Rice celebrated its 10th anniversary and launched "rice talks"–a series focused on sharing experiences and innovative thinking from members of its community. These talks serve as a platform for thought leaders and changemakers to engage with the wider community, showcasing the incredible work being done across various industries, particularly in Vietnam.
For our inaugural rice talks, we focused on a topic that has been fundamental to many of our clients' businesses: Sustainability and Innovative Design. We invited three inspiring figures from brands that have been part of our journey over the past decade, each of whom has made a significant impact on shaping both our community and the environment.
It all speaks to our mission of broadcasting extraordinary stories.
Mark Bain,
Creative Director of 4P's
Julie De Bruyne,
Business Development Consultant of PLASTICPeople
Văng Viên Thông,
CEO & Founder of REPEET
Mark Bain, Creative Director of Pizza 4P’s, kicked off the event by sharing how 4P’s is using design to spread peace and joy across the globe. He walked the audience through several creative projects the brand has undertaken from 2020 to the present, all of which aim to strengthen its mission, operations, and expansion while staying true to its core values.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 4P's launched new delivery services, which inadvertently led to an increase in plastic waste. Mark emphasized how the company took swift, meaningful action to address this issue, developing innovative solutions to reduce their environmental footprint. From eco-conscious packaging to company-wide sustainability initiatives, 4P's remains dedicated to making a positive impact on both the community and the environment.
Designing for a Sustainable Future
Julie De Bruyne from PLASTICPeople provided deeper insight into the company's mission to reduce plastic waste. As a business development consultant, Julie shared how PLASTICPeople upcycles various types of plastic waste into practical, eco-friendly, and visually striking products.
By transforming discarded plastic into valuable, reusable items, PLASTICPeople is not only reducing waste but also fostering a stronger sense of environmental stewardship within the community. Julie highlighted their efforts to grow a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about addressing the plastic crisis and promoting sustainable living.
Turning Waste into Opportunity
Văng Viên Thông, CEO and Founder of REPEET, introduced us to the world of sustainable fashion. REPEET is at the forefront of transforming plastic bottles into textiles, revolutionizing Vietnam's garment industry. Văng shared his journey, from the initial inspiration to the challenges of building a business focused on sustainability.
His insights into how REPEET is making a tangible difference were both inspiring and practical. By creating eco-friendly fabrics from recycled plastic, REPEET is setting a new standard in the fashion industry, with the ultimate goal of making Vietnam a cleaner, greener country.
Revolutionizing the Garment Industry
The first edition of rice talks brought together a curious and engaged audience at our Saigon studio, offering a wealth of inspiration through the stories and expertise shared by our speakers.
rice talks will continue to be a platform where members of our community can share their stories, innovative practices, and creative solutions. We are excited for what is to come and look forward to hosting more sessions.
