AmCham Vietnam Weekly Update -
41st Week of 2020 - October 11th, 2020
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Executive Director Update |
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Colleagues,
I hope you are doing well. I apologize in advance of a slow in responding to emails or texts. I am taking advantage of the ISHCMC school holiday to enjoy a few days holiday with my teenage daughter - who is not pleased that her mother selected an ecolodge without wifi in rooms...
I am looking forward to returning to Saigon for the exciting October 15 launch of our Environment, Social, and Governance Committee. Come join us to learn more about what ESG is and why it matters - to your business and to sustainable development!
Message from AmCham Vietnam-Da Nang Vice Chair Chris Vanloon: ‘Greetings from Da Nang! I hope that you all had a great week and that you’ve seen our October schedule. From the 23rd through the 25th we will be organizing a series of premiere events for members and potential members alike. Starting in the evening of the 23rd we will be traveling in mini van’s stocked with champagne from Indochina Tower to our signature Connect & Cocktail reception at Mango Mango in Hoi An, hosted by the owner Mr. Duc. Live music, food, wine and lucky draw prizes all provided complimentary for those who attend. We conclude the weekend on the 25th with our 18 hole golf tournament and lunch at Hoiana, whose course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. See more information and registration details below. Hope to see you all there!’
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Upcoming Events
We regret to inform you that the Vietnam Business Forum which was planned to take place on October 13 in Hanoi was delayed until further notice due to an unexpected change in the Prime Minister's busy schedule. Lots of political jockeying in Hanoi... The VBF Team is working actively with the Government on the new date and will keep us posted with the newest updates on the Annual VBF 2020.
Don’t miss our events in October:
AmCham 2020 Board of Governor election: The 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. There are 10 positions open on the Board. 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 Sunday, October 18, 2020. 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 23 Presidential debate watch event but you can watch it at Flying Pig Saigon (on the morning of Sat, Oct 24, 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 to watch the results of the November 3 U.S. Presidential election. Don't miss it!
U.S. citizens can submit their ballots at the 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/.
Recent Events
We enjoyed an inspiring and empowering session on Leadership with Purpose with Executive Coach, Author, and Storyteller Irene Öhler, an AmCham Women in Leadership event! Celebrate Vietnam Women’s Day and invest in yourself or members of your team for the SPARK! Women Leadership Program October 23-24, also facilitated by Irene Ohler!!
View our photo album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmRhWmGH (Photo credit to Ly My Ho)
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We held our AmCham Vice Presidential Debate watch at the elegant Mia Boutique Saigon hotel in D2. There was a more civilized and substantive discussion of issues at the VP debate between Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Kamala Harris, even if the responses were not always relevant to the questions posed and one of the candidates continually talked over the other and the moderator, albeit far more politely than the running mate... Moderator USA Today’s Susan Page struggled to maintain control, but there was far more decorum than in last week’s Presidential debate. Thanks to those who joined us for the AmCham debate watch at the Mia Saigon!
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We were pleased to welcome Consul General Damour and her team members, plus our new AmCham members, at our Members Night and Meet the US Consulate General Team on October 8. Plenty of networking opportunities!.
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Honored to witness (virtually) the signing of the MOU to establish a U.S.-Vietnam Business Council, signed by VCCI President and Chairman Vu Tien Loc, AmCham Hanoi Chair Ginny Foote, and AmCham Vietnam-HCMC & Da Nang Chairman Chad Ovel in Hanoi during Friday's U.S.-Vietnam Business Summit organized by AmCham Hanoi with the U.S. Chamber and VCCI. In his remarks, Dr. Loc expressed interest in holding the first meeting of the Council before year-end and working together to strengthen the economic partnership and remove barriers to trade and investment. Lots of inspiring speakers, including Ambassadors Dan Kritenbrink and Ha Kim Ngoc, former Secretary of State John Kerry, and Cindy McCain, celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations and looking forward to the next 25 years and beyond. |
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Several of us also enjoyed celebrations of the 244th anniversary of U.S. Independence (a little bit late) and 25 years of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations, either in HCMC in a group of about 50 with Consul General Marie Damour or in small groups in Hanoi, hosted by Ambassador Dan Kritenbrink. I was honored to be invited but it did feel a little odd to be in my former residence. But it was wonderful to see old friends - and my former garden... |
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Listened to an interesting livestream discussion yesterday hosted by Fulbright University Vietnam, “Beijing’s Expanding Shadow: Choices for Vietnam” with author and scholar Dr. Murray Hiebert, former ambassador to the U.S. Pham Quang Vinh, and Dr. Le Hong Hiep, Fellow at ISEAS. Recorded version at the link.
I am currently taking advantage of the ISHCMC vacation and our freedoms in Vietnam, outside Sapa...
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President Trump appears to be making an impressive recovery from COVID-19, thanks in part to access to state-of-the art treatment and medical care. But COVID continues to spread throughout the White House and United States generally.
Here in Vietnam, a case this week of a Japanese national testing positive after arrival from Haiphong caused concern about potential detected community spread in Vietnam. But, so far, despite contact tracing and testing, no additional cases have been detected.
Dr. Mason Cobb advises, "Despite our freedoms in Vietnam, it is important to remember we are in the midst of a global pandemic. Maintain good hand washing hygiene, avoid shaking hands, social distance when possible, and wear masks when possible in crowded places. And try to stay healthy - get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. Also, don't forget to get your flu shots and annual exams, even if you usually do them back in the States or in Bangkok or Singapore. There are many good clinics and doctors here in Saigon, and your health matters!"
