Jtc Mission Report South East Asia 2007

Hanoi, Vietnam

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Singapore

Mission Report 2007

2007 Junior Team Canada Partners

Team Roster FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

PROVINCE

EMAIL

POSITION

Andrew

Mcleod

Alberta

[email protected]

Ambassador

Stefan

Rath

Alberta

[email protected]

Ambassador

Joel

Hill

British Columbia

[email protected]

Ambassador

Annalea

Krebs

British Columbia

[email protected]

Ambassador

Evelyn

Danilko

Manitoba

[email protected]

Ambassador

Elizabeth

Aldous

New Brunswick

[email protected]

Ambassador

Michael

Belben

Newfoundland Labrador

[email protected]

Ambassador

Mark

Freake

Newfoundland Labrador

[email protected]

Ambassador

Chelsa

George

Newfoundland Labrador

[email protected]

Ambassador

Melissa

Royle

Newfoundland Labrador

[email protected]

Ambassador

Courtney

Waye

Newfoundland Labrador

[email protected]

Ambassador

Justin

Mackay

Nova Scotia

[email protected]

Ambassador

Amit

Anand

Ontario

[email protected]

Ambassador

Yussef

El-Kalza

Ontario

[email protected]

Ambassador

Dennis

Mazajlo

Ontario

[email protected]

Ambassador

Alice

Pang

Ontario

[email protected]

Ambassador

Jennifer

Sarumi

Ontario

[email protected]

Ambassador

Tucker

Vendrig

Ontario

[email protected]

Ambassador

Kyle

Macdonald

Prince Edward Island

[email protected]

Ambassador

Sophie

Langlois

Quebec

[email protected]

Ambassador

Samuel

Laurin

Quebec

[email protected]

Ambassador

Andrée

Rosen

Quebec

[email protected]

Ambassador

Sophie

Roy

Quebec

[email protected]

Ambassador

Stephane

Tieu

Quebec

[email protected]

Ambassador

Andrew

Chau

Saskatchewan

[email protected]

Ambassador

Ainsley

Robertson

Saskatchewan

[email protected]

Ambassador

Joshua

Simair

Saskatchewan

[email protected]

Ambassador

Admin. Info FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

PHONE

EMAIL

POSITION

Terry

Clifford

519-686-8878

[email protected]

President

Amy

Giroux

888-829-2839

[email protected]

Program Director

Keith

Trussler

519-679-4700

[email protected]

Board Member

Jake

Clifford

613-686-1146

[email protected]

Operations Director

Noah

Arsinoff

888-829-2839

[email protected]

Project Director

Stephanie

Ryan

888-829-2839

[email protected]

Project Director

Junior Team Canada Ambassador Partners 2007 South East Asia A Lococo Wholesale Ltd A. Harvey & Company Limited Accent Inns Air Labrador Alan Robinson Albert Eddy Alberta Government Alberta International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs Aliant/Bell Alice Russell Altrusitic Informatics Consulting Amalia Ochoa Andrew and Sherry Hutchinson Anita Hampton Anite Harris Ann Baker Annie Collins Annie Reid APM Apption Software Arthur & Sandra Irving Ashley Cox Avelino Kapauas Barbara Russell Barrhaven Lions Bingo In Trust BCIT School of Business Berne Richards Bessie Stagg Beth Hildred Betty Cooper Betty Fitzgerald Betty Haynes Bev Fisher Beverly Avolio Billy Keel Bob Daley Bob Little Bonavista Lions Club Bonnie Churchill Bonnie-Lou Clouter Boyd Tremblett Bradley Waye Bramwell Mouland Brian Walsh Broad reach Strategies Ltd Browning Harvey Business New Brunswick Calvin Rolls Canadian Commercial Cooperation Canadian Parents For French Canadian Tire

Capilano College Carl Ralph Carleton University Carol Butler Caron Marguerite Cécile Lavigne-Laurin Celtx CF Educational Services Ltd. Chamco Industries Charlene Way Charlottetown Royalty Rotary Club Chez Barney's Chris Sampson Chrissie Donovan Christian Paupe Chuck Decaro CI Investment CIBC Wood Gundy CIBS - MUN Cindy Stead Cindy Tracey Cistel Technologies Incorporated City of St. John's Clara Reid Clearwater Clifford Baker College of Commerce College of North Atlantic Collège Saint-Alexandre Collins Tours & Consulting Community Youth Network Conoco Phillips Canada Control Microsystems Cooperators Insurance Corina Ryder Corner Brook Port Corp. County of Elgin Crosby's Molasses Company Cyndi Baker Cynthia Rose D. P. Murphy Inc. Daphne Cooper Darlene Baker Darrin Hicks Darryl Murphy Darryl Pevie Daryl Johson Dave & Lynn George Dave Mores David Woodward Davis Martindale Management Service Dept. Science Derek Hamilton Derk Russell DHP Contracting

Diane Gryin Diane Hayley Diann Paul Discovery Collegiate Discovery Regional Development Board INC. Dolores Whiffen Don Waye Donald Bourgre Donald Rose Donna Coker Donna Goodyear Donna Shirran Doris Johnson Doug Ditchfield Doug Tarry Limited Dr. Alain Quinn Dr. Irving Rosen Duncan Ford Dylan Cody Dylan Sweetland Eagle River Credit Union Eagle River Credit Union Earle's Grocery Earth Science Faculty Eastern Edge Credit Union Eastern School District Edward A. Farren Jr. Eion Inc Elaine Haynes Elgin Community Futures Development Elizabeth Huff Ella Higgins Elliott Enterprises LTD. Enablence Technologies Incorporated Enerflex Enid Russell Enterprise Saint John Eric Abbott ESTI Eugene Abbott Evelyn Bursey F.Todd Falls Chevrolet Cadillac Fast Genetics / Fast Pigs Faye Lander Harris Felicia Prince First Energy Capital Fishery Products International Flewwelling Photography Florene Little Form and Build Supply Inc. Forteau Lion's Club

Junior Team Canada Ambassador Partners 2007 South East Asia François Coutu Freeman Dunford Fundy Engineering Gabriel Laurin Gary Husby Gary Mackenzie Gary Marsden George Clements Gertie Rolls Gertie White Goodman & Company Gordon Fairweather Gordon Hollway Government Members Office Government of Newfoundland & Labrador Grace &Ashley Phillips GreenLane Environmental Gregg McCoy Guardian Group of Funds H.L. Sear Insurance LTD. Harold Abbott Harold Tremblett Harry & Amy Beaton Hazel White Heather Eugene Heather Power HEC Montréal Hedley Butler Howard Stead HSBC Humphries Tug & Barge Ltd Hutchison Dawe Hynes & Smith Integrated Informatics Inc. Investment Saskatchewan Ion Jessesome ITB International INC Jack W. Harper Construction Limited Jackie Butler Jackie Reid Jacqueline Plante Jacqueline Cooper Jamie Vessey JANE HILL Janet Chaulk Janet Fisher Jean Curran Jeanne Williams Jeff Perry Jennifer & Lauren Goddard Jenny Ryan Jeremie Poirier Jewel Hancock Jewell's Country Market Inc.

Jim Roberts Joan &Eric Pelley Jo-Anne Zeidenberg Joe Preston MP, Elgin-MiddlesexLondon Johanne Laurin John Grant Johnathan Duffett Joshua Kean Joy Snow Joyce Abbott Justine Waye K. Way Keats Keith Pardy Ken Douglas Ken Hill Kevin & Christine Lachapelle Kevin Lewis Kevin Monyatt Kim Colacicco Kim Hicks Kim Lodge Kiwanis Club of Nepean Kristy Worthman Kruyt Peter Kyla Hampaul Kyle Martyn Labrador Choice Seafoods Labrador Fishermans Union Schrimp Co. Labrador Fisherman's Union Shrimp Company Labrador Métis Nation Labrador Straits Chamber of Commerce Labrador Straits Development Corp. Lalonde Daniel L'Anse Au Loup Council Larry and Holly Fiddick Lawrence MacAulay LEON SIGNS Les Pardy Lesley Moodie Levi Warren Life Prediction Technologies Inc. Lillian Beaton Linda Baker Lisgar Collegiate Institute Liske Forensic Professions Inc. Lloyd Cuff Lloyd Randell London District Catholic School Board Looks By Lora Lorna Wright

Louise Barazzuol Lucky Strike Lodge Lynette Russell MacDonald Const. Co. Ltd. Maggie Karjala Malaysian Association of Toronto Maple Trade Finance Marcel Bonenfant Marg Fleming Margaret Abbott Margaret Chenoweth Margaret Hicks Margaret Joy Maria Polsinelli Marie Duffett Marie Sweetland Marsha Goodyear Martha Tucker Mary Brodkorb Mary Dignan Mary Pardy Matthew Geough Maycock Optical Mayor of Prince Albert McCain Foods Ltd. Melanie Gray Melissa Stagg Memorial University of Newfoundland Menita Hayter Meyers Norris Penny Midas Safety Midland Transport Ltd. Mid-town convenience Mike Callahan Mike Connolly Millicent Baker Milligan Holdings Inc. Million Dollar Youth Initiative Milred Waye Mitzy Stringer Monk Office Mori Gardens Mr.& Mrs.Snow Mr.Fifield Mr.Powell Mrs.Cuff Municipality of Cantley Mya Young Natasha & June Hurley Neil Fleming New Balance London Nicholas Baker Niki Fraser

Junior Team Canada Ambassador Partners 2007 South East Asia Normore Enterprises Nova Scotia Business Inc. O'Brien Sales and Service Paquette Mirabel Parkside Collegiate Institute Pat Doherty Patrick Lévesque Patsy Reid Paul Ciampaglia Paul Doherty Paul Kitchen Paul Van Meerbergen Pearl Brody Peggy Connors Peggy Russell PEI Business Development PEI Metro Credit Union Penny Way Eddy Perry Mouland Peter Kohler Windows Peter Porter Inc. Pinware River Lodge Porter & McMillan Insurance PressTran Industries Prime Oil/Gas Limited Prince Albert Community Futures Pro Hardware Prosoya Incorporated Provincial Airlines Provincial Learning Centers Pye Chevrolet R. Cummings Ray Ford Raymond Butler Raymond Noble RCR Hospitality Recruitment Solutions International Richard Dalton Richard Weeks Robert Drinkwater Robert Vessey Robhen Burry Rocco Panza Roger Keel Roger Larry Ross Abbott Rotary Club of Richmond Hill Roxanne Streeter Royal Bank of Canada Royal Canadian Legion Ruby Cuff Runners' Choice Ryan Premises' Staff Saaich Dental Group

Saint John Port Authority Saint Mary's University Samantha Gainer Sandra Chard Sarah Dalton-Phillips Sarah Hancock Sarah Sexton Saskatchewan Research Council Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership Schulich School of Business Scotia Bank Scott McDonald Seaview Restaurant Sharon Dalton Shawn Murphy Sherry Harris Shianne Fisher Shirley Butler Sisters of Mercy - Littledale Spartan Bio Tech Science Spike's Paintball Springbok Energy Ltd SREDA Steelway Building Systems Stephanie Buchanan Steve Trainor Stratos Global Sue Sullivan Sun Cruise & Travel Sylvite Agri-Services Tasha John Taylor Mikasko TD Canada Trust Terry Cooper Terry Evans The Treleaven Consulting Group Ltd. Thermodisc Tiffany Waye Timken Tollgate Tony & Cynthia A. Fischer Tony Izzaro Tourism Elliston Town of Bonavista Town of Richmond Hill Town of Rothesay Trenhome Jackson Eade Truro Rotary Club Tyler Chard Tyler Little University of Saskatchewan University of Victoria University of Western Ontario

Vancouver Economic Development Commission Venture Niagra Verna Hoyles Véronneau Bernard Vesey's Seeds Vicky Porter Victor Boudreau Minister of Finance NB Victoria Swyers Voyageur Transportation W. Harris Wayne Canning Wayne Easter Wayne Ryder Wendy Childs- Baker Westmount Charter School Westpower Equipment Ltd. Wilbur Ford Wilma Norman Wilmore Robbins WM Normore Ltd. York Region Development Youth Ventures

South East Asia 2007 Introduction from the President ...................................................................................................................................................................2 HANOI, VIETNAM........................................................................................................................................................................................3 Economic Report..................................................................................................................................................................................3 Cultural Report .....................................................................................................................................................................................6 Education Report .................................................................................................................................................................................7 Youth Report.......................................................................................................................................................................................10 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM ................................................................................................................................................................13 Economic Report................................................................................................................................................................................13 Cultural Report ...................................................................................................................................................................................15 Education Report ...............................................................................................................................................................................16 Youth Report.......................................................................................................................................................................................20 Tourism Sector – Vietnam.................................................................................................................................................................21 MALAYSIA .................................................................................................................................................................................................22 Economic Report................................................................................................................................................................................22 Cultural Report ...................................................................................................................................................................................24 Education Report ...............................................................................................................................................................................25 Youth Report.......................................................................................................................................................................................27 SINGAPORE..............................................................................................................................................................................................28 Economic Report................................................................................................................................................................................28 Cultural Report ...................................................................................................................................................................................29 Education Report ...............................................................................................................................................................................30 SECTOR REPORTS .................................................................................................................................................................................31 Real Estate in South East Asia.........................................................................................................................................................31 Manufacturing in South East Asia ...................................................................................................................................................32 Oil and Gas Sector in Southeast Asia .............................................................................................................................................33 Environment Sector in Southeast Asia...........................................................................................................................................36 Finance and Investment Sector in Southeast Asia .......................................................................................................................38 Hospitality and Service Sector in Vietnam .....................................................................................................................................40 Export Development Canada ....................................................................................................................................................................42 Helps Canadian Companies bring their Business to the World ..................................................................................................42 Economic Mission Agenda in Southeast Asia ..........................................................................................................................................43 Development Mission Agenda for Southeast Asia ...................................................................................................................................49 Golden Rolodex .........................................................................................................................................................................................54 Hanoi Vietnam.....................................................................................................................................................................................54 Golden Rolodex .........................................................................................................................................................................................56 Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam ........................................................................................................................................................................56 Golden Rolodex .........................................................................................................................................................................................60 Singapore ............................................................................................................................................................................................60 Golden Rolodex .........................................................................................................................................................................................62 Malaysia...............................................................................................................................................................................................62 Works Cited................................................................................................................................................................................................64

South East Asia 2007

Introduction from the President Welcome to the Global Vision sponsored, Junior Team Canada (JTC) produced, Economic and Development Mission Report for Southeast Asia 2007. This report represents the collective effort of twenty-seven young leaders from across Canada. Selected from a pool of over a thousand applicants these JTC delegates are the leaders of today and tomorrow. On behalf of Canadian industry and community sponsors, JTC delegates had the opportunity to travel through Vietnam; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur; and Singapore. The report details the mission’s findings, which were gathered through primary and secondary research methods including first hand interviews, presentations, site visits, face-to-face surveys, published statistics, local media reports, and industry journals. This year, Junior Team Canada represented not only Canada’s economic objectives, but also its social and environmental development objectives for Southeast Asia. The economic team was responsible for conducting trade promotion, identifying business opportunities, and developing trade relations between interested companies in Canada and Southeast Asia. While the development team was responsible for actively supporting Canada’s development initiatives in Southeast Asia through hands on development work and discussing solutions to some of Southeast Asia’s social and environmental challenges. Both teams worked on improving cross-cultural understanding and generating awareness of Canada’s brand abroad. A rolodex of contacts is provided and we urge readers to follow –up any of interest. Participation in the global market economy is vital to Canada’s ability to maintain itself. The homogenizing effect of globalization makes it harder to make distinctions between groups and also between countries. As long as Canada projects and promotes a consistent brand onto the international arena, it will occupy a distinctive and reserved place in international business and politics. However, it is up to Canada to promote and brand itself as a global business player and investment centre and to place itself on the global map. Global Vision is committed to helping Canada in this challenge. To our readers please contact any of the sources listed for all three countries. Junior Team Canada Ambassadors are available for consultation on the Report and their experiences. Yours sincerely,

