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The Story of a Business Analyst – My Journey into The Field

10/10/2025

43

 “You don’t need an IT background to become a Business Analyst — as long as you have passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn.”

Hi, I’m Quỳnh Anh, currently working as a Business Analyst (BA) at SupremeTech. If someone had told me a few years ago that “you might end up working in the tech industry,” I probably would’ve laughed and shaken my head — because I studied at the University of Foreign Language Studies – University of Danang, which has nothing to do with IT.

And yet, somehow, fate led me to the BA role — something I had never even heard of before, but have now come to truly enjoy and feel connected to every single day. Here’s my “beginner’s journey” — from having zero knowledge to finding my path in the fascinating world of technology.

First steps into the IT world

Quỳnh Anh First steps into the IT world

Back then, I had no idea what a BA was. I only vaguely knew it was something “related to IT.” Through a friend’s recommendation, I joined a basic training course at a software company to explore the field. That course introduced me to my very first concepts of business processes, programming, databases, and MySQL. Everything felt new — sometimes even overwhelming — but incredibly exciting.

Still, when the course ended, one question lingered in my mind: “What does a BA actually do every day? And how are these lessons applied in real projects?”

That question stayed with me — until I got the chance to intern at SupremeTech.

Internship – Where my Business Analyst journey became clearer

Thanks to a collaboration program between SupremeTech and my university, I was accepted as a BA Intern. That became the first turning point that allowed me to truly “touch” the profession.

Although I wasn’t directly involved in client projects, every day during my internship opened new doors for me:

  • Learning how to listen and communicate with clients to truly understand their needs.
  • Getting familiar with common Japanese IT terms used in the workplace.
    Writing clear and concise business documents.
  • And most importantly, understanding how a non-IT person can effectively communicate and collaborate with technical teams.

The seniors in my team were always patient, sharing not just knowledge but real project experiences. Thanks to their support, I no longer felt intimidated — instead, I grew more curious and passionate about becoming a BA.

Read more articles:

From intern to Full-time Business Analyst

From intern to Full-time Business Analyst

My internship eventually ended, but my journey with SupremeTech didn’t stop there. With a proactive mindset and eagerness to learn, I was offered a full-time position — and that’s when my real BA journey began.

This time, it wasn’t about lessons or training sessions anymore, but about real work:

  • Analyzing business requirements with clients.
  • Writing detailed documentation for developers.
    Reviewing and validating requirements to ensure the product meets business goals.
  • Communicating constantly in an Agile environment — where things move faster than you expect.

Of course, it wasn’t always smooth. There were days I felt overwhelmed, confused by technical discussions, or unsure how to convey ideas clearly to the dev team. But thanks to the solid foundation from my internship and the support of my teammates, I learned to stand firm and keep moving forward.

What being a Business Analyst means to me

[BA Series] The story of a BA – My journey into the field

For me, being a Business Analyst is a journey without a finish line — there’s always something new to learn, new people to connect with, and new problems to solve.

If you’re curious about this career, my advice is: “Don’t be afraid to start, no matter what background you come from. Keep your curiosity alive and never stop learning — you’ll eventually find your own path.”

I’m deeply grateful to SupremeTech for giving me the chance to begin, to make mistakes, to grow, and to become who I am today.

And if you’re curious about the BA world, stay tuned for our ‘The Story of a BA’ series — because who knows, you might just see a bit of yourself in the stories to come.

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    Collaboration Between PM & BA

