The workshop and seminar series on Innovation and Corporate Governance – The Innovation Port: Executive Series officially launched with high energy at the VNUK Maker Innovation Space. With the opening theme “A Cup of Leadership – Unleashing Creative Potential from Data” the event provided breakthrough perspectives on optimizing resources and driving business transformation in the digital age.

When data is more than just numbers

In the context of strong digital transformation data is often overlooked or remains stagnant in dry reports. However at Executive Series #1 this “hidden asset” was activated into sharp management lenses.

Startup executives and attendees found definitive answers to operational puzzles. By analyzing information businesses can fully optimize internal resources and proactively anticipate market fluctuations. Understanding every number not only helps control costs but is also the key to unlocking new customer segments that businesses previously missed.

Impressions from leading experts

The biggest highlight of the program was the presence of renowned speakers. They are “captains” with years of practical experience and a deep understanding of the market:

• Dr. Le Huynh Phuong Thuc (CEO of Talent Connect Plus): With 28 years of experience in the FMCG and retail industry. She previously held General Manager positions at major corporations such as L’Oréal and Guardian. She emphasized that people and data must go hand in hand because data is only truly valuable when placed in the hands of leaders with both heart and vision.
• MSc. Tran Hung Thien (CEO of GCOMM Global): Provided a macro perspective with over 20 years of experience in market research and development. He was formerly the Senior Director of Retail Research at Nielsen Vietnam. To him market research is not just about collecting data but is the art of reading consumer psychology behind those numbers.
• PhD Candidate, MSc. Le Dinh Hieu (CEO of G.A.P Institute): A prominent face on the Forbes Vietnam 30 Under 30 list (2016) and currently a deep researcher in Education and Technology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University. He brought a fresh breeze with a mindset of applying technology to solve social and educational issues sustainably.

An inevitable shift from intuition to data-driven

Executive Series #1 did not stop at one-way presentations but left a strong mark with lively discussion sessions. Here the data-driven management mindset was dissected and its superiority proven.

The shift from intuitive decision-making to strategies based on factual data has opened a more effective approach for businesses. This helps mitigate risks and maximize the success rate for innovation projects. The speakers also noted that building an internal data culture is a long journey requiring persistence from top management to executive staff.

Connecting the ecosystem and fostering innovation

More than just a seminar this event was a crossroads of great ideas. At the VNUK Maker Innovation Space the barriers between academic theory and business practice were gradually removed. Attendees not only listened but also directly asked questions and connected with experts to untangle knots in their own business models.

This multi-dimensional connection creates a resonant ecosystem where startups can find mentors and large enterprises can find potential technological solutions. This is the core value that The Innovation Port series aims for: building a strong community ready to face global challenges.

With a well-invested creative space and a multi-dimensional connection ecosystem VNUK is gradually asserting its position as an ideal destination for regional-scale workshops and specialized events. Here every idea even the smallest is respected and nurtured to become impactful projects.

The ship named The Innovation Port has officially set sail. This journey will continue with even more engaging and practical topics to support the Vietnamese business community in the 4.0 era. See the innovation-loving community again at the next stops of the knowledge-sharing journey.

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Information:

• Institution: VNUK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), Code: DDV
• Address: 158A Le Loi, Hai Chau, Da Nang
• Website: vnuk.udn.vn
• Admissions page: tuyensinh.vnuk.udn.vn
• Hotline & Zalo: 0905 55 66 54
• 2026 Admissions Consultation Group: https://zalo.me/g/qiasdz432