digital transformation

For many years, discussions about digital transformation have focused mainly on productivity, efficiency, and economic growth. Yet, through the practical journey of the IDAP – Inclusive Digital Adoption Project, KisStartup has discovered a deeper dimension: digital transformation not only reshapes economies but also preserves and enriches culture – the very soul of communities.

In the highland villages of Lào Cai and Sơn La, technology has not arrived as a foreign wave but has gradually become a bridge that brings local identity to the world. It helps revive cultural heritage in new forms — digitized, shared, and passed on to younger generations.

When Technology Becomes the Storyteller of Identity

Through IDAP’s training programs, many artisans, teachers, and ethnic minority youth have learned how to record, store, and present their cultural heritage using digital tools. Small classes on video production, product photography, and content design have become creative spaces where locals learn to “tell their cultural stories” in their own voice.

In Sơn La, lecturer Lò Thị Ngọc Diệp and her students at Tây Bắc University have worked together to digitize Thai cultural traditions — from performances to instructional videos shared on social media.

Such efforts are turning YouTube into an open classroom where cultural values transform into creative products and services — music classes, cultural tours, ethnic embroidery workshops, and traditional handicraft lessons.

In Lào Cai, Dr. Đặng Thị Oanh and her team of lecturers and students are documenting and promoting the spiritual traditions of the Dao people. Meanwhile, Ms. Vàng Thị Mai has been collecting ancient then songs of the Tày in Bản Liền, inspiring others to join her efforts. Her small class has evolved into a community-run hub, where locals teach, learn, and share their traditions online through YouTube and Facebook.

Digital Technology – The Companion of Heritage

Around the world, technology has become humanity’s extended memory, helping to preserve and revive what once seemed lost.

In Guatemala, Duolingo added the K’iche’ language of the Maya people, reviving a tongue once on the brink of extinction. In Bolivia, the OEI App preserves five indigenous languages with pronunciation guides and e-dictionaries, allowing mountain children to reconnect with their mother tongues.

In Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, technologies such as VR360, 3D scanning, and virtual reality are used to recreate festivals, stilt houses, pottery, and ancient dances — allowing global audiences to walk through indigenous spaces from across the world.

Some projects even experiment with blockchain to protect community intellectual property — from textile patterns and indigo-dyeing recipes to traditional medicines — ensuring that traditional knowledge is shared fairly and safeguarded from commercial exploitation.

Emerging technologies like AI, virtual reality, cloud storage, digital linguistics, and blockchain are helping cultural heritage to live again in interactive, accessible forms. Yet, these tools only gain true meaning when local communities themselves are the storytellers.

Lessons from IDAP: When Communities Lead the Digital Journey

Experiences from Lào Cai and Sơn La show that when digital transformation begins with culture, it creates stronger and more lasting connections than any technical project could.

In Bản Liền, the Tày community not only digitized the production process of ancient tea but also used short videos to tell its history — sharing traditions of leaf-picking, tea-making, and festive tea ceremonies. Their fanpage “Hương Trà Bản Liền” (The Fragrance of Bản Liền Tea) has become more than an online shop — it’s a living cultural classroom.

In Bản Lùn, the Thai community organized folk song classes with livestreams, where children learned to sing, film, and edit videos, adding captions and descriptions. The entire village joined in — each person playing a role — creating a community-built digital archive of ethnic music.

IDAP calls this approach “community-led digital transformation” — where technology is localized and owned by the people, not imposed from outside. This allows culture to evolve naturally, while also generating new economic value without losing authenticity.

Preserve to Develop – Develop to Spread

Technology can preserve, but its ultimate purpose is to bring culture back into modern life.

Music lessons, cultural tours, storytelling videos, and handcrafted souvenirs are ways of transforming heritage into tangible value. Each song, dance, and weaving pattern no longer sits behind glass or in research books but is digitized, shared, and becomes a source of inspiration for new generations.

When a student in Sơn La can teach the tính lute on TikTok, or an artisan in Bản Khảo hosts an online indigo-dyeing class, culture has truly entered the digital age — in the most human, patient, and creative Vietnamese way.                            

Challenges and Vision

Digital transformation in culture poses significant challenges: balancing preservation with commercialization, openness with protection of traditional knowledge. Without proper guidance, technology can distort or exploit heritage. Therefore, the core principle must be that ownership of knowledge and content belongs to the indigenous community.

