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Giới Thiệu Về API Là Gì?

22/04/2022

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Giới Thiệu Về API

Xin chào các bạn, mình là Thắng, thành viên team QC của SupremeTech. Trong bài viết này, mình sẽ giải thích cho các bạn về một khái niệm rất quen thuộc trong kiểm thử nói riêng mà còn trong ngành IT nói chung, đó là API.

Mình nhớ khoảng thời gian đầu tiên khi mình bắt đầu nhận việc trong một dự án với yêu cầu chỉ có API; lúc đó mình còn chưa có đủ kiến thức và kinh nghiệm cùng với sự tự tin về mảng này. Có rất nhiều câu hỏi trong đầu mình như phải tìm hiểu thế nào? Kiểm thử ra sao? Và sau đó mình đã cố gắng học hỏi và thực hành rất nhiều, sau cùng mình nhận ra API không quá khó như lúc đầu mình nghĩ, ít nhất mình đã có được kinh nghiệm và kiến thức để tự tin áp dụng vào trong dự án.

Ở đây, mình sẽ chia sẻ lại cho các bạn những gì mình đã tìm hiểu, đã áp dụng vào thực tế, để mọi người có góc nhìn khác khi một tester nhìn vào API thì sẽ như thế nào nhé.

API là gì?

API là viết tắt của cụm từ Giao diện lập trình ứng dụng (Application Programming Interface). API cung cấp khả năng truy xuất đến một tập các hàm hay dùng. Và từ đó có thể trao đổi dữ liệu giữa các ứng dụng. Một cách dễ hiểu thì API là một trung gian phần mềm cho phép hai ứng dụng giao tiếp với nhau.

Ví dụ về API trong thực tế

Tưởng tượng bạn bước vào một nhà hàng, bạn đặt món, nhân viên phục vụ sẽ tiếp nhận yêu cầu của bạn và đưa vào nhà bếp, sau đó sẽ mang ra món ăn đúng với yêu cầu của bạn. Trong ví dụ trên, API là nhân viên phục vụ, đã giúp bạn và đầu bếp giao tiếp với nhau.

Bây giờ hãy nghĩ về một trường hợp ứng dụng API trong thực tế nhé. Giả sử bạn đi du lịch, bạn sẽ vào trang web của các hãng hàng không nhằm kiểm tra chuyến bay, giá cả, số ghế,… Nhưng vấn đề ở đây là có quá nhiều hãng hàng không và bạn lại không muốn mất thời gian cho những việc thế này, thay vào đó, bạn có thể sử dụng các dịch vụ trực tuyến trung gian nhiều tiện ích như Traveloka hay Expedia. Những dịch vụ đó sẽ tương tác với API của các hãng hàng không để hiển thị cho bạn các thông tin liên quan không chỉ của một mà còn của nhiều hãng bay khác nhau, từ đó giúp cho bạn tiết kiệm được rất nhiều gian và công sức. API thật tuyệt vời đúng không!

what is an API

HTML là gì?

Khoảng thời gian sau khi World Wide Web (WWW) được ra đời vào cuối những năm 1980, nhu cầu trao đổi dữ liệu giữa các thiết bị điện tử trở nên phát triển hơn bao giờ hết. Vào thời điểm đó, các tập tin siêu văn bản HTML được đưa lên web và người sử dụng có thể đọc được nội dung một cách dễ dàng.

HTML là viết tắt của từ HyperText Markup Language – Ngôn ngữ Đánh dấu Siêu văn bản. Đây là một loại ngôn ngữ nhằm định dạng trang web thông qua các thẻ (tag) nhằm giúp cho máy tính hiểu được bố cục và cấu trúc của trang web và hiển thị trang web đó. Tuy nhiên lập trình viên chỉ có thể sử dụng những tag được quy định sẵn trong HTML khiến cho việc mở rộng hay tạo ra những nội dung mới trên website khá khó khăn.

Một vấn đề khác nữa là HTML chỉ đơn thuần là ngôn ngữ trình bày nội dung, nó không có chức năng lưu trữ hay trao đổi dữ liệu giữa các máy tính với nhau, nghĩa là các hệ thống không thể tương tác với nhau như cập nhật giá cả hàng ngày chẳng hạn.

XML là gì?

Do đó XML – Extensible Markup Language được ra đời với sứ mệnh tạo ra các tài liệu web cho cả người và máy tính đều có thể dễ dàng đọc được, khiến Internet thực sự trở thành một mạng lưới liên kết đúng nghĩa thật sự. XML được phát triển bởi mười một người đóng góp tại W3C vào năm 1997.

