Innovation can be initiated anywhere.

In an interview with reporters from Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television, Mr. Vu Hong Quan - Chairman of the Binh Dinh Young Entrepreneurs Association and also the head of several businesses in Gia Lai - shared his vision, solutions, and specific steps to form an innovation ecosystem.

Mr. Vu Hong Quan, Chairman of the Binh Dinh Young Entrepreneurs Association, participated in providing feedback at the association's intensive AI training course. **Photo: Hai Yen.**

* Science and technology are considered key to regional economic development. How do you view this opportunity for young entrepreneurs?

- I believe this is a pivotal moment for young businesses to break through. Previously, many businesses in Gia Lai mainly relied on agriculture and forestry. But science and technology, especially AI, big data, and microchip design, are opening new doors.

If we know how to take advantage of it, businesses can transcend traditional limitations to expand their development space. The important thing is that we don't take shortcuts, but proceed steadily, creating concrete value from the labs and from young engineers, rather than just remaining at the level of slogans.

* What activities has the Binh Dinh Young Entrepreneurs Association actually undertaken to concretize that spirit?

- From the beginning of the year, the Association has collaborated with universities to organize many meaningful events. For example, the Pitching Portfolio 2025 Competition, the Professional AI Showcase 2025, and the QNU Job Fair 2025 with 9 member booths, providing more than 2,000 job and internship opportunities for students.

In addition, we also participated in major programs such as multi-channel digital marketing at the International Center for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE); training conferences on e-commerce and digital transformation; and the 6th National Innovation Startup Forum in the province. These activities not only connected businesses but also created a practical environment for applying technology.

The Binh Dinh Young Entrepreneurs Association signs a digital transformation cooperation agreement with MISA Joint Stock Company. **Photo: Hai Yen.**

* Given the scarcity of highly skilled technology personnel, what do you consider to be a sustainable path forward?

- People always lead the way in infrastructure. I'm very pleased that the Provincial People's Committee has implemented the AI and STEM training program. But to ensure truly sustainable human resources, we need a "20-5-2" selection model. That is, from 20 student interns, we will select 5 core personnel, and then form 2 chief engineers to be in charge of technical and product development.

Businesses should proactively commission research from universities, take advantage of tax deduction mechanisms for training costs; and especially invite domestic and foreign experts to provide direct training.

A specific example is the possibility of building labs at universities using a public-private partnership model, where businesses contribute capital, the university provides infrastructure, and experts handle the training.

* Some argue that chip or semiconductor manufacturing requires too much resources, exceeding the capabilities of young local businesses…

- It's true that building a "billion-dollar factory" is beyond our capabilities, but we can absolutely choose smaller components. For example, designing specialized microchips, or applying AI in management and smart agriculture. These are all achievable directions, but they can bring enormous value.

From April to June this year, the Association organized a workshop on AI in management, signed a digital transformation cooperation agreement with MISA Joint Stock Company, and participated in numerous training programs on energy and e-commerce. These are small steps, but they contribute to improving management capacity and connecting members with new knowledge.

So, can small businesses with limited resources participate in this technology game?

- I believe so. Small businesses can start with seemingly small things: sponsoring scholarships for technology engineers, supporting startup incubators, or connecting with overseas Vietnamese experts as mentors. If done properly, these things can create significant change. Not every business will become a technology hub, but innovation can be initiated anywhere.

What message would you like to send to the young business community?

- Young entrepreneurs must dare to try, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility. There's no need to rush, just do it properly; there's no need to aim big right away, just do it right.

It is this steadfastness and steady progress that will create long-term advancements. When private enterprises join forces with the government and schools, a regional innovation ecosystem connecting the South Central and Central Highlands regions will surely gradually form. And that is the new driving force for sustainable development.

Thank you, sir!

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/bat-cu-noi-nao-cung-co-the-khoi-phat-doi-moi-sang-tao-post565969.html