From: Nicole Greeson, MS, CIH, AIHA President

In October of 2024, I will lead a delegation of AIHA members to visit Vietnam. Our delegation will convene in Hanoi on October 26, 2024, and depart Ho Chi Minh City on November 1, 2024. I invite you to join me and other members of AIHA to learn about the advancements and challenges facing Vietnam in industrial hygiene, environmental health, and worker safety.

As you may know, Vietnam spent the last decade expanding their industrial presence in global markets. Along with this growth, they developed and expanded occupational and environmental health and safety programs to support workers who are injured on the job. With the recent elevation of the US-Vietnam relationship, which specifically calls for the expansion of Vietnam’s semiconductor industry and its supporting sectors, Vietnam has committed to prioritizing worker and environmental safety. Our delegation will meet with our counterparts and visit their facilities to gain firsthand knowledge of the programs in place and their future plans.

The delegation's planning and implementation is directed by the Citizen Ambassador Program, an international exchange program of Cultural Vistas. Cultural Vistas is a non-profit NGO, based in Washington DC, with a long history of implementation for US State Department programs such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, Fulbright Internship programs, and J1 visa programs for major US corporations.

Our delegation will continue the legacy of advancing leadership through engaging citizens and forming networks between the US and international high-level counterparts. The following topics of discussion will guide the preliminary schedule of activities. These topics may be further refined to incorporate the specialized interest and expertise of the delegates who attend.

Initial Topics of Discussion

  • What are the formal processes for ensuring worker safety?
  • What impact does the Decent Work Country Programme have on the training and certification for Industrial
    Hygienists?
  • What are the educational standards and certifications required for Industrial Hygiene in Vietnam?
  • What technology is available for IH as related to the growing semiconductor industry
  • What are the latest IH advances and research initiatives taking place in Vietnam?

The Preliminary Schedule of Activities outlines our planned professional opportunities and cultural experiences. The interactions, site visits, and experiences are designed to enhance our appreciation and understanding of the programs and challenges of this region.

I encourage you to invite a travel companion to share this experience with you. A parallel program of cultural and humanitarian activities will be arranged for your accompanying guest while you attend the professional sessions. Following the conclusion of the professional exchange, an optional excursion to Siem Reap, Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat temple, the 12th-century masterpiece considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture, will be available. Information for the accompanying guest program and the optional cultural excursion can also be found on the AIHA Delegation Communication Site.

As the Citizen Ambassador Program is a private-citizen effort, delegates are responsible for their own program costs. The estimated cost per delegate or guest is $4350 USD (double occupancy). This cost includes the professional program, accommodations, ground transportation, cultural activities, most meals, and other costs associated with participation. It does not include airfare, so that you are free to arrange your flights at your convenience with your preferred airline.

For US citizens, participation in this program may be tax-deductible as an educational expense related to your profession. As everyone's financial situation is different, please contact your tax advisor for guidance.

Due to the extensive planning involved in coordinating a program of this nature, I ask that you respond with your intentions regarding this invitation by August 26th, 2024. The size of this delegation is limited to ensure a high quality of professional interaction. We would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible as to whether you are able to join our delegation or not.

To apply to join us on this rare journey, please complete the AIHA Vietnam Application.

A $500 deposit is required to hold your position on the team. If you have questions regarding the delegation, we encourage you to contact the Citizen Ambassador Programs at [email protected].

I am pleased to be involved in this exciting opportunity, and I hope you will strongly consider participating in this unique event. I am confident that we will all benefit, both professionally and personally, through this unique opportunity.

Sincerely,

Nicole Greeson, MS, CIH
AIHA President