Recently, Survival Skills Vietnam (SSVN) was honored to receive the Pioneering SME award as part of the Promoting Connection and Cooperation between Businesses supported by SIB.
This award is not only a testament to SSVN’s remarkable growth but also marks the beginning of a new chapter for sustainable collaboration between businesses and organizations in the post-COVID-19 recovery context.
Mr. Ho Thai Binh, Director of Survival Skills Vietnam (SSVN) (center, from left), received the award at the event. Photo: SSVN .
This program is part of the ISEE-COVID project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Agency for Enterprise Development (under the Ministry of Planning and Investment). It is a significant effort to support the recovery and growth of the SIB ecosystem after the pandemic, expand business operations, and lay the foundation for strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, all with the common goal of promoting sustainable development.
Affirming the role of social impact enterprises
At the awards ceremony, Mr. Bui Tuan Anh, General Director of the Agency for Enterprise Development, emphasized that social impact enterprises are an essential component in achieving Vietnam’s sustainable development goals. These organizations not only contribute to economic growth but also play a crucial role in job creation and providing products and services to vulnerable groups in society. “In the pursuit of Vietnam’s sustainable development goals, social impact enterprises are key players. They contribute to economic development while also making a positive impact on society and the environment by creating jobs and delivering products and services to vulnerable groups.”
Mr. Tuan stated that SSVN’s efforts in developing life and survival skills not only improve individual well-being but also contribute to community restructuring and sustainable development. Therefore, enterprises like SSVN are actively fulfilling their mission, helping to restore livelihoods and create a broader positive impact on society.
International support for enterprises
The UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, Ms. Ramla Khalidi, emphasized that these achievements not only represent the restoration of livelihoods but also mark a significant step in empowering communities and addressing environmental challenges. “These accomplishments clearly reflect the spirit of social impact enterprises: a commitment to profit alongside meaningful purpose,” Ms. Khalidi affirmed.
The award received by SSVN serves as a powerful motivation for other enterprises to engage in sustainable development. These successes are not merely the result of individual or organizational efforts but stem from the collaboration and mutual support of key stakeholders, including the government, international organizations, and the business community.
A prosperous and sustainable future
The Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Shawn Steil, also highlighted the importance of social impact enterprises. He stated that these businesses are not only key players in generating profit but also in addressing broader societal goals. “The solutions to the challenges faced by communities and nations lie in entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to make our communities better,” Mr. Steil emphasized.
With support from the Vietnamese Government, UNDP, and the Government of Canada, Mr. Steil expressed his pride in backing social impact enterprises in Vietnam, working toward a prosperous and sustainable future. This is not just a call to action but also a commitment from all stakeholders to realize sustainable values across all aspects of life.
Pioneering SME Award: A testament to the integration of business goals and social responsibility
In the context of a global economy facing numerous challenges, especially the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has become more crucial than ever. The Pioneering SME award that SSVN has received is not only a recognition of excellence in business operations but also a vivid testament to the integration of business goals and social responsibility.
As a first aid training enterprise, SSVN has clearly demonstrated that social responsibility is not merely a supplementary factor in its development strategy but a solid foundation for building a sustainable business. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting impacts, businesses must not only survive but also implement effective strategies for recovery and growth. SSVN has proven that by integrating social values into business operations, a company can not only serve its own interests but also contribute to the broader development of society.
SSVN’s success stems not only from the dedication of its team but also from the support of international organizations and the commitment of each individual within the company. Every member of SSVN works toward a shared goal of fostering a prosperous and sustainable society. This dedication has positioned SSVN as a model for the development of social impact enterprises in Vietnam.
This award is not only a recognition of SSVN’s efforts but also a testament to the fact that, in the most challenging times, when society needs support and solidarity the most, fostering community strength and nurturing dreams of a better future for all become more important than ever.
>> Some additional images from the event:
