A NashTech View on Vietnam

Harvey Nash plc, over ten years, has built
NashTech, one of the leading software development, engineering and IT services companies in Europe and the USA. With over 4500 software engineers engaged in applications development, testing, maintenance and embedded software technology.

Harvey Nash 2011 CIO Survey results - a first in Asia

Posted on Jun 18, 2012
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Posted by Julie Nock, Account Director

I've just got back from a busy week in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which is one of NashTech's two software development centres in Vietnam. The rainy season there has just started and we experienced some really spectacular rainstorms but at least it's accompanied by ~38oC , sunshine and blue skies beforehand. Unfortunately, back in England the rain, although giving Vietnam a run for its money in terms of quantity, just feels cold, wet and a little dreary.

I'm fortunate to visit our offices in Vietnam about twice a year as I have a number of project teams based there. Last November was spent mainly in Ha Noi in the north; so this time I stay in Hoi Chi Minh. Normally, my time and energy is taken up getting back in touch with the local management team and my project managers on project specifics and direction; often coinciding with client visits which I host.

This visit was different in that it had an external focus which I was particularly looking forward to. On the Thursday evening, I had been invited to present the Harvey Nash 2011 CIO Survey results - a first in Asia - to the prestigious CEO / CIO Club www.cxo-club.com in Ho Chi Minh City.

The CIO Survey http://www.harveynash.com/ciosurvey/ is one we undertake annually and attracts over 2,500 respondents from the UK, Europe, USA and, increasingly, other regions. I'm pleased to say the results and my invitation requesting their contribution to the next one was very well received. As well as fulfilling my promise to Marketing to help increase the survey's global footprint.

Bruce Flanagan, Chairman of Vietnam Coaching Institute and experienced Executive and Leadership Coach followed with a very stimulating session on the traits, competences and behaviours of successful leadership.

For the Q&A panel session Bruce and I were joined by Dr. Tran Hong Quan - Former Minister of Training & Education of Vietnam to discuss 'Breakthrough Leadership' and how it influences HR management. Unlike the UK; the Vietnamese are never reticent about putting forward challenging questions and I am kept on my toes for a good hour or so.

What are the strengths and the challenges to working in Vietnam and what should Vietnam do to attract more outsourcing?
Any differences between Vietnam and other countries in terms of leadership? What changes in style of leadership in Vietnam have you seen during the time you've been in business here?
Views on whether the current education policy meets business's expectation? What are your top 3 recommendations to improve the education status to fix this issue? What kind of training is required to improve the skills of graduates?

The whole evening turned out to be a most convivial event, surpassing my own expectations, with some 60-80 very interesting, influential senior executives, many of whom are entrepreneurs in their own right, from a range of industries and companies. The club is demonstrably an excellent opportunity to make new connections and refresh acquaintances. The format helped. A delicious formal dinner being served halfway through: after the presentations but before the panel session. And co-sponsorship by Johnny Walker Blue Label whiskey - a very popular exclusive brand in Vietnam and Asia - was a definite plus!