The situation described impacts Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

At a café, the air conditioner broke and started leaking water everywhere! So, the staff grabbed buckets and containers to catch the water and keep the place dry - but we had to tell them. We didn’t want to waste any water and keep the café nice and clean. We need to fix the air conditioner so this doesn’t happen again and we can save more water!

Hello!

My name is Alex, and I am 8 years old. I am learning about how businesses work and would like to ask you a few questions about your company.

1. What does your company do?

2. How do you help the environment?

3. What makes your products special?

4. How do you make sure your workers are happy?

Thank you very much for answering my questions!

Sincerely, Alex

1. Be Polite and Friendly:

   • Start with a greeting like "Hello" or "Hi there!"

   • Use polite words like "please" and "thank you."

2. Introduce Yourself:

   • Tell them your name and a little about yourself. For example, "My name is Alex, and I am 8 years old."

3. Explain Why You Are Asking:

   • Tell them why you are curious. For example, "I am learning about how businesses work and would like to ask you a few questions."

4. Ask Clear Questions:

   • Make sure your questions are easy to understand. Here are some examples:

     • "What does your company do?"

     • "How do you help the environment?"

     • "What makes your products special?"

     • "How do you make sure your workers are happy?"

5. Write Down Your Questions:

   • It's helpful to write down your questions before you ask them so you don't forget.

6. Wait Patiently for Answers:

   • Companies might need some time to reply, so be patient.

7. Say Thank You:

   • Always thank them for their time and answers. You can say, "Thank you very much for answering my questions!"

In progress

1. Oriental consulting

2. Nor

3. Baheej

   
   

Kiky: Sure! We specialize in printing. We print designs on various materials like paper, wood, or fabric.

Wybie: Where is your company, Miss Kiky?

Kiky: Currently, we operate in Singapore. We're a small company trying to grow our presence.

Wybie: How many employees do you have then?

Kiky: Right now, we have 5 employees.

Wybie: Only 5 employees? How do you manage to sell your products?

Kiky: We primarily target businesses looking for customized printing solutions. For instance, restaurants often buy our paper bags for packaging. We also offer design services for clients who need assistance.

Wybie: What are some major problems you're currently facing?

Kiky: One challenge is ensuring designs provided by customers don't violate copyright laws. Additionally, competition is fierce in Singapore and abroad.

Wybie: How do you plan to address these issues?

Kiky: We're considering advertising more aggressively to stand out in the market and ensuring top-notch quality to retain customers.

Wybie: Any new strategies in your business?

Kiky: We've invested in more production machinery to improve efficiency, and we're brainstorming ways to expand our reach.

Wybie: How do you intend to promote your business in the future?

Kiky: We're contemplating hiring experts to assist with marketing and actively seeking new clients.

Wybie: What inspired you to start the business, and what keeps it going?

Kiky: After graduating in 2018, my family encouraged me to pursue entrepreneurship. Ambition and clear goals have been crucial in keeping the business on track.

Wybie: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Kiky: Follow your passions and persevere through challenges. Every failure is a lesson in disguise.

Wybie: The bootcamp's theme is sustainability. How does your business contribute?

Kiky: We prioritize using eco-friendly materials for printing and have implemented waste recycling practices.

Wybie: Got it, thank you for your time.

Kiky: You're welcome! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Ms.Ngoc: Sure! Our shop is called Green Gem Shop. We sell fashion accessories, plants, cleaning products, and more to raise funds for the group named Keep Vietnam Clean.

Wybie: That's wonderful! How did you get started with the business?

Ms.Ngoc: Well, we didn't have much money to start with, but my friends wanted to help. They donated items they no longer used, and from there, we slowly built up our inventory and reputation.

Wybie: Nice! How do you sustain the business then? Do you have suppliers?

Ms.Ngoc: Unfortunately, we don't have suppliers. We rely solely on donations from customers and volunteers.

Wybie: That sounds challenging. How do you attract customers to buy your products?

Ms.Ngoc: Our customers help spread the word about our shop, and we also use social media to promote our cause and attract more volunteers.

Wybie: How many employees do you have?

Ms.Ngoc: Currently, we have 5-6 employees and several volunteers who help out.

