AmCham Vietnam Weekly Update - 35th Week of 2020 - August 29, 2020 |
|
|
Executive Director Update |
|
Colleagues,
Recent and Upcoming Events
HCMC-U.S. Business Summit - Driving Partnership and Innovation for the Future: On Tuesday, August 25, AmCham Vietnam was honored to partner with HCMC Party Secretary Nhan, Chairman Phong, Vice-Chair Duc, U.S. Ambassador Kritenbrink, and CG Damour for the HCMC-U.S. Business Summit- Driving Partnership and Innovation for the Future, celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations and setting the stage for even deeper tech and innovation partnerships in the future, promoting mutual prosperity. Thanks to Sponsors that made the event possible!
Private sector keynote speakers included Zoom Founder and CEO Eric Yuan, Sun Microsystems Co-founder and Khosla Ventures Founder Vinod Khosla, and VNG Co-Founder and CEO Le Hong Minh, with a panel of students from Fulbright University Vietnam. Panel discussions focused on: Technology Supply Chains with Intel Products Vietnam VP and General Manager Kim Huat Ooi, First Solar Vietnam General Director Kheng Joo Ung, McKinsey Vietnam Managing Partner Marco Breu, and Baker McKenzie Vietnam Partner (M&A/Technology) Chung Seck; Fintech for Vietnam and Beyond with Warburg Pincus Managing Director Saurabh Agarwal, MoMo Co-Founder & Senior Vice President Nguyen Ba Diep, Mastercard Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Winnie Wong, 500 Startups Vietnam General Partner Binh Tran, and HCMC Department of Science and Technology Deputy Director General Nguyen Ky Phung; HCMC's Smart Cities, Innovation District, and International Financial Center with HCMC People's Committee Vice Chairman Duong Anh Duc, Department of Planning and Architecture Director General Nguyen Thanh Nha, Department of Planning and Investment Deputy Director General Tran Anh Tuan, Department of Information and Communications Deputy Director General Le Quoc Cuong, HCMC Finance and Investment State-owned Company Deputy Director General Nguyen Hong Van, Microsoft Vietnam General Director Pham The Truong, and U.S. Consul General Marie Damour.
|
|
As part of the event, CG Damour and Department of Information and Communications DDG Cuong signed a grant agreement on behalf of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to provide cutting-edge ICT technologies and data analytics technical assistance for the HCMC Intelligent Operations Center, a smart cities project that will aggregate real-time urban data onto an intuitive dashboard platform that can be used by city leaders to enhance service delivery to HCMC’s rapidly-growing population.
Arevo CEO Sonny Vu and Saigon High-Tech Park President Nguyen Anh Thi also signed an MOU for the proposed initial investment of Arevo in HCMC. Arevo’s planned investment to produce 3D carbon fiber manufacturing in SHTP could transform the global manufacturing industry, putting Vietnam and HCMC at the forefront of transformational technological innovation.
Links to extensive media reports covering the event are included later in our report. (https://www.amchamvietnam.com/hcmc-us-summit-august-25-media-clipping/) . Video recordings of the event will also be available on Monday, August 31. Please click HERE to register. To view the full album, see HERE. Photo credit to Sang Nguyen.
Thanks to all our sponsors that made this event possible, including Tan Hung's Chairwoman Giau Le, who also contributed the wonderful 25-year anniversary masks!
|
|
AmCham Donation of Patient Monitors to Da Nang Department of Health: To support the Vietnamese government's efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the current outbreak concentrated in Da Nang and Central Vietnam, on Wednesday, August 26, AmCham Vietnam-HCMC and Da Nang donated 5 patient monitors, model DS 5000(A) produced by Digital Science Tech Inc, a California-headquartered company, with a total value of 550 million VND, to the Da Nang Department of Health through the Vietnam Fatherland Front in Da Nang. We very much appreciate the generous contributions from Coca-Cola, and the support from NQ Medical company, a local medical equipment supplier, that made this donation possible.
