CEO Transforms Saigon Tech into a Global Tech Powerhouse

CEO Transforms Saigon Tech into a Global Tech Powerhouse

Pham Tien Thanh, who serves as both the co-founder and CEO of STS Software Technology JSC (Saigon Technology), brings more than 18 years of expertise in software engineering and tech leadership. Under his guidance, the organization has expanded from a modest group into a globally acknowledged supplier of top-tier software services.


What steps did you take to expand your team from just a handful of individuals to more than 200 within a decade?

Saigon Technology
We began with just a few engineers and concentrated on obtaining long-term agreements with international clients who prioritized both cost-effectiveness and quality, along with strong communication. Our commitment to an open delivery approach using agile methods combined with industry-specific expertise allowed us to consistently provide substantial value.

As time passed, we established an increasingly strong reputation, especially within the United States and Europe. We focused on lucrative markets like California, New York, Germany, Australia, and various other parts of Europe—each additional client offering new avenues for growth. Currently, our workforce consists of more than 200 experts who deliver comprehensive software development services spanning several time zones. This strategy enabled us to integrate ourselves thoroughly into our clients’ operational frameworks, fostering robust collaborations that drive their success forward.


In what ways has your membership in the Forbes Technology Council aided you in your path as an entrepreneur?

The Forbes Technology Council serves as an excellent forum for sharing knowledge with other technology executives. Through contributions focusing on software developments, outsourcing methods, and the changing landscape of artificial intelligence, I have managed to enhance our organization’s international visibility and remain at the forefront of new technological advancements and thought leadership roles. Membership in this council has provided opportunities to glean valuable insights from colleagues, aiding me in continually refining my skills as a leader within this rapidly progressing sector. Articles published under my name attract around 40K readers each time, significantly supporting start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises navigating their digital transition paths.

Pham Tien Thanh, co-founder and CEO at STS Software Technology JSC (Saigon Technology), shared this photo. The image was provided by Thanh.


How do you see AI being utilized within the small and medium-sized enterprise sector?

The potential of artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is immense. Previously seen as a technology exclusive to large corporations, AI has become attainable for smaller businesses too. This powerful tool can optimize processes, improve customer interactions, predict revenue, and identify fraudulent activities. At Saigon Technology, our mission is to make AI readily available to SMEs. We’re developing bundled solutions designed for quicker implementation, affordability, and seamless integration. Our objective is to bring AI into mainstream use, turning it into an essential component for routine business choices.


How do you envision AI reshaping the healthcare sector?

The field of healthcare offers tremendous potential for advancements through artificial intelligence. In the last half-decade, our role has been central to developing a U.S.-based health information management platform, eventually purchased by an eminent venture builder in America. Through this initiative, we gained profound understanding into intricate issues like ensuring data compatibility across systems, safeguarding patient confidentiality, and enhancing clinical processes efficiency.

We see AI revolutionizing healthcare through predictive diagnostics, patient engagement, and operational efficiency. By automating administrative tasks, AI can reduce the burden on medical staff and assist with early disease detection. However, it’s essential to design these solutions with compliance and patient safety as top priorities.


In what ways is Saigon Technology contributing to the shaping of the future of financial services through artificial intelligence?

The evolution of Fintech is accelerating, with Artificial Intelligence playing a pivotal role in this change. Our team collaborates with clients to develop credit assessment tools, forecast consumer actions, and create anti-fraud mechanisms—all driven by AI technology. The pace here is swift: constructing, evaluating, and enhancing models occurs instantaneously, enabling us to offer advanced, expedient, and robust financial services. Through crafting expandable AI-driven answers, our objective is to assist fintech businesses remain prominent amidst growing competition.


What does the future hold for Saigon Technology?

Our priority is enhancing our research and development efforts in artificial intelligence and strengthening our proficiency. Concurrently, we aim to expand our footprint in major markets such as the United States, Australia, Germany, and northern parts of Europe. Despite being proud of our progress so far, our objective stays constant: providing top-tier software development services worldwide from Vietnam. This is only the start of an exciting voyage.

