It was a special day on 23 March 2021, as leaders, staff and student representatives from the Social Work Faculty of University of Labour and Social Affairs, Campus 2 (“ULSA2”) came together to witness the official launch of the ULSA2-Olive Tree Estates ABCD Student Community Hub (“ABCD Student Community Hub”).
Undeterred by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, OTE and our strategic partner, ULSA2, forged ahead with preparations for the ABCD Student Community Hub and are proud to launch the centre together ahead of Vietnam’s Social Work Day on 25 March 2021. The birth of the ABCD Student Community Hub marks another important milestone in our joint partnership with ULSA2, as it will serve as a showcase model of excellence in social work practice and community development within the ULSA2 campus. It is hoped that the ABCD Student Community Hub will be a catalyst to nurture and grow the spirit of ABCD (Asset-based Community Development) as students, teachers and staff present their unique service offerings and talents for the benefit of the school community and beyond.
During the launch, Dr Phạm Ngọc Thành (Director of ULSA2) and Dr Nguyễn Minh Tuấn (Head of Social Work Faculty, ULSA2) gave their speeches to highlight the importance of the OTE-ULSA2 partnership and the objectives of the ABCD Student Community Hub. One of ULSA2’s leaders, Dr Lê Thị Nhung (Head of Science and International Cooperation), spoke in detail concerning how the students and teachers could do their part in igniting the spirit of ABCD by sharing their assets and gifts. Symbolically, she brought along a tray of coffee and tea, and some books as her first contributions to the hub.
As the core OTE team based in Singapore was unable to be physically present for the event due to prevailing travel restrictions, we sent our congratulatory messages and well-wishes through a pre-recorded video. Our OTE staff in Vietnam, Mr Peter Woo, Business Development Lead, represented the OTE team by sharing his well-wishes in person and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Dr Thanh.
OTE is providing more than 6000 quality affordable housing units in Vietnam. It remains our hope that every single OTE housing estate will showcase an ABCD-centric Family Resource Centre, where the relevant suite of services and amenities are provided for the local community’s benefit. The ABCD Student Community Hub is a reflection of our aspiration goals with respect to the Family Resource Centres and we are excited by the prospect of ULSA2 students and graduates serving the communities with us in the days to come.
Olive Tree Estates Limited (“OTE”) pilots Family Centre at a Social Housing residential development in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
