Albert Antoine: Traveling far to bring the world back home

Mr. Albert Antoine

Keeping Hue accent in the technology world

I met Albert Antoine after the launch seminar of the Global Data Experts Network in Hue. When I asked if I could have a short conversation with him, he glanced at his electronic notebook and smiled: “It might be a bit difficult to manage.” Yet, that very smile opened up a conversation lasting more than an hour and a half, revolving around data, technology, memories, and the persistent concerns of a Hue native who traveled far only to always find a way back.

Albert Antoine is a French entrepreneur of Vietnamese origin, co-founder and CEO of Avaiga Singapore, and a strategic advisor on innovation, AI, and data science for the Prime Minister’s Office of Singapore. He did not appear with the stern demeanor of a global technology expert; instead, he was surprisingly approachable with his “pure” Hue accent.

He bears a very Western name - Albert Antoine. His grandfather and father were French, while his mother was a Hue woman. Albert’s childhood was tied to a house on Le Loi Street, across the street flowed the Huong River, and opposite stood what is now the Century Hotel. In his memory, the young Albert was energetic and curious, always asking “why” about everything around him. “Perhaps that curiosity has stayed with me until now,” he said, half joking and half serious.

At the age of 15, Albert moved to France with his family. He studied in France and later in the USA, then settled and worked in Singapore for more than 30 years, but his Vietnamese and Hue essence never faded. Having traveled widely and lived in the world’s leading technology centers, Albert still keeps the habit of striking up conversations with strangers and listening to everyday stories. “That was how I learned languages quickly. And thanks to that, I have kept my Vietnamese and my Hue accent,” he said with a laugh.

Data guides action

Before becoming one of Asia's influential data experts, Albert Antoine worked for four years at the World Bank after graduating with a Master’s in Computer Science from the International Artificial Intelligence Institute in 1984, a time when the concept of AI was still largely unfamiliar to the public. Later, he and his colleagues founded iLOG, a pioneering company in applying AI to optimize business operations. In 2009, IBM acquired all of iLOG’s shares listed on the NASDAQ for 340 million USD. Singaporean media at the time described him as “the man who creates Asian connections”.

But for Albert, numbers are not meant for showing off achievements. He spoke of data as a “new language of human understanding”, where technology and culture must meet to create profound innovation. “Communication only accounts for about 20% of the path to success. The remaining 80% is action,” he said, as the conversation turned to Hue.

He shared a story from when he consulted for Singapore’s tourism sector. Every morning, the first thing the leaders did was open their computers and check the number of visitors that day compared to the same day the previous year. If visitor numbers dropped by just 5%, an emergency meeting would be held immediately that day to analyze causes, propose solutions, and take action right away. “Data is not for looking at. Data is for decision-making,” he emphasized.

From that story, Albert looked back at Hue - a city aiming toward a “Smart City - Heritage Urban Area” model. According to him, the key is not launching more projects, but redefining the concept: What smart is, and what smart means for Hue?. “An electric bus with Wi-Fi does not make a smart city if it runs inconsistently. A smart city must be synchronized and must make people's lives better,” he said.

Going outside to look inside

For Albert Antoine, technology is only a tool. The ultimate goal is the experience of residents and visitors. According to him, three pillars for successful digital transformation are user experience, process optimization, and a sustainable development model.

He particularly emphasized storytelling. Hue has a massive advantage in “raw data” - the layers of history, memory, and folklore that have not yet been fully tapped. If Hue can tell the stories behind its heritage, including those that may not be entirely verified but are intriguing enough to spark curiosity, Hue will create a powerful attraction. “Today’s visitors do not just travel to see things; they travel to find stories,” he noted.

Albert cited examples from Singapore, where small eateries suddenly attract crowds of international visitors thanks to social media. The government even pays professional reviewers to promote small businesses. Revenue rises, tax revenue increases, and everyone benefits.

If being invited to consult on a specific project for Hue, Albert Antoine believes one should start by “going outside to look inside”. He suggests talking to visitors, listening to why they chose Hue, what they cherish, and what they feel is still lacking. From there, Hue can gradually shape its brand name as an international destination based on three pillars that he considers them as outstanding advantages: tourism, healthcare, and education. “Do not start from zero. Do better with what Hue already has,” he suggested.

He also affirmed that if Hue needs support, he is willing to connect reputable experts in relevant fields to contribute ideas and assist in the city’s development.