Top 100: Pan-African Leaders Name Allwell, CEO of TravelWithWells, Among Best Young Entrepreneurs

Top 100: Pan-African Leaders Name Allwell, CEO of TravelWithWells, Among Best Young Entrepreneurs

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The innovative strides within Africa’s travel sector have been acknowledged through the accolade bestowed upon Nwaiku Allwell, founder and CEO of TravelWithWells (TWW). Recognized by the esteemed Pan-African Youth Leadership organization, Allwell was named among the Top 100 Most Influential Young Africans. This distinction underscores TWW’s role as an innovator in providing streamlined travel experiences for youthful African explorers eager to navigate the globe confidently.

Founded in September 2022, TravelWithWells emerged from a profoundly personal journey undertaken by its founder. Prior to his inaugural international voyage to Ghana, Allwell encountered common worries shared among African travelers regarding visa procedures, airport regulations, and dependable travel support. Recognizing that numerous individuals possess adequate funds for traveling yet encounter difficulties with logistical aspects, he established TWW as an answer to these challenges. Now, the company stands as a reputable worldwide provider of comprehensive travel services, assisting countless customers with effortless visa processing, flight bookings, accommodation reservations, and crafting exceptional travel adventures.

Talking to Allwell during the awards ceremony, he provided profound perspectives on the essence of the brand’s identity. As he stated:

Seamless travel experiences form the heart of what we do—essentially our guiding purpose. This is precisely why we emphasize travel consultations and tailor-made tour packages. Our dedication to making travel effortless has not only cultivated a dedicated clientele but also garnered prestigious awards.

Discussing the effect of the accolade and his outlook on African tourism, Allwell stated;

This accolade isn’t solely mine; it represents all African explorers with aspirations that transcend boundaries. Our presence serves as an acknowledgment that we think travel ought to be effortless, thrilling, and readily available.

“I aspire to witness an Africa where individuals can traverse the continent effortlessly without the necessity of obtaining visas, and we are definitely prepared to contribute towards making this vision a reality,” he remarked.

TravelWithWells envisions a world where more people from Africa can easily discover international locations, assured that they have a reliable travel agency supporting their journey at each stage.

As TravelWithWell (TWW) broadens its reach into new markets and continues to advance its travel technology offerings, this acknowledgment from Pan-African Youth Leadership underscores its significance as a major actor in Africa’s developing travel sector.


ABOUT TRAVELWITHWELLS

TravelWithWells (TWW) stands out as a premier travel service designed specifically to simplify international journeys for young Africans. By providing visa assistance, personalized trips, concierge support, and additional amenities, TWW enables people to discover new places effortlessly.

Visit
www.travelwithwells.com
to learn more.


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Kia and LG Electronics Team Up to Unveil Innovative PBVs for Work and Play

Kia Corporation and LG Electronics have joined forces to work together on developing mobility space solutions using PBV technology.

At the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, which took place at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, representatives from both firms formalized their partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during an event hosted at the Kia pavilion. They also presented conceptual designs featuring adaptable environments for professional tasks and leisure activities, integrating sophisticated household gadgets within Kia’s personalized built vehicles (PBVs).

The signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding was attended by Won-Jeong Jeong, who serves as the Executive Vice President and leads the Korea Business Division at Kia, along with Lyu Jae-cheol, President of LG Home Appliance Solution Company.

This pact merges Kia’s PBV technology with LG’s proficiency in AI solutions.

The firms plan to provide personalized space experiences for users, customized according to various lifestyles and professional requirements, through the incorporation of sophisticated household gadgets into PBVs.

This would allow users to convert the vehicle into a customized office, studio, lounge, and more.

“Through our offerings that merge automotive technology with household appliances, we aspire to drive a significant change in how our customers live,” stated Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and head of the Korea Business Division at Kia.

“This collaboration with LG Electronics enhances the fundamental purpose of PBVs, helping to establish a new era of mobility where cars transform into personalized areas designed for both living and working,” he stated.


PV5 Spielraum Concepts

At the Kia pavilion during the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, which runs from April 4 to 13, both Kia and LG are presenting two PV5 Concept Space models.

