Vietnam is gaining recognition as one of the countries with the strongest manufacturing growth in the region. To explore this firsthand, 19 lecturers and students from the Business Leadership Executive MBA (BLEMBA) program at the SBM ITB visited the Thang Long Cement Plant in Quang Ninh, Vietnam, on Thursday (11/28).
The visit aimed to provide insights into Vietnam’s heavy industry operations and connect theoretical learning from the Doing Business in Asia course with real-world business practices.
Participants toured the factory and were introduced to various stages of the production line, from processing raw materials to producing finished goods. The visit offered an in-depth look at the complex technological processes involved in the cement industry. Additionally, the management of Thang Long Cement Plant shared insights about the company’s history, vision and mission, achievements, and strategies to thrive amidst the competitive Vietnamese cement industry.
“During this extraordinary visit, I learned that the majority of Thang Long Cement Plant shareholders are Indonesian. It’s a proud moment to see such a large company successfully representing Indonesia in another country,” said Tariska Roseliny, a BLEMBA batch 34 student who participated in the visit.
The company also highlighted its commitment to sustainability by replacing over 50% of fossil fuels with more environmentally friendly alternatives. This approach reflects its ability to tackle business challenges while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
Students gained valuable insights into the importance of understanding local culture as a foundation for successful international business expansion.
“Understanding local culture is essential to operate a business in another country. It simplifies market penetration and garners local government support. Culture and ethics are key,” Tariska added.
The visit also served as a practical application of the Management of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (MITE) course, enabling students to observe how companies innovate and remain competitive in domestic and international markets. In the face of global cement oversupply, companies like Thang Long Cement must address price declines by optimizing costs and enhancing production quality.
“Learning from a large-scale industry like this encourages us to be more innovative and adaptable. Challenges are inevitable, but with well-prepared operational strategies and supply chain management, they can be overcome,” Tariska remarked. “Many Indonesian companies, including SMEs, have significant potential to scale up internationally, provided they can navigate market obstacles and achieve product-market fit.”
This visit allowed students to integrate knowledge from various courses, including innovation, finance, ethics, marketing, and market policy, into real-world contexts. The Doing Business in Asia program equips SBM ITB MBA students with the comprehensive understanding needed to face future global business challenges.