KisStartup and IDAP’s partners aim for a model of sustainable cultural development, where technology plays a supportive role — helping communities to tell their own stories, share them widely, and create their own value.

The Road Ahead

From small filming classes in Sơn La to cultural tourism products in Lào Cai, digital transformation is rekindling the creative flame within each community.

When technology becomes a tool of culture, not its replacement, we can envision a future where national identity does not fade — but finds new life in the digital world.

“Digital transformation does not blur tradition – it gives tradition a new voice.”

And it is the young people, artisans, teachers, and small enterprises in the mountains — together with KisStartup — who are writing this next chapter: making culture more vibrant, more widespread, and more valuable in the digital era.

© Copyright KisStartup. Content developed under the IDAP Project – Inclusive Digital Adoption Program. Any reproduction, quotation, or reuse must cite KisStartup/IDAP as the source.

After one year of implementing the IDAP project at the Thai Nguyen University Branch in Lào Cai, the initial changes have revealed a highly promising pilot model: students are directly placed in businesses, assisting with small but essential tasks such as raising awareness of digital tools, guiding software usage, and collecting basic data. Through this process, both enterprises and students grow together — businesses gradually overcome their fear of technology, while students gain valuable hands-on experience in the local business environment.

A standout feature of this model is the transformation within the university itself. With guidance from IDAP, the Lào Cai branch has developed a Bachelor’s Program in Digital Economics, set to begin enrollment in 2025. At the same time, digital transformation content will be integrated across all subjects — from management and finance to marketing — creating a comprehensive approach rather than limiting it to a few standalone courses. This demonstrates that the university is not merely reacting to trends, but truly internalizing digital transformation as a foundational competency for all disciplines.

Three key lessons emerge after a year of implementation.
First, starting small is the right approach for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in mountainous regions. When a student helps a household business adopt a sales management app or learn how to store customer data, that is the first brick in a long-term digital journey.
Second, linking education with practice creates a double impact: students learn from real-world experiences, and businesses benefit from youthful digital talent.
Third, change comes from a collaborative system — with IDAP as the coordinator, universities innovating their curricula, students participating actively, and businesses embracing the process.

Looking beyond Lào Cai to Sơn La, a similar initiative is emerging: the Sơn La Digital Workforce Platform, initiated by Mr. Nguyễn Tiến Dũng of Tây Bắc University. Its distinctive feature is that the university doesn’t just train and “push” students into the job market — it actively connects them with businesses. Small enterprises, household businesses, and cooperatives can find flexible, tech-savvy digital workers for specific tasks such as managing fan pages, designing visuals, online communication, or managing Google Maps. Students earn extra income, gain real-world experience, and are mentored by lecturers to ensure quality outcomes.

Both models demonstrate the immense potential of Vietnamese universities in supporting local businesses’ digital transformation. The key lies not in large-scale technological solutions, but in how universities design mechanisms that connect students — young digital talents — with enterprises. When these mechanisms evolve into formal training programs, support centers, or digital workforce platforms, the benefits extend beyond students and businesses to help shape a local digital ecosystem.

For other universities seeking direction, the lessons from Lào Cai and Sơn La offer a clear path forward: treat digital transformation not merely as a subject to teach, but as a dynamic process linking the classroom with the community. Each local business becomes a “real-world laboratory”, each student a “small digital transformation agent”, and each university a “knowledge coordination hub”. Achieving this means universities go beyond granting degrees — they help create genuine value for Vietnam’s digital economy.

© Copyright belongs to KisStartup. Content developed under the IDAP Project – Inclusive Digital Acceleration Program. Any reproduction, citation, or reuse must include proper attribution to KisStartup/IDAP.

Starting Up After 40: When Experience Becomes a Strategic Asset

At the age of 40, many people choose stability. Yet, quite a few choose to begin again — to embark on a new journey called “entrepreneurship.” In reality, starting a business after 40 is far from too late. On the contrary, it can be the ideal moment to launch a venture with a strong foundation: life experience, accumulated capital, and maturity in decision-making.

When 40 Becomes a Competitive Advantage

Recent international studies show that 59% of startup founders worldwide are aged 40 or older, and the average age of a successful startup founder is 45. In fact, founders in their 50s are 2.2–2.8 times more likely to succeed, and those in their 60s are three times more likely than their 30-year-old counterparts (Harvard Business Review, 2018; Startup Magazine, 2024).

Why is that? Because by this stage of life, founders have already accumulated:

• Professional experience that helps them understand the market, customers, and how businesses operate.

