For Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, promoting the health and wellbeing for the community is not only aligned to its business development, but also an integral part of its business strategy. The life insurer, therefore, has over the years committed great efforts and resources to the community, prioritizing activities that directly improve public health or save lives.

As its business expands, the life insurer has also upscaled community projects, with significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities expanded to mark an imminent business milestone of having five million customers by 2024.

Initiating the clean water project

On August 3, 2023, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam handed over the drinking water purifying system worth VND60 million to My Thanh Primary school in Binh Thuan Province. The system can supply 360,000 liters of clean drinking water a year, benefiting more than 100 students and teachers at the schools.

The installation of the two water purifying systems in Binh Thuan Province is part of the Clean Water project 2023 program initiated by Dai-ichi Life Vietnam to install such systems worth VND900 million at 15 schools nationwide, aiming to supply 15 million liters of clean drinking water to improve health conditions for students and teachers living in areas with limited access to running water. 

“With the message of ‘Connect to Love’, we are pleased to donate drinking water purifying systems to My Thanh Primary School in Binh Thuan to contribute to protecting the health of students and teachers in rural areas with limited access to clean water. This donation also reflects our strong commitment in bringing sustainable development solutions to the community,” Dang Hong Hai, general director of Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, said at the handover ceremony.

In fact, the Clean Water project was first launched in 2012, and throughout 11 years, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam has spent some VND7 billion installing water purifiers at 122 schools nationwide, catering to over 40,000 students and teachers. Besides, standard toilet rooms with a total cost of nearly VND1.3 billion have been handed over to disadvantaged schools in the years of 2021-2022, benefiting more than 2,400 pupils and teachers in the remote areas.   

Citing data from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam noted that contaminated water kills some 9,000 people a year in Vietnam, while 20,000 others acquire cancers due to their consumption of contaminated water. Therefore, supplying clean water for schools is an important program prioritized by the life insurer.

For better lives of Vietnamese people

This year, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam has organized numerous CSR activities across the country with a total cost of VND2.2 billion to support the community. 

Specifically, the life insurer’s For A Better Life Foundation in July and August 2023 collaborated with other local partners to organize free cataract operations for nearly 400 poor patients in Lam Dong and Tra Vinh provinces under its “Bring Sight to the Poor People” program. This is an annual program in place since 2009 to support the eye cataract operations for more than 8,500 needy patients nationwide with a total value of VND6.5 billion.

Dai-ichi Life Vietnam has also donated VND1.3 billion in the first 10 months of the year 2023 to award scholarships and other education support activities benefiting outstanding students, especially those of difficult family backgrounds. It has also spent nearly VND100 million on humanitarian blood donation programs.

Other meaningful CSR activities initiated by Dai-ichi Life Vietnam this year also include planting 15,000 trees in major cities like Hanoi, HCMC and Danang with a cost of VND1.5 billion to protect the environment, and the program – Dai-ichi Life – Cung Duong Yeu Thương 2023 which encompasses walking/running and online sports activities. The company commits to contributing VND1,000 for every kilometer achieved by participants with the aim of raising VND5 billion throughout each season to support underprivileged people throughout the country.

“We will continue to implement these community programs in the coming time to support the community,” said a representative of the life insurer.

During its 16-year CSR journey, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam has spent more than VND60 billion supporting the community in four main areas — health care, education, the environment and charity support. The insurer always considers CSR an indispensable part of its business strategy, Mr. Hai said.

With its tireless efforts to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development and community prosperity, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam has been widely recognized, with several prestigious local and international awards, including “Top 10 Most Reputable Life Insurers 2023” for two consecutive years of 2022-2023 awarded by Vietnam Report on August 4, “The Best Company to Work for in Asia” announced by HR Asia on August 3; “Corporate Excellence Award” and “Inspirational Brand Award (2021-2023) organized by Enterprise Asia to name but a few.