Wybie: What type of customers visit your shop the most?

Ms.Ngoc: About 85% of our customers are foreigners.

Wybie: When did you start the business?

Ms.Ngoc: We started in 2016.

Wybie: You must have several shops around then?

Ms.Ngoc: Actually, we only have one shop here in Tay Ho.

Wybie: What are the major problems you're facing currently?

Ms.Ngoc: We struggle with attracting and retaining customers, especially since many of our customers are tourists who only visit temporarily. Additionally, selling mostly second-hand products limits our customer base.

Wybie: Do you have any potential solutions in mind?

Ms.Ngoc: We're planning to increase our presence on social media to raise awareness and attract more volunteers to support our cause.

Wybie: That sounds like a good plan. What are your opening hours?

Ms.Ngoc: We're open every day from 9 am to 7 pm.

Wybie: Thank you for your time!

Ms.Ngoc: No problem! If you have any more questions or want to stop by, feel free to do so.

Chau Anh:Nice to meet you, Wybie. So, you're interested in learning more about our company?

Wybie: Absolutely! I've heard a lot of great things about Master Tan and I'm really intrigued by what you guys do. Could you tell me a bit about the history of the company?

Chau Anh: Of course! Master Tan has been around for quite some time now. It all started with Master Tan's passion for herbal remedies and traditional healing methods. He wanted to share the benefits of these natural products with others, and thus, the company was born.

Wybie: That's fascinating. So, what kind of products does Master Tan offer?

Chau Anh: Well, we have a wide range of herbal products, from teas to massage goods and even ceramic teapots and teacups.

Wybie: How do you go about getting customers interested in your products?

Chau Anh: We believe in building trust and relationships with our customers. We offer samples, provide suggestions based on their needs, and even take pictures of satisfied customers to display in our stores and on social media. It helps us connect with our audience and show them the benefits of our products firsthand. That being said, we’re ranked #1 on Tripadvisor. Lots of our consumers know about this shop because of that.

Wybie: That's smart. How many branches do you have to be exact?

Chau Anh: We currently have 5 branches. 2 in Hoi An and 3 with one at the Old quarter, one near the square and one near a church in Hanoi. We also have a network of suppliers from places like Bat Trang Village for ceramics and Tra My, Quang Nam for cinnamon and tea. It's all about collaboration and ensuring that each branch maintains the same level of quality and service.

Wybie: Impressive. And what are your hours of operation?

Chau Anh: We're open from 9 am to 10 pm every day. We want to make sure we're accessible to our customers whenever they need us.

Wybie: Well, it sounds like Master Tan has really thought of everything. Thanks for giving me a glimpse into how the company operates, Chau Anh.

Chau Anh: My pleasure, Wybie. If you ever have any more questions or want to learn more, feel free to stop by any of our branches. We're always here to help.

Quynh: Hi Wybie, nice to meet you too! Sure, we'd be happy to tell you about our shop.

Ly: Yeah, welcome to Hanoi Deli! What do you want to know?

Wybie: Well, first off, could you tell me a bit about how Hanoi Deli got started?

Quynh: Sure thing. Hanoi Deli opened its doors around 2015. We wanted to showcase the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship and culture through handmade souvenirs and products.

Wybie: That's cool. So, what kind of products do you sell?

Ly: We have a variety of handmade souvenirs, ranging from ceramics from Bat Trang Village to coffee from Dak Lak, and even tea from the North.

Wybie: Sounds like you have quite the selection. How do you go about sourcing your products?

Quynh: All of our suppliers are based in Vietnam. We're really proud to support local artisans and businesses. For example, we get our coffee from Dak Lak and some of the famous brands like Highlands, and our tea comes from various regions in the North.

Wybie: That's great to hear. And who are your typical customers?

Ly: Most of our customers are foreigners who pass by. They're usually tourists looking for unique souvenirs to take home with them.

Wybie: I see. And how do you attract customers to your shop?

Quynh: Well, we offer tea samples to passersby to entice them into the shop. We also pride ourselves on the quality of our products. Everything is hand-made, natural, and well-made, which customers seem to appreciate.

Wybie: That makes sense. What about your staff? How many people work here?