• Risk management and decision-making skills based on real data rather than intuition.

• Established professional networks — from former colleagues and partners to clients and mentors — providing a strong foundation for fundraising, business expansion, and trust-building.

• More stable personal finances, reducing early-stage pressure and enabling them to self-fund their ventures.

Real-World Challenges and the “Technology Test”

However, starting up after 40 is not without challenges. Founders in this age group often struggle with adopting digital tools, automating processes, and managing finances using digital systems. As most business operations now happen online, slow technological adaptation can make business models less scalable or competitive.

Studies also show that the riskiest period for startups is not the first year, but years two to five, when 70% of startups fail due to poor cash-flow control or imbalance between growth and cost (Equidam, 2023). Moreover, 82% of startups fail due to ineffective cash-flow management (Brooks-Keret, 2024).

For founders over 40, these risks can be even higher, as many rely on personal savings, retirement funds, or severance packages instead of venture capital — which is typically more flexible.

 

 

 

 

Financial Management – The Compass for 40+ Startups

To survive and grow sustainably, smart and disciplined financial management is essential.
According to expert Trịnh Phan Lan, founders at this age should:

• Develop a sound financial mindset, emphasizing savings and risk prevention.

• Use digital tools to track personal and business finances separately, adopting cloud-based accounting platforms for real-time cash-flow monitoring.

• Apply financial modeling and risk forecasting tools to evaluate different business scenarios.

• Build cash-flow reports and detailed forecasts to prepare for potential crises.

• Set up investor and advisor reporting systems to maintain transparency and strengthen trust.

In other words, finance is not just about numbers — it is a strategic early-warning system for decision-making. With a solid risk management mindset, startups led by founders over 40 can operate as sustainably as traditional businesses after 10 years (StartupRegions, 2020).

© Copyright by KisStartup. Any form of reproduction, citation, or reuse must include proper attribution to KisStartup.

Digital transformation (DX) has become a matter of survival for Vietnamese enterprises, especially SMEs. However, according to recent surveys, the process faces a series of challenges: high investment costs, lack of digital human resources, limited technological infrastructure, reluctance to change, and the absence of a clear strategy. Only 7.6% of businesses have a well-structured digital transformation plan, while 48.8% have experimented with some solutions but failed to sustain them (Annual Report on Business Digital Transformation, 2022).

In this context, universities – with their combined roles in education, research, and knowledge connection – hold great potential to become strategic partners of enterprises in digital transformation. To support universities wishing to engage more deeply in enterprise digital transformation and to leverage their strengths, KisStartup presents a detailed analysis based on Hồ Tú Bảo’s six-step digital transformation framework. For each stage, corresponding university actions or programs are proposed to highlight their role as knowledge transfer hubs within the digital transformation ecosystem.

1. Awareness and Mindset Change

• Enterprise needs: Most SMEs lack a clear understanding of what digital transformation means or what practical benefits it brings. Many believe it simply means “buying new software.” The biggest barrier lies in management mindset and fear of change. According to a 2025 nationwide survey, 69% of businesses only use email or basic accounting software, without adopting more strategic digital solutions (Ministry of Science and Technology, 2025).
• What universities can do: They can organize awareness workshops, publish research reports on technological trends, or develop Digital Maturity Assessment tools to help SMEs evaluate their readiness. This model is common across Europe and feasible in Vietnam. With academic credibility, universities can better persuade business leaders who often distrust private service providers. International example: European universities have developed Digital Maturity Assessment Tools for SMEs.

2. Defining a Digital Transformation Roadmap

• Enterprise needs: SMEs often lack clear strategies or plans. Many initiatives are abandoned midway, causing waste. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (2023–2024), micro and small businesses face particular difficulties due to limited capital, human resources, and technical capability.
• What universities can do: Faculties of economics, IT, or management can develop digital readiness assessment frameworks and offer consulting services to build 6-month to 3-year roadmaps tailored to business size. Final-year students can participate as “junior digital consultants,” gaining practical experience while supporting companies.International example: University of Vaasa (Finland) successfully implemented an ecosystem-based digitalization model for local SMEs, yielding mutual benefits.

