HBLAB: Could you please introduce yourself and your company?
조규민 Cho Kyu MIn: IAAN Corporation possesses core design capabilities that are crucial for building semiconductor plants. We have had 15 years of direct collaboration with the semiconductor division of Hwansung Electronics. Based on that foundation, we have developed industrial Digital Twin solutions for application in various fields and are striving to expand our business globally. We consistently maintain a strong and collaborative relationship with HBLAB for domestic and international projects to ensure effective cooperation.
HBLAB: Have you ever had any experience with a project through external outsourcing? And how did you find out about HBLAB?
조규민 Cho Kyu MIn: Previously, we rarely outsourced development, as our in-house team handled everything. Earlier, while managing two companies, I presented one of them at an exhibition in Vietnam. At that time, by chance, the business team leader of HBLAB, along with two female staff members who spoke fluent Korean, approached me.
I was deeply impressed by the company’s technology and conveyed my interest in collaborating with HBLAB on project development. After visiting their office and receiving a more detailed introduction to HBLAB’s capabilities, I became interested and started building a relationship (with HBLAB). Initially, I thought this collaboration would be for the other company I managed. However, I later came to realize that HBLAB was a better fit for IAAN, so I adjusted the direction of the partnership accordingly.
HBLAB: Why do you think HBLAB is the ideal partner for business growth?
조규민 Cho Kyu MIn: There are several key reasons why I consider HBLAB to be the ideal partner for business growth.
Firstly, most Korean companies prioritize cost-effectiveness. However, in the past, many Korean companies have faced difficulties collaborating with Vietnamese companies through outsourcing. Although the capabilities of Vietnamese programmers have been recognized, many projects have not been completed as expected. In many cases, personnel suddenly left during ongoing projects, or the quality did not meet requirements. As a result, businesses now prioritize not only cost-effectiveness but also the assurance of quality and the successful completion of projects. When I visited HBLAB, I observed a professional and trustworthy work style, which gave me the confidence to believe that the problems I had encountered previously would not arise here.
In Korea, outsourced companies or freelancers often strictly adhere to the contract, showing little flexibility when additional requests arise.
However, during the project with HBLAB, even when challenges arose from changing client requirements, both our companies collaborated effectively to overcome obstacles and find solutions. I truly commend HBLAB for their efforts.
Secondly, throughout the collaboration and execution of our first project, there were many aspects of their approach that left me highly satisfied.My team consistently praised HBLAB’s exceptional capabilities, which exceeded our expectations and left a very positive impression. Diligence, dedication, and strong expertise are incredibly important qualities, and HBLAB embodies them well.
HBLAB: Last year, HBLAB and IAAN signed an official distribution agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for comprehensive cooperation in software development. Could you share more about your expectations for future collaboration with HBLAB?
조규민 Cho Kyu MIn: Firstly, we have already signed two official agreements. The reason we are here today is to discuss specific action plans for comprehensive development collaboration. This means that in the future, we will collaborate on development projects, including IAAN’s internal initiatives and external partnerships.
Our greatest expectation is not only to successfully execute these projects but also to jointly develop products and business solutions, focusing on Vietnam and Japan, where HBLAB plays a key role in both markets.
HBLAB:What do you think about HBLAB's prospects in the Korean market?
조규민 Cho Kyu MIn: I believe HBLAB has strong potential. Their success in the Japanese market will certainly build significant trust among Korean companies, as it has for me.
The Japanese market has very stringent requirements and rigorous work processes. Collaborating with such a market and successfully meeting its diverse needs demonstrates that HBLAB is capable of meeting high standards. Therefore, I believe the Korean market will hold HBLAB in high regard, given your proven track record in Japan.
Secondly, I think IAAN can play a vital role in supporting HBLAB in the Korean market. This goes beyond simply helping the company generate deals; it also includes supporting HBLAB in other business activities.
HBLAB: Does IAAN intend to introduce HBLAB to its customers or partners in the future?
조규민 Cho Kyu MIn: As I mentioned, I believe HBLAB will succeed in the Korean market. Of course, I will recommend HBLAB to other customers and partners.
HBLAB:Thank you for participating in the interview.
조규민 Cho Kyu MIn:: You’re welcome. Thank you, and I hope for many more collaboration opportunities in the future.