In a busy office in Ho Chi Minh City, a sales executive struggles to express his ideas clearly during a virtual meeting with international clients. While his technical knowledge is strong, hesitations in English create misunderstandings, slowing negotiations and affecting his confidence. Similar challenges are common across the region—engineers hesitant to share ideas, customer service teams facing difficulties resolving issues, and business leaders encountering miscommunications that result in costly delays.
According to a recent IDC AI-Powered Language Support Service Survey commissioned by ELSA, 78% of businesses in Asia report that English language barriers cause communication difficulties, while 65% believe improving English skills will support their global expansion. Despite years of traditional English training, many professionals still lack the confidence and fluency to communicate effectively in high-stakes business environments.
This is where ELSA’s CEO, Vu Van, saw an opportunity to enhance AI-driven English communication solutions. has been assisting over 700 organizations worldwide in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and hospitality to improve English communication skills within their workforce. “We are not just teaching a language—we are empowering learners to advance their careers, build relationships, and connect with the world. English is not merely a skill; it is a bridge to limitless opportunities,” said Van.
 |
Vu Van, CEO of ELSA, at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 2025. Photo courtesy of ELSA |
AI-powered learning
What sets ELSA Business apart is its ability to create customized learning paths tailored to different job functions (Sales, Customer Service, Product, etc.) and industries (Banking, Manufacturing, Hospitality, etc.). Whether employees work in sales, customer service, or engineering, they receive targeted training that aligns with their daily tasks. The Enterprise Learning AI Agent allows companies to incorporate their own company-specific terminology, ensuring employees practice the precise language needed in their respective fields.
emphasizes real-world business scenarios, ensuring that employees not only learn English but also acquire the specific language they need for their jobs. Through AI-driven role-play exercises, industry-specific vocabulary, and personalized feedback, employees gain the confidence to speak up in meetings, clearly explain ideas, and strengthen relationships with global clients.
 |
Users experiencing the latest update of ELSA. Photo courtesy of ELSA |
Managers and HR teams can also track employees’ progress, monitoring improvements in pronunciation, fluency, and communication skills over time. This enables companies to measure the impact of language training and ensure it results in tangible business outcomes. IDC research further revealed that AI language solutions can deliver a 400% ROI within 6–12 months for Vietnam-based businesses, potentially saving over $480,000 for 1,000 employees.
“Across Asia, ELSA Business is more than just a language learning tool—it’s a gateway to new markets, stronger client relationships, and greater employee confidence. When professionals can express their ideas freely, opportunities for success expand,” said ELSA’s CEO.