Urgent Appeal to Fight COVID-19 in Current Epicenter in Da Nang: At the request of the Da Nang Fatherland Front and Department of Health, AmCham has launched an appeal for contributions towards medical device equipment to be used by the Da Nang Department of Health. The most urgent needs currently identified include a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) control system with cost of about $58,000; and two Ventilators with cost of about $32,000 each. As with prior donations, our team will carry out extensive due diligence for the planned purchase and donation of these medical equipment. We are currently coordinating with the Fatherland Front and AmCham's Healthcare Medical Device Subcommittee to review the request and ensure we purchase the best available equipment at the lowest price, with a preference for a U.S. brand. We hope you will be able to contribute to this important cause, whether or not your company has operations in Da Nang since it could affect us all. Please feel free to contact me or Office Manager Cindy Tran for additional information.
AmCham 101: We were delighted to welcome several new members at our hybrid AmCham 101 New Members' Orientation on August 27 with Membership Manager Sam Hoang. We were also joined by long-term member and BOG Member Milton Hagler. While first priority for physical participation goes to our new members, we are delighted to have some of our longer-term members join, to learn how to re-connect, or to share your perspective on AmCham benefits.
|
|
Register to Vote and Make Your Vote Count: We were disappointed that we had to cancel our planned August 27 August Connect & Cocktails, but in cooperation with the U.S. Consulate General American Citizen Services team, still held a virtual meeting to provide guidance on how to register to vote from overseas. Many questions related to the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) completing and submitting were raised and got answers. Anyone who missed this event, you can get full information about the Federal Voting Assistance Program at http://www.FVAP.gov. or contact the voting officer at votevietnam@state.gov. If you are a U.S. citizen, please also register for the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates from the U.S. Consulate on important information. https://step.state.gov
Message from AmCham Vietnam-Da Nang Vice Chair Chris Vanloon: "Greetings from Da Nang. All of us foreigners here had to be tested this past week. As far as I know none of us has tested positive so that’s good news.
I have to say that it was astonishing to me to see how everyone turned out to support the testing. And that’s great. In a way I know we’re forced to. But and this is the point, we all showed up. Not belligerent. Not because we had to. But because we felt the self-responsibility to do so. I met so many new people I never knew were even here.
It just goes to show, that through community action, we can learn more about each other and learn how we can help one another to become better. That’s what we are all about.”
The week ahead: This week, we surprisingly have no committee meetings, but we do have our Excom and Board of Governors meetings. Next week, we will continue our hybrid virtual meetings of our Capital Markets and Financial Services, Energy, Tourism & Hospitality, Legal and VBF, and Education Committees. We will also have a special Women in Leadership event focused on Refining your Professional Image on September 10. Please register to join us, wherever you are located! Recent committee meetings included participants from Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An, Hanoi, Singapore, and Pennsylvania.
The AmCham Office will close on September 2 for Vietnam's National Day. We hope you enjoy your holidays, be well, and stay safe. We welcome your feedback at team@amchamvietnam.com to let us know how we can serve you better.
Mary Tarnowka, Executive Director
|
|
Stay Informed- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak |
AmCham Vietnam wants to provide a safe environment for events and business networking. We recognized that there was always a risk of a second outbreak, and it looks like we are experiencing it now. We also know that we all have different comfort levels with respect to the changing situation. https://www.amchamvietnam.com/amcham-event-level-rating/
In response, AmCham has a rating system for all of our events, explained below. We recently modified our Level III criteria to align with HCMC guidelines. We hope the rating system is useful to you in making your own decisions about which events in which you would like to participate. As always, we welcome your feedback at team@amchamvietnam.com.
|
|
Some additional tips below from Dr. Mason Cobb, Vice-Chair, and Dr. Andy Meadows, of AmCham Healthcare
As we write this, to date there have been 1038 total cases, and 32 fatalities. On the morning of August 28, a 28- yr-old man died in Quang Nam province of pneumonia, caused by COVID-19, septic shock, multi-organ failure caused by acute lymphocytic leukemia, and aplastic anemia. He was the youngest patient to die of COVID in Vietnam. Previous deaths were of individuals aged 33-93, with all suffering from chronic diseases before contracting COVID, with the majority having renal failure.
The pandemic epicenter in the Central region and to a lesser extent in the North of Vietnam, seems to be on the wane. Nonetheless, there are travel restrictions in HCMC for individuals arriving from epidemic hotspots, including Hanoi, and people are still reminded to take precautions, such as wearing face masks and social distancing.