3. Building Digital Capabilities

• Enterprise needs: The lack of skilled personnel is the most critical barrier. The Enterprise Development Agency (2023) reported that most SMEs lack adequately trained staff to implement digital solutions effectively. External expert services are often unaffordable.
• What universities can do: Design short-term, hands-on training courses using real company data and workflows—for example, training business owners in basic data analytics, marketing staff in digital campaign management, or accountants in data security. International example: IE University (Spain) and Banco Santander launched the “Digitaliza tu negocio” program, providing digital skills training to over 3,000 SMEs. Vietnamese universities can replicate this through short-term certificate programs and online training for broader reach.

4. Identifying Core Technologies

• Enterprise needs: Amid countless ERP, CRM, AI, and IoT solutions, many SMEs struggle to choose the right technology. Wrong decisions lead to wasted investment. Moreover, their infrastructure is often weak and lacks proper devices, software, or cybersecurity systems.
• What universities can do: IT or engineering schools can establish digital technology laboratories where businesses can test solutions before purchasing. Universities can also host technology showcase events featuring multiple vendors, acting as independent technology advisors. International example: The Hartree Centre (UK) partners with universities to let SMEs experiment with AI and supercomputing before making investment decisions.

5. Implementation and Execution

• Enterprise needs: During implementation, challenges arise not only in technology but also in change management: data cleanup, process adaptation, and employee resistance. SMEs often lack mentors to accompany them through the process.
• What universities can do: Deploy research teams, faculty, and students to accompany companies in pilot phases, acting as “light PMOs.” Universities can also establish co-living collaboration models where both sides share costs and co-develop technology applications. International example: Germany’s Mittelstand 4.0 program has proven effective by organizing workshops and coaching SMEs to apply agile and design thinking methods to reduce implementation risks.

6. Business Model Transformation and Operational Adjustment

• Enterprise needs: After applying technology, SMEs must adjust their business models and operations. This is the hardest step, involving organizational culture and long-term strategy. Most Vietnamese SMEs lack experience in using data-driven insights to adapt their models.
• What universities can do: Conduct local SME case studies, organize peer-learning sessions, and support data analysis on customer feedback to help companies refine products, sales channels, and pricing strategies. International example: Utrecht University (Netherlands) collaborated with consulting firms to digitally transform management and learner experience systems—proving that model transformation must be data-driven.

Surveys in Vietnam show that SMEs face major obstacles: high investment costs, shortage of skilled personnel, reluctance to change, weak infrastructure, and lack of clear strategies. In this context, universities have the potential to become strategic pillars—training digital talent, providing applicable knowledge, connecting businesses with technology, and accompanying them throughout the digital transformation journey.

If leveraged effectively, Vietnamese universities can go beyond teaching students to become digital transformation hubs for SMEs, directly contributing to the sustainable development of the national digital economy.

Summary Table

 

Digital Transformation Step (Hồ Tú Bảo)	Vietnamese SME Needs	What Vietnamese Universities Can Do	International Example
1. Awareness & Mindset	Unclear about DX; 69% using only email/accounting tools	Organize mindset-opening workshops; create readiness assessment tools; publish trend reports	European universities’ Digital Maturity Tools
2. Roadmap Definition	Only 7.6% have formal plans; many abandon efforts	Develop readiness frameworks; offer roadmap consulting; involve student consultants	University of Vaasa (Finland) ecosystem-based model
3. Capability Building	Lack of digital workforce; high training costs	Short-term practical courses; “learn by doing” projects; student-SME support bank	IE University (Spain) & Banco Santander – “Digitaliza tu negocio”
4. Core Technology Selection	Hard to choose solutions; weak infrastructure	Build digital labs; host technology showcases; act as neutral advisors	Hartree Centre (UK) AI & HPC testing
5. Implementation	Lack of mentors; employee resistance; messy data	Faculty-student support teams; co-living collaboration models; mentor programs	Mittelstand 4.0 (Germany) agile workshops
6. Business Model Change	Hard to shift culture; lack of data-driven decisions	Conduct local case studies; analyze customer data; foster innovation networks	Utrecht University (Netherlands) management digitalization

 

© Copyright KisStartup. Developed within the IDAP Project – Strengthening an Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem. Any reproduction, quotation, or reuse must cite the source: KisStartup/IDAP.
Source: https://qnu.edu.vn/vi/hoi-nghi-hoi-thao/bai-noi-chuyen-dai-chung-chuyen-...

In the journey of implementing the IDAP project – Strengthening the Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem for MSMEs in Lao Cai and Son La, KisStartup has taken the lead by piloting the outsourcing R&D model combined with dual transformation initiatives (digitalization and greening), laying the foundation for a new approach in commercializing research results for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a long-term vision, KisStartup has designed and operated a real-world testing space – a place where technologies that create positive impacts on the environment and society can find opportunities for realization and growth, through connections with local production units.

