GREAT

I. Objectives

• Promote the products and services of local businesses in Lào Cai and Sơn La.

• Increase revenue for businesses participating in the IDAP project during the 2025 Lunar New Year season.

• Engage the community and foster interaction and connection between students and businesses in Lào Cai and Sơn La.

II. Content
1. Challenge:
Create a video to promote products and services and boost revenue for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lào Cai and Sơn La during the 2025 Lunar New Year season.

2. Program Agenda:

Activities	Time
Launch of Hackathon Challenge 3	December 23, 2024 - December 24, 2024
After receiving the businesses, teams will research and develop ideas	December 25, 2024
Organize the weekly competition	From 12:00 AM on December 25, 2024, to 6:00 PM on December 30, 2024
Summary and announcement of results, along with awarding supplementary prizes for contest entries (Online Zoom Meeting)	December 31, 2024

3. Participants:

• University/college students nationwide, with special encouragement for students from Lào Cai and Sơn La.

• Participation can be as a team or individually.

4. How to Participate and Video Requirements:

4.1. How to Participate

Step 1: Register

• Fill out the registration form: [Link]

• Select businesses:

  • A list of participating businesses will be available in the registration form.

  • Participants/teams can choose one or multiple products/services from various businesses to promote.

  • The organizing committee will provide details about the businesses, including product/service information, to help participants align with their ideas and strengths.

Step 2: Produce and Publish Video

• After registration, participants can review product content and images via the businesses' fan pages, then develop their video ideas and content.

• Create a creative advertisement video that meets the challenge requirements.

• Ensure the video content aligns with cultural values and complies with Vietnamese copyright and legal standards.

• Upload the video to the team's personal media channels (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).

• For order inquiries, contact the organizing committee via phone: 0949598768 or 0869190704 (revenue points are counted only for successfully completed orders).

• Video interaction and revenue will be tracked from 12:00 AM, December 25, 2024, to 6:00 PM, December 30, 2024.

Step 3: Submit the Video

• Send the video via the Google form: [Link]

Step 4: Voting and Judging

• The submitted videos will be uploaded to the participants' personal or team media channels (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube).

• Judges will evaluate the videos based on criteria to determine the main prizes.

4.2. Video Requirements

• Maximum duration: 5 minutes.

• Must include a title and a short description.

• Language: Vietnamese (additional languages encouraged to expand international appeal).

• No copyright infringement on music, images, or content.

• Content must align with cultural norms and avoid violence, controversy, or sensitive topics.

• Clear video and audio quality.

• Must include the IDAP project logo: [Link].

• Videos must include the following hashtags:
  #IDAP #digital_transformation #digital_innovation_challenge

5. Online Voting Scoring System

5.1. Scoring Principles

Total Score = Interaction Points (50%) + Revenue Points (50%)

5.2. Implementation Process

A. Interaction Points (50%)

• Weekly rankings based on total video interactions (total views):

  • Highest interaction: 100 points.

  • 2nd place: 80 points.

  • 3rd place: 60 points.

  • 4th place: 40 points.

  • 5th place: 20 points.

  • Other videos: 10 points.

B. Revenue Points (50%)

• Rankings based on revenue generated (confirmed by businesses):

  • Highest revenue: 100 points.

  • 2nd place: 80 points.

  • 3rd place: 60 points.

  • 4th place: 40 points.

  • 5th place: 20 points.

  • Other videos: 10 points.

Tiebreakers:

1. Revenue priority: Higher revenue ranks higher.

2. If revenue is tied, total interaction determines rank.

3. If both are tied, earlier submission ranks higher.

6. Prizes

6.1. Total Prize Value: 40 million VND

Participants may also earn additional product commission based on creativity, content quality, and media effectiveness.

6.2. Prize Breakdown:

• For individuals/teams supporting businesses:

  • 2 First Prizes: 6,000,000 VND each (requires at least 2,000 views and highest total revenue confirmed by businesses).

  • 4 Second Prizes: 4,000,000 VND each.

  • 6 Third Prizes: 2,000,000 VND each.

