AmCham Vietnam Weekly Update -
42nd Week of 2020 - October 18th, 2020
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Executive Director Update |
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Colleagues,
We hope you are staying dry with all the recent rains. Most of the plants in my garden are happy - especially the ferns!
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Message from AmCham Vietnam-Da Nang Vice Chair Chris Vanloon: ‘Greetings from Da Nang. It’s been really wet this past week here in central Vietnam. A challenging year compounded again by rains and floods. But let’s stay positive! Next week we will push forward with our Da Nang Chapter weekend. Duc from Mango Mango is doing all he can to make this work and so am I. Don’t worry though, we have discussed exciting back up options for the Connect & Cocktail event if Hoi An is off the table at the time. And golf? We can always play golf rain or shine. In fact it might help my score! Look forward to seeing you all again soon!’
Upcoming Events
I am excited about the number of quality events we are hosting this week - I hope many of you can join! Our October 21 AmCham Supplier Day 2020 - Destination Vietnam! will feature exhibits, networking sessions with potential partners, and expert panel discussions on Vietnam as a Destination for Supply Chain Diversification, Sustainability, and Resiliency"; "Developing Local Supply Chains in Vietnam"; and "How Vietnamese SMEs Can Meet Global Supply Chain Standards". Our October 22 Real Estate Outlook will provide insights on market trends for Vietnam Real Estate in a Post Covid World. Our Da Nang Weekend provides a chance to support our Da Nang chapter and meet with Da Nang and Hoi An-based partners and friends. SPARK! Women Leadership Program is a special 1.5 day energizer to ignite the spark of leadership - and celebrate Vietnam Women's Day by investing in yourself or female members of your team. And meetings of both our Energy Committee Monday morning, and Digital and Technology Committee Tuesday morning!
Don’t miss our events in October:
AmCham 2020 Board of Governor election: AmCham Vietnam-HCMC Nominating Committee is seeking your recommendations for candidates for the AmCham Vietnam Board of Governors in Ho Chi Minh City. Voting AmCham members may recommend themselves or another person. The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates willing to actively serve for a two-year term, Jan 2021 - Dec 2022. The recommendation form explains who may recommend/be recommended, the process for recommending and formal nomination, and other important information. Recommendations may be made through midnight Sunday, October 18, 2020. Thank you to all who have self-nominated or been recommended to serve as candidates for AmCham's Board of Governors. Bios and Vision statements are due by October 23.
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U.S Presidential Election Update: AmCham is promoting nonpartisan events to inform our members of the issues at stake in the November 3 U.S. Presidential election, and help our American citizen members register and vote. We will not organize an AmCham Oct 22 Presidential debate watch event but you can watch it at Flying Pig Saigon (on the morning of Friday, Oct 23, from 8:00-9:30 AM). AmCham will organize a non-partisan Election Watch party on the morning of Wednesday, November 4 at the Hard Rock Cafe. Don't miss it!
U.S. citizens can submit their ballots at the U.S. Consulate Office of American Citizen Services (ACS) weekdays between 8:30-11:30 AM and 1:30-4:00 PM without scheduling an appointment. Ballots must be accepted in person by an officer of the U.S. Consulate or ACS staff member. Security guards or other Consulate personnel cannot accept ballots, and ballots left outside the Consulate will not be mailed. For more info, visit vn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/voting/.
For those who like to plan ahead, mark your calendars now for our November 10 U.S.-Vietnam Policy Outlook to understand the impact of the U.S. elections and what to expect here in Vietnam with the 13th Party Congress. Join our AmCham Board of Governors Meet the Candidates Night on Nov 17. And plan to express gratitude by attending our November 24 "Giving Thanks Dinner - a Celebration of Excellence in Community Impact!".
And it is not too soon to register to join our 25th Annual Governors Ball to be held on December 12 at the InterContinental Saigon beginning at 6:00pm. This year's Old Hollywood Christmas - themed ball provides a glamorous and elegant setting to celebrate the holiday season. Sponsorship packages, both Cash & In-Kind, are available now. Proceeds from the 2020 Governors' Ball will support AmCham’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the AmCham Scholarship Program. Contribute to a good cause and enjoy one of the most fun social events of the season!!
