Meet Kenz Tran: Championing Human-Centered Innovation in AI

What does it take to bridge continents, industries, and the gap between people and technology? For Kenz Tran (Trần Kỷ Nguyên), it starts with one belief: AI should serve human creativity, not replace it.

A Childhood of Change, a Mindset for Growth

Kenz’s story begins in Vietnam, a country racing forward into the digital age. As a child in Ho Chi Minh City, he watched new technology transform daily life. But Kenz wasn’t just fascinated by shiny devices—he was curious about why and how people used them. From an early age, he questioned assumptions and sought out stories from beyond his own neighborhood.

That drive led him to Finland’s Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences—a leap across continents and cultures. There, he studied international business and marketing, working with classmates from more than 20 countries. These experiences made him not just fluent in English and Vietnamese, but in the global “language” of ideas and collaboration.

Learning from the World’s Best—And Giving Back

After graduation, Kenz brought his global mindset back to Southeast Asia. He joined Samsung Vietnam, quickly rising to head the Samsung Shop App. Under his leadership, the team built the country’s first direct-to-consumer (D2C) app for the brand—an innovation that still influences digital retail in Vietnam today.

He then joined EssenceMediacom (WPP Group), where he managed award-winning marketing campaigns across the Asia-Pacific region. His teams picked up four Smarties MMA awards, working with giants like Coca-Cola and FrieslandCampina. But what set his work apart wasn’t just the global brands—it was the ability to balance big-picture vision with local insights and empathy.

Kenz’s passion for meaningful, accessible technology next took him to Pervorm (Deloitte), where he pioneered Vietnam’s Collaborative Performance Advertising Solution (CPAS). This initiative gave local companies like Lazada the tools to compete nationally, democratizing digital performance marketing.

Turning Barriers Into Bridges: Founding MOCHIMIN

By 2024, Kenz saw a new challenge: As AI became more powerful, it also became harder for everyday people to use. The promise of AI was at risk of being locked behind technical jargon and expensive consultants.

Kenz’s response? MOCHIMIN—a Singapore-based startup with a single mission: make AI as simple, practical, and empowering as possible for everyone, not just engineers.

With Lazy Prompter, MOCHIMIN’s flagship product, users can instantly turn ideas into optimized prompts for writing, design, brainstorming, and more. No coding. No AI jargon. Just clear results that unlock creativity and save time. Since launch, Lazy Prompter has grown to over 10,000 users and 30+ affiliate partners—all without paid ads. The platform is trusted by business owners, creators, students, and even university professors (MOCHIMIN recently partnered with UEF to expand AI literacy in Vietnam’s classrooms).

The Impact: Beyond Products

Kenz’s vision is bigger than any single tool. He speaks regularly on Vietnamese national TV (VTV), contributes to discussions about the ethics and future of AI, and works hands-on with startups and students to foster the next generation of Southeast Asian innovators.

MOCHIMIN isn’t just a company—it’s a movement that brings together people from all backgrounds:

• Startups who need fast, practical tools to compete

• Creators who want to turn imagination into reality

• Educators and students building real AI literacy, not just buzzwords

• Business teams scaling their impact with smarter, simpler workflows

And at the heart of it all, Kenz insists on human-centered design: technology that adapts to people—not the other way around.

What Drives Kenz? Five Principles for a Human-Centered Future

1. Never Stop Asking Why
   Every breakthrough starts with curiosity. Kenz believes questions matter more than quick answers.

2. Build for People, Not Hype
   The only technology that endures is technology that helps people live, work, and create better.

3. Share What You Learn
   From mentoring founders to writing public guides, Kenz is passionate about making knowledge practical and shareable.

4. Welcome Diversity—In All Forms
   The best ideas come from unexpected places. Kenz’s life is proof that a Vietnamese kid from Ho Chi Minh City can change the global AI landscape.

5. Act Boldly, Even When It’s Uncomfortable
   Kenz’s philosophy: If you wait for permission, you’ll never lead. The future is built by those who try, learn, and adapt faster than anyone else.

Where Is Kenz Going Next?

Under Kenz’s leadership, MOCHIMIN is building new partnerships with universities, supporting global communities, and helping companies of every size navigate the age of AI—with empathy, integrity, and a sense of play.

But if you ask Kenz, he’ll tell you:
“This isn’t just about tech. It’s about giving people the tools and courage to create, to experiment, and to solve problems that matter in their lives and communities.”

Want to Connect or Learn More?

• LinkedIn: Kenz Tran

• MOCHIMIN: mochimin.com

• Lazy Prompter: prompter.mochimin.com

• Email: kenz@mochimin.com

Final Word: Why Kenz’s Story Matters Now

Technology will keep changing, but the need for curiosity, resilience, and humanity in innovation never fades. Kenz Tran’s journey shows what’s possible when you lead with empathy and build for real people. In an age of rapid AI adoption, that’s not just a good story—it’s the way forward.

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