Cat Lai Terminal had to be my favorite site visit so far. I did not expect to find a port so interesting, but seeing all the containers, ships, cranes, and workers moving at once made me realize how complex trade really is. Every part of the process matters and it was all this work just so people can get products overseas. 

One thing that stood out to me was seeing workers unload rice onto a conveyor belt. I wondered why that part was still done manually instead of being more automated. However, it also made me think about the balance between efficiency and employment. Automation could make some tasks easier but manual labor also provides jobs. So hearing that they are looking to become fully automated raised some questions for me like how this would affect employment rates. 

Cat Lai also showed me how connected Vietnam is to the global economy. The port is not only moving products in and out of the country, but they have to respond to international policy and demand. While I was aware this was all happening, seeing it happen in person made it feel more real and opened my eyes to the effects of consumption – especially when she said some goods sit there for years just to get thrown away. 

Dan On Foods showed a very different side of operations. I thought the facility and amenities, especially the pool and spa, were interesting because they showed attention to worker retention  and company culture. I appreciated their overall cleanliness too, the crocs made me laugh but also created a clean workplace. Compared to Cat Lai’s hotter and more physically demanding environment Dan On felt much more focused on employee well-being. With that being said, there might be parts to Cat Lai we did not see and we saw a glimpse of culture with the Monday ceremony. 

 These site visits showed me how diverse business operations are in Vietnam.Together, they helped me see that Vietnam’s economy is growing through many different industries, each with its own challenges and priorities. I also really enjoyed the snacks I got from Dan on Foods lol!