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AstraZeneca championing public-private partnerships

February 25, 2021 by www.vir.com.vn

Last year was very taxing for the healthcare sector as the pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health. How has AstraZeneca Vietnam contributed to increasing patient access over the past year?

1532 p12 astrazeneca championing public private partnerships

Nitin Kapoor, chairman and general director of AstraZeneca Vietnam

While it has been a real test to the world, our innovative and patient-centric spirit has helped us not only rise to the unique challenges posed by the pandemic but also ensure that we leave no patients or healthcare professionals behind in this trying time. As we are celebrating Doctors’ Day in Vietnam, I want to thank all the doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff for their tireless efforts to keep us safe.

Globally and in Vietnam, AstraZeneca is committed to ensuring broad and equitable access to our COVID-19 vaccine. We are proud and thankful for the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Drug Administration of Vietnam’s conditional authorisation of our COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca for emergency use. We are partnering with Vietnam Vaccine JSC to deliver 30 million doses of the vaccine to the country, starting from the first half of 2021.

To support Vietnam’s healthcare system when it faced great shortages, last year AstraZeneca donated 400,000 medical masks to the MoH and personal protective equipment to the National Hospital for Tropical Disease. Our contributions to Vietnam’s fight against the pandemic were recognised with the Minister of Health’s Award of Excellence.

In July, our major structural and operational transformation was completed when we became one of the first pharmaceutical multinationals to successfully transition to a foreign-invested enterprise and sign a landmark local distribution partnership. This change has allowed us to better deliver our innovative, high quality medicines to millions of Vietnamese patients.

We have also accelerated our digital transformation, reaching over 80,000 healthcare professionals virtually even during pandemic restrictions and supporting major hospitals in their telehealth and digital healthcare education programmes, all to ensure that patients’ access to healthcare is not disrupted.

Along with the global health crisis, the Vietnamese healthcare sector is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). How important is partnership in easing this in the community?

The increasing healthcare needs and growing NCD burden require that we form robust and comprehensive collaborations in order to achieve better health outcomes for patients. Public-private partnerships also play a vital role as they can contribute diverse and complementary resources towards a mutual goal in a shorter time. AstraZeneca Vietnam’s mission is to reduce NCD burden in Vietnam, and we have been a long-term partner with the government, the MoH, and healthcare institutions to maximise our collective impact.

In our 27-year operations in Vietnam, our most notable sustainability programmes include the Healthy Lung Programme where we partner with the Medical Service Administration and respiratory medical associations to improve outpatient management for asthma, COPD, and lung cancer; and the Young Health Programme through which we work with the MoH and Plan International to reduce NCD risk behaviours amongst young people. In 2018 and 2019, to raise awareness of NCDs and increase their early detection, we also organised two community days in Hanoi where our volunteers provided 1,000 free screenings and consultation sessions.

Reflecting on this past year, what do you think is the biggest lesson from COVID-19, and how can we avoid letting it happen again?

These are tough questions that I’m sure many world leaders have been asking. What we’ve witnessed is how vulnerable the global health system is in the face of crises such as pandemics or natural disasters. COVID-19 has really highlighted the importance of early detection of diseases, disaster contingency plans and preparedness, trust in science, transparent and decisive leadership, and cross-border and cross-sectoral partnership.

The Vietnamese government and the MoH have demonstrated the best practice in pandemic response – leading the country effectively through the pandemic and protecting lives, while maintaining remarkable economic growth.

As crises will continue to happen in the future whether we like it or not, it’s vital that we increase healthcare systems’ sustainability and resilience so that they are resistant to whatever comes in their way. AstraZeneca Vietnam is contributing our part via two programmes – one is the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience with the World Economic Forum, London School of Economics, and Vietnam’s Health Strategy and Policy Institute to generate insights on how Vietnam’s healthcare system can be strengthened. The other one is Green Energy for Health, where we donate solar energy systems to local healthcare stations in disadvantaged areas, allowing them to save costs and improve energy supply stability.

By Bich Thuy

Long jumper Trọng aims to complete eight-metre promise

February 26, 2021 by vietnamnews.vn

Long jumper Nguyễn Tiến Trọng sets up a new record of 7.98m at the National Athletics Championships in 2019 in HCM City. Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Tiến Trọng

By Thanh Hà

“It is two centimetres.

“Just only two centimetres.

“I will make two centimetres this jump.”

Nguyễn Tiến Trọng thinks about this tiny distance every day in training.

If the long jumper can add the small distance to his personal best, he will become the first Vietnamese athlete to jump 8m and prove he belongs on the world stage.

National record holder

Born in 1997 in Cẩm Giàng District, Hải Dương Province, Trọng was taller and bigger than any of his friends at school.