Recent Event
Excited about the October 15 launch of AmCham’s Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee! Informative presentations about what ESG is and why it matters available at http://bit.ly/ACESGComm. Stay tuned for dates of our November ESG Committee meeting and more information about our November 24th “Giving Thanks Dinner” - an Evening to Celebrate Excellence in Community Impact!!
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COVID Update
Thanks to Vietnam's effective COVID management, there have been 46 days without reported community transmission in Vietnam. Our lives have returned to a "new normal" where many freedoms have returned. We are able to resume most of our former activities, albeit with some continuing temperature screening, mask-use, and ever-present hand sanitizer use encouraged. Yet even as more quarantine hotels open in Vietnam to facilitate arrivals, several cases are imported each week. The recent surges in the USA and Europe make clear the dangers. And the latest pauses in vaccine trials show us that no immediate fix is in sight, with the earliest date for general distribution now expected in early to mid-2021. The Russian vaccine is already being shipped to Viet Nam, but even some Russian educators and healthcare personnel refuse to take it, since it has not undergone rigorous Phase 3 trials. Meanwhile, Dr. Mason Cobb advises us to continue the precautions that we are now used to: uncertainty is actually the "new normal".
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
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5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Caravelle Saigon, 19-23 Lam Son Square, District 1
Event Level Rating: II
In recognition of Vietnamese Women’s Day, EuroCham is pleased to invite you to join our unique and engaging networking event aimed at women and featuring a special panel of women leaders. Come and hear personal stories, gain insights and enjoy a drink while hearing about ways women are being prepared for leadership in schools, in university, and in their professional lives.
Taking place on Tuesday 20 October from 5pm at the Caravelle Hotel, it will feature special guest speakers including Dam Bich Thuy from Fullbright University, My Holland from EQuest Asia, Hien Dao from Harvard Club Vietnam, and Dr. Sheryl Long from EMASI School Nam Long.
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8:00am-1:00pm, New World Hotel Saigon, 76 Le Lai St., District 1
Event Level Rating: II
Vietnam is now one of the top global destinations for investment as multinational corporations seek to ensure greater resiliency and connectivity in global supply chains and reduce reliance on China.
A recent New York Times article asked “Is Vietnam the Next ‘Asian Miracle’?” While the term “miracle” is debatable, Vietnam is now justifiably gaining global attention both for its economic dynamism and impressive management of COVID-19.On Wednesday, October 21, AmCham Vietnam will host its signature supplier day event for the 7th year, “AmCham Supplier Day 2020- Destination Vietnam!”.
If you are a potential investor considering Vietnam as a destination, a company already in Vietnam who wants to learn how to develop local supply chains, or a Vietnamese SME who wants to partner and join global supply chains, this event is for you!Participation is available both in person or virtually, with simultaneous interpretation in both Vietnamese and English.
Expert speakers, including Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management Lecturer and Prime Minister Economic Advisor Nguyen Xuan Thanh, First Solar Vietnam Country Manager Kheng Joo Ung, VCCI Secretary General Nguyen Quang Vinh, will discuss “Vietnam as a Destination for Supply Chain Diversification, Sustainability, and Resiliency”; “Developing Local Supply Chains in Vietnam”; and “How Vietnamese SMEs Can Meet Global Supply Chain Standards”.
Don’t miss AmCham Supplier Day 2020 - Destination Vietnam! Gain business intelligence through participation in panel discussions. Sponsor to highlight your brand and showcase capabilities or requirements in the exhibition. Networking sessions will offer opportunities to view physical exhibits and meet potential partners.
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8:00am-10:30am, New World Hotel Saigon, 76 Le Lai St., District 1
Event Level Rating: II
AGENDA
- The latest market data across key sectors in HCMC and Hanoi – Neil MacGregor, Savills
- The “Hot” Sector: industrial & logistics in Vietnam post Covid – John Campbell, Savills
- Making Sense of the post Covid Workplace: where we were headed, what really changed, and what the future might look like – Andrew Currie, Out-2 Design
- Q&A
Virtual and physical attendance are available.
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Friday-Sunday, October 23- 25
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Oct 23, 6:00pm - Oct 25, 3:00pm, Da Nang City
Event Level Rating: II
Support our Da Nang Chapter and join us for a special AmCham Vietnam-Da Nang Weekend October 23-25!