In the context where most small enterprises and cooperatives lack the resources to invest in internal research and development (R&D), the outsourcing R&D model facilitated by KisStartup has become a flexible and cost-effective solution while still ensuring quality innovation. Rather than having to independently seek out technologies, analyze markets, conduct production trials, and invest in equipment, businesses can directly access ready-to-transfer technologies from selected scientists, tech startups, and technical experts that KisStartup has vetted and partnered with. The trial process is not just a "trial" of technology; it is a genuine incubation activity – from identifying the problem, piloting the solution, adjusting the model, to the initial stages of commercialization.

Through a platform that connects scientists, businesses, and the market, KisStartup plays the role of a catalyst in driving the commercialization of research results, bridging the gap between the laboratory and practical production. The technologies selected for pilot implementation are not only innovative but, more importantly, they aim to create impactful value: processing agricultural by-products, creating environmentally friendly products, saving energy, or supporting circular production. From drying technologies that help preserve plums during price drops caused by poor harvests, to tea technology using bamboo leaves that were once discarded, and organic cleaning product production using leftover fruits from orchards – all these are vibrant demonstrations of the synergistic value between green transformation and digital transformation in a viable technology transfer model for local areas.

What is particularly special about IDAP is that it has become a trusted address for testing technology, where inventors and tech organizations can experiment with ideas, refine processes, and initially approach the market through a network of local businesses ready to engage in innovation. KisStartup’s design of training chains, technical consulting, and product testing support has helped build trust in the commercialization process – a step often considered a bottleneck in technology transfer in Vietnam.

This model also affirms KisStartup’s role as an effective commercialization platform capable of coordinating multiple stakeholders – from the scientific community, inventors, and local enterprises to domestic and international technology support organizations. In this process, KisStartup not only provides technical support but also acts as a strategic partner, helping impact-driven technologies move through the pre-commercialization stage and enter the real-world market. Dr. Tran Chi Thanh, from Sac Moc Tinh Ltd., a technology transfer partner, commented: "An important point is that the technology transfer model does not require advanced machinery, has low investment costs, and involves simple production processes – which are suitable for the infrastructure and labor resources available in local areas. This reduces barriers to accessing technology and speeds up the commercialization of research results. I believe this is an effective cooperation model that can be replicated in other technology transfer initiatives, especially in the context of building trust and promoting the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam to adopt innovative technologies. KisStartup’s role as a bridge and partner with businesses in the R&D and pre-commercialization phase is crucial and commendable."

The initial successes of dual transformation initiatives in Lao Cai and Son La, along with the outsourcing R&D model, have opened up a strategic direction for small and medium enterprises: they do not need to own the technology but can still innovate and develop sustainably through the technology incubation and commercialization ecosystem that KisStartup has built. This is the core value that the IDAP project leaves behind – not only local impact but a model that can be scaled and adapted to other regions on the journey of transformation for the community and the environment.

ABOUT THE IDAP PROJECT
The IDAP (Inclusive Digital Acceleration Program) – Strengthening the Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem for MSMEs focusing on agriculture and tourism in Lao Cai and Son La provinces is a project funded by GREAT (Gender Equality through Enhancing Agricultural Production Efficiency and Tourism Development) and is being executed by KisStartup as the main partner from 2024 to 2027.

The project "Gender Equality through Enhancing Agricultural Production Efficiency and Tourism Development in Lao Cai and Son La Provinces" (GREAT) is an initiative funded by the Australian Government and managed by Cowater International. The first phase of GREAT was implemented from 2017-2022, and the second phase (GREAT 2) will be carried out from 2024-2027 with a total investment from the Australian Government of 67.4 million AUD.

For inquiries, please contact:
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/kisstartup
Website: https://www.kisstartup.com/
Email: hello@kisstartup.com
Phone: (+84) 0396292442 (Ms. Xuan)

Dear Valued Partners, Clients, and the KisStartup and KisImpact Network,
The final days of the year are always an opportunity for us to look back on the journey we have traveled, to express our gratitude to the people and values that have accompanied us and contributed to the successes we celebrate today:

• AI for Innovation

Every of our clients, from those with annual revenues in the hundreds of billions of VND to micro-enterprises generating less than one billion VND, is integrating AI and data into their digital transformation and innovation processes.

