Vu Van
About Vu Van
Vu Van is the Co-Founder and CEO of ELSA Corp, where he leverages his background in education and technology to address communication barriers for international students. He has a strong academic foundation with degrees from Stanford University and Foreign Trade University, and he has played a significant role in fostering AI talent in Southeast Asia through initiatives like the New Turing Institute.
Work at ELSA, Corp
Vu Van serves as Co-founder and CEO of ELSA, Corp, a position he has held since 2016. Under his leadership, ELSA has focused on developing AI-driven solutions to assist individuals in overcoming communication barriers, particularly for international students. The company has gained recognition for its innovative approach, being acknowledged by Forbes as one of the top companies utilizing Artificial Intelligence to effect positive change. ELSA Speak, the flagship product, has been ranked among the Top 5 AI Apps, alongside notable competitors such as Microsoft’s Cortana and Google’s Google Allo.
Education and Expertise
Vu Van holds multiple degrees from prestigious institutions. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education from Stanford University, studying from 2009 to 2011. He also completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and Economics at Foreign Trade University from 2001 to 2006. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in both business and technology, which he applies in his ventures.
Background
Before co-founding ELSA, Vu Van gained extensive experience in various roles. He worked at Maersk Logistics as a MISE trainee from 2005 to 2007 and later as a Special Assistant to the CEO from 2007 to 2010. He also served as a Senior Associate at Strategy&, part of the PwC network, from 2011 to 2015. His diverse work experience spans across logistics, consulting, and technology sectors, which informs his current initiatives.
Achievements
Vu Van has been instrumental in building a deep-tech ecosystem in Southeast Asia, emphasizing education, entrepreneurship, and research. He co-founded the New Turing Institute, a social enterprise dedicated to nurturing AI talent in the region. His work has significantly contributed to the development of AI solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges, particularly in communication for non-native speakers.
Challenges and Inspiration
Vu Van faced personal challenges with English pronunciation due to his strong Vietnamese accent. This experience inspired his commitment to creating tools that help others overcome similar barriers. His journey reflects a dedication to improving communication for international students and fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth.