BRI & HK EP3 | Trail-blazing journey: Time-honored HK enterprise regains vitality through innovation in Vietnam

Within the vibrant setting of the Sunwah Innovation Center, nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City along the Saigon River, one can find expansive communal workspaces, seamlessly connected workstations, a cozy café, phone rooms, and even nap rooms. Apart from its impressive physical amenities, this hub also serves as a problem-solving haven for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing invaluable guidance and a wealth of entrepreneurial resources, said Phong, the Founder and CEO of CYFEER, a company specializing in smart home system development.

Jesse Choi, the Director of Sunwah Group overseeing Southeast Asia, has been instrumental in the remarkable development of the Sunwah Innovation Center over the past two years. With tireless dedication, this center has evolved from humble beginnings to an unparalleled force in Vietnam's entrepreneurial landscape.

Indeed, building innovation centers has become second nature to the Sunwah Group. With locations spanning mainland China, Japan, Canada, and Cambodia, innovation centers can be found wherever the Sunwah Group extends its business reach. However, the journey has been challenging. Choi recalled reflecting on the initial stages, "In the beginning, we had to attend numerous events hosted by startups to understand their progress. Since Sunwah itself was not primarily focused on innovation, many entrepreneurs were unfamiliar with us, and they would often wonder if we were trying to replicate their products."

How was the seemingly "impossible mission" accomplished? How did the Sunwah Group, deeply rooted in traditional industries for decades, form a bond with "innovation"? As the Belt and Road Initiative approaches its tenth anniversary, how did this time-honored HK enterprise stationed in Vietnam breathe new life into its operations? Join us in the third installment of the DotDotNews series, BRI & HK, as we uncover the answers to these intriguing questions.