SCG Fostering Change-makers for Sustainable Development

"SCG places great importance on providing opportunities for the youth in Vietnam. We tirelessly seek opportunities to accompany and support these individuals on their journey toward quality education and a promising future, empowering them to become change-makers in their communities and pay forward their dreams. We believe that investing in the education of these talented individuals will not only benefit them but also contribute to the overall development of Vietnam. Together, we can create a generation of change-makers who will lead the way toward a sustainable and prosperous future," said Mr. Praween Wirotpan, General Director of SCG Vietnam.

SCG receives the certificate of appreciation for their dedication to the cause of education in Vietnam 

Recently, SCG, in collaboration with the Central Youth Union, Central Council of Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers’ Organization, and HCMC Student Assistant Center (SAC), announced the successful distribution of the SCG Sharing The Dream scholarships to 100 university students and 100 pupils throughout Vietnam.

Now in its 16th year, the program boasts a total budget of up to VND2.7 billion, encompassing both the value of the scholarships and individual development activities designed to cultivate global citizens. The SCG Sharing The Dream Scholarship program is committed to fostering and empowering these young individuals as agents of change. It provides them with opportunities to chase their dreams and gain knowledge in sustainable development, ultimately molding them into the Steady-Sustainable Generation. This scholarship program stands as a testament to SCG’s unwavering commitment to the ESG 4 Plus strategy. It underscores SCG’s dedication to mitigating social inequality through the power of education.

Within the span of 3 months, the SCG Sharing The Dream Scholarship program attracted an overwhelming response, with over 600 applications received from all around the country. This scholarship has been a steadfast companion for numerous generations of Vietnamese students, offering financial support that enables young individuals to take confident strides forward, surmount challenges, and seize new opportunities. The program not only provides financial aid but also facilitates ESG training activities, fostering creative thinking among the youth and empowering them to contribute their abilities to the nation's sustainability. The SCG Sharing The Dream Scholarship program recently celebrated the achievements of the scholars with two award ceremonies held on 13th December in Hanoi and 19th December in Ho Chi Minh City.

"At SCG, we are deeply committed to our ESG 4 Plus strategy, with the direction to reduce inequality via education. SCG places great importance on providing opportunities for the youth in Vietnam. The stories of these 100 university students and 100 pupils have truly inspired us and reaffirmed our dedication to empowering them. We tirelessly seek opportunities to accompany and support these individuals on their journey towards quality education and a promising future, empowering them to become change-makers in their communities and pay forward their dreams. We believe that investing in the education of these talented individuals will not only benefit them but also contribute to the overall development of Vietnam. Together, we can create a generation of change-makers who will lead the way toward a sustainable and prosperous future," said Mr. Praween Wirotpan, General Director of SCG Vietnam.

"On the journey to pursue the dreams of young individuals, not everyone has the desired conditions and circumstances to fully unleash their abilities and talents. It is for this reason that the Central Youth Union, Central Council of Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers’ Organization, as well as other organizations and businesses, always show concern and provide support to ensure equal access to education and knowledge for these young individuals, enabling them to fulfill their dreams. When they achieve their own dreams, I hope they will continue to spread and assist other young people, contributing together to the development of the Vietnamese youth generation as well as the country. We are deeply grateful to the SCG for their dedication to the cause of education in Vietnam. We hope to continue to collaborate with SCG in future meaningful programs," said Mr. Le Hai Long, Head of the Central Youth Union's Children's Affairs Committee and Deputy of the Central Council of Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers’ Organization.

With the objective of nurturing scholars to become global citizens who contribute to the sustainability of the country, the SCG Sharing The Dream Scholarship also organized a series of ESG activities. Through online and offline training, video lectures, and factory tours to SCG companies, such as PRIME Group and Vina Kraft Paper Co., Ltd (VKPC), students learned about sustainable business practices. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, students also collaborated with specialists to create ESG projects, like the Environmental Cabinet, focusing on waste collection and recycling within their university. These activities equipped scholars with practical knowledge and inspired them to have a positive influence on their community.

SCG Sharing The Dream Award ceremony in Hanoi on Dec 13, 2023

The SCG Sharing The Dream scholarship also created a challenge to seek out two young outstanding scholars, Trong Tinh and Cam Ly to become SCG's ESG Ambassador 2023, participating in the regional ESG Symposium. During his tenure as a senior at Can Tho University, Nguyen Trong Tinh demonstrated a strong commitment to both academics and community service. He served as a coordinator and volunteer for various initiatives, including School Entrance Support programs, Spring Volunteer, and outreach trips for orphanages. Tinh, along with his team, developed a keen interest in the Semi-autonomous Prosthetic Finger project, a venture aimed at assisting the less fortunate. On the other hand, Nguyen Thi Cam Ly, a final-year student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, believed in a holistic approach to life, which she defines as a day filled with three meals of love: self-love, love for others, and love for the environment. Inspired by this philosophy, Ly conceptualized a project involving seven mobile library models. The primary objective of this project is to encourage 100% of the children in SOS Village to cultivate a reading habit and promote a culture of literacy. Furthermore, the project is designed to foster environmental awareness among children.

Besides Tinh and Ly, among the recipients of the SCG Sharing The Dream 2023 scholarships, Huynh Ngoc Hieu, Do Hai Anh and Ngo Gia Thao stand out as exemplary representatives, recognized for their remarkable journeys and dedication to making a difference.

Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the significance of the SCG Sharing The Dream scholarship in supporting and empowering exceptional individuals who strive to create meaningful change.

As part of the scholarship, the students received valuable gifts, notably a specially designed backpack produced in collaboration between SCG and Limloop - The First Store chain in Vietnam that focuses on Zero Waste and Disability Empowerment. This meaningful gift is crafted from recycled nylon, showcasing the commitment to sustainability. Notably, Minh Thu, an alumnus of the SCG Sharing The Dream scholarship in 2016, defied expectations and became the store's sales manager despite having an eye handicap. This inspiring achievement delivers a powerful message that sustainable development is attainable by anyone, regardless of their circumstances.

In its 16th year, the SCG Sharing The Dream Scholarship program has successfully fostered the growth of a generation of change-makers in Vietnam. SCG's partnership with the Central Committee of Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Central Council of Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers' Organization and the Ho Chi Minh Student Assistance Center demonstrates their joint commitment to empowering young talents and building a sustainable future. The scholarships not only provide financial support but also inspire and equip the recipients with the necessary knowledge and skills to become leaders in sustainable development.

By Van Luong, Vietnam Business Forum