• Green Innovation

Initial pilots have demonstrated measurable financial benefits for businesses, including energy cost savings, recycling, and adding value for customers.

• Open Innovation & Commercialization Connections

Entering its second year of partnership with Mitsui Chemicals Group and the official collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, we have successfully brought research outcomes to market, connecting them with corporations, businesses, and investors.

• Innovation through Digital Transformation and Promoting an Inclusive Digital Ecosystem

With the trust of GREAT, we have partnered with hundreds of businesses in Lào Cai and Sơn La, along with universities, to introduce new concepts to these emerging but highly potential markets. Nearly 3,000 participants in project activities and over 2 billion VND in revenue growth within just three months of operation are tangible results that speak to the aspirations for change and the effective approach of the IDAP project – Enhancing the Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem

• Business Models Based on Heritage Culture:

Aiming to promote the utilization of local resources to foster creativity and innovate traditional business models..

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you – those who have trusted, collaborated, and will continue to journey alongside KisStartup. The year 2024 was not just a year of challenges but also one in which we witnessed remarkable transformations within our KisStartup team. We have grown through small failures every day, through difficulties, and through the challenges we set for ourselves, emerging stronger, more skilled, and more professional.

With our vision of becoming an ever-evolving community of individuals and organizations driving innovation, building and developing in Vietnam, working globally, and creating sustainable impacts, this journey in 2024 would not have been possible without the core values that we have embraced, are committed to, and will continue to pursue: Empathy, Trusted Support, Creativity, Simplicity, Learning, Challenge Acceptance, Curiosity, and Transparency.

Thank you to our partners and clients, who have placed their trust in KisStartup and given us invaluable opportunities to serve. Your success is our greatest pride. Thank you to the startups, enterprises, universities, research institutes, and scientists, both domestically and internationally, who have contributed not only ideas and knowledge but also an unyielding spirit of innovation. You are a powerful source of inspiration for KisStartup to carry on its mission.

Thank you to the experts who have worked alongside us with dedication, experience, and heartfelt contributions to help our businesses and clients grow.
And last but not least, our heartfelt thanks to the KisStartup team – the individuals who continuously learn, empathize, and bravely embrace challenges. Your unwavering dedication and commitment have carried us through 2024, a year full of turbulence yet filled with pride.

As we step into 2025, we are committed to continuing to learn, innovate, and grow further to better serve not only small and micro-businesses but also large global clients. We firmly believe that innovation is the key to creating sustainable impacts and building a stronger community.

We sincerely hope to continue receiving your support, trust, and collaboration on the journey ahead.
Wishing our valued partners, clients, experts, businesses, and the entire KisStartup team a New Year filled with health, happiness, and success.
With respect and gratitude,
On behalf of the KisStartup Team,
Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh

 

In the previous article, we shared how digital transformation has led to the creation of new products and values, even from agricultural by-products that were once considered waste. This time, the story is about how digital transformation has helped create new services while preserving indigenous culture.

Experiencing Traditional Shuttlecock Making at Hà Khuyên Homestay

 

On our journey to explore the potential of digital transformation in Northwest Vietnam, we discovered a new story at Hà Khuyên Homestay in Bản Phụ Mẫu, Chiềng Yên Commune, Vân Hồ District, Sơn La Province. Known for its cozy accommodations, Hà Khuyên Homestay attracts both domestic and international tourists. In hosting guests, the homestay has curated local experiences such as tea-picking tours and visits to the traditional shuttlecock-making craft village of the White Thai people. Surprisingly, the shuttlecock-making tours have become particularly popular, marking the beginning of their digital transformation journey.

They "digitized" the shuttlecock-making process by capturing detailed photos and videos showcasing each step—from fabric selection, stitching, to decoration—and sharing this content on social media. They also organized online workshops about this craft for those who were interested but unable to participate in person.

Though still in its early stages, this digital transformation effort not only promoted a newly launched tour but also laid the foundation for a new business model centered on the vibrant traditional game of the White Thai people. The shuttlecocks, tetrahedral with brightly colored tassels, are thrown through a hoop standing 10 meters high during spring festivals as part of rituals for good fortune and prosperity—fascinating and engaging for spectators.

Hà Khuyên Homestay has since expanded beyond organizing tours and "classes" teaching shuttlecock-making. They received their first online order for shuttlecocks as gifts for Lunar New Year gift baskets. Additionally, they are improving their video production and storytelling skills to create online shuttlecock-making tutorials.