    As you might know, Project Manager & Business Analyst are key players in every project. To understand why their collaboration is the most important part of the project. And how to make a good partnership between them? Let’s dive in. Firstly, have a look at basic terms: Project & Product? Project is temporarily formed to create a productProduct is something that delivers value. For example, a car, a tool, a software … Project & Product Goals The goal of the project is to finish on time, within cost, and provide the right product.The right product must be valuable and meet business and customer needs.It’s actually the same as the picture below You can see, those factors are constraints and we need people to manage/maintain them, it's time to involve Project Manager & Business Analyst in. Project Manager & Business Analyst PM is responsible for Time: making the schedule for the whole project base on the Scope, defining processes, managing Costs before and during the development phase, guiding others to perform the best, and keeping the project on track in any situation.BA is mainly focusing on business needs and providing the proper functionalities that meet all requirements, working with PM & stakeholders to finalize the Scope, BA is also taking care of the product’s quality as the client's expectation. So: Without BA, build wrong things.Without PM, exceed budget, extend the schedule.And without a great collaboration between them can lead a project to all the things above. PM & BA overlap tasking Let's get back to the above picture, it’s easy to reveal that Project & Product is strongly dependent on each other. Imagine that, the client adds essential change requests to the product, and promptly it makes the project scope get bigger, the cost of building the product would be increased and it take longer to complete. It’s just a popular example, but in actual work, other things can happen in many many ways, and then potentially to lead the project to fail. To keep everything are under control, it’s necessary to have a tight collaboration between PM & BA, bellow are kind of works they have to share in daily activity: Scope & Requirements ManagementCommunications ManagementRisk ManagementStakeholder Management Go ahead with the following sections to understand deeply how to perform a good work and how to collaborate on those items. What & How to collaborate? Scope & Requirements Management As mentioned in the above section, requirement changes actually happen in every project, but without control procedure it would become Scope creep. Some change requests are essential, scope creep is a situation that generally considered harmful to the project. To welcome the good and needed, and also avoid scope creep, all the changes have to be recognized, judged and managed carefully. The process to control them: Identify changeUnderstand whether it provides business valueDiscuss the impact on quality, budget, scope and scheduleIs it feasible?Give options for stakeholders to choose Following those steps makes everything clear and every provided selection is reasonable, therefore the team and stakeholders can easily make a decision. Further, it helps to build trust in one another by removing all concerns and worries. Communications Management Communication is vital within projects. PM & BA communicate to share understanding about requirement and intent, the priority, timeline, and also keep track on what the team are working on. Since both PM & BA interact with the same stakeholders, many detailed conversations in different contexts, friction may arise. To avoid this, they have to make transparency on: What am I working on?What are my priorities today?Who do I plan to interact with?What are key messages that we need to collaborate on? So that they can ensure consistent messages are being communicated to the team and stakeholders.Beside communicating with each other, the equally critical part is to have this with team and stakeholders: Listening to stakeholders - What do they need? What do they want? How do they feel?Sharing understanding, knowledge, experience and also learning from themHaving a clear communication flow to engage appropriate stakeholders for each type of communication in the project. That allow to connect better, build trust and stronger relationships with one another. Thus, contribute to project success. Risk Management When starting the project, PM & BA might feel no risk, but during the implementation phase, risks are always ever-present. So what kind of risk do they have to pay attention to? Stakeholders involvementBuilding wrong thingsThe risk to schedule For example, if there is a complicated requirement, we need the client to involve in, but they can not because they're busy(the project is just a low priority task in their daily activities), then we make an assumption, if our assumption is not true, it’s a big risk that affects on the output and schedule as well. So PM & BA should have a process to manage all those kind of risk together and ensure the risks is well understood and under control: Identify the risk factorsMeasure the effect of each risk factorPropose and take appropriate actions to mitigate the high-risk factorsMonitor the low-risk factors and repeat the process when situations come Stakeholders Management Continue with the example above. It's sometimes hard to involve stakeholders due to the time and they might not understand how important they are in the project, so please let them know: Role, responsibility and expectationHow their work connects with the projectWho do they have/should to work with After clearing all the things above, PM & BA should keep the project team is coordinated by: Always scheduling for stakeholders' meetings - let them proactively in arranging their time.Making the meeting agenda - let them well prepare for the meeting.Combining meetings as much as possible - helps to save time, gives them a chance to interact and learn more from others. Through it, build better relationships and trust.Sharing key messages before and after the meeting - make things transparent and let others feel comfortable to contribute. Doing those would show stakeholders to see the value of their time and how it would be used. Working with the team helps them in other areas. PM & BA also ensure that the time is used well to maximize this. Conclusion The sign of the great collaboration between PM & BA is performing their work as the same person, understanding everything about the project and product. To do so, they have to clean up roles and responsibilities on each side, share their work and support each other. PM supports BA to know the terms of project management: time, cost, and scope. BA has to impart business needs, and client expectations to PM. The important thing is to spend enough time communicating to be able to respond to daily changes. For external, define the working flow, and communication flow. Tactically involve stakeholders & project members in daily activities. Unique them in one team and lead them on how to collaborate with one another to achieve the project and product goals. Reference https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/business-analyst-project-manager-collaboration-6512https://www.linkedin.com/learning/business-analyst-and-project-manager-collaboration

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      point-based loyalty program in Japan

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        Inside Japan’s Point-Based Loyalty Culture: The Power of Point Networks and the Rise of Custom Programs