(Total of 6 prizes per province, equivalent to 12 prizes across both provinces.)

 

In the process of digital transformation, some businesses have "inadvertently" created new environmentally-friendly products that provide jobs for marginalized communities.

(Mrs. Vi Thi Sang, Member of Tan Xuan 269 Cooperative, harvesting bamboo leaves)

Over the past four years, *We have had the opportunity to support and accompany many small businesses and ethnic minority cooperatives in Son La and Lao Cai to "digitally transform" for sustainable development within the framework of the GREAT project funded by the Australian Government.

Digital transformation, from our perspective, is not an abstract or distant concept. When discussing with business owners, we explain that it's about leveraging the internet to sell better, easier, and with greater impact. This process is not simply about applying technology, but more importantly, about creating new products, new markets, new methods, and above all, a fresh mindset.

We anticipate sharing the fascinating stories we've experienced. These stories might potentially inspire similar business support policies and motivate companies at any level and scale.

Which Products Are Suitable for Online Sales?
Actually, any product can be sold online (not just on e-commerce platforms, but also websites and social media), but typically, businesses lack confidence in raw products. The reasons include complex preservation, transportation, storage, and packaging processes, with high wastage rates. Moreover, online competition is even more fierce than traditional markets, with an overwhelming variety of products.

To best benefit from internet sales, businesses should create processed products with long shelf lives, minimal maintenance requirements, and easy transportation. The products themselves should have unique characteristics to stand out from the crowd and capture user attention.

Not Afraid to Experiment with New Products
We had the opportunity to support Tan Xuan 269 Cooperative in Son La to develop a new online product. Previously, they had been successful selling dried bamboo shoots in traditional markets and on social media and e-commerce platforms. "Bamboo shoots sell out from the moment we start production," shared Mrs. Cao Thi Tam, the cooperative's manager.

However, bamboo shoots are seasonal, and with just this product, despite its popularity, they couldn't help all cooperative members escape poverty. Therefore, finding a new product to increase revenue was their constant need. We suggested they process bamboo leaf tea. This was an emerging product in the market, proving its feasibility, with relatively low competition, as only a few businesses in the south produced "bamboo leaf water".

Moreover, this beverage is quite familiar to people in Lao Cai, who traditionally steep bamboo leaves in bamboo tubes while in the forest. The idea was quickly embraced, and it took just three weeks to launch the product. Currently, many people are interested in ordering bamboo leaf tea on social media, with plans for wider distribution.
Another story involves Homestay Ban Liens Forest, a family business in Bac Ha, Lao Cai, famous for Shan Snow Tea grown at 1800m altitude. Their tea, with a beautiful green color and sweet, fragrant taste, is exported to 40 countries, including demanding markets like Europe and the US.

Ban Liens Forest primarily offers tourism services and promotes them on social media, attracting many tourists. However, tourism has its "seasons", and outside peak times, they also harvest and sell tea. The challenge was how to "compete" with dozens or hundreds of local households selling similar products, even online.

We discovered that mature tea leaves are also sold piecemeal on e-commerce platforms, unlike the traditional young tea buds processed by Ban Liens. We shared this insight with the homestay owners, who quickly agreed. Vang Thi Thong, a homestay member, even expressed interest in finding technology to remove bitterness from tea leaves. Now they have a new product: dried mature tea leaves, to be consumed in the Japanese Bancha style.

The journey from idea to a marketable product happened quickly, partly thanks to "digital transformation" or, more broadly, the internet. Both businesses were already "present" on social media through Facebook fan pages with an established audience.

Social media reduces market entry barriers, allowing them to explore markets and diversify products. Whenever they have a new product or idea, they can quickly test user reactions by introducing products and engaging with customers online.

(Ban Lien Forest introduces its homestay experience on social media)

Bamboo leaf tea and mature tea leaves – two "non-traditional" products compared to their previous offerings – would typically require significant time and effort to promote and convince customers if sold directly. However, online sales enable them to quickly share with existing customers and find potential new ones with just a few clicks.