XML, đúng như tên gọi của nó (Extensible – mở rộng), đã giải quyết được một vài vấn đề của HTML như thay vì sử dụng các tag có sẵn thì XML cho phép các lập trình viên tự tạo ra các tag của chính mình, từ đó cho phép họ thể hiện được nhiều nội dung hơn trên website, và đặc biệt là XML cho phép gói dữ liệu vào trong nội dung văn bản và trao đổi giữa các hệ thống với nhau.

Trước khi XML ra đời thì các hệ thống vẫn có thể trao đổi dữ liệu với nhau nhưng đó là một quy trình rất phức tạp và phải thống nhất rất nhiều quy tắc, dẫn tới việc nếu trao đổi dữ liệu lớn thì sẽ xảy ra tình trạng bị mất dữ liệu trong lúc chuyển đổi. Với XML, lập trình viên có thể khai báo trước các tag của mình và các hệ thống đều có thể đọc được và tương tác với nhau dễ dàng hơn.

Mình sẽ lấy một ví dụ đơn giản cho bạn dễ hiểu nhé. Trong HTML có một thẻ tag là <title> nhằm khai báo tiêu đề trang web. Cấu trúc sẽ như thế này:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>Supremetech blog</title>
  </head>
  <body>
  </body>
</html>

Trong khi đó, với XML bạn có thể tự khai báo thẻ tag <title> với nhiều mục đích khác nhau như tiêu đề trang web và tiêu đề một quyển sách hiển thị trên trang web đó mà không lo bị lỗi:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<page>
  <head>
     <title>Book store</title>
  </head>
  <body>
    <library>
      <book>
        <title>Harry Potter</title>
        <author>J.K Rowling</author>
      </book>
      <book>
        <title>Sherlock Holmes</title>
        <author>Conan Doyle</author>
      </book>
    </library>
  </body>
</page>

Các bạn có thể thấy thẻ tag <title> nằm trong thẻ <head> sẽ được máy tính hiểu là tiêu đề của trang, còn thẻ <title> nằm trong thẻ <book> sẽ được hiểu là tiêu đề của quyển sách.

SOAP và RESTful

Sau khi hiểu được API là gì, các bạn sẽ thấy API vô cùng quan trọng trong thời đại số như hiện nay. Và như một điều hiển nhiên, mọi thứ sau khi phát triển một thời gian sẽ hình thành những quy tắc chung. Sau đây mình sẽ giới thiệu 2 chuẩn phổ biến là SOAP là RESTful.

SOAP

Sau khi XML ra đời, một vài kỹ sư tại Microsoft đã phát triển SOAP. SOAP là một tiêu chuẩn dựa hoàn toàn vào XML để chuẩn hóa việc giao tiếp giữa server và thiết bị (client), từ đó giúp cho việc phát triển API tốt hơn. Sau khi SOAP xuất hiện, đặc biệt vào năm 2000, SOAP đã được Microsoft và IBM thúc đẩy và trở nên phổ biến. Một số công ty và các tập đoàn lớn đã sử dụng SOAP như HP hay Oracle cho các chương trình của họ.

Một vấn đề khá lớn của SOAP là có quá nhiều quy tắc phải tuân thủ khiến cho lập trình viên thấy nó quá khó để sử dụng. Mặc dù việc có nhiều quy tắc cũng là một ưu điểm của SOAP bởi vì nhờ đó các lập trình viên có thể tạo ra các hệ thống độc lập nhưng vẫn giao tiếp tốt với nhau. Từ khả năng giao tiếp tốt đó, các hệ thống lớn gồm nhiều hệ thống liên quan sẽ được quản lý và phát triển một cách dễ dàng hơn.

RESTful

Một nhà khoa học máy tính tên Roy Fielding đã nhìn ra vấn đề đó và giới thiệu tiêu chuẩn REST trong luận văn tiến sĩ của mình với mục đích duy nhất: tạo ra tiêu chuẩn giúp cho các server đều có thể giao tiếp được với nhau. Nếu như SOAP sử dụng XML để tạo request và response thì RESTful có thể tạo request với một URL đơn giản đi cùng với các phương thức (method) như GET, POST, PUT, DELETE và response trả về cũng được viết ở nhiều dạng như JSON hay CSV. Bạn hãy nhìn vào ví dụ dưới đây về request và response của API dùng để xem giá cả nếu được viết dưới dạng XML theo tiêu chuẩn SOAP:

  • Request
<?xml version="1.0"?>

<soap:Envelope
xmlns:soap="http://www.w3.org/2003/05/soap-envelope/"
soap:encodingStyle="http://www.w3.org/2003/05/soap-encoding">

<soap:Body>
  <m:GetPrice xmlns:m="https://www.w3schools.com/prices">
    <m:Item>Apples</m:Item>
  </m:GetPrice>
</soap:Body>

