Words on Wheels mobile library program empowers 38,000 students in Vietnam

By Thai Ha
Tue, April 9, 2024 | 3:00 pm GMT+7

The Words on Wheels (WoW) mobile library program, organized by Singapore International Foundation (SIF) in partnership with Keppel Ltd. and General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City (GSL), has commenced its final journey in HCMC.

When completed, the program will have successfully reached almost 38,000 students in 32 schools across Vietnam, since its launch in 2011.

The WoW mobile library was initiated by Keppel and SIF in 2011 to help raise literacy levels among students in Hanoi and HCMC by providing them with convenient access to reading and audio-visual materials, as well as the internet.

Ceremonies held last Thursday at Phu Huu Secondary School and Tung Thien Vuong Secondary School respectively were attended by Nguyen Van Qui, deputy head of the Department of Education and Training of Thu Duc city; Nguyen Quoc Hung, deputy head of the Department of Education and Training of District 8; Joseph Low, president, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd.; Jaryll Chan, executive director, Programmes Division, SIF; and Vinh Quoc Bao, deputy director, GSL.

Joseph Low (right), president, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., and Nguyen Van Tot, principal of Phu Huu Secondary School, at the event on April 4, 2024. Photo courtesy of Keppel Land.

Joseph Low (right), president, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., and Nguyen Van Tot, principal of Phu Huu Secondary School, at the event on April 4, 2024. Photo courtesy of Keppel Land.

"We are very proud to have contributed to a successful initiative that has helped to nurture a love for reading and learning among young people. Moving forward, we will continue to explore other areas in line with Vietnam’s evolving needs and where Keppel can create a lasting impact and value for the community."

Jaryll Chan commented: "The SIF believes in bringing communities together to collaborate and effect positive social change. The WoW Ho Chi Minh City exemplified this commitment as Singaporeans and Vietnamese joined hands to promote education and intercultural understanding among children. We look forward to deepening Singapore’s friendship with Vietnam further, after 30 successful years of collaboration through the SIF."

Keppel volunteers and students read books at the Words on Wheels mobile library. Photo courtesy of Keppel Land.

Keppel volunteers and students read books at the Words on Wheels mobile library. Photo courtesy of Keppel Land.

Vinh Quoc Bao said: "WoW is a typical project of SIF in collaboration with GSL. This project aims to promote learning within the community, providing basic English and information technology skills, while also improving opportunities through educational materials, technology resources, and learning support equipment.

"It focuses on developing a reading habit and self-learning among students and local communities to encourage lifelong learning and develop their ability to confidently communicate and connect with the world."

On the occasion, Keppel also extended its 'R.I.S.E. to the Challenge' community outreach initiative to both Phu Huu and Tung Thien Vuong secondary schools, by engaging their students in activities such as painting workshops and exploring the consequences of climate change to raise awareness of rising sea levels and the need for climate action.

* Keppel Ltd. (SGX:BN4) is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonization, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity. Keppel creates value for investors and stakeholders through its quality investment platforms and diverse asset portfolios, including private funds and listed real estate and business trusts.

* The Singapore International Foundation builds enduring relationships between Singaporeans and world communities and harness these friendships to enrich lives and effect positive change. Its work is anchored in the belief that cross-cultural interactions provide insights that strengthen understanding. These exchanges inspire action and enable collaborations for good. The SIF's programs bring people together to share ideas, skills and experiences in areas such as healthcare, education, arts and culture, as well as livelihood and business. Find out more at www.sif.org.sg

* General Sciences Library (GSL) of HCMC, the central library of southern Vietnam’s public libraries network is connected to 21 public libraries in various districts and Thu Duc city. It has over 80 staff and is the biggest public library in Vietnam and supports other libraries in southern Vietnam, attracting over 900,000 users. 80% of its users are college and university students, the rest being educators, researchers and businessmen.

GSL’s mission is to develop a culture of public reading and be a core resource centre for information, culture, recreation and education for HCMC residents. GSL is supported by the Department of Culture and Sport of Ho Chi Minh City, and funded by the local government. It has experience working with NGOs, and conducting community activities for children and the blind.

Comments (0)
  • Read More
StanChart adjusts USD/VND exchange rate forecast amid changing economic trends

StanChart adjusts USD/VND exchange rate forecast amid changing economic trends

Standard Chartered Bank has adjusted its USD/VND exchange rate forecast, reflecting shifts in global and regional economic conditions.

Economy - Thu, March 27, 2025 | 9:29 am GMT+7

Fund inflows help stabilize Vietnam's stock market: analyst

Fund inflows help stabilize Vietnam's stock market: analyst

As fund inflows are typically long-term investments, they play a key role in stabilizing Vietnam's stock market and preventing sharp fluctuations, according to Nguyen Duy Anh, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) at Vietcombank Fund Management Co., Ltd. (VCBF).

