Van Nguyen’s Post

View profile for Van Nguyen

Tech Founder, Corporate Innovator, and GFSA 2023

Should I work for an established company, join a startup, or start my own business? 🤔 This is a question not just from National University of Singapore students but one that many of us face today. Earlier this week, SMARTR.CO had the pleasure of hosting 36 students and faculty from the National University of Singapore (NUS), ranked #1 in Asia by the latest QS World University Rankings. The students came from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, each with immense potential to become future leaders. I enjoyed sharing my journey—from working in the corporate world to launching my first business straight out of college, and finally founding SmartR after 15 years in the professional space. For those considering entrepreneurship, here are three key lessons from my own founder journey: 1️⃣ Know what’s expected of you – Understanding your role and the challenges ahead is critical. 2️⃣ Pivot or Persevere – Success often hinges on knowing when to stay the course or adapt. 3️⃣ People are our greatest asset – More than technology, innovation, or strategy, it's the people that drive success. Becoming a founder in HR tech has been the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life. I hope my insights help guide students as they prepare for their future careers. After the visit, one student remarked, "I’m considering working for a startup now." 👊 I’d like to think that means I’ve made a meaningful contribution to the startup community 💪

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SMARTR.CO was thrilled to host a dynamic company visit for 36 bright students from National University of Singapore, representing a variety of faculties and academic years. Our CEO & Founder Van Nguyen had the incredible opportunity to share SmartR’s startup journey, igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in these bright young minds. The event highlighted the diverse startup experiences across Singapore and beyond🌏, with insights from Vietnam and other markets—showcasing the global nature of entrepreneurship. A special thank you to our partners Tanya Truong and Thijs Van Loon MSc. for sharing their valuable perspectives and enriching the students’ understanding of the startup landscape. A big thank you to NUS Enterprise Academy Summer Programme in Entrepreneurship, Talent JDI, and Business Startup Support Centre (BSSC) for their seamless coordination and for sponsoring the space, making this event a resounding success. 💡 Stay tuned for our Winter Internship opportunities! It’s the perfect chance to gain hands-on experience in the world of startups and develop real-world entrepreneurial skills. The energy and passion of the students were truly inspiring. Let's continue to nurture and support the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders! 👉 Follow us to stay updated on our latest opportunities and news. --------------------- SMARTR - A Data-driven talent management solution Website: https://smartr.co/ LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/gm-V8BvW Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gJtk3mF3

  • NUS visits SmartR 2024
Van Nguyen

Tech Founder, Corporate Innovator, and GFSA 2023

5mo

A big thank you to Malcom Lau, Jason Cheong, and May Hua Wong for organizing this insightful visit. Your dedication truly reflects the commitment of NUS and Singaporean universities to shaping the future leaders and driving the continued prosperity of Singapore. I'm excited about the potential for future collaborations and what we can achieve together!

Van Nguyen

Tech Founder, Corporate Innovator, and GFSA 2023

5mo

Thank you Tanya Truong and Thijs Van Loon MSc. for joining the session with me and the team.

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Jason Cheong

Career Advisor | Data Science | Analytics | Statistics

5mo

Dear SMARTR.CO Team, On behalf of the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates CFG2002VN course module team, I want to express our sincere gratitude for hosting a dynamic company visit for our 36 National University of Singapore students. Our students were exposed to the entrepreneurial spirit through Van Nguyen’s insights and the diverse perspectives shared. Learning about startup experiences in Vietnam, truly broadens their understanding of the global nature of entrepreneurship. A special thank you as well to Tanya Truong, and Thijs Van Loon MSc., for your valuable contributions to the event. The coordination and support from the entire team was instrumental in making the event a resounding success!

John Lee

Financial Management | Budgeting, Analysis, Reporting | Strategic Collaborator | Regional FP&A | Business Performance Enabler| Process Transformation | Team Development Leader | Business Decision Advisor & Partner |

5mo

Got to say, you make a pretty good entrepreneur:)

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Van Nguyen thank you for always supporting these activities that helps strengthen understanding between Singapore youths and Vietnam =)

Xiao Hongyang

Asset Management | Final Year Finance Student @ NUS

5mo

Your journey is very inspiring Van, can't wait to see what SMARTR has in store for Vietnam and SEA!

Ha (River) Nguyen, Ph.D.

In my 40s | Fulbrighter 2014-16 | Medaled martial-arts athlete | L&D Strategist, Leader, and Consultant

5mo

Useful tips!

David Kim🌐

ex-GE/ Tech Narrator/2024 Top Voice/ Top 5 Most-Read Journalist at TechNode, e27(SG), Kenyan Wallstreet journal/ / CEO TV host/"David Kim's emerging market"@Korea Economic Daily

2mo

Great insights on career choices! Your three lessons are spot-on, especially about the importance of people. It's inspiring to see how you're influencing the next generation of entrepreneurs. 🚀

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Thijs Van Loon MSc.

Transforming Skills, Transforming Teams: Skills Development Facilitator, Serving Southeast Asia

5mo

I really enjoyed meeting you all, however brief. Loads of good questions raised in the time we met. Thank Van Nguyen and SMARTR.CO for organizing!

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