Written by: Zheng Jiahui, MSc TIP (CN) AY24-25 student

It didn't just deepen my insight into Vietnam’s entrepreneurial ecosystem; it was a meaningful pivot in my student journey, reshaping how I think about innovation and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways from the Trip

What stood out to me was Vietnam’s momentum for innovation, especially in using technology for urban and environmental solutions. This showcased the country's rapid growth in sustainable technology.

A highlight of our experience was watching four Singaporean companies pitch their ideas to potential Vietnamese partners seeking collaboration opportunities. Observing these interactions and their proposal presentations, company visits, and networking events provided us with valuable insights into market demand, investment landscapes, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).

This direct exposure effectively connected the knowledge and theories we learned in the Master of Science in Technopreneurship and Innovation Programme (MSc TIP) with real-world business scenarios and applications.

Most Impactful Company Visits

While the trip was filled with insightful experiences, two places stood out the most.

The Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) was an eye-opener, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s technological ambitions. Its impressive size, modern infrastructure, and a live drone demonstration vividly highlighted the park’s innovations, underscoring SHTP’s emerging role as a “Technology and Science City” and the country’s commitment to fostering advanced industries.

Equally enlightening was our exchange with Earth Venture Capital (Earth VC), a global climate tech venture capital firm dedicated to decarbonising emerging Asia. They visually laid out their investment strategy through a clear model, effectively detailing their philosophy of funding deep-tech solutions in key areas, such as green manufacturing and energy transition.

They also presented some of their invested projects as real examples of their strategy in action. It opened our eyes to how investors evaluate sustainability-driven ventures.

Learning from the Pitch Room

The start-up pitches provided valuable learning opportunities. The diversity of the companies was impressive, with varied strategies: some utilised artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance industrial efficiency. In contrast, others concentrated on niche market solutions or promoted sustainable technologies with a strong environmental focus. Each pitch effectively addressed different challenges with clear, compelling explanations.

The presentations also demonstrated the start-ups' ability to define problems succinctly and propose innovative solutions. Within just a few minutes, each company needed to persuasively communicate its unique value proposition and specific goals in Vietnam, tailoring their messages to different audiences, including venture capital firms like Earth Venture and various corporate groups.

Reflections Beyond the Business Agenda

The NTU GIA HCMC programme was a transformative journey combining in-depth professional learning with vibrant cultural immersion. My direct engagement with Vietnam’s business leaders opened my eyes to their dynamism and commitment to sustainability.

The trip was not only about start-ups and strategies. It was also about connection, through food, culture, and conversation. The welcome dinners and social events enriched my cultural experience and allowed me to form lasting friendships with locals, adding a cherished personal dimension to my journey.

These connections significantly broadened my global business perspective and deepened my appreciation for the human side of doing business internationally while we pursue innovation.

How This Experience Has Influenced My Entrepreneurial Mindset

Spending time in Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem reinforced the importance of aligning business solutions with global challenges such as climate change and sustainable urbanisation. Witnessing Vietnam's tangible efforts in these areas was inspiring and highlighted the necessity for cross-border collaboration and understanding diverse market needs for impactful ventures.

This immersion experience transformed my approach to entrepreneurship. It effectively combined strategic learning, hands-on experience, and valuable networking opportunities, while offering a unique perspective on Vietnam's sustainable tech ecosystem. Participants gained the knowledge and connections to encourage future collaborations and drive innovation.

I left Vietnam feeling better equipped and more motivated to pursue entrepreneurship and build solutions that bridge global challenges with local opportunities. This journey reminded me that impactful innovation begins with connection. I also renewed my appreciation for international technopreneurship as we strive towards a sustainable future.

NTU Entrepreneurship Academy reserves the right in its sole discretion to make modification or cancellation to the above-mentioned.

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