As the Lunar New Year approaches and the spirit of Tet fills the air, SmartDev teams in Hanoi and Danang came together to celebrate the SmartDev New Year Party 2026. Held across two locations, the celebrations reflected different moments and atmospheres, yet remained deeply connected by a shared culture, common values, and a collective ambition to move forward together.
More than a year-end gathering, the New Year Party served as a meaningful pause—an opportunity for the entire SmartDev team to reflect on a demanding but defining year, to recognize the people behind the progress, and to enter 2026 with renewed confidence and momentum.
Two Locations, One SmartDev Spirit
Hosted simultaneously in Hanoi and Danang, the New Year Parties captured the distinct energy of each office while reinforcing a strong sense of unity across the organization.
The celebrations came alive through team performances inspired by Vietnamese culture, spontaneous on-stage moments, exciting lucky draws, and photobooth sessions that preserved genuine smiles and shared memories. The atmosphere was warm, open, and authentic—reflecting a workplace culture built on trust, connection, and mutual respect.
Thoughtfully prepared Tet gifts were shared with every team member as a sincere gesture of appreciation. More than a tradition, these moments reflected SmartDev’s belief that every milestone achieved is the result of consistent effort, quiet dedication, and teamwork behind the scenes.
Different settings, different experiences—but one unmistakable SmartDev spirit.
Cozy and well-prepared Tet gifts for all Smarties in the New Year Party
Looking Back at 2025: Growth Built on People and Purpose
Mr. Petr Krasnov, Chief Executive Officer of Verysell Group, shared Year-in-Review 2025 and direction for 2026
2025 was a year that tested resilience, adaptability, and long-term vision. It was not without challenges—but it was precisely through these challenges that SmartDev strengthened its foundation and clarified its direction.
Throughout the year, SmartDev made decisive progress in its transformation into an AI-powered software development company. Key milestones included building a high-performance AI engineering team, establishing an AI prototype development process through the Product Factory model, and accelerating AI adoption across delivery and active projects.
Rather than treating AI as a passing trend, SmartDev embedded it as a core capability—enhancing delivery productivity, improving solution quality, and enabling teams to create tangible business value for clients. Behind every technical advancement, however, stood teams willing to learn fast, adapt continuously, and take ownership of outcomes.
Achievements That Reflect Both Scale and Talent
Mr. Alistair Copeland, Chief Operating Officer of Verysell Group and
Chief Executive Officer of SmartDev, sharing on SmartDev’s Achievements in 2025
The impact of this collective effort was reflected in several notable achievements throughout 2025.
SmartDev received strong industry recognition, including being named among Clutch’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies, winning multiple Sao Khue Awards for ITO Services, AI Services, and AI platforms, and earning Vietnam Top 10 distinctions for key technology offerings. These recognitions were not viewed as endpoints, but as validation of a strategy built on quality delivery and empowered teams.
At the same time, SmartDev continued to expand its global footprint, serving clients across 16 countries and maintaining a client retention rate above 90%—a clear indicator of long-term partnerships grounded in trust, consistency, and people-led delivery.
Brand presence also reached new milestones, with significant growth in website traffic and the continued development of the Ctrl + Shifter podcast, which has become a platform for sharing practical insights on technology, AI, and digital transformation. Behind this growing visibility was the willingness of SmartDev talents to share knowledge, challenge ideas, and contribute beyond their immediate roles.
Honoring Excellence: Celebrating the People and Projects Behind the Progress
A highlight of the SmartDev New Year Party 2026 was the Awards Ceremony, a moment dedicated to recognizing the individuals and teams whose efforts truly shaped the year. Across SmartDev, VeryPay, and Verysell AI, the awards reflected a shared belief: sustainable growth is built on people who learn fast, take ownership, and deliver impact together.
Each award category was designed to honor not just results, but mindset, collaboration, and long-term contribution.
Rising Star Award: Recognizing Growth and Potential
The Rising Star Award celebrated Smarties who stood out for their ability to grow rapidly and adapt confidently in a fast-changing environment. These individuals demonstrated a strong learning mindset, consistently delivered reliable work, and approached challenges with a positive, proactive attitude.
Beyond individual performance, Rising Stars were recognized for their teamwork and their potential to create lasting impact in the years ahead—embodying the next generation of talent driving SmartDev forward.
Mr. Nguyen Khac Hieu (on the left) was the Rising Star VeryPay
Ms. Nguyen Thanh Huyen (on the right) was the Rising Star SmartDev
Ms. Tran Nu Tra Giang (in the middle) and Ms. Mai Thi Nhu Nguyet (on the right) were the Rising Star of Da Nang Office
Employee of the Year: Excellence with Responsibility and Dedication
The Employee of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious honors at SmartDev. It recognizes individuals whose contributions went far beyond daily responsibilities.
Recipients of this award exemplified exceptional performance, a deep sense of ownership, and unwavering commitment to the organization’s growth. Their work consistently set high standards, inspired teammates, and reflected SmartDev’s core values in action—making them role models across the company.
Mr. Nguyen Tien Nhat (on the left) – Employee of The Year SmartDev Production
Mr. Dinh Khac Tuyen (on the left) – Employee of The Year Verysell AI
Ms. Le Thuy Trang (on the left) – Employee of the Year Back Office
Mr. Nguyen Van Quan Ms. Le Thi Hong Tra, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Trinh and Mr. Le Duc Phu (from left to right) were awarded as Employees of The Year of Da Nang Office
Project of the Year: Where Collaboration Meets Impact
In 2025, the Project of the Year Award was presented to two outstanding projects that delivered exceptional results and truly represented the SmartDev spirit.
