Comments (1)

By Tai, November 26, 2008 4:17 pm

Corporate Level

An opportunity for thinkers to take a step back and strategize for the next steps. Haven’t they we been too absorbed in the fast-moving everyday tasks before?

Companies can spend the time to actually sit down uninterruptedly with their Consultants.

A good excuse to hold on to the core business.

Innovate. Pull ideas from the pool, try some.

Individual Level

Self-teach new skills or pursue formal higher education.

Renew.

Comments (3)

By Tai, July 31, 2008 2:42 pm

July 2008 witnesses a boil in personal banking services in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Many banks have been aggressively expanding their ATM network.

Dong A Bank’s CEO just claimed that their ATM network is second to Vietcombank’s in Vietnam. And this is true. The navy shade of Dong A ATM can found spotted on many corners along main streets.

Following right after Dong A are the light-blue ACB, the red-blue Vietinbank and another red-blue BIDV.

2. ANZ does like no other with their impressive home banking service

ANZ banking consultants provide consulting services at customers’ home on calls and free of charge.

3. HSBC eventually accelerated in their personal banking expansion

Their target is the mid-high income class with salary from $1,000 up. The ATM network also grew steadily with over 100 ATMs. [Link]

4. Interest rate for VND rised to nearly 19%

Was it innovation or experience?

In the context of financial difficulties in Vietnam in recent months, many banks especially foreign-invested have made bold moves. Some of them might be perceived as innovative. However, these practices are hard results from the experience of their long histories in more developed markets.

What next?

Welcoming August 2008, the goggles shall continue to be on CPI, the fluctuating stock market and especially gold. Real-estate, for the mean time, might enjoy a short rest.

What personal banking service are you using in Vietnam? How happy are you with your current bank? What services do you wish your bank had provided?

Comments (0)

By Tai, July 19, 2008 8:48 pm

An explanation on Social Media and how Business should catch up.

From Marta Z. Kagan

Comments (0)

By Tai, July 12, 2008 2:16 am

Putting invention(s) to practice

Re-organization: costs and risks

Origins of Innovation

Supply-pushed Manufacturer Innovation

Formal R&D

Management Innovation

Demand-led End-user Innovation

Technology As Innovator

Technology creates value

When the old economy has been saturated, technology comes in place

A Commitment

Bridging technology and business

Comments (10)

By Tai, May 18, 2008 12:56 am

Until this entry is written, the list of international fast-food franchises in Vietnam has included: KFC, Korean Lotteria, Philippino Jollibee, Pizza Inn (a Korean company brings this American franchise to Vietnam). Café and soft-drinks category consists of Australian Gloria Jean’s, San Francisco Bud’s Ice-cream, Australian Baskin Robbins (no longer in Vietnam)

It’s a surprise McDonald hasn’t expanded their market to Vietnam yet though they’ve been to Vietnam’s neighbors Singapore, Thailand and China.

To my observations, there are a couple of possible reasons:

1. The herd of cattle in Vietnam is not sufficient for a sustainable supply.
2. In Vietnam, fried chicken is more desirable than hamburger. Even when major focus of Lotteria is hamburger, their chicken sales figure is higher.
3. One McDonald’s strength is its price (as compared to Burger King and other competitors in the US) while fast-food is still fine-dining in Vietnam.
4. McDonald’s strategy is to invest in real estate alongside their fast-food product. They buy the land and build their store on it rather than rent the place. After a few years if one store doesn’t sell so well the place can be sold and the increased value of land still make it profitable to. In 2008, one house at the corner in the central of Ho Chi Minh City costs at least 2 million dollars. Investment seems way to high.

What is your opinion? Is there other reason you have thought of? Or would like to see McDonald in Vietnam?