Terry Clifford C.M. Founder, President Global Vision

South East Asia 2007

HANOI, VIETNAM Economic Report Vietnam Economic Background In the midst of an economic and regulatory transformation – driven by preparation for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and extension of the global supply chain – Vietnam is emerging as a strategic hub for export and investment. The country’s process of economic reinvention (called doi moi) began in 1986. Much like the approach adopted by China years ago, doi moi concentrates on economic development as a primary means of maintaining the government’s ongoing legitimacy. It aims at doubling the country’s GDP by 2010. In the last decade, Vietnam’s economy has grown at a rapid pace, reaching an average rate of 7.2 per cent. Ho Chi Minh City has led the way, much like Shanghai has in China. As a result, real estate prices have risen dramatically in Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to the cost of doing business. This has led to an increase in investment in Hanoi, the country’s capital, and today both centers are growing rapidly. According to Statistics Canada, the stock value of Canadian investments in Vietnam was $89 million at the end of 2005. After much anticipation, Vietnam became a member of the WTO in January. This is expected to help Vietnam refine its reform process, creating opportunities for trade expansion.1 According to Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung “Vietnam is now a market economy and an economic space of great potential.”2 In 2006 Vietnam’s GDP was $69.17 billion and GDP per capita was $819.91.This consisted of a GDP growth rate of 8.2% and an inflation rate of 7.5%. For trade and investment, Vietnam’s exports to Canada represented a total of $653 million and imports from Canada totalled $211 million. In 2006, Canada invested $142 million directly into Vietnam. 3

Hanoi: Vietnam's Booming Business Metropolis It's now been more than two decades since the government of Vietnam first started encouraging free enterprise in Hanoi. Since that time, the southern city of Saigon now known as Ho Chi Minh City has been the driver of the country's great economic development. Political power has been firmly centered in the north in Hanoi. This is now changing and Hanoi is now making his own mark on Vietnam's economy. 4

South East Asia 2007

Vietnam’s Economic Strengths Vietnam is quickly evolving and becoming the next step for manufacturing companies in their global supply chain. Vietnam is considered an attractive alternative to China, thanks to its program of meaningful regulatory reform and the introduction of incentives to draw in foreign direct investment. Two new pieces of legislation introduced by the Vietnamese government are considered pivotal: the Unified Enterprise Law, which will harmonize licensing procedures and the investment approval process for both foreign and domestic enterprises; and the Common Investment Law, which will liberalize foreign investment. The financial sector is also developing as competition between state-owned commercial banks and foreign financial institutions has prompted state-owned banks to upgrade and improve their commercial services, financial products and risk assessment mechanisms. Many Canadian mining companies are taking advantage of Vietnam’s lucrative oil extracting industry. In 2006, crude oil made up 21.3% of Vietnam’s exports while textiles and garments represented 14.9%, footwear 9.1%, and fisheries products 8.6%. Vietnam’s proximity to India and China position it as a gateway to the broader Asian market. Vietnam is actively supporting this geographic advantage by focusing on developing its port infrastructure.

Hanoi’s Economic Strengths Since 2001, Hanoi's economy has been growing at a rate of around 7-8% per year year, too fast for infrastructure development to keep up. With the help of foreign aid, the central government is working to swiftly improve infrastructure in and around Hanoi to help sustain its rapid economic growth. This is in keeping with the government's policy of creating what it calls a market economy with a socialist orientation. The key to achieving this goal has been by trying to ensure that the country's breakneck development doesn't result in too vast a gap of developing between rich and poor, urban and rural, north and south. Nonetheless, there's only so much the central government can do to ensure that economic development is evenly spread throughout the length of the country. Ho Chi Minh City, with just 7 percent of Vietnam's population, accounts for some 20 percent of GDP and 30 percent of industrial output. Senior government economist Dr. Le Dang Doanh says the south has a much stronger heritage of private enterprise than the north and has also been quicker to improve its investment climate. In the south, the people in some provinces are implementing much more efficient legal regulations. The cost of business in the south is cheaper than that of the north and this problem must be solved. Hanoi officials say they're aiming to do just that, cutting red tape, aggressively chasing foreign investment and learning other lessons from the more business savvy southern city that was once Saigon. Vietnam allows for 100% foreign owned enterprises. Foreign investors are showing more interest in the northern area centered on Hanoi where land is cheaper than in Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Honda has recently begun producing its Civic cars just outside the capital. Its adjacent plant produces one million motorcycles a year. Today Hanoi is a bustling city where motorcycles clog the streets and where new factories, industrial parks, high end residential developments and businesses big and small are rapidly springing up. Tourism revenues have more than doubled in a single year. Fiachra Mac Cana of investment bank VinaCapital says “Hanoi has truly awoken from its slumber.”

South East Asia 2007

Economic Opportunities in Vietnam Vietnam’s economy is often viewed as the developing world’s hottest market after China and India. There are many safe investment and trade opportunities awaiting foreign businesses and investors. Canadian companies should enter the market now to access the opportunities currently arising in Vietnam. The Prime Minister of Vietnam has stated that his government will continue to create a more transparent and favourable investment environment for global investors. His plans to partly privatize four state owned banks are on schedule and the country is keen to promote hightech industries. The Vietnamese government has also set aside money to build up key infrastructure; foreign investors are welcome to take part in these projects.5 As the Vietnamese economy has diversified, so has the country’s export/import profile. Vietnam remains heavily agrarian, but it is increasing its involvement in the manufacturing of industrial equipment. In the present manufacturing industry, many companies are expanding their operations, creating valuable opportunities for suppliers of equipment and technology. In recent years, Vietnam’s agricultural exports have grown in volume as have those of its oil and gas sector. Japan and China remain Vietnam’s largest trading partners, and exports to the United States have continued to boom since the two countries signed a free trade agreement at the end of 2001. Imports have diversified as the standard of living has risen. There is greater demand today for Westernstyle consumer goods and transportation equipment. Demand for telecommunications products and services are also on the rise. Cell phone use is increasing, land line infrastructure is expanding, and demand for communication networks, programming, and components are on the rise as well. Hydroelectric expertise is also highly sought after. Another booming sector is insurance. According to Gary Dawson, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam says, “The middle market is bursting at the seams; there is a lot of consumer spending power and it’s expanding exponentially. Consumers are investing more, and acquiring insurance at increasing rates.” Darrel Cartwright of the Canadian chapter of the Hanoi Chamber of Commerce confirms that as a developing country, Vietnam is sure to provide investors with a high return especially in the property, infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy industries.

South East Asia 2007

Cultural Report Hanoi will allow any North American tourist to experience many cultural differences. Greeted by enthusiastic hotel attendants with flowers and friendly bus drivers, tourists are surprised by the warm welcome of the kind and considerate locals. Those working in the hospitality industry are always eager to help their guests feel comfortable and at ease. Most locals will attempt conversation with tourists in English – both to practice the language and to help tourists feel at home. In fact, people in Hanoi are so eager to learn other languages that they enrol in English or French speaking schools, or ask tourists to clarify and define new words for them. They are very accepting of other cultures and rarely laugh or scoff when a tourist is unsure of a certain cultural practice or doesn’t understand what a local is saying to them. This acceptance reflects a deep respect for the foreigners that disrupt their cultural consistencies everyday. This philosophy of acceptance, respect, and kindness is truly unique. Hanoi, with its hustle and chaotic activity of everyday life somehow still holds citizens who are patient and kind, and have a simple outlook on life. To understand Hanoi, one must understand the history and the resilience of the people. Hanoi has historically been the core of resistance movements against northern invasions. Today, it is a vibrant, residential and populous center. Its historical and architectural beauty attracts many tourists and merchants from all over. Silk, spices and goods can all be found on Hanoi’s busy streets. Hanoi is also home to a number of universities, attracting students from all areas of Vietnam to study and to be trained to enter the workforce - primarily in the hospitality industry. Many students leave their families to come to Hanoi for opportunities that their parents never had in the past. Every day, people awaken to the sound of their district’s loudspeakers where they are given directions for their day. The people in Hanoi hold a great respect for the values of happiness and family. It is very common for families and friends to cook and eat their meals outside on the sidewalks. The people of the vibrant and lively city of Hanoi are all moving forward to new opportunities and have an optimistic mentality regarding their futures. One of the most noticeable traits of the Vietnamese people is their resilience. Whether it is regarding their long history or daily lives, their overall optimism and forward-thinking seems to be leading them from hardship to prosperity. The Vietnamese have spent centuries defending themselves and their culture from the Chinese, French and Americans, but do not seem hostile toward any of these nations. Instead, their tourism, business, and assistance are welcomed by the people of Vietnam. The Friendship Village exemplifies this; it is a facility initiated by an American to help children and veterans affected by Agent Orange. Vietnamese work alongside Americans, Germans, Japanese, and Canadians toward a common goal, accepting help from people of nations that caused them immense grief in the past. This dedication and acceptance also resonates through their daily lives. Currently a developing country, the nation and its people are working hard to improve their economy and livelihoods. The shops operate from the early hours of the day and close late, with the same people smiling and eagerly greeting customers on a daily basis. As a result of this enthusiasm and passion to succeed, the Vietnamese people will undoubtedly increase their role and improve their position in the global marketplace.

South East Asia 2007 Every city in the world can show its individuality through its cuisine, merchandise, niche markets and specialty restaurants. Hanoi shows its true colours by providing tourists with a cultural experience in these industries. Some of the foods can irritate a stomach, but guests will also come to the realization that there are unique attributes to Vietnamese cuisine. Tourists will be satisfied – whether they are craving fried duck, from the webbed-feet to the beak, or enjoying comforting North American-style cheeseburgers. Some tourists may prefer to dive deep into the culture with a world-class rice bowl, complete with chopsticks. Hanoi has the remarkable ability to satisfy many tastes and add culture any palate. Even if trying to avoid stores, stores will come to you through the persistent street vendors. Vietnam’s main focus for production and exports is textiles; many great buys can be found on shirts, shoes, and shorts. Though these products are unique to the country, there are many similarities from store to store – bargaining with vendors and merchants is common and widely accepted. Last year, Hanoi hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). This event was a giant stride for the development of Vietnam and Hanoi. It brought foreign markets to Hanoi to discuss and explore economic opportunities within the country. The focus was “Toward One Dynamic Commitment for Sustainable Development and Prosperity”. Hanoi celebrates their development and business success and continuously promotes and encourages a culture of trade, investment, growth, and development.

Education Report Hanoi, as the Vietnamese capital, is a national center for education. The first western-style universities were established in the city in 1902, which included the Hanoi Medical University and the Hanoi University of Fine Art. Hanoi University of Technology, the largest technical school in the country, was built in 1954 and many more soon followed suit. Most of these institutions are public although a few private universities have opened in the past decade. Admission to every school is highly competitive. Entrance examinations are held annually in Hanoi, with youth from across the nation coming to take part in the exams. The entrance exams are centrally created and standard for all students, but entrance marks are set by individual schools. A few universities in Hanoi also run special classes for gifted high school students in an attempt to encourage them to pursue higher education. The rapid development in Vietnam, and particularly in Hanoi, has resulted in a strained education system. An increasing number of young people are beginning to see the value in higher education; the sector must grow to accommodate this new demand. This new demand in education creates an opportunity for Canadian and other international institutions to work with the Vietnamese sector to create mutually beneficial relationships.

South East Asia 2007

Strengths Vietnam's developing economy, which the government is striving to make knowledge-based, has resulted in a large demand for skilled professionals. This has resulted in more universities being established and increased incentive for students to obtain higher education. The value placed on education in Vietnam is also an asset to the sector. The Vietnamese government, the Canadian High Commission in Hanoi, and Oxfam's Vietnamese office all consider education to be a priority. As a result, focus is being put on existing institutions to raise the quality of education they offer and to create educational facilities for those who were previously unable to access them. Education is also valued by the Vietnamese society, as is evident in the eager and motivated mentality of their students. Because space in many universities is so limited, they work hard to keep their place. Extra curricular courses are very popular, especially English night courses offered at Hanoi University. Attending university in Hanoi includes the unique benefits of studying in a capital city. The universities are able to work closely with the central ministry, as Hanoi University frequently does. The city is also home to a visa office, which makes it easier for students to obtain a visa in order to study abroad. For foreign students studying in Hanoi, they may also appreciate the convenience of residing close to their embassy should their services be required.

Weaknesses Although the number of universities and colleges is rapidly growing, there is still a shortage of spaces in many programs. In July, 2007, 1.8 million Vietnamese university candidates wrote entrance exams, competing for only 300,000 spots available nationwide. This means that many capable students must either give up their dreams of higher education or consider studying abroad. Most of the universities in Vietnam are located in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which makes education inaccessible to many people in rural areas. The added financial strain of relocation prohibits many people from attending university, as well as the inability to abandon family responsibilities to attend school in another city. A shortage of teachers is also plaguing the educational system in Vietnam. Although the number of post-secondary students has doubled in the past decade, the number of educators has not grown in proportion to this. People filling teaching positions are not always properly trained, as many qualified teachers leave the industry for the more profitable private sector.

Opportunities The Vietnamese education sector is growing in size and importance for a number of reasons. The Vietnamese population is extremely young, with 60% of the population under 30. Therefore, a huge generation of students will be seeking higher education and will be looking to carry the country through its rapid development. This means that not only does Vietnam need new universities, but it also means that

South East Asia 2007 there is a large potential market for Canadian universities to recruit students to study there. There are many benefits for Canadian universities that accept Vietnamese and other foreign students. It increases faculty sensitivity towards multiculturalism, creates a multilingual student body, adds to the global knowledge base, and enables graduates to be more adaptable to an international workplace. There are also many benefits for Canada sending students to study in Vietnam. It is important for Canada's next generation of leaders to understand the Asian market in order to penetrate these growing economies.

Challenges Many challenges face the Vietnamese education sector. Although it is clearly necessary for the people to become educated because of their new development, many people still place emphasis on the traditional way of life. Some parents are reluctant to send their children into the cities to attend university, choosing instead to keep them at home to help with the family farm. The cost of education is also a challenge for many Vietnamese people. Students must pay for university, and if they wish to travel abroad to study, it is even more expensive. When considering the option of studying abroad, Vietnamese students are also faced with the challenge of obtaining a visa. For example, to study in Canada, one must apply and wait for a visa, a process that can be long and unattractive to prospective students.

Future As Vietnam is rapidly developing, a skilled labour force will be necessary to facilitate and operate in the new knowledge based economy. The education sector must adapt in order to accommodate this need, internally and externally. More spaces need to be created and the quality of education must be increased. Universities should also be looking for partnerships with countries like Canada that have well-established educational systems. An increase in the accessibility to study abroad for the Vietnamese could be beneficial to all parties. To combat and overcome the challenges, Canadian universities may look at offering scholarships for Vietnamese students, and assist them in obtaining student visas.

Hanoi University Hanoi University is a multidisciplinary educational and research institution, with colleges of technology, foreign language, science, social science, economics, international studies and education studies. As of February 2001, the university has held a special position in the Vietnamese tertiary education system, enjoying high autonomy in organization and direct reporting to the Prime Minister. The administration works directly with ministers and government bodies on developing programs, and it is striving to build the university into an institution worthy of international recognition. As part of this effort, they have established associations with many other universities around the world, including centers in Canada, the United States, Western Europe and Asia. Through these relationships, they have carried out many joint research projects, training programs, workshops, conferences and both staff and student exchange programs. The university is committed to increasing their international linkages for mutual benefits and the overall development of higher education.

South East Asia 2007

Youth Report The Western world still associates Vietnam with war and conflict. However the Vietnamese youth of Hanoi do not dwell on the problems of their past, but look forward to an undoubtedly bright future. It is time the world adopted this forward thinking attitude and perception. Through visiting the Vietnam Friendship Village, the National University Hanoi, by spending time with the youth of Hanoi, and developing cross-cultural relations, Junior Team Canada delegates gained insight into the hopes, dreams, and struggles of the future Vietnamese leaders.

