
The Human Equation in the Age of AI
Redefining Talent, Trust, and Leadership in the Intelligent Economy
A Vanguard × WashU Olin Executive Briefing | Ho Chi Minh City
October 30, 2025 | 16:00 - 18:30
AI is changing everything — but leadership is still human.
Presented by Washington University in St. Louis (Olin Business School) and Vietnam Vanguard, this private forum brings together business and academic leaders to confront one critical question:
How can organizations harness AI without losing the human core that drives innovation, trust, and long-term growth?
This session explores how AI is transforming leadership, capability building, and the future of work in Vietnam and across Asia.
Focus: AI, human capital, leadership, organizational learning
Format: 2.5-hour private forum + networking cocktail
Participants: 30–40 senior leaders (by invitation only)
Host: Washington University in St. Louis × Vietnam Vanguard
Agenda
16:00 - 16:30
Registration & Networking
16:30 - 16:40
Opening Remarks
Cuong Dang, Founder & Chair of Vietnam Vanguard
16:40 - 17:15
Keynote: “The Impact of AI on Human Capital Development”
Prof. Markus Baer, Vice Dean, WashU Olin Business School — on creativity, adaptability, and decision-making in the AI era.
17:15 - 18:00
Panel Discussion: Building Organizations That Learn
(Tentative) Featuring experts from WashU, FPT AI, Unilever, VNG, Mekong Capital, and NFQ — how companies turn disruption into capability.
18:00 - 18:20
Fireside Chat: Trust and the Human Core of AI
A candid exchange between Cuong Dang and Prof. Markus Baer.
18:20 - 19:30
Cocktail & Networking Reception
Featured Voice
Prof. Markus Baer
Vice Dean of Executive Education, Washington University in St. Louis – Olin Business School
Prof. Markus Baer is a leading global authority on creativity, innovation, and leadership in complex, fast-changing environments. As Vice Dean of Executive Education at Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, he helps leaders and organizations build cultures that thrive amid disruption. His research focuses on how individuals and teams generate breakthrough ideas, adapt to uncertainty, and lead transformation — the very capabilities that define success in the age of artificial intelligence.
Prof. Baer’s work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and MIT Sloan Management Review, and his executive programs have guided senior leaders from Fortune 500 companies and government institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Leadership in the Age of Intelligence
AI is easy.
Adaptation is hard.
Tools are advancing faster than people — and organizations are struggling to keep up.
Human capital is Vietnam’s next strategic advantage.
As automation scales, creativity, ethics, and learning agility define competitiveness.
This forum is about foresight and action.
We’re connecting leaders who shape policies, cultures, and teams that thrive amid technological upheaval.
Previous Speakers
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Amb. Pham Quang Vinh
Vietnam Ambassador to the US (2014 - 2018)
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His Excellency Marc E. Knapper
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam
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Doan Viet Dai Tu
Co-Founder, Chairman — OpenAsia
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Mai Huu Tin
Chairman, CEO — U&I Investment Corporation
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Prof. Markus Baer
Vice Dean of Executive Education — Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School
-
Jade Koh
Regional Director (Thailand and Vietnam) — Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)
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Trong Kien Tran
Chairman, CEO — Thien Minh Group (TMG)
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Ngoc Thao Tran
Vice Chairwoman — Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ), CEO — PNJP
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Il-Dong Kwon
Managing Director & Partner — BCG Vietnam
Co-Host
Washington University in St. Louis — Olin Business School
A top 15 U.S. business school, recognized globally for research and executive education in leadership, innovation, and organizational strategy.
Washington University in St. Louis —
Olin Business School
Partner with Us to Shape the Future of Work
Be part of Vietnam’s most forward-looking leadership dialogue.
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for companies driving transformation in technology, talent, or leadership development.



























By the Numbers
500+
total attendees
420+
C-level executives and founders
400+
leading companies
sectors including FMCG, real estate, manufacturing, tech, logistics, and capital markets
Attendees included:
Founders of $10M–$200M businesses
Next-gen successors from Vietnam’s top family enterprises
Senior execs from MNCs and high-growth startups
Institutional advisors, investors, and board-level mentors
Participation & Access
Participation at The Human Equation in the Age of AI is by invitation to ensure a high-caliber, senior-level dialogue.
A limited number of professional access seats are available for emerging leaders and executives who wish to engage in this conversation on the future of human capital and leadership in the age of artificial intelligence.
* ALL prices are exclusive of VAT
Non-Members
1,650,000vnd
Members
FREE
Corporate Access (3 Seats)
4,000,000vnd
Complimentary invitations are extended to selected C-suite executives, Vanguard members, and corporate partners.
For partnership or sponsorship opportunities, please send email to partnership@vietnamvanguard.com or contact us.
PREVIOUS PARTNERS & SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNER
PREVIOUS NETWORKING PARTNER