Highlight of Day 01

1. Opening Speech – Ms. Tieu Yen Trinh, CEO of Talentnet Corporation

The Makeover 2025 opened with the “Blind Box” concept – a metaphor for the innate human curiosity.
“The Makeover is also like a blind box – where curiosity meets determination to move forward together,” said Ms. Tieu Yen Trinh.

After over 15 years accompanying Vietnamese businesses, she believes Vietnam is at a golden moment to accelerate with AI and technology. According to Talentnet’s latest survey, only 2% of employees are “not interested” in AI, while 90% of companies have built or are building AI usage policies.

To lead this new era, leaders must become game-changers – bold, agile, and resilient – just like a Vietnamese chef daring to bring pho to the global table: preserving identity while elevating it with creativity. Because while technology takes us fast, human courage takes us far.

Ms. Tieu Yen Trinh, CEO of Talentnet Corporation

2. Keynote | TAC: Transformation and Continuation

“How much time do we, as leaders, really dedicate to people?” – Ms. Minh Huong opened with a question that cuts to the heart of all transformation.

According to her, transformation isn’t just about technology; it’s a journey of rebuilding people and culture. When T.A.C becomes a true flow, it evolves into C.A.T (Connect with Heart & Transformation with Excellence) – where transformation becomes transcendence, connecting through empathy and acting with intellect.

Ms. Pham Minh Huong – Founder and Member of the Board of Managements, IPA Group

3. Keynote Tech Spotlight | The AI Chasms: What If Only the Rich Could Think?

At The AI Crossroad, Dr. Son Do Lenh pointed out three “cracks” of our era: data dependency, concentration of power in tech giants, and inequality in AI accessibility.

He emphasized that to overcome these cracks, businesses must democratize knowledge, act collectively, and rebuild at the macro level – so that AI becomes a tool for liberation, not exploitation.

Dr. Son Do Lenh – Deputy CEO, Strategy, Technology & Transformation, Talentnet

4. Keynote Tech Spotlight | Building a Future-Ready Workforce

In the era of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, Mr. Douglas Kuo shared about building teams that are both agile and sustainably developed. He highlighted that while technology is only a tool, people and mindset are the true foundation of transformation.

Mr. Douglas Kuo – Divisional Vice President and General Manager, Abbott Vietnam

5. Keynote Tech Spotlight | Lead with AI – Invented for Life

At The Makeover 2025, Mr. Andre de Jong shared how Bosch has embedded AI into its corporate culture – not just to grow, but to serve humanity.

Its three pillars include: Democratizing AI skills, making AI a collaborative assistant, integrating AI across all processes. He emphasized that AI doesn’t replace people – it augments human capability and creativity, grounded in three values: safety, transparency, and responsibility.

Mr. Andre de Jong – Vice President, Managing Director of Bosch Vietnam cum Regional Business Unit Head (ASEAN), Two-Wheeler and Powersports, Bosch ASEAN

6. Keynote Tech Spotlight | Transforming Workforce Strategies with AI & Digitalisation: The CHRO’s Next Chapter

At The Makeover 2025, Mr. Sujay Bhat (SAP SuccessFactors Southeast Asia) discussed HR’s transformation journey with AI – not only applying technology but connecting and empowering people.
He outlined five key directions: Using AI to enhance internal connection, optimizing recruitment, ensuring fair rewards and compensation, personalizing learning, integrating data into one unified system. According to him, AI doesn’t replace HR – it amplifies the human role and capability in this new era.

Mr. Sujay Bhat – Senior Director HR Strategy Advisory, SAP SuccessFactors Southeast Asia

7. Panel | HR Transformation Playbook: No More Pilots

The panel “HR Transformation Playbook: No More Pilots” explored both opportunities and challenges that Data, Technology, and AI bring to HR.

Ms. Low Peck Kem, Ms. Nguyen Tam Trang, Ms. Doris Poh, and Mr. Le Thanh Khang emphasized that AI is an opportunity – if people upskill, leaders empower, and HR becomes the bridge between technology, data, and humanity.

Technology is meaningful only when it walks hand in hand with compassion – where high tech meets high touch, creating trust and organizational cohesion.

• Ms. Low Peck Kem, Chief Human Resources Officer & Advisor (Workforce Development), Public Service Division, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore
• Ms. Nguyễn Tâm Trang – Vice Chairwoman of the Executive Committee and Chief People Officer, GREENFEED group
• Ms. Doris Poh – Head of Asia, LinkedIn Learning, LinkedIn
• Mr. Lê Thành Khang – Head of HR, Nestlé Vietnam

8. Keynote Tech Spotlight | The Next Disruption: Lead It or Be Led

Global Futurist Henrik von Scheel concluded Day 1 of The Makeover 2025 with the thought-provoking topic “The Next Disruption: Lead It or Be Led”

He emphasized that AI must go hand in hand with humanity, warned against “shadow AI,” and highlighted HR’s chance to shift from cost center to profit center.

With its manufacturing backbone and a new generation of engineers, Vietnam is standing at a historic crossroads – ready to lead Asia toward a smarter, stronger, and more prosperous shared future.

Global Futurist Henrik von Scheel – Industry 4.0 originator; Co-founder of the Strategic Intelligence, World Economic Forum

Day 2 of The Makeover 2025 continues with key highlights and insights from the Talentnet Total Salary Report 2025. Stay tuned for Day 2 recap and download the full report!