The Vietnam Friendship Village During our stay in Hanoi, we visited the Vietnam Friendship Village (the “Village”). We learned that in 1992 a vision came to the torn mind of an American Vietnam war veteran. Challenged by the reality of the effect of Agent Orange on the people of Vietnam, George Mizo decided to take matters in his own hands. Meeting eye to eye with the very men who killed his fellow comrades, he found the strength to overcome the bitterness of the war, allowing him to make a positive difference. With the aid of the Vietnamese, American and German governments, he was able to help mend the ties between the two countries. The Village continuously provides a home and a haven for children and war veterans that were affected by Agent Orange. The Village gives approximately 120 children the chance to learn vocational skills such as sewing and artificial flower making as well as providing basic primary and secondary education together with health care. The main objective of the Village is to become self-sufficient within three years. With the assistance of the Canada Fund and to accomplish this objective, the Village produces its own organic food. Village residents also raise pigs, chicken, geese, and fish. They sell the fish and garden produce to the local residents. These activities take place to provide for the much needed funding. Our visit to the Village has been an unforgettable experience for all of us. From getting our hands dirty in the garden to sharing laughs with the children, we have grown in our understanding of the challenges that these special needs children face on a daily basis. The charismatic personalities and beautiful smiles of the Village children are enchanting and compel a return visit for all of us.

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THE FUTURE... The youth of the National University Hanoi are aiming for the stars. Founded in 1993 by joining three local universities, the National University Hanoi offers higher education in over 60 undergraduate programs to the young people of Vietnam. A typical University school day begins at 7:30am and has 7.5 hours of class with a one hour lunch break. During their free time, Vietnamese youth partake in activities outside of school such as hackie sack and dancing competitions. They are focused, eager to learn and devote themselves to their education.

THE PATH TO SUCCESS... Junior Team Canada delegates have realized that more internships and career specific training programs must be initiated in Vietnam. The youth have been unable to find entry level positions that match their academic abilities, but they can easily find work in the service industry that caters to tourists. In keeping with their forward thinking attitude, the National University Hanoi’s students have emphasized a need to reduce air and water pollution. The poor air quality of the city forces many citizens to wear mouth covers, and the terrible water condition is often a fear for the Vietnamese. The youth are willing to work for change but fear that a lack of proper resources will ruin Vietnam’s natural beauty before they can make a difference. Regardless of the challenges that these youth face, they are committed to their country and do not plan to leave Vietnam. The youth believe in acting as a catalyst for change by participating in Vietnam’s current and future growth which is estimated at 7.5-8.5% annually. Junior Team Canada delegates had the opportunity to teach English and French at the Hoa Sua Schools for disadvantaged youth. These vocational schools cater to the rural and urban poor in order to teach practical job skills. Youth spend one year learning theory in hotel, restaurant, or tourism courses before being placed in one of the Hoa Sua School’s businesses to gain “hands on” experience. The businesses offer chef, server, management, and tailor experiences to the graduates of Hoa Sua School. Every student at the Hoa Sua School receives free tuition which is funded in part by contributions from store purchases and from CIDA. Junior Team Canada delegates were impressed with the positive attitude and friendly nature of the students. The commitment of the students was evident as they practiced pronunciation, reading skills, and conversational English. The youth of Vietnam have big dreams. This was evident from Thuy, a female student server at the Hoa Sua School. Thuy has dreams of opening her own restaurant when she has finished her training. The passion in her voice was evident as she described her goals of independence and entrepreneurship. A male youth, Phuong, candidly described the struggles that brought him to Hoa Sua School, and the opportunities it has given him. He came from a family that lived eighty kilometres from Hanoi in the countryside. His family had very little money and his only way out of poverty was to attend the Hoa Sua School cooking program. His English has improved dramatically and he is the third highest ranking chef in one of the Hoa Sua restaurants, Café Smile. Phuong loves to travel and visited Singapore with his teacher last year. It was evident from the smile on Phuong’s face that Hoa Sua School has had a major impact on him.

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THE CANADIAN BRAND... The Canadian brand is not well known in Hanoi. Although our country is often synonymous with our major cities, (i.e. Toronto) it is sometimes identified with snow and cold weather. The National University Hanoi’s students will help in this respect as they commented on the innovative ideas and fun loving attitude of the Junior Team Canada delegates. Canadian citizens must get on board with Junior Team Canada and enter the Vietnamese market with an identity emphasizing our intelligence, leadership, passion, and dedication for social change.

Access to Education Report Oxfam Quebec is currently focusing on four programs run out of their Hanoi office: Cay Da Capacity Building Project, Mekon Delta Income diversification, Rural Enterprise Expansion Project (REEP), and Anti Human Trafficking in Vietnam. All of the above projects contain components of education in their strategies to increase their self-sustainability. The REEP program, for example, improves the livelihood of rural inhabitants through support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) in agriculture and rural areas. The REEP program will be given over $4 million CAN in the next five years to be used for preparation and implementation of the program. By the end of 2009, the project hopes to have accomplished two main goals: improve the environment to foster the development of MSME, and increase the viability and number of MSMEs, including woman-owned enterprises, in poor rural communities. Through the education and training that these Oxfam Quebec projects provide, rural communities (including women) receive new job opportunities as well an increase in their income. Education opportunities such as the projects described ensure that Vietnam develops a fully-operational and productive population that can contribute to the country’s economy and support Vietnam’s role in today’s global economy. Providing educational opportunities to individuals in Vietnam who would not normally have access to such information will guarantee a strong and competent workforce for years to come. However, if the country of Vietnam wishes to remain competitive in the future global marketplace they must focus their attention on educating their population in order to gain a higher skilled labour force.

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HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Economic Report Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is the economic hub of Vietnam. It was the former capital of South Vietnam until 1975 when it was united with North Vietnam to become the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1975. Its past history with China, France and the United States has influenced and affected Ho Chi Minh City resulting in it to become the business center of the country.

Strengths Ho Chi Minh City has much strength that makes it attractive to the business world. It is the largest business community in the country and contains many operations of multinational corporations. Companies such as Manulife, HSBC, Talisman Energy and SNC Lavalin, are Canadian companies which have established business operations in Ho Chi Mihn City. The great number of Canadian companies in Ho Chi Mihn City provides a great environment for a business and its partnering companies. The economic growth Vietnam is going through and its position in the world as a top developing country next to China and India is the reason why Ho Chi Mihn City attracts foreign investment. The top foreign investors are Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong. Ho Chi Minh City’s location is another advantage that makes the city the economic centre of the country. In fact, with one of the largest ports in the country and the largest international airport in the country allows easy and quick access to companies and other countries in the region such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Ho Chi Mihn City also has 12 industrial parks, 2 software parks and 1 high technology park; these facilities are incentives and are designed to increase business activity. As the economic hub of the country, Ho Chi Minh City attracts many workers. With a population of 8 million the city can consists of a wide variety of workers, from highly skilled professionals to low skilled factory workers. The average salary is $157 per month. Ho Chi Mihn City’s population is relatively young: 70% of the population is under thirty years old. The relatively low cost of labour and the ambition and energy that young workers bring attracts many manufacturing factories to operate in Ho Chi Mihn. Mr. Ralf Matthaes, managing director of TNS (a market research, information and business insight organization) has said, “Ho Chi Mihn’s strengths is the unity of their ethnicity, language, religion, government, called the one factor advantage, that makes Vietnam, and more specifically Ho Chi Mihn a place to do business.”

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Weaknesses Since 2006, Vietnam has experienced high levels in their inflation rate; it has reached 7% per year. As in every developing country, Ho Chi Mihn City also experiences mild corruption. The corruption is an important factor to consider as it slows down the process of establishing a company when conducting routine business activities. It is therefore important to establish good relationships and reputable contacts while doing business with the Vietnamese. Another factor of Ho Chi Mihn that may hurt its economic growth is the increasing disparities between the rich and the poor. Efforts are being made to try to eliminate these weaknesses as Vietnam is reaching the Millennium Goals by investing in the elimination of poverty and in being environmental friendly. Vietnam does not only reach these goals, but has also set its own goals. Its good performance makes Vietnam attractive to investment.

Opportunities As an emerging market in the global economy, Vietnam is a country of opportunities. With Ho Chi Minh’s fast growing economy, it is the time for companies to set up business in the city before the market levels out. The real estate and infrastructure sectors register a high level of return on investment. In fact, there are many construction projects set in HCMC to build roads and buildings to meet the increasing demand. In addition, oil and gas sector will see substantial growth in the next few years through the deposits especially in the Thang Long JOC block. With regards to Ho Chi Minh’s development other important sectors are insurance, mining, agriculture and forest products, dairy and advertising. Thus, investing in Vietnam, and more specifically Ho Chi Minh City, is a lucrative market.

Challenges There are a few challenges in establishing an office in Ho Chi Minh City. First of all, the process to incorporate a company is very slow and tedious. The investment and trade promotional center is trying to simplify the process, and make it easier for companies to enter the market. Another challenge in Ho Chi Minh’s development is finding office space for companies. Currently, 100% of office spaces are currently on leased; and as a result the value of real estate is increasing rapidly. The city is currently building a “new city center” that will have wider roads and office buildings to solve this current challenge. Manulife is one of the first companies to set an office in this new district and, in the near future, many more will join this organization in this environment.

Future Vietnam is expected to become one of the biggest economies of the ASEAN countries because of the country’s distinct workforce. In 2016, NFS expects Vietnam’s population to reach 97 million people and to have 70 million consumers between the ages15 to 69. This increase will evidently lead to an increase in

South East Asia 2007 consumption. The cities will hold 41% of the population because of the current shift of rural workers moving into the city, increasing the number of workers available to work and to consume. Consequent to Vietnam’s development, the number of children per household is also reducing, leaving more available revenues for households. Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city with a blooming economy. In order to benefit from the economic growth of the city and to penetrate the Vietnamese market, it is important to have good relationships with Vietnamese partners. Ho Chi Minh City is developing its infrastructures and its specialization in many sectors to become one of the biggest economies in Asia, and its workforce is a main component of the advantage.

Cultural Report In sharp contrast to Canada’s highly urbanized population, an incredible 73% of Vietnam’s population lives in rural areas. The forecast for the future is that 59% of the Vietnamese population is expected to remain in these rural areas by 2016, while 41% of the population is expected to live in the urban cities. Ho Chi Minh’s growth and development will lead the remaining parts of Vietnam to success. Although Ho Chi Minh City is regarded as Vietnam’s economic centre, making 8.4% of the nation’s GDP, there stands a large distinction between the rich and poor classes; a population demographic different than that of Canada. This separation is fading, with an emerging middle class and the inauguration of women in the workforce. The increasing disposable income of the middle class has created an increased demand for banking and insurance services. In addition, the acceptance of women in the workforce may bring along western market characteristics. In a country where large portions of family income go into the purchases of fresh food for daily meals, the influx of working women would bring along large demand for fast food restaurants, similar to those of the western world. As Ho Chi Minh City develops into a global economic hub of the world, its humble population is experiencing a shift in the traditional Vietnamese lifestyle and values. Vietnam is viewed as a young country with 62% of the nation’s population less than 30 years of age; a significantly higher presence than 39% in Canada. With such a strong presence, this group has powerful influence in the noticeable diminishment of the conformist lifestyle that dominated this region. Instead, a different approach in conducting business has become more and more evident in Vietnam’s economic market: the strong encouragement of innovation, while holding onto traditional Vietnamese values and beliefs. An example of this is evident in the fast food industry; internationally known fast food restaurants, such as KFC, have been recently included into this market. The Vietnamese, however, have taken the western “fast-food” model, and have added their own personal touch with the serving of traditional Vietnamese food. Rising statistics indicate the wide approval of these “fast Vietnamese food” restaurants into the market. A similar scenario exists in the music industry: while traditional Vietnamese music is slowly fading and western pop is slowly becoming more popular, the largest increase in sales comes from the “Vietnamese pop” blend of the two genres. This collaborative genre incorporates the sounds of western culture mixed with conventional Vietnamese sounds. The inhabitants of Vietnam place utmost emphasis on family values, good education, and national pride. Always having an optimistic outlook on life, the residents of Ho Chi Minh City measure success by happiness in life. Viewing Canada as a humble and friendly nation, they have high regard for our esteemed healthcare services, excellent education system, and our peaceful initiatives.

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Education Report Background The government of Vietnam controls the majority of schools at all levels. Education is mandatory from age 6 to 11. Vietnamese is the main language used for instructions, while many private schools offer the option to learn in English. Most of the population has difficulties to access private schools and education after age 11 is an opportunity afforded by few. For very fewer, the option of attending university in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi offers the chance to diversify and add skills in order to increase their employability. The Vietnamese government recognizes the need to improve access to further education than what is required by the state and is undergoing reforms to facilitate education to the Vietnamese. Higher education in Saigon is quite developed, concentrating about 50 universities and colleges with a total of over 300,000 students in such places as: Ho Chi Minh National University with 35,000 students, the most important university in the Southern Region, consisting of 6 main member schools: The University of Natural Sciences (formerly Saigon College of Sciences); The University of Social Sciences and Humanities (formerly Saigon College of Letters); The University of Polytechnic (formerly Phu Tho National Institute of Technology); The International University, Faculty of Economics and the newlyestablished University of Information Technology. Some other important higher education establishments include: Ho Chi Mihn City University of Pedagogy, University of Economics, University of Architecture, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Nong Lam University (formerly University of Agriculture and Forestry), University of Law, University of Technical Education, University of Banking, University of Transport, University of Industry, Open University, University of Sports and Physical Education, University of Fine Art, University of Culture the Conservatory of Music and the Saigon Institute of Technology. The RMIT University with about 2,000 students which is the unique foreign-invested higher-education unit in Vietnam at the present was founded in 2002 by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) of Australia.

Strengths The development of advanced industries in Vietnam has created a demand for skilled workers in Vietnam which has recently increases demand for universities. Education is being focused on as a priority by Vietnamese government and the Canadian high commission in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, as education is primarily funded by students, many value the education even more as they are directly affected by the direct cost of education in contrast to Canadians who are subsidized by the government. Many teachers in Vietnam are expatriates from other countries who add to the quality education as they bring knowledge from all parts of the world.

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Weaknesses Although there are a number of universities in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in general, there is still an alarmingly limited capacity. In July 2007, 1.8 million Vietnamese university candidates wrote exams, competing for one of the 300,000 spots available nationwide. However, this number represents a dramatic increase since 1990 when the number of student enrollments in universities nationwide was just over 150,000. On the other hand, the number of teachers has remained virtually unchanged in the last 17 years. Clearly, this is a system under strain.

Opportunities Vietnam is a young country with over 60% of its population under the age 30. The young age of the Vietnamese represents a large population who is, or will soon be needing education. According to Bill Johnston, Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, not only are young Vietnamese seeking educations, but rather all ages young and old. The widespread procurement of education among Vietnamese not only suggests a quickly learning current and future workforce, but also presents the underlying progressive attitude of the Vietnamese. Many countries accept Vietnamese students to enter and study full time. Being able to attend courses in other countries helps improve education by providing accessibility to diverse programs that the Vietnamese would otherwise not have access. As students return from international study programs, they bring with them new techniques and knowledge which helps them in a new and diversified Vietnamese workforce. As Vietnam develops into a more diversified economy, the education system may have the chance to offer new courses to meet the education needs of new and skilled jobs. This will create teaching jobs and keep students spending university expenses in Vietnam, while at the same time reducing Vietnam’s dependency on foreign institutes for specific courses that Vietnam does not currently offer. Also, as Vietnam develops, a demand for skilled labour will ensure jobs for graduates and will keep the intellectual capital of Vietnamese minds in Vietnam.

