Vietnam is located on the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of 89 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world. IBM's history in Vietnam dates back to the 1930s. The company has representative offices in the capital, Hanoi, and the largest city, Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam hosted its first CSC team in 2008. Locations have included Danang, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Can Tho. Projects have included developing a program plan for small and medium enterprises, on behalf of the Danang Chamber of Commerce, to strengthen community and economic ties and enable global growth.
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CSC Vietnam 1
1 September 2008 – 26 September 2008
"Our team consisted of nine IBMers from six countries. We were based in Danang.
We were involved with 10 projects.
At the Asiatrans Vietnam Company, which is a private company running services related to shipping and the import-export of goods, our objective was to enhance the company’s information exchange between customers and partners.
Our work with the Danang Telecommunication & Technology Info Co., which trades in IT products and services, increased the capacity and quality of production procedures, management and leadership within the company.
We streamlined the management, production and supply of electricity through the application of new IT technologies and procedures at , which is owned by the Vietnam government.
Our goal with the Hai Van Trading & General Service Ltd Co., which works with the tourism industry, was to set up an efficient financial management system.
We also worked with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We worked on a project to increase the business capacity of in central Vietnam and increase the VCCI’s use of the Internet.
We assisted the Danang Software Industrial Joint-stock Company in establishing a market in Australia.
At the Institute Information Technology for Business, we helped train SMEs to integrate IT recommendations and consulting into their business engagements.
The PHUONG DONG VIET TOURISM JOINT-STOCK COMPANY is a private company that provides services to the tourism business industry. We assisted in increasing the quality of management, customer service and communications, to increase market share. We gave particular attention to the company’s website.
We helped the Foods Junior College, which is a government college, with sales and marketing training and to better leverage IT as online-training.
Another project involved Dong A College, which is a private college. We helped the college evaluate its data center and provided long-term recommendations.
The team also performed community service. We visited the H.O.D. Orphanage in Danang orphanage and attended the kids’ musical performance and after-party.
At the ABC English School, which is a local English school, we talked with children and helped them with their English.
We also worked with the Ford Foundation on how IBM and the foundation could work together to assist Vietnam with foundation programs.
The thing that sticks out the most from this experience is the people, both IBMers and Vietnamese. It was our pleasure and honor to work with such a breadth and depth of amazing IBMers who truly demonstrated all of our values, consistently and proudly. We walked away having learned a tremendous amount about our business, various IBM groups across the organization and what it means to be the professional face of our company to the emerging business market. As for the Vietnamese we met on this trip, we can't speak enough about their humility, warmth and hospitality. We felt like a member of each of their families. We were invited on numerous occasions out to eat, to have coffee, or even to their home. In terms of industriousness, the Vietnamese are extremely eager to learn and broaden their horizons. The Vietnamese market is just opening up to the world community (WTO member since 2007), and the economic opportunity we observed was abundant and our help was greatly appreciated.
To sum up our 4-1/2 weeks in Vietnam in one sentence: Vietnam is a warm and inviting culture where the people are happy, the sites are beautiful and many, and business opportunity is plentiful."
- CSC Vietnam 2
10 October 2008 - 8 November 2008
"Vietnam Team 2 was comprised of 10 IBMers from from Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
We worked in Danang, Vietnam with various small and medium-sized businesses in the public and private sectors.
As a result of our experiences on our assignment, we redirected our post CSC beach vacation funds to buy 14 bicycles for a local orphanage to enable transportation of students to and from school. "
- CSC Vietnam 3
27 February 2009 to 27 March 2009
There were 7 team members; Arjan from Holland, Monica from Spain, Ashok and Murali from India, Joanne from UK, Debbie from USA and Malgorzata (Gosia) from Poland We were based in Haiphong, a port city in north of Vietnam. Our local stay was coordinated by the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce. Their Ask, was for us to work with small businesses and address some of the issue which they faced. The businesses were of a wide diversity. Ashok worked with a small unit making Agar from Sea weed. The request was to improve business processes.
Monica worked with a fashion house where she was at her creative best Murali worked with a Restaurant, and helped them on setting a system on tracking of orders etc
Gosia worked with a company focused on consulting, designing and producing furniture, trading in construction material and advertising, focusing on establishing business processes.