He was chosen to take part in the provincial track-and-field competitions where he caught the eyes of the Military team’s scouts. He became an athlete when he was 13.

“I am the only one in the family as well as the district pursuing sport. So I think it is a fate that I am ‘engaged’ with athletics,” Trọng told Việt Nam News .

“My height was an advantage when I participated in different school events. I was offered to join basketball and martial arts clubs but athletics is my true love.

“I was only six when I watched the Việt Nam 22nd SEA Games on TV. I had no idea what ‘glory’ meant at that time but was strongly impressed with the way the track-and-field winners were honoured. They received big claps and huge encouragement after winning. It obsessed me. It was the reason why I agreed to join the Military team when invited immediately,” he recalled.

“Coaches had to persuade my parents a lot to let me go, saying that I had potential if I was trained professionally. They seemed okay with some doubts but now they have become my biggest supporters,” he said.

After nearly nine years of training, Trọng has proved his talent.

The man, who was born in the Year of the Buffalo, dominated national underage tournaments and set a record of 7.71m in the long jump before conquering the senior championships since 2016.

He has collected titles from international competitions including open events in Thailand and HCM City in 2019.

Among medals, his most memorable one is the gold at the fifth Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

“Athletes from 44 countries came for titles. As a freshman in international events, I thought I would have no chance for the top three because it was Asia and all the jumpers were strong.

“Competing with no pressure, my leaps after three attempts were better than everyone including title favourites Chan Ming Tai (Hong Kong) and Amila Wijayalath Pedige (Sri Lanka). After the last jump, I was named the winner. It was a great feeling that I still shake when I think about,” he said.

At the 2019 national championship, Trọng confirmed his reign of the national men’s long jump pit with a leap of 7.98m, a new Vietnamese record.

“He is on the cusp of the eight-metre club that not too many athletes can do in the world. His jump is history, challenging the next generation,” said Dương Đức Thủy, head of the Athletics Department of the National Sports Administration.

Thủy was happy with Trọng’s result but reminded him: “You still owe me 2cm. Do what you have to do”.

“It is a little pressure for me,” said Trọng who promised to jump 8m to Thủy during an event in 2018. “It is not an easy tiny gap but I feel I can do better. I consider it a target to reach.”

SEA Games in sight

Long jumper Nguyễn Tiến Trọng competes to defend his title at the National Athletics Championships in 2020 in Hà Nội. Photo toquoc.vn

Trọng was expected to complete his target at the 2020 championship in Hà Nội last November.

However, he could only defend his crown with a humble jump of 7.58m.

“I also believed that I could do it. But a leg injury occurred just 10 days ahead of the tournament that prevented me from jumping my best,” he said.

“I have to try harder this year,” said Trọng referring to local tournaments as well as the 31st SEA Games in winter in Hà Nội.

It will be the third Games of the young lieutenant who has recorded poor results in previous tournaments despite being seeded.

At the 2017 event, he finished fifth and two years later he also could not join the top three despite just setting a national record.

“I was inexperienced at the first Games while I was not at my peak in the second one after competing in an international tournament for soldiers,” he explained.

Trọng is one of the athletes tipped to win gold for Việt Nam at the coming Games on home turf as his current results are similar to the top three of the Manila event two years ago.

“My coaches and I are working hard to improve and sustain my ability at a high level. The eight-metre distance is the first step and then I have to do better so that I could set my sights on continental events,” he said.

“I do not set a specific target which will make me tired and nervous but I do not want the gold medal to leave Việt Nam this year,” he said.

“I am trying hard every day to be the second Vietnamese male long jump gold medalist in history.”

Việt Nam have won only one SEA Games gold medal in men’s long jump to date. The first went to Bùi Văn Đông who triumphed in 2017. VNS

Vietnam’s economy to be Southeast Asia’s growth leader in 2021: Nikkei

February 24, 2021 by en.nhandan.org.vn

In its article, the leading financial newspaper of Japanese media giants Nikkei Inc., said Vietnam is targeting a growth rate of 6.5% this year.

The agency stated Vietnam’s exports will likely continue to be supported by US tariffs on Chinese goods and that in order to avoid US tariffs, importers have shifted demand from China to alternative suppliers, with this trend likely to continue.

According to the agency, before the pandemic, Southeast Asia achieved collective annual growth of about 5% for many years, making it one of the world’s best-performing regions.

The region also became an attractive investment destination, with a relatively young population driving demand and providing plenty of labour. These advantages remain in place, but first the region needs to stamp out COVID-19.

Nikkei also reported that Southeast Asian economies are aiming to this year regain the growth momentum they had before the COVID-19 pandemic caused historic declines in 2020. A look at early forecasts around the region, however, shows a wide range of scenarios as risk continues to lurk.

