About Us

FocusGroupGo Asia Pacific (FGG) is small international service company passionate about creating food and agriculture systems that deliver high quality, safe food to today’s consumers. We believe that modern food systems should be commercially competitive, socially inclusive, ethical, and sustainable.

Our approach is to “create”, “link” and “innovate”. Based physically in Hanoi, Vietnam, we combine our broad technical experience and deep professional networks to provide tailored research and support services for our partners throughout the Asia-Pacific. We work closely with businesses, government, industry associations, research institutions and development organisations to deliver high-quality analyses, products and solutions for the food, agriculture, agribusiness, rural development, and transport-logistics sectors.

FocusGroupGo Asia Pacific currently provides research, support and consultancy services in Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Fiji, Samoa, and Australia. Our research focuses on value chain and market development, community and livelihood assessments, feasibility studies, digital agriculture and big data applications, and policy analysis and formulation. Our support services include project coordination and management; stakeholder consultation and facilitation; partnership brokering; business matching, strategy development and implementation; impact evaluation; and capability development strategies and programs. We also plan and implement creative and memorable communication and outreach activities.

History

Team

The Directors and Founders of FocusGroupGo Asia Pacific are Dr. Rodd Dyer and Ms. Le Thi Hang Nga.

Dr Rodd Dyer, Director and Founder

Dr Rodd Dyer:

• PhD - Agricultural Economics, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute (MLURI); University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Philippines.
• Masters of Agricultural Science, University of Queensland, Australia
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Meet Rodd, an experienced agricultural and agribusiness program manager, researcher, and consultant with over twenty years professional experience working in Australia, South East Asia, the Pacific, and China. Rodd spent seven years as the Agribusiness Research Program Manager with the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR). Prior to that he spent six years with Meat and Livestock Australia as Project Manager for the Northern Beef Program. Rodd’s broad practical experience has been shaped by nine years working as a researcher in the Northern Territory of Australia, two years as a beef cattle technical officer in northern Queensland and two years with one of Australia’s largest pastoral companies.

Rodd has a proven track record of program management, problem solving, group facilitation, consultation and negotiation with international government, research, private sector, and development stakeholders. Rodd has a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Aberdeen (UK). He has a Master of Agriculture in rangeland ecology and management, and a Bachelor of Agriculture majoring in animal science, both from the University of Queensland. Rodd was also awarded post-graduate research scholarships from Meat and Livestock Australia and the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute in the United Kingdom.

Dr Rodd Dyer

Ms Le Thi Hang Nga (Nga) –Director and Founder

Le Thi Hang Nga (Nga):

• Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development, Australian National University
• Bachelor of English Language Teacher, Vietnam National University

Meet Nga, a passionate project coordinator and social science researcher with a heart for improving the lives of rural communities. With years of experience working alongside national and international teams, Nga is an expert in engaging with local people and implementing agriculture research and rural development projects. She is also a qualified Vietnamese-English translator, language tutor, and yoga teacher. Nga earned her Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development from the Australian National University (ANU) and was awarded the Australian Awards John Dillon Scholarship and Fulbright Scholarship for her academic excellence. With a Bachelor of English Language from the Vietnam National University, Nga brings a unique blend of skills and knowledge to every project she works on.

Le Thi Hang Nga (Nga)

Dr Oleg Nicetic:

• PhD Communication for social change (2015) The University of Queensland, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Australia
• MSc Entomology (2000) Sydney University, School of Biological Sciences, Australia
• Bachelor of Horticulture (Honours) (1987) University of Zagreb, Yugoslavia. Majors: fruit production, viticulture and winemaking; Honours: phytopathology

Introducing Dr. Oleg Nicetic, an experienced R4D project manager with a unique trans-disciplinary approach to adaptive farming systems. Oleg holds a PhD in Communication for Social Change from the University of Queensland, Australia, as well as an MSc in Entomology from Sydney University, Australia, and a Bachelor of Horticulture with Honors from the University of Zagreb, Yugoslavia, where he majored in fruit production, viticulture, winemaking, and phytopathology.

