Vietnam Innovators

Vietcetera

Vietnam is forecasted to be one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia and the world. To understand the dynamics behind Vietnam’s miracle growth, Vietcetera meets with business leaders every week to discuss the country’s future growth prospects. We also learn how they build and manage teams and why they think innovation will be key to Vietnam’s role in the world order. You can find more information for this Podcast at https://vietcetera.com/en

  • 41 minutes 44 seconds
    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 effectively, cybersecurity moves beyond being a passive defense function and becomes a strategic enabler, helping banks improve customer experience and maintain competitiveness in a digital-first environment.


    To explore this role further, Vietnam Innovators Podcast – Episode 371 features a conversation with Sandro Bucchianeri, Group Chief Security Officer at NAB.


    With more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, including 15 years in executive leadership roles such as CISO and CSO, Sandro has worked with multinational organizations, led global teams, and delivered large-scale strategic transformation programs. Combining deep expertise in risk management, security, and legal frameworks with an innovative mindset, he shares a clear and practical perspective on why cybersecurity matters—not only for organizations, but also for customer trust and experience in the digital age.


    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    23 December 2025, 4:00 am
  • 41 minutes 44 seconds
    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, safe, high-quality healthcare solutions that make self-care simple as it should be.

    In this episode of Vietnam Innovators, we speak with Ms. Valentina Belcheva, Country Head of Opella Vietnam. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Belcheva has led major business transformations and brand building projects across Europe.

    Vietnam is the first Asian market she has led — a strategic market globally that is entering a phase of accelerated growth, where she believes Opella can create sustainable and differentiated value.

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    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    20 December 2025, 3:59 am
  • 40 minutes 55 seconds
    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 increase LTV for sustainable growth; it also streamlines resource management and boosts operational efficiency. To provide an actionable playbook for Vietnam’s rapidly evolving digital market, Google partners with Vietnam Innovators. From apps and games to e-commerce, businesses gain the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve sustainable growth, with advanced technology and advertising solutions serving as key enablers.

    In episode 369 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast (English), Božo Janković, Head of Ad Monetization, GameBiz Consulting & Ömer Yakabagi, Founder, Gamigion, share in-depth insights on strategies and practical approaches for optimizing ad revenue and fostering long-term growth in the gaming industry.


    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    17 December 2025, 6:22 am
  • 37 minutes 32 seconds
    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 (GCCs)—technology and operations hubs established by international corporations—are playing a key role. These centres deploy cutting-edge technology, streamline processes, and introduce innovative approaches to support global operations, while elevating Vietnam’s position in technology and innovation.

    In this week’s episode of Vietnam Innovators, join host Hao Tran in conversation with Ms Hanh Tran, General Director of NAB Innovation Centre Vietnam. Tune in to hear her share the journey of bringing NAB’s Innovation Centre to Vietnam, building a world-class technology team, and developing digital solutions that power NAB’s operations worldwide.


    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    4 December 2025, 4:00 am
  • 41 minutes 7 seconds
    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 entry of substantial capital flows into Vietnam, fostering the potential for sustainable advancement in the capital markets and the broader economy.

    In order to fully leverage these opportunities, a thorough understanding of fundamental investment principles and sound financial management practices is paramount. Discipline, authenticity, and a client-centered approach are essential for constructing effective strategies, mitigating risks, and navigating a rapidly evolving market. Mastering these principles is critical for transforming challenges into competitive advantages and capitalizing on opportunities in a sustainable manner.

    In today’s episode of Vietnam Innovators, Thomas Nguyen, Managing Director & Chief Global Market Officer, SSI Securities Corporation, provides in-depth insights on investment strategy, risk management, and financial discipline.

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    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    27 November 2025, 4:10 am
  • 37 minutes 8 seconds
    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, to access education, vocational training, and essential skills for the future.In this context, sustainable support models have also emerged, laying the foundation for broader social and workforce development. Among them, KOTO, founded by CEO Jimmy Pham, has become a pioneering organization, focusing on vocational training in the hospitality industry while also nurturing life skills and providing career guidance to prepare youth for professional work environments.Join host Hao Tran in a conversation with Founder and CEO, KOTO - Jimmy Pham, as he shares the journey of building the organization and his insights on vocational training and career development.