Ly: We have around 30 staff in total, spread out across our three stores here in Hanoi.

Wybie: Wow, that's quite a team. Do you face any challenges running the business?

Quynh: One challenge we sometimes encounter is when customers accidentally break goods. If it happens more than once, they're usually charged for the damage. Also, since some of our staff are relatively new, they lack experience, but working here helps them learn English and communicate better.

Wybie: It sounds like you're doing a great job overall. Thank you so much for your time.

Ly: No problem, Wybie. If you ever want to stop by and check out our shop, feel free to do so. We'd love to have you as a customer!

Franz Lye: Sure, thank you for having me. Our company specializes in sending money from one country to another, primarily serving foreign domestic workers, SMEs, and high net worth individuals. We started in 2017 and currently have 9 employees. One of our main challenges is the intense competition in the finance industry, coupled with strict regulations. We're working on growing through word-of-mouth referrals and leveraging digital platforms to reduce paper usage and streamline processes.

Wybie: That sounds like a solid plan. It's important to adapt to the changing landscape. Now, could you share with us more about your high-end visa business for Europe?

Franz: Absolutely. My business focuses on providing visa services for high-end clients, primarily through word-of-mouth referrals and partnerships with high-end agents. However, we do face challenges with visa regulations and the high cost of compliance.

Wybie: It's interesting to hear how your businesses are tackling different challenges within your industries. You mentioned reducing paper usage and your carbon footprint. How are you implementing sustainability practices in your company?

Franz: We're actively working on reducing our paper usage by transitioning to digital platforms wherever possible. This not only helps the environment but also improves efficiency and reduces costs in the long run.

Wybie: That's commendable. Do you have any sustainability initiatives in your business?

Franz: While our focus is primarily on visa services, we do try to minimize our environmental impact where we can. For example, we encourage electronic documentation whenever possible and promote sustainable travel practices among our clients.

Wybie: It's great to see businesses making efforts to be more sustainable, even in industries where it might not be the primary focus. Thank you for sharing your insights with me today.

Sayuj: Good afternoon, thank you for having me. Techscare is an optical business based in India. We specialize in providing comprehensive eye care services, including testing, prescribing, and selling glasses to our customers.

Wybie: That sounds like a vital service. How do you go about sourcing the glasses you offer at Techscare?

Sayuj: We source our glasses from a network of around 15 suppliers in India. These suppliers provide us with a diverse range of glasses to ensure that we can meet the needs and preferences of our customers.

Wybie Got it, how many employees do you have to be exact?

Sayuj: We only have 2

Wybie: I see. With your business still in the learning phase, how do you ensure the quality of the glasses you sell?

Sayuj: Quality assurance is a top priority for us at Techscare. We have stringent criteria that our suppliers must meet, and we conduct regular assessments to ensure the consistency and reliability of the glasses we offer. Additionally, our team conducts thorough inspections of each pair of glasses before they are made available for sale.

Wybie: It's great to hear that quality is a focus for your business. Now, let's talk about sustainability. Do you have any specific initiatives in place at Techscare?

Sayuj: While sustainability is an important consideration for us, our main focus at Techscare is on customer satisfaction. We believe that by providing excellent service and addressing the needs of our customers, we can contribute positively to the long-term success and sustainability of our business.

Wybie: That's a valid perspective. How would you define sustainability within the context of Techscare?

Sayuj: For us, sustainability means operating in a manner that allows us to meet the needs of our customers while also minimizing our environmental impact and contributing positively to the communities we serve. It's about finding a balance between economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Wybie: Thank you for sharing your insights. Could you tell us a bit about how you acquire customers for Techscare?

Sayuj: Certainly. We primarily leverage social media platforms to reach potential customers and engage with our community. Additionally, we have built a reputation for quality and service, earning us a respectable ranking of 4 points among optical businesses in our area. We also offer customization options for our customers and engage in product resale to expand our reach.

Wybie: It sounds like you've developed a comprehensive approach to customer acquisition. Thank you for providing us with a glimpse into the operations of Techscare, Sayuj.

Sayuj: My pleasure. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about Techscare, feel free to reach out anytime.

Gene: No, I haven't. What's so special about it?