The weekend will provide opportunities to demonstrate AmCham Vietnam partnership with Da Nang authorities to promote economic recovery and sustainable growth in Central Vietnam. It will also be an opportunity for us and our families to enjoy a wonderful break from Saigon, outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of Da Nang and Hoi An – without the usual crowds!
Our AmCham Vietnam- Da Nang Board meeting will meet Friday over lunch and hopefully have a meeting with Da Nang People’s Committee leadership that afternoon. If you have issues that you think need to be discussed, please contact AmCham Vietnam- HCMC & Da Nang Executive Director Mary Tarnowka (mary.tarnowka@amchamvietnam.com).
That will be followed by complimentary transport to and from Hoi An for a special Connect & Cocktail at the award-winning restaurant and bar, Mango Mango, re-opened especially for us by Vietnamese-American Chef-Owner Duc Tran.
On Saturday, we will provide information on optional activities available, which could include biking and/or kayaking, or possibly a visit to the Son Tra langurs. Sunday, we will have a golf option at the Hoiana, followed by lunch (latter available to non-golfers, too). Of course, you are also free to explore on your own in historic Hoi An, Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge, the Cham Museum in Da Nang, or the beach, casino, and spa at your hotel…
We have very special AmCham member discount rates available at the Hoiana, Sheraton, and Furama!
We hope you will join us for this special Da Nang weekend!! Please send us your registration no later than 5:00pm on October 20, 2020.
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Friday-Saturday, October 23-24
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Oct 23, 6:00pm - Oct 24, 4:30pm, Le Meridien Hotel, 3C Ton Duc Thang, District 1
Event Level Rating: II
Looking to mark Vietnam’s Women’s Day 2020 in a meaningful way?
AmCham, in collaboration with Irene Ohler, a leading voice in women leadership in Vietnam, is proud to host a special SPARK! Women Leadership Program in HCMC on 23-24 October.
The SPARK! program is for all professional women to boost their leadership capacity, build resilience, and to connect to a powerful support network.
For AmCham members and non-members alike, this is a unique opportunity to mark Vietnam Women’s Day in style, by nurturing and investing in your female talent.
Please register in the link below.
Some feedback from participants in our last SPARK! Program in early October:
“I had a great opportunity to learn about Women's Leadership, connect with other inspiring women, and get new energy.”
"I wish SPARK! will attract more and more strong, wonderful women as we had on the last program!"
Let’s do this!
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4:30pm-7:30pm, Dreamplex Tran Quang Khai, 5th Floor, 62 Tran Quang Khai St., Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: II
Before Covid-19, Vietnam experienced a boom in both inbound and domestic tourism. Notably, according to the World Bank, Vietnam was capturing greater share not only of developing Southeast Asia but also of the broader East Asian region. Correlated with this boom, many new businesses, from world-class resorts to innovative technology startups, have arisen here.However, Covid-19 has hit the tourism industry hard and a lot of travel & hospitality companies have been struggling to survive. AmCham’s Innovation in Tourism event aims to stimulate discussion on regional challenges & opportunities for the industry and share stories from exciting Vietnam-based entrepreneurs.
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5:30pm-7:30pm, Le Meridien Hotel, 3C Ton Duc Thang, District 1
Event Level Rating: II
COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill and caused significant disruption to commercial activity. As a result, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat.
Against that backdrop, we would like to invite you to attend our exclusive executive briefing event – to keep you informed about the ongoing pandemic crisis and share views on adapting to change to build a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of the new challenges confronting us.
The topics to be discussed include:
- The Costs: How this pandemic crisis has affected your personal life and business up to this point.
- The Links: The correlation between natural capital conservation and sustainable economic growth.
- The Integration: Incorporating natural capital into the national balance sheet to make better economic decisions and create value for stakeholders.
The discussion panel consists of eminent leaders from various organizations and academia.
Dresscode: Formal
Please confirm your attendance no later than October 20, 2020 with Ms. Nhi Thoi: 0977 092 077 | nhithoi@changevn.org
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4:00pm-5:00pm, New World Hotel Saigon, 76 Le Lai St., Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: II
We would like to invite you to join AmCham 101 – New Member Orientation.