With over 20 years of experience, Oleg has been instrumental in managing R4D projects and successfully implementing market-driven Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) in developing countries. His expertise in outreach and institutionalization of project results has resulted in sustainable impacts and significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

If you're looking for a knowledgeable and experienced expert in R4D project management and agricultural practices, Oleg is the person to turn to.

Dr Oleg Nicetic

Dr Debbie Rae

• Doctor of Philosophy, Ecology, James Cook University of North Queensland, Australia
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology, James Cook University of North Queensland, Australia
• Bachelor of Science (Double major in Zoology and Marine Biology), Australia

Dr Debbie Rae

Meet Debbie, our ecologist and educator. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology and a Bachelor of Science with honors in Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecology, as well as a double major in Zoology and Marine Biology.

With over 13 years of experience in agricultural research and project management, and three years in water resource management, Debbie brings invaluable expertise to our team. She is also a published author with 16 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has edited a 627-page book on sustainable pest and disease management.

Debbie is a passionate educator with 14 years of experience in secondary Science education and three years in tertiary education. Her expertise in ecology and education is unmatched, and we're proud to have her as part of our team.

Capability Statement

Create. Link. Innovate. We support business, government and development organisations deliver high quality, inclusive outcomes in agriculture, agribusiness, rural development, and transport and logistics throughout the Asia Pacific region.

FocusGroupGo (FGG), is a Vietnamese owned, international research, development and management business located in Hanoi, with strong ties to the Australian Aid Program and International Agricultural Research. At FGG we provide project management, partnership brokering and consultancy services to international development, agriculture and agribusiness partners throughout the Asia-Pacific. We work together with donors, the private sector, governments and research institutions to create transformative and positive change for smallholder farmers, rural communities and agribusinesses.

Our mission is to “create”, “link” and “innovate”, working together with energetic people and partners to tackle complex challenges facing food production, agribusiness, and the livelihoods of smallholder businesses and farmers in emerging economy contexts.

At FocusGroupGo, we combine our in-house experience and reputation for quality outcome delivery with the expertise of technical specialists, institutions and agribusinesses with a proven track record. Together we aim to provide excellence in project and program development, coordination and management; partnership development and brokering; stakeholder consultation and facilitation; strategy development and implementation; human capability development; and communication and outreach. We can also assist you plan, organise and implement events that are creative, fun and memorable.

Vision and Mission

At Focusgroupgo Asia Pacific, our vision is to become the leading provider of innovative, evidence-based outcomes to address complex development challenges in emerging economies. Our aim is to help transform communities and nations by providing cutting-edge research, analysis, and advisory services to our clients.

We envision a world where all people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location. To achieve this vision, we will work tirelessly to develop and deliver tailored solutions that are rooted in rigorous research and analysis, and that are informed by the diverse perspectives and experiences of our team.

We will leverage the most suitable approach and data analytics tools to deliver efficient, effective, and sustainable solutions that promote inclusive growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. We will collaborate closely with our clients and partners to build their capacity and empower them to achieve their development goals.

As a trusted partner to governments, multilateral organizations, NGOs, and private sector actors, we will strive to set the standard for excellence in research for development consulting. Our commitment to quality, transparency, and impact will be the foundation of our success, and we will measure our progress by the positive impact we have on the lives of the people and communities we serve.

Services (Dot points)

Focusgroupgo Asia Pacific provides the following technical services:

• Research and analysis: Conducting qualitative and quantitative research, data collection and analysis, and providing evidence-based solutions to complex development challenges.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL): Designing and implementing MEL frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of development programs and policies.
• Capacity building and training: Providing training and capacity building support to strengthen the technical, managerial, and institutional capacity of clients and partners.
• Program design and implementation: Designing and implementing development programs and projects, including project management, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.
• Innovation and technology: Developing and applying innovative and technology-driven solutions to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of development interventions.
• Communications and advocacy: Developing and implementing communication and advocacy strategies to promote development objectives, engage stakeholders, and raise awareness of development issues.
• Environmental and social impact assessment: Conducting environmental and social impact assessments to evaluate the potential impacts of development interventions and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Policy and strategy development: Developing policies, strategies, and action plans to guide development interventions and support decision-making processes.