Each week brings more interesting information about this complex and highly contagious disease. Important news concerns children and young adults. They are also identified as key spreaders. There is a shift in frequency toward more children and young adults contracting COVID-19. Research shows this age group playing a more significant role in virus transmission than previously believed. They may be spreaders in the population and to more vulnerable groups. As such, mask wearing and the broader public health guidelines are appropriate for everyone school-aged or older.
Making many headlines this week was the US FDA’s approval of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19. Blood plasma is taken from people who have previously been infected and transfusing it into sick COVID-19 victims. The contained antibodies then neutralize the virus. This is controversial; however. After the FDA endorsed it, it then backtracked, since it is still scientifically unproven. Regardless, this therapy may be an important step forward in treating COVID-19 patients, but there is no guarantee it is the ‘magic pullet’ for which the world is hoping.
This again points up the eagerness of the world to better control or eliminate this scourge. A valid study confirmed that for patients with respiratory symptoms, dexamethasone, a steroid, saves lives. Giving it early in the course of the disease is recommended. Remdesivir is now recommended for any significantly symptomatic case.
Another twist has been both some reassurance that antibodies post-infection (and hopefully post-vaccine) will be protective for longer periods of time. However, there are also at least 3 recurrent cases reported, as well. This is a complex and perplexing disease, but we continue to learn and improve our understanding and treatment.
Each week we report on vaccine progress. There are at least four Phase 3 trials in progress. In our rush to get an effective vaccine, an important aspect of protection is being ignored. Many of the most effective vaccines have an “indirect immunity” effect; not only do vaccinated individuals not get ill, but they cannot spread the disease, either. This is true of pneumococcal vaccine; the incidence in unvaccinated elderly people decreases by a factor of 6 when there is widespread vaccination of children. If an immunized person can still spread the disease, then given that only 70% of the population will be vaccinated and the vaccine, itself, may only be 70% effective, as many as half the population could still be at risk. This aspect of the approved vaccines needs to be carefully considered when they are available. In the meantime, keep those masks on, hands clean, avoid hand shaking, and socially distance!
|
|
5:00-7:30 pm, The Reverie Saigon, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard & 57-69F Dong Khoi Street, District 1
Event Level Rating: III
You have 7 seconds to make a first impression. Do you know the impression that you are making by wearing that dress, or those shoes? And what about jewelry and hair – what is appropriate for the office, and what works for a networking event? Join the conversation with Bui Viet Ha, style coach, and Linh Thai, investor, as they discuss how to refine your professional image, whether face-to-face in the workplace, on a stage, in a virtual meeting, or on social media.
Two volunteers will be needed for in-person makeovers/tips, one volunteer who is in a conservative industry, and the other volunteer in a more creative environment.
Each volunteer needs to send:
- A picture of themselves, and then wear that same outfit to the event.
- Shirt and dress/skirt size.
- Brief description of their target style – the style they would like to achieve.
|
|
 |
Now that we have seen a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Vietnam, government advice has evolved to ensure the health and safety of all residents. With so much uncertainty, we realise you may have questions about our business continuity plans and the cover we are able to offer. We have developed a COVID-19 FAQs which we urge you to read carefully, as it comprehensively answers the key points we anticipate you’ll want to know. You can ensure you are referring to the most up-to-date version by clicking here or talk to our local representative at vietnamcs@aetna.com.vn
Your care needs to continue, especially if you’re facing a chronic condition or an emotional issue, or if you are pregnant. Because it’s always important to make time for you — and make #TimeForCare.
|
|
|
|
The latest Aetna International thought leadership campaign uncovers: How digital technology in the workplace is impacting physical and mental health and well-being, and how businesses can support staff, and benefit from a healthy digital culture. Some key findings include:
- Employees struggling with achieving a work/life balance, as they work from home.
- Employees calling for increased access to digital health and well-being support.