At this new members event, you will learn more from our Executive Director, Mary Tarnowka, about AmCham Vietnam benefits, our mission, and programs to help new members achieve success, and how to get involved in and maximize your investment in AmCham membership. It is also a way to meet other new AmCham Vietnam HCMC members. While this event is designed for new members, we welcome other members on a space available basis. If you can not join this meeting physically, you can still register to join virtually via Zoom.
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6:00pm-8:30pm, Chill Bar, AB Tower, 76 Le Lai St., Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: II
AmCham will continue our monthly informal networking events – AmCham Connect and Cocktails!
AmCham Connect & Cocktails provides an opportunity to meet AmCham members and other professionals in an informal after-work setting over a glass of wine, beer, or a cocktail.
We plan to hold the event in different fun venues and welcome your recommendations — even better if they are, or want to become, AmCham members.
People from all age groups are welcome to attend. There’s no age limit, you just have to be young at heart!
Come and join us for a night of networking and bring your business cards!
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7:30am-12:00pm, Hard Rock Cafe, 39 Le Duan Blvd, Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: II
As exciting as a sporting event, but with much higher stakes! As part of AmCham’s nonpartisan 2020 Election series, please join friends and colleagues to watch the election results live between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
The Hard Rock Cafe in District 1 is opening up exclusively for us – don’t miss this historic event!
And if you are an American citizen, register and VOTE NOW!!
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As cross-border transactions are becoming increasingly common, businesses and individuals are turning to electronic signatures to save time and costs. Instead of waiting for documents to be transported by courier around the globe, the relevant parties can finalise and execute their contract in a matter of seconds. Nevertheless, there are still reservations about their security, effectiveness, and legitimacy. This article aims to demystify electronic signatures under the lens of the law and the technology that make possible and easy e-commerce, contributing to the rise of globalisation in the 21st century.
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At Vietnam HR Awards Gala 2020 – Special Edition, participating attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to listen and learn from real case studies and practical lessons from winning companies about their responsive HR strategies in 2020, particularly in the “new normal” time after Covid-19.
Vietnam HR Awards Gala 2020 with the theme “Win the unplanned” will bring up thought-provoking discussions between representatives of the Government and 10+ top-notch business leaders.
Vietnam HR Awards Gala 2020 will take place on November 25, 2020, at GEM Center, with the key spirit of “3R - Rest, Reset & Rewarded”, promising to bring a completely different experience for attendees.
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In the context of COVID-19, Education New Zealand (ENZ), for the first time, will adopt a new approach for Vietnamese students to discover and experience New Zealand’s world-class education through the virtual NZ Education Showcase, to be held on Sunday, October 18th, 2020. With the online format, visitors can communicate directly with NZ institutions, access a variety of information about study options & scholarships, explore different regions, and engage in real-time New Zealand classroom experiences taught by New Zealand teachers.
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Every Sunday from 2pm to 5pm Café Cardinal’s will host ‘Thé Dansant’ musical extravaganza featuring live classic jazz, swing, big band hits and vintage French chansons.
Chef Luke Nguyen will be serving his expertly crafted canapés along with imported Dammann Frères teas and optional champagne or sparkling wine.
Priced at just VND 548,000++ per person (prices subject to 5% service charge and 10% VAT).
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Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members Only) |
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9:00-10:30 am, AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Saigon, 76 Le Lai Street, Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: II
AGENDA
- Introductions / Housekeeping
- Approval of September Meeting Minutes
- Topic - Investments in Infrastructure in Vietnam
- Speaker: Oliver Behrend, Principal Investment Officer (IFC)
- Energy News Review:
- Review of recently released Official Letter 7088 (Dennis)
- Update on Renewable Energy Policy Development in Vietnam (Linh)
- Notable Upcoming Events (Mary)
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9:00-10:30 am, AmCham Office, Room 323, New World Saigon, 76 Le Lai Street, Dist. 1
Event Level Rating: II
AGENDA
- Welcome and Introduction of committee members
- Organizing event for November on venture capital investment opportunities in Vietnam. To discuss moderator and panelists
- Legal update, in particular cyber security law
- Other updates from AmCham ED
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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