Microsoft Viet Nam was honoured for its community dedication by AmCham CSR Recognition 2016 at annual meeting event AmCham.

This is second consecutive year Microsoft received the prestigious award by AmCham, which recognized Microsoft’s commitment to transparency, good governance, sustainable business practices and serving the community, providing an inspiring model for others to follow in Viet Nam, especially in empowering Vietnamese people and organizations to achieve and create more.

Following nearly 20 years of operation, Microsoft Viet Nam has not only affirmed its position in promoting and developing the ICT sector but also contributes to the country's economic and social development through a variety of programmes, such as solid infrastructure construction, education projects, entrepreneurship supports, skill training and enhancing the quality of human resources.

Microsoft Việt Nam has invested US$80 million in Viet Nam, donated software, provided free services and granted more than $13 million to roughly 200 non-profit organizations across the country. Microsoft has also actively contributed towards enhancing ICT applications for non-profit organizations aimed at increasing work efficiency and contributing to better support of the community.

One of the special investment programmes of Microsoft in Viet Nam is the Youthspark initiative. The three-year (2015-18) programme is aimed at enabling Viet Nam’s youth gain access to CS and ICT, through free classes, internship programmes and connections forums. Microsoft’s Youthspark has created opportunities for more than 100 thousand Vietnamese youth to gain ICT and CS knowledge to develop appropriate soft skills for learning and working in modern society.

This helps improve young people’s capacity, increasing their chances for success while looking for a job and in entrepreneurship. It is expected that in the next two years, through cooperation with relevant ministries, other sectors and partners, such as Vietnet-ICT, VCCI, Kenan, CED, REACH and other NGOs, the Youthspark programme will be expanded and will increase the accessibility of young people across the country.

Speaking at the event, Vu Minh Tri, general director of Microsoft Viet Nam, said: “Microsoft’s long-term commitment to Viet Nam is empowering Vietnamese people and organizations to achieve more, especially disadvantaged areas in remote region. The award will certainly be motivation for Microsoft to continue its mission to strongly contribute to the sustainable development of Viet Nam.”

In addition, Microsoft has also supported startups and small and medium sized enterprises. Microsoft Bizspark successfully supported 194 startups. Together with VCCI, Microsoft assisted more than 2,000 SMEs. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Training, Microsoft’s Education programme reached some 63,000 teachers nationwide. Microsoft employees are also encouraged to spend time undertaking community activities. This year, Microsoft employees volunteered, spending time and providing material support to over 1,600 orphans and disadvantaged children in Viet Nam. — VNS