Wybie: Oh, it's a super cool leather boutique in Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. They've been around since 2019, and they're all about top-notch, handcrafted leather items.

Gene: Handcrafted leather? That sounds fancy! Where do they get their materials from?

Wybie: They actually source their raw materials from various online platforms. Once they have them, their skilled artisans work magic in the workshop to create amazing pieces.

Gene: That sounds like a lot of hard work and dedication. Who's behind all of this?

Wybie: The owner! With a decade of industry experience, they decided to open Lanh Leather in 2019. Since then, they've built a loyal customer base, especially with travelers who find the shop either by stumbling upon it or through Facebook.

Gene: Wow, that's impressive! So, they must be doing something right.

Wybie: Definitely! They blend craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Plus, they're all about supporting local artisans and promoting ethically sourced materials.

Gene: That's awesome. It sounds like they're contributing to some good causes too.

Wybie: Yes! They contribute to the SDGs, like Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by supporting local artisans, and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) by promoting ethical materials and handcrafted goods.

Gene: Now I'm really curious to check out their products. Maybe we can visit when we're in Hanoi!

Wybie: For sure! It sounds like a must-visit place for anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship and ethical practices.

Gene: Yeah, I've heard they're pretty innovative. What's so special about them?

Wybie: Well, they're a big player in Vietnam's AI landscape. They work with major industries like petroleum, high-tech, banking, and even governmental ministries to drive digital transformation.

Gene: That sounds impressive. How do they do it?

Wybie: They offer consultancy services, providing tailored solutions in electro language and image processing. This helps organizations use AI for data consolidation and analysis.

Gene: Interesting. Do they also develop software?

Wybie: Absolutely. They not only refine open-source AI but also focus on addressing the critical shortage of AI talent. They have rigorous engineer training programs to bridge the skills gap.

Gene: That's great! So, they're also contributing to education?

Wybie: Yes, they contribute to Quality Education (SDG 4) by enhancing technical expertise and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Plus, their sustainable consultancy services promote Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).

Gene: How do they ensure their services are sustainable?

Wybie: They aim to minimize wasteful expenditure for clients and promote efficient AI utilization, which helps in responsible consumption and production.

Gene: Sounds like they're tackling a lot of challenges and opportunities in the AI industry.

Wybie: Exactly. Despite the growing demand for AI development, there's a shortage of qualified professionals. Only a few universities in Vietnam offer adequate AI training, making AI Academy Vietnam's training programs crucial.

Gene: So, they're really making a difference in both technology and education sectors.

Wybie: Definitely. By addressing these challenges head-on, they advance technological progress and contribute to Sustainable Development Goals.

Gene: That's fantastic. AI Academy Vietnam seems like a pivotal force in Vietnam's tech landscape.

Jfp: Good morning!

Mr. Cuong: Good morning, I’m Mr. Cuong, the proprietor of Vun Art.

Wybie: We're eager to learn more about your business. Can we ask you a few questions?

Mr. Cuong: Certainly.

Jfp: Could you tell us about your business and its revenue model?

Mr. Cuong: Vun Art creates and sells artwork for profit.

Jfp: What aspect of your business excites you the most?

Mr. Cuong: I find fulfillment in collaborating with my disabled employees, creating artworks, selling our products, and reinvesting the earnings into growing the business.

Wybie: What challenges do you encounter in your business?

Mr. Cuong: Our workforce, comprising individuals with disabilities, faces difficulty in outperforming competitors. Additionally, despite offering free training, half of the participants opt out during the process.

Wybie: When did you establish your business?

Mr. Cuong: We launched in 2017.

Wybie: Who are your primary suppliers?

Mr. Cuong: We procure unused fabric from local factories and repurpose it into art pieces.

Jfp: What skills are essential for running your business?

Mr. Cuong: Proficiency in business management, leadership, and marketing are crucial.

Jfp: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Mr. Cuong: I believe passion and resilience are paramount for launching a successful venture.

Jfp: What drew you to the art industry?

Mr. Cuong: Having studied under various Vietnamese artists, I envisioned creating a business that empowers disabled individuals to earn a livelihood like anyone else.

Jfp & Wybie: Thank you for your insights.

Mr. Cuong: You're welcome. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions.