It was obvious the moment CEO Rad Kivette started speaking that this presentation would be incredibly moving. As my major is biomedical engineering, I knew that I was going to love visiting VinaCapital Foundation to discuss bettering healthcare services in rural Vietnam; however, this presentation impacted me in ways I could have never gained elsewise. I could truly talk about what I gained from visiting VinaCapital for hours if I was given the chance.  

VinaCapital is an American founded NGO that funds for different projects concerning healthcare demands in rural Vietnam, from congenital heart disease to female reproductive health education. I found this company’s work to be incredibly inspiring as it challenges many of the beliefs of Vietnamese culture. We learned today that sexism is a large issue in rural Vietnam, in which women are mistreated and viewed as property. I can speak for our whole group that the stories of young girls taken from their home and forced to bear children as a wife shared by our presenter made us noticeably uncomfortable. Mr. Kivette was notably very progressive in his opinions regarding gender equality and feminism, which was absolutely refreshing to see in an older man who has the power to alter women’s opportunities. 

I asked him two questions in which his answers provided me with a great sense of hope for the future of women in Vietnam. I firstly asked if there were certain projects in which the organization applies more of their attention to. He answered that as an organization striving for better healthcare in Vietnam, that they must approach health issues “from the bottom up”. He explained that their main focus is on female education. As he spoke on behalf of VinaCapital, the organization’s emphasis is put on alleviating women’s rights issues with the belief that other concerns can not be faced until women have better opportunities and health services. I left the visit feeling warm knowing that these progressive notions are being brought to women who need it most. Overall, the presentation had a very hopeful theme regarding the future of women. 

Secondly, he explained that many countries are requesting the organization’s services. I asked Mr. Kivette if VinaCapital desires to spread their services internationally or if they would rather focus on helping those in need within Vietnam. Immediately, he answered, “I am Vietnamese”. As an American white man, this was incredibly moving to hear him say. He feels so strongly for the people that he is helping that he feels connected to Vietnam to a personal level. He further answers that the organization is focused on their people before they start to address the needs of others, which I found very touching. It showed an additional layer of loyalty and emotional connection to those who he is helping. I believe a challenge for VinaCapital will be to have a proper balance of focusing on Vietnam while simultaneously spreading and sharing their services to other countries in need. 

The work done at VinaCapital is something that is in great demand in not just Vietnam, but the world. I strongly hope to see their beliefs and support become more internationally practiced. I left this company visit with new perspectives that I will value for the rest of my life.