This process inevitably requires them to adjust their communication and sales approach to suit new customers, gradually transforming their business model without significant costs, and with the ability to fail quickly and painlessly.

As similar products emerge in the market, these businesses now have a loyal customer base. They continue leveraging the internet to experiment with new ideas. In fact, after launching mature tea leaf products, a Ban Liens Forest member posted about tea flowers online and immediately received purchase orders. The Tan Xuan Cooperative is also introducing dried ginger products online.

Accidentally Turning Green
Neither Tan Xuan 269 Cooperative nor Ban Liens Forest Homestay initially planned their current products. Tan Xuan 269 only harvested bamboo shoots, leaving bamboo leaves unused. Ban Liens people only harvested young tea buds for green tea, discarding bitter mature leaves. Now, these agricultural by-products have been transformed into new product lines.

The bamboo leaf tea maintains its distinctive fragrance, beautiful green color, and is believed to offer health benefits like heat relief and respiratory treatment.

"Everyone in the community likes the product. People even stayed up all night to complete and send out new product samples. We've already received orders. In the future, with this technology, we're experimenting with new products to sell not just locally, but to leverage e-commerce for nationwide and potentially international sales," Mrs. Cao Thi Tam said.

Regarding mature tea leaf products, Mr. Lam A Nang from Ban Liens Forest Homestay shared, "It has a good taste, isn't bitter, and has potential for application in new products to sell to tourists, on e-commerce platforms, and our own fan page."

It's worth noting that these new products emerged not just from the businesses themselves but through our connection with scientists. Mr. Tran Chi Thanh, founder of Sac Moc Tinh Company, transferred chlorophyll-defining technology to these two businesses at a preferential rate, preserving the green color while removing the bitter taste.

The success stories of Tan Xuan 269 Cooperative and Lao Cai businesses demonstrate the effectiveness of expanding business capabilities and experimenting with new models. Utilizing agricultural by-products not only reduces waste but also helps build sustainable value chains, bringing economic and social benefits. Processes like harvesting, sorting, processing, and packaging create jobs for local labor, particularly suitable for women, people with disabilities, and unskilled workers. This represents a significant step in using digital transformation to promote gender equality and social inclusion.

By Luu Trong Hieu - Nguyen Viet Dung*
Project Assistants, Digital Business Acceleration Program (IDAP) for Businesses, Cooperatives, and Individual Businesses at KisStartup

Within the framework of the IDAP Project - Enhancing the Digital Transformation Ecosystem in Lào Cai and Sơn La, we invite small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and business households to register for the program supporting the use of digital transformation and digital workforce solutions.

The program aims to connect businesses with reputable digital transformation solution providers and partially fund the implementation, helping businesses quickly deploy efficient digitalization tools in their operations. This pilot program also seeks to identify high-quality service and solution providers to support local businesses in their digital transformation efforts.

Eligibility

• SMEs and business households in Lào Cai and Sơn La currently participating in the IDAP Advanced Training Program.
• Must have clear needs for digital transformation solutions (services, software, or hardware).
• Commit to cost-sharing and continuing to use digital transformation services after the support program concludes.
• Businesses NOT PARTICIPATING in the IDAP Training Program will only receive connection support, not financial assistance.

Participation Conditions

• Digital Transformation Solutions:

Includes services, software, and hardware that facilitate digital transformation.
Must fall within the scope of eligible funding.

• Cost-Sharing by Businesses:

A partial cost-sharing contribution is required, with the percentage notified upon successful registration.

• Commitment to Long-Term Use:

Businesses must commit to continuing to use the service and self-finance costs after the support ends.

How to Join

• Fill out the registration form: [HERE]
• Registration deadline: December 5, 2024

Our Commitment

• Verify your business information and needs.
• Connect you with suitable digital solution providers.
• Notify you of the funding support ratio and your cost-sharing portion.

Benefits of Participation

• Partial financial support to ease initial costs.
• Direct connection with suitable digital transformation solution providers.
• Opportunities to enhance competitiveness and business efficiency through technology adoption.