        In our article The History of Point Culture in Japan and What Businesses Can Learn From It, we got a chance to explore how loyalty programs in Japan evolved from humble stamp cards to mobile-first systems, and how the habit of collecting points became a part of everyday life. This follow-up takes the story further. Today, Japan’s loyalty economy is powered by two major forces. On one side, nationwide networks such as Rakuten, d POINT, and the newly merged T-Point/V-Point dominate at massive scale, influencing where people shop, how they pay, and even how they invest.  On the other, retail giants and luxury brands are increasingly building their own custom loyalty programs to secure financial control, protect their brand identity, and design experiences tailored to their customers. Together, these trends reveal why loyalty in Japan is not just a marketing tactic, but a strategy to shape the future of retail. The Dominance of Major Point Networks When it comes to loyalty points in Japan, the scale is impressive. Some programs have grown so large that they function almost like economies of their own, shaping where people shop, how they pay, and even how they invest. This success is deeply tied to Japanese consumer culture. According to the World Bank, households in Japan collectively hold savings worth more than USD 1.3 trillion. With this cautious mindset, loyalty programs resonate strongly because they speak to the instinct to save, while still delivering the little thrill of getting something “extra” from everyday spending. The numbers highlight just how powerful this model has become. In 2023 alone, Japanese companies issued more than ¥2.65 trillion worth of reward points, a figure that continues to rise. For payment providers and retailers, these points are far more than giveaways. They are strategic tools to lock customers into ecosystems: once you start collecting Rakuten Points or d POINTs, you are more likely to keep shopping, paying, and even investing within that network. In fact, points are even crossing into finance. Rakuten Securities now allows members to use Super Points to buy stocks. For many younger consumers, this lowers the barrier to investing turning spare points from online shopping into their very first financial assets. It’s a clever way to both reward loyalty and build new habits for the future. By 2024, a handful of nationwide programs dominate the loyalty landscape: Rakuten Points (59.3% of consumers), T-Point (48.3%), Ponta (40.5%), d POINT (38.9%), and PayPay Points (38.1%).  One of the most significant shifts came in 2022, when T-Point and V-Point announced a merger, creating one of the largest loyalty networks in Japan. This consolidation was more than just two brands joining forces, it was a sign of how competitive the loyalty market has become. By combining their strengths, the new program ranked among the country’s top five ecosystems, with the scale to challenge even Rakuten and d POINT. For consumers, it meant broader usability of points across more merchants; for businesses, it highlighted the reality that loyalty is no longer optional, but a key battleground for customer engagement. For consumers, this makes everyday life easier. For businesses, it creates pressure: join one of the big networks or risk being left out. Together, these point economies demonstrate how loyalty has evolved from a simple perk into one of the most powerful forces in Japanese retail. Custom Point-Based Loyalty Programs Trend Led by Japan’s Giant Retailers and Luxury Brands Alongside these giant loyalty networks, another trend is emerging: the rise of custom loyalty programs. Retail groups, department stores, and lifestyle brands are increasingly building their own systems instead of joining national coalitions. AEON has expanded WAON Points across its malls and supermarkets, Don Quijote uses its own Majica card, and FamilyMart now pushes FamiPay rather than relying on T-Point. In the department store sector, Isetan Mitsukoshi runs MI Points with VIP tiers, while Daimaru Matsuzakaya offers an app-based membership program that doubles customer spending compared to non-members. Even lifestyle brands are using loyalty to reinforce their identity. MUJI, for example, runs its MUJI Passport app, which rewards shoppers with points for purchases, grants birthday perks, and offers early access to events or new collections. The app integrates seamlessly across MUJI’s online and physical stores, while its clean design reflects MUJI’s minimalist brand philosophy. It shows how custom programs can be more than just a tool for discounts, they can strengthen the relationship between brand and customer by staying true to the company’s values. >>> Read more related articles:  Restaurant Mobile Ordering App: Transform or Lag behind the CompetitionHow Loyalty Apps Can Improve Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) Why Luxury Brands Are Creating Their Own Loyalty Financial Control & Profitability One of the biggest reasons luxury brands and retailers choose to run their own point systems is financial. Large national networks charge brands based on user activity, meaning the more customers use points, the more the brand pays out in fees. On top of that, when points issued by third-party systems expire, the unclaimed value is recognized as profit for the operator of that network, not for the brand. By creating their own loyalty system, brands can keep this financial upside in-house, turning expired points into pure profit and avoiding ongoing