On September 15, 2025, the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) at Foreign Trade University hosted an inspiring guest lecture delivered by Dr. Tang Van Khanh, CEO of OCD Management Consulting Company – a leading expert in business consulting, enterprise restructuring, and digital transformation in Vietnam.

This special session was organized as part of two graduate-level courses:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset, Start-up and SME Management for the Master of Business Administration students (Class K31)
• Electronic Commerce for the Master of Trade Business students (Class K31 – KDTM)

The event brought together postgraduate students and experienced practitioners to explore the topic of digital transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — an urgent and practical issue for business managers and leaders in today’s digital economy.

Digital transformation in SMEs: Opportunities and challenges

Opening the session, Dr. Tang Van Khanh provided a comprehensive overview of the digital shift occurring in the business landscape. He emphasized that digital transformation is no longer an option but a necessity for SMEs to survive and thrive in the modern business environment.

While SMEs often face constraints in financial and human resources, Dr. Khanh pointed out that success in digital transformation relies on strategic mindset, smart technology choices, and scalable planning. He also highlighted emerging trends that SMEs can leverage:

• Applying simple and scalable ERP/CRM tools
• Enhancing online presence through e-commerce platforms and digital marketing
• Automating processes with cost-effective low-code/no-code technologies

Real-world implementation and project management lessons

Drawing from his hands-on experience leading digital transformation projects across various industries, Dr. Khanh shared:

• Key implementation phases and best practices
• How to overcome internal resistance and mindset barriers
• Common pitfalls and why digital transformation efforts often fail in SMEs

He underscored the critical role of leadership, particularly in setting digital vision, mobilizing internal alignment, securing resources, and tracking measurable outcomes.

Interactive discussion: From theory to action

The Q&A session was lively and engaging, with students raising thoughtful questions, such as:

• How should SMEs choose the right technology platforms?
• What are low-cost digital tools suitable for start-ups?
• How can small enterprises manage cultural resistance during digital transformation?

Dr. Khanh provided well-grounded answers backed by real business cases, offering not only theoretical understanding but also actionable insights from his consulting experience.

Gratitude and continued collaboration

At the conclusion of the session, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Van – lecturer of the Electronic Commerce course, and Dr. Tran Minh Thu – lecturer of the Entrepreneurial Mindset and SME Management course, expressed their sincere appreciation to the speaker and presented a gift of gratitude.

The Faculty also extended their warm wishes to Dr. Tang Van Khanh and the OCD Consulting team, wishing continued success in accompanying Vietnamese enterprises on their digital transformation journeys.

📌 About the Speaker
Dr. Tang Van Khanh

• CEO, OCD Management Consulting Co., Ltd.
• Senior consultant in strategic planning, organizational restructuring, and digital transformation
• Guest lecturer and advisor for multiple SME development and capacity-building programs in Vietnam