Anh Tran

What's your story before Skåne Startups?

Before joining Skåne Startups, I studied Corporate Finance at the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City from 2008 to 2012. While studying, I had a diverse range of volunteer experiences, including participating in The Ship for Southeast Youth Program (SSEAYP) in 2011, which was organized by the Cabinet Office of Japan and the government of Southeast Asian countries. As part of the program, I gained valuable cultural and leadership experience. From 2011-2012, I was also a member of Viet Youth Entrepreneurs (VYE), the first entrepreneurship movement in Vietnam led by youth. During my time with VYE, I worked with like-minded individuals to develop my entrepreneurial skills and gain practical experience in the startup ecosystem.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued an MBA in International Business at the University of Chester in the UK from 2013 to 2014. This program further developed my business acumen and prepared me for a career in the global business world. During my time in Chester, I also volunteered for Oxfam Great Britain, which gave me an opportunity to make a positive impact in my community and develop my passion for social responsibility.

After completing my studies, I worked as a Strategy Procurement Team Leader at Ajinomoto Vietnam from 2014 to 2019. During this time, I led the procurement process and utilized data to improve cost-effectiveness. I also conducted market research, sourced and negotiated with suppliers, managed inventory and safety stock, and negotiated quotation conditions to establish valuable supplier partnerships.

From 2020-2021, I worked as an E-commerce Leader at Sagen Group. In this role, I analyzed sales data and consumer shopping behavior to optimize costs, managed P&L and forecasted sales KPIs for 16 cosmetic/skincare brands, developed promotion plans across e-commerce channels, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to maximize sales.

From 2022-2023, I was a Senior Business Analyst at Shopee Vietnam. During this time, I conducted a daily qualitative and quantitative analysis to drive problem-solving efforts and launch new business lines, designed client surveys for service improvement, utilized data to optimize resources and costs, and monitored inventory balance and health in the Supply Chain Optimization department.

Why did you want to work for Skåne Startups?

After working in various industries such as procurement, e-commerce, and business analysis, I realized that I have a strong passion for entrepreneurship and supporting startups. Skåne Startups' mission to foster a thriving startup ecosystem in the region resonates with my personal goal of contributing to the growth of innovative and impactful businesses. Furthermore, the opportunity to work with a diverse team of professionals and gain exposure to different areas of the startup ecosystem, including investment, mentorship, and incubation, was a major draw for me. Currently, I am working as an Internal Business Analyst at Skåne Startups (from Mar 2023 - present). In this role, I optimize operational processes by identifying and implementing automation opportunities, initiate and maintain a database of company information, scout and evaluate the financial status of startup companies to identify investment opportunities and understand market trends, and provide insights to senior management to support decision-making.

What is your advice for other talents?

My advice for other talents is to find your passion and pursue it relentlessly. Don't be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone to explore new opportunities and challenges. Additionally, continuous learning and self-improvement are crucial in today's rapidly evolving job market. Stay curious, seek out mentors and peers who can provide guidance and support, and be open to feedback and constructive criticism. Finally, maintain a positive attitude and mindset, stay resilient in the face of setbacks and failures, and celebrate your successes along the way.

What are you unreasonably passionate about?

I am unreasonably passionate about food and cooking. I love experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and I find the process of preparing and sharing meals with others to be incredibly rewarding. Cooking allows me to be creative and expressive while also connecting with others over a shared love of food. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new recipes and cuisines, visiting food markets and restaurants, and sharing my culinary creations with friends and family.