Welcome Prof. Dr. Tri Tran – new research director at KLU Asia
What makes someone leave a secure academic position to build something new? KLU welcomes Prof. Dr. Tri Mikael Tran as Associate Professor of Logistics and Management and Research Director of KLU Asia. His research explores the complexities of supply chain management and resilience. After several years in Europe, he is now embarking on a new chapter at KLU Asia. In our interview, he reveals what inspired this bold career move and what he hopes to achieve at KLU.
Having built an academic career in Europe, what drew you to take on the role of Research Director at KLU Asia, and what excites you most about this new chapter?
I had a tenured position at the University of Groningen, so leaving it was a big decision. What attracted me to KLU Saigon was the opportunity to build something: a research community connecting Asia and Europe, and academia with industry. I joked with friends, “This is either the best or the worst decision of my career. There’s only one way to find out.” Finding out is the exciting part!
What sparked your interest in supply chain management, and what challenges fascinate you most?
My mom manages procurement for a badminton shuttlecock manufacturer in Vietnam. Procuring feathers is complicated (I could talk about it forever), so supply management has been on my mind since childhood. I study power asymmetries and resilience: how companies secure supplies when they don’t have the upper hand.
What is your personal philosophy when it comes to teaching?
I want students to think critically, challenge assumptions, and apply what they learn. I don’t expect them to remember everything I teach, but I hope they’ll leave my classroom better equipped to make decisions.
How would your students and colleagues describe you?
This is from real data: conscientious, approachable, and cheeky. I take my work seriously, but not myself. I enjoy dry humor, even though my jokes do not always land.
Looking ahead, what would you like to achieve at KLU?
I would like to help establish KLU Asia as a place where researchers and industry work together on meaningful problems. Equally important, I want to support younger researchers and help them develop their own academic careers.
