[CTD Learning and Sharing] Talkshow “Startups and Investment” – Connecting Global Experts with the Vietnamese Startup Community

27 May, 2025

On the morning of May 24, 2025, at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD), the UEH Institute of Innovation (UII), and the Innovation Services Center (ISC) successfully co-organized the talkshow “Startups and Investment.” This event is part of the ongoing CTD Learning & Sharing academic series – an academic initiative by CTD aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, connecting experts, businesses, and the community, thereby enhancing research capacity and generating practical value for sustainable development.

Attending the Talkshow, among the guests, were Mr. Lam Dinh Thang - Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Vu Quang Lam - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saigonbank; Mr. Lam Nguyen Hai Long - Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association and Director of the Innovation Services Center (ISC). From the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), there was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of UEH; MSc. Dao Thi Minh Huyen - Acting Deputy Chief of Office, UEH College of Technology and Design; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Nham - Deputy Director of the Institute of Innovation; MSc. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao - Deputy Director of the Institute of Innovation. The event also welcomed representatives from regulatory agencies, businesses, investment experts, the startup community, lecturers, staff, graduate students, undergraduates from within and outside UEH, and other interested parties.

In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of UEH, affirmed that the role of startups and investment extends beyond economic growth; it also acts as a catalyst for strengthening connections among stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem - especially the 4P model: Public - Private - People Partnership. In this model, universities, as public sector entities, play a pivotal role in linking knowledge, policy, and the community. He also emphasized that the Talkshow “Startups and Investment” is a meaningful activity in the journey to realize the Innovative University Strategy pursued by UEH, aiming to become a multidisciplinary university oriented toward sustainable development and generating comprehensive value for society.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - Vice President of UEH delivering the opening speech

Representing the event’s co-organizers, Mr. Lam Nguyen Hai Long - ISC Representative, highly appreciated the strategic partnership among UEH, CTD, and ISC, with a plan to jointly implement a series of 12 activities in 2025. He considered this a crucial step in fostering an enabling environment for startups, businesses, and the innovation community to thrive sustainably. He also expressed hope that this collaboration would continue to expand in the future. These efforts are not only aimed at serving the non-profit community but also at driving innovation and delivering practical value for social development.

Mr. Lam Nguyen Hai Long - ISC Representative speaking at the Talkshow

As the program’s moderator and facilitator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan - Dean of UEH School of Talents, skillfully opened the session with insightful analysis on the essence of entrepreneurship in the context of modern higher education. He emphasized: “Entrepreneurship is not merely a personal journey, but a convergence and connection between academic knowledge, advanced technology, and strategic investment capital. UEH is committed to accompanying the startup community through academic initiatives closely linked to real-world practice, such as today’s Talkshow.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan - Dean of UEH School of Talents introducing Speaker Thuy Mai and moderating the panel discussion at the Talkshow

Building on this foundation, the story was seamlessly and inspiringly continued by Speaker Thuy Mai - Chairman of RainScales, Board Member of FreightVerify Inc, and member of the GOOSE Investment Fund. With over 40 years of executive experience across multiple countries, he shared practical lessons from his journey founding three technology companies and expanding operations in seven countries, emphasizing the importance of building sustainable business models, preparing teams for international expansion, and connecting with global investor networks from the early stages of startups.

Speaker Thuy Mai particularly underscored the importance of early engagement with international investor networks, as well as establishing transparent legal and financial frameworks - core elements for Vietnamese startups to break through and reach the global stage. Specifically, drawing from the success story of DiCentral - a technology startup originating in Vietnam that has gone global - Speaker Thuy Mai identified key factors enabling startups to attract investment and scale: the team, the market, risk management, and financial strategy. He also analyzed the advantages and challenges of restructuring enterprises according to international standards to attract cross-border investment, highlighting compliance with GAAP (US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), reducing legal risks, and optimizing enterprise valuation.

Sharing at the Talkshow, Speaker Thuy Mai emphasized: “Vietnam stands before a tremendous opportunity to rise on the global startup map. But to achieve this, startups must change their mindset-not just solving domestic problems, but aiming to create global value, leveraging new trends such as AI, automation, and sustainable development to lead the game.”

Speaker Thuy Mai - Chairman of RainScales, Board Member of FreightVerify Inc, and member of the GOOSE Investment Fund presenting

In the panel discussion segment, the audience was guided by the Speaker and Program Moderator through the topic “Startups and Investment,” focusing on current issues such as the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in startup operational models, especially as businesses must quickly adapt to the global market. Through practical and engaging exchanges based on real-world lessons for the younger generation, experts discussed how to leverage AI not only in technology but also in operational optimization, helping startups save costs and enhance customer experience. They also highlighted the trend of sustainable investment and the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria into business models to create long-term competitive advantages, preparing startups to enter international markets with stringent requirements for social responsibility and sustainable development.

Additionally, during the Talkshow, Mr. Lam Dinh Thang - Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “Ho Chi Minh City is oriented toward building an investment and innovative startup environment comparable to Singapore, so that investors do not need to go abroad to start their businesses". In the drive to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, coordination among the four key stakeholders is essential: Investors, Academia, Banks, and Government. From the perspective of a regulatory agency, Ho Chi Minh City is striving to improve the investment, business, and startup climate. How can Ho Chi Minh City’s investment and innovation environment be on par with Singapore? When that is achieved, investors will choose to invest in the city, without needing to go to Singapore to start up.

Mr. Lam Dinh Thang - Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City sharing at the Talkshow “Startups and Investment”

Delegates and experts engaging in lively exchanges at the Talkshow

Delegates taking commemorative photos

The event concluded in an atmosphere of inspiration and vibrant connection, opening up numerous opportunities for substantive cooperation and networking among startups, investors, regulatory/support organizations, and universities, all working together to advance the innovation ecosystem in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

Some Other Images from the Program: