When StoryJourney joined EduSpaze’s Go-To-Market program in Hanoi, Vietnam, we approached it with both curiosity and intention. As a company rooted in storytelling and learning experiences, we’ve always believed in the power of understanding the human context behind every new opportunity. And this trip proved to be a powerful reminder of why that matters. Over the course of four intensive days, we immersed ourselves in Vietnam’s education and technology ecosystem. From structured market briefings to spontaneous hallway conversations, from university pitches to one-on-one business meetings, every moment gave us something valuable to take home.

Our journey began with a comprehensive market briefing. It was more than a slide deck of statistics; it was a well-rounded introduction to Vietnam’s evolving edtech landscape. We listened to key players outline the current challenges and emerging trends. There was an unmistakable energy in the room, a sense that this market is in a transformative phase and is genuinely welcoming of new ideas and global collaborations. For us, it was an encouraging starting point. We could already see clear overlaps between the needs being expressed and the kind of work we’ve been doing at StoryJourney.

The second day brought us to Vinh University, a private institution under the Vinh Holdings group, one of Vietnam’s established business entities. We had the opportunity to present StoryJourney’s approach to narrative-based, emotionally engaging learning. What stood out was not just the receptiveness of the audience, but their thoughtful responses. The conversations that followed our presentation were grounded in curiosity and a shared interest in creating meaningful educational experiences. It quickly became apparent that there was potential for alignment. Not only in terms of product fit, but in values and vision.

That same day, we participated in a series of one-on-one business-matching sessions, facilitated by a local tech agency. These meetings were refreshingly direct and productive. Stakeholders arrived well-informed and prepared to explore concrete ways of working together. We had meaningful discussions with potential partners across various segments, such as distributors, school networks, and fellow edtech startups, and each exchange opened a new window into how StoryJourney might enter and adapt to the Vietnamese market.

On the third day, we shifted focus to the K-12 sector, visiting an integrated school that spans from elementary to high school. Observing the classrooms, speaking with educators, and experiencing the day-to-day rhythm of a Vietnamese school added a valuable layer of context to our market understanding. It reminded us that beyond policies and business models, education is always, at its heart, about teachers, students, and the environment that brings them together. We also continued our one-on-one business meetings that day, and by then, many of the conversations had moved from introductions to next steps. We were no longer just explaining who we are; we were exploring how we could localize content, support teacher training, or co-create pilot programs. There was a genuine interest in collaboration that went beyond polite curiosity.

Our final day in Hanoi was spent in conversation with local venture capital firms. These discussions focused less on short-term metrics and more on long-term vision. What does the future of learning look like in Southeast Asia? What kinds of solutions will not only scale, but stay relevant and impactful over time? These were the kinds of questions being asked. And for us, they affirmed that StoryJourney is not just a product. It’s part of a broader shift toward more meaningful, human-centered learning.

Looking back, the trip was far more than a market exploration. It was a series of real, human exchanges that reminded us why we do what we do. We’re not only coming back with practical leads, but also with a deeper confidence that our approach to learning through stories has a place in Vietnam. Whether through university partnerships, classroom pilots, or cross-border collaborations, there’s a sense of fit that we’re excited to pursue further.

At StoryJourney, we believe that learning should be as engaging as the best story you’ve ever heard and as personal as the ones you carry. What we experienced in Vietnam confirmed that this belief resonates across borders. We're excited about what comes next. And suppose you're an institution, a school, or an organization looking to make learning more engaging, personal, and story-driven. In that case, we'd love to explore how StoryJourney can be part of your journey too. After all, every place deserves a better education.