These technical services are often tailored to meet the specific needs of clients and are delivered by a team of experts with diverse technical backgrounds and expertise.

Where we work

Who we work with

Focusgroupgo Asia Pacific works in association with many international, regional, national and local organizations agencies. Some of the international donor organizations and international technical agencies we are working with are detailed here:

International Donor Agencies

ACIAR (Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research)

FFGO worked in partnership with multiple projects in Asia Pacific including Vietnam, Lao, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Industry analysis and investment requirement assessment to improve the small ruminant livestock industry in Fiji and Samoa.

Revised, edited and updated Making Market works Better for the Poor Value Chains toolbook (M4P) and Master Class of Agribusiness (AMC)

Develop a strategy and implementation plan for the John Dillon Scholarship

Develop and facilitate Australian Award alumni capacity building program in 2022 and 2023

SRA Laos

MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia)

Conduct research and analysis of live cattle export markets from Laos and Myanmar to China, 2021.

CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)

Strengthen linkages between smallholder farmers and the market by optimizing transport and logistics infrastructure, using Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT).

DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Australia

FFGO has been contracted with DFAT to conduct a value chain rapid appraisal to identify the four fruit value chains that will provide the best opportunities to increase economic empowerment for ethnic minority women in Son La in 2022. This project’s findings shed light on the constraints faced by households and the specific constraints of women in targeted fruit value chains and the root causes and related service weakness (for specific value chains and cross cutting).

In 2022, FFGO was also granted a project by the Australia-Vietnam Enhance Economic Engagement Grant, to work on Bilateral trade and investment blueprint for live cattle joint industry development between Australia and Vietnam.

CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research)

FGGO has worked with International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to conduct quantitative baseline study with 1000 coffee growers in Mai Son district, Son La province, Vietnam, using KOBO TOOLBOX as a platform. This survey is a part of the “Inclusive Financial Services for Agriculture (IFS4Ag) Project in Vietnam”.

CANADIAN EMBASSY (GAC)

IN 2022, FFGO was contracted with The Field Support Services Project (FSSP),Global Affairs Canada (GAC-) to take the role of Curator for Vietnam Food System dialogue. Our key tasks were to provide technical support and advice to The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and core members to help them carry out up to three sub-national dialogues on Food Systems; to coordinate and facilitate two National level Dialogues and to provide technical support and advice to national conveners and to the Vietnamese delegation participating in the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit.

IDH, The Sustainable Trade Initiative

In 2023, FFGO was contracted by IDH to undertake a LandScale assessment in Krong Nang district, Daklak, Central Highlands, Vietnam. This activity aim to develop large-scale, innovative, and transformative public-private-partnerships that enhance the resilience of coffee communities at the landscape scale. They seek to incorporate both the coffee farmland and the surrounding natural ecosystem or political boundary and sustainable landscape interventions to address the economic, social, and environmental issues more effectively within the particular landscape or jurisdiction.

UNIDO (UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION)

FFGO provided a role as an International Expert on Food Industry to develop an assessment skeleton with the Systematic challenges for the Vietnamese food manufacturing businesses and map potential stakeholders (relevant governmental bodies, research and development organisations, food associations and donor community).

AHR (Applied Horticultural Research)

Value chain and economic analysis of vegetables and cold chain innovations in Moc Chau Vietnam, using affordable and accessible Colbot technology.

ILO (International Labour Organization) Myanmar

Review of Business Development Services (BDS) for very small, small and medium enterprises in Myanmar.

Palladium, Australia

Provides rapid, responsive business analytics and expertise and other services to contribute to the Impact Private Sector Partnership (IPSP) program.