The term ‘Spielraum’—German for ‘play space’—embodies the idea of adaptable spaces for mobile activities.


Spielraum Studio concept

The Spielraum Studio idea targets independent business owners who often travel, needing both an office space and storage solutions.

This includes LG’s AI-driven home devices like their modular Stylers[i], intelligent mirrors, and coffee makers, all of which work together to enhance the design and functionality of the PV5’s interior space.

The artificial intelligence system is capable of tracking your business appointments, estimating the travel time left until you reach your destination, and suggesting appropriate setting adjustments for your appliances.


Spielraum Glow cabin concept:

The Spielraum Glow cabin concept aims to meet the increasing demand for automotive picnicking experiences.

This encompasses devices like fridges, lightwave ovens, and wine coolers, effortlessly catering to various forms of outdoor recreational pursuits.

Every device comes equipped with MoodUP panels[ii], which change color according to the user’s preferences, offering a distinctive experience.

The two companies are working together to bring the concept models to market in the second half of 2026.

Starting from this agreement, they intend to collaborate on creating cutting-edge household devices and artificial intelligence solutions designed to simplify and improve daily activities.


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Mikano International and Changan Motors Join Forces to Honor Miss Nigeria with a brand new vehicle celebration

Mikano International along with Changan Motors honored Doris Ogah, who was recently named the 45th Miss Nigeria, by presenting her with a brand-new Changan Eado Plus.

During the recent unveiling of the car to Ogah in Lagos, both companies present conveyed their satisfaction with their collaboration alongside the Miss Nigeria Pageant.

At the event, Omar Karameh, who serves as the Executive Director of Mikano International Limited, stated that his company has consistently backed the country’s artistic, cultural, and entertainment sectors.

Karameh highlighted that the firm was dedicated to nurturing the creativity and talents of individuals from Nigeria.

He stated that the heritage of Miss Nigeria encompassed more than just physical attractiveness; it also highlighted qualities such as fortitude, intellect, and leadership.

He stated, “We think this platform has the potential to shape the future female leaders of our nation. By honoring these exceptional women, we open up pathways toward a brighter and more empowered Nigeria.”

We remain committed to supporting and elevating our talented individuals, and we have confidence that the principles upheld by Miss Nigeria will glow vibrantly within our community and motivate future women leaders.

Tom Yin, Vice General Manager of Changan for the Middle East and Africa region, also shared his joy regarding this collaboration.

Yin stated that as a globally recognized brand with a rich history spanning 163 years and 42 years of expertise in automobile production, Changan has consistently upheld the mission and responsibility of “advancing automotive civilization and enhancing human life.”

He asserted that the firm felt privileged to join forces with Mikano in broadening its reach within the Nigerian marketplace, providing top-notch goods and services to consumers locally.

Yin affirmed that Changan will stay dedicated to long-term strategies and localization, collaborating closely with Mikano to generate additional employment opportunities and promote sustainable growth in Nigeria.

He stated, “The purpose of this beauty contest highlights the extraordinary accomplishments of Nigerian women in areas like intelligence, leadership, and cultural promotion. These values are in harmony with Changan Automobile’s international ‘Her Power’ campaign.”

By joining forces through this partnership, Changan Automobile seeks to motivate a new era of women to chase their aspirations, excel in their professions, and contribute to a more prosperous tomorrow.

Joelle Haykal, Group Executive Director of Mikano International, stated that this partnership underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing the capabilities of women and fostering local talents within their communities. This initiative aligns with the Miss Nigeria theme for this year, which focuses on ‘Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement.’

Haykal mentioned that this has consistently been a cornerstone for the Mikano Group, which is clearly reflected in their numerous initiatives aimed at contributing to societal welfare.

In her remarks, Ms. Ogah praised Mikano Motors for providing support.

She also conveyed her joy at having claimed the title in the pageant and for being awarded the Eado Plus.

She stated, “Being crowned Miss Nigeria has transformed my life, and I’m profoundly thankful to Mikano Motors for their amazing gesture. The vehicle they’ve provided isn’t merely a mode of transport; it symbolizes the path forward—a route marked by purpose, activism, and influence. I’m enthusiastic about what lies ahead and eager to use my platform to motivate and strengthen young females throughout Nigeria. Mikano, thank you for your gracious backing.”