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    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    18 November 2025, 4:00 am
  • 30 minutes 23 seconds
    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, particularly in the financial and banking sectors.The presence of global financial and technology corporations in Vietnam plays a crucial role in connecting local talent with international standards. Establishing innovation and technology centers by multinational banks not only generates large-scale employment opportunities but also transfers knowledge, modern processes, and operational culture — enhancing Vietnam’s competitiveness on the global technology map.In this week’s episode of Vietnam Innovators (English), host Hao Tran speaks with Patrick Wright, Group Executive for Technology & Enterprise Operations at National Australia Bank (NAB). Patrick shares the story behind building NAB’s Innovation Center in Vietnam, his perspective on Vietnam’s strategic role in the bank’s global technology ecosystem, and his reflections on leadership, innovation velocity, and the future of banking in the age of AI.


    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    11 November 2025, 4:00 am
  • 53 minutes 3 seconds
    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 Vietnamese game and app development studios have evolved from modest beginnings into internationally recognized organizations, exemplifying strategic vision and a resolute ambition to expand.

    However, this remarkable progress presents a deeper challenge: converting creativity into a sustainable and scalable business model. From enhancing user experiences and harnessing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to establishing sophisticated advertising ecosystems, this endeavor requires strategic insight and the capacity to adapt swiftly to evolving circumstances.

    In this episode of Vietnam Innovators Podcast, we are joined by Daphne Tan, Director for Global Partnerships, Sell-Side Monetization at Google, and Quyet Phung, CEO of XGame Studio Vietnam. They reflect on their journey from an initial survival phase to realizing aspirations on a global stage, offering nuanced perspectives on entrepreneurship and the enduring power of conviction in achieving sustainable success.

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    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    4 November 2025, 4:00 am
  • 34 minutes 3 seconds
    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 that simple desire, Locket Widget was born. The app allows users to send photos directly to the home screens of their friends and loved ones, bringing back a sense of authentic connection with the people who truly matter.

    The story of Locket also reflects the power of an idea rooted in everyday emotion. What began as a small project created as a gift for the founder’s girlfriend quickly became a global phenomenon with millions of users. Its journey shows that when technology is built upon human feelings, it can not only create something useful but also inspire empathy and connection in the digital era.

    In this week’s episode of Vietnam Innovators (English), join host Hao Tran in a conversation with Matt Moss, Founder of Locket Widget, to explore how he turned a personal project into a globally loved product, and how young creators today are redefining the relationship between technology and human emotion.

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    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    28 October 2025, 4:10 am
  • 48 minutes 32 seconds
    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 reached USD 476.3 billion, positioning the country 33rd globally (Vietnam Laws, 2025). These achievements underscore Vietnam’s sustained economic resilience, deepening global integration, and growing capacity for innovationThe Vietnam-U.S. partnership has been instrumental in this trajectory. Cooperation between the two nations has broadened across key pillars including trade, education, environmental sustainability, and security, enabling Vietnam to engage more substantively in the global value chain.In this week’s episode of Vietnam Innovators (English), host Hảo Trần interviews with Ted Osius, former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam and currently President & CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. Drawing on more than three decades of diplomatic experience and first-hand engagement with Vietnam’s evolution, Ambassador Ted Osius reflects on milestone moments, the role of innovation and technology, and how Vietnam is steadily asserting itself as one of the region’s most dynamic emerging economies.

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    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    16 October 2025, 8:52 am
  • 47 minutes 53 seconds
    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 resources to healthcare, lifestyle, education for their children, and long-term planning. This marks not only a change in consumer behavior, but also a turning point in how society perceives the value of preparation.In this context, Prudential Vietnam has chosen to remain steadfast in its mission and core values, rather than focusing on short-term gains. The company places sustainability, transparency, and quality at the heart of its strategy, creating an impact that extends beyond products and services. From the leadership team to the entire organization, a shared sense of responsibility serves as the guiding principle for every decision. This consistency has enabled Prudential to stand out and affirm its leadership role within the community.In this week’s episode of Vietnam Innovators Podcast, join host Hao Tran in a conversation with three senior leaders of Prudential Vietnam: Kevin Kwon (CEO), Conor M O’Neill (CFO), and Manish Gurbuxani (CSTO & Interim CCMO). Together, they discuss the future of financial protection in Vietnam, and Prudential’s pioneering role in supporting families to feel secure today and prepared for every life, for every future.


    Listen to this episode on YouTube

    And explore many amazing articles about the pioneers at: https://vietcetera.com/vn/bo-suu-tap/vietnam-innovator

    Feel free to leave any questions or invitations for business cooperation at [email protected]

    3 October 2025, 3:46 am
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