The Untold Story: "Whose Chance" Leaders Contributed Tens of Billions to COVID-19 Fight

As of June 6, the world recorded nearly 7 million COVID-19 infections and close to 400,000 deaths. Vietnam, however, stood out with just 329 confirmed cases, 307 recoveries, and 22 patients still undergoing treatment. Remarkably, Vietnam had zero COVID-19 related deaths at that time, earning global recognition for its highly effective pandemic response.

Responding to the Prime Minister's call for nationwide participation in the fight against COVID-19, the program "Cơ Hội Cho Ai – Whose Chance" (Vietnam's version of the reality show "Shark Tank") launched the initiative "Joining Hands with Frontline White-Blouse Soldiers Against COVID-19" in late March. The campaign urged corporations, businesses, program participants, and the wider community to raise awareness about epidemic prevention and to provide material and moral support to frontline medical professionals.

Despite the significant impact of the pandemic on business operations, many enterprises not only maintained employment and income for their staff but also took practical actions to contribute to the community during the peak of the national anti-epidemic efforts in late March and early April.

The "Bosses" (CEOs/leaders) from the "Whose Chance" program demonstrated their commitment through substantial contributions:

• CenGroup donated 5 billion VND to COVID-19 prevention efforts via the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, including 4 billion VND in medical supplies and 1 billion VND in cash. Additionally, CenGroup allocated 5 billion VND to support its employees facing difficulties due to the pandemic.
• FPT Corporation contributed 2,000 isolation beds at the FPT Education organization's dormitory in Hoa Lac and 20 billion VND worth of medical equipment, including ventilators, disinfection chambers, and protective gear.
• Shopee (led by Mr. Tran Tuan Anh) donated an isolation room with negative pressure, two ventilators, and various medical supplies valued at 3 billion VND to support frontline healthcare facilities and hospitals.
• In Da Nang, the Military Radio and Television Center, in collaboration with Tan Hiep Phat Group (led by Mr. Tran Qui Thanh), provided 1,000 cartons of beverages to support the COVID-19 prevention and control forces of Military Region 5 units.

Continued Support Amidst Evolving Challenges

By late May and early June, Vietnam had largely brought the domestic epidemic under control. However, the continuous return of Vietnamese citizens from abroad led to a large number of quarantined individuals, with 61 cases recorded from repatriation flights since late April. In response, the "Bosses" continued their practical support for "Cơ Hội Cho Ai – Whose Chance," providing aid to medical staff and isolation facilities to ensure effective long-term epidemic prevention.

• For Central Tropical Disease Hospital 2 in Hanoi:
  • Ms. Luu Nga, General Director of Elise fashion, donated 1,000 antibacterial fabric masks.
  • Mr. Hoang Nam Tien, Chairman of FPT Telecom, contributed 5,000 medical masks.
  • ALO Media staff collectively donated 10,000 medical masks.
• For Military Division 317 centralized isolation facility in Hoc Mon, HCMC:
  • Hung Nhon Group (led by Mr. Vu Manh Hung, Chairman) donated 20,000 chicken eggs.
  • Petrosetco General Corporation contributed 1,200 bags of fresh milk and 800 bags of cereal. Previously, Petrosetco, along with its Chairman Mr. Phung Tuan Ha, had engaged in various charitable activities, including providing 1,000 meals to doctors and medical staff in HCMC, supporting medical fees for impoverished patients, and donating gifts and rice to those in need.

Despite facing ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the tangible actions and compassionate gestures of these businesses made a positive impression on the community and significantly contributed to the nation's effective fight against the epidemic.

Phương Nga

Nguồn: cafebiz.vn