Contact for Support

• Hotline: (+84) 0392161403 (Mr. Hieu)
• Email: hello@kisstartup.com
• Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/idapvietnam

1. Program Objectives
The program seeks to identify and honor innovative solutions across three key areas: digital transformation services, digital workforce services, and digital transformation for sustainable communities. Through this contest, SMEs can access professional services to tackle real business challenges, foster comprehensive digital transformation, and promote community and sustainable values.

2. Eligible Participants

• SMEs: Businesses needing digital transformation can submit specific challenges related to digital transformation, digital workforce, or sustainable community initiatives.
• Digital Transformation Service Providers: Organizations, companies, or experts offering technological solutions such as data management, process digitization, automation, and operational optimization.
• Digital Workforce Service Providers: Organizations, companies, or experts specializing in digital workforce development, including technology skills training, digital HR management, and employee upskilling.

3. Contest Process

• Step 1: Submission of Challenges by SMEs

SMEs submit specific challenges in digital transformation, workforce solutions, or sustainable community initiatives, aiming to improve business performance or contribute to sustainability. The challenges should clearly define the company's needs and expectations.

• Step 2: Registration and Participation of Service Providers

Service providers or sustainable community innovators choose one of the following categories to participate:

Digital Transformation Services
Digital Workforce Services
Digital Transformation for Sustainable Communities
Participants select suitable challenges, propose solutions, and submit detailed proposals.

• Step 3: Evaluation and Awards

Judges will evaluate solutions based on feasibility, alignment with SME needs, and innovation. Each category will award prizes to the most outstanding solutions.

4. Categories and Prizes

• Category: Digital Transformation Services

Participants: Providers of digital transformation services, such as data management, process digitization, and business automation.
Prizes: 10 awards of 6 million VND each, to be used for providing services to the selected SMEs. Winners must submit expense reports, invoices, and acceptance documents from SMEs.

• Category: Digital Workforce Services

Participants: Providers of digital workforce solutions, such as technology skills training and employee upskilling.
Prizes: 8 awards of 5 million VND each, under the same conditions as above.

• Category: Digital Transformation for Sustainable Communities

Participants: SMEs with initiatives or projects positively impacting communities, promoting environmental sustainability, or preserving local cultural values.
Prizes: 8 awards of 5 million VND each, to be used for implementing the proposed projects, with required expense documentation.

5. Participation Process

• For SMEs:

Register and submit challenges via an online form (LINK) or email hello@kisstartup.com. Clearly outline specific challenges and expectations.

• For Service Providers:

Choose a category (Digital Transformation, Workforce Solutions, or Sustainable Communities), select relevant challenges, and submit proposals, including detailed descriptions, implementation plans, and service quotes, through the registration link.
 

6. Timeline

• SME challenge submission deadline: December 5, 2024
• Service provider registration and proposal submission deadline: December 5, 2024

7. Contact Information

• Fanpage: KisStartup Facebook
• Website: KisStartup
• Email: hello@kisstartup.com
• Phone: (+84) 0392161403 (Mr. Hiếu)

An Event within the IDAP Project

On the morning of December 27, 2024, the workshop “Impact Investment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Agriculture and Tourism” was held online, attracting a wide range of businesses and cooperatives from various fields such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The event was organized by KisStartup within the framework of the IDAP project – the next phase of the GREAT project funded by the Australian Government, aiming to support small businesses and cooperatives in improving their access to investment capital.

The workshop began with an introduction by Ms. Nguyễn Đặng Tuấn Minh, CEO of KisStartup and program coordinator. The main speaker, Mr. Keith Ippel – CEO of Spring Activator and an international expert in impact investment – shared in-depth insights and inspired attending businesses.

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Overview: Impact Investment and Opportunities in Vietnam

In the opening session, Ms. Nguyễn Đặng Tuấn Minh introduced the concept of impact investment – a form of investment aimed at generating financial returns alongside positive social or environmental impacts. Ms. Minh emphasized that in Vietnam, impact investment is creating significant opportunities, particularly in areas like sustainable agriculture, community-based tourism, and creative industries. With the rapid development of small businesses and cooperatives, accessing investment not only brings financial benefits but also promotes critical social values.

