Electricite du Laos has announced new measures against electricity theft and meter tampering, including tripling fines for infringements.
DHL and SOS Children’s Villages celebrate ten years of partnership in Vietnam
- Partnership is a key aspect of DHL’s Group-wide program GoTeach, which seeks to improve employability for young people by preparing them for the working world
- Key highlights of this year’s program include virtual mentoring sessions, job skills training and DHL scholarships
- Collaboration between DHL and SOS Children’s Villages will be extended for another five years to 2026
HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 1 July 2021 – In Vietnam, DHL is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its partnership with SOS Children’s Villages (SOS), the largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children who lost parental care or who are at the risk of losing it such as orphans, abandoned children and those in especially difficult circumstances. Launched back in 2011, this collaboration is part of GoTeach, an Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative by Deutsche Post DHL Group (“DPDHL Group” or the “Group”) which improves the employability of young people living in socially disadvantaged circumstances due to poverty, loss of loved ones or fleeing from disaster, by preparing them with the necessary skills to successfully transition to the world of work.
“This is an important milestone in our fruitful journey with SOS Children’s Villages and we are encouraged by the positive impact that the program has had on youth, and the wider community in Vietnam,” said Laurence Cheung, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. “Through the years, we have touched the lives of over 760 youth in Vietnam and about 85% have since gone on to higher education institutions and secured their first jobs. It is important that we stay the course so more can benefit from this.”
In addition to the annual “Fulfill my Dream” contest which is scheduled to be held on July 2021 to encourage young people to illustrate their aspirations, DHL will continue to engage with SOS on customizing programs which can benefit the youth. Sreijan Dhasmana, Acting Country Manager, DHL eCommerce Solutions said, “This year, we will continue to provide scholarships for 20 students who qualify for university education and run Youthlink – our regular series of virtual training sessions led by DHL volunteers who will share their work experiences, provide career guidance, and discuss specific topics to help young people make the smooth transition from school to the world of work.”
“These programs are specifically designed to help our youth navigate the challenges of the working world, and this is especially critical, given the impact of the pandemic,” said Drew Duncan, Managing Director, DHL Supply Chain, Vietnam. “Most of them may feel more anxious than before so I’m proud of my team for devoting their time to mentor and support these youth in skills development.”
This partnership with SOS Children’s Villages will be extended till 2026, and each year, both SOS Children’s Villages and DHL will conceptualize key aspects of the programs, tailored to meet evolving needs of the society and community, taking into consideration key real-world challenges.
Le Minh Giang, National Director, SOS Children’s Villages of Vietnam added, “Young people aged between 15 and 39 years account for nearly 50 per cent of Vietnam’s work force and therefore, it is pertinent that we increase their readiness for the working world. This will be a group of people who will have much to contribute to fuel positive economic growth in the country. The strong partnership with DHL in the past decade provides a constant for these young people when it could be one often fraught with uncertainties. Our children are highly appreciative of their efforts and I speak for all when I say that we look forward to working with the DHL team for years to come.”
DHL Express Vietnam’s General Director and Country Manager, Bernardo Bautista said, “DHL volunteers are excited to continue participating in the program in the next five years and beyond, so more youth can succeed in the workforce. As a country with a large young population, the youth in Vietnam will play a key role in the country’s economic transformation, and it is important that we support and facilitate this change.”
As part of its new sustainability roadmap launched in March this year, DPDHL Group is committed to further expand its social contribution to society in the coming years. This also extends to the expansion of the GoTeach program, which is now running in close to 60 countries since its launch in 2009. In Asia Pacific, more than 600 DHL volunteers in 2020 have ran several initiatives including mentoring, job skills training, resume writing, internships and youth camps, benefiting close to 2,500 young people across the region.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.
About SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam
Working officially in Vietnam since 1987, SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam is a non-profit, non-religious organization, working to provide care and education for orphans, abandoned children and children in difficult circumstances. SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam has been operating with 71 projects/programs, including 17 Villages, 16 Youth Houses, 16 Kindergarten Schools, 12 Hermann Gmeiner Schools, 01 Vocational School, 01 Vocational Training workshop, 07 Family Strengthening Programs, 01 National Office and Training Center. 71 projects/programs of SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam locate in 17 cities/provinces, including Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Dien Bien, Phu Tho, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Binh Dinh, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre and Ca Mau.