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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Dear Participants,
It is our deep regret to inform you that, due to an unexpected change in the Prime Minister’s busy schedule, the Annual Vietnam Business Forum 2020 – which was originally planned on the morning of 13th October 2020 at Lotte Hanoi Hotel – will be delayed till the further notice.
Please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. To those who have made payment of the participation fee, we will be issuing full refund in the coming days.
We are working actively with the Government on the new date matching both sides and will keep you posted with the newest updates on the Annual VBF 2020.
We thank you very much for your understanding for this short notice and look forward to your continued support to the VBF.
Sincerely,
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4:00pm-6:30pm, The Reverie Saigon, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard & 57-69F Dong Khoi Street, District 1
Event Level Rating: II
Over the past few years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria have become an integral part of a sustainable company’s assessment of its investment and growth.
ESG criteria are used to measure and track how a company’s operations affect, positively and negatively, the well-being of its environment, employees, suppliers, customers, and community. How a company applies ESG criteria increasingly defines its approach to leadership, management, and compliance.
In Vietnam, interest in ESG standards and their impact on growth is increasing in both the public and private sectors. The holistic integration of ESG criteria into most companies’ strategies is still at an early stage.
With this in mind, AmCham has created the new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee. The ESG Committee will play a role in identifying Vietnamese and global ESG standards and best practice, in promoting ESG standards locally, and in assisting AmCham members to achieve their sustainable development objectives in Vietnam.
The ESG Committee’s kickoff event is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2020.
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8:00am-4:00pm, New World Hotel Saigon, 76 Le Lai St., District 1
Event Level Rating: II
Vietnam is increasingly being considered as an attractive destination for investment, as MNCs look to decrease their reliance on China and diversify their global supply chains to ensure resilience and market connectivity. Vietnam offers: a strategic geographic location; a globally integrated economy with a network of free trade agreements; a young, tech-savvy work-force; a stable government; and a welcoming approach to Foreign Direct Investment. Its leaders have done an impressive job of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing much of its economy to operate continuously throughout the year with minimal restrictions, and enabling Vietnam a headstart on its economic recovery. Not only is Vietnam one of the fastest growing economies in the region and the world and an exporting powerhouse. With a population of about 97 million, Vietnam also offers an attractive domestic market with a rapidly-growing middle class.
Join AmCham Vietnam Supplier Day 2020 in person or virtually to learn more from expert panelists about: Vietnam as a Destination for Supply Chain Diversification and Resiliency; and Developing Local Supply Chains in Vietnam. Continue discussions with potential partners and view physical exhibits at a networking lunch. Increase your potential to become a partner or supplier to a Foreign Invested Enterprise through our capacity-building virtual workshop.
Showcase your capabilities or requirements in our virtual exhibition. Become a Sponsor to highlight your brand and offer virtual and physical exhibits!
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8:00am-10:30am, New World Hotel Saigon, 76 Le Lai St., District 1
Event Level Rating: II
- 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
We would like to invite you to join us for a special AmCham Vietnam -Da Nang Weekend October 23-25. The weekend will provide opportunities to demonstrate AmCham Vietnam interest in partnering 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 trip to My Son, or possibly a visit to Rehahn museum and gallery, and dinner at Streets. 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 will 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!! For our planning purpose, please register no later than Monday, Oct 19.
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Friday-Saturday, October 23-24
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Oct 23, 6:00pm - Oct 24, 4:30pm, M Hotel SaiGon, 39 Ton That Thiep St, Dist 1
Event Level Rating: II
This SPARK! Program is a special opportunity for all professional women in Ho Chi Minh City to:
- BOOST your leadership capacity,
- CONNECT with your leadership purpose
- GAIN insights into your leadership strengths, capacities and areas for growth
- BUILD resilience, and
- CREATE a powerful support network of women.
Who should attend?
- All professional women who want to boost their leadership capacity
- SPARK! provides companies with the opportunity to nurture their female talent, especially around 20 October, Vietnam’s Women’s Day.
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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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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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Negligence in Enterprise Management has incidentally become a prevalent legal issue amongst corporations, state agencies, and their associated personnel. With the rise in cases pertaining to negligence in recent years, the need to understand its legal conditions is more imperative than ever. Using two real cases from the past three years, this article aims to unravel the intricacy of the legislature to help readers obtain the clearest understanding of the legal mechanisms both in theory and in practice.
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This article discusses steps to mitigate risks caused by a legal representative’s malign or imprudent act. Many of the steps are simple. Most steps involve internal corporate management. The article is a good practical guide to steps companies can take, regardless of their size or business sector.
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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.
The Awards is organized by The Labour & Social Affairs newspaper & Talentnet Corporation, with the sponsorship of SeaBank, AA Corporation, Phúc Khang, Adamos, KMS Solutions, VinaCapital and Minh Long.
The tickets are now on sales with early bird price at VND 6,500,000/ticket for payment before October 20, 2020. For group buying from 3 tickets up, the price would be at VND 6,000,000/ ticket (discount 25% on standard price VND 8,000,000).
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Committee Meetings & Activities (For AmCham Members Only) |
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2:00-4:00 pm, Baker & McKenzie (Vietnam) Ltd, 12th Floor, Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan Street, D.1
Event Level Rating: III
- Welcome and Introduction of new committee members
- Activity Review in Quarter 3 and Plan for Quarter 4
- Topic sharing: The importance of media and key stakeholders in advocacy
- Finance and member contribution update
- New Highlights on Draft of new decree on labor and cybersecurity law
- Discussion
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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: III
Agenda to be updated.
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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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