What is Customer Data Integration (CDI) and why it is important for OMO retail?

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.

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.

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.

SupremeTech’s AI Hackathon 2025: A blend of Product-Focused Spirit and AI-assisted Development

On September 6–7 of 2025, we hosted our very first AI-Driven Development Hackathon. Ten teams, all made up of SupremeTech members, stepped out of their daily routines to take on real business challenges. Within just 22 hours, they brainstormed, coded, and pitched solutions showcasing their creative application of AI-powered tools. This Hackathon was more than a competition. It was an opportunity for SupremeTech’s members to experiment with AI in practical ways, strengthen their teamwork, and grow into product builders in the AI era. And, of course, they get themselves a chance to win VND 100,000,000 in prize money. Real business challenges from retail & tourism industries Before jumping into the final pitches of 10 teams, let’s take a look at the challenges that will later inspire their creativity. Some of them are quite familiar topics, while others might be a bit more challenging and out-of-the-box.  As CEO Mr. Bình explained: “When shaping the problem statement, I wanted to balance three things. First, it had to be close enough to our real business so that outcomes could have practical value. Second, it needed to challenge teams to apply AI meaningfully not just add AI as a decoration, but use it to create efficiency or new capability. And third, it should be simple and open enough so that everyone, regardless of role, could participate and learn something from the process.” Though this Hackathon centers the theme of “AI-Driven Development”, each challenge was designed to be: Close to real business needs so that outcomes could have practical applicationsAI-driven, but in a practical and meaningful way, to create efficiency or new capabilitiesOpen enough for all roles to participate, learn, and contribute Now, let’s dive into the details of each challenge.  Omnichannel E-Commerce & Loyalty App for Retail Brands This is one of SupremeTech’s current areas of expertise and key services. By including it as a challenge topic, teams worked on solutions that are highly applicable to existing clients, directly supporting our clients’ business growth.  For participants who face this challenge, it could be both a blessing and a curse. We’ve been building and managing a variety of EC and loyalty systems for clients. But when it comes to building a new one using AI, replicating the past experience may not be a smart choice. Judges, for sure, would want to see some real enhancements in the development process empowered by AI, not to mention the creativity in the strategic approach to this very familiar topic.  The original statement requires teams to develop an application that solves the problem of disconnected retail experiences. The solution should unify online and offline shopping while deeply integrating loyalty programs and personalization.  There could be a huge number of variations coming up from this statement. Stay tuned for the highlight performance!  Destination and Experience Management System for Tourism Managing group travel is a complex task often disturbed by miscommunication and inefficiencies. In a tourism hub like Da Nang, where businesses host frequent tours and events for a very large group of travelers, the ability to streamline logistics and improve participant engagement directly impacts customer satisfaction.  For companies, such apps not only reduce operational headaches but also enhance the overall brand experience they deliver. It can even drive sales if well structured and managed. In this statement, teams are required to develop a platform that streamlines group trip management. The solution should enable organizers to coordinate transportation, schedules, and interactions in one place, instead of relying on scattered tools like messenger apps.  The topic reflects SupremeTech’s own company trip pain points and has strong application potential for Da Nang’s tourism and hospitality businesses. Talent & Performance Management System for HR Apart from two industries above, in the third problem statement, we aimed to tackle the challenges of every human-driven company like ourselves.   When it comes to an integrated platform that not only tracks performance but also supports continuous growth and recognition, there’s very few choices.  This statement requires teams to develop an application that solves the problem of fragmented performance management. The solution should integrate goal setting, performance tracking, continuous feedback, and talent development into a single platform, helping organizations build a transparent culture where employees are recognized and aligned with business goals. How teams build the product is as important as the product itself Just as important as what teams built was how they built it. The Hackathon wasn’t only about coming up with clever ideas, it was about proving that execution, process, and teamwork are just as critical as the final product.  Many teams leaned on AI not just as a tool but as a true co-pilot: using AI-assisted frameworks to prototype faster, automating repetitive tasks, automating testing, and finding smarter ways to accelerate Agile development. What stood out was how teams adapted their workflows to make the most of AI. Some rethought their sprint planning with AI-driven insights. Others applied AI models to cut down on development cycles. And many discovered new ways to collaborate more effectively by letting AI handle the heavy lifting.  The Hackathon turned into a live experiment in how AI can reshape the way we build software. Creativity isn’t just in the idea itself, but in the entire journey of bringing it to life. Perspectives from the leaders and the participants From leadership: The Hackathon aligned employees with real client challenges, ensuring that innovation can directly contribute to business value. It proved that AI can be embedded into everyday problem-solving, not just theoretical projects. As Vice President Mr. Vĩ shared: “AI has already been selectively applied in SupremeTech’s real projects, depending on client expectations and suitability. In many cases, it helps optimize software production costs and shorten time-to-market. Through this Hackathon, I hope to spread the AI-assist mindset to a larger part of the company, so that AI gradually becomes embedded across all projects: enhancing efficiency, improving quality, and ultimately bringing benefits to both clients and the company. This year’s Hackathon focuses more on unlocking internal strength and setting a direction for the future. If everything goes according to plan, we will publish AI-assisted development as a new service offering. It is a clear statement that AI is being strategically applied at SupremeTech to deliver tangible value to our clients.” From participants: The challenge statements sparked two different but equally positive reactions.  Some teams loved how practical and relevant they were by mirroring the real projects we handle at SupremeTech. This gave them the perfect chance to not only test AI-assisted development but also to build solutions that might one day become our next official product. On the other hand, many appreciated how broad the challenges were. It leaves space for bold ideas and limitless creativity. With that freedom, participants could push boundaries, think like product owners, and imagine possibilities beyond the usual project scope. Conclusion The SupremeTech AI Hackathon 2025 proved to be more than an internal competition. From a business perspective: Participants gained experience and insights that sharpened their ability to think with a business mindset, ensuring their solutions were tied to real market needs. From a technical perspective: The event introduced an AI-assisted development process and innovative frameworks that can be applied immediately in client projects. By turning challenges into opportunities, the Hackathon reinforced SupremeTech’s positioning as a future-ready partner, capable of combining innovation, culture, and technical excellence to deliver AI-driven value to clients.