Le Doan Dang Khoa, founder & CEO Rare Reversee: simulating “Vietnam’s portrait” with technology

What was the greatest challenge in starting a CGI studio, and how did you overcome it?

One major hurdle when launching Rare Reversee was earning trust from clients. From the very first projects, even at very low prices, the entire team gave their best, determined to prove that Vietnamese creators can deliver CGI products meeting international standards.

Other challenges emerged along the way: the initial investment in powerful hardware, licensed software and skilled personnel; building a team with the right blend of expertise and work culture. Thankfully, my previous experience gave me some financial foresight and the flexibility to recruit, train and mentor young colleagues directly. Yet moving from a technical role to that of a business operator meant I had to relearn almost all aspects of management.

Finally, there is the ongoing challenge of balancing service provision for survival with investment in intellectual property to create lasting value. Developing Tai Uong, our first IP product, was a risky step, but I believe that without such bold moves, Vietnam’s creative industry will struggle to move beyond its comfort zone.

As a founder, how do you balance creating business value and creative value with social impact?

I see business value and creative value as two conflicting aims, yet they form the pillars essential for sustainable development. A product may hold great meaning for society, but without a solid financial base, long-term survival becomes difficult. Conversely, a business focused solely on profit, neglecting cultural depth and creativity, will quickly lose its way and become just another player in the market.

At Rare Reversee, I constantly ask myself two questions about every project: First, can it generate enough cash flow to keep the team running? Second, does it tell a meaningful story, about people, emotions or culture, that justifies its creation? Tai Uong illustrates this well: beyond being a horror game, it reflects Vietnamese society in the 1990s, marked by trauma, superstition and complex family ties. When a product can both resonate emotionally with players and deliver economic returns, I feel confident the direction is right.

See more: Meet Dinh Trung Hieu, Founder & CEO of Nuoa.io, the “green pioneer” helping Vietnamese enterprises join the global green supply chain

Is CGI a tool or a language to you? And what makes a CGI product “valuable” in your eyes?

To me, CGI is more than a technical instrument; it is a language, a means to tell stories, convey emotion and bring imagination to life. Anyone can learn the mechanics, but turning CGI into a language requires feeling the tool emotionally and knowing when and how to use it.

In the real world, humans face constraints of physics, budgets and locations. CGI removes almost all these limits. It allows creation of entirely new worlds. Like Avatar, CGI opens doors to fresh dimensions of imagination.

Rare Reversee is expanding into training and developing young talent. Why is education an important part of the studio’s development direction?

Education forms an inseparable part of our business strategy, especially in a field as new as CGI in Vietnam. Training young talent builds a creative ecosystem with depth where individuals excel professionally, and also adopt a systematic working mindset, a professional approach, and the courage to think and act ambitiously.

As one of the faces of Gen.T this year, how do you define “a leader of the future”?

I believe a future leader must first and foremost be excellent at their own work. Yet expertise alone isn’t enough; they also need a business mindset: understanding the market, finding clients, creating value and maintaining cash flow. No matter how innovative a product, it still requires connection and operational skill to endure.

Moreover, a future leader fosters an environment where others can surpass themselves. They dare to take the long view, embrace learning, and live with honesty towards themselves. Only by being clear internally can they guide others along a sustainable path.

What spirit do you expect the young generation of Vietnam, especially those passionate about CGI creation, to bring when entering this playground?

I recognise the pressures young creatives face, particularly financial ones. I have been through that myself. Yet being a creative is not only about self-fulfilment; it also requires consideration for the audience. Maintaining passion is vital, but so is being clear-headed enough to balance personal feelings with practical demands.

There is no need to aim for something grand straight away. Begin with small steps and progress gradually. If you remain serious, continue learning and improving, you will find your path in this industry.

Let’s take a look at the list of Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2024 from other regions.

NOW READ

Are you ready to become Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow?

Voices from a young generation of Vietnamese leaders in Asia’s turbulent era

Meet Lan Vy Tran, founder of the aota fashion business platform: the woman “seeking the intersection” between fashion and art