Expert Tran Si Chuong. Photo: NVCC

Sir, as an investor, consultant oneducation , real estate, information technology... why do you target Gen Z (the generation born from around 1995 - 1997 to 2010 - 2012) in this work?

I am very lucky to have traveled to many places, experienced many jobs, and had the opportunity to approach all walks of life, including young people. I am especially interested in the young generation, because they are the future generation of the country.

At this time, when the 4.0 technology revolution is taking place, the 5.0 technology is about to reach, young people with little experience will be affected more. We have the responsibility to transfer, guide, and help them realize the real problem. From there, they can overcome difficulties, become stronger, more energetic when joining hands to bring society to a new orbit, taking advantage of the country's new opportunities. That is why in the past time, I have coordinated with many speakers to organize talks with students in Vietnam; listen to their thoughts, share their worries, discuss their concerns... Referring to many experts who have gone before, people with a lot of experience, I give my perspective from what I have learned. Hopefully, the book will help many parents and young people see themselves clearly, have a specific direction in the future.

What do you think is special about Gen Z that makes them able to accompany the transformation of the world ?

Everyone will encounter some problems when they grow up. The problem of Gen Z today is the rapid change of the world. The world is shaking and changing every day, making them dizzy and confused. We must make Gen Z realize that there are always unchanging values, if they cling to them, they will grow up well, and even survive in any era.

Young people are increasingly creative in starting businesses. Photo: Hoang Loan

Vietnam is on the path of innovation, Vietnamese people are always eager to learn, the young generation catches up with information technology very quickly. Survey results around the world show that our country's youth are in the "top" of countries accessing and using technology to serve development. That is a clearly visible advantage.

Having been closely associated with Hue , what do you think about Gen Z in Hue? What should they take advantage of to create a "brand" and create momentum for a breakthrough?

In general, young people everywhere face similar problems. In Hue, there is a relative difference from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in that there are fewer opportunities, therefore, less motivation to develop, slower. However, with the quiet environment of the land of Huong River and Ngu Mountain, they can find themselves more easily.

Author Tran Si Chuong signs books for young people and CEOs in Hue

The individual is still the subject of development. Gen Z individuals must know how to position themselves, find out who they are, and from there orient and nurture their passion. Trendy passion is often not sustainable and should not be followed. When passion is truly burning, the energy will spur the individual to rise up and reach success. In Hue, in addition to ability, people are also extremely successful thanks to culture. This culture is knowing how to appreciate beauty, recognizing the values of truth - goodness - beauty. Knowing beauty makes one live beautifully and bring beauty to others. Hue has a cultural foundation that helps Gen Z Hue do that.

Why do you advise young people to focus on building their own inner strength, and not anything else?

Do you know that the Chat GPT we are using is not the best version and certainly not the last version, it is constantly updated and changed to the point that we cannot recognize it. So once you have learned something, think about how to use it? I think the core is to turn what you have learned into a tool, use it to create higher value. That is the inner strength of each person that needs to be established, cultivated, and gradually nurtured.

In his work, he mentioned “Education of Etiquette”, “Becoming a good person before becoming talented”… What is the message he wants to convey here?

We grow up with humanity, courtesy, righteousness, wisdom, and trust. The goal of social education is to become a human being, then become a talented person. After humanity, courtesy is very powerful. The essence of courtesy is knowing how to respect the people around us. When we respect others, they will respect us, this alone creates a connecting value for both sides. At each time, each space, each country, there are different rules of etiquette and manners, but they all come down to knowing how to respect. This is a lesson that our ancestors have learned, doing so will create many values for ourselves and others.

There have been hundreds of conversations with young people about startups, so what do you want to emphasize to Gen Z when they intend to start a business?

Start-up - “Start up” here does not mean investing capital to do business. This job, this path you choose will bind and build your own future. Society assigns each person a different job. Starting a business is starting a job you want to aim for, choosing a suitable career. Once you have chosen, do the job properly, thoroughly.

The 4.0 era will create both opportunities and challenges for Gen Z. How can they overcome them in their journey to assert themselves and conquer the world?

Each era has its own challenges. Our grandparents had them too, and they are completely different from our current problems. No matter what the circumstances, we need the will to overcome difficulties. First, we must know who we are to find a way to overcome those difficulties.

What do you expect from your brainchild this time?

I hope that those who happen to read or listen to this book will feel or gain something for themselves. It could be an idea or a quote that you find interesting, but it can open up a direction and change your perspective. Some young entrepreneurs have started their businesses successfully and are known by the community. They asked how to be a CEO now, bro? I said the simplest thing is to make the people who come to you feel that it is beneficial: from suppliers of raw materials, processors, finished products, visitors... at least bring them joy. They will "return" you something, it could be a product, money, spirit... If you don't bring joy and satisfaction to others, don't expect anyone to bring anything to you. I think this formula is immutable. Young people don't need to look for anything else, just apply this formula!

Thank you!

Mr. Tran Si Chuong was born in 1955 in Hue City, is an expert in economics and business development strategy. He graduated from many universities in the UK and the US; he started and ran 10 businesses in the US and Vietnam. He is currently the representative leader of 3Horizons Company (UK) consulting on restructuring business strategy and succession system in Asia.


Linh Giang (Performed)