Vietnam Innovators

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 modernization of Vietnam’s financial markets.In this week’s special Episode 394 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, hear in-depth insights and analysis from Michael Kokalari and Richard D. McClellan as they discuss the role of an IFC and the opportunities it could unlock for Vietnam’s next stage of development.

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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 and Cambodia. With extensive experience advising businesses and institutions across the region, he brings a multidimensional view on what drives long-term economic strength, and why Vietnam’s development story needs to be understood through a broader framework than GDP alone.---

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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.

However, beneath these positive signals lie growing challenges, including rising construction costs, labor shortages, elevated housing prices and interest rates, as well as increasing risks tied to energy security and climate change.

As global volatility continues to intensify, what strategic priorities should Vietnam focus on to strengthen economic resilience while sustaining long-term growth momentum?

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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]

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 transformation, strengthen competitiveness, and integrate more deeply into the global technology value chain.In episode 391 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast (English Edition), Huy Nguyen Tuong, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group, shares his insights on the rise of AI agents and their implications for businesses and the future of work.---

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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]

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 operational realities behind the market. The conversation also explores the importance of trust-building, cultural nuances, and taking a hands-on approach when working alongside Vietnamese founders.

Through practical insights and real investment experiences, the episode offers a closer look at what it takes to build long-term business success in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

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]

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 389 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast (English edition), featuring two special guests from Ecolean - Thomas Hultin, Group CEO, and Peter Hauggaard, Managing Director for Southeast Asia & the Middle East - offers deeper insights into the increasingly important role of packaging innovation in shaping the future of F&B industry.

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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]

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 urban centers, beginning to impact traditional industries and regional communities.In this episode of the Vietnam Innovators podcast (English edition), Larry Hu, Head of Amazon Global Selling, Southeast Asia, shares his insights into this transformation and what it could mean for the next phase of Vietnam’s export economy.---

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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]

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 highlights the resilience of Vietnamese startups amid a volatile capital market, the transformative role of technology in traditional sectors such as agriculture, and the challenge of building large-scale businesses to unlock global expansion opportunities. Eddie Thai also reflects on lessons from missed investment opportunities and shares his outlook on the future development of Vietnam’s capital markets.

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]

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 hello@vni-digest.com⁠

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 add unnecessary expenses for businesses and slow their expansion into global markets.

To help address these issues, Airwallex - a global financial infrastructure platform - is building solutions designed to simplify international payments, reduce FX costs, and help companies manage cash flow more efficiently so they can focus on long-term growth.

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Watch 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]