Looking ahead, they plan to broaden their customer base by selling shuttlecocks more widely as souvenirs, offering DIY shuttlecock-making kits online, and introducing other handcrafted products from local residents to increase household incom

Preserving Local Games and Music for Tourism

In the Shan Tuyet tea region, resources like the traditional Tay soccer game and then singing also have the potential to develop into new tourism business models. Soccer, once an integral part of Tay community life, has gradually faded away.

Unlike conventional soccer, Tay matches are played on freshly harvested rice paddies with rustic rules and brief intervals (each half may last only 10 minutes), featuring players in traditional attire.

With a desire to revive this tradition, Bản Liền has organized traditional Tay soccer matches between tourists and local teams. However, this unique sport remains largely unknown to many visitors.

Since these matches were digitized into videos shared on social media, things have changed. Vàng A Bình at Bản Liền Homestay has turned this experience into a service over the past several years. Tourists can buy tickets to watch the matches or join games with the locals. Simultaneously, Tay then singing in Bản Liền, supported by local authorities, is being developed into a performing arts troupe that showcases traditional songs. These performances are also being digitized to enrich the cultural experiences available to tourists.

Digital Transformation Unlocking Business Opportunities

Social media enables anyone, anywhere, to create content. Initially meant to promote a service or product, digital content can evolve into entirely new business models. The cultural activities of highland ethnic communities, when presented authentically and naturally, possess a unique charm that captivates audiences—even without elaborate editing or visuals.

This process of digital transformation opens up countless opportunities for tourism services and cultural experiences, inspiring and motivating local communities to preserve and protect their cultural values. 

Challenges on the Journey

However, this journey is not without obstacles. One prominent challenge is the fragmented recognition and exploitation of cultural uniqueness, which has not yet been fully translated into high-quality products or experiences. Many valuable cultural elements remain undefined, limiting their potential to attract tourists and generate economic value.

The digitization of content in local languages, combined with English, French, and other common languages, faces a significant shortage in both quality and quantity.

Even with the community’s co-creation efforts making digitization easier, pricing cultural experiences, targeting high-value customer segments, and fostering respect for indigenous cultures pose major challenges.

Additionally, local communities—custodians of vibrant cultural values—sometimes lack awareness of the potential digital transformation offers for heritage preservation and economic development. This lack of trust or understanding slows the adoption of technology and innovation, hindering the ability to leverage the unique cultural advantages of Northwest Vietnam. 

Empowering Cultural Heritage Through Technology

From an innovation and business development perspective, these barriers not only delay value realization but also increase costs and risks associated with digital transformation. This underscores the urgent need to empower local communities, enhancing their capabilities to identify, create, and digitize cultural values. Without overcoming these barriers, the potential to enhance value through digital transformation cannot be fully realized.

Lào Cai and Sơn La, with their cultural treasures ranging from majestic terraced fields to vibrant traditional festivals, are rich lands of potential in the digital era. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) can help recreate traditions and rituals, transforming folklore into engaging experiences for global visitors.

Just as Italy brings the ancient city of Pompeii to life through AR and Japan digitizes museums for virtual tours, Northwest Vietnam’s cultural heritage can also reach global audiences through similar technological tools. From Hmong khèn dances to the Thai Xòe festival, these cultural gems can transcend photos and become vivid experiences for tourists worldwide.

A Hopeful Future for Northwest Vietnam’s Digital Transformation

In this context, digital transformation is not merely a modern tool but a key to unlocking the latent power of cultural heritage. By digitizing cultural values for promotion and exploring new business models, the goal of sustainable preservation and development comes closer to reality. Stories like Hà Khuyên Homestay and Bản Liền affirm that in the digital era, culture can be an economic driver and identity can become a competitive advantage.

This journey is just beginning, but early successes light a bright path for the future of digital transformation in Northwest Vietnam.

Within the framework of the IDAP project - Enhancing the inclusive digital transformation ecosystem, we have witnessed a typical example of utilizing agricultural by-products to increase revenue through digital transformation. The cooperation between Tan Xuan 269 Cooperative and Sac Moc Tinh Company has demonstrated this. 