external charges. Ownership of Customer Data & Identity When a retailer runs its own loyalty program, it gets direct access to data: what customers buy, when, where, how often. More than that, it can design the “feel” of the loyalty experience, how it looks in the app, what kinds of rewards are offered, and how membership levels are structured. For many brands, preserving this identity is crucial. Customers don’t just want generic points; they want rewards and interactions that feel part of that specific brand’s atmosphere. Customizable Rewards & Campaign Flexibility This is perhaps the most important reason why brands want to have a private system. This gives brands the ability to customize how points are earned and redeemed in line with their marketing strategy. They can run x2 or x3 point multipliers during exclusive campaigns, convert points into vouchers for specific products, or target promotions to selected customer segments. This kind of precision is nearly impossible with third-party networks, where point accrual and redemption rules are standardized. For luxury brands, that flexibility is key, which allows them to design campaigns that not only drive sales but also strengthen their brand story and exclusivity. Financial Comparison: Networks (Coalition) vs. Custom (Own) Loyalty Programs TopicGiant Loyalty NetworksCustom Loyalty AppExpired PointsWhen points expire, the value usually stays with the coalition operator, not the brand.The brand keeps all the value from expired points as pure profit.Market ScaleCoalitions dominate because of large networks (e.g. T-Point, Rakuten). Brands may feel forced to join for reach.Own programs are smaller but allow full value capture and closer customer ties.Customer Data OwnershipLimited: coalition networks keep most customer data, and brands only see summary reports.Full: brand knows exactly who buys, what, when, and where, enabling stronger personalization.Profit ImpactSome profits are lost to fees and expired points that go to the coalition.All upside stays with the brand, improving long-term profit. Challenges of Building Custom Loyalty App Of course, building a custom loyalty program is not without trade-offs. Unlike joining a nationwide network, brands must shoulder the responsibility themselves. That means investing in the right technology, maintaining a seamless user experience across online and offline channels, ensuring data security, managing the costs of rewards, and keeping members engaged through ongoing campaigns. This is where the right technology partner makes all the difference. At SupremeTech, we’ve worked with Japanese retailers and service providers to design loyalty ecosystems that are both scalable and brand-authentic. From integrating mobile wallets and e-commerce platforms to building real-time data pipelines that unify customer behavior, our teams help brands modernize without losing their unique identity. A good example is where we developed a custom Shopify app to streamline our client loyalty data pipeline across offline POS, e-commerce, and mobile. By connecting these touchpoints, the client could finally unlock a “single source of truth” about customer engagement enabling smarter campaigns, cleaner data, and ultimately stronger loyalty outcomes. (You can read the full case study here: Shopify Custom App to Streamline Loyalty Data Pipeline) The lesson is clear: technology should amplify tradition, not replace it. With the right architecture and an experienced partner, brands can turn the century-old Japanese habit of point collecting into a modern, data-driven loyalty engine that is ready for the future. What Businesses Can Learn from Japan’s Loyalty Culture The first lesson is to make the process effortless. In surveys, over 87% of Japanese point collectors said their ideal is to earn loyalty points rewards without realizing it. The best programs don’t force customers to jump through hoops. Instead, they tie points automatically to common actions like mobile payments, train rides, or even buying lunch at a convenience store. The second lesson is to build ecosystems, not stand-alone programs. Rakuten, Docomo, and PayPay succeed because they integrate points across multiple industries shopping, banking, telecom, travel. Each service feeds into the same pool of rewards, creating a closed loop where leaving the ecosystem means losing value. This is what keeps customers engaged long-term. For businesses abroad, the takeaway is clear: don’t treat loyalty points as just another promotion. Treat them as part of your customer’s lifestyle. When loyalty points rewards are seamless, practical, and connected, they stop being an incentive and start becoming a habit. Conclusion: More than Just Points The story of Japan’s point based loyalty programs shows that loyalty is built transaction by transaction, habit by habit, until it becomes part of daily life. For businesses, it’s a reminder that the strongest rewards programs are not those that simply give discounts, but those that create ecosystems, engage emotions, and embed themselves into routines. At SupremeTech, we help businesses take on that challenge building custom apps, integrating e-commerce and designing real-time data pipelines that make loyalty seamless and scalable. Just as Japan has shown, loyalty done right is more than just a promotion. It’s a tradition transformed into a digital advantage. 📩 Read more articles about us here: https://www.supremetech.vn/blog/  ☎️Contact us to see how we can support your loyalty app strategy.