</soap:Envelope>
  • Response:
<?xml version="1.0"?>

<soap:Envelope
xmlns:soap="http://www.w3.org/2003/05/soap-envelope/"
soap:encodingStyle="http://www.w3.org/2003/05/soap-encoding">

<soap:Body>
  <m:GetPriceResponse xmlns:m="https://www.w3schools.com/prices">
    <m:Price>1.90</m:Price>
  </m:GetPriceResponse>
</soap:Body>

</soap:Envelope>

Source: W3C

Rất là rắc rối và phức tạp đúng không nào. Trong khi đó nếu ta cũng dùng API gọi thông tin về giá sản phẩm theo RESTful thì chỉ cần gửi request tới URL (https://www.w3schools.com/prices), chọn method là GET thì sẽ có response dưới dạng JSON như sau:

{
    "Apple": "1.90"
}

Nhìn vào API theo tiêu chuẩn RESTful bạn cũng nhận ra nó đơn giản và dễ dùng hơn SOAP đúng không? Đó là lí do mà vì sao RESTful được sử dụng rất nhiều vào ngày nay.

Một lí do khác là vào thời điểm những năm 2000, Internet phát triển cực kì mạnh mẽ, đặc biệt là mảng thương mại điện tử. Rất nhiều tập đoàn lớn lúc đó đã phát triển API của mình để nhiều bên có thể truy cập vào dữ liệu sản phẩm của họ. Lúc đó Salesforce là một trong những người tiên phong cung cấp API của mình dưới tiêu chuẩn SOAP nhưng lại không được nhiều lập trình viên ưa chuộng vì tài liệu hướng dẫn sử dụng hơn 400 trang.

Trong khi đó, Ebay, mặt khác lại cung cấp API theo chuẩn RESTful và đã đạt được sự thành công đáng kể so với đối thủ là Salesforce lúc bấy giờ khi mà nhiều bên cảm thấy API theo chuẩn RESTful dễ truy cập và dễ sử dụng. Kể từ đó là thời kì phát triển mạnh mẽ của RESTful API, nhiều ông lớn đã đi theo Ebay như Amazon, Flickr,… Dưới đây là sơ đồ thống kê mức độ phổ biến các chuẩn API vào năm 2014:

API

Source

Dưới góc độ kiểm thử và sự phổ biến của RESTful nên mình sẽ nói kỹ hơn về chuẩn này nhé.

RESTful API

Hình ví dụ ở trên minh họa một cách đơn giản về nguyên lý hoạt động của API theo tiêu chuẩn RESTful. Hãy lấy lại ví dụ ở phần trước đó về việc bạn sử dụng Traveloka để xem thông tin về chuyến bay nhé. Bạn vào mục tra cứu chuyến bay trên web Traveloka, sau bước này thì website – client sẽ gửi request theo giao thức HTTP tới server của hãng bay. Tùy thuộc vào phương thức – method bạn gửi thì server sẽ có những xử lý tương ứng. Trong RESTful sẽ có 4 phương thức cơ bản sau đây:

  • GET (SELECT): Trả về một Resource hoặc một danh sách Resource.
  • POST (CREATE): Tạo mới một Resource.
  • PUT (UPDATE): Cập nhật thông tin cho Resource.
  • DELETE (DELETE): Xoá một Resource.

Những phương thức hay hoạt động này thường được gọi là CRUD tương ứng với Create – Tạo, Read – Đọc, Update – Sửa, Delete – Xóa.

Ví dụ ở đây bạn muốn xem thông tin về chuyến bay thì method client dùng sẽ là GET nhằm lấy về danh sách các chuyến bay theo yêu cầu của bạn. Sau khi server nhận được request của Client sẽ tiến hành trả về dữ liệu phù hợp response. Dữ liệu trả về thường được viết dưới dạng JSON hoặc XML tùy thuộc vào tính chất của dự án. Dữ liệu trả về gồm có cấu trúc như sau (mình sẽ để dưới dạng JSON nhé):

{
    "status_code": 200,
    "data": [
        {
            "name": "LH370",
            "Time": "Mar 29, 2022",
            "City": "DNG"
        },
        {
            "name": "LH370",
            "Time": "Mar 29, 2022",
            "City": "HCM"
        }
    ],
}

Các bạn có thể thấy ở response có dòng “status_code”, biến này sẽ cho chúng ta biết được trạng thái của response trả về. Các mã sẽ được phân thành các nhóm như sau:

