In December 2022, Korea and Việt Nam elevated their relationship to "Comprehensive Strategic Partners" on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The economic cooperation between the two countries has expanded by leaps and bounds, a testament to the efforts and shared growth fostered by Korean companies in Việt Nam and their local employees.

In partnership with the state-run Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the national news agency Yonhap News aims to highlight exemplary cases of mutual growth among companies, setting milestones for future exchanges.

Kim Bum-soo = Students Le Nhat Hao (left) and Chieu Binh Sam (right) of An Lac Middle School, who received commuting bicycles from Shinhan Bank, pose with Principal Phung Minh Bueong (center). February 20, 2024 bumsoo@yna.co.kr

"Thanks to Shinhan, I've made a friend on my way to school."

Le Nhat Hao (15) and Chieu Binh Sam (16), students at An Lac Middle School in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, shared this sentiment with a bright smile when they met with a Yonhap News correspondent on February 20th.

Despite their challenging family circumstances, these spirited Vietnamese youths have not lost their smile and are dedicated to their studies.

Sam lives with his mother, who supports the family by selling sugarcane on the streets after the early loss of his father.

After losing his mother to COVID-19, Hao lives with his father, a day laborer, and his grandmother.

Since entering middle school, Sam and Hao had to walk more than 5 km from home to school, a challenging journey.

However, since receiving commuting bicycles from Shinhan last July, their journey to school has become purely enjoyable.

"After school, I even ride my bike to bring snacks to my mom," Sam said.

"It used to take almost an hour to walk to school, but with the bike, it's just 10 minutes," Hao added, shyly revealing his dream of becoming a doctor through hard work.

Principal Phung Minh Bueong (43) of the school mentioned, "Shinhan has been a great help not just to us but several schools in Ho Chi Minh. The commuting bicycle support program is a well-known community service activity among many citizens and students."

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in Việt Nam last year, Shinhan Bank has been carrying out various community service activities under the slogan 'Warm Finance Together for the Future.'

Since taking office, Group CEO Jin Ok-dong has emphasized the importance of 'positive influence,' prompting overseas business units to expand their community service activities.

Shinhan Bank Vietnam's flagship community service program, 'Bike Run,' started in 2015.

In collaboration with the National Fund for Vietnamese Children (NFVC), this program donates commuting bicycles to underprivileged students.

Employees personally deliver the bicycles by riding them to enhance intimacy with the beneficiaries.

Through the Bike Run program, Shinhan has donated a total of 1,194 bicycles so far.

The bank has also continued environmental cleanup activities, known as 'Green Day,' and scholarship donations since its early days in Việt Nam.

Shinhan Employees Participating in the 'Happy Meal' Programme

As the number of branches increased, Shinhan expanded its activities to include the 'Happy Meal' program, where employees directly provide meals to the underprivileged and actively participate in blood donation and school facility renovations.

A hallmark of Shinhan's community service activities, which span 51 branches and offices throughout Việt Nam, is the direct involvement of its employees.

The company explains that this approach aims to ensure that community service activities become a defining aspect of Shinhan's corporate culture, allowing employees to experience the 'positive impact' they can have personally.

Recently, Shinhan has also embarked on environmental protection activities, such as tree planting and battery recycling campaigns, while providing water purification systems to schools in economically disadvantaged areas.

Shinhan Bank Việt Nam Employees. Kang Kyu-won (center), the corporate head of Shinhan Bank Vietnam, and employees are posing for a photo.

Kang Kyu-won, the corporate head of Shinhan Bank Vietnam, stated, "We are engaging in various activities to allow our customers and the local community to genuinely understand and experience the sincerity of 'mutual growth finance.'"

He added, "The State Bank of Việt Nam highly regards this, which has greatly enhanced our brand recognition and image. We will continue to strive to become a financial institution that fulfills its social responsibilities." YONHAP