Arjan advised on IT infrastructure implementation to a Trading Company
Jo advised on basic stock and inventory management and project planning techniques evolution for a mini steel production company
Debbie worked with mother daughter company focused on fabrics
We had gone to local SOS village. Interacting with the children there was one of the most moving experiences for many of us. Debbie was magnificent with the many games and “tricks” she showed the kids.
There are many memories which are etched hen we were invited for a Reality show which was being telecast live, when we were invited for a marriage but most of all when we were on a boat in Ha Long Bay rocking quietly as the sun set. That was beautiful
- CSC Vietnam 4
24 April 2009 – 23 May 2009
"Vietnam Team 4 was assigned to Hai Phong, Vietnam and was comprised of 7 IBMers from Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, and the United States.
We each had a small-medium client to work with, addressing their specific business challenges.
For a jewelry making company, we focused on quality assurance & providing training materials on financial management.
For an office equipment trading company, we redesigned the organizations structure, HR procedures and development of future growth strategy.
For a construction & transportation company, we provided management & administration-related training & developing a medium term business strategy.
For an electricity & water supply company, we provided medium term business strategy & planning, and for a plastic products manufacturer, we developed an ERP strategy.
For a plastic bag manufacturer, we developed a business plan for the IT, HR, and marketing departments.
For a plastic pipe manufacturer, we reviewed their organization structure, and made recommendations for productivity & performance improvements and growth strategy.
In addition to our projects, we visited the SOS Village, which was a humbling & fun-filled day that included a face painting activity with the children.
inner time and karaoke nights are one of our favorite memories. This time spent together is forever etched in our minds, as we got to know and learn from each other, removing any cultural boundaries and being bound by mutual trust & respect. Our day spent with SOS Village kids was also very memorable. It was interesting to see how happy, energetic and content the kids were at the village despite any hardship they may be facing. Nothing broke their spirit – a good reflection & reminder for us all."
- CSC Vietnam 5
5 June 2009 - 3 July 2009
"Team Vietnam 5 consisted of eight IBMers from six countries: the US, India, Canada, Brazil, Australia and Belgium. We worked with various small to mid-size businesses in the coastal city of Ha Long Bay, a scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Most of our partner companies were linked to tourism: a hotel, traditional “Junk” boat tour operators, a restaurant/entertainment complex, and the local tourism department. Another partner provided bunker fuel to ships in the harbor.
All of the partners sought assistance in developing business tools to allow them to remain competitive and to expand. These tools included marketing plans, formal HR procedures, staff and management training modules, IT best practices and the development of matrices to track and measure success. We worked with the partners to develop tools that they could use, update and modify on their own, after the CSC teams left. Also during the assignment, we had opportunities to sail Junk boats among the 1,600 limestone islands of the Bay. Here, among other amazing experiences, we visited schools in two floating fishing villages to donate supplies and we participated in cultural exchange sessions with teenagers and families in the floating community of Vong Vieng."
- CSC Vietnam 6
21 September 2009 – 16 October 2009
"Vietnam Team 6 was based in Halong Bay, Vietnam and included ten participants from seven different countries, including Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, India, Ireland, and the United States.
The team served five small business clients in varying aspects of business improvement. At a local PC reseller, Oanh Son Trading & Service Ltd., the focus was on internal business process improvement and developing procedures for each different department (Sales, Technical Services, Store).
For Ha Long Joint-stock Co., an Educational Services, Real Estate Development, Import / Export Brokerage firm, the team provided a corporate finance and investment analysis and shared important educational best practices.
The team focused on Business Management and Marketing at Bai Tho Tourist Co. (Junks in Halong Bay), where they developed a go-to-market model for the client.
The focus for Huong Hai Ltd. (Junks in Halong Bay) was on organizational & HR management while at Bai Tho Ltd. (Gravel Company), the team’s focus was on improving business management & operations.
The team also made time for some important community service, visiting an orphanage on the weekend and donating gifts as well as printed photos of the children that the team had taken during their visit.
The team’s favourite memory was singing Karaoke in both English and Vietnamese. They even developed a “favourite” CSC Team Song!"
- CSC Vietnam 7
9 April 2010 – 8 May 2010
"Vietnam Team 7 comprised 7 people from the USA, Taiwan, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, India and China. The professional background of the team was very diverse which made it possible to provide different approaches and viewpoints to the clients and to learn from one another. A marketing and communication expert, two consultants, two IT specialists, one procurement specialist and one lawyer put all of their knowledge together to provide services to the clients.