The agency said that Singapore hopes to achieve its forecast of gross domestic product growth of 4% to 6% for 2021, Indonesia expects GDP to grow by between 4.5% and 5.5% this year, the Philippines projects a growth range of 6.5% to 7.5%, while Thailand has lowered its targets, revising its 2021 forecast down to between 2.5% to 3.5% growth.

Hanoi launches city decoration and lighting campaign

February 25, 2021 by vietnamnet.vn

A campaign seeking ideas for Hanoi’s street decoration and lighting for this year has been launched by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports.

Hanoi launches city decoration and lighting campaign

Children and their parents play at Ly Thai To Square in Hoan Kiem Lake. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoang Hieu

According to the organisers, the campaign aims to create a joyful and exciting atmosphere for citizens on national holidays and major anniversaries of the nation, in addition to aiding the political and decorative tasks of the city.

It is also set to contribute to preserving and promoting the national cultural identity and typical values of Hanoi as a thousand-year-old capital, creative city and city for peace, as well as meet the increasing demands of cultural enjoyment of citizens.

Themed ‘Hanoi — Creative City’ and ‘Hanoi Congratulates the Party and Celebrates a New Spring’, designs must be of high aesthetic, suitable to surrounding landscape, lightning systems and architecture. They are also expected to contain elements of creativity and follow modern decoration trends.

Entries with the use of new technologies, appropriate materials, elegant colours and safety insurance will be prioritised.

The winning designs will be used for decoration of major streets in Hanoi’s downtown such as Trang Tien, Trang Thi, Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung, Ly Thuong Kiet and Tran Hung Dao, among others, at the celebration of the new year of 2022.

The contest is open for contestants of any nationality who can submit unlimited designing plans for various places, provided that they comply with copyright protection law.

Trang Tien Street is among those in Hanoi to be decorated with designs submitted to the city decoration and lighting campaign 2021. — Photo kinhtedothi.vn

The works qualified for the competition must be those which have not been submitted to other contests or introduced to the public in any form.

One special prize, one first prize, two-second prizes, third prizes and five consolation prizes will be given to the best entries.

The submitted designs for street decoration and lighting must be drawn on the A4-sized paper, and then sent to Hanoi’s Department of Culture and Sports at 47 Hang Dau Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, from August 24 to 31. VNS

US companies continue to see tremendous investment opportunities in Vietnam

July 11, 2020 by hanoitimes.vn

The Hanoitimes – On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the US-Vietnam diplomatic relations, US companies shared with Hanoitimes their expectations about opportunities for their investment expansions in Vietnam.

Dr. Mason Cobb, chairman of Victoria Healthcare International Clinics

After Vietnam achieved the middle income status and ODA decreased, the Vietnamese government became more accommodating for investment and that continues to this day.

Dr. Mason Cobb, chairman of Victoria Healthcare International Clinics

However, it is still not a truly level playing field with local companies. The attitude and perception, and spirit of cooperation has become much warmer and more understanding than during that difficult middle period.

More importantly, the company’s mission in healthcare as primarily helping Vietnam build a world-class healthcare system. To that end, the company brings Vietnamese to the US and bring educational and other assets to Vietnam to help increase understanding and skills.

AmCham Healthcare Committee Mission has stated: “We are a key strategic partner for promoting health and wellness and shaping the healthcare industry in Vietnam.”

Regarding the healthcare sector, I think there are still regulatory hurdles that could dampen investment atmosphere. For example, the Ministry of Health has proposed that all foreign doctors must speak fluent Vietnamese. In effect, there would be an exodus of international healthcare and its standards. This will inhibit achieving a truly international standard for healthcare here by essentially expelling international influences.

Vietnam is quite unique in its “healthcare consumer”: several attempts from highly developed countries have floundered for not understanding the Vietnamese patient’s unique perceptions. In the best of conditions this must be carefully considered by foreign healthcare investors.

Vietnam has shown itself to be best in the world at handling the Covid-19 pandemic. This has spawned a motivation to make the Vietnamese healthcare system world-class. Individual patient healthcare is quite different, however, and Vietnam will at once be both motivated but headstrong with a tendency to both court foreign investment and discount their contribution.

In fact, continuing a cooperative and supportive relationship with the international medical community is the shortest and surest path to the goal of world-class healthcare.

Decreasing the regulatory burden and reinforcing fair application of rules. Easy access to decision makers in the Vietnamese government is also key.

We will continue to grow and develop our reach and technical skills. We will also invest in human capital with input from the US. We can really contribute to healthcare in Vietnam through a more integrated system, incorporating retail pharmacy, insurance, education, and patient care as a seamless system that is both very efficient and patient-friendly.