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          The History of Point Culture in Japan and What Businesses Can Learn From It

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            The History of Loyalty Point Culture in Japan and What Businesses Can Learn From It

            In Japan, loyalty point culture has become second nature. From everyday shopping to train rides and online payments, points are deeply rooted into daily life in a way that few other countries can match. What started with simple paper stamps more than a century ago has evolved into mobile-first ecosystems that shape how people shop, save, and even invest. This article takes you through the fascinating history of loyalty point culture in Japan, how the digital era is reshaping the habit, the many ways consumers now earn and use points, and the vibrant poikatsu subculture that has turned point collecting into a lifestyle. The Roots of Japanese Loyalty Point Culture Obsession Japan’s passion for loyalty points has a surprisingly long history. The very first known program dates back to 1916, when a clothier in Kita Kyushu City, Kuga Gofukuten, rewarded repeat customers with paper stamps that could later be exchanged for goods. In 1928, confectionery maker Ezaki Glico, the company behind the world-famous snack Pocky, took the idea to a national scale. Glico placed coupons inside candy boxes, and children who collected 20 coupons could trade them in for a toy or gift. This strategy turned candy into a fun challenge and built emotional loyalty to the brand. The loyalty culture grew slowly at first. It wasn’t until the late 1950s that American-style trading stamps arrived in Japan. Trading stamps were small coupons given out by stores for each purchase. Shoppers could paste them into booklets, and when the booklet was full, redeem it for merchandise from a catalog. By the 1980s, loyalty took a leap forward with the spread of cash cards and credit cards. Card issuers began attaching rewards to encourage spending. In 1984, airline ANA launched its first mileage card, letting travelers turn flights into redeemable points. A year later, in 1985, electronics retailer Yodobashi Camera introduced one of the country’s earliest retail point cards, giving customers a discount on purchases. For shoppers, it felt like free money but for retailers, it was a clever way to keep customers coming back instead of going to another shop. The movement accelerated quickly. By the late 1990s, loyalty cards were everywhere not only in retail, but also in department stores, hotels, and banks. From this point onward, Japan entered the modern era of nationwide point networks, many of which still dominate daily life today. In 2002, Rakuten launched its Super Points program, first as a simple cashback on its e-commerce site, but soon expanding into a vast ecosystem that covers credit cards, travel bookings, banking, and even mobile services.  Just a year later in 2003, Culture Convenience Club (the company behind Tsutaya video rentals) introduced T-Point, Japan’s first large-scale coalition loyalty program. Suddenly, customers could earn and spend points not just in one store, but across convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, and online platforms.  In 2007, Seven & i Holdings, operator of 7-Eleven, rolled out Nanaco, a prepaid e-money card that also rewarded shoppers with points for everyday purchases. Ponta, launched in 2010 by Lawson and GEO, later deepened its reach through a tie-up with telecom giant. Meanwhile, NTT Docomo brought its massive subscriber base into the loyalty world with d POINT in 2015, quickly extending the program beyond telecom to retail, dining, and even Amazon Japan. The latest wave came from the mobile payment boom: in 2018, SoftBank-backed PayPay launched aggressive cashback campaigns that made QR code payments mainstream, later rebranding its system as PayPay Points in 2022. How Digital Eras is Changing Collecting Loyalty Points Habit of Japanese Looking back, it’s clear that the tools have changed, but the habit itself has not. From paper stamps in a clothes shop to QR-code payments at a convenience store, Japanese consumers have always loved the small reward that comes with everyday spending. Whether traditional or modern, the joy of earning points remains the same. A survey by NTT Docomo revealed just how deep point based loyalty program culture runs: over 80% of Japanese people between 15 and 79 years old actively look for ways on how to get loyalty points in their daily shopping. Imagine buying the same bottle of green tea at two different stores. Most people will choose the one that gives them points. For brands, this shift is both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, digital platforms make it possible to connect loyalty across physical stores, e-commerce sites, and mobile apps, creating powerful ecosystems. On the other hand, companies must be careful: how to apply digital transformation to your business without losing the identity and trust that your brand has built over decades? The lesson from Japan’s loyalty story is that technology should not erase tradition but it should amplify it. The habit of collecting points has lasted more than 100 years and will continue to last for a long time. Brands that adapt loyalty to new digital platforms while preserving the sense of authenticity will succeed. Many Interesting Ways Japanese Earn Points In Japan, how to get loyalty points is no longer just about swiping cards at the cashier. Today, most point based loyalty programs are tied directly to mobile apps, making it possible to collect loyalty points rewards almost everywhere and in surprisingly fun ways. 1. Online Shopping & Mobile payment apps This is the most common way to get loyalty points, for platforms like Rakuten Ichiba give Rakuten Super Points when you buy anything online, you will often get 1% back, sometimes much more during special “bonus point” events. Mobile payment apps like PayPay or Rakuten Pay automatically give you points when you pay with your phone. Many Japanese consumers now choose cashless payments not just for convenience, but because every tap of their phone means a few extra points earned. 