Evolution of technology in emerging markets

Sometimes countries like Vietnam can be a big surprise in terms of technology. Because when you do some infrastructure investments, you start basically from scratch as there is nothing built yet, so you can deploy the latest technologies. There is no much worry about replacement issues, compatibility between old and new, costs, etc. That's why sometimes technology in these countries can be more advanced then in western Europe, at least its usage can be wider. It is interesting to see that while certain technologies are so backward, others are so up-ro date. So if the country can change its infrastructure fast enough, it can gain better competitiveness then the west. Of course there is the human capital issue as well.

One example in this sense is our company office check-in/check-out system. We just moved to a new building as the company was extending too fast and there was no capacity in the old building. So we bought this building and there is no card system at all, but we check in and out with our fingerprints. Suddenly having a card around your neck is so old fashioned. Of course, being a financial institution, it is important to have secure facilities and to know exactly who is in the office, when and why, as there are lots of confidential information handled by people.

Now while it is very good for the company, it is very bad for people who like to sleep in the morning, as any delay from work is registered.... you really can't give your fingers to your colleague to check you in before 7.30..... as we start work at 7.30..... you can't skip work either... but it feels very high tech, and in a country like Vietnam, where there are so many challenges, it is refreshing to have high tech things around :):):):)