A brief overview of your current job
Currently, I hold the position of Purchasing Manager at Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage, where my primary responsibility is overseeing the Direct raw materials packaging category.
The impact of the Procurement department on the company’s profitability cannot be understated. Consequently, as the Purchasing Manager, I am compelled to employ a strategic approach rather than merely focusing on execution. This role also necessitates a keen business acumen to anticipate potential future risks and develop appropriate preventive strategies.
Macro-level factors such as the global economic crisis, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, or the global container shortage are pressing challenges that the procurement field is currently grappling with.
The reason you chose MBA Talent as a ‘leverage’ to advance your career
Through external sources, I have come across numerous master’s programs, and a few of them have reached out to Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage in search of potential candidates.
However, my focus and interest lie specifically in the MBA Talent program. This preference stems from witnessing the transformative impact it had on my colleagues who were part of previous cohorts. Observing their changes in work approach and career development has been inspiring, which prompted me to closely follow the program’s developments since 2018-2019.
That’s the reason I pursued the MBA Talent program.
How do you apply the knowledge from the MBA Talent program to your work?
After dedicating three months to my studies, I truly appreciate the knowledge I have gained. The professors provide very practical knowledge that can be directly applied in real-world scenarios. A prime example is the Integrated Business Experience (IBE) course, where Professor Saram equips students with a diverse set of tools that are directly applicable in the workplace.
One concept that particularly resonated with me is Strategic Design Thinking. Professor Saram emphasizes that when confronted with any issue, the objective should not be to find a quick fix within a limited timeframe, but rather to chart a course for the next three to five years. This entails crafting long-term solutions that align with a strategic vision rooted in the organization’s core values, rather than resorting to short-term, localized actions. This approach fosters a holistic and sustainable approach to problem-solving.
The aspect that resonated with you the most throughout the MBA Talent program
I am greatly fascinated by the knowledge imparted by the instructors, particularly Professor Michael Saram. I was surprised by his background – an authentic engineer and later a businessperson with an exceptional business sense and the ability to quickly identify issues within an organization. I also observe genuine care from him in even the smallest matters, such as selecting classrooms, managing class timing, crafting assignments, etc.
A message for the next generation of MBA Talent
Find yourself a strong motivation, a compelling reason, as the MBA Talent program comes with a multitude of challenges, demanding an immense effort from participants, a time management ability to balance work, study, and family relationships. Be ready for it!
MBA Talent