2. Commuting & Public Transport The JRE (Japan Rail East) provides a loyalty points program via their Suica card (e-money transport). When using Suica, especially its mobile version, you can earn points with bonus rewards on off-peak hours or repeating use the same train line over ten times a month. These points aren’t just for travel. They can be earned or redeemed at JRE Mall, convenience stores, food stalls, and vending machines in stations. Travellers can even use them for Suica top-ups or seat upgrades on bullet trains. Since Japanese train stations are filled with shops and vendors, the program feels both convenient and rewarding in everyday life. 3. Streaming, Subscriptions and Digital Content Even your entertainment choices can earn you point based loyalty rewards. For example, Rakuten integrates its Super Points into its digital ecosystem: buying an eBook, subscribing to a movie streaming service, or even booking an online concert can all add points to your balance. What makes this powerful is that the points you earn for leisure can later be spent on essentials like groceries or utility bills. This blurs the line between fun spending and serious savings making loyalty points a subtle but effective part of household budgeting. 4. Special Promotions and Bonus Campaigns One of the reasons point based loyalty programs remain exciting in Japan is the constant stream of promotions. Japanese consumers often treat these events like mini holidays, planning big purchases to match promotion days. The campaigns are usually gamified like “stamp rallies” where collecting digital stamps across partner stores unlocks extra points. It’s not just about saving, it’s about the thrill of chasing the deal. This playful approach keeps loyalty systems fresh and prevents customers getting bored of them. 5. Cross-Industry Ecosystems What sets Japan apart is how connected loyalty programs have become. Instead of being limited to one store or chain, many systems now span across industries. This ecosystem model makes loyalty programs much more sticky. For businesses, this strategy doesn’t just keep customers coming back, it ties them into a long-term relationship where loyalty points are the “glue” holding everything together. 6. Mobile Apps and Gamification Japanese loyalty programs have taken full advantage of gamification. For example, PayPay adds lottery-style raffles where every transaction is a chance to win bonus points. Some apps even push eco-friendly missions like bringing your own bag to a store that grants loyalty points rewards for sustainable behavior. This playful style has turned point collection into something closer to a hobby than a financial tool. >>> Read more related articles:  Restaurant Mobile Ordering App: Transform or Lag behind the CompetitionHow Loyalty Apps Can Improve Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) Interesting Stories from the Poikatsu Subculture In Japan, collecting points is not just a financial habit but it’s a hobby, and for some, even a lifestyle. This has given rise to a colorful online subculture, where people swap tips, track campaigns, and share their point-hunting adventures. There is a huge Japanese influencer called Chuken. On Twitter, he shares strategies on how to maximize loyalty points and proudly calls himself a “point star” He claims to earn over 1 million yen (around $10,000) worth of points a year enough to cover bills, vacations, and even beauty treatments. For him, points are not pocket change, they are a second income stream. Then there’s Sekko, a single mother who has turned poikatsu into both a money-saving tool and an online persona. Her audience, mainly parents, follows her for hacks like redeeming enough points to get a year-long Disneyland pass for her child. She’s even appeared on national TV shows, proving that loyalty programs in Japan are big enough to push ordinary people into the spotlight. On YouTube, Ryogakucho has built a following of more than 600,000 subscribers by teaching point-hacking in step-by-step videos. His tutorials cover everything from Rakuten’s Super Point Up system to time-limited campaigns, often delivered with a cartoon mascot cheering along. For many viewers, his channel turns what could be dry financial advice into something closer to entertainment. While others poikatsu youtubers post daily point-tracking charts, mapping which payment apps or cards are offering the best deals. Fans treat this like checking stock market updates except the currency is loyalty points instead of shares. Conclusion The history of loyalty point culture in Japan reveals more than just how rewards have changed over time, it shows how deeply poikasu culture is in consumers' minds. From stamps and coupons to digital wallets and online platforms, the tools may look different, but the love for points has never faded. For many Japanese consumers, collecting points is not only about saving money, it’s about the fun, creativity, and community that come with it. And the story doesn’t end here. In the next article, we’ll look at the power of Japan’s major point networks and the rise of custom programs led by retailers and luxury brands, exploring how these systems are shaping the future of loyalty and what businesses worldwide can learn from them. 📩 Read more articles about us here: https://www.supremetech.vn/blog/  ☎️Contact us to see how we can support your loyalty app strategy.

