When technology inspires startups

QTO - In the context of the 4.0 industrial revolution that is increasingly bringing positive changes, young entrepreneurs are not out of the trend, always creative, proactive, flexible in applying technology, effectively exploiting the achievements of digital transformation. And for many Quang Tri "start-ups", technology is gradually becoming an indispensable part of the startup business strategy, from the "conception" of the idea to taking shape and going into operation.

Meet the CEO of Hai Anh Booking Company Limited, Nguyen Van Hai (born in 1997), in Dong Hoi ward, during the days when he was busy supporting MICE tourist groups (tourism combined with conferences, seminars, exhibitions, event organization...). Mr. Nguyen Van Hai excitedly shared that, established in 2023, the company initially originated from the need to develop a specialized travel agency, capable of exploiting the maximum tourism potential of the locality and the Central region. After that, Hai Anh Booking quickly developed diverse service segments, notably, MICE is the service line that the company has invested in developing strongly in the past year.

A group of MICE tourists hosted by Hai Anh Booking - Photo: MN

Previously, the maximum number of guests that the company could receive was only 150 people/group, but now this number has increased to more than 300 people/group. The rate of corporate customers returning to use MICE services is 80%. MICE tourism is bringing a lot of potential to Quang Tri tourism and technology is one of the "secrets" to success. The company has been applying an online tour booking system and a friendly website with a modern interface, allowing customers to easily search, choose and book tours online.

In addition, the company maintains a multi-channel payment system, ensuring safety and convenience; integrating booking management functions, and automatic ticket issuance for customers. For mobile applications supporting tourism, the company is developing a phone app that provides tour information, smart travel maps, personalized schedules; supports booking tours, tickets, contacting tour guides and receiving emergency support; and features direct reviews and feedback to improve services. The company strives for multi-channel digital communication, managing and developing brands on major social networks; at the same time, building online advertising campaigns, video marketing, live event livestreaming, as well as analyzing interactive data to optimize communication effectiveness.

Hai Anh Booking strives to digitize 100% of operations by 2030 - Photo: MN

Regarding the internal management and operation system, Hai Anh Booking uses Tourkit software to synchronize processes: Tour booking, human resource management, finance, logistics; automate business operations, increase transparency and efficiency. Along with that is the online reporting system that supports the leadership to make quick decisions. The company's "Tourism - MICE experience services (Tourism combined with conferences and seminars)" project won the consolation prize at the 3rd Quang Binh (old) Creative Startup Competition in 2025 organized by the Provincial Youth Union and is the only project of Quang Tri province to be on the list of 120 projects participating in the semi-finals of the "Rural Youth Startup Project" competition in 2025 organized by the Central Youth Union.

A technology startup idea from young people from the Faculty of Information Technology (IT), Quang Binh University has also received much attention recently. Nguyen Hoang Vu, Head of the project "Building an e-commerce platform system in Laos" said that in his class there are international students from the Lao PDR. They mainly shop via Facebook, but this channel only displays products in the form of posts, which quickly disappear and are difficult to search. If you want to sell many products, users have to post each post, which is time-consuming, difficult to synchronize prices, inventory, and there is no fixed booth for customers to see. This is an opportunity to build a fixed online booth platform and integrate Facebook sharing.

With the guidance of Dr. Dau Manh Hoan, Nguyen Hoang Vu (far right) and his friends are ready to launch LaoMall in 2026 - Photo: MN

With the guidance of Dr. Dau Manh Hoan (Head of IT Department, Quang Binh University), Nguyen Hoang Vu and Hoang Tan Dung started implementing the project. LaoMall is an e-commerce platform that allows sellers to have a store, can post hundreds of products and customers only need 1 link to see all products. Products have clear descriptions, prices, images, inventory, and classification. The platform will automatically share products on Facebook, post multiple products from the store to Facebook at once, schedule posting, share on "page, group, profile" and link to the product on the platform, customers can view details, order immediately. With LaoMall, participants can centrally manage, update prices/inventory at once, synchronize both on the web and Facebook; at the same time, count views and orders from each channel.

The project won third prize at the 3rd Creative Startup Competition of Quang Binh Province (old) in 2025. Dr. Dau Manh Hoan highly appreciated the feasibility of this startup project. Currently, Vu and his friends have effectively deployed a number of small services and are preparing everything in stages. It is expected that by 2026, LaoMall will officially come to customers.

“The Provincial Youth Union continues to coordinate with the Provincial Social Policy Bank to deploy annual start-up and business loans; at the same time, cooperate with organizations and businesses to train and provide business management skills, and share experiences for young “start-ups”. In addition, organize training programs combined with practice on digital transformation, associated with the implementation of the “Mobile Start-up Station” model, using vehicles or mobile tents equipped with technology equipment, accompanied by consulting experts”, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan shared more.

Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, Chairman of the Vietnam Youth Union of the province Nguyen Quoc Toan said that in the coming time, for technology startup models, the Provincial Youth Union will continue to operate and develop the "Quang Tri Youth Startup Network" associated with digital transformation, not only playing the role of a connecting group but also becoming an online platform for union members and youth to exchange ideas, find partners, post projects, and call for capital from the community and businesses. In addition, it will strengthen inter-regional links and cooperation with other provinces and major cities to form a "Technology Startup Corridor", in which the Provincial Youth Union Standing Committee plays a bridging role.

Mai Nhan

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/khoa-hoc-cong-nghe/202509/khi-cong-nghe-khoi-nguon-khoi-nghiep-c304015/