Creativity - The Key to Success

I will never forget what Prime Minister Phan Van Khai shared with me “Vietnam is a nation of diligent, hard working, intelligent and receptive people. We do not want to be regarded as a country of simple work, cheap labour doing what other countries refuse to do”. His words convinced me and my thinking.

 

The conference on creativity and renovation this time is the joint initiative of IBM and VCCI and suggested by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai for the occasion of Vietnam playing host to APEC Summit 2006. The intention of IBM is to help other countries, including Vietnam, promote creativity to improve the living conditions. IBM considers it as a long-term investment with full sense of responsibility. In return, IBM expects that with better development, favourable business environment and more demand in information technology and consulting service, IBM will have more opportunities for cooperation and development.

 

IBM sees in Vietnam a potential market with young and industrious workforce, eager for learning and full of passion. The common concern of the government, the press and the people on the opportunities shows that Vietnam is truly willing for changes in the WTO accession. Yet, Vietnam has to make good use of the investment flow with creativity. Vietnam has many similarities with China few years ago.

Though it is fine that Vietnam has drawn lessons from others, it must define policy and strategy to be different from others. First, each nation and enterprise has its own distinctiveness. Second, if Vietnam tries to do what the world is doing or even doing better, it is still not enough and cannot ensure a success. To find a way that the world will go or create a difference would help Vietnam increase its validity.

 

Vietnam has diligence and passion, but it requires also self-confidence. Yet, eagerness and concerted efforts for immediate interests without long-term investment would deprive Vietnamese development of necessary stability. It is also the conclusion that IBM has drawn from its performance, from its partners and clients in the past years. IBM has been operating world-wide for nearly 100 years. IBM first came to Vietnam in 1938 and will maintain a long-term presence. IBM highly evaluates the development potential of Vietnam, will commit long-term investment and have full confidence in the determination of Vietnamese government for renovation. Renovation and creativity are essential for Vietnam in the integration process. IBM has been supporting most actively WTO accession and PNTR for Vietnam.

Renovation and creativity are essential for Vietnam to ensure sustainable development as they will help Vietnam find or create different advantages for the competition in the world market. To this end, Vietnam should be fully conscious of renovation and creativity and their roles. At the same time, the government should take steps to encourage and promote creativity and renovation in the society.

 

In the initial stage, the Government plays the most important role. Many Vietnamese enterprises can serve as models for creativity namely Viettel, Vietcombank, Dien Quang, Techcombank, BIDV, and Vinamilk. It shows that many enterprises are fully aware of the role of creativity and renovation and implement them in business activities. However, creativity and renovation must be launched nation-wide as a movement if Vietnam wants to improve its trademark.

 

Nick Donofrio is a leader of IBM and visited Vietnam when IBM returned to Vietnam in 1994. He is also the commander of IBM global technology strategy. He is also in charge of IBM scientific research, programmes on quality, business community relationship, health, environment and product quality. In 42 years working for IBM, he has 7 patents bearing his name.