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Challenges Vietnam faces significant challenges, not the least of which is its education system. While this country’s sustained economic growth has exceeded expectations, and the Vietnamese people continue to place an extremely high priority on education, the human resource infrastructure here has simply not developed sufficiently to support the growing demands. While this is true at all levels of the system, the state of higher education in Vietnam poses particular concerns. The fundamental role of universities is to provide socially and economically beneficial education. Vietnamese universities are failing to fulfill these critical obligations. According to a 2006 World Bank “World Development Report”, Vietnam lags well behind other countries in the region with only two percent of its population having received thirteen years or more of education. The same report notes that Vietnam is placed last regionally in the percentage of 20 to 24 year olds enrolled in tertiary education, with only 10% in universities. By contrast, China has 15% of its college age students in college, Thailand enrols 41%, and South Korea boasts an impressive 89%. The second role of a university is to generate knowledge and innovation. Here again, Vietnam is failing to keep up with its neighbours. In 2006, Seoul National University professors and students produced 4,556 scientific publications. Peking University produced close to 3,000. In comparison, both Vietnam National University and Hanoi University of Technology produced just 34 such publications altogether. The number of resident patent applications is a useful indicator of a country’s capacity for innovation. The 2006 World Bank report showed that 40,000 applications for patents were made in China, as opposed to only two in Vietnam. The Government of Vietnam has made very clear that it understands the importance of education to its citizens, and that it recognizes the urgent need for change and progress. There is genuine social and political desire to effect major improvements at every level of academia in Vietnam, and the Government has passed a number of important legal resolutions – universal education and governance in the educational system are two – that would have significant impact if and when they are fully carried out. While resources and implementation efforts have been insufficient thus far, it is apparent that, at the highest level of government in Vietnam, there is commitment and will. Canada wants to be a part of this important transformation. The Vietnamese education system has a real champion: Dr. Nguyn Thin Nhân, the Minister of Education and Training who has recently been named to serve concurrently as a Deputy Prime Minister. A former Fulbright Scholar with an MA from the University of Oregon and several post-graduate study programs from Harvard and a former Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s Provincial People’s Committee, Minister Nhân has enumerated specific goals to transform the scholastic environment in this country. These objectives include offering universal access to education, with a particular emphasis on enrolment of female youth, minorities and the disadvantaged under the existing system, revamping

South East Asia 2007 teacher training programs, and overhauling the national curriculum for all subjects at all levels. His plan also calls for the development of a consistent and formalized accreditation and assessment process, a new emphasis on vocational training to equip Vietnam’s workforce for the 21st Century, new partnerships international academic institutions, and the upgrading of several of Vietnam’s universities to top-tier and internationally recognized status. As the World Bank report shows, Vietnam desperately needs more PhDs for its overburdened universities. The Ministry of Education and Training aims to train 20,000 new doctoral graduates by 2020. Ideally, 10,000 of those will receive their doctorate degrees abroad. Beyond these specific goals, government leaders recognize the importance of foreign language acquisition – especially English – for students beginning at the primary school level, as well as increased competence in Information Technology. While Vietnam’s economy is moving ahead quickly, the government has recognized the urgent need of increasing the knowledge of the English language of its population. Since English is the primary language in commerce and international business, this includes all Vietnamese businesses and enterprises that are trying to enter the global market. Often, English is taught by instructors who do not speak the language themselves; they have received scant training in how to teach a foreign language.6 In addition to these challenges, the VISA process for students to enter Canada is difficult. Many Vietnamese students apply; however, few obtain the VISA to pursue education in Canada.

The Future Education is perhaps the key to Vietnam’s future. There are currently future development plans for Ho Chi Minh City that involve the construction of education facilities in suburban and remote areas of the city. The Vietnamese government is also urging for more collaboration from international universities and colleges. Canada can take this opportunity to export its education to Vietnam and encourage Vietnamese students to participate and take part in Canadian education. Collaboration with international educational institutions is the future of education in Vietnam.

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Youth Report Weakness Generally, Vietnamese youths have more strengths than weaknesses, although upon close observation, one can detect that there are certain flaws that exist in these young people. The biggest weakness is that Vietnamese youth do not value ethical conduct. Due to Ho Chi Minh's intense business nature and its history of wars and invasions, youths are influenced to prioritize money and their personal survival and success first, and to only consider ethics when it is convenient or at the least – not troublesome. Another weakness, especially when compared to North American youths, is their lack of confidence. In Asian culture, it is important to be modest, humble, and perhaps even shameful, but this oftentimes does not translate well with Western businesses who may misinterpret the demeanor as an indication of incompetence.

Challenges Vietnamese youths are very bright, but unfortunately, they face numerous challenges living in Ho Chi Minh City. First and foremost, the gaps between social classes and the connected versus not connected creates noticeable inequalities. Some very capable youths are denied opportunities because of their financial situation or family status, while other less-qualified youths are propelled forward by their influential parents and status in society. This is slowly changing, particularly in Ho Chi Minh where merits and abilities are increasingly emphasized. Secondly, Vietnamese youths experience some language barriers as English is not their first language, therefore hindering their ability to communicate their thoughts and promote themselves in the global economy. The government acknowledges this obstacle and is taking measures to integrate more English into the education system. Nevertheless, serious youths should consider taking this matter into their hands and make effort to learn the language outside of the classroom. Lastly, youths must combat the negative attitude and perceptions that the world has about their country.

Strengths Vietnamese youths are very impressive and have many attributes that Canadian youths can benefit and learn from. The most obvious one is their positive attitude: they are extremely optimistic about the future and are hard working with a remarkable desire to learn. The students participate rigorously in the classrooms, and supplement school learning with outside lessons (on languages and other areas of studies) during their spare time. Youths are also well tuned with the importance of culture and history – they understand that while Western values and ways of conducts can be embraced for easier integration into the world economy, keeping their own values and traditions are integral to maintaining a sense of identity. Youths also have many tangible skills and will be the answer for Vietnam’s need for white-collar talent. Students are well educated in all areas of studies with special interest in IT and International Business. The majority of students speak English adequately, and many also speak French or Chinese.

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Tourism Sector – Vietnam As Vietnam’s economy and infrastructure continue to develop, there is constant growing activity in its tourism industry. There has been a steady increase in visitors during the past ten years. With 3.65 million tourists visiting the country in 2006, Vietnam experienced a 3.7% increase from 2005. The tourism industry reached USD 3 billion in 2006. This represented a 5% increase from 2005. Vietnam covers an area of approximately 331,688 sq. km. It has both a tropical and temperate zone due to its densely forested hills and mountains, with a humidity averaging 84% throughout the year. This tropical climate posts ideal conditions for growing and cultivating rice. Vietnam is considered an exotic destination for tourists but it is still considered very affordable on a global base. With 3400 km of coastline, Vietnam’s beaches and bays are ideal places for cruises and boat tours. One of the primary tourist attractions in Vietnam is Halong Bay. It is a United Nations World Heritage site situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, 170 km east of Hanoi. The name Halong Bay means “Bay of the Descending Dragons”. It originated from a legend about a family of dragons that were sent to help the Vietnamese when the Chinese were invading the area. The islands of Halong Bay represent the jewels and jade that the dragons supposedly spat out to form barriers against the invaders. During the Vietnam War, the navy of the United States heavily mined the channels in between the islands. Hanoi, the capital city and government centre of Vietnam is a magnet for tourists, with its bustling city life and distinguished culture. The lively markets make shopping an interactive experience, as customers learn the art of bargaining in order to find the best deal for their goods. Ho Chi Minh City offers a very different feel from Hanoi, with its business-oriented culture and more developed infrastructure. It moves at a faster pace than Hanoi, and has a more modernized Western feel.

Tourists are encouraged to be wary of their belongings during their stay in Vietnam, especially in crowded market places, as these are ideal places for pickpocketing. Overall, the Vietnam’s positive characteristics in the tourism sector certainly outweigh the negatives and one can expect a strong continued growth in the future.

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MALAYSIA Economic Report Introduction/Background The Federation of Malaya gained independence from British colonial rule on August 31, 1957. Subsequently, in 1963 three other states joined to form Malaysia. Singapore was originally part of this federation but separated and gained independence in 1965. There are three significant ethnic groups in Malaysia: the Malay, Chinese, and Indian. The only major racial conflict was the May 13 “Racial Riots” of 1969. Since then there has been relative harmony among the people of Malaysia. The “Racial Riots” led to government implementing the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1971. The Malaysian NEP was a socio-economic policy with aims of narrowing the gap in the standard of living between the minority Chinese and the majority Malays. The NEP required a minimum 30% share of the economy be held by the Malays but this is considered more of a guideline than strictly enforced rule. Malaysia has experience strong growth during the two decades. Like most countries in Asia, Malaysia was hit hard during the financial crisis of 1997. The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange index fell 1300 points in a matter of weeks and the economy as a whole experienced a 7.5% decline that year. The economy has since recovered and there have been consistent growth rates of 5-7%. In 2006, Malaysia had a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of MYR 313.8 billion which represented a 5.9% growth rate from the previous year. The per capita GDP is MYR 12,900. Malaysia has a population of 24,821,286 million (Jul 2007 est.) with a labour force of 10.73 million. The labour force is divided by 51% working in service, 36% in industry, and 13% in agriculture. In 2006, the unemployment rate was 3.5%. Malaysia has been successful in turning around their economy since the 1970’s with a move from simply being a producer of raw materials into a diverse, multi-sector economy. Malaysia is transforming into a knowledge-based, export driven economy with high-technology and manufacturing at its core.

Opportunities The opportunities in the Malaysian market are many and come in accordance with the country’s general growth of about 5-7% GDP a year. Some of the great opportunities in which Canadian business and organization can make gains include education, niche market innovations and IT. In Canada, there are currently 70,000 students who have come from Malaysia to pursue their education. This demonstrates that Canadian education is considered highly desirable for the Malaysian population. However, there is room to grow. With more efforts aimed at having a larger presence in the education system and marketing campaigns in Malaysia, Canadian universities and colleges could be catering to many

South East Asia 2007 more students from the region. This problem is very similar to the one we see in Vietnam, wherein Canadian schools should be making more effort to attract international students from this area of the world. It is very hard to establish a business that offers the same product already available in the current Malaysian market for two reasons. First, there are less regulatory bodies in Malaysia hindering monopolies. Second, the consumers in Malaysia develop strong relationships with the companies they use, ties which are very hard to break since they are already established. Therefore, there is a great advantage for companies that can offer a product or service that is currently unavailable in the market or is better than an existing prototype. Almost 30% of jobs can be attributed to Malaysia’s IT sector which the most prominent and successful sector of the Malaysian business sectors. Cyberjaya, which is a district in Malaysia that houses most of the IT businesses’ headquarters, is totally based on fiber-optic technology. The biggest player in the IT sector is Telecom, which is the hub for almost anything regarding IT in Malaysia. All of these key sectors illustrate potential opportunities in which businesses looking to enter Malaysia can flourish. However, with the great GDP growth per annum, it seems that almost any market is a potential opportunity in Malaysia.

The Future Introduced in 1991 by the Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad, Wawasan 2020 or Vision 2020 represents Malaysia’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2020. To achieve this vision, the country needs to have a GDP per capita of 10 000 USD or more. As of 2004, it was of 4 290 US$78. Malaysia is and active player in the high-tech and manufacturing sector. With the infrastructures being consistent and in tune with today’s business reality, Malaysia has gone from a commodity based economy to a new exporting economy. A good part of the economical growth is a result of the country’s expertise in electronic components, electrical goods and appliances. The future will consist of focusing on the nine challenges set by the Wawasan 20209 : Establishing a united Malaysian nation with a sense of common and shared interests and destiny. Creating a psychologically liberated, secure, and developed Malaysian society with faith and confidence in itself . . . This Malaysian Society must be distinguished by the pursuit of excellence. Fostering and developing a mature democratic society, practicing a form of mature consensual, community-oriented Malaysian democracy; this democratic outlook can be a model for many developing countries. Establishing a fully moral and ethical society, with citizens that are strong in religious and spiritual values and active while keeping in mind high ethical standards.

South East Asia 2007 Establishing a mature, liberal and tolerant society in which Malaysians of all colours and creeds are free to practice and acknowledge their customs, culture and religious beliefs while feeling that they belong to one nation. Establishing a scientific and progressive society; a society that is innovative and forward-looking. Establishing a fully caring society and a caring culture: a social system in which society will come before self. Ensuring an economically just society. Establishing a prosperous society, with an economy that is fully competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient.

Cultural Report The cultural diversity is surprising and astonishing when visiting Malaysia. With a totally different perspective on multiculturalism, the Malay, Chinese and Indian populations are the most dominating counting for respectively 51%, 21% and 7% of the population. Malaysia, which will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary August 31, 2007, has always embraced all the different ethnicities that represent its population. Malaysia’s motto: Malaysia truly Asia, represents its drive to establish its own unique culture as a result of a blend of many different Asian cultures. Malay and English are the national languages of the nation. Despite the obvious diversities amongst races and traditional values, families of different ethnicities often invite families of other beliefs to help them celebrate their special events. This exchange in cultural traditions prove how willing the people of Malaysia are to learning about festivals such as Hari Raya for the Malays, Chinese New Year for the Chinese and Deepavali for the Indians. Hari Raya celebrates the end of one month’s fasting called the Ramadan Month. The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a new Chinese lunar calendar. Deepavali means the festival of the lights where the Indians celebrate the triumph of good over evil. To be able to further please and better represent all the different races which compose this country, the government is a coalition of three political parties called Barisan National. This party assures representation of the interests of various majority and minority group. In Malaysia, education is very important in the nation’s social development. In public schools, the government tries to foster harmony and unity amongst the three different races. There is a large amount of visible government effort to reinforce values in youth that promote a peaceful and accepting nation. Malaysia is a very unique multicultural country. Every ethnicity possesses different values, beliefs and practices. Despite these differences, it is evident that Malaysians live peacefully and are respectful to one another on a daily basis.

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Education Report Background In Malaysia, it is optional for children to attend kindergarten, but it is compulsory for children to attend school beginning age 7. Students have the option to attend either public school which is largely sponsored by the government or, they may choose to attend private school which is privately funded and owned. At age 7, a child will enter primary school and complete within 6 years. They will then proceed to secondary school for 5 years. During the third and fifth years of secondary school students write exams which determine their overall academic standing. Following high school most Malaysian’s will attend a university preparatory school for a period of 2 years after which they write another exam which will determine their acceptance to a post secondary institution. According to a representative from Sedaya International University College, 70% of Malaysian students entering post secondary education attend public institutions whereas only 30% can afford to attend private institutions. In Malaysia, the language of instruction is English yet all schools also have a mandatory Malay language class. Students also have the choice to receive instruction in either Tamil or Mandarin.

Strengths Education is one of Malaysia’s key industries. Its competitive advantage lies in the fact that it is relatively cheap to obtain a post secondary education or to learn English. Due to this, Malaysia attracts students from all around the world. Since English is the standard language of instruction, many Malaysians speak English fluently and can contribute many skills to the growing economy. In addition, Malaysians are quite proud of their rigorous examination process which is considered one of the most difficult in the world.

Weaknesses In Malaysia, students can attend public or private post secondary institution. However, due to the wider variety of programs available in private institutions, if a student cannot afford to attend a private institution then they may not be able to study their subject of choice at a public institution. Private institutions are known to offer a much broader range of programs. In the past, the standard language of instruction was Malay and has only been changed to English in the last 3-4 years. Many students find it difficult to adapt to this change, especially regarding terminology for technical courses such as science, math, and geography.

Opportunities

South East Asia 2007 Sedaya International is a private university college in Kuala Lumpor Malaysia. It boasts 6000 students from 60 countries and offers a wide variety of programs. This institution actively seeks international students and partnerships. In Canada, they already have a partnership with the University of Manitoba; however, an opportunity exists for more Canadian institutions to collaborate with this world class facility. Sedaya International University College also has a unique internship placement program that has their students conducting a 2 month internship with a local or international corporation. The school has expressed interest in sending some of their students overseas, to Canada, to complete their annual internships.

Challenges Although Malaysia’s population is highly educated and the country is proud of this fact, educational institutions must make it a priority to become more competitive if they want to compete in the global market. Investing time in building educational partnerships with international institutions and employing skilled teachers will need to remain at the top of their educational agenda.