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Fundraising Strategies: Trust Is the Key

In the following session, Mr. Keith Ippel guided businesses on building effective fundraising strategies. According to him, trust is the key to convincing investors. Businesses need to clearly present a robust business plan, maintain financial transparency, and demonstrate their ability to create sustainable social or environmental impact. He also noted that businesses should meticulously prepare financial forecasts and develop two scenarios – optimistic and cautious – to prove their viability in different situations.

Additionally, Mr. Keith introduced potential funding sources, including personal savings, family and friends, current revenue, grants, and loans. He particularly encouraged businesses to explore support funds from international organizations or experiment with crowdfunding – funding channels suitable for small businesses and cooperatives in their early development stages.

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Engaging Interaction with Practical Challenges

Engaging Interaction with Practical Challenges

During the Q&A session of the workshop "Impact Investment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Agriculture and Tourism," expert Keith shared crucial strategies to help businesses build sustainability and attract investors. When asked about balancing sustainability with social impact, Keith emphasized that sustainability must come first, as social impact can only thrive when a business is stable. Regarding expanding tourism products, he suggested businesses seek funding through crowdfunding or funds like Visa Vietnam.

Keith also shared methods for identifying ideal customers and creating positive experiences, advising businesses to thoroughly research customer demographics and behavior. When asked about cultural organizations, he mentioned seeking funding from family funds and private organizations, with detailed and convincing plans for investors. On standing out to investors, Keith recommended businesses practice presentations and craft compelling stories about their development journey.

A seafood farming cooperative shared difficulties in meeting collateral requirements for loans. In response, Mr. Keith suggested they approach grant funds from international organizations or try crowdfunding campaigns to reduce collateral pressure.

He also cited examples of successful businesses from simple ideas, emphasizing that sustainable development comes from clear vision and strategy. Finally, Keith shared that to access bank loans, businesses need detailed business plans and clear financial forecasts to build trust with investors. His advice provided practical strategies for small and medium businesses to confidently develop and attract investments.

A cultural expert inquired about funding or support for digitizing cultural heritage. Keith suggested important funding sources that could be utilized, including purchasing digitized data to serve their customers in the Canadian market. There are also funds specifically for culture, which can support not only tourism businesses but also create new business models.

When asked about developing local investors and promoting the local ecosystem, Keith stated that the most crucial factor is building trust among each other, including experienced and less experienced entrepreneurs. Inspiring investors with your story is essential.

Regarding leading a community to attract investment and development, Keith pointed to global examples like Chiwis and Bazerdan, highlighting the importance of trust, leveraging each member's strengths to complement one another, and setting a collaborative plan. More importantly, the community must have a business-minded leader with sales capabilities to guide everyone toward collective development.

When asked whether businesses creating jobs in the poorest areas can attract investment, the answer was a resounding yes, as these efforts generate employment in the places that need it most.

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Next Steps

At the end of the workshop, the speakers recommended specific steps for participants to increase their chances of successful fundraising. Practicing presentations, building detailed business plans and financial forecasts, and investing in a compelling brand story will enhance a business's appeal to investors. Additionally, businesses need to clearly identify their unique selling points to establish sustainable competitive advantages.

The organizers provided an online form for participants to register for additional materials and personalized support from the program's experts.

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Conclusion: Seizing Opportunities from Impact Investment

The workshop “Impact Investment for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Agriculture and Tourism” delivered practical knowledge and opened new perspectives on sustainable investment trends in Vietnam. The program not only provided small businesses and cooperatives with access to new knowledge but also helped them identify clear long-term development paths.

Follow the IDAP project and KisStartup to continue participating in meaningful and valuable programs in the future!

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)

Are you a student who loves the beauty of the Northwest, enjoys creativity, and wants your own visuals to spread far and wide? Hackathon 2: The Digital Creativity Challenge is your chance! Join the competition to showcase your talent and win amazing prizes!