The team was located in the bustling city of Can Tho in South Vietnam. All team members had different clients and assignments that ranged from developing a business and marketing plan to relaunching a website to giving advice in contract and negotiation issues. As the Mekong delta is the heart of the cat fish fish farming industry many of the customers were part of this industry. Besides conducting many interviews with the local professionals a big focus was also on education. Many presentations were given, basic marketing skills were taught and the Vietnamese learned a new working method in workshops. A main goal of the team was not to present solutions but to transfer skills and know how.
On the weekends the team explored the beautiful environment, traveled to Saigon, and learned about the Vietnamese culture and history. The combination of the insight into the Vietnamese economy, the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people, the great food, the great countryside and, last but not least, the great team spirit of a truly international team will make this an unforgettable memory and a true enrichment for everybody."
- CSC Vietnam 8
10th September 2010 to 8th October 2010
9 Participants from Germany, India, Mexico, UK, USA, Slovakia, and Canada
Location
Can Tho City, Vietnam“Project 1 - Cadif Investment Joint Stock Company
Cadif Investment JSC is a privately owned company based in Can Tho City. They were established in 2009 and currently employ 10 staff.
Investing in construction, trading in projects such as urban technical infrastructure, projects of building industrial infrastructure zone, export processing zone, economics zone, high technical zone and residential areasGoal of assignment
To improve the project management capability of staffProject 2 - Can Tho Development Investment Fund
Can Tho Development Investment Fund is a government organisation based in Can Tho City. They were established in 2009 and currently employ 20 staff.
Receiving governmental budget capital, sponsored capital and middle and long-term capital contributed by legal domestic and foreign organisations and individuals in order to create a capital for carrying out projects on developing economic and social infrastructure of Can Tho cityGoal of assignment
To upgrade the knowledge of financial management for the staff of the companyProject 3 - Cadif Consultant Joint Stock Company
Cadif Consultants Joint Stock Company is a privately owned company based in Can Tho City. They were established in 2009 and currently employ 12 staff.
Investing in construction, trading in projects such as urban technical infrastructure, projects of building industrial infrastructure zone, export processing zone, economics zone, high technical zone and residential areasGoal of assignment
To enhance staff knowledge on business strategy and enterprise developmentProject 4 - Brightstar Investment and Education Joint Stock Company
Can Tho City. Brightstar was founded in 2009 and currently have 6 staff members. They offer English training programs to people of all age groups and also provide consultancy assistance to complete overseas study applications.
Brightstar employ part time reception/sales staff on a commission only basis and require assistance to train and develop procedures to manage such a team. Staff turnover among reception/sales staff is very high with an average retention period of approximately 4 months. Brightstar are looking for assistance from an IBM volunteer to assist developing procedures to train and manage these part-time staff effectively to reduce staff turnover.Goal of assignment
To develop procedures to train and manage part-time staff effectivelyProject 5 - The Association for People with Disabilities
The Association for People with Disabilities was established in 2001 as an organisation to assist people living with disabilities. The main functions of the organisation are to:
Provide vocational training and skills development to disabled people
Assist with placing people with disabilities into suitable job opportunities
Organise fund raising to assist with providing living allowances and to purchase aides and equipment for disable people
Organise sports, press and music performances for the disabled
The Association currently has 20 employeesGoal
To improve staff’s knowledge and skills in marketing strategy development and business planningProject 6 - Motilen Can Tho Building Materials Joint Stock Company
Motilen Can Tho Building Materials Joint Stock Company is a privately owned company based in Can Tho City.
They were established in 1983 and currently employ 133 staff.
The main activities of Motilen Can Tho Building Materials Joint Stock Company include:
Producing and trading building materials
Consulting and designing interior and exterior decorationsGoal of assignment
To improve the marketing and business development strategy capabilities of staffProject 7 - Southern Medicine Pty Co.
Southern Medicine Ltd. Co. is a privately owned company based in Can Tho City. They were established in 2005 and currently employ 63 staff.
The main activity of Southern Medicine Ltd Co. is to produce and distribute medicine and cosmetics. These goods are used mainly for external purposes.Goal of assignment
To develop staff capabilities in business strategy development and improve organisational processesCommunity service work
Visit to Orphanage
Vietnam 8 team visited orphanage at Can Tho city. Orphanage has nearly 50 children from 6 months to 15 years. Team donated toys, sweets, baby diapers, formulas, etc and spent half a day with them.Visit to Institution of Disabled people.
