Founded in August 2016, Base.vn is known as one of the technology companies in the field of building enterprise management platforms (Saas) in Vietnam.
In 2021, FPT officially announced its strategic investment in Vietnam's most popular enterprise management platform - Base.vn. This cooperation is expected to combine the strengths of both sides to promote the completion of a comprehensive digital transformation ecosystem for 800,000 Vietnamese businesses and reach out to the world.
And it has been more than a year since Mr. Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh - Director of FPT.AI Artificial Intelligence Product Block (under FPT Smart Cloud) was appointed to the position of General Director of Base.
With the contribution of making FPT.AI the leading artificial intelligence platform in the region with 200 million monthly users in 15 countries, Mr. Minh is expected to lead the team to develop many breakthrough products, while coordinating with resources within FPT to expand Base's ecosystem and customer base.
VietnamPlus had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh to hear about Base's vision and strategy in the coming period.
No business is left out of the digital transformation game
- After 3 years of joining FPT, it seems that Base has been “silent” with the media. Can you share about Base’s activities as well as the results achieved in the past time?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: It is true that in the past, when only focusing on product development, Base had some communication disruptions. In reality, after 3 years of being under FPT, Base has had 3 times growth in both the number of customers and staff, and Base has continuously set monthly and quarterly revenue records... and Base's ambition will not change until now. FPT has supported Base with a lot of technology and network.
Base's vision has always been steadfast with open platform, building a technological base, with circulation and connection with other applications, service providers serving customers, creating a complete system for SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in Vietnam.
Currently, with more than 60 applications built and improved every day, Base.vn is a platform supporting operations and management for more than 9,000 leading Vietnamese enterprises in all 63 provinces and cities of Vietnam, spanning 54 different fields and industries: banking,education , construction, manufacturing, commercial distribution, healthcare, F&B...
- In your opinion, how has the digital transformation trend in SMEs changed in recent years?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: Back in 2017, the technology industry in Vietnam was not really developed. According to the General Statistics Office, there were more than 654,000 businesses nationwide, of which more than 90% were small and medium enterprises (SMEs), but these businesses had limited access to technology. The concept of digital transformation was too unfamiliar to them.
Base.vn in particular and digital transformation solution providers in general have gone through a long process that we often call the "ice-breaking" period: changing market thinking.
But the story of digital transformation in SMEs in the period of 2023 - 2024 has clearly shifted in goals, from creating momentum for growth to optimizing operations to face the general difficult economic situation. Digital transformation has greatly contributed to helping businesses increase performance.
And now, when digital transformation becomes an irreversible trend, the biggest barrier for businesses will be choosing the "right" solution tool that truly serves the purpose of increasing performance and optimizing operations.
- For local businesses, how is digital transformation going, sir?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: In fact, Base has been working with many local businesses, diverse in both scale and field of operation. It cannot be denied that some companies are really determined and are implementing strong digital transformation. However, unfortunately, there are still many businesses that are still struggling, without the necessary investment in digital transformation, both in terms of resources and spirit.
There are many reasons for this situation. From my perspective, the main reason is that local businesses have limited access to digital transformation. They do not understand the essential meaning of digital transformation, have not received technology training, and have not been consulted on "practical" implementation. Therefore, although they have grasped information about national digital transformation programs, they still feel confused and consider themselves "outsiders."
But the truth is that no business is out of the digital transformation game. Opportunities are shared equally, and so are the achievements that lie ahead. What local businesses need most right now is a companion by their side, to clearly guide them on the path to digital transformation.
- What suggestions do you have to further promote digital transformation for SMEs or local businesses?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: The biggest desire of digital platform development businesses like Base.vn is to approach, connect and support Vietnamese businesses in deploying technology, including local businesses.
Base itself has proactively organized or participated in many digital transformation seminars and conferences in provinces and cities across the country. We are also always ready to support localities in training, coaching and sharing experiences. Our joy is to see many businesses successfully deploying Base and becoming pioneers in digital transformation in their localities, contributing to spreading the spirit of digital transformation in the business community.
Therefore, I hope the State will continue to support us to connect deeply with the provincial business community, to organize more events, digital transformation seminars or technology training sessions.
2 stages of digital transformation
- Currently, Vietnamese companies are facing fierce competition not only domestically but also internationally. Therefore, in order to win at home and compete with foreign rivals, what do you think Vietnamese businesses need to do?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: For production and service activities in general, businesses need to raise operating standards, apply high technology in the supply chain, optimize customer experience,...
For office operations, the digital transformation story is divided into two phases: digitalization and digital management. Previously, businesses digitized documents and this was an extremely large resource for management, decision-making and orientation. Currently, businesses have switched to digital management, analyzing existing data to make specific decisions quarterly and annually.
- Keywords like “digital transformation” or “AI” have become very popular, however, 97% of Vietnamese enterprises are small and medium-sized, and the level of adaptation of enterprises is very difficult. So how do you assess the barriers of enterprises?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, digital transformation was hindered by awareness and thinking, not only for leaders but also in changing the way the entire business operates from old to new. Once aware, one must be determined to implement it thoroughly.
In terms of technology, the success factor only accounts for 5 - 10 - 20% but has brought great financial value to the business.
In the past 2 years, the economy has been difficult, and small businesses have been clearly affected. Base no longer only provides technology products but focuses on solving the problem of businesses "increasing revenue and reducing expenses". This does not mean that businesses do not spend money, but must spend money in the right place.
Cost reduction: instead of investing widely and expanding, businesses must build a clear working process and "measure", dare to eliminate redundant work, and take advantage of technology to improve productivity. In the previous stage, businesses could freely use large teams to test markets, products, operations... in many different ways, but now businesses must have more strict measurement and optimize efficiency in all stages related to operating costs. That is, "Optimizing operating costs" is the top priority.
For increasing revenue: in addition to appreciating every penny spent, businesses also need to cherish every opportunity to earn. Customer data needs to be effectively managed at the "detailed level of each activity", analyzed and exploited to come up with the most suitable business strategies. Not only the sales department, other departments such as marketing, operations, production... also need to participate in the general business activities, providing timely support to increase any percentage of opportunities... "Sales opportunity management" needs to be excellent.
- Can you share about Base.vn's goals and aspirations in the coming time?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: As shared, Base's goal by 2030 is to conquer 30,000 Vietnamese enterprises across the country and further continue the mission of serving all 800,000 SMEs.
Regarding products and services, Base continues to develop core products in both breadth and depth. In addition, Base will cooperate with other enterprise application providers to serve customers best and most completely. Base will not compete with partners but create a land for everyone to participate and conquer bigger goals together.
- Does Base have the goal of expanding to the world and other key markets, sir?
CEO Nguyen Thuong Tuong Minh: Currently, with international standard service quality, Base has been serving large and small international customers and partners such as Vietjet Thailand, Xekaman 1 Hydropower in Laos,... and in the near future, Base also hopes to have new products and new brands reaching further markets such as Europe, America, Japan, Korea,... with the Make in Vietnam brand. However, we are still paying much attention to the Vietnamese market and businesses.
- Thank you for the chat!
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/base-huong-toi-muc-tieu-chinh-phuc-30000-doanh-nghiep-viet-nam-vao-nam-2030-post982399.vnp
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