These projects were evaluated based on:
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Delivery performance and measurable business value
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Strong team collaboration across roles and functions
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Innovation and problem-solving capabilities
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Client feedback and overall satisfaction
Winning projects demonstrated how cross-functional teamwork, technical excellence, and client-centric thinking come together to create meaningful outcomes. They stood as clear examples of how SmartDev turns complexity into value through collaboration and execution.
Project of The Year #1
This Project of the Year recognized a cross-border delivery team that demonstrated rapid capability growth and strong execution throughout 2025. Starting with a limited scope, the team quickly took ownership of core business features, earning client trust through consistent delivery, effective collaboration, and increasing value over time. The project reflects SmartDev’s ability to scale responsibility, adapt to complex requirements, and deliver impact in long-term engagements.
Mr. Tran Thanh Son (Project Manager), Mr. Ly Van Truong (Full Stack Developer), Mr. Nguyen Van Duy (Frontend Developer), and Mr. Nguyen Tien Nhat (Software Egineer)
Project of the Year #2
Another outstanding project was delivered by a multidisciplinary team combining AI engineering, delivery leadership, design, and quality assurance. The project was recognized by both delivery excellence and strategic importance. Previously awarded in Danang, this recognition was once again shared in Hanoi to celebrate the team’s contribution and achievement.
Mr. Nguyen Huu Quyet (ODC Delivery Manager), Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Dieu Anh (AI Engineer), Mr. Tran Tien Quan (AI Engineer), Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (UI/UX Designer), and Ms. Trinh Thi Kim Lien (QA Engineer).
More Than Awards: A Culture of Recognition
While each award recognized individual or team excellence, the ceremony itself reflected something broader—a culture that values learning, accountability, and shared success.
By celebrating achievements across SmartDev, VeryPay, and Verysell AI, the awards reinforced a sense of unity across the ecosystem and highlighted how different teams contribute to a common vision.
The Awards Ceremony was not only a moment of pride for the recipients, but also a reminder to everyone in the room: every effort matters, every contribution counts, and growth is strongest when it is recognized and shared.
Celebrating Together Beyond the Work
Beyond milestones and achievements, the SmartDev New Year Party was a space where Smarties could truly relax, connect, and enjoy time together. The evening featured a series of carefully prepared performances, with teams investing time and creativity to deliver polished, engaging acts that filled the room with energy and excitement.
These performances were more than entertainment—they reflected the same collaboration, attention to detail, and team spirit that define how SmartDev works every day. Behind each act were shared rehearsals, laughter, and a genuine willingness to step out of comfort zones, reinforcing bonds across teams and roles.
Laughter, Games, and Shared Moments
Adding to the lively atmosphere were interactive mini-games designed to spark laughter and friendly competition. These moments brought colleagues together in a relaxed setting, breaking down barriers and creating shared experiences that extended beyond daily work routines.
The celebration reached its peak with the lucky draw segment, where anticipation and excitement filled the room. With a range of attractive prizes, the lucky draw added a touch of surprise and joy—ending the evening on a high note and leaving everyone with smiles and lasting memories.
Together, these moments captured the heart of the SmartDev culture: a workplace where people work hard, celebrate sincerely, and build meaningful connections along the way.
3 teams in Hanoi were the winners of Minigame section
Beyond the Celebration: Space for Connection and Dialogue
One of the most meaningful aspects of the SmartDev New Year Party 2026 was not found in the performances, games, or festivities, but in the open and honest conversations that unfolded throughout the evening.
The event created a rare and valuable space for leadership and team members to step away from daily operations and connect on a more personal level. It was a moment to reflect together on what had been achieved, what challenges had been overcome, and what lessons would shape the road ahead. These conversations reinforced a culture built on mutual respect, transparency, and appreciation—a culture where people feel heard, trusted, and valued.
This spirit of openness has long been a cornerstone of SmartDev’s culture. The New Year Party served as a powerful reminder that meaningful growth does not happen in isolation; it happens when progress, responsibility, and ambition are shared across the organization.
One Team, Wherever We Are
Whether in Hanoi or Danang, across engineering, business, or operations, the New Year Party highlighted something essential: SmartDev is one team.
While geography may influence how teams collaborate day to day, it is shared values that define how teams grow together. The consistency of culture, mindset, and purpose across offices has played a key role in SmartDev’s ability to scale while remaining grounded, connected, and aligned.
It is this shared identity, this “SmartDev spirit”, that enables the company to move forward with confidence. As SmartDev continues to expand its capabilities, offerings, and global reach, that collective spirit remains the foundation that keeps teams connected, focused, and moving in the same direction.
Stepping into 2026: Building Stronger, Going Further
As SmartDev enters 2026, the focus is clear: not simply to grow faster, but to grow stronger, smarter, and more sustainably.
The year ahead will continue to center on:
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Deepening AI capabilities with a strong focus on real-world, measurable impact
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Expanding presence in strategic international markets
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Improving delivery efficiency and operational excellence
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Strengthening long-term partnerships built on trust and consistency
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Preserving a people-first culture throughout every stage of growth
The New Year Party 2026 symbolized this important transition. It closed a chapter defined by resilience, learning, and validation—and opened a new one shaped by confidence, clarity, and collective ambition.
Different locations. One SmartDev spirit.
As 2026 begins, SmartDev is ready to move forward: more connected, more capable, and prepared to create even greater impact together.
