HCM City (VNA) – Experts, businesspeople, and students from theNetherlands, Vietnam, and other ASEAN member states gathered at the OrangeASEAN Factory (OAF) 2019 programme in Ho Chi Minh City from April 1-19, workingon challenges in identifying and preparing for innovative solutions tosustainable urban development.
According to Dutch Consul General Carel Richter, the OAF looks to takeadvantage of young specialist and student initiatives to solve realsustainability challenges for sustainable development, including environmental issues.Participants will use entrepreneurial and design skills to settle societalissues, while providing direct business values to clients.
It also offers opportunities for youngtalents in the field to exchange and share experience in business development,particularly improving knowledge on sustainable development and consultancyskills, as well as expanding cooperation among experts from the Netherlands andASEAN, he said.
Leaders from corporations and international organisations spoke highly of theprogramme, expressing their belief that it will serve as a basis for companiesto branch out their businesses in tandem with corporate responsibility.
Orange Factory is an intense three-week sustainabilityconsultancy programme for talented young professionals,entrepreneurs, and masters programme students from the Netherlands andSoutheast Asia, initiated by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Supported by experienced consultants, academics,and field experts, 20-30 participants work in dedicated teams on cases of real-life issues from multinationalcompanies, local NGOs, and government institutions, designing innovative solutionsfor regional sustainability challenges.–VNA