Despite economic hardships, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam in 2022 obtained nearly VND22,000 billion in premiums, rising 17% year-on-year. The company held a market share of 12.3%, and earned post-tax profit of VND2,700 billion. In the first half of this year, Dai-ichi Life Vietnam was among few life insurers in Vietnam able to maintain growth and profitability. Its pre-tax profit in the first six months neared VND1,600 billion.

Source: The SaigonTimes

Source: The SaigonTimes

Pho Cao Commune, about 110 kilometers from Ha Giang City, in Dong Van District, Ha Giang Province, offers visitors a mesmerizing blend of majestic natural landscapes, unique ethnic minority cultures, and untouched rustic beauty that few places can rival.

To reach Pho Cao Commune from Hanoi, travelers can embark on a journey by coach or sleeper bus to Ha Giang, and from there, continue their adventure along National Highway 4C, with transportation options ranging from coaches and cars to motorbikes.

Encompassing an area of about 38.18 square kilometers, Pho Cao Commune is divided into 18 villages and is home to around 7,000 people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Mong, Pu Peo, Tay, Nung, and Giay, with Mong people comprising over 90% of the population.

One of the distinctive architectural features of Pho Cao Commune is the “trinh tuong” house, a unique design characteristic of the Mong people. These houses are constructed entirely from local soil and rocks to withstand the harsh mountain weather. Thatched or tiled roofs provide warmth in winter and a cool respite in summer. Skillfully crafted by locals, these trinh tuong houses have stood the test of time for over a century and have served as the backdrop for numerous highland-themed films.

Pho Cao Commune boasts its own charm in every season, each with its distinct cultural identities. September to October is the time for ripe rice fields, while the buckwheat flower season paints the landscape from October to March. Late February to early March sees the peach blossoms in full bloom. Additionally, every household in the commune cultivates peach and pear trees, along with staple crops like corn, wheat, and buckwheat, as well as flax (Linum usitatissimum) for weaving.

Tourists visiting Pho Cao Commune can explore Tham Ma and Chin Khoanh slopes, revel in the beauty of buckwheat flower fields, and wander through ancient villages set against the backdrop of breathtaking natural scenery. The local cuisine, steeped in highland flavors, offers specialties like “men men” (steamed cornmeal), corn wine, Vietnamese black chicken, dried buffalo (pork) meat, and buckwheat cakes.

As of now, Pho Cao Commune does not have accommodations for overnight stays. First-time visitors interested in immersing themselves in the local culture can book tours through travel agencies to ensure a fulfilling experience.

Source: The SaigonTimes

Source: The SaigonTimes

Source: The SaigonTimes

KMS Technology, a leading software development and services company globally, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to CSR initiatives. In 2023, KMS has continued to make a positive impact through various CSR activities, with a central focus on education.

Lighting hope for excellent students with difficult backgrounds

The journey of 12th grader Hoang Trong Nguyen in Quang Tri Province has been far from easy. Born into a poor family, Nguyen faced numerous challenges growing up, resulting in his view toward life entirely of negativity. However, Nguyen soon realised the importance of education, and he always worked hard in his study to fulfil his burning desire to become a physician. Nguyen’s aspirations received a significant boost when he became one of the 60 students getting a set of computer under the “Gift a Future” program, where KMS partners with the Hands For Hope organization in delivering gifts and scholarships to disadvantaged high school students in central Vietnam. This gift does not stop at being a single donation; it also serves as a source of inspiration, motivating Nguyen to work harder and excel in his studies.

The “Gift a Future” program is just one example of KMS’s commitment to education. As the company believes in the value that education brings, its priority lies in nurturing the young generation by leveraging KMS strength in technology, reflected in various initiatives.

“Ươm Mầm” – an exclusive KMS scholarship program – has been ongoing for four years, facilitating the lives and studies of a number of excellent IT students with difficult family backgrounds in HCMC and Danang. The program focuses on covering both tuition and living expenses for the students in the whole 4-year university enrolment, with a re-evaluation done at the beginning of every school year.