Future Malaysia’s vision is to become the hub for education in Southeast Asia. They would like to continue accepting foreign students from countries such as Africa, China, Indonesia or Thailand. Post-secondary education is a requirement for success for youth in Kuala Lumpur; because of their parents’ expectations and to be able to succeed in the work force. Most Malaysian youth will pursue a post-secondary degree, and this does not differ between males and females. In fact, 60% of graduates of post-secondary government-funded universities are female. Attending university is not required by the state; students have the option to stop attending secondary school at age 15. Students who complete their secondary education can continue on to various colleges provided by the government, but these government funded colleges are not considered up to par with Western post-secondary institution standards. Since these schools do not satisfy many educational needs and standards, private sector schools are very important to fulfill high educational standards. A post secondary degree from private institution is essential if the student plans to continue his/her education aboard. Many parents will seek government loans to fund their children’s education, and the students will pay back these loans once they have completed their education. However, private post-secondary institutions can be very expensive; students also have the option to complete their SPTM, which is equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma. Education is an important value to the Malaysian society. Since students realize the importance of education, their dedication and competitive nature for high grades will result in a very educated and capable work force. With regards to youth health issues, Malaysian youth have the similar practice of multiple vaccinations around age 12. However, girls are the only ones protected against measles, while the boys get checked for hernias. Also at age 12, Malaysian youth are still required to receive the tuberculosis vaccination; this is no longer necessary in Canada. Each individual and each family in Malaysia must always be conscious of keeping their environments clean to prevent mosquitoes, such as avoiding stagnant water. Malaria is no longer an issue in urban areas, but Dengue Fever is still common. Another obvious difference between health issues for youth in Malaysia and in Canada is the topic of sex. In Malaysia, most parents will never engage conversation concerning this topic with their children, leaving sex education up to schools. However, most sexual education classes will only teach about the sexual organs, leaving other important details taboo. Not taking part in pre-martial sex is discussed more often

South East Asia 2007 than encouraging the use of protection – the opposite of most Canadian teachings. This difference is reflected in the culture of each ethnicity in Kuala Lumpur – the Malays, the Chinese, and the Indians. Living and growing up in Kuala Lumpur means being exposed to many different cultures. This means that there are a lot of celebrations, and each race is very open to accepting other cultures to celebrate together. For example, in October, there is a big celebration after the Muslim’s one-month fast, Chinese New Year is also a time for festivities, and both of these celebrations are celebrated by people of all races. As these youth are growing up in the same society, each generation seems to be becoming increasingly accepting of the differences between cultures. For example, one might have an Indian friend who speaks fluent Mandarin. Although cultural diversity is flourishing, it is still common to have racial disagreements and challenges regarding multicultural societies. In government public schools, there is no race discrimination on who can attend. In private schools, the three main races are clearly distinguished. There are private schools for Malays, fewer for Chinese, and hardly any for Indians, due to lack of funding.

Youth Report Most youth in Kuala Lumpur do not partake in hobbies; school is very important and time-consuming. If they have the opportunity for hobbies, it is normal that their parents choose these. A leisure activity for the average Kuala Lumpur youth includes going to shopping centres or online gaming. Rural youth have spent more time in their childhood taking part in outdoor activities such as climbing trees or fishing. In the city, parents have a great deal of control over their children. This control encompasses social rules such as dating and friendships. This is especially true for the Malays, where rules regarding dating are remarkably strict. Usually Malays may only date or pursue relationships with other Malays, whereas for Indians and Chinese it is acceptable to intermingle with other races. In secondary school, many youth who live in the city will dedicate themselves to school; they will work very hard and will not worry about a job until they have completed their education program. If students are to work part-time, they will usually be employed in the retail and fast food industry. However, during postsecondary school, many students will get a part-time job, because the flexible school schedules allow for it. For youth who live in rural areas, they will normally help with their family farm. For the most part, Malaysian youth rarely leave the country. Most youth have no means to travel, due to the costs incurred with travelling. The youth that get the opportunity to go abroad will do so through programs for international study, which are offered by private schools with partnering universities in other countries.

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SINGAPORE Economic Report Background Singapore, “the Lion City”, was discovered in 1819 by the Englishman Stamford Raffles. It was a part of the Malaysian colony until it gained full independence in 1965. The first Prime Minster, Lee Kong Yu, of the People’s Action Party, has overseen Singapore’s dramatic transition from a sleepy village to one of the worlds trading powerhouses over the last four decades.

Strengths Today, Singapore is renowned as one of the world’s most liberalized trading economies. This is partly due to Singapore’s strategic location; being situated in the heart of Asia makes this country highly connective in the form of air and sea transportation. In addition, Singapore has the world’s largest free port, a highly educated workforce, and a stable political climate, which puts Singapore at the forefront of international trading, banking and innovation. A combination of these strengths coupled with a fast paced and efficient economy creates a highly pro-business environment within the country.

Weaknesses Singapore’s small domestic economy coupled with its heavy reliance on foreign imports leaves it highly vulnerable to any major change in the world economy; its lack of natural resources may be seen as an extremely negative aspect of the country’s economy. However, Singapore has learned to turn this drawback into an asset by creating and focusing on niche markets. The country is also experiencing a declining birth rate, which is increasing the already heavy reliance on foreign workers. Already almost 25% of the countries people are foreign workers. Another important element of their economy is the relationship that exists with ASEAN. This also creates a weakness within the economy; being part of ASEAN, Singapore tends to place heavy reliance on them.

Opportunity With its pro-business policies and niche market focus, Singapore offers great opportunities to Canadian companies involved in fields such as: new media, bioscience, alternative energy, value-added manufacturing and education. A major golden opportunity is for Canada to enter into Singapore’s demanding high-tech industry.

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Future Singapore’s economic growth should remain consistently above 5% while FDI will only increase. This vibrant economy will continue to prosper, and it is up to Canada to become part of this global opportunity.

Cultural Report “Safe, Clean and Green”, is the motto promoting Singapore’s beautiful landscape and low crime rate. In 1819, the British, led by Stamford Raffles, established a trading post in Singapore and segregated the Chinese and the Indians. In 1965, Singapore gained independence from Malaysia and has changed dramatically since. Today, Singapore is a perfect example of how diverse religions and ethnicities can co-exist in harmony. To ensure a positive perception for all races that make up the population, Singapore has adopted English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil as the four official languages. Approximately 76% of Singaporeans are of Chinese descent, with Indian and Malay minorities. Moreover, 25% of the 4.6 million Singaporeans are migrant workers. Hence, the cuisine is a reflection of the diverse mix of cultures in Singapore, ranging from American fast food to local Indian food. As Raffles once stated, “the object is not territory, but trade”, this mentality continues to be prevalent in Singapore’s business world. The business culture is constantly seeking innovation to stay ahead of any global competition. The policies of Singapore’s pro-business government consistently place the country at the forefront of international transparency and competitive rankings. Although business is a top priority for the Singaporean government, the necessity for security remains paramount. Law and order policies prevail, leaving many visitors with a sense of anxiety. A minor offence in other countries such as littering or not flushing public lavatories, can lead to unusually harsh punishments. Singapore conveys a “nononsense” attitude, ensuring stability and order in society.

The highly regulated life of Singapore affords the country an unparalleled level of cleanliness and beauty. This utopian mantra is evidenced by the country’s perfectly planned parks, streets and neighbourhoods. Singapore, with its enthusiastic population, innovative trading economy, and unique pro-business culture truly lives up to its name, the “lion city”.

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Education Report Being a very small country (approximately the size of the island of Montreal), Singapore has no choice but to concentrate its economical efforts on high value activities. These economical activities require a competent and well educated work force. Singapore has three main universities: Nan Yang Technical University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU). Elected Prime Minister in 1957, “Lee Quanh Yu” took some drastic measures to assure the country’s prosperity. One of these decisions was to make English the official teaching language in Singapore. Since then, all of Singapore’s universities offer their teaching programs in English. Singapore now has one of the most highly skilled work forces in the world. Education in Singapore is highly subsidized. University is affordable for most of the students but the spaces are quite limited. With the quality of its universities and the dynamism of its economy, Singapore also attracts a lot of Chinese students. This emphasizes the lack of spaces available for the students in universities. For that matter, many decide to study abroad. School is very demanding and highly competitive. Due to this nature, students get two months of vacation per year: June and December. The high level of education of the population is a definite advantage for the country which focuses on innovation to remain competitive. The country is currently overcoming the challenge of lack of spaces in the universities by sending students abroad to complete their education. Currently, a fourth university is being developed that will help retain Singapore students.

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SECTOR REPORTS Real Estate in South East Asia With a fast growing economy it is no wonder that real estate is one of the hottest sectors in South East Asia, especially Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Vietnam is currently experiencing a highly dynamic economy, and is reforming itself from a developing country to a developed one; it is inevitable that a country experiencing extreme economic growth will be in high demand of real estate. This is currently the state of Ho Cho Minh, Vietnam’s economic centre. The supply of commercial and retail buildings is currently not able to meet the demand. Therefore, the price of real estate has soared to acute levels; in the past four years the price of real estate has risen by 1000%. There is currently a high demand of hotel buildings and office space. This stems from an increasing influx of foreign investment and international tourist arrivals. To overcome this imbalance, Ho Chi Minh City authorities have approved a master zoning plan, in addition to setting architecture requirements for 20 commercial locations in a new city center. The city is calling for investors to build commercial complexes at these locations, including office buildings and hotels, through 2020. City authorities plan to announce funding requirements in order to select the best investors. Besides demonstrating their financial capacity, investors will be required to complete the project within 5 years. When dealing with the purchase of real estate it is also necessary to consider land purchase. There are two options regarding land purchase: for full ownership land may be bought out, otherwise it may be leased for 99 years. Leasing is the preferred option as it is an easier and shorter process. For those not interested in purchasing a building it is still possible to take advantage of this booming sector by investing in real estate funds. Investing in real estate is expected to produce high returns, especially in Ho Chi Mihn City due to the tremendous opportunity for development. The real estate market in Vietnam is parallel to that in Singapore and Malaysia; all three countries are experiencing different levels of development, however the real estate sector is a vital element of each countries economy. With predictions that Vietnam’s population of 85 million will quickly become urbanized, this has made the real estate demand even more apparent.

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Manufacturing in South East Asia Although manufacturing is not a key sector involved in the growth of the countries in South East Asia, in comparison to real estate and education, it is still one of the many sectors that follow the all around growth of these South East Asian markets.

Singapore Singapore is developing at a rapid pace; the land mass is expanding and it will need new industries to remain competitive on a global scale. Manufacturing is a lucrative industry in Singapore because these types of companies will may be at an advantage because of the ease of exporting given Singapore’s vast amount international trade agreements and deep water ports.

Vietnam Vietnam contains a workforce of over 50 million people. This high population is a definite advantage Vietnam because it has the ability to supply the labour needed to operate a factory or the upper levels of a manufacturing company. Also, as its workforce becomes more educated, the country will consist of skilled workers ready to make products more efficiently and of a higher quality. In addition, Vietnam is a great place for manufacturing because it offers stability at an acceptable cost. The usual minimum wages start at about $55 USD a month, which is one of the lowest in South East Asia. This makes Vietnam very advantageous in comparison to China, where labour costs are almost double. Land is also attainable at a low cost in rural areas; this is not the case in main cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Mihn. Hence, the low cost of operating a business in Vietnam is a key factor for the country to stay competitive in the global market. Vietnam’s location is South East Asia is a major component to the country’s economic growth. Vietnam shares its borders with China and Malaysia, two developed and competitive countries. This location allows Vietnam to take part in business activities with these countries and it is an ideal location to export goods. Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city with a booming economy. It attracts manufacturing companies with its high-tech park, its 2 software parks and its 12 industrial parks. The manufacturing sector in Vietnam will continue to play an important part in the country’s GDP. As Mr. Mathaes, from Taylor Nelson Sofres said, 41% of the country’s population will live in cities by the year 2016. The additional population living in cities will add to the workforce available for manufacturing companies. This will generate more opportunities for Vietnam in the future.

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Malaysia Manufacturing is currently one of the key sectors the Malaysian economy is dependent on. This forces the government to provide incentives to the manufacturers in the form of tax incentives and holidays. Government financing is also available to encourage growth in the manufacturing sector. However, there are some drawbacks to the Malaysian manufacturing sector. This includes the fact that it is not a labour intensive workforce. Instead middle to high end factories would be ideal since its population consists of an educated workforce. Malaysia is a good place to establish manufacturing operation because of the fact that it is relatively cost efficient and an educated workforce is readily available.

Oil and Gas Sector in Southeast Asia Vietnam’s current economic growth has been compared to that of large economic nations such as China, India and Singapore. These countries model some of the best economic and overall development techniques to the world. At its current growth rate the ASEAN region is bound to surpass the rest of the world economically. Oil and gas in Southeast Asia is a major influence on the GDP of Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. Drilling, refining or selling the oil are all crucial activities that play a major role in the development of these countries’ economies. The oil and gas sector is a massive market that reaches all corners of the world. It is a commodity that is in high demand and is used in various forms. In the Southeast Asia region - specifically Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, the market for oil and gas is rapidly rising as a result of the new development that is occurring. In Vietnam, it has been projected that by 2010 forty percent of Vietnam’s energy will come from oil and gas. Presently Vietnam does not engage in refining its own products. Instead it ships all extracted natural resources to other countries such as Singapore, and relies on Singapore for the refining and manufacturing of its oil and gas products. Vietnam possesses vast oil and gas resources, yet they rely on another country for technical expertise in bringing the final product into the market. Their partnership has helped to further develop and increase production in the region. Continued research and development is essential for Vietnam to further reap the benefits of their natural resources. In addition, foreign involvement can further accelerate this process. Malaysia is important to the world energy market because of its impressive oil and gas resources. Presently, there are many prospects for off shore drilling around the Malaysian coast; however it is difficult for foreign oil companies to be involved in this region without a joint venture with a Malaysian counterpart. However, as Petronas, the national oil and gas company plans to increase domestic capital spending; this will result in more contracts for oil and gas service providers and suppliers.

Social and Political Interest A majority of the technical work and manufacturing in the oil and gas industry is outsourced to other countries like Canada. However, most of the onsite work is staffed with local workers. Large oil and gas companies such as Talisman are aware of the need to employ and involve resident labourers. In

South East Asia 2007 Malaysia, the labour law states that staff must representative of all racial classes in the population. The law also obliges foreign companies operating in the region to employ local workers. Politically, all three countries - Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia actively encourage and invite oil companies to participate in the development of their industry. The oil and gas sector is a major contributor to their economies as it creates jobs for locals which lead to an increase in the country’s GDP. Socially, the drilling and manufacturing of petroleum products may potentially create environmental hazards and impacts. Oil companies and government must work together to create guidelines and standards to alleviate any negative environmental consequences.

Industry Leaders The leaders of the oil and gas industry in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore are recognized on a global scale. The mega-giant corporations of Halliburton, Baker Hughes and Exxon Mobil are present in the Malaysian and Singapore market as well as other parts of Southeast Asia. Talisman Inc. has operations in both Malaysia and Vietnam. Several local companies such as PetroVietnam, Petronas and Newfield are also actively involved with other ongoing projects in the region.

Development Stage Talisman is actively involved in preparing for the drilling and extraction in one of the major oil fields located in Vietnam. Talisman and PetroVietnam Exploration and Production Company, who work together in a joint venture, expect to move quickly to develop this area and enter the market.

Opportunities A wide array of opportunities exists for Canadian companies to expand into Southeast Asia to manufacture the vast amount of oil found in the area. Vietnam lacks the engineering expertise; an area where Canadian companies can provide engineering procurement, construction management and project management services to take part in drilling, production and the various sectors of the international energy industry. In addition, Canadian companies are equipped to supply gas compression packages, power generation and process equipment that are essential in the day to day operations of an organization in the oil and gas industry. Canada could profit from this involvement in the oil and gas industry and further aid in the development and advancement of foreign interests. This region also has substantial prospects for future offshore oil wells and is a profitable area for foreign companies. Canadian companies are industry leaders in the oil and gas sector for onshore, offshore and Artic oil and gas developments. From the oil sands in Alberta, to the offshore platforms in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland to the far north, Canadian companies have the knowledge and tools to efficiently execute oil and gas projects. The Canadian education system has equipped highly skilled and qualified professionals who possess the skills necessary for providing quality engineering, design services and production assistance to efficiently develop this industry in Southeast Asia.