Up to 31/12/2020, the total quantity of children who have been fostered is 6,566. At present, there are 1,912 ones in 233 family houses, 606 ones in youth houses and 558 ones living outside (in hostels of universities or in lodging houses for studying and semi-independence). Until now, 3,490 children are social-integrated. In 2020, 17 SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam has received 189 new children. Moreover, SOS Family Strengthening Program has been operating in 07 provinces (Thai Binh, Nghe An, Quang Nam, Da Nang, Lam Dong, Ben Tre, Ca Mau) for children who lost or in risk of losing parental care. SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam is supporting 1,672 families in SOS Family Strengthening Program.
For more information, please visit: https://sosvietnam.org/
#DHL
LOCA Expands Services to Pakse City
Local ride-sharing startup LOCA recently launched its operations in Pakse City, the third city in Laos to benefit from the service.
Laos Records USD 54 Million Trade Deficit in May
According to the newest information from the Lao Trade Portal website, Laos posted a trade deficit of USD 54 million in May of this year.
Laos to Send Six Athletes to Compete at Tokyo Olympic Games
Laos is to send six athletes to compete in the Olympic Games in Tokyo set to begin on 23 July.
Tanoto Foundation Trains 800 Facilitators to Overcome Learning Loss
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 1 July 2021 – In preparation for the new school year which begins in July, Tanoto Foundation trained more than 800 facilitators to enhance the capabilities of school teachers and principals in accelerating the implementation of blended learning and mitigating learning loss in students. The course equips educators with the necessary knowledge and skills in conducting limited in-person lessons as well as online lessons.
The independent philanthropy organization, founded by Sukanto Tantoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, is focused in empowering schools and madrasas to mitigate learning loss due to long-term distance learning. Its basic education program PINTAR drives initiatives to accelerate the achievement of these learning outcomes.
Tanoto Foundation’s PINTAR Program Director M Ari Widowati explained that facilitators across 25 partner districts and towns underwent a four-day course on synchronous and asynchronous learning. Participants were trained to identify student learning dispositions and appropriately apply differentiated learning plans. This approach is expected to further motivate students and improve learning outcomes.
Selected facilitators from the course will train principals and teachers from 843 partner schools and madrasas across five provinces – North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, Central Java and East Kalimantan.
Adapted from a guide released by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, the course comprises training modules for both principals and teachers. The modules for principals cover school preparedness and adaptive pedagogical approaches in pandemic conditions, as well as implementation of the blended learning approach.
Ms. Ari further explained: “Both principals and teachers are simultaneously trained because they hold significant and inseparable roles in delivering a good education outcomes. Teachers prepare learning materials for students, while principals ensure teachers are adequately supported with resources and aids.”
PINTAR Program’s Training Head Golda Simatupang said principals who participate in the training will be better prepared for limited in-person learning. Ms. Golda explained: “The training covers in fulfilling administrative requirements, providing the needed facilities and infrastructure, developing learning strategies and arrangements, as well as having a monitoring and evaluation procedure to ensure that limited in-person learning can be carried out safely and effectively in schools.”
“Principals are also trained in better managing teachers and staff for the implementation of blended learning. They learn to develop lesson plans that accommodate blended learning. They also learn to better support their staff and conduct blending learning simulations to fine-tune their curriculum planning,” said Ms. Golda.
The teacher training module comprises two units: A diagnostic assessment and the development of differentiated learning plans. This will enable teachers to more competently assess students with regard to the individual student’s learning loss, so that differentiated learning plans can be designed and implemented for each student.
Supardi, Principal of SMPN 2 Kendal state junior high school in Central Java, said that the training is urgently needed as new school year commenced. He said, “The training will help us immensely in providing both limited in-person and online learning. We will also be able to identify the learning requirements suited to each student’s needs and bridge any learning gaps.”
About Tanoto Foundation
Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto based on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to realize his or her full potential. Tanoto Foundation programs stem from the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunity. We harness the transformative strength of education to realize people’s full potential and improve lives. Tanoto Foundation focuses on making an impact in three areas: improving learning environments, future leaders development, as well as medical research and sciences.
#TanotoFoundation
Laos Confirms 23 New Cases of Covid-19
Laos has confirmed 23 new cases of Covid-19 across five provinces around the country today.
