Ho Chi Minh City, 4 April 2024 – The Words on Wheels (WoW) mobile library programme, organised by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF)
in partnership with Keppel Ltd. and the General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City (GSL) has commenced its final segment in Ho Chi Minh City. When completed, the programme will successfully reach almost 38,000 student beneficiaries in 32 schools in Vietnam, since its launch in 2011.

The WoW mobile library programme was initiated by Keppel and SIF in 2011 to help raise literacy levels among students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by providing them with convenient access to reading and audio-visual materials as well as the Internet.

The ceremonies held today at Phu Huu Secondary School and Tung Thien Vuong Secondary School respectively were attended by Mr Nguyen Van Qui, Deputy Head of the Department of Education and Training of Thu Duc City, and Mr Nguyen Quoc Hung, Deputy Head of the Department of Education and Training of District 8, together with Mr Joseph Low, President, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., Mr Jaryll Chan, Executive Director, Programmes Division, Singapore International Foundation, and Mr Vinh Quoc Bao, Deputy Director, General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City.

As part of WoW’s final segment, 21 computers and approximately 1,300 books, including science reference and English books, will be provided to seven schools in Thu Duc City and District 8, to benefit nearly 7,500 students.

Mr Joseph Low said, “As one of Vietnam’s pioneer and largest foreign real estate investors, Keppel is pleased to partner the SIF and GSL to positively impact the lives of the local communities through the WoW mobile library programme, which Keppel has helped to establish about 13 years ago together with the SIF. We are very proud to have contributed to a successful initiative that has helped to nurture a love for reading and learning among youths. Moving forward, we will continue to explore other areas in line with Vietnam’s evolving needs where Keppel can create lasting impact and value for the community.”

Mr Jaryll Chan said, “The SIF believes in bringing communities together to collaborate and effect positive social change. WoW Ho Chi Minh City exemplified this commitment as Singaporeans and Vietnamese joined hands to promote education and intercultural understanding among children. We look forward to deepening Singapore’s friendship with Vietnam further, after 30 successful years of collaboration through the SIF.”

Mr Vinh Quoc Bao said, “WoW is a typical project of SIF in collaboration with the GSL. This project aims to promote learning within the community, providing basic English and information technology, while also improves opportunities through educational materials, technology resources and learning support equipment. Moreover, it focuses on reading habit and self-learning in students and local communities in order to encourage lifelong learning and develop one’s ability to be confident in communication to be able to connect with the world.”

On this occasion, Keppel has also extended its 'R.I.S.E. to the Challenge' community outreach initiative to both Phu Huu and Tung Thien Vuong secondary schools, by engaging their students in activities such as painting workshops and exploring the consequences of climate change that help to raise awareness of rising sea levels and the need for climate action.

Mr Joseph Low (right), President, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., and Mr Nguyen Van Tot (left), Principal of Phu Huu Secondary School at the event.

From left to right, Mr Jaryll Chan, Executive Director, Programmes Division, Singapore International Foundation, Ms Dam Suyen Nhu, Head of Sales, Marcom and Customer Experience, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd., Mr Tran Thanh Tung, Principal of Tung Thien Vuong Secondary School, Mr Nguyen Quoc Hung, Deputy Head of Department of Education and Training of District 8, Mr Vinh Quoc Bao, Deputy Director, General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr Duong Cao Duc, specialist of Department of Education and Training of District 8.

Keppel Volunteers and the students reading books at the Words on Wheels mobile library.

Under the WoW mobile library programme, computers are provided to schools to enhance the students’ learning.

About Keppel

Keppel Ltd. (SGX:BN4) is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity. Keppel creates value for investors and stakeholders through its quality investment platforms and diverse asset portfolios, including private funds and listed real estate and business trusts.

About Singapore International Foundation

The Singapore International Foundation makes friends for a better world. We build enduring relationships between Singaporeans and world communities and harness these friendships to enrich lives and effect positive change. Our work is anchored in the belief that cross-cultural interactions provide insights that strengthen understanding. These exchanges inspire action and enable collaborations for good. Our programmes bring people together to share ideas, skills and experiences in areas such as healthcare, education, arts and culture, as well as livelihood and business. We do this because we believe we all can, and should, do our part to build a better world, one we envision as peaceful, inclusive and offering opportunities for all. Find out more at www.sif.org.sg

About General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City

General Sciences Library (GSL) of Ho Chi Minh City, the central library of South Vietnam’s public libraries network is connected to 21 public libraries in various districts and Thu Duc City. It has over 80 staff and is the biggest public library in Vietnam that supports other libraries in South Vietnam, attracting over 900,000 users. 80% of its users are college and university students, the rest being educators, researchers and businessmen.

GSL’s mission is to develop a culture of public reading and be a core resource centre for information, culture, recreation and education for Ho Chi Minh City residents. GSL is supported by the Department of Culture and Sport of Ho Chi Minh City, and funded by the local government. It has experience working with NGOs, conducting community activities for children and the blind.

For further information, please contact:

Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd.
Trang Le (Ms)
Vice President, Marcom & Customer Experience
Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd.
Tel: +84 903 918 929
Email: tranglt@keppel.com

Singapore International Foundation
Germaine Lok (Ms)
Assistant Manager, Communications & Engagement
Singapore International Foundation
Tel: +65 9799 1579
Email: germaine.lok@sif.org.sg

General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City
Vinh Quoc Bao (Mr)
Deputy Director
General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +84 989 966 971
Email: bao.vinhquoc@gmail.com