PhD Nguyen Van Tan – The Journey to Becoming Co-Head of the Design Thinking Village – National Techfest.

PhD Nguyen Van Tan, Dean of The Faculty of Administration International Economics, Lac Hong University; Member of the Vietnam Startup Mentors Alliance (VSMA); Member of the Southern Startup Advisory and Support Council; Co-Head of the Design Thinking Village – National Techfest.

I came to the Village from Lac Hong University – a deeply cherished institution with which I have been associated for 25 years. My University is located beside the poetic Dong Nai River in the Southeast region, home to the largest number of industrial parks in the country. In addition to supplying water for production, the river provides a significant amount of clean domestic water for the entire Southeast region. Nature’s generosity has laid the foundation for the region’s development. My journey into entrepreneurship began from the instinct of survival – when leaving my hometown, I had to take care of myself (Da Nang – the most livable city – is my hometown).

When I came to Dong Nai to establish my career, I recognized the development potential of the region. On the one hand, I devoted time to managing the Faculty at Lac Hong University; on the other hand, I proactively built connections with stakeholders – particularly professional associations in the region – to support the University’s development. In every discipline I managed, I ensured the presence of a strategic partner that was a professional association at the provincial or regional level, such as the Dong Nai Young Entrepreneurs Association, the Dong Nai Import-Export Association, the Dong Nai Jurists Association, and the Dong Nai Tourism Association.

Upon engaging with the National Startup Program organized by Business Forum Magazine (formerly Business Forum Newspaper) under VCCI, I realized that this was a major strategic partner that I needed to pursue. Together with the National Startup Program, I participated in activities across various localities, studying, learning, engaging, experiencing, and organizing programs. In addition, I completed entrepreneurship training programs such as CEFE of the Federal Republic of Germany, SIYB of the International Labour Organization (ILO), IPP of Finland, ACSE of the British Council, and MEP of the United States. To date, I have shaped an entrepreneurial ecosystem for myself and for Lac Hong University.

Through teaching, I have participated in numerous entrepreneurship-related programs for communities in various localities, including seminars, competition organization, and serving as a judge. Among the places where I have participated are Binh Thuan, Tra Vinh, Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Dong Nai.

In addition, I have effectively supported the entrepreneurship program of the Dong Nai Provincial Women’s Union, contributing to its strong development over the past six years (2018–2023). In May 2022, when Dong Nai Province organized Techfest, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Tuong Nhi – Head of the Design Thinking Village – National Techfest – who invited me to join the Village. Over the past year, the Design Thinking Village has organized many activities, and I have actively participated in them.

The “Rainforest” philosophy present within the Village always excites members whenever we gather. A series of programs have been formed and developed: the Design Thinking Competition, seminars, entrepreneurship training programs, and then this program – the Village of Love. Everything came naturally; the Village of Love did as well, reminding me of the early days when I first supported young people.

The startup awards achieved by students of Lac Hong University have continued to emerge: Third Prize at Open Banking Nam A Bank 2022, Second Prize at SV-STARTUP 2021, First Prize at CIC 2021, First Prize at Dong Nai Women’s Startup 2021, First Prize at Dong Nai Women’s Startup 2020, National First Prize 2019, First Prize at Dong Nai Innovation and Startup 2019, National Second Prize 2017, First Prize and Third Prize at the Southern Regional Startup Competition 2017. “To go is to arrive” – everything requires a first step. The Village of Love is one of the first steps I decided to take on the next stage of my journey.