EVENT TIMELINE:

• Launch: October 30, 2024 - November 6, 2024
• Interaction period: 12:00 a.m., November 7, 2024 - 5:00 p.m., November 9, 2024

ELIGIBILITY:
Students from universities and colleges in Lao Cai and Son La provinces.

CHALLENGE:
Create a video promoting agriculture, culture, cuisine, or tourism to showcase the beauty and richness of Lao Cai and Son La.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
Format:

• Participants will create a video to promote local imagery, covering themes like landscapes, people, cuisine, culture, or community activities.
• Videos should be uploaded on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok using the required competition hashtags.
• Submit your video and register via the LINK.

Video Requirements:

• Length: Maximum 5 minutes.
• Title and Description: Each video must have a title and a short description.
• No copyright violations: Ensure music, images, or content are not infringing copyright.
• Appropriate content: Content must align with cultural values and avoid violence, sensitive, or controversial subjects.
• Quality: Video should have clear visuals and sound.
• Language: Vietnamese; additional languages are encouraged to increase international reach.
• Logo: Must include the IDAP project logo – LINK.
• Hashtags: #IDAP #digital_transformation #digital_creativity_challenge.
• Scoring: Videos will be judged solely on total interaction counts (views, likes, shares, and comments) on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube during the set Hackathon 2 interaction period.

ATTRACTIVE PRIZES AWAIT!

• Creative Peak Award (1,990,000 VND): For the video with the highest views (minimum 1000 views).
• Unique Discovery Award (1,000,000 VND): 2 awards for the most unique and creative videos.
• Touching Hearts Award (500,000 VND): 3 awards for videos that evoke special emotions.
• Shining Energy Award (200,000 VND): 5 awards for inspiring content.

Deadline to register and submit videos: Before 5:00 p.m., November 9, 2024.

Join now to express your unique style! Together, let’s create a wave of creativity with Lao Cai and Son La students, spreading beautiful images and the cherished values of our hometowns far and wide!

ABOUT IDAP
The "Inclusive Digital Transformation Ecosystem for SMEs" project in Lao Cai and Son La, funded by GREAT and implemented by KisStartup from 2024 to 2027, is part of the initiative to “Promote Gender Equality through Improved Economic Efficiency in Agricultural Production and Tourism Development” funded by the Australian Government.

About the Hackathon - Digital Creativity Challenge: An initiative by KisStartup to provide students a platform to showcase their creativity and share the beauty of Lao Cai and Son La through social media and digital tools. The competition will be held in multiple rounds, each with a 65-hour challenge. Eligibility: Students from universities and colleges in Lao Cai participating in the IDAP-KisStartup project.

 

For detailed information on the competition and winning entries, please visit:

• Website: kisstartup.com
• Email: hello@kisstartup.com
• Hotline: (+84) 869.190.704 (Mr. Dung)

       On the morning of September 6th, 2024, KisStartup successfully organized the launch event of the IDAP project - a project aimed at enhancing the inclusive digital transformation ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on agriculture and tourism in Lao Cai and Son La provinces. The project is implemented within the framework of GREAT, an initiative funded by the Australian Government and managed by Cowater International. The event was attended not only by domestic and international experts but also by many businesses, individuals, and organizations interested in inclusive digital transformation, particularly in the two provinces of Lao Cai and Son La.

The event began with videos summarizing the results of phase 1 and introducing products and tourism in the Northwest region.