- Employers must safeguard their workers’ personal health data.
|
|
|
|
|
The 2014 Enterprise Law provides the terms of office for Directors/General Directors shall not exceed a maximum of 05 years. Concurrently, the 2012 Labor Code provides definite-term labor contract (with a maximum term of up to 36 months) and indefinite-term labor contract. If an employee is recruited to hold these titles, what is the suitable type of labor contract? What if the enterprise appoints an employee working under an indefinite-term labor contract at a different title as the Director/General Director? This insight presents our legal view on confusion caused by these laws.
|
|
|
|
Enjoy a stress-free holiday with a full board package while discovering the charming secluded Lang Co bay. Combining stays in the enchanting villas at Banyan Tree Lăng Cô or in the expansive rooms at Angsana Lăng Cô and all three mealsdaily along with complimentary water sports and experiences that deem not only Lang Co as one of Central Vietnam’s most desirable holiday destination but also makes this package undoubtedly one of the most relaxingly active holiday of this season.
Book direct with us to get 10% discount:
Tel: +84 234 3695 888
Email: reservations-langco@banyantree.com
|
|
|
|
-
AmCham Shanghai's Trade & Investment Center invites you for an online Webinar with 4 honored speakers. These include former US government officials & corporate representatives in Vietnam that will share their insights on the overall business environment, future trends in investment opportunities and elaborate on the existing preferential policies. The main topics will cover: (1) Free trade agreements (FTAs) between Vietnam and other countries; (2) Foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade situation in Vietnam; (3) FDI incentive policies of Vietnam; (4) Corporates registration information including standard setting up processes for 100% foreign owned companies & representative (sales) offices, labor cost overview, Employment & Business Immigration, Vietnam tax & accounting system; (5) Mergers and acquisition (M&A) in Vietnam; (6) Binh Duong Province; and (7) Becamex IDC Vietnam (https://becamex.com.vn/)
Register https://amcham-shanghai.eventbank.cn/event/webinar-vietnam-the-rising-star-28192/
|
|
Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members Only) |
|
4:00-5:30 pm, Sunwah Tower, 6th Floor, Sunwah Corner Corporate Café, 115 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC
Event Level Rating: III
The meeting will also be available via Zoom, but we would encourage you join the live meeting.
Guest Speaker: Mr. Brandon Megorden, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
Topic: USTDA in Vietnam: supporting early stage development for major infrastructure projects in the energy, ICT, transport, healthcare and agribusiness sectors
|
|
9:00-10:30 am, AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Hotel Saigon
Event Level Rating: III
- Update on Committee Leadership
- Presentation Guest Speaker TBC
-
Update on VBF PEWG position paper regarding Energy Efficiency Program implementation in 2019 – 2020, by Dennis Lien, Committee Vice Chair
- Legal Update by Linh Pham, Committee Vice Chair
|
|
|
3:30-4:30 pm, AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Hotel, 76 Lai Lai, Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: III
Agenda to follow
|
|
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm. Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Event Level Rating: IV
Regular monthly meeting of the committee to review upcoming events, discuss and prepare positions on key issues, laws and regulations relating to trade and investment between Vietnam and the United States.
|
|
|
8:30 am - 10:00 am, Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Event Level Rating: IV
Agenda to follow
|
|
9:00-10:00 am, AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: III
Agenda to follow
|
|
|
9:00-10:00 am, AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: III
As we embark into our next normal together, we know organizations are striving to survive as they adapt to a new era with continued volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). So what can we do next? This is the question everyone is asking because the future is no longer likely to be exactly what we imagined it would be. There is a need to find a balance between what worked well before and what needs to be done in the future to secure resilience in the next normal. Moving forward, the ability of an organization to anticipate, prepare for, respond and adapt to incremental change and sudden disruptions in order to survive and prosper is the key to sustainable resilience.Spend an hour with our Master Black Belts, Daryl Lee on how Lean Six Sigma can help in moving towards organizational resilience to enable recovery for the next normal.
|
|
|
|
AmCham Premium Membership |
The AmCham Premium Membership 2020 is a leadership-level membership for companies contributing strategic support for AmCham's mission and programs. Our Premium Membership comes with a range of exclusive benefits. One all-inclusive Premium Membership's annual billing simplifies your businesses' sponsorship efforts. |
|
|
|
We love our AmCham members! Do you know all the benefits you get with your membership? Maybe you only remember the ones you've used recently, but there are many ways even our basic level members benefit at AmCham. |
|
|
|
The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam
New World Hotel Suite 323
76 Le Lai Street, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3824 3562
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