Tan Xuan 269 Cooperative produces and turns discarded bamboo leaves into unique bamboo leaf tea products. After being processed, the bamboo leaves have a natural green color, light yellow tea water and the characteristic aroma of pandan leaves. The product not only retains its valuable uses such as cooling, reducing fever and supporting the treatment of respiratory diseases, but also opens up a new source of revenue for the Cooperative. The product will be sold directly on e-commerce platforms, creating jobs for people in Son La. Utilizing this by-product not only helps reduce waste but also creates job opportunities for local workers. Jobs such as harvesting bamboo leaves, sorting, drying and packaging are suitable for many subjects, especially women, people with disabilities and manual workers. This is proof of the application of digital transformation in agriculture, helping to increase economic value and promote gender equality and social integration. The success story of Tan Xuan 269 Cooperative and Sac Moc Tinh Company clearly demonstrates the power of turning agricultural by-products into new products. However, to bring products to market, digital transformation will be a potential direction. This initial success not only motivates us but also affirms our commitment to connecting and supporting Cooperatives and businesses. We believe that digital transformation needs to start from digital business innovation, business model innovation first, finding new values, increasing revenue streams. From there, businesses can find opportunities from digital transformation. This journey has just begun, and we will continue to accompany partners to turn challenges into opportunities, building a comprehensive digital transformation ecosystem in Lao Cai and Son La.

ABOUT IDAP PROJECT
The project "Strengthening the Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)" in Lao Cai and Son La, sponsored by GREAT, implemented by KisStartup Joint Stock Company from 2024 to 2027. IDAP belongs to the initiative "Promoting Gender Equality through Improving Economic Efficiency of Agricultural Production and Tourism Development" in Lao Cai and Son La, sponsored by the Australian Government.
For any questions, please contact

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/kisstartup

Website: https://www.kisstartup.com/

Email: hello@kisstartup.com

Contact:(+84) 0392161403 (Mr. Hieu)

We would like to introduce KisStartup's main activities and projects in 2024, to help businesses and partners keep track of KisStartup's main projects and activities.

The projects are based on our core competencies of capacity building through training, coaching, and networking with a focus on innovation and digital transformation.

The main projects we will implement include:

1. Innovating business models and promoting exports according to Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS)
   • KisStartup will support businesses in innovating their business models to meet voluntary sustainability standards.
     Encourage and support businesses to apply VSS to enhance productivity, product quality, and export opportunities.
2. Promoting Vietnam-Canada Exports (KisEXIM) for impactful products and technologies
   • ​​KisStartup will focus on expanding export markets for products and technologies that bring positive impact.
     Build and strengthen business relationships between Vietnamese and Canadian businesses through support and trade programs.
3. Commercialization of Research Results (iRnD) - Technology commercialization and technology transfer, connection with businesses
   • KisStartup will promote the commercialization of research results by creating connection opportunities between research and businesses.
   • Support businesses in the process of technology transfer and promote cooperation between relevant parties.KisStartup will promote the commercialization of research results by creating connection opportunities between research and businesses.
     Support businesses in the process of technology transfer and promote cooperation between relevant parties.
4. Digital transformation and business model innovation
   • KisStartup will help businesses adapt to digital transformation trends, from using new technology to redesigning business models. 
   • Support training and digital capacity building for businesses.
5. Nurturing young talents to develop innovative start-up projects- Triangel
   • KisStartup will invest in nurturing and developing young talent through training and support programs.
   • Encourage and facilitate creativity and entrepreneurship in the young community.
6. Angel investor challenge - KisStartup Innovation Startup Fund
   • KisStartup will organize an angel investor challenge to find and support startup projects with great potential.
   • The Startup Fund will provide financial resources and strategic support to selected projects.

These projects will continue to strongly promote innovation in businesses, helping businesses and scientists bring good products to the Vietnamese and global markets. We look forward to strong cooperation with domestic and foreign partners in 2024.

 

On May 18, 2023, the representative of KisStartup, Ms. Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh was honored to receive the Science and Technology Journalism Awards awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology to authors and works written on the topic Science and technology year 2022.

The article "Digital transformation is not a trend" published on January 18, 2022 in Science for Development - a publication of VnExpress was honored to receive the third prize in this award.

In parallel with providing consulting, training and coaching services on innovation, KisStartup's team constantly conducts researches and articles on topics of innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation to help increase community awareness and share KisStartup's views and observations on these topics and knowledge.

We believe that communicating with the community with knowledge and perspectives is the way to bring the business community closer to the innovations that are taking place every day from major trends in the world.

You can read the article again at the following link:  https://kisstartup.com/vi/tin-tuc/chuyen-doi-so-khong-phai-la-trao-luu