In the opening remarks, Mr. Roger Oakeley, Chief Advisor of the GREAT project and representative of the donor, emphasized the importance of enhancing the role of women in economic development through agriculture and tourism, while also promoting a sustainable ecosystem between local businesses. He pointed out that the project aims to understand the environmental and social barriers in business development, so that with the support of relevant stakeholders, these issues can be thoroughly addressed. Additionally, GREAT's market system approach will pose challenges but also offer opportunities for partners like KisStartup to expand their markets post-project.
Following the program, the CEO of KisStartup Joint Stock Company, Ms. Nguyễn Đặng Tuấn Minh, outlined the development direction and activities of the sub-project. She shared that the project focuses on three main aspects: "New Approach, New Methods, and Potential Cooperation Models," as well as introducing the basic concepts of the digital transformation process. During the program, the CEO of KisStartup also highlighted that digital human resources will be a crucial factor for achieving sustainable digital transformation, not only within the program’s framework but also in the long term. The IDAP program will not only help train and enhance the capacity of businesses but also collaborate with universities and colleges to offer hands-on guidance to students, expanding their job opportunities while helping schools develop qualified human resources that can contribute to the development of the local digital transformation ecosystem. Furthermore, she emphasized that achieving sustainable digital transformation requires support and cooperation from many parties, making the establishment of a collaborative network essential. KisStartup is proud to act as a bridge between businesses, universities, colleges, and service providers.

The program also included participation from partner businesses such as ezCloud. Representatives from businesses shared their experiences in collaboration, the solutions they could offer, and expressed their desire to support local enterprises not only within the project but also by reaching out to businesses that haven't had the opportunity to participate. Ms. Bùi Phương Thanh, a representative from Noong Pieu Cooperative in Son La, shared her experiences and the remarkable development of the cooperative during and after participating in the program. Starting as a small cooperative with a rare ruby plum variety sold in small quantities, the cooperative has since expanded its growing area and successfully exported to four markets.

In the final part of the program, businesses were guided on how to register to participate in the program, with commitments of support and direction for business development and inclusive digital transformation, along with a Q&A session. The event paid particular attention to addressing the needs of businesses, providing foundational knowledge on inclusive digital transformation, and supporting networking opportunities for business owners and operators. New potential initiatives were introduced, such as digital transformation combined with green transformation, with universities and colleges aiming to provide services and human resources tailored to business needs, all working towards the common goal of developing a sustainable ecosystem network. KisStartup sincerely thanks the participation of over 65 attendees and is committed to continuing to refine and support businesses facing challenges in digital and green transformation both within and beyond the project’s framework.
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For any inquiries, please contact: 
KisStartup Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/kisstartup 
Website: https://www.kisstartup.com/ 
Email: hello@kisstartup.com 
Contact: (+84) 392.161.403 (Mr. Hieu)
 

ezCloud ensures that with just a smartphone, small homestay owners can connect and focus on welcoming guests while improving product and service quality. ezCloud will fully take care of sales operations, which is also the desire of small homestays. We have received significant interest from homestays and mixed agriculture-tourism businesses in Lao Cai and Son La.ezCloud ensures that with just a smartphone, small homestay owners can connect and focus on welcoming guests while improving product and service quality. ezCloud will fully take care of sales operations, which is also the desire of small homestays. We have received significant interest from homestays and mixed agriculture-tourism businesses in Lao Cai and Son La.
The connection event session for tourism businesses was successful, attracting over 50 businesses, with the goal of bringing optimal digital technology solutions for homestay and tourism businesses. The event provided an opportunity for businesses to access two of the industry's leading digital solutions: ezCloud and TripIn, platforms that not only optimize business operations but also significantly enhance customer experiences.

ezCloud – The No.1 Hotel Management Platform in Vietnam

ezCloud is Vietnam's leading hotel management platform, currently holding the largest market share. This solution is specially designed to serve various types of accommodation, from small hotels to homestay complexes to community homestay groups. Thanks to its comprehensive automated management system, homestay owners only need to focus on guest reception and providing the best experience, while all management processes, from booking, room status tracking, to revenue management, are handled by ezCloud intelligently and efficiently.
In particular, with the remote management feature via the mobile app, businesses can easily monitor and adjust their operations anytime and anywhere. This allows homestay owners to dedicate more time to improving service quality and customer care. Moreover, ezCloud integrates multiple features to connect with OTA (Online Travel Agency) channels, helping homestays expand their reach to international customers, increasing booking rates and revenue effectively.

