Conversations with Gen Z

Tran Si Chuong, expert. Photo: Provided by subject.

Why, as an investor and consultant in education, real estate, IT, etc., did you focus on Gen Z (those born from around 1995-1997 to 2010-2012) in this book?

I am fortunate to have traveled to many places, worked in various fields, and had the opportunity to interact with different social classes, including young people. I am particularly interested in the younger generation, as they are the future of the country.

At this time, with the 4.0 technology revolution ongoing and 5.0 on the horizon, young people who lack experience and exposure will be more affected. We have a responsibility to guide them, helping them identify real challenges so they can overcome them, become resilient, and harness their energy to help society move forward and take advantage of the country's new opportunities. This is why I have worked with many speakers to organize conversations with students in Vietnam, listening to their thoughts, sharing their worries, and exchanging concerns. Drawing on the insights of experienced professionals, I present my perspective based on my own observations. I hope the book will help parents and young people see themselves clearly and have specific directions for the future.

What makes Gen Z special in your view that allows them to accompany the world’s transformation?

Everyone faces challenges as they grow up. Gen Z's current issue is the rapid change in the world. The world is in turmoil, changing daily, leaving them dizzy and confused. How can we help Gen Z realize that there are eternal values? By holding onto these, they will grow well and even thrive in any era.

Young people are becoming more creative in entrepreneurship. Photo: Hoang Loan.

Vietnam is on a path of innovation, and the Vietnamese are eager to learn. The younger generation quickly adapts to IT. Global surveys show that our young people are among the top in adopting and using technology for development. This is a clear advantage.

Having a strong connection to Hue, how do you view Gen Z here? What should they leverage to create their "brand" and advance?

In general, youth everywhere face similar issues. In Hue, unlike in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are fewer opportunities, so motivation and development are slower. However, the tranquil environment of the Huong River and Ngu Mountain makes it easier for them to find themselves.

Tran Si Chuong signing books for young people and CEOs in Hue.

Individuals remain the core of development. Each Gen Z member must identify and position themselves to find out who they are, then nurture their passion. Trends-driven passion is often unsustainable and so should be avoided. When true passion burns intensely, it propels you forward toward success. In Hue, success comes not only from capability but also from culture. This culture, which emphasizes beauty and recognizing the values of truth, kindness, and beauty, helps Gen Z in Hue live beautifully and bring beauty to others.

Why do you advise young people to focus on building internal strength rather than anything else?

Do you know that the ChatGPT we’re using isn’t the best version and definitely not the final one? It’s constantly updated and evolving so much that we can’t even recognize it. When you learn something, think about how you will use it. I believe the core is to turn what you learn into a tool to create higher value. This is the inner strength each person must establish, cultivate, and gradually develop.

In your book, you emphasize "Educating Courtesy" and "Becoming a person before becoming a talent". What is your message here?

We grow up with humanity, courtesy, righteousness, wisdom, and trust. The goal of social education is to nurture humanity, then talent. After humanity, courtesy is extremely important. Courtesy is about valuing those around us. When you value others, they will appreciate you. This creates mutual value. Different times, places, and countries have various etiquette and norms, but all return to respect. This is a lesson our ancestors taught us; achieving this creates value for oneself and others.

You’ve had hundreds of conversations with young people about entrepreneurship. What key message do you have for Gen Z who intend to start a business?

Entrepreneurship - "Start-up" here does not mean just investing capital. The job and path you choose will shape your future. Society assigns everyone a different job. Starting up means beginning the work you want to pursue, choosing the right career. Once chosen, work diligently and thoroughly.

The 4.0 era brings both opportunities and challenges for Gen Z. How can they overcome these to assert themselves and conquer the world?

Each era has different challenges. Our grandparents faced them too, very different from our current issues. Regardless of the circumstances, resilience is essential. First, you must understand who you are to determine how to overcome those challenges.

What do you hope your spiritual creation will achieve this time?

I hope that those who happen to read or hear about this book will gain something for themselves, perhaps an idea or a thought that resonates and opens a new direction or changes their perspective. Some young entrepreneurs, known in the community, ask me how to be a CEO. I tell them the simplest way is to make people feel they gain something from engaging with you: from suppliers to customers, everyone should feel joy. They’ll "return" something to you, be it products, money, or morale. If you don’t bring joy or satisfaction to others, don’t expect anything in return. This formula is unchanging. Young people don’t need to search for anything else, just apply this formula!

Thank you!