“EQuest: A Triple Crown of ESG Excellence”

The award recognizes EQuest’s relentless efforts in creating positive educational impacts on the community, especially children in challenging areas.

Mission to Expand Educational Opportunities for Children in Remote Areas

The ESG Impact Showcase is an annual award by AmCham Vietnam to honor businesses and organizations from diverse industries based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. In 2024, EQuest was again acknowledged by AmCham Vietnam for its efforts in bridging the educational gap in remote and mountainous regions.

Since 2022, EQuest and iSMART Education, a member of the group, have implemented a project to teach English through Math and Science for elementary school students, combining online and direct teaching methods (iLink model) in Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province. This long-term project, spanning five years, aims to address the severe shortage of English teachers in the area, where one teacher is responsible for over 9,200 students across 16 primary schools.

Through the iLink model, more than 3,600 students receive two English lessons per week integrated into their Math and Science classes. Unlike traditional online classes, iLink connects teachers directly with students in physical classrooms via an online platform, transcending geographical and resource barriers. This approach not only helps students learn English but also enhances their knowledge in other critical subjects, which are typically challenging to access in mountainous areas due to a lack of teachers. Additionally, the project has supported 114 local teachers in improving their technological skills and pedagogical capabilities, bringing about a noticeable change in the quality of education in the region, despite infrastructure and internet connectivity challenges.

Students in Mu Cang Chai attending a class using the iLINK model

After two years of implementation, nearly 4,000 students from 16 schools in Mu Cang Chai, who previously had little to no access to foreign languages, now have the opportunity to learn English regularly. 114 local teachers have become proficient in using educational technology. The students’ academic performance has shown significant improvement, with the percentage of students scoring 7 or higher increasing by over 30% in the 2023-2024 academic year. Notably, in grade 4, the number of students achieving the highest scores (9-10) increased by nearly 50% compared to the previous year. The number of students with below-average scores has also decreased considerably.

Dr. Dam Quang Minh, Deputy General Director of EQuest Group, shared, “We believe that education is the foundation for a sustainable future, not just in imparting knowledge but also in bringing about positive social change. Therefore, we are committed to providing the best educational opportunities for all students, especially those in disadvantaged areas. Every small contribution to education is a significant investment in the future of the younger generation.”

Prioritizing Education in ESG Strategy

In addition to the flagship project benefiting children in remote areas, EQuest is also active in building an advanced and comprehensive education system, enhancing teaching quality, and promoting positive educational values in the community. In 2023, AmCham Vietnam recognized several notable EQuest projects at the ESG Impact Showcase 2023. One such project is the “School of Well-Being” at Alpha Education System, which supported over 1,000 students, teachers, staff, and parents in accessing psychological services. In July 2023, Alpha emerged as the champion in the AIA’s “Healthiest School in Asia” competition, outperforming 744 other schools.

Furthermore, EQuest also focuses on environmental protection and community welfare. The Green School project has been widely implemented in educational institutions, combining tree-planting activities with environmental education. More than 5,000 EQuest employees participated in health and work-life balance workshops, while hundreds of underprivileged families in Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Dinh, and Ben Tre provinces received support during the 2023 Lunar New Year holiday.

Amcham Vietnam has presented the ESG Impact Showcase award to EQuest Group for the third consecutive year in 2024

Moving forward, EQuest will continue to invest significantly in community education projects, not only in challenging areas but also to provide access to high-quality education for all students. The group will prioritize international cooperation programs and knowledge-sharing with leading global educational organizations to ensure the holistic development of Vietnam’s education system. Through advanced training programs and international linkages, EQuest constantly innovates and improves the quality of education, aiming to build a modern educational system while upholding its core values of social responsibility and community commitment.

“Beyond our current achievements, EQuest strives to further expand and enhance our educational programs, building a more comprehensive and sustainable education system,” said Tran Thi Thu Thuy, ESG Director of EQuest Group.