To the incredible Mikano International team, your kind donation of the Changan Eado Plus is indeed worthy of a queen. For me, as I receive my very first car, it represents much more than just transportation; it stands as a symbol of empowerment, opportunity, and the profound impact of turning dreams into reality through action. Additionally, my mother will be pleased now that she won’t have to share her car with me anymore.

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TAMWILCOM and Flat6Labs Team Up to Supercharge Moroccan Startups

TAMWILCOM and Flat6Labs Team Up to Supercharge Moroccan Startups

At the margins of GITEX Africa, TAMWILCOM declared a strategic alliance with Flat6Labs, a key figure in accelerating startups within the MENA area. Following their cooperation initiated in December 2023 with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) intended to support emerging firms in Morocco, this move comes as another step forward for TAMWILCOM.

The collaborative initiative aims at supporting startups active in promising fields like AgriTech, FinTech, CleanTech, Healthcare, and Artificial Intelligence. This program will provide organized backing and financial aid, aiming explicitly to ease their path towards obtaining venture capital funding.

This initiative represents a significant advancement in our backing of technology firms in Morocco,” emphasizes Hicham Zanati Serghini, CEO of TAMWILCOM. “The experience provided by Flat6Labs will help these startup companies become more organized so they can effectively draw in potential investors.

For David Tinel, who represents IFC in the Maghreb region, this initiative showcases the World Bank Group’s dedication to fostering sustainable development led by the private sector.

Flat6Labs will manage the development and execution of this initiative, aiming to enhance startup preparedness for raising funds. “Supporting impactful ventures as they expand domestically and globally is inherent to what we do,” asserts Yehia Houry, Chief Programs Officer at Flat6Labs.

This collaboration reflects a mutual aspiration to create a robust and competitive startup environment in Morocco, which aligns with the nation’s goals for fostering innovation.

Third Edition of GITEX Kicks Off: Shaping Africa’s Digital Future

Third Edition of GITEX Kicks Off: Shaping Africa’s Digital Future






On April 14, 2025, Addis Ababa — The third installment of GITEX Africa kicked off today in Marrakesh, Morocco. This event is expected to highlight Africa’s potential in innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital leadership.









The highly anticipated event is scheduled to occur across three successive days, running from April 14 through April 17, 2025.









This event is recognized as the biggest and most significant assembly for technology and startup ventures on the continent. It highlights innovations and encourages cooperation at an unparalleled level, as reported by ENA.









This exceptional assembly will bring together an outstanding collection of attendees, including 1,450 exhibitors, 740 startup companies, and upwards of 45,000 guests hailing from more than 130 countries.









GITEX Africa showcases leading industry experts, cutting-edge technologies, fintech solutions, e-commerce platforms, cybersecurity measures, and in-depth talks on AI among other topics.









This year’s edition will place a strong emphasis on strategic sectors that are pivotal to Africa’s development and digital transformation. These include Education Technology (EdTech), Agricultural Technology (AgriTech), Healthcare Technology (HealthTech), and Sports Technology (SportsTech).









Through highlighting these sectors, the event emphasizes Africa’s increasing significance as a center for innovation and technological progress globally. GITEX Africa aims to position the continent as a leading global digital focal point. This gathering acts as an exceptional forum for sharing insights, promoting cooperation, and shaping the digital future.









Given its extensive scope and proactive methodology, the exhibition aims to spur the development of an interconnected and progressive digital Africa, thereby opening up revolutionary possibilities across various sectors.









Significantly, global technology entities will be making their first appearance at the third iteration of GITE, aiming to capitalize on expansion prospects over the course of three days. They intend to establish fresh collaborations and display their most recent technological advancements.









As mentioned, these companies encompass major players such as Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, China Mobile, and Salesforce.





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Revolutionizing How Brits Book Tickets and Shop Online

Revolutionizing How Brits Book Tickets and Shop Online

A legislation prohibiting false reviews and concealed charges, which deceive online buyers out of £2.2 billion annually, will take effect today.


