INTERVIEW - On April 18th, Lean Global Network and KD Consulting will hold a not-to-be-missed event in Ho Chi Minh City for the Vietnamese lean community. In this Q&A, Tony and Khoa tell us what to expect from the summit.

Interviewee: Tony McNaughton and Khoa Nguyen

Planet Lean: Tell us about the upcoming event taking place in Vietnam. What can people expect?

Khoa Nguyen: The summit Lean Innovation Mastery: An Operational Excellence Roadmap to a Future-ready Organization aims to explore and share strategies, lessons, and experiences in combining Lean Management and Innovation to achieve operational excellence. With the participation of speakers from Lean Enterprise Australia, Lean Enterprise Southeast Asia, and local businesses, this event will offer practical insights tailored to the unique context of Vietnamese enterprises. Attendees will also experience a real-world Lean Transformation journey firsthand through an exclusive Gemba Tour at Biti’s factory in Ho Chi Minh City.

PL: What will the speakers be talking about?

KN: The event will cover a variety of topics, reflecting the speakers’ different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Tony, for instance, will present a compelling case study on digitalization in manufacturing, illustrating how technology can amplify lean practices to propel businesses into the digital age. His session promises actionable insights for Vietnamese enterprises looking to modernize their production systems while maintaining lean’s core focus on waste reduction and value creation.

Denise Bennett, also from Lean Enterprise Australia, will talk about the pioneering lean work taking place in the global healthcare community, highlighting the adaptability of Lean and offering inspiration for Vietnamese businesses operating in different sectors. By drawing parallels between healthcare and industrial challenges, Denise will illustrate how innovation in lean practices can drive operational excellence.

John Hamalian from Lean Enterprise Southeast Asia will share insights on “Lean and Green,” demonstrating how lean techniques can reduce costs and carbon emissions, offering practical strategies for businesses aiming for operational excellence as well as a sustainable future.

We are happy to also have Vuu Le Quyen, CEO of iconic Vietnamese footwear brand Biti’s at the event, telling the story of how the lean transformation of the company’s Saigon factory has enhanced operational efficiency and corporate culture, blending legacy with innovation to shape the brand’s future. Named Asia’s Outstanding Leader at the 2021 ACES Awards, Quyen has led Biti’s into a new era of innovation, modernizing retail strategies and launching the brand’s Hunter line to engage younger consumers. She champions the Proudly Made in Vietnam movement and fosters a culture of compassion and sustainability through “Happy Biti’s.”

I’ll also give my contribution, of course, discussing how a people-first approach to automation can drive efficiency and resilience. I’ll be sharing insights from my work and offer strategies that Vietnamese businesses can readily adopt to prepare for a technology-driven future.

PL: What can you tell us about the partnership between KD Consulting and Lean Global Network?

Tony McNaughton: Over the past few years, KD Consulting and Lean Global Network have developed an informal relationship based on their shared vision of advancing Lean Thinking and Practice. This year, we are taking a step forward, entering a “collaborative partnership” in Vietnam. KD Consulting provides local knowledge and expertise within the country, while LGN will bring co-learning support infrastructure to Vietnam and SE Asia through its roster of global lean experts. A win-win for both parties! This event will be the first under the new partnership.

PL: What’s the current state of lean in Vietnam? What opportunities do you see going forward?

KN and TM: The rapid advancement of technology and growing demand are presenting Vietnamese businesses with both challenges and opportunities. In the country, the need to boost productivity and global competitiveness is increasingly urgent, with labor productivity rising by approximately 15% since 2021 but still lagging behind regional peers. There is a critical need for continuous improvement and the integration of efficiency with innovation.

Lean Thinking, with its proven ability to reduce waste and maximize value, has long been an effective approach to enhancing performance and quality. Yet, to meet today’s challenges and remain agile and adaptable, we see a growing need to integrate Lean with solid strategies for innovation. This is the reason we decided to frame the upcoming event the way we did. We encourage the Vietnamese business community to participate!

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