Business Administration group, also known as Bizad family, organized its very first mentor-mentee gathering on Saturday, 8^th December at anh Son’s house.

Despite already having had a mentor brainstorming at chi Christie’s restaurant establishment a month ago, this gathering was doubly meaningful because it provided an opportunity to integrate Accounting mentors as well as mentees into the family.

Warmly welcome by bro Son’s and his wife, sis Thuy, the mentors had such great bonding time with traditional Vietnamese food, especially prepared by sis Thuy for the mentors. It is said that food connects people and that is really true for Bizad family. We never felt that we are indeed one big family until that day when we sit together at one table.

Putting the fun aside, everyone got down to serious discussion about the upcoming event for January as well as the first career workshop. The discussion was so heated because everyone got excited about the charity drive for the unfortunate children. The purpose of Vietnam2020‘s giving back to our beloved country can be realized in many ways, tangibly and directly is through this charity drive.

Mentors also shared with one another about theirs mistakes, due to lack of experience and innocence, in the first 6 months of work. Emailing to the wrong person, stepping over the supervisor and being victims of office politics are told vividly with personal real experiences. These were noted down and saved for the upcoming career workshop- “Career transition” where alumni from various industries and companies will be invited to pass on their hard-earned lessons with the fresh graduates or final year students. This workshop is scheduled sometime in late February when schools resume after Lunar New Year holiday.

The second part of the gathering is with the mentees. This was when the first three selected mentees openly shared with mentors their expectations about Vietnam2020, their ambition and contribution to Vietnam2020 and eventually to Vietnam. Mentors and mentees were officially introduced to one another and quickly broke the ice. Because most of the Bizad mentors just joined the corporate world, the age difference between mentors – mentees is so insignificant that they are almost in the same league and thus can click very well. This first step bode well for Bizad family and signals that we, as a family, can do more for the mentees and for Vietnam2020.

The gathering ended with tasty dinner where the fun and playful side of each member naturally exposed. Seemingly “no big deal”, the dinner actually was the catalyst to glue the family. Thanks to anh chi Thai Son, the most hospitable host ever, the gathering was a success and from there, we can see year 08 with more exciting and meaningful events for Vietnam2020.

With the addition of 42 new Mentors two weeks earlier, VIETNAM 2020 is ready to open its door for the first batch of Student Members. 

For the first Intake, a total of 34 applications was received which consist of:

A fun evening for our Mentors!

The Events and Activities Committee organized a BBQ party on Nov 3^rd, 2007 to celebrate the successful launch of VIETNAM 2020 and to welcome our first batch of 42 new Mentors.  All the attendants had a joyful evening by the pool-side at Elizabeth Heights, enjoying fantastic Vietnamese dishes and getting to know each other more.

The event started with authentic Vietnamese cuisine such as mango salad, spring rolls, grilled pork,beef & chicken with rice vermicelli, banana cakes, chocolate cakes, fresh fruits and last but not least, che` chuo^’i. & che` ta’o xo.n !  

Phuong Anh got a big surprise when her dear friends from NTU secretly arranged a special birthday celebration for her, which came with a beautiful cake, candles, singing and lots of laughter …

After all the teams have introduced their Mentors, another highlight of the party was when all the couples and partners of VIETNAM 2020 were asked to introduce themselves, starting with Bac Han and Co Chau …  

Don’t worry if you miss this event.  Many more activities are coming, and we look forward to seeing you, your partners, and your family soon...

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – for ourselves, for others, and for Vietnam.  That spirit inspires the founders of VN2020, and now continues to inspire many other Vietnamese people in Singapore.

 
VIETNAM 2020 is a Student Advisory Network established in Singapore in 2007 by a group of Vietnamese professionals led by Mr Vo Ta Han.  VIETNAM 2020's aims are to support the economic and social development of Vietnam through the contribution of overseas Vietnamese professionals and students, as well as to strengthen the relationship between Singapore and Vietnam.