The first occasion was to celebrate Moon Festival with the inmates (around 40). Along with inmates, team spend an evening to be part of their celebration that included singing, dancing, games etc Second occasion was to provide a knowledge sharing session on promotion of materials manufactured by inmates. In addition to the session, team participated in cultural activities.Favorite memory
It was the experience of scraping through Cu Chi Tunnel (Vietnam war memorial). As a team, we followed the sounds of each other to reach the other end of dark tunnel.” - CSC Vietnam 9
Sept 1, 2011 – Sept 30, 2011
10 Participants, 1 Brazil, 1 China, 2 India, 2 Canada, 1 Japan, 3 US
College of Food Industry – Focus on human resources and mgmt training. Need for developing business administrations skills, strategic planning and leadership.
Asiatrans – Small international courier (UPS, FEDEx model) interested in growth. Team worked on strategies and plans for systems and skills development to provide a solid foundation to grow from.
Petrolimex – Asphalt distribution, division of market leading petroleum provider. Team worked on business process improvements, leadership development, strategic planning and sales skills.
SucTre – Paper manufacturing plant. Team worked on strategic growth plans around customer mix, acquisitions, capacity planning and quality assurance.
Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped - Need for knowledge transfer on software development process. Design, architecture, coding and security practices for their registration site.
Selected favorite memory: The last night we gathered at our favorite restaurant in Da Nang to share stories and recall the wonderful experience we had. We experienced everything we could and embraced our opportunity to engage and learn from the Vietnamese people and each other. We are the best team ever!!!.
- ESC Vietnam 1
12 February 2010 - 6 March 2010
"Vietnam ESC Team 1 was located in Ho Chi Minh City and consisted of six participants from Canada, the US, the UK and India.
Two Executive Services Corps teams were deployed to HCMC for a 3 week assignment in March and May 2010 respectively to assist the city leaders realize their vision for a smarter city. Through high level consultation the city and the ESC identified 6 critical areas of focus – transportation, water, food safety, e-government & the high-tech eco system, healthcare, information & communications.
Both teams worked closely with leaders from various government departments, academia and industry to gather information and data for analysis, and conduct many meetings and field trips to gain first hand knowledge and understanding of the scope of challenges. In addition team members conducted several workshops and meetings to share their expertise on a variety of topics.
At the conclusion of the 3 week assignment both teams provided the city leaders with a detailed report and set of observations and recommendations to each of the key departments and the city as a whole. The reports contained a vision for HCMC as a Smarter City, a roadmap for how to get there, a concrete set of seven collaborative technology pilots and several transformational programs to be undertaken immediately.
“This has been a fantastic teaming and learning experience for all of us... We would like to thank you all for this wonderful opportunity, and we look forward to IBM helping Ho Chi Minh City become the 'Pearl of Asia' ”."
- ESC Vietnam 2
30 April 2010 - 22 May 2010
"Vietnam ESC Team 2 consisted of six participants from Russia, Canada, the USA and France and was located in Ho Chi Minh City.
Two Executive Services Corps teams were deployed to HCMC for a 3 week assignment in March and May 2010 respectively to assist the city leaders realise their vision for a smarter city. Through high level consultation the city and the ESC identified 6 critical areas of focus – transportation, water, food safety, e-government & the high-tech eco system, healthcare, information & communications.
Both teams worked closely with leaders from various government departments, academia and industry to gather information and data for analysis, and conduct many meetings and field trips to gain first hand knowledge and understanding of the scope of challenges. In addition team members conducted several workshops and meetings to share their expertise on a variety of topics.
At the conclusion of the 3 week assignment both teams provided the city leaders with a detailed report and set of observations and recommendations to each of the key departments and the city as a whole. The reports contained a vision for HCMC as a Smarter City, a roadmap for how to get there, a concrete set of seven collaborative technology pilots and several transformational programs to be undertaken immediately.
'The ESC was a terrific personal and professional experience that took me out of my ‘comfort zone’. It provided a valuable test of collaborative leadership.'"
Follow Along
Case Study
Executive Service Corps
An expansion of the successful IBM Corporate Service Corps, the Executive Service Corps deploys teams of IBM executives to solve complex problems in cities of high growth emerging markets. In 2010, six IBM executives set off for Vietnam with the intention of helping city planners, entrepreneurs, and NGOs develop a road map for a smarter city in Ho Chi Minh City.