Websites imposing additional ‘administrative fees’ or ‘ticket booking fees’ must now include these charges within the total cost of the purchase upfront instead of adding them secretly when customers are about to complete their payment.

The prohibition, part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill enacted during the previous administration, falls under this legislation.
UK government
This will impact travel agencies, ticketing websites, and food delivery applications.

Nevertheless, this will not affect any required additional expenses like particular airline seat selections and luggage upgrades for your flights.

This alteration requires online retailers to block and eliminate counterfeit customer reviews on their platforms as part of an effort to halt companies from building misleading reputations.

As reported by the Department for Business and Trade, consumers spend £2.2 billion annually on concealed charges. This new initiative aims to provide individuals with greater ‘authority over their finances.’

Justin Madders, the Minister for Competition and Markets, stated: “As of today, consumers can confidently make their purchases assured that they have protection against counterfeit reviews and hidden price increases.”

These modifications will empower consumers to have greater authority and management over their earnings, along with assisting in creating fair competition by discouraging unethical players who undermine law-abiding companies.



Studies have shown that concealed fees can soar up to 25 percent of the initial cost, with nearly half of internet merchants incorporating obligatory additional charges into their prices in one way or another.

Out of the 45 percent who incorporate fees referred to as ‘dripped pricing,’ 21 percent originate from the travel and hospitality industries, whereas retail contributes approximately 3 percent.

The effort to crack down on hidden charges follows last year when numerous Oasis fans became enraged due to Ticketmaster’s ‘dynamic pricing,’ which thwarted their ticket-buying efforts.
purchase tickets for the rock group’s spectacular comeback this summer
.

Approximately 14 million enthusiasts devoted one Saturday in August of last year to this endeavor.
attempting to obtain tickets to watch
siblings Noel and Liam Gallagher come together again for an extensive tour across the UK and Ireland.

However, enthusiastic supporters were furious when the cost of standing tickets increased from a face value of £150 to £355 shortly after, owing to high demand.

Audiences labeled Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing strategy as ‘a complete outrage.’
expressed strong criticism towards the company’s leadership, which includes CEO Michael Rapino, UK Managing Director Andrew Parsons, President Mark Yovich, and COO Michael Wichser
.

The ‘dynamic pricing’ mechanism, launched by Ticketmaster in 2022, functions through
adjusting ticket prices according to demand – akin to how Uber calculates fares or airlines set seat prices
.

Once tickets at their original prices sell out, ticket vendors make additional ones available at increased costs, which were pre-negotiated with the artist’s management team and promoters, though these aren’t offered to the broader audience.




Importantly, Oasis – frequently celebrated as icons of the working class – had the option to reject dynamic pricing and maintain a more affordable price point for their fans.

In 2022, singer Tom Grennan stated that he had eliminated all VIP and platinum ticket choices because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Ticketmaster claims this undesirable practice stems from market dynamics and asserts that the additional funds generated from the increased ticket prices for Oasis shows will benefit the band directly.

The idea behind dynamic pricing is that by raising prices on official sites, scalpers will be deterred, allowing artists to retain additional profits.

The ‘In-Demand’ tickets are frequently referred to as ‘platinum tickets,’ however, they do not provide any additional perks for customers like VIP access.

Mr. Rapino, who leads Live Nation Entertainment—the company behind Ticketmaster—faced criticism when the Oasis tickets went on sale.

A user posted: “You represent all that is flawed within the live events sector.”

Someone else commented: ‘Michael Ticketmaster are a joke, and you’re a greedy scam artist.’
Demand-based pricing is Ticketmaster essentially becoming the scalpers itself.
Thousands of UK fans contacting their MPs. We’ll see you in court.”

Mr Rapino, who
resides in Los Angeles with his spouse and their three kids
is renowned for his ‘rock-star compensation packages’ and received $139 million in 2022, placing him among the top-earning executives in American corporations.

Other individuals requested Mr. Parsons to clarify himself during an interview, remarking, “Dynamic ticket pricing?? A complete scam perpetuated by his firm!”

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