  • 2xx: Successful responses / Phản hồi thành công:
  • 200 OK – Trả về thành công cho những phương thức GET, PUT, PATCH hoặc DELETE.
  • 201 Created – Trả về khi một Resource vừa được tạo thành công.
  • 204 No Content – Trả về khi Resource xoá thành công.
  • 3xx: Redirects / Điều hướng
  • 304 Not Modified – Client có thể sử dụng dữ liệu cache.
  • 4xx: Client errors / Lỗi phía client
  • 400 Bad Request – Request không hợp lệ
  • 401 Unauthorized – Request cần có auth.
  • 403 Forbidden – bị từ chối không cho phép.
  • 404 Not Found – Không tìm thấy resource từ URL
  • 5xx: Server errors / Lỗi phía máy chủ
  • 500 Server Error: domain, hosting hết hạn, hoặc dừng server đột ngột để test
  • 502 Bad Gateway
  • 503 Service Unavailable

Web services là gì? Phân biệt API và web services

Và lúc này khái niệm web services trở nên phổ biến. Giờ chúng ta tìm hiểu thêm một khái niệm mới nhé.

Nói một cách khái quát, web services là những tài nguyên có sẵn trên internet, là dịch vụ cung cấp một số chức năng mà các ứng dụng khác có thể sử dụng. Chức năng này có thể bao gồm xử lý thanh toán, đăng nhập và lưu trữ cơ sở dữ liệu. Cả API và web services đều đóng vai trò giúp cho các ứng dụng giao tiếp được với nhau. Điểm khác biệt cơ bản giữa API và web services đó là web services giúp các ứng dụng giao tiếp với nhau trên Internet nhưng API có thể giúp các ứng dụng giao tiếp với nhau mà không cần Internet. Chúng ta có thể nói tất cả web services là API nhưng không phải API nào cũng là web services.

Hơi rắc rối đúng không nào, mình sẽ lấy một ví dụ cho bạn dễ hình dung nhé:

Hầu như trong cuộc sống ngày nay chúng ta luôn có sẵn ứng dụng Facebook trên điện thoại của mình. Khi bạn bắt gặp một khoảnh khắc nào đó và muốn chụp một bức hình để chia sẻ cho bạn bè cũng xem, bạn sẽ bấm vào biểu tượng máy ảnh trên Facebook và nó sẽ mở màn hình chụp ảnh cho bạn. Lúc này Facebook sẽ gọi API máy ảnh của điện thoại để sử dụng máy ảnh ngay trên ứng dụng mà không cần phải mở app chụp ảnh mặc định của điện thoại, và việc gọi API này thì không cần mạng. Ở một trường hợp khác, khi bạn vào xem thông tin một địa điểm nào đó trên Facebook thì sẽ thấy bản đồ chỉ đường tới địa điểm đó đúng không? Lúc đó Facebook sẽ gọi API (web services) từ Google Map để lấy thông tin bản đồ về và thao tác này chắc chắn cần mạng mới có thể làm được.

Cho tới hiện tại, việc tranh cãi SOAP hay RESTful tốt hơn vẫn chưa hề kết thúc. Tùy thuộc vào tính chất của dự án và sở thích của lập trình viên mà chúng ta sẽ lựa chọn chuẩn phù hợp. SOAP có thể phức tạp, phải tuân thủ nhiều quy tắc nhưng đôi khi nó lại dễ sử dụng trong một số trường hợp, còn đàn em của nó là RESTful nổi lên như một giải pháp thay thế mới mẻ song vẫn có những vấn đề của riêng nó.

Bài viết giới thiệu về API của mình đến đây là hết, mình rất vui vì một phần nào đó đã giúp các bạn có thêm những kiến thức mới. API theo chuẩn RESTful rất phổ biến, do đó kĩ năng kiểm thử API theo chuẩn này rất cần thiết với tester. Những bài viết tiếp theo mình sẽ giới thiệu cho các bạn về những công cụ thường được sử dụng trong việc test API như Postman, Charles,… Hẹn gặp lại các bạn lần sau!

Reference

  • W3schools (no date) W3schools.com, W3Schools Online Web Tutorials. Available at: https://www.w3schools.com/xml/xml_soap.asp (Accessed: 04 October 2024).
  • Jay (2023) Soap and rest at odds, The History of the Web. Available at: https://thehistoryoftheweb.com/soap-rest-odds/ (Accessed: 04 October 2024).
  • Harrington, D. (2024) The history of rest apis – readme: Resource library, ReadMe. Available at: https://readme.com/resources/the-history-of-rest-apis (Accessed: 04 October 2024).

Author: Thang Tran

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     "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 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: When Technology Meets a Pioneering SpiritSparking the Fire, Spreading the Passion 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 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.

    10/10/2025

    103

    Our culture

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

      10/10/2025

      103

      point-based loyalty program in Japan

      Retail

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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.

        03/10/2025

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

          03/10/2025

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

          Retail

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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

            181

            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

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              Quy Huynh

              Top 10 Digital Commerce Companies in Vietnam

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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

                263

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                Top 10 Digital Commerce Companies in Vietnam

                26/09/2025

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