The InnoEx 2025, Southeast Asia’s leading event for innovation, business change, and eco-friendly development, gathered over 4,000 executives, financiers, and specialists from more than 60 nations to examine ways to convert information, artificial intelligence, and consumer knowledge into tangible financial gains.
For the first time, multinational companies such as Qualcomm participated in the same discussion panel alongside Vietnamese startups, established businesses, and emerging entrepreneurs, all working toward one common objective: transforming unprocessed information into valuable resources and converting creativity into financial returns. The use of data is no longer exclusive to technology enterprises but has become essential for the survival of all organizations; those who lag may find themselves unable to keep up.
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The InnoEx 2025 event took place on August 21-22 at ThiskyHall Sala in HCMC. Image provided by InnoEx. |
Companies acknowledge the worth of data during times of emergency
During the InnoEx Forum, business executives noted that organizations view data quite differently: whereas the financial industry has traditionally seen it as a key resource, numerous small and medium-sized enterprises only appreciate its real value during times of difficulty.
The pandemic marked a significant shift. Businesses were abruptly confronted with critical concerns regarding their vendors, manufacturing capabilities, and stock levels, only to realize they did not possess the necessary data systems that ought to have existed from the beginning.
Even top figures in the industry have overlooked major advancements due to undervaluing information. “Everyone aims to convert resources into revenue. However, immediate profits frequently hinder future benefits. Numerous well-known companies were unprepared to alter their approaches or view data as a crucial resource, leading them to miss their opportunity for innovation,” stated Le Tri Thong, CEO of PNJ.
During the age of artificial intelligence, strong data infrastructure has become essential for existence rather than an optional advantage.
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Le Tri Thong, CEO of PNJ, addressing the conference. Image provided by InnoEx |
Companies that rely on data achieve 4.2 times greater profitability
Facts hold the power for advancement,” stated Il-Dong Kwon, Managing Director at BCG Vietnam. “Companies that use information efficiently can increase income by 1.7 times and provide stockholder profits 4.2 times greater.
This benefit arises from the capacity to utilize data extensively via simulation, sophisticated analysis, and monetization.
In online retail, where data and technology serve as vital components, Giao Hang Nhanh (GHN) explained how it discovered overlooked customer groups.
Founder Luong Duy Hoai stated: “Each order goes through 15 interaction stages, 15 data collection points. The main issue is gathering this information at the minimum expense. Our strategy focused on mobile technology has digitalized all procedures, allowing for automatic data capture.”
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Luong Duy Hoai, founder and chief executive officer of GHN. Image provided by InnoEx |
The GHN team created GHN Deep Insight, which was trained using over one billion transactions, with each transaction including more than 100 raw data parameters. In the past, obtaining meaningful information involved large groups of analysts and took several months. Now, executives can ask a high-level question and get a complete action-oriented report within 30 minutes.
Artificial Intelligence driving transformation in conventional sectors
The role of AI in revolutionizing established industries
How artificial intelligence is propelling change within classic business fields
AI acting as an enabler for time-honored commercial areas
Leveraging AI to transform traditional industry practices
The impact of AI on legacy industrial sectors
Utilizing intelligent systems to enhance traditional enterprises
AI’s influence on evolving traditional economic domains
Innovating through AI in long-standing industrial segments
Harnessing AI technology to revitalize customary trade sectors
Technology is not the only sector driving innovation anymore. Fast-moving consumer goods, transportation, and energy industries are transforming their processes through artificial intelligence and data analysis.
“The key to Thien Long’s development approach involves integrating ongoing product creativity, dedication to ESG principles, and artificial intelligence-based analysis to enhance local dominance as well as global outreach,” stated Tran Phuong Nga, Chief Executive Officer of Thien Long.
According to KIDO CEO Tran Le Nguyen, Kido has been implementing digital transformation for many years to guide its business approaches, utilizing artificial intelligence for visual effects in media creation such as movies, mini-films, television commercials, and theatrical releases, leading to substantial cost reductions and speeding up project schedules by around 75%.
In contrast, Nutifood centers its approach around ethics and wellness, emphasizing careful market decisions and community accountability, with artificial intelligence and digitization acting only as “tools” to support operational efficiency instead of representing the main objective.
In the field of logistics, Le Duy Hiep, CEO of Transimex, emphasized: “For Transimex, innovation and sustainable logistics are crucial for tomorrow’s success. We actively implement artificial intelligence and digital changes, striving to maintain a balance between return on investment and ecological and societal effects — all while upholding our unchanging fundamental principles of dependability, accountability, and client confidence.”
According to Hiep, although innovation fuels advancement, a company’s fundamental operations and values should stay constant. For Transimex, being a “golden brand” within a conventional sector signifies a steadfast dedication to providing secure, smooth, and top-tier logistics solutions.
Start small, scale fast
Being Vietnam’s initial unicorn company, VNG encounters distinct challenges related to innovation. Founder and Chairman Le Hong Minh acknowledged that innovation typically involves expenditures which might not deliver quick returns yet have the potential to build lasting competitive benefits. “In previous instances, we encountered errors due to an approach driven by ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO). The main takeaway has been to focus on domains we genuinely comprehend, begin modestly, but act swiftly. However, during technological competition, moving at a slow pace could result in being overtaken,” he mentioned.
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The founder and chairman of VNG, Le Hong Minh (right), along with Truong Ly Hoang Phi, chairperson of InnoEx 2025 (left). Image provided by InnoEx. |
Regarding AI strategy, he shared that VNG has collaborated with NVIDIA. “When VNG joined forces with Nvidia, we weren’t seeking a large initial investment. Our approach was to test with minimal costs, operate quickly, and develop skills gradually, ensuring we’re prepared for larger initiatives when the market becomes clearer.”
Throughout various sectors and geographical regions, InnoEx 2025 conveyed an impactful statement: in the era of data and artificial intelligence, only businesses that effectively manage their information, consistently drive innovation, and respond quickly will maintain competitiveness and possibly take control of the market.
“Breakthroughs require collaboration rather than isolation. There must be a system where established companies and technology ventures can work together effectively. InnoEx 2025 aims to serve as this driving force, ensuring that progress made by businesses contributes directly to economic growth,” stated Truong Ly Hoang Phi, Chairman of InnoEx 2025.
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“Innovation isn’t something that happens alone. It requires a network where conventional enterprises and digital start-ups can combine their strengths. InnoEx 2025 was created to act as this bridge, making sure each advancement by a company leads to broader economic development,” explained Truong Ly Hoang Phi, Chairperson of InnoEx 2025.
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“It’s impossible to achieve innovation without teamwork. A supportive environment needs to be built where legacy firms and emerging tech companies can collaborate efficiently. InnoEx 2025 serves exactly that purpose, turning individual business achievements into collective economic gains,” noted Truong Ly Hoang Phi, Head of InnoEx 2025.
In the current rapidly evolving environment, changes from outside occur faster than those within. Creativity and vision represent the most significant strategic benefits. Vietnamese companies are stepping into a fresh phase of development, outlining the path for an integrated network of innovative collaboration across Vietnam.