Nguyen Ba Luan, country president of Cargill Vietnam

The Vietnamese government should be commended for transforming the country over many years from a centrally planned into a market economy. This transformation has dramatically increased US foreign investment in Vietnam.

Nguyen Ba Luan, country president of Cargill Vietnam

The approach by the Vietnamese government to attract foreign investment and encourage open and free global trade has benefitted the Vietnamese economy and its agricultural and food sector. It has enabled more foreign investment and Cargill has invested heavily in Vietnam since 1995, after the significant event of the normalization of the diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and the US.

The transformation of Vietnam economy by the government has enabled Cargill to grow its business significantly in the country over the past 25 years and now has over 1,500 employees working across 23 locations. Cargill remains committed to conducting its business in the country with the highest level of integrity, accountability and responsibility.

US companies in Vietnam, who can demonstrate social tangible benefits by not only growing the Vietnamese economy but have a strong local Corporate Social Responsibility program improve the relationship between the two countries.

Cargill also enhanced diplomacy between the two countries by acting as a conduction between the US and Vietnam agricultural and food sector by bringing best practices to the Vietnamese sector and working through two-way trade issues as they arise.

While the Vietnamese government is to be congratulated for its on-going efforts in attracting foreign investment, further supporting incentives in the form of tax schemes will encourage more foreign investment.

Further reform of its legal framework relating to business and foreign investment is encouraged and the continuation of aligning the country with international food, export and import standards and practices will give US companies more confidence to grow and invest in Vietnam.

The continuation of building an advanced and integrated transport infrastructure will not only greatly improve the Vietnamese economy but will attract further investment from US companies especially in the Food & Agricultural sector.

Further alignment of policies with international standards, expansion of tax investment schemes and improvements to legal business framework and regulations and policies will go a long way in making Vietnam a for attractive destination for US companies looking to invest.

Also, continuation of dialogue between the Vietnamese government and US companies in Vietnam on policy reform, global best practices and any regulation, legal or policy obstacles will continue to attract further foreign investment by US companies.

Vietnam is important to Cargill globally. We continue to see tremendous opportunity in Vietnam and we intend to keep investing in and growing our business here, both in terms of capacity and capabilities, talents and communities as we fulfill our purpose of nourishing the world.

Ericsson named a Leader in 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for 5G network infrastructure

February 25, 2021 by www.vir.com.vn

Ericsson has been recognised as a Leader in 5G network infrastructure

Ericsson’s Leaders quadrant recognition in the February 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant for 5G Network Infrastructure for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) report recognises the company’s Leader position in both completeness of vision and ability to execute.

Vendors offering 5G solutions for communications service providers were comprehensively and independently assessed and evaluated by Gartner experts on their completeness of vision and ability to execute to provide a market snapshot on 5G infrastructure abilities.

End-to-end 5G network infrastructure vendors were evaluated on how they enable IT provider performance to be competitive, efficient, and effective and to positively impact revenue, retention, and reputation within Gartner’s view of the market. The assessment of ability to execute included Ericsson’s products and services, Market Responsiveness and Track Record, Marketing Execution, Customer Experience, and Overall Viability.

Fredrik Jejdling, executive vice president and head of Networks, Ericsson, said: “From research to rollout, we have invested heavily in 5G to ensure we have the best products, skills, and field personnel to meet our customers’ needs. We believe that recognition as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant from Gartner reflects our technology leadership, market competitiveness, determination to innovate, and commitment to our customers.”

Gartner Magic Quadrant for 5G network infrastructure for communications service providers

Ericsson, as an industry leader in 5G networks, currently has more than 130 commercial 5G agreements with unique CSPs and powers 79 live 5G networks across the globe.

Ericsson continuously evolves its end-to-end 5G offerings, which include Ericsson Radio System, 5G Core, Orchestration and 5G Transport, as well as professional services. The company has introduced innovative software solutions such as Ericsson Spectrum Sharing, 5G carrier aggregation, and Uplink Booster, which significantly improve coverage, user throughput, and spectral efficiency.

These solutions support service providers in deploying and evolving 5G to ensure the best end-user experience. In addition, Ericsson Radio System products delivered since 2015 can support 5G New Radio (NR) capability through remote software installation.

Ericsson Digital Services offers a dual-mode 5G Core solution for smarter networks to drive smarter business, allowing communications service providers to offer a multitude of new business opportunities for mobile users and industries.

Ericsson’s 5G Core solution combines an Evolved Packet Core and 5G Core network functions into a common cloud-native platform that supports 5G NR Standalone and Non-standalone, plus 4G, 3G, and 2G.

Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business. It is designed to help the customers go digital, increase efficiency, and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York.

By Ericsson