Vietnam honoured for voluntary social insurance coverage efforts

The Vietnam Social Security (VSS) receives the Continuous Improvement Recognition Award at the 37th ASSA Recognition Awards for its good performance in expanding voluntary social insurance coverage. (Photo: VietnamPlus) 

Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Social Security (VSS) received the Continuous Improvement Recognition Award at the 37th ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) Recognition Awards for its good performance in expanding voluntary social insurance coverage.

The 37th ASSA Board Meeting was held virtually on December 9 with the theme “Expanding social welfare coverage”. It saw the participation of representatives from 23 ASSA member organisations.

The meeting in Vietnam was attended by representatives from the VSS and related ministries and sectors.

Promoting digital transformation in social security

In his opening speech, Haji Omar Bin Mohd Dali, ASSA Chairman and Managing Director of the Brunei’s Employees Trust Fund highlighted the significance of the event, saying that it is necessary for ASSA member organizations to maintain their close cooperation, and share social welfare-related issues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and seek cooperation opportunities in the face of unprecedented challenges.

According to General Director of VSS Nguyen The Manh, as the world was affected by COVID-19, leaders from ASEAN member states cooperated and overcame the challenges with strong commitments and actions, particularly at the 37th ASEAN Summit held by Vietnam last month.

At the national level, in its roadmap towards building a digital government, Vietnam Social Security has strongly implemented digital transformation and applied information technology into providing public services, reflected through the debut of the “VssID - Digital Social Insurance” application on November 16, Manh said.

VssID is an application on mobile platforms for individuals, helping users easily look up information about the process of joining and enjoying social insurance regimes, health insurance, contributing to improving the quality of public services on social security in Vietnam, he noted.

The 37th ASSA Board Meeting is part of the activities within the framework of Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Manh stated that as a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of ASSA, Vietnam Social Security hopes to share its experience with and receive advice from ASSA member organisations on measures to support and protect people during this difficult time.

He proposed that ASSA member organizations should enhance connectivity and cooperation towards an ASEAN social welfare community of consensus and development, for the sake of people, and stability and prosperous development in the region.

Achievements of social insurance development recognized

At the conference, ASSA member organizations were presented the award of the ASSA Chairman for their outstanding achievements.

Initiated in 2015, the ASSA award aims to recognize the successes of its member organizations. The award includes 8 categories: innovation; transformation; customer service; strategic communication; information technology; insurance coverage; financial management; and governance.

On behalf of VSS, Manh received the award “Continuous Improvement” with the content called “Vietnam Social Security – expanding voluntary social insurance coverage”

The award is the recognition and appreciation of the Association towards the achievements of VSS in contributing to the implementation of the goals of reforming social insurance policies and increasing the number of voluntary social insurance participants.

According to a report by VSS, by the end of 2019, there were 570,000 people participating in voluntary social insurance nationwide, an increase of 263,000 people compared to 2018. By the end of November this year, the number stood at 970,000. The figure is expected to reach about 1.1 million by the end of 2020.

Participants at the event in Vietnam (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Duong Van Hao from VSS said that Vietnam’s solutions and achievements ensured the interests of its people and businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government took early action in mobilising the entire political system, carrying out urgent measures in response to the pandemic, helping resolve difficulties in production and business, and ensuring social welfare for all people and enterprises.

He also said that from January-November, more than 1 million Vietnamese people benefited from unemployment insurance, up 24 percent year-on-year. The health insurance fund paid for medical check-ups and treatment more than 151 million times./.