Standard Chartered has become the first bank in Việt Nam to achieve EDGE certification. — Photo courtesy of the bank
Standard Chartered has become the first bank in Việt Nam to achieve the prestigious certification for equity, diversity, and gender equality (EDGE). Achieving the highest LEAD level across all industries, this recognition highlights the bank’s dedication to driving gender equality, equal opportunities, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture in Việt Nam.
Receiving this certification is a clear demonstration of the bank’s commitment to gender equality and more broadly recognises how it continues to build an inclusive culture, not just in Việt Nam, but across the Standard Chartered network, the bank says. It shows transparency in assessing the impact of the Bank’s policies, practices, and programmes, increasing accountability and measurement to help Standard Chartered drive the pace of change in the industry.
In Việt Nam, the bank has in place formal mentoring and development programmes, recruitment process and pay, where male and female employees across its different gender identities are equally valued. The D&I council, led by the country CEO is a key pillar under the People agenda programme that demonstrates senior leadership commitment to driving the agenda and making the bank even more agile, empathetic, resilient, and innovative.
Michele Wee, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, said: “We are proud to be the first financial institution in Việt Nam to be awarded the EDGE LEAD Certification. At Standard Chartered, we promote a strong culture of diversity and inclusion (D&I), reflecting the diversity of our clients and our markets. We remain committed to providing our employees with equal opportunities, working with them to unlock their fullest potential and achieve their ambitions.”
“Currently, women make up 70 per cent of our workforce, 54 per cent of the management team and 41 per cent taking senior positions in the bank. While more can be done to advance the D&I agenda, global recognition like this is testament to the good progress we are making,” said Michele.
Trần Minh Hương, Country Head of Human Resources of Standard Chartered Vietnam said: “It’s a rigid and holistic certification process to achieve EDGE outcome and we are very proud to be certified for the highest EDGE level – LEAD at the first time of our participation in Việt Nam. This achievement reinforces our unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual’s talent is valued and harnessed. We continuously strive to ensure equality and invest in the wellbeing of our workforce, promote empowerment, and aid our employees to passionately engage in assigned duties.” — VNS