Finance - Thu, March 27, 2025 | 8:30 am GMT+7

VSIP begins work on industrial park project in northern Vietnam province Thai Binh

VSIP begins work on industrial park project in northern Vietnam province Thai Binh

Construction of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) Thai Binh commenced on Wednesday in northern Vietnam, with the witness of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong.

Industrial real estate - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 10:41 pm GMT+7

Vingroup starts building mega urban project in Vietnam's Mekong Delta

Vingroup starts building mega urban project in Vietnam's Mekong Delta

Vietnam’s leading private conglomerate Vingroup on Wednesday embarked on construction of the VND28 trillion ($1.1 billion) Vinhomes Green City, the first mixed-use urban development in its ecosystem in the Mekong Delta province of Long An.

Real Estate - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 10:11 pm GMT+7

Indonesia, China cooperate in digital technology

Indonesia, China cooperate in digital technology

Indonesia and China are expanding cooperation in the field of AI to promote digital transformation, especially in the fields of agriculture and smart cities.

Southeast Asia - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 10:01 pm GMT+7

Indonesia decides to join BRICS New Development Bank

Indonesia decides to join BRICS New Development Bank

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced the Government's decision to become a member of the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral development bank established by the five founding member states of the BRICS group.

Southeast Asia - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 9:57 pm GMT+7

Major Vietnamese broker SHS to double charter capital

Major Vietnamese broker SHS to double charter capital

Saigon-Hanoi Securities Corporation (SHS) plans to issue 894 million shares to increase its charter capital from VND8.13 trillion to VND17.07 trillion ($667.6 million), making it one of the top three securities firms in term of charter capital.

Companies - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 8:30 pm GMT+7

Elon Musk company okayed to pilot Starlink satellite internet service in Vietnam

Elon Musk company okayed to pilot Starlink satellite internet service in Vietnam

Vietnam has allowed the U.S.'s SpaceX to pilot Starlink low-orbit satellite internet service in the country on a pilot basis until January 1, 2031.

Industries - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 5:18 pm GMT+7

Danish toymaker Lego to open $1.3 bln Vietnam plant next month

Danish toymaker Lego to open $1.3 bln Vietnam plant next month

Denmark's Lego will officially open its factory in VSIP III Industrial Park in Vietnam's southern province of Binh Duong on April 9.

Industries - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 4:18 pm GMT+7

Top Singaporean firms earn high incomes in Vietnam

Top Singaporean firms earn high incomes in Vietnam

Singapore is the second-biggest foreign investor in Vietnam, with over $84 billion in registered investment capital as of end-January and many prominent investors raking in high incomes.

Companies - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 3:45 pm GMT+7

Vietnam, Singapore ink significant deals in Hanoi

Vietnam, Singapore ink significant deals in Hanoi

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong on Wednesday witnessed the signing of many cooperation deals between agencies and enterprises of the two countries.

Economy - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 2:51 pm GMT+7

Vietnam's major policies are reshaping economic development

Vietnam's major policies are reshaping economic development

Major policies are reshaping Vietnam's approach to economic development, which focuses on science, technology, and private enterprises, said a leader at the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Economy - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 12:11 pm GMT+7

PM okays over $10 bln urban area project in central Vietnam

PM okays over $10 bln urban area project in central Vietnam

The over VND260.3 trillion ($10.16 billion) Cam Lam New Urban Area project in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa has received in-principle approval from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Real Estate - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 8:58 am GMT+7

S Korea's KIM Fund raises stake in Vietnam's marine transportation firm VIPCO

S Korea's KIM Fund raises stake in Vietnam's marine transportation firm VIPCO

South Korea’s KIM Fund has increased its stake in Hai Phong city-based Vietnam Petroleum Transport JSC (VIPCO, HoSE: VIP) to 2.73%, making it the latter’s second-largest shareholder.

Companies - Wed, March 26, 2025 | 8:30 am GMT+7

Vietnam, Singapore seek cooperation chances in semiconductor industry

Vietnam, Singapore seek cooperation chances in semiconductor industry

The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, in collaboration with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), organized a hybrid seminar on Monday to introduce Vietnam's potential, advantages, and development strategies for the semiconductor industry.

Southeast Asia - Tue, March 25, 2025 | 10:55 pm GMT+7

OV intellectuals in UK suggest blueprint for Vietnam’s int’l financial hub ambition

OV intellectuals in UK suggest blueprint for Vietnam’s int’l financial hub ambition

Vietnam can rise as a major international financial centre, both regionally and globally, with a strategic vision that highlights transparency, a skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, robust financial markets, and strong international branding, the Vietnam Intellectual Society in the UK and Ireland (VIS) told visiting Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh in a recent meeting.

Southeast Asia - Tue, March 25, 2025 | 10:55 pm GMT+7