Upholding the role of leaders

As the economy enters the digital era, digital transformation is no longer a choice but an inevitable requirement for businesses to survive and grow. Particularly in the manufacturing sector – a pillar of the province’s economic growth – the role of leadership has become a decisive factor determining the success or failure of this process.

​​​​​​​The automatic cooking wine and fermented rice production line of Khanh Xuan Co., Ltd.

Nguyen Huu Thap, Chairman of the Tuyen Quang Provincial Business Association, emphasized: “Digital transformation is not simply about bringing computers and software into production. It requires a comprehensive change in management thinking, production organization, and market approach. If the leader lacks proper understanding, courage, and initiative, digital transformation will remain just a slogan.”

In practice, many enterprises in the province have shown that where leaders are willing to innovate and invest in technology, digital transformation delivers tangible results.

At Woodsland Tuyen Quang Joint Stock Company, the director has proactively implemented smart production management software, linking supply chains and controlling quality through QR codes. As a result, labor productivity increased by 20%, the defective product rate fell to 2%, and the company strengthened its credibility with international partners. The company is currently installing robots in its wood stacking and packaging areas. Le Quang Khanh, Director of Woodsland Tuyen Quang JSC, said: “Once the robots operate stably, they will replace 45 high-intensity workers, while packaging will meet European standards for export.”

At Sang Nhung Food Production and Processing Cooperative, Director Nguyen Ngoc Sang invested in an electronic traceability system, an online livestock logbook, and digital sales management. As a result, the cooperative’s products are now distributed to multiple provinces, ensuring transparency and compliance with food safety standards.

At Khanh Xuan Co., Ltd., Director Tran Van Xuan took the lead in investing in an automated production line for cooking wine and fermented rice—the final stage in the company’s wine production process for export. Mr. Xuan shared: “The entire process is controlled by sensor technology and temperature-time management software, helping save 30% of raw materials, stabilize product quality, and enhance the brand value of Tuyen Quang’s wine and cooking products in both domestic and international markets.” This marks a significant step in applying digital technology to traditional food processing, showcasing the decisive role of leadership in development orientation.

According to Provincial Business Association Chairman Nguyen Huu Thap, for digital transformation to be truly effective, business leaders must act as “conductors,” possessing sufficient technological understanding to make informed decisions. They must also dare to invest, take responsibility, and inspire innovation among their teams. “Digital transformation cannot be assigned solely to technical or accounting departments; it must be an integral part of a company’s overall development strategy,” Mr. Thap affirmed.

The Provincial Business Association is currently working with departments and agencies to organize training courses and provide consulting on digital transformation for manufacturing leaders, including free AI literacy programs for small and medium-sized enterprises. The goal is to build a “Tuyen Quang Digital Business Community,” where enterprises can share data, experiences, and mutual support in technology application. However, many businesses still face challenges, particularly a reluctance to change and concerns over initial investment costs. Lessons from pioneering enterprises show that digital transformation is not an expense but an investment in the future - an investment in productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

As Tuyen Quang promotes high-tech industrial and agricultural development, the willingness of business directors and production owners to take the lead and master technology will be the key to unlocking new production capacities. When leaders understand and take action, digital transformation can truly take root, creating sustainable value for both enterprises and the provincial economy.

Trang Tam