustainable growth in regional areas — helping provinc
Insights experts: The secret mindsets behind top-performing employees - Dialectica | EP 351
In this week’s episode of Vietnam Innovators, host Hao Tran is joined by Vasilis Arkomanis – Vice President, APAC Client Service Lead, and Khanh Tran – Senior Manager & Head of Office Operations, Dialectica Vietnam. As key leaders in the region, they are driving Dialectica’s growth across Vietnam and the broader Asia-Pacific market.Founded in 2015, Dialectica is now one of the top five expert
Vietnam has become a leader in the region - Amb. Daniel Kritenbrin, Partner, The Asia Group | EP 350
On April 2, President Donald Trump announced a surprise 46% tariff on goods imported from Vietnam. Just days later, the U.S. government decided to postpone the implementation for 90 days to allow room for negotiation. The move has drawn close attention from Vietnamese businesses and raised questions about the future of trade relations between the two countries. In this context, Vietnam’s role at t
Why Can’t Patients Access Good Medicine? Insights from a Healthcare Leader - Charaf Kadri, Country Head, Sandoz Vietnam - S6#59
Even the most advanced medicine becomes meaningless if patients can't access or afford it.So what is healthcare truly innovating for — technological breakthroughs, or the basic human right to live? As treatment costs rise, supply chains remain fragile, and quality varies, Vietnam’s healthcare system faces a complex balancing act: affordability, quality, and reliability. Can we achieve all three, o
The Journey of "Growing Up" as a Leader - Lê Hồng Minh, Chairman & Founder, VNG - S6#58
The journey of “growing into” leadership is not just the story of a technology company founder, but also offers a thoughtful perspective on how to nurture passion, shape a leadership mindset, and build lasting value over time.Every decision calls for intention, and every step forward comes with a growing sense of responsibility — not only to oneself but to the entire team. It is a journey that sta
The Pharmaceutical Industry and New Development Prospects for Vietnam’s Economy - Katharina Geppert, MSD Vietnam - S6#57
Vietnam is emerging as one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets in Southeast Asia. Rising healthcare demands, coupled with ongoing policy reforms, are creating exciting new opportunities. However, these developments also present significant challenges that businesses in the industry must navigate. So, what does it take to unlock the full potential of this dynamic and fast-evolving market?
What Makes Binh Duong New City a Model for Modern Urban Development? - Oh Dongkun, CEO, Becamex Tokyu - S6#56
Binh Duong New City is one of the most well-planned urban areas in Vietnam and is gradually becoming a model for sustainable, integrated, and modern urban development thinking. But what truly sets this project apart from the many new urban areas across the country? In this episode of the podcast, we’ll explore the key to the success behind Binh Duong New City's urban development model.Our guest is
"To break through, businesses must dare to take risks." – Mrs. Bình Lê Vandekerckove, Founder, CEO, Head of Advisory, ASART Deal Advisory - S6#55
As Vietnam accelerates its efforts to reform the business environment and improve the legal framework for the private sector, many enterprises still face an invisible barrier: an overly cautious mindset, driven by fear of making mistakes. This hesitation not only slows down decision-making but also hinders business expansion and innovation.In Episode 55 of the Vietnam Innovators (English edition)
What will it take for Vietnamese games to conquer the global market? - Anel Ceman, Former VP of Monetization, Tripledot Studios - S6#54
To bring Vietnamese games to the global stage, studios need more than just creativity. It requires a combination of relentless experimentation, the ability to leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence, and a willingness to learn from the successes of global hits. By deeply understanding their players, embracing change, and continuously improving their products, Vietnamese game develope
Why Can't AI Be as Creative as Humans? - Chandu Rajapreyar, Hakuhodo Group Vietnam - S6#53
This week on the English edition of Vietnam Innovators, we're honored to welcome Chandu Rajapreyar — our very first guest from Sri Lanka, currently serving as the Group Executive Creative Director at Hakuhodo. With over 25 years of experience in the advertising industry, Chandu stands out for his strategic thinking, exceptional creativity, and deep market insight.He has earned numerous prestig
AI in Game Advertising: An Overlooked Goldmine? - Robert Huỳnh, Co-founder, Reforged Labs, AI in Ads for Gaming - S6#52
As AI rapidly transforms industries across the board, game advertising — with its unique blend of creativity, large-scale data, and constantly shifting user behavior — is also evolving. Yet despite its potential, AI remains underutilized in this space. Why hasn’t this intersection of technology and marketing been fully explored? Could it be the overlooked goldmine of the digital age?In this week’s
Sustainability Without Profit Is Just Philanthropy - Bruno Jaspaert, CEO, DEEP C Industrial Zones - S6#51
Bruno Jaspaert is the Belgian CEO of DEEP C Industrial Zones, one of Vietnam’s largest industrial zone developers with a 3,400-hectare land portfolio across Haiphong and Quang Ninh. With over 25 years of international experience spanning Asia and Europe, Bruno has held senior roles in sales, production, innovation, project and strategy management across sectors including chemicals, logistics, stee
You Could Be Missing Out on a Fortune If You Haven’t Heard of YouTube Shopping - Gabby Roxas, Country Marketing Manager of Google Vietnam, The Philippines - Pakistan - S6#50
