General Director of Vietnam Social Security Nguyen The Manh delivered his welcome speech at ASSA 37

Your Excellency Haji Omar Bin Mohd. Dali, Managing Director of the Brunei’s Employees Trust Fund and ASSA Chairman,

Your Excellency Ouk Samvithyea, General Director of the National Social Security Fund in Cambodia and ASSA Vice Chairman,

Leaders of ASSA member organizations, delegates and distinguished guests,

On the occasion of the Vietnam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship and attending the 37th ASSA Board Meeting, I am truly honored and pleased to speak on behalf of Vietnam Social Security at the opening ceremony of the most important event of the year for ASEAN regional social security organizations. Every time attending ASSA's activities, we all feel the warmth, solidarity and attachment like siblings in a big family. This year, the affection deepens when we join hands and actively adapt to the difficulties and challenges that the region and the world have been facing due to the serious impact of the COVID-19.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the background of the world's dark-colored picture due to the impact of the epidemic in 2020, there are still bright spots on cooperation in responding and overcoming the challenges of our region with strong actions and commitments from leaders of ASEAN countries, especially at the 37th ASEAN Summit held successfully by Vietnam in November 2020. In the past year, although there are no in-person interactions and discussions, based on the modern digital technology platform, we have overcome the barriers of both space and time and the form of interactions to maintain effective joint cooperation of the Association that online seminar "Beyond the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic: Lessons for social security organizations in Southeast Asia" last September and this 37th ASEAN Social Security Association Board Meeting are clear demonstrations of effective coordination of activities on a digital platform. It was the first time since establishment that the ASSA Board Meeting has been held online. On behalf of the ASSA member organizations, we would like to thank the ASSA Chairman and Vice Chairman for the 2019-2020 term for their efforts to successful coordinate to organize of this special event.

At the national level, in the roadmap towards building a digital government in Vietnam, Vietnam Social Security is strongly implementing the process of digital transformation and applying IT to provide public services to the people by a new breakthrough, which is the application named "VssID - Digital Social Insurance" announced by the Prime Minister on November 16, 2020. This is an electronic transaction application on a mobile device platform for individuals to help people easily look up information, participate and enjoy benefits of social insurance and health insurance; improve the quality of public services on social security in Vietnam in the direction of friendliness, openness and transparency, creating convenience for the people and regarding the people as the service center in the spirit of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 on "a rules-based, people-oriented and people-centered ASEAN Community" that the Government of Vietnam and the ASEAN Senior Officials have committed to follow.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the past year, Vietnam has been facing difficulties due to natural disasters and epidemics, however, thanks to the drastic direction and determination of the Government, the efforts of ministries, branches, localities and the consensus of the people and the business community, Vietnam has basically well controlled the COVID-19 epidemic, by preventing it from spreading in the community; ensuring social security for the people, facilitating gradual socio-economic recovery according to the forecast of the International Monetary Fund in 2020, only Vietnam has the only positive economic growth in ASEAN-5 and its GDP ranked 4th in Southeast Asia. Vietnam Social Security, the Government agency in charge of implementing policies on social insurance and health insurance - the two main pillars of the social security system in Vietnam, has contributed to these positive results. We have synchronously deployed various solutions to support people and businesses to overcome difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic such as: providing 100% online public services of level 4 (sending documents, receiving and returning results online) on the Government's National Public Service Portal; paying pensions and social insurance benefits through ATM accounts and banking systems; suspending and postponing the contributions of enterprises to the retirement and survivorship allowance fund under the Government's direction; ensuring the interests of the insured and most recently, the publication of the application "VssID-Digital Social Insurance" with many utilities to save time, costs and reduce the risks of COVID-19 infection by direct contact, meeting the satisfaction of people and businesses. In addition, although our progress of social insurance development was heavily affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, what helped the number of people participating in voluntary social insurance to increase were the innovative and appropriate communication and advocacy solutions. By November 2020, it nearly doubled compared to the end of 2019. Currently, Vietnam has nearly 16 million people participating in social insurance, accounting for 32% of the workforce; More than 86 million people participate in health insurance, equivalent to 90% of the population and now we strive to reach the health insurance coverage rate of 91% of the national population by the end of 2020. Specific data and solutions will be sent to you in the presentation on effective and practical experience of Vietnam Social Security with the topic "Sharing experiences to ensure social security for people and businesses in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic" at the end of today's morning session and we look forward to continuing to discuss with you about this content.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The year 2020 is gradually coming to an end amidst the density of the tasks that the ASEAN countries have to complete, which is the dual goal of preventing and controlling the epidemic and promoting economic recovery, ensuring social security, employment and sustainable livelihoods for the people. In that context, from the effective practice of ensuring social security for the Vietnamese people and as a friend, a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of ASSA, at this Meeting, Vietnam Social Security wants to share experiences and consult with ASSA member organizations on solutions to support, help and protect people through this difficult period. At the same time, we wish and recommend that ASSA member organizations continue to strengthen connections, closely cooperate and strongly support the next term ASSA Chairman in one shared endeavor and determination towards building a united ASEAN social security community that develops for the benefit of the people and remains stable and prosperous in the region.

With deep faith in ASSA's solidarity and the strength of the community, I wish the 37th ASEAN Board Meeting a great success according to the proposed agenda.

          I wish you all health, happiness and success.

          Sincerely thank you!

* The title is set by the VSS Portal.