Businesses Adopting Agile Approach Since Pandemic, Yet 57% of Employers Face Challenges
- More than four in five (83%) of Singapore employers have accelerated the adoption of the Agile methodology since the pandemic
- 78% of employers are currently using Agile in their workplace; the ‘ability to adapt and respond to rapid changes’ is the main driving factor for its implementation
- More than half of employers (57%) cite ‘not everybody on the team understands the requirements’ as a challenge in adopting the Agile methodology
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 July 2021 – As Singapore’s economy continues to recover, companies are adopting the Agile approach in order to transform and adapt to the unpredictable business climate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than four in five (83%) of Singapore employers agree that the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of Agile methodology and also believe that Agile skills are key in preparing workers for the digital age. However, more than half of employers (57%) face the challenge of adopting the Agile methodology due to the lack of teams’ understanding of methodology requirements.
These are some of the key findings from NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB)’s latest Industry Insights Survey 2021 report on Agile in Singapore. The report is based on a survey with 300 senior and middle management employers across industries in Singapore and an interview with Shane Hastie, ICAgile’s Director of Community Development.
Despite the rise of Agile, employers face several challenges in implementing the Agile methodology into the workplace. The main challenge is the lack of team coordination, where ‘not everybody on the team understands the requirements’ (57%) and ‘a lot of time and commitment is needed to collaborate among the team’ (55%). The new mode of working also poses an issue in the adoption of Agile, with 48% of employers indicating that ‘work-from-home arrangements make team communication more challenging’.
Although obstacles abound, adopting an Agile mindset is crucial, especially in today’s world of constant change and uncertainty. Almost two quarters (71%) of employers currently using the Agile methodology chose to do so due to the ability to adapt and respond to rapid changes. Many of these employers (75%) also believe that the Agile methodology has helped employees in their efficacy and productivity at work.
Commenting on the findings, NTUC LHUB’s Head of Infocomm Technology, Isa Nasser, says, “In 2021, where only uncertainty is certain, we must brace for a ‘never normal’. The key to survival is strategic planning and an Agile approach to how we operate and adapt to new challenges. An Agile-ready workforce is more likely to triumph over any adversity as it can swiftly adapt and adjust to operate successfully compared to non-Agile teams. Employers and employees must work together to make the organisational shift to Agile through upskilling.”
“Agile skill set is rising in demand across industries. We recommend that individuals start taking the initiative to upskill in Agile, in order to work in cross-functional teams and effectively respond to changes at the workplace. Having this ability to be creative and innovate solutions will boost their overall employability, as job roles are constantly evolving with digitalisation. This is why in order to make training in Agile accessible, we have accredited course in Agile Coaching, Agile Team Facilitation and Agile Marketing with ICAgile,” adds Isa.
Shane Hastie, Director of Community Development, ICAgile, comments, “A learning organisation is what is needed for the 21st century because evolution is necessary to respond to the constant change around us. Relentless learning will be a differentiating factor for both companies and workers. If businesses don’t evolve, they will rapidly become irrelevant and disappear.”
To download the Industry Insights Report on Agile Approach (Project Management), visit: www.ntuclearninghub.com/Agile-2021/
About NTUC LearningHub
NTUC LearningHub is the leading Continuing Education and Training provider in Singapore which aims to transform the lifelong employability of working people. Since our corporatisation in 2004, we have been working with employers and individual learners to provide learning solutions in areas such as Cloud, Infocomm Technology, Healthcare, Employability & Literacy, Business Excellence, Workplace Safety & Health, Security, Human Resources and Foreign Worker Training.
To date, NTUC LearningHub has helped over 25,000 organisations and achieved over 2.6 million training places across more than 500 courses with a pool of over 600 certified trainers. As a Total Learning Solutions provider to organisations, we also forge partnerships and offer a wide range of relevant end-to-end training solutions and work constantly to improve our training quality and delivery. In 2020, we have accelerated our foray into online learning with our Virtual Live Classes and, through working with best-in-class partners such as IBM, DuPont Sustainable Solutions and GO1, asynchronous online courses.
For more information, visit www.ntuclearninghub.com.
About ICAgile
Founded in 2010, ICAgile is a leading global Agile accreditation and certification body that helps organizations design learning experiences that cultivate an Agile mindset and enable sustainable organizational agility. ICAgile provides world-class learning tracks to guide organizations in the development of their curriculum. ICAgile’s approach is not tied to any specific Agile methodology, thus giving people the flexibility to blend flavors in a way that makes sense for their reality.
# NTUCLearningHub