YouTube is gradually evolving into a promising commerce platform, as consumer behavior becomes increasingly intertwined with content creation. From entertainment to product reviews, from views to purchase decisions, digital media is showing clear potential to drive real commercial outcomes. With the launch of YouTube Shopping, both content creators and brands now have a new opportunity to reach co
AI in Content Creation: Super Assistant or Job Stealer? - Revie Sylviana, Director of Global Partnerships, SEA & Emerging Markets, Meta - S6#49
Meta’s advanced AI technologies are not only enhancing user experiences across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, but also unlocking new opportunities for businesses and content creators. From strategic planning support to boosting creativity and engagement, Meta AI is becoming an indispensable part of various industries—delivering practical value across many aspects of life.In Episo
Outdated HR Practices Could Be Undermining Your Business Success - Dave Tong, Co-Founder & CPTO, Employment Hero - S6#48
In episode 48 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, we sit down with Dave Tong, Co-Founder & Chief Product Technology Officer of Employment Hero – a global leader in HR management solutions.In conversation with host Hảo Trần, Dave shares his career journey, from his early days at InterSystems to co-founding Employment Hero with Ben Thompson in 2014, with the goal of revolutionizing recruitment an
Earned Wage Access: A Win-Win for Businesses and Employees — Mads Werner, CEO & Co-founder, Ekko - S6#47
This week on Vietnam Innovators (English edition), we welcome Mads Werner, CEO and Co-founder of Ekko. After many years working across Northern Europe and Singapore, Mads decided to settle in Vietnam in 2018 - a country where he spent part of his youth and developed a deep affection for its culture and people.In 2022, recognizing the urgent need for improved financial well-being among workers in V
Coming Home to Thrive: Why Overseas Vietnamese Are Returning to Builld Their Careers - An Võ, Founder and CEO of Janus Executive Search & Talent Advisory - S6#46
This week on the Vietnam Innovators Podcast, we welcome An Võ, Founder and CEO of Janus Executive Search & Talent Advisory, a leading firm specializing in executive search and talent advisory services across Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region.With over 15 years of experience working with prominent multinational corporations, Ms. An Võ has played a pivotal role in shaping HR strategies and att
The Vietnamese Path to Wellness: Embracing Original Values - Trần Thanh Nam, Owner & Michelle Ford, General Manager, Namia River Retreat - S6#45
Welcome to the next episode of Vietnam Innovators (English version), where we have the opportunity to meet and hear insights from two special guests: Mr. Tran Thanh Nam (Owner) and Ms. Michelle Ford (General Manager) of Namia River Retreat.Mr. Tran Thanh Nam, Chairman of Bhaya Cruises and CEO of HG Holdings, is the founder of Namia River Retreat – a resort that deeply reflects Vietnamese cultural
Is Vietnam Capable of Crafting World-Class Whisky? - Michael Rosen, CEO & Founder, Về Để Đi - S6#44
Joining us on Episode 44 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast (English edition) is none other than Dr. Michael Rosen, CEO & Founder of the premium spirits brand Về Để Đi.Founded in 2020, Về Để Đi focuses on crafting single malt whisky and other high-end spirits, capturing the modern energy and contemporary cultural essence of Vietnam. With the vision of making Về Để Đi a new icon in the Southeast
Diversification: An essential step for Vietnam’s beverage industry? - Jacob Aarup-Andersen, Group CEO of Carlsberg - S6#43
On this week’s English edition of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, we are delighted to feature Mr. Jacob Aarup-Andersen, who stepped into the role of Carlsberg’s CEO in September 2023.Prior to joining Carlsberg, he led ISS A/S - a global facility management powerhouse with 360,000 employees spanning 60 countries - and held senior leadership posts at Danske Bank and Danica Pension. A graduate of the
What drives Vietnam’s hospitality industry to go beyond? - S6#42
With a booming market and improved transportation connectivity, Vietnam is emerging as a highly attractive tourism hotspot. Will its young, globally minded population entice major international brands to enter the market? And what will be the biggest challenges for expansion in this dynamic landscape?In this special episode of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, industry leaders and experts will unvei
Why do leading corporations choose The Nexus as their “home”? - Vietnam Innovators Podcast Live at The Nexus - S6#41
Located on Tôn Đức Thắng Street - one of Ho Chi Minh City's most sought-after locations, The Nexus is a Grade A+ office building designed to international standards. With modern workspaces, premium amenities, and a strong focus on sustainability, it has quickly become the preferred choice for top businesses and global corporations.Recently, host Hao Tran and the Vietnam Innovators team had the
Is Vietnam Emerging as Southeast Asia’s Leader in Green Energy? - Kevin Junker, Founder, SmartSolar - S6#40
Vietnam is emerging as a regional leader in renewable energy, tapping into its abundant natural resources like solar, wind, and biomass. In recent years, the government has introduced various policies to encourage businesses and households to transition to clean energy, with a strong focus on rooftop solar power.At the same time, increased private sector participation and foreign investment have p
Postpartum care services: A holistic approach to maternal recovery and well-being - Kun Jiang, Founder, The Joyful Nest - S6#39
In Episode 39 of Vietnam Innovators Season 6 (English Edition), we welcome Ms. Kun Jiang, Founder of The Joyful Nest, the driving force behind Vietnam’s first luxury postpartum retreat.Drawing from her own postpartum experience, Ms. Kun Jiang recognized the profound challenges many new mothers encounter, particularly the lack of specialized postnatal care services. In response, she established The