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Challenges In Vietnam and Malaysia, two government organizations control the standards and regulations that govern the different oil companies that enter their markets. Respectively, PetroVietnam and Petronas set all guidelines by which the various companies must follow. For example, in Malaysia, the Canadian oil company Talisman must hire as many local workers as they can before they can outsource any work. In addition, they must utilize the Malaysian manufacturers for a variety of technical equipment. This means that Canadian companies may not have the control they desire to operate in this area.

IT Sector in Southeast Asia Countries in Southeast Asia are often grouped together as an individual market region; however the proximity of Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam are deceiving when considering their Information Technology background. Singapore has been one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world for the past two decades. The country has accomplished all of its IT developments since its independence in 1965. Malaysia’s development has been more recent than Singapore’s, as with other Malaysian market sectors. Vietnam’s IT development is the latest of the three countries and has not yet reached the levels of Singapore and Malaysia.

Strengths There are many advantages in the Information Technology sector in Southeast Asia. This sector is rapidly growing as a result of the rise in consumerism. As of 2004, more than 593 million people lived in this region. This is a strategic advantage for companies that want to introduce their IT products and services into a very large and diverse market. Another incentive for businesses to enter the industry is the opportunity to outsource. Having products assembled in Asia can be very cost efficient because of the lower wage costs for labour-intensive activities. Countries in South East Asia such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore are geographically located in a strategic spot to perform business activities. This area is in very close proximity to the entire Asian market and is considered an international gateway to the world. The governments of Southeast Asia are beginning to take a free market approach in regards to foreign investment. This encourages growth in the IT sector on this area because of the more flexible policies as well as various IT educational programs that are offered in these countries in an effort to set higher IT market goals.

Weaknesses Although Southeast Asia holds great potential for the establishment of Canadian businesses, there also lie weaknesses in each of these business segments. Vietnam, in particular, has a shortage of skilled

South East Asia 2007 labour. Although this is expected to change in the near future, cultural and financial barriers still exist for certain families sending their children to school to receive education necessary to perform in highly skilled positions. In addition, corruption has a strong and commanding presence in Vietnamese business regulatory policies. Singapore, on the other hand, faces very little corruption, but finding office space and dealing with the great competition may be extremely difficult. The small size of the nation limits the availability of natural resources; thus, Singapore is forced to import most of their goods and rely on outside sources for the survival of their market.

Opportunities As IT is arguably the fastest sector in the world to adapt to a changing market environment, many Canadian IT companies have already been able to respond to the opportunities in Southeast Asia. Although some Canadian companies currently have a place in the Southeast Asian market, it is difficult to keep a competitive advantage in this sector. It is necessary for Canadian companies and its shareholders to see the opportunities that are currently available in this area.

Challenges Government systems in each of the three nations are extremely different from the conventional democratic procedures Canadian corporations have grown accustom to in North America. Vietnam is one of the few remaining countries in which traditional communist guiding is still prominent throughout the entire territory; Malaysia follows a monarchy system; and Singapore is a parliamentary republic which has been regulated by the same dominating government party since its birth over 40 years ago. With these types of government regimes, Canadian businesses must proceed in investing with caution. Vietnam, in particular, is a nation subjected to a great deal of corruption. Companies looking to expand their operations into this rapidly growing economy must be aware of the financial burdens that may arise from a corrupt economy and the presence of a strong underworld economy. As a nation with few of its own resources, Singapore relies on outside sources to survive and is vulnerable to external market changes.

Environment Sector in Southeast Asia Current and future economic growth and substantial investments in infrastructure will significantly threaten the environmental sustainability of the Vietnam’s development. With its booming economy, Vietnam’s environment is being negatively affected. Rainforests, mountains, wetlands, and other eco-regions are all being affected by the economic development of Vietnam; there are now efforts being made by government to reverse the effects of a booming economy.

Strengths The environmental sector in all three countries, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore, has strong support from their governments. Local and national environmental projects to sustain eco-regions in all three

South East Asia 2007 nations are becoming increasingly popular and enforced as youth are becoming more aware of the consequences of poor environmental conditions. For example, Malaysia has recently implemented regulations on public transit vehicles: taxis must fuel by natural gas and other public vehicles must be fuelled by bio-fuels, such as a combination of gasoline and palm oil. Singapore is globally recognized as one of the cleanest nations in the world. It has put forward a good example of environmental sustainability, one that other countries in this area are eager to follow.

Weaknesses Despite these signs of progress, there is need for substantial improvements in the policy framework for environmental sustainability in Vietnam. The lack of commitment from government agencies and low awareness in local departments are evident within this emerging economy. There is a lack of environmental integration at the planning and programmatic level and low levels of corporate responsibility towards environmental sustainability of economic operations. Malaysia experiences similar problems, however on a far lower scale, while Singapore is viewed as a prime example of what countries should be doing to improve the environmental state of their countries.

Opportunities Southeast Asian governments have been funding numerous local and national environmental projects to promote ecological sustainability. This is an opportunity for companies (both foreign and domestic), interested in establishing operations in the Southeast Asian market to participate in these initiatives. Through environmental initiatives, foreign companies can build important and valuable relationships and ultimately do better business in Southeast Asia. Some of the national environmental projects hosted by the government include:

Mekong Project With the diminishing quality of its water, the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) has established a project to save one of the WWF’s Global 200 eco-regions and home to 1300 species: The Mekong River. Green Quarter Project Considered one of the highest conservation projects in Vietnam, this is an initiative to save one of the last remaining low-land evergreen forests. Conservation of Endangered Species The list of endangered animals includes: the Indo-Chinese Tiger, the Asian Elephant, the Gaur Bos, and the Javan rhinoceros. Greater Truong Son Project This initiative deals with the conservation of the greater annamite mountains. These are only a few of the many government initiatives aimed to conserve address current problems the environment in Southeast Asia is faced with. Vietnam, in particular, has been accused for neglecting to enforce policies to conserve the environment. This, however, has changed as the Vietnamese are becoming increasingly aware of the consequences of the current situation. The Vietnamese government has recently established the Ministry of Natural Resources, an administration that deals with the nation’s regulations of natural resources, and has approved the National Strategy for Environmental Protection (NSEP). The Vietnamese government has further showcased its interest in environmental sustainability with the recent amendment to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by increasing the requirements for approvals to initiate a project and by adopting the Strategy for Sustainable Development.

South East Asia 2007 Threats Vietnam is no longer a small player in the world of international business; instead, it has achieved a ranking as one of the world’s fastest growing economies and has become a prime target for foreign investment. With such drastic changes occurring in this nation, it is important to recognize the consequences of poor environmental conditions now, before they become too complex to address. In such a booming economy, it is important for the Vietnamese to regulate business affairs and create standards and regulations to avoid negative consequences to the environment. The earth is interrelated in all areas; environmental conditions in one area are bound to affect other areas of the world. Vietnam and Malaysia are making efforts to improve their environmental state in order to be comparable to Singapore in the future. However, Singapore now faces the challenge of maintaining its appealing image of being environmentally friendly in order to attract organizations with high environmental values.

Finance and Investment Sector in Southeast Asia In the last 3-4 years, Asian economies have become more robust since recovering from the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998. Now, analysts view the financial industry as one of the fastest growing sectors in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is rapidly developing as a vibrant economy, Malaysia boasts an attractive operating environment, and Singapore is a hub for financial services.

Strengths Greater competition, fewer business boundaries, the rise of domestic mergers and acquisitions, and increased access to foreign capital are key factors shaping market growth. They are forming the foundation for more resilient and rational banking markets across Asia. In Southeast Asia, relationships are vital to success; therefore, most financial institutions are emphasizing customer service and continuous relationship building in their business models and use this tactic to attain a competitive advantage in the sector. Banks that have had a long presence and built up a strong customer history have also done well in this region. For example, HSBC has been in Malaysia since 1884. Foreign banks benefit if they possess a strong global network to serve their clients around the world. Furthermore, countries like Malaysia and Singapore offer a highly educated and skilled workforce that will be able to serve customers effectively. Scotiabank and Manulife are two examples of Canadian financial institutions that have been very successful in Southeast Asia. Manulife recently set-up its first office outside of North America in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This is reflective of the business potential in this market.

Weaknesses For investors, the Asian markets are generally good investments, but one may be limited to products in Malaysia and Vietnam as these countries do not offer many sophisticated services. Customized products that Western investors may be used to at home may not exist, and investors should be prepared for less

South East Asia 2007 flexibility. A different weakness exists for Singapore – there are many highly sophisticated products, but the market does not offer returns comparable to those of Malaysia, and Vietnam. For companies looking into starting operations, the weakness of Vietnam is the government structure. Ambiguous regulations, changing rules, and corrupt officials make business difficult for inexperienced companies. One may need to participate in less-than-ethical conducts, and this can damage companies’ reputation on a global scale.

Opportunities Banks will be successful if they focus on building specialized market and business models. They must adopt customer centric structures, reconstitute, and centralize the management of their largely independent branches. For foreign players entering the markets, it is essential to develop a coherent, long-term vision. An example a foreign success story is HSBC, which was named in 2007 the “Best bank in Vietnam” by a leading financial publication, Finance Asia. In developing countries such as Vietnam, there is also an opportunity for foreign corporations or individuals to bring technical and managerial skills to local financial institutions thus enabling them to be more competitive in the global marketplace. In light of Vietnam rapidly developing economy, analysts predict that consumers will shift from a “saving for a rainy day” to an “investing in the future” mentality. This will provide opportunities for financial institutions to target consumers with a wide range of savings and investment services. Analysts also predict that convenience will become an important factor for consumers and so services such as electronic banking will be in high demand. Southeast Asia offers investors high returns on infrastructure, power and real estate investments. Foreign owned investment funds such as Dragon Capital have been created to take advantage of the growth in these industries.

Challenges It is difficult to generalize Asian markets, as different countries can be in very different stages economic development and have extremely different government structures. Singapore and Malaysia share similar market characteristic as they both have developed finance and investment sectors. For these two countries, the challenge for new companies is in entering the market. Penetration is difficult as the market is well-saturated with both domestic and foreign financial institutions that offer competitive services. Market penetration is also difficult in Vietnam - although for other reasons. Vietnam’s government structure does not easily allow foreign companies, especially those that do not boast highly visible profiles, to conduct business in the country, and bribery and corruption is necessary in most cases. There are also challenges for companies that have already entered and operating in these countries. For foreign multinationals, especially those that may not completely understand the cultural influences that must be considered in business, working in Asia can be confusing. Relationships are extremely important and can trump all other factors. The challenge lies in building and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders, and more importantly, trying to improve and strengthen relationships with influential decision makers. In order to properly address this, companies should look into employing “relationship

South East Asia 2007 managers” whose role is to constantly seek rapport from the government, clients, and even competitors. Senior VP of Corporate Banking at HSBC says: “no matter where you go in Asia, you cannot do anything without relationships. It is critical to success.” In particular with Vietnam, there is also the challenge of credit ratings. As the country is in the developing stage, their credit system exists based on a reputation basis. This creates challenges for companies who wish to offer services to new customers who may have the money, but who may also present undetectable risks. Due to this, much business is done on a cash-only basis to minimize risk. This allows for unreported transactions which is another barrier companies need to consider.

The Future A different future exists for each of the three countries. For Singapore, the future will not be too different from its present conditions given its already advanced finance and investment market. For Malaysia, there will be more changes as the country becomes more developed; more sophisticated products will be introduced that will offer customers more options. The most drastic changes will be seen in Vietnam as this rapidly changing economy develops into a leading nation. According to Darren Cartwright, the President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, the government will be more regulated within the next decade and businesses will be required to be more transparent and accountable for their actions. Companies and investors will find business more convenient, although these investments will produce less return on their investments.

Hospitality and Service Sector in Vietnam Vietnam is a country of traditional charm and rare beauty that is rapidly opening up to the outside world. The country has become a magnet for backpackers and adventurous travelers for sometime, but in recent years more and more mainstream tourists have come to visit the country. Focused marketing of Vietnam as a safe, affordable, but yet exotic destination has increased visits along the expanding coastal beach resorts. With this increase in tourism, a growing number of hotels and tourist services have opened up in Vietnam. This has created an influx of many low skilled and moderately skilled workers in the Vietnamese work force. With a population swelling to over 83 million people, Vietnam’s largest natural resource is their human work force. Their greatest asset – people – presents a valuable opportunity for Canada in alleviating Canada’s labour shortage.

Strengths As a highly populated country, Vietnam’s strength lies in its human resources. Yet with such a densely populated country, Vietnam remains a poor country with a low per capita income. With such a high population, there are not enough jobs to employ everyone in Vietnam. Competition among employees can be fierce as workers try to exceed their employer’s expectations in order to succeed. Many hotel workers are extremely keen and helpful to both the customers and their supervisors. The employed hospitality industry workers possess a great work ethic and are most often fluent in English. With a surplus of such employees, Canada presents a unique opportunity for these people to further develop their skills, while at the same time recruitment of skilled foreign workers will help to alleviate Canada’s labour shortage.

South East Asia 2007

Weaknesses One of the major hurdles in relation to foreign recruitment in Vietnam is the amount of time it takes for the government to grant business licenses and immigration papers. Immigration documentation is a lengthy process which can take several months. Recently, this process has sped up but is far from efficient. Another major issue which confronts Vietnam is internal corruption. Many government officials are unable to support their families with their salary; they often resort to unethical business practices. Taking bribes, ignoring relevant laws or interfering in proper business protocols occurs on a regular basis. This form of business is starting to decrease and is strongly discouraged by the government. Steps that can be taken to resolve such corruption include engaging in joint venture agreements with native Vietnamese companies who know how to steer away from this problem and have a proven track record of ethical practices. Another specific weakness in the Vietnamese hospitality industry is the lack of skilled workers (house keepers, cooks, security personal and bell boys) who speak fluent English.

Opportunities Vietnam’s acceptance into the World Trade Organization lends credibility to their country. With huge human resources and their willingness to engage is international trade and business, Vietnam presents a great opportunity for Canadian businesses. The shortage of hospitality workers in Canada can easily be supplemented with eager, hard working Vietnamese immigrants that are looking to develop their skills and improve their standard of living. The potential exists for Vietnam and Canada to aid one another by participating in foreign recruitment.

South East Asia 2007

Export Development Canada Helps Canadian Companies bring their Business to the World Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada’s source of expertise in providing Canadian companies solutions to exporting and investing in the international marketplace. Founded in 1944, EDC’s goal is to foster the growth and development of Canadian Trade and to encourage Canadian businesses to participate in today’s growing economy and take advantage of the opportunities offered by taking part in international business. EDC does this by offering innovative financing, insurance and risk management solutions; EDC’s expertise is used by over 6,400 Canadian companies in 200 markets worldwide. EDC is a financially self-sustained Crown corporation that works closely in agreement with the Government of Canada. In particular, EDC reports to the Minister of International Trade and has close ties with this ministry to execute its operations and procedures. By analyzing global economic conditions, EDC provides finance and risk insurance, and tailored service solutions in order to help Canadian firms compete internationally. Through their complex international networks and contracts, EDC has been able to help Canadian exporters establish operations abroad by keeping Canadian values and principles in mind JTC Delegates present Mr. Marvin and a priority. Making Canada’s benefit a priority takes into account all Hough, VP Asia, with team shirt factors that will have direct or indirect influence on Canada’s economy and potential benefits it can have on the Canadian economy. Some of the key factors include: employment growth, development and growth of market share for small and medium sized businesses, quality of jobs created, and number of start-up firms created. Keeping theses factors in alignment with business development strategies has resulted in EDC facilitating more than CAD 600 billion in exports since its initial stages. At the Annual Youth Caucus held in Ottawa in June 2007, Marvin Hough addressed the Junior Team Canada Global Youth Ambassadors on the importance of the development of Canadian business operations in the international market in order for them to become key players in today’s global and increasingly unified economy. Mr. Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, highlighted the importance of Canadian companies looking to do business in emerging markets. He commended EDC for their support in helping young Canadians become our next generation of forward thinking business leaders. EDC hosted a newsmakers breakfast for JTC delegates and business and government leaders to address EDC`s new and proactive measures to help advance business interests in South East Asia. Mr Hough, VP Asia, spoke about EDC`s support in the South East Asia Market and highlighted Canadian success stories such as Bombardier, SNC-Lavalin, and Alcan. In his presentation, Mr. Hough drew attention to advantages of the markets in South East Asia and identified challenges facing Canadian companies trying to enter into this region. JTC delegates had the unique opportunity to meet with Mr. Robert Simmons, EDC`s representative for South East Asia, and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the marketplace. Mr. Simmons was instrumental in organizing key meetings with EDC clients such as, Talisman, GE Vietnam, and Nortel. These meetings allowed the JTC delegates to learn from Canadian companies` experience firsthand. These incredible learning experiences have now equipped JTC delegates with the knowledge and awareness of what Canadian small and medium sized enterprises can do to be successful in the world economy. The JTC delegates will now take this knowledge back to their regions to share with their local business communities as to how they can become export ready in today’s growing global economy.