TripIn – AI and AR Travel Application with Virtual Guides

TripIn is an advanced travel application that integrates AI and AR technology, providing tourists with unique travel experiences through virtual guides. Especially for homestay groups or complexes in areas rich in cultural and natural attractions, this application is a powerful tool for tourists to freely explore and experience.
With AR (Augmented Reality) technology, tourists can use TripIn to receive real-time information as they move to attractions, including cultural stories, historical insights, and other useful local information. The virtual guide on TripIn helps them explore every corner of the locality without the need for a traditional tour guide. This not only offers personalized experiences for tourists but also brings convenience and flexibility to travel businesses.
Additionally, TripIn uses AI technology to suggest travel itineraries that match the preferences of tourists, enhancing satisfaction and encouraging them to return or recommend the service to friends and family.

ezCloud and TripIn not only provide optimal management and travel experience solutions but also help small and medium tourism businesses, particularly homestays, to easily transition to digital operations, reduce operating costs, improve business efficiency, and offer unique travel experiences to guests.
This event marks a significant step in promoting digital transformation for tourism businesses in Vietnam. With the support of solutions like ezCloud and TripIn, homestay businesses can easily optimize their operations while delivering new and exciting experiences to their customers. This not only helps them compete more effectively in an increasingly competitive market but also contributes to enhancing the image and quality of local tourism.
Businesses, cooperatives, and homestays that need to connect with these solutions and receive support during the process, please contact KisStartup.

The networking event organized by KisStartup took place successfully, attracting the participation of more than 50 agricultural enterprises, cooperatives and business households in Lao Cai and Son La provinces. This event is an important step forward in promoting green transformation and improving management efficiency in the agricultural sector through technology solutions. In particular, the event highlighted the desire of local businesses to find solutions to help manage energy effectively, community cooperation investment, and increase product value.

Alterno – Energy storage sand battery technology

Alterno introduced sand battery technology solutions, helping to store and optimize the use of renewable energy. This technology is capable of meeting energy needs in production processes such as drying agricultural products and heating, especially suitable for the conditions of agricultural enterprises and cooperatives in Lao Cai and Son La. This is an important step forward in reducing dependence on traditional energy, contributing to the green transition in agricultural production.

BFD – Smart livestock management solution

BFD introduced smart livestock management solutions, with feed control systems and process automation. This technology not only helps livestock farmers optimize resources but also improve livestock performance, ensuring the quality and health of livestock. This automation reduces manual labor, saves costs and energy, and helps businesses better manage their resources.

Sac Moc Tinh – Environmentally friendly food production

Sac Moc Tinh introduced food production technology from agricultural by-products, helping to make the most of agricultural resources and minimize waste. This technology not only helps businesses produce sustainably but also brings environmentally friendly products, meeting the growing consumer demand for green, clean and safe products.

EGAP – Product management and traceability solution

EGAP provides product traceability management and monitoring services, supporting businesses to ensure transparency and compliance with traceability regulations. This solution helps improve reputation and product quality, meeting the requirements of domestic and international markets. The application of traceability also helps cooperatives and business households increase the value of their products, ensuring trust from customers and partners.

Through the networking event, agricultural businesses in Lao Cai and Son La had the opportunity to learn more about advanced technology solutions, helping them manage resources more effectively and promote sustainable development. Businesses show special interest in green transformation, using renewable energy and developing in a sustainable direction. In particular, many businesses want to invest in the form of community cooperation, sharing resources and knowledge to improve their competitiveness in the market.
In addition, adding value to products through solutions such as traceability, process automation and environmentally friendly production are also top priorities. Businesses see great potential in not only improving product quality but also creating sustainable value chains, serving the needs of both domestic and international markets.

This networking event has brought many opportunities for cooperation and transformation for businesses, cooperatives and agricultural businesses in Lao Cai and Son La. Applying technology solutions such as Alterno, BFD, Sac Moc Tinh and EGAP will help them not only optimize production operations but also move towards a more sustainable and green future. With the support of KisStartup and its partners, local agricultural businesses are on the path to strong transformation, enhancing value and competitiveness, while contributing to the comprehensive development of the local economy.