Bennett Neo, General Director of SABECO (second from right) handed over funds for the programmes. Photo courtesy of SABECO

ĐỒNG THÁP — Committee of the HCM Communist Youth Union and the Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO) on Sunday officially announced two community initiatives: "Light Up the Rural" and "Fostering Sports" to support the development of rural areas.

Launched in the southern province of Đồng Tháp, these activities are under a three-year co-operation framework signed by both parties from 2022 to 2025.

"Light Up the Rural " project aims to promote the use of renewable energy, which is in line with the National Green Growth Target and Strategy for 2021-30, as well as with the vision of 2021-25 Việt Nam National Programme to build new rural areas.  

As part of this project, SABECO commits to accompany the Central Youth Union and its affiliates to construct 34 kilometres of solar-powered streetlights in 34 rural areas across 34 provinces, with VNĐ4.25 billion from SABECO and its subsidiary companies.

The construction is targeted to be completed by the end of August 2022.

This will help to support socio-economic infrastructure of rural areas, while promoting renewable energy that will lead to environmental sustainability, and safety to more than 210,000 households in these localities.  

In addition, both the Central Youth Union and SABECO will implement the Fostering Sports project in conjunction with their commitment to accompanying and promoting the development of Việt Nam’s sports while nurturing healthy lifestyles. This was announced previously in June 2022 when SABECO and Bia Saigon will contribute VNĐ4.5 billion to support the construction of 30 community sports playgrounds across 30 provinces and cities over three years.

The Central Committee of the Youth Union, SABECO, the People's Committee of Đồng Tháp Province and the province's Provincial Youth Union officially handed over one kilometre of solar-powered streetlights. Photo courtesy of SABECO

At the event, the Central Youth Union, SABECO, People's Committee of Đồng Tháp Province and the province's Provincial Youth Union officially handed over one kilometre of solar-powered streetlights and held the ground-breaking ceremony for the sports playground project in Tháp Mười District.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bùi Quang Huy, Alternate Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, said: "The campaign will guide the youth towards pragmatic action such as the construction of rural infrastructure, rural road lighting, tree planting, flower planting, freshwater projects, environmental hygiene, waste collection, segregation and treatment; technology exchange activities, and digital technology application to manufacturing and business."

"These activities demonstrate the determination, responsibility, and passion of Youth Union members in the development of the home province and new rural areas in particular. I would like to thank SABECO and Bia Saigon for accompanying the Central Youth Union, especially in building new-style rural areas.”

Bennett Neo, General Director of SABECO, said: "SABECO is always committed to bringing the best to Việt Nam, to which we have affirmed our commitment through practical means. While we have always focused on promoting business operations and contributing to Việt Nam socio-economic development, we do not forget our responsibility to assist and develop surrounding communities."

"We are honoured to accompany the Central Committee of the Youth Union as the strategic partner for these projects, and are ready to demonstrate tripartite strategic partnerships in business, government, and community to support the sustainable development of our community and our country.”

The three-year co-operation framework revolves around four areas: national development activities; cultural preservation; promoting healthy lifestyles; and sustainable development initiatives. Since 2022, SABECO and the Central Committee of theYouth Union have implemented various meaningful initiatives, such as the Lương Đình Của Award, the Outstanding Workers Award, and the "Power of Innovation” coaching programme. VNS