South East Asia 2007

Junior Team Canada Economic Mission Agenda in Southeast Asia August 14th – 30th 2007 th

Tuesday, August 14 , 2007 Canada Flight Agenda: Team Members will take individual flights from their regions and will meet in Los Angeles at Singapore Airline Counter Flight Path - to Hanoi, Vietnam: 14AUG 2 YYZLAX SS1 1615 1830 14AUG 2 LAXSIN GK7 2115 0535 16AUG 4 /E th

Thursday, August 16 , 2007 Singapore to Hanoi, Vietnam 12h35

Flight path - From Singapore 4 SINHAN GK7 1005 1235 Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam

14h00

Arrival at Hotel & Check-in to: Classic Hotel 22 A Ta Hien St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Vietnam http://www.hanoiclassichotel.com

18h00

Team Orientation and Dinner

21h00

Team Meetings th

Friday, August 17 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 10h00

Briefing with the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam

Location:

CIDA PSU Hanoi Towers

12h00

Sectoral Meetings with Trade Commissioners

13h00

Out Call Sector Meetings/Fact Finding Research

18h00

Team Dinner and the first ever JTC Hanoi Cool Video Launch

South East Asia 2007 th

Saturday, August 18 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 10h00 –12h00 Junior Team Canada Education and Youth Forum Junior Team Canada Delegates will present on their regions and Canadian Educational Institutions. Youth will have an opportunity to have an open dialogue and discussion with Vietnamese Youth. Location:

Hanoi University

15h00

Bus ride to Halong City

18h00

Arrive in Halong, check in to Hotel, Dinner, free time to walk around Halong City and Vai Chay Beach

21h00

Team Work on Branding Presentations th

Sunday, August 19 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 7h00

Team Brand Presentations

7h30

Departure on Boats, Tour of Bay

17h30

Return to Classic Hotel

19h00

Traditional Vietnamese Dinner th

Monday, August 20 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 9h00

Meeting with the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce Junior Team Canada Delegates will explore Vietnam`s key growth sectors and identify opportunities for their sponsoring companies in Canada.

12h00

Team Luncheon

14h00

Individual Outcall Sector Meetings

19h00

JTC Hanoi Cool Video Presentations

21h00

Team Meetings and Self Evaluations st

Tuesday, August 21 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam/Ho Chi Minh City 9h00

Depart for Ho Chi Minh City

South East Asia 2007

18h30

Dinner Reception with Mr. Bill Johnston, Consul General

Objectives:

Briefing on Ho Chi Minh City

Local Logistics – Consul General of Canada – Ho Chi Minh City th

10 Floor, The Metropolitan 235 Dong Khoi, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Phone: +84 (8) 827 9899 [email protected] nd

Wednesday, August 22 , 2007 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 8h30 Location:

Investment & Trade Promotion Centre 51 Dinh Tien Hoang, D.1 Contact person: Tel: 910-1302 Fax: 910-4374

Objective: learning about business opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City and local climate business, challenges since Vietnam’s WTO accession 10h30 –

Meeting with the Canada Chamber of Commerce Mr. Gary Dawson, President of CanCham

Objectives: learn views of the Canadian Business Community on doing business in Vietnam and the role of the Government of Canada in supporting them. 13h30

Meeting with Vina Capital Mr. Don Lam, Managing Partner, VinaCapital th Sun Wah Tower, 17 Floor, Unit 1703, District 1 Contact details: Ms. Veronique Nguyen, Assistant to Head of Infrastructure Fund, Tel: 821-9930, Fax: 821-9931

Objective: VinaCapital will do a presentation on Thu Thiem New Urban Area. Will see the developed, dynamic face of HCMC and its invesment opportunities. 14h40

Meeting with Talisman Energy Mr. Paul Atkinson, General Manager, Talisman Saigon Tower, Suite 1102, 29 Le Duan, District 1 Contact details: Ms. Phuong, Tel: 8230234

Objective: learn about Vietnam oil and gas industry, opportunities and challenges for Canadian investors/suppliers in this sector. 16h20

Meeting with Manulife Mr. David Wong, General Director, Manulife 75 Hoang Van Thai, Tan Phu Ward, District 7 Contact details: Tel: 416-6888, Fax: 416-1818

South East Asia 2007 Objectives: See the dynamic face of HCMC and the commitment of long-term investment of a successful Canadian financial corporation in Vietnam rd

Thursday, August 23 , 2007 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam/Singapore 8h30

JTC Youth Education Forum International School of Ho Chi Minh City 236 Bis Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D.3 Contact details: Dr. Nguyen Thi Quynh Lam Tel: (84-8) 9320-111 Fax: (84-8) 9327-337

Objectives: Present Canada’s quality education system, Canada’s advantages in education 10h00

Meeting with University Open University of Ho Chi Minh City 95 Vo Van Tan, D.3 Contact details:

Objectives: Meeting with colleges for exchange on culture, creating a cultural bridge 15h00 Departure to Singapore Check into the Park View Hotel 81 Beach Road Singapore 189692 http://www.parkviewhotel-singapore.com 21h00

Report Writing and Meeting Presentation th

Friday, August 24th , 2007 Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 6h00

Wakeup

7h30

Breakfast meeting with Development Team

9h30

Briefing with Canadian High Commission in Singapore Meeting with Mr. Alan Virtue, High Commissioner

12h00

Business Leaders Networking Luncheon Hosted by Matt Giffen, Scotia Bank

15h00

A Canadian Success Story in Southeast Asia Michael Pangia, President Nortel Asia

18h00

Depart for Airport

Bus Pickup and Check In to the: Hotel MiCasa: http://www.micasahotel.com/malaysia/default.html th

Saturday, August 25 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

South East Asia 2007 10h00 13h00 16h00 18h00

Economic and Development Team’s Present their experience in Vietnam Walk around Kuala Lumpur Meeting with Rakan Muda Team Malaysia An open dialogue about Global Issues and how they concern the young leaders of today Team Dinner and Evening Program th

Sunday, August 26 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10h00

Amazing Race Kuala Lumpur

13h00

Meeting with Rakan Muda Team Malaysia

16h00

Amazing Race Presentations

18h00

Team Dinner

21h00

Preparation for Meetings and Team Presentations h

Monday, August 27 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10h00

Briefing by Canadian High Commission in Malaysia Meeting with Mr. David Summers, Canadian High Commissioner

12h00

Outcall Sector Meetings

15h00

Manulife Briefing on Doing Business in Southeast Asia

18h00

Youth Leaders Networking Reception

21h00

Team Meetings and Report Work th

Tuesday, August 28 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

9h00

Talisman Energy Sector Meeting Individual Sector Meetings

11h30

Education Youth Forum at Sedaya College Delegates present Canadian Educational Institutions

13h00

Luncheon and Informal Discussion with Malaysian Students

19h00

JTC Awards Night th

Wednesday, August 29 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

South East Asia 2007 7h00

Team Presentations on Economic and Development Projects/Videos

11h00

Depart for Singapore Hotel Royal http://www.hotelroyal.com.sg/main.htm

16h00

Team Meetings/Final Report Review and Edit

20h00

JTC Team Farewell Gathering th

Thursday, August 30 , 2007 Singapore 6h00

Team Departure to Airport

South East Asia 2007

Junior Team Canada Development Mission Agenda for Southeast Asia August 14th – 30th 2007 th

Tuesday, August 14 , 2007 Canada Flight Agenda: Team Members will take individual flights from their regions and will meet in Los Angeles at Singapore Airline Counter Flight Path - to Hanoi, Vietnam: 14AUG 2 YYZLAX SS1 1615 1830 14AUG 2 LAXSIN GK7 2115 0535 16AUG 4 /E th

Thursday, August 16 , 2007 Singapore to Hanoi, Vietnam 12h35

Flight path - From Singapore 4 SINHAN GK7 1005 1235 Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam

14h00

Arrival at Hotel & Check-in to: Classic Hotel 22 A Ta Hien St., Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Vietnam http://www.hanoiclassichotel.com

18h00

Team Orientation and Dinner

21h00

Team Meetings th

Friday, August 17 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam

10h00

Briefing with the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam JTC Delegates met with Political, Trade and Development Officials to gain a better perspective of Canada`s role in trade and international cooperation in Vietnam. Location:

CIDA PSU Hanoi Towers

12h00

Sectoral Meetings with Trade Commissioners

13h00

Out Call Sector Meetings/Fact Finding Research

18h00

Team Dinner and the first ever JTC Hanoi Cool Video Launch

South East Asia 2007 th

Saturday, August 18 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 10h00 –12h00 Junior Team Canada Education and Youth Forum Junior Team Canada Delegates will present on their regions and Canadian Educational Institutions. Youth will have an opportunity to have an open dialogue and discussion with Vietnamese Youth to discuss global issues. Location:

Hanoi University

15h00

Bus ride to Halong City

18h00

Arrive in Halong, check in to Hotel, Dinner, free time to walk around Halong City and Vai Chay Beach

21h00

Team Work on Branding Presentations th

Sunday, August 19 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 7h00

Team Brand Presentations

7h30

Departure on Boats, Tour of Bay

17h30

Return to Classic Hotel

19h00

Traditional Vietnamese Dinner th

Monday, August 20 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 9h00

Official Briefing on CIDA Funded Initiatives JTC Delegates learned more about the three projects that they will be volunteering at over the next three days.

12h00

Team Luncheon with Economic Delegates

14h00

Briefing at the Vietnamese Friendship Village JTC met with Officials at the Village and learned more about the various programs in place to help the victims of Agent Orange. 19h00

JTC Hanoi Cool Video Presentations

21h00

Team Meetings and Self Evaluations st

Tuesday, August 21 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam 9h00

Volunteer Days JTC Delegates will be divided into three groups to volunteer at the different projects.

South East Asia 2007

18h30

Team Dinner

21h30

Report Writing and Development Video Meetings

Wednesday, August 22 Hanoi, Vietnam 8h30

nd

, 2007

Volunteer Day

18h30

Team Dinner with Vietnamese Students

21h30

Report Writing and Video Production rd

Thursday, August 23 , 2007 Hanoi, Vietnam/Singapore 8h30

Briefing with the Vietnamese Friendship Association JTC Delegates met with Officials to discuss future opportunities to develop a program in Vietnam and coordinate a reciprocal mission to Canada. Canada and Vietnam will celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations for 2008. 10h00

JTC Delegates meet with the Canadian International Development Agency

Delegates present their findings and experience to Lynne Racine, Head of Aid, Canadian Embassy in Vietnam. Team presents the first ever JTC Development Video. 11h00

Departure to Singapore Check into the Park View Hotel 81 Beach Road Singapore 189692 http://www.parkviewhotel-singapore.com

21h00

Report Writing and Meeting Presentation th

Friday, August 24th , 2007 Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 6h00

Wakeup

7h30

Breakfast meeting with Development Team

9h30

Briefing with Canadian High Commission in Singapore Meeting with Mr. Alan Virtue, High Commissioner

12h00

Business Leaders Networking Luncheon Hosted by Matt Giffen, Scotia Bank

15h00

A Canadian Success Story in Southeast Asia Michael Pangia, President Nortel Asia

South East Asia 2007 18h00

Depart for Airport

Bus Pickup and Check In to the: Hotel MiCasa: http://www.micasahotel.com/malaysia/default.html th

Saturday, August 25 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10h00 13h00 16h00 18h00

Economic and Development Team’s Present their experience in Vietnam Walk around Kuala Lumpur Meeting with Rakan Muda Team Malaysia An open dialogue about Global Issues and how they concern the young leaders of today Team Dinner and Evening Program th

Sunday, August 26 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10h00

Amazing Race Kuala Lumpur

13h00

Meeting with Rakan Muda Team Malaysia

16h00

Amazing Race Presentations

18h00

Team Dinner

21h00

Preparation for Meetings and Team Presentations h

Monday, August 27 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10h00

Briefing by Canadian High Commission in Malaysia Meeting with Mr. David Summers, Canadian High Commissioner

12h00

Outcall Sector Meetings

15h00

Manulife Briefing on Doing Business in Southeast Asia

18h00

Youth Leaders Networking Reception

21h00

Team Meetings and Report Work th

Tuesday, August 28 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

9h00

Talisman Energy Sector Meeting Individual Sector Meetings

11h30

Education Youth Forum at Sedaya College

South East Asia 2007 Delegates present Canadian Educational Institutions 13h00

Luncheon and Informal Discussion with Malaysian Students

19h00

JTC Awards Night th

Wednesday, August 29 , 2007 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 7h00

Team Presentations on Economic and Development Projects/Videos

11h00

Depart for Singapore Hotel Royal http://www.hotelroyal.com.sg/main.htm

16h00

Team Meetings/Final Report Review and Edit

20h00

JTC Team Farewell Gathering th

Thursday, August 30 , 2007 Singapore 6h00

Team Departure to Airport

South East Asia 2007

Golden Rolodex Hanoi Vietnam

Paula Neron Consular Officer Embassy of Canada (in Vietnam) 31 Hung Vuong Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84) 4 734 5000 F: (84) 4 734 5049 C: 09123 96894 [email protected] www.vietnam.gc.ca

Lynne Racine Development Counsellor Embassy of Canada (in Vietnam) 31 Hung Vuong Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84) 4 734 5000 F: (84) 4 734 5059 C: 0912 597 788 [email protected] www.vietnam.gc.ca

Tran Hong Truong Deputy Director Hanoi University Km 9 Nguyen Trai Road, Thanh Xuan Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84.4) 8544 338 ext.114 F: (84.4) 8544 550 C: n/a [email protected] www.hanu.edu.vn

Vu Thi Hai Anh Public Affairs Officer Embassy of Canada (in Vietnam) 31 Hung Vuong Hanoi, Vietnam T: 84 (4) 734-5022 F: 84 (4) 734-5049 C: n/a [email protected] www.vietnam.gc.ca

Pham Thi Bich Hanh Deputy Director Minh Phu'Ong Trading Service & Investment No 30, Lane 75, Hong Ha Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84.4) 717-1266 F: (84.4) 717-1258 C: 84 (0) 913-210-787 [email protected]

Le Cong Duc Marketing Manager Minh Phu'Ong Trading Service & Investment No.2 Hang Ngang Str. Hanoi, Vietnam T: F: C:

Pham Thi Tan Officer Manager Oxfam Québec 16 Mai Hac De St. Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84.4) 945-4375 ext. 206 F: (84.4) 945-4294 C: 0912 186 3232 [email protected] www.oxfam.qc.ca

South East Asia 2007

Nguyen Thanh Hieu Marketing Manager N&B Associates 71 Mai Hac De, 9th floor, Hai Ba Trung District Hanoi, Vietnam T: (84.4) 974-4045/6 F: 84.4 974-4046 C:

Nguyen Vu Kien Secretariat Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry 9 Dao Duy Anh Street Hanoi, Vietnam T: 84 4 5743084 F: 84 4 5742773 C: [email protected] www.vcci.com.vn

