In Q2 2024, SmartDev marked a significant transition by forming a new Board of Directors (BOD). As part of this change, Mr. Alistair Copeland, the former CEO of SmartDev, assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Verysell Group. This remarkable development allows Mr. Copeland to oversee the activities of the entire Verysell Group, including SmartDev.
As 2024 ends and 2025 begins, SmartDev proudly celebrates 10 years of delivering innovative technology solutions and being a trusted partner globally. Coinciding with a meaningful working visit to Vietnam, the BOD also commemorated SmartDev’s 10-year journey. During this occasion, Mr. Alistair Copeland shared an inspiring message with the SmartDev team, reflecting his commitment to motivating and empowering the workforce as they enter the next chapter of success and innovation.
Standing Ovation for the New SmartDev CEO
Mr. Alistair Copeland, COO of Verysell Group, began with warm congratulations to SmartDev’s new CEO, Mr. Lang Vinh Tuong. In his remarks, Mr. Copeland stated, “Succession in business is about the ability to transfer to the next leader without any blip, without any change. It’s great for me to be able to hand the reins over to him for the next 10 years and beyond.” His heartfelt words set the tone for a warm, formal, and hopeful celebration, marking a significant milestone for both SmartDev and the Verysell Group. This moment also served as the beginning of an inspiring series of reflections shared by Mr. Copeland.
Lessons in Leadership: SmartDev’s Succession Through Traditional Vietnamese Lens
Kicking off the Minutes of Succession, Mr. Alistair Copeland shared his amazement at Vietnam’s deep understanding of succession, something he first encountered during his initial visit to the country in 2006. Beyond his business engagements, Mr. Copeland immersed himself in Vietnam’s culture and literature, drawing profound inspiration. He opened by quoting the Vietnamese saying, “When the child surpasses the father, the family is blessed” or in Vietnamese “Con hơn cha là nhà có phúc.“ connecting it deeply to SmartDev’s current transition.
He emphasized that the “family” in this context is SmartDev – a sentiment that many may overlook but lies at the core of its operations and transitions.
In Q4 2024, SmartDev achieved several remarkable milestones following this transition, including earning the SOC Type 2 certification and receiving the Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding IT Enterprise from the Da Nang Department of Information and Communications. These accomplishments, hailed as the “best-ever quarter” for SmartDev, mark a fitting conclusion to a transformative year filled with achievements and forward-thinking moves.
A Legacy of Growth: Nurturing the Future of SmartDev
Continuing his motivational speech, Mr. Alistair Copeland, COO of Verysell Group, referenced a famous Vietnamese proverb, “When the old bamboo dies, the young shoots grow” or in Vietnamese, “Tre già măng mọc.” This saying reflects the seamless transition between generations, where the younger ones inherit and build upon the achievements of their predecessors.
Mr. Copeland drew a powerful connection between his journey and the collective efforts of the SmartDev team. He emphasized, “It is our job to nurture the next generation of talent. You’re part of a business that has grown 60 percent.” The 60% growth symbolizes SmartDev’s remarkable decade-long journey of expansion and innovation, a testament to its commitment to progress and transformation.
While acknowledging the contributions of SmartDev’s current team, Mr. Copeland also paid tribute to the trailblazers who laid the company’s foundation. He praised the existing workforce for their dedication and highlighted the equal opportunities available for every individual to grow. His message was clear: success lies in recognizing opportunities and crafting a personal plan for succession, ensuring that the next chapter of SmartDev’s story is as inspiring as its past.
A Wish for a Prosperous New Year and a Call to Transform
Concluding the Minutes of Succession, Mr. Alistair Copeland, COO of Verysell Group, extended heartfelt New Year wishes to the entire SmartDev team. He expressed his hopes for a year filled with health, luck, and cherished moments with family. Skillfully weaving the imagery of the Lunar New Year—marked as the Year of the Snake—into his closing remarks, he offered a thought-provoking metaphor: “To grow, a snake has to shed its skin. And so, for you to take the next step, you must proverbially shed that skin to move forward with us.”
This message emphasized the importance of continuous progress and reinvention. Mr. Copeland’s inspiring words serve as both motivation and a guiding principle for SmartDev as the company steps into 2025 with bold ambitions. Under the motto, “Dare to Transform – Rise to the Top” SmartDev aims to solidify its position as the first AI-focused center, pioneering cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Strategic and Fruitful Opportunity for SmartDev
Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, emphasizes advancements in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. This policy presents a significant opportunity for SmartDev to accelerate its growth and innovation.
By aligning with this national agenda, SmartDev can leverage its expertise to contribute to Vietnam’s digital transformation journey while expanding its impact both domestically and internationally. This resolution sets the stage for SmartDev to achieve new milestones and strengthen its role as a leading technology partner in 2025 and beyond.