            01/10/2025

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            Quy Huynh

            Retail

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              The History of Loyalty Point Culture in Japan and What Businesses Can Learn From It

              01/10/2025

              123

              Quy Huynh

              Top 10 Digital Commerce Companies in Vietnam

              Knowledge

              Others

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                Top 10 Digital Commerce Companies in Vietnam

                Vietnam has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital commerce markets. With over 100 million people, a rapidly expanding middle class, and high internet penetration (more than 75%), the country offers fertile ground for e-commerce businesses to thrive. According to Vietnam News, local consumers spent about US$16 billion online in 2024 on major platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Meanwhile, e.vnexpress.net reports that the total market size has reached US$22 billion, making Vietnam the third-largest e-commerce market in Southeast Asia. Experts project the market will continue growing at a CAGR of over 21% until 2030, reaching nearly US$62.5 billion (Mordor Intelligence). This impressive growth makes choosing the right technology partner crucial for businesses aiming to scale digital commerce operations in Vietnam. To help you navigate the landscape, Supreme Tech has curated a list of the Top 10 Digital Commerce Companies in Vietnam, highlighting their strengths and expertise. SupremeTech SupremeTech is a product-focused Agile development company in Vietnam. SupremeTech is currently serving clients across Japan, US, and Australia. They specialize in digital transformation and software solutions for big corporations in retail, healthcare, F&B, etc. Established in 2020, SupremeTech has grown rapidly from just a few members at the beginning to over 180 employees.  At SupremeTech, we implement the Scrum methodology and Agile framework to enhance efficiency and innovation. We optimize and leverage the Agile process to deliver a working product faster than a standard sprint. We provide real-time progress reports for each project because we value transparency and collaboration. AI-assisted development is currently being applied to custom software projects to foster delivery time and optimize cost for clients. Founded: 2020Team size: 180+ employeesKey clients: Enterprises and multinational brands in industries such as Retail, E-commerce, Healthcare, and Human Resources. Strengths: Agile Offshore Dedicated TeamsDigital Transformation for Retail BrandsWeb & Mobile Application DevelopmentCloud Infrastructure Migration & DevOpsOTT Streaming White-label AppsISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified, ISTQB Partner Program member Kyanon Digital Kyanon Digital is a leading technology company in Vietnam specializing in digital commerce solutions, with the slogan “Making Digital Impact that Matters”. Founded in 2012, the company provides end-to-end services that help businesses design, build, and scale their digital commerce platforms. Their expertise covers B2B, D2C, marketplaces, composable commerce, and omni-channel growth.  With a strong focus on Agile development, seamless system integration, user-centric design, and long-term optimization, Kyanon Digital positions itself as a trusted partner that delivers not just digital commerce platforms but also sustainable growth and innovation for clients. Founded: 2012Team size: 500+Key clients: Leading retail groups in Japan, Thailand, NutriAsia, confidential regional enterprises… Strengths: Wide service coverage: Expertise in B2B, marketplace, composable commerce, and omni-channel solutions.Data integration & personalization: Strong capabilities in unifying customer data, enabling predictive analytics, and creating personalized customer experiences.User-centric design: Focus on seamless omni-channel journeys with intuitive, mobile-friendly interfaces.Agile & engineering excellence: Proven Agile methodology, cloud-native and microservices architecture, plus ISO-certified 9001 and 27001.Long-term support: Provides ongoing operations, maintenance, and optimization beyond system launch.Trusted by top brands: Collaborates with Sharp, Central Retail, Unilever, Starbucks, and other major enterprises. Afocus Afocus is a team of passionate design-thinkers, curious product strategists, and innovative digital transformers living in Vietnam. They are focused on products, not projects, with your business growth being our highest priority from day one. From ideas to delivery, Afocus supports each client along the full life cycle of their digital initiatives: Analyzing business, marketing and sales targets, competition and constraints,Identifying and collecting requirements,Establishing, redefining & implementing branding, marketing and advertising strategies,Elaborating concepts (IA & Wireframe/Mockup) from simple business ideas,Designing Responsive & intuitive customer & User Interface (UI: Look & Feel) / Experience (UX) and system architecture,Coding sites/apps/softs rather on an agile and test-driven mode,Controlling / Assuring quality with international standards (+ user testing),Deploying and following-up evolutive and corrective