Lan Phuong Journalist Voice of Vietnam Radio 45 Ba Trieu Hanoi, Vietnam T: 84 4 8252070 F: 84 4 8266707 C: 0912 522070 [email protected] www.vov.org.vn

Hoang Van Dung First Vice Executive President Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry 9 Dao Duy Anh Street Hanoi, Vietnam T: 84 4 5742019 F: 84 4 5742020 C: [email protected] www.vcci.com.vn

Le Ba Quynh Regional Programme Director Oxfam Quebec 16 Mai Hac De St. Hanoi, Vietnam T: 84 4 9454375 ext 216 F: 84 4 945 4294 C: 098 09 504 [email protected] www.oxfam.qc.ca

Pham Thi Tan Office Manager Oxfam Quebec 16 Mai Hac De St. Hanoi, Vietnam T: 84 4 945 4375 ext 206 F: 84 4 945 4294 C: 0912 186 332 [email protected] www.oxfam.qc.ca

Darrel cartwright Board Member CanCham Canadian Chamber of commerece, c/o Hanoi lake view offices, 28 Thanh Nien Road Hanoi, Vietnam T: 8447152396 F: C: [email protected] www.canchamvietnam.org

Mai Dieu Linh Office Manager CanCham Canadian Chamber of commerece, c/o Hanoi lake view offices, 28 Thanh Nien Road Hanoi Vietnam T: 8447152396 F: C: [email protected] www.canchamvietnam.org

South East Asia 2007 V Vu ThiHai Anh Public Affairs Officer Government of Canda 31 Hung vuong Hanoi Vietnam T: 8447345022 F: 8447345049 C: [email protected] www.vietnam.gc.ca

Golden Rolodex Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Rana Burley Counselor T Government of Canda 31 Hung vuong Hanoi Vietnam T: (84) 4 734 5000/734-5031 F: (84) 4 734-5049 C: [email protected] A www.vietnam.gc.ca

Miles Fahlman Project Coordinator SIAST Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry campus, #12 Nguyen Van Bao Street, G Vap District Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: Home:(08)8940390 ext 234, Cell:0912085114 F: C: [email protected] www.siast.sk.ca

Alan Le Chief Executive Officer Bee-Next 4th floor, Thein Son Office Building 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu St., Dist 3 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84.8)9302818 F: 84.89302829 C: [email protected] www.beesnext.com

Phan Ngo Xuan Thoai Marketing Manager Lotus English Town 39 Suong Nguyet Anh, Dist.1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: 9254664-9254647-09081853 F: 8322882 C: [email protected]

Nguyen Thu Ha Study Abrode Manager CELI Co 29/ 1 Nguyen Binh Khlem St Dakao Ward, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: Vietnam office:(84-8) 824-9691 Cell: 0908-58-878 F: Vietnam Office:(84-8) 824 9692 C: [email protected] www.celi.com.vn

Nguyen Van Ngoan Vice General Director Viet CEO floor 9, Estar Bld., 147 Vo Van Tan St., Dist. 3 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: Home:8482992079 Cell:84908882299 F: 84829920777 C: [email protected] www.vietceo.vn

South East Asia 2007

Le Nguen Khoi Website Maintenance & P.R Co-ordinator CanCham Room 305, 3rd loor, New World Hotel Saigon 76 Le Lai Street, Dist.1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (848) 824 3754 F: (848) 827 4267 C: [email protected] www.canchamvietnam.org

Nguyen Van Quang Director Canadian Education Centre Network The Colonnade, 2d Floor. 27 Nguyn Trung Truc, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 822-8166 F: (84-8) 822- 8164 C: [email protected] www.cecetwork.ca

Tran Van Phuoc Personal assistant to the Consul General Embassy of Canada (in Vietnam) 235 Dong Khoi Street Suite 1002, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (848) 8279899 F: (84-8) 827 9935 C: [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/vietnam

Roland Nguyen Director y CELI Co 29/ 1 Nguyen Binh Khlem St Dakao Ward, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: Vietnam office:(84-8) 824-9691 Cell: 0903-034-164 V F: Vietnam Office:(84-8) 824 9692 C: [email protected] www.celi.com.vn

Nguyen Van Quang Secretary & Treasurer Can Cham Room 305, 3rd loor, New World Hotel Saigon 76 Le Lai Street, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: 84(0)918264121 F: (848) 827 4267 C: [email protected] www.canchamvietnam.org

Bill Johnson Consul General of Canada Government of Canda 235 Dong Khoi Street Suite 1002, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (848) 8279899 F: (84-8) 827 9935 C: [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/vietnam

Thomas Chan General Director City Smart 65C Cao Thang Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (848)832-8488 F: (848) 832-8492 C: [email protected] www.citysmartvn.com

Le Hoang Dung Vice ER Manager CLB Doanh Nhan Saigon Suite 6, Floor 4, Miss Aodai Building. 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan St., Dist 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (08)9106505 F: (08)9106495 C: [email protected]

South East Asia 2007

Michel Tosto Buisness Development Manager Luat Viet Suite 908- 909 - Saigon Tower. 29 Le Duan Blvd, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84.8) 824 8440 F: (84.8)8248441 C: [email protected] www.luatviet.com

Nguyen Quoc Tri Buisness Development Manager Vina Capital Vina Capital Hospitality Co., Ltd. C/O Sun Wah Tower, 17th floor, 115 Nguyen Hue, Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: 84-8-8219930 F: 8488219931 C: [email protected] www.vinacapital.com

James Morrison Graham Manager Colliers International Bitexco Building 7th floor. 19-25 Nguyen Hue Street. Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: 8488275665 F: 8488275667 C: james [email protected] www.colliers.com

Alec Chan Deputy General director, Administration Manulife 75 Hoang Van Thai Street, Tan Phu Waard, Dist. 7 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 416-6888 ext2020 F: (84-8) 416-1818 C: [email protected] www.manulife.com

Ngo Thach Trung Hieu Investment Manager-fixed income MFC Global Investment Managments 75 Hoang Van Thai Street, Tan Phu Waard, Dist. 7 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 416-6777 ext 2919 F: (84-8) 416-0761 C: [email protected] www.manulife.com

Paul Atikinson General Manager Thanglong Operating Company Suit 808, Fl.8, The Metropolitan. 235 Dong Khoi Street. Dist.1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84.8) 8 230 234 Ext 101 F: (84.8) 8 230 235 C: [email protected] www.tljoc.com.vn

Le Cuong Marketing Executive Manulife T 75 Hoang Van Thai Street, Tan Phu Waard, Dist. 7 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 416-6888 ext 2529 F: (84-8) 416- 1818 C: [email protected] T www.manulife.com

Hoang Minh Chau Manager of Training Department Peoples Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Investment & Trade 51 Dinh Tien HOANG St. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 9104730 F: (84-8) 9105587 C: [email protected]

South East Asia 2007

Douglas W Willard Counselor International School Ho Chi Minh City 649 A Vo Trong Toan Street, An Phu, Dist. 2 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: 898 9386 F: C: [email protected]

Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong Investment Promotion Division Peoples Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Investment & Trade 51 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84.8)9101311-9101302 F: (84.8) 9104374 C: [email protected]

Hguyen Anh Ngoc Deputy Director Peoples Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Investment & Trade 51 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8)9101294 F: (84-8) 824 2391 C: [email protected]

Nguyen Quoc Vinh Deputy Manager of Trade Promotion Department Peoples Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Investment & Trade 51 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84.4)8236738-9104565 F: (84.8) 8242391 - 9101303 C: [email protected]

Ralf Matthaes Managing Director TNS 105-107 Nguyen Cong tru St., Dist. 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 821 5727 F: (84-8) 914 1650 C: www.tns-global.com

Vu Hoang Huong Phuong Trade commisioner assistant Government of Canda 1002 - 235 dong Khoi, Dist.1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 827 9899 F: (84-8) 827 9935 C: [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/vietnam

Nguyen Khoa Hong Thanh Reporter Tuoitre 60A Hoang Van Thu, PN, TP. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: 0912 468380 F: (84.8)9973939 C: [email protected] www.tuitre.com.vn

Tran Vu Minh Thu CEO y Bee-Next 4th floor, Thein Son Office Building 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu St., Dist 3 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84.4)9302818 F: (84.8)9302818 C: [email protected] www.beesnext.com

South East Asia 2007

Ha Nam Nhi Buisness Development Manager Bee-Next 4th floor, Thein Son Office Building 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu St., Dist 3 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84.8)9302818 F: (84.8)930 6768 C: [email protected] www.beesnext.com

VuThi Diem Manager CanCham Room 305, 3rd loor, New World Hotel Saigon 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Min City, Vitnam Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (848) 824 3754 F: (848)8228888(ext7305) C: [email protected] www.canchamvietnam.org

Truong My Binh Deputy Director Doanh Nhan Suite 6, Floor 4, Miss Aodai Building. 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan St., Dist 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (08) 9106505 F: (08)9106495 C: [email protected]

Golden Rolodex Singapore

Frank Quah Trade Commissioner Canadian High Commissioner in Singapore One George Street #11-01 Singapore 049145 T: 65 6 844 5900 F: 65 6 854 5915 C: 65 6 854 5915 [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/singapore/

Terrance Cowl Economic Advisor North American Bureau Foreign Affairs and International Trade Lester B. Pearson Building 125 Sussex Drive, Tower A, 6th Floor, K1A G2 Ottawa, Ontario T: 613 996 7616 F: 613 995 2606 C: [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/singapore/

Francis S.S. Chan Trade Commissioner Canadian High Commissioner in Singapore One George Street #11-01 Singapore T: 65 6 8545900 F: 65 6 854 5915 C: www.international.gc.ca/singapore/

Annie Legeau Political Officer Canadian High Commissioner in Singapore One George Street #11-01 Singapore T: F: 65 6 854 5915 C: www.international.gc.ca/singapore/

South East Asia 2007 A Allan Virtue High Commission Canadian High Commissioner in Singapore One George Street #11-01 Singapore 049145 T: 65 6854 5801 F: 65 6 854 5915 C: www.international.gc.ca/singapore/

Edmund Lee Trade Commissioner Canadian High Commissioner in Singapore One George Street #11-01 V Singapore 049145 T: F: 65 6 854 5915 t C: www.international.gc.ca/singapore/

Marlene Han President Canadian Chamber of Commerce 10 Claymore Hill Singapore 229573 T: 6 734 5954 F: 6 738 2726 C: 9 128 6814 [email protected] www.cancham.org.sg

Sue Lyn Yong Director of Structured Products, Asia Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8333 F: 65 6534 7958 C: 65 9636 0819 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

Claude D. Morin Managing Director and Head Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8388 F: 65 6534 7969 C: 65 9734 1166 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

Matt Giffen Managing Director, Head of Structured Products, Asia Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8333 F: 65 6534 7958 C: 65 9155 7112 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

William Allen Director of Structured Products, Asia Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8333 F: 65 6534 7958 C: 65 8121 9770 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

Craig Marran Director of Fixed Income, Asia and Middle East Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8333 F: 65 6534 7958 C: 65 9230 2099 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

South East Asia 2007

Christina Yew Dealer Assistant Structured Products, Asia Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8333 F: 65 6534 7958 C: 65 9138 6300 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

G.S Raug Head - Corporate Banking & Regional Transportation Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8388 F: 65 6534 7969 C: 65 6305 8281 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

A Adil A Chaudhry Vice President & Head Regional Credit Markets Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8322 F: 65 6534 7960 C: 65 9837 5997 [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

Michael Pangia President of Nortel Asia Nortel 101 Thomson Road #06-01, United Square Singapore 307591 T: 65 6380 8801 (ESN 623) F: 65 6380 8011 C: 65 6287 2877 (Main) [email protected] www.nortel.com

James Nortel 101 Thomson Road #06-01, United Square Singapore 307591 T: F: C:

Jeff Brace Manager Administration Bank of Nova Scotia- Asia One Raffles Quay Level 20, North Tower A Singapore 048583 T: 65 6305 8388 F: 65 6534 7969 C: [email protected] www.scotiabank.com

Eric Lauzon Chief Information Officer - Asia Nortel 101 Thomson Road #06-01, United Square Singapore 307591 T: 65 6380 8650 (ESN 623) F: 65 6380 8950 C: 65 9720 1720 [email protected] www.nortel.com

Golden Rolodex Malaysia

South East Asia 2007

Rob Simmons Chief Representative SE Asia EDC 17th floor, Menara Tan & Tan 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: 60327183366 F: 60327183313 C: [email protected] www.edc.ca

Peter D Robertson President & CEO Manulife 12th floor, Menera Manulife RB, 6, Jalan Gelenggang Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: 03-27199228 F: 03-2095 3804 C: [email protected] www.manulife.com

Tracy Reynolds Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner High Commission of Canada 17th floor, Menara Tan & Tan 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: (60-3) 2718-3350 F: (60-3)2718-3391 C: [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/mayalsia

Bertrand-Xavier Asselin Second Secretary Political, Economic & Public Affairs Section High Commission of Canada 17th floor, Menara Tan & Tan 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: (60-3) 2718-3333 F: (60-3) 2718-3376 C: [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/mayalsia

Eve Giguere Trade Commissioner High Commission of Canada 17th floor, Menara Tan & Tan 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: (60-3) 2718-3352 F: (60-3) 2718-3391 C: [email protected] www.international.gc.ca/mayalsia

Lachman Tarachand Vice President UCSI No. 1, Jalan Meara Gading UCSI heights 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: 603-9101 8880 F: 603-9102 3606 C: [email protected] www.ucsi.edu.my

v

Ken H. Christie LoneStar Deepwater 45 Cantonment Road Singapore, 089748 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: 281-854-2078 F: 281-854-2278 C: [email protected] www.lonestardeepwater.com

T

Jonathan Wright Vice President Talisman Energy Level 31, Menara Citibank, 165 Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia T: (603) 2055 2888 extn. 2550 F: (603) 2164 6224 C: [email protected] www.talisman-energy.com

South East Asia 2007

Works Cited 1 Vietnam: An Economic Reinvention, Export Wise, EDC Winter 2007 1Viet PM woos Singapore businessmen as trade ties improve, The Strait Times, August 14 2007 1Vietnam, www.international.gc.ca 1Vietnam's Booming Business Metropolis, http://www.pbs.org/nbr/site/onair/transcripts/070411c/, April 11, 2007 1 Viet PM woos Singapore businessmen as trade ties improve, The Strait Times, August 14 2007 1 “Challenges of Higher Education in Vietnam: By Ambassador Michael W. Marine, August 6, 2007, http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/uploads/images/RdXhGn7N467jlPxegtRQg/AmbSpeech08062007.pdf 1 In 2000 US$ prices. 1 Source : World Development indicators, World Bank Poverty Net, Barro and Lee (2000) 1 GOMEZ, Terence Edmund and JOMO K.S., Malaysia’s Political Economy : Politics, Patronage and Profits, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1999. Works used for Malaysia https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html#Econ http://www.msc.com.my/xtras/whymalaysia/economic.asp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Malaysia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia 1

Vietnam: An Economic Reinvention, Export Wise, EDC Winter 2007

2

Viet PM woos Singapore businessmen as trade ties improve, The Strait Times, August 14 2007

3

Vietnam, www.international.gc.ca

4

Vietnam's Booming Business Metropolis, http://www.pbs.org/nbr/site/onair/transcripts/070411c/, April 11, 2007 5

Viet PM woos Singapore businessmen as trade ties improve, The Strait Times, August 14 2007

6

“Challenges of Higher Education in Vietnam: By Ambassador Michael W. Marine, August 6, 2007, http://hochiminh.usconsulate.gov/uploads/images/RdXhGn7N467jlPxegtRQg/AmbSpeech08062007.pdf 7

In 2000 US$ prices.

8

Source : World Development indicators, World Bank Poverty Net, Barro and Lee (2000)

South East Asia 2007

9

GOMEZ, Terence Edmund and JOMO K.S., Malaysia’s Political Economy : Politics, Patronage and Profits, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1999.

Works used for Malaysia https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html#Econ http://www.msc.com.my/xtras/whymalaysia/economic.asp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Malaysia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia