VBSP Receives and Meets with the New Country Representative of The Asia Foundation in Vietnam

VBSP Receives and Meets with the New Country Representative of The Asia Foundation in Vietnam

(VBSP News) – On June 3, at the headquarters of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP), Deputy General Director Hoang Minh Te welcomed and held a working session with Ms. Erin (Phuong) Pham Steinhauer, the newly appointed Country Representative of The Asia Foundation in Vietnam. During her courtesy visit, Deputy General Director Hoang Minh Te expressed appreciation for The Asia Foundation’s valuable contributions to VBSP’s digital transformation journey over the past decade.

As a token of appreciation, Deputy General Director Hoang Minh Te presented a commemorative gift bearing the VBSP logo to Ms. Erin (Phuong) Pham Steinhauer.

The partnership between VBSP and The Asia Foundation, driven by a shared mission to expand inclusive access to digital financial services for the poor and vulnerable groups, began in 2014. Leveraging The Asia Foundation’s extensive resources and expertise in digital finance, VBSP has successfully implemented several key initiatives, including Mobile Banking, SMS services, financial literacy programs, and digital safety education. These projects have been highly regarded for their practical impact, enabling millions of poor households, women, and vulnerable populations to access modern banking services.

During the 2025–2027 period, with financial support from The Asia Foundation, VBSP has partnered with the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance to implement the component titled “Promoting Financial Inclusion and Cooperative Economic Development in Vietnam’s Digital Economy.” The initiative focuses on enhancing awareness and skills among VBSP clients—particularly households, micro and small enterprises, and household businesses—regarding cybersecurity and digital safety. The project aims to reduce risks and challenges associated with the digital environment while improving the effective use of VBSP’s products and services.

As of June 2, 2026, a total of 150,806 VBSP clients had successfully completed the Digital Safety Course, achieving 100.5% of the target ahead of schedule, originally set for the end of June 2026.

At the meeting, Deputy General Director Hoang Minh Te expressed his deep appreciation for the longstanding partnership and strong cooperation between VBSP and The Asia Foundation through the implementation of numerous meaningful projects. VBSP highly values The Asia Foundation’s support, particularly in advancing the Bank’s digital transformation and financial inclusion objectives, as well as the dedicated efforts of its expert consultants who possess a thorough understanding of VBSP’s structure and operations and have provided solutions tailored to the Bank’s resources and needs.

In response, Ms. Erin (Phuong) Pham Steinhauer, drawing on her extensive international experience, reaffirmed The Asia Foundation’s commitment to continuing its partnership with VBSP in promoting digital transformation and strengthening financial capabilities for the poor, micro and small enterprises, and household businesses in rural, remote, and underserved areas across Vietnam.

The Asia Foundation also pledged to continue supporting training activities aimed at enhancing the resilience and capacity of both VBSP clients and staff in managing digital safety and financial risks. These efforts will help them become more confident in responding to changes and external challenges. With a strategic vision for long-term impact, The Asia Foundation seeks not only to build on existing achievements but also to expand the reach and significance of its initiatives, benefiting millions of people nationwide and contributing to the development of Vietnam’s digital economy and human capital.