maintenance.Optimizing traffic (ASO/SEO), usage & sales with data collection, analysis & reporting… Groove Technology Groove Technology is the first and last stop for companies worldwide that need support to develop digital products and custom software solutions. Their integrated resource model paves the way for your technology projects to be completed sooner, with less effort. They help businesses expand their software development capabilities. How? Ready-made and well-oiled offshore teams at your disposalProactive and innovative software development approachesA partner that prioritises trust and delivering quality solutions Adamo Software As the top software development company based in Vietnam, Adamo Software surpasses edge-cutting digital solutions for global organizations with the aim of adopting new technologies and transforming business operations. Adamo offers full-cycle and customized software development services with high-quality and lucrative solutions. Listed as the top 10 Vietnam’s software development companies, Adamo excels at mobile app development, web-based solutions, website development, and portal development. Their skillful and experienced developers provide you with innovative, efficient, valuable-tailored, and sustainable digital solutions. Whether it is a user-centric app or transformative corporation-level software solutions, Adamo will transform your business ideas into superb software products with continuous support. CodeNinja At CodeNinja, they believe that there’s a lot of untapped engineering potential in the world and they’re here to tap it. They’re a mission-driven software company of 250+ engineers striving to solve the world’s hardest problems for people, businesses, and Governments by tapping the untapped engineering potential of High-Growth and emerging markets. Their mission is to improve the lives of three billion people living in emerging markets by creating opportunities in technology. SECOMM SECOMM is a full-service ecommerce solution provider using various platforms, tools, and technologies to satisfy all the business’s complex systems. Ecommerce ConsultingEcommerce DevelopmentEcommerce MaintenanceEcommerce Acceleration BSS Commerce BSS Commerce is a global full-service eCommerce agency that provides cutting-edge technology solutions to B2B, B2C, and B2B2C businesses. They are empowered by partnerships with multiple platform providers and highly-qualified experts with customer-centric value at heart. As an accredited eCommerce solution provider, BSS offers a comprehensive eCommerce strategy to accelerate your business through wide-scale service on multiple platforms. They also enhance your eCommerce systems with highly-recommended Magento Extensions, Shopify Apps & Shopware Extensions. They make your eCommerce vision to life with our Global Standard, Best-in-class Service, and Solution-oriented mindset. Magenest JSC Magenest is a one-stop digital solution provider with a special focus on eCommerce systems, ERP/CRM platforms, Cloud Infrastructure, Digital Marketing, and more. As a leading technology solution company in APAC, they have helped brands activate and scale their digital presence, transform business operations, and empower the workforce through our solutions with Adobe Magento Commerce, Odoo, HubSpot, and Amazon Web Services. The quality of their work is backed by industry leaders: SM Markets, Abbott, Heineken, Trung Nguyen Legend, Bibomart, ACFC, Hoang Phuc International, etc. AMELA Technology Amela Technology is a global IT services and consulting company established in Hanoi city (Vietnam). They bring your idea to life by bridging technological gaps and manpower shortages with the following top-tier solutions: Software Outsourcing & DevelopmentEmerging tech: Blockchain, IoT, and AI solutionsWeb & Mobile App DevelopmentEmbedded Systems Quality Control & TestingStart-up supportingHuman resource introductionEngineer dispatching In the course of their development, they have pleased clients from one of the most demanding markets in Japan in a variety of industries, including eLearning, eCommerce, live streaming, healthcare, and ERP. Why Work with Digital Commerce Companies in Vietnam? Cost-effective yet high-quality talent: Vietnam offers competitive rates with strong technical expertise.Deep understanding of local & ASEAN markets: Local partners have practical insights into consumer behavior in the region.Modern methodologies (Agile, Composable, Modular): These companies adopt cutting-edge approaches to keep pace with market shifts.End-to-end support: From consulting and implementation to scaling and maintenance, businesses are fully supported. Final thoughts Vietnam’s digital commerce market is booming, presenting huge opportunities for both local and international businesses. By collaborating with the right technology partner, companies can accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and scale sustainably in this competitive market. Are you looking to build or expand your digital commerce capabilities? Get in touch with SupremeTech today and discover how we can turn your vision into a scalable success story.

                26/09/2025

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                Top 10 Digital Commerce Companies in Vietnam

                26/09/2025

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