Building a successful technology career today requires more than academic credentials. Aspiring professionals need exposure to real workplace expectations, global perspectives, and applied experience that bridges theory and practice. These priorities were front and centre during the December 2025 milestone kickoff event for MaivenPoint Academy’s Tech Talent Training Programme in Ho Chi Minh City.
The gathering united industry leaders, academic partners, and MaivenPoint Academy’s first cohort of Tech Talent Programme trainees.
At its core, the Tech Talent Training Programme is designed as a career launchpad for aspiring tech professionals — helping emerging technologists transition confidently from education into meaningful, real-world careers. The programme focuses on developing practical skills, hands-on experience, and professional confidence aligned with the realities of modern enterprise environments. The Ho Chi Minh City kickoff reflected this intent clearly, emphasising applied learning, open dialogue, and industry relevance.
Why the Tech Talent Training Programme Matters
Across Vietnam and the wider region, demand for technology talent continues to accelerate. Yet many organisations still face a gap between academic preparation and real workplace readiness. While graduates possess strong theoretical foundations, they often lack exposure to enterprise systems, modern collaboration models, and evolving technology expectations.
MaivenPoint Academy was purpose-built to close this gap. Rather than operating as a traditional training program, the Academy focuses on industry-aligned learning pathways, practitioner-led mentorship, and applied experiences that mirror real professional scenarios. The goal is not only skill development but long-term readiness to contribute in dynamic work environments.
As Dux Raymond Sy, Chief Brand Officer at AvePoint and Chief Marketing Officer at MaivenPoint, shared:
“The Academy is not about ticking boxes or chasing certificates. It’s about helping emerging professionals build the skills, mindset, and confidence to contribute meaningfully in real workplaces from day one.”
The kickoff programme balanced structured sessions with open discussion, encouraging participants to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and reflect honestly on their career aspirations within the technology sector.
MaivenPoint Chief Marketing Officer Dux Raymond Sy shares insights on how to upskill for the future.
How MaivenPoint Academy Bridges Education and Industry Through Collaboration
The strength of MaivenPoint Academy extends beyond its curriculum to the ecosystem that supports it. Delivered through MaivenPoint, the edtech arm of AvePoint, the Academy operates in close collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners.
In Vietnam, this includes partnerships with the University of Technology and the University of Information Technology at the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM). Faculty leaders from both institutions participated in the kickoff event, reflecting a shared commitment to preparing students for professional realities, not just academic achievement.
International collaboration also plays a central role. MaivenPoint’s partnership with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) expands learning pathways beyond national borders. During the event, SUTD representatives shared insights into advanced learning opportunities and work-study models that expose participants to global standards and professional environments.
This integrated approach ensures that Academy participants benefit from both local context and international perspective, equipping them to pursue careers that increasingly span regions, industries, and technologies.
Perspectives From Industry Experts and Academia
A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion, Building a Global Tech Career. The session explored what it takes to remain relevant, resilient, and adaptable in an increasingly competitive technology landscape. Speakers brought perspectives from industry leadership, academic research, and emerging technology domains.
Insights from MaivenPoint and AvePoint leaders were complemented by contributions from SUTD, along with representatives from Vietnam’s academic and AI communities. A consistent theme emerged throughout the discussion: technical knowledge is essential, but it is applied skills, adaptability, and real-world exposure that set professionals apart over time.
Academy trainees and early-career technologists engaged actively throughout the session. Questions focused on navigating global career pathways, sustaining long-term skill development, and translating learning into tangible workplace impact. The exchange reinforced one of the Academy’s core goals: building confidence alongside competence.
Industry experts from MaivenPoint, SUTD, NTI, HCMUT and HCMUIT share best practices on building a global tech career.
Learning Designed for Real-World Application
Interaction and application were central themes throughout the kickoff event. Beyond presentations and panels, participants engaged in an interactive workshop focused on upskilling for the future. The session examined how emerging technologies, enterprise expectations, and individual career goals intersect in real workplace settings.
These activities reinforced MaivenPoint Academy’s broader learning philosophy: knowledge delivers value when it can be applied effectively. By engaging directly with practitioners and working through realistic scenarios, trainees begin to connect theory with practice, a critical step toward becoming project-ready and workforce-ready.
Zoe Shang, CEO of MaivenPoint, reinforced this perspective saying:
“Curiosity is important, but curiosity alone is not enough. The future belongs to professionals who can turn ideas into outcomes responsibly and confidently. That is what the Academy is here to support.”
MaivenPoint CEO Zoe Zhang speaking at the MaivenPoint Academy's Tech Talent Programme launch in Ho Chi Minh City.
A Long-Term Commitment to Vietnam’s Tech Talent
The Ho Chi Minh City kickoff forms part of AvePoint’s broader investment in Vietnam, where the company has maintained a long-standing presence. The launch of the MaivenPoint Academy in 2025 builds on this foundation and reflects a sustained commitment to developing industry-ready technology talent.
By 2026, MaivenPoint Academy aims to support more than 40 professionals with industry-aligned skills that directly address real workforce needs. It distinguishes itself through deep industry integration, an applied learning model, and cross-border academic partnerships that connect education with real-world technology practice.
MaivenPoint Academy focuses on creating the conditions for long-term success by providing mentorship, expert guidance, and meaningful industry exposure — equipping motivated individuals to build sustainable and impactful careers in technology.
Participants of the MaivenPoint Academy Tech Talent Programme kickoff in Ho Chi Minh City.
Moving From Learning to Application with MaivenPoint Academy
The Tech Talent Training Programme kickoff marked the beginning of MaivenPoint Academy’s journey in Ho Chi Minh City and established a clear direction for what follows. As MaivenPoint Academy continues to grow, its focus remains consistent: helping aspiring tech professionals move from learning to application, and from ambition to impact.
For students, graduates, and early-career technologists in Vietnam and across the region, the message is clear: Building a successful technology career requires more than technical knowledge — it demands real-world experience, industry insight, and the confidence to apply what you know.
The MaivenPoint Academy is here to help make that transition possible.
Interested in becoming part of the next cohort of Academy-trained professionals in Vietnam?
Learn more about the MaivenPoint Academy and express your interest today.