In July 2023, KMS entered into a strategic partnership with the VietHope organization. Through many meaningful activities, KMS aims to equip underprivileged IT students with a solid foundation in preparation for their future, including mentorship, soft and technical skills training, and career orientation sharing.

The year 2023 also marks the 5-year milestone of the company’s partnership with Passerelle numeriques Vietnam (PNV). On such a special occasion, a computer lab with 25 laptops was gifted to PNV. At the same time, the company still maintains the annual means of assistance to disadvantaged students, namely mentorship, soft and technical skills training.

Supporting other educational causes

With a strong focus on education, KMS collaborates with other organizations with the same vision. In August 2023, 75 KMS runners joined the online fundraising campaign hosted by Teach for Vietnam, with a hope to create a better future for the young generation, starting from the improved public schools.

In addition, “Xe Về Nhà” – an annual program where less-fortunate IT students are granted a complimentary return bus ticket to reunite with their families during Tết – has been successfully run over the last four years, bringing thousands of smiles and happiness to the unfortunate students.

“The more successful, the more we need to contribute to society,” said Mr. Dai Tran, KMS Technology’s Managing Director. “As we believe in the transformative power of education, we continue to spread our wings and ink our footprints in as many corners of the ‘educational sector’ as possible so that more and more young people can thrive and reach their full potential, which will enable them to shape a brighter and better future,” he added.

Source: The SaigonTimes

Every early morning, Man Thai Beach in the central coastal city of Danang bustles with activity as ships and bamboo basket boats come and go, transporting seafood to the shore.

Local residents and early-rising tourists can be seen strolling along the beach, savoring the breathtaking sunrise while joining fishermen in pulling in their nets. For them, the excitement peaks when they purchase fresh seafood right on the sandy shores.

Man Thai Beach is often referred to as the “squatting market” because the local fishermen typically squat or set up small chairs to display and sell their catches. From fish to shrimp, and even snails, a wide variety of seafood is available.

The market typically winds down as the sun climbs higher into the sky. At that point, the fishermen gather their bounties of seafood into large baskets and head to the city’s markets to sell their catches.

Source: The SaigonTimes

Source: The SaigonTimes

HCMC – India opened the third edition of the North East Indian Festival in HCMC on October 27, highlighting the growing importance of Vietnam in strengthening cultural, academic, and trade ties between the two nations.

Organized at the September 23 Park with the support of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the three-day event seeks to advance India’s Act East Policy.

The festival was inaugurated in the presence of senior officials from both nations, including Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India, Shyamkanu Mahanta, the festival’s chief organizer, Bui Xuan Cuong, vice chairman of HCMC People’s Committee, and Pham Tran Thanh Thao, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Foreign Affairs.

Mahanta said the festival would help “forge a stronger bond between India and Vietnam via commerce, artistic endeavors, and cultural activities.”

The entire program is deeply rooted in the Act East Policy, he added.

“Last year, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, emphasized the North East India Festival in Bangkok and its role in enhancing India’s ties with Southeast Asia. This year, in Vietnam, our focus is on cultural exchange, but we are also broadening our scope to include educational and trade programs.

“What started as a platform centered around the North East has evolved into one of India’s premier events, fostering not just cultural ties but also catalyzing development in trade, education, tourism, and more. The fact that Vietnam is hosting an event of this scale for the first time is notable. We’re eager to see the positive impacts stemming from our efforts.”

Under the Invest India initiative, a trade meeting will be held to position the North East India as an enticing destination for investment and bilateral trade, while a people-to-people exchange session aims to foster dialogue between historians, scholars, and academicians from North East India and Vietnam.

The Act East Policy, initiated in 2014, aims to foster economic collaboration, nurture cultural connections, and build strategic alliances with nations in the Indo-Pacific, according to MEA.

Just two weeks ago, India ceremoniously unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Vietnam, underscoring shared history and values.

These consecutive events suggest that India is actively bolstering its diplomatic and economic footprint in the Indo-Pacific, with Vietnam emerging as a pivotal partner in this region.

Source: The SaigonTimes

Source: The SaigonTimes