On 29/5, Microsoft officially began events for NGO Connection Day in Vietnam. Over one hundred representatives of NGOs were gathered to discuss macro trends of technology, helping NGOs improve operational efficiency in order to better serve communities. As both event sponsors and important partners, Microsoft and TechSoup Asia have introduced funding for software programs, providing effective technology innovations and contributing to the development of the social economy of Vietnam. At the event, TechSoup Asia officially launched the TechSoup program to help organizations access the software programs awarded by Microsoft and other technology companies.

NGO Connection Day has been held since 2005 around the globe to increase access and effective use of technology. NGOs in Vietnam were provided with information on how to register and participate in the program. Emphasizing the benefits that NGOs can receive from this program, Mr. Mike Yeaton, TechSoup Asia Vice-president, said, “Non-governmental organizations in Vietnam have been faced with similar challenges in the areas of health, environment, education etc. The TechSoup program provides them with necessary resources to use technology effectively and better serve the community.

Mr. Vu Minh Tri, Microsoft Vietnam CEO

Besides introducing TechSoup, Microsoft and its partners also exchanged and discussed important topics such as the way information technology will shape the future, how macro trends in technology will dominate the next decade, and the impact on the NGO sector. Effective solutions were presented by Microsoft to help NGOs overcome current challenges with Microsoft Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, and Lync, and the latest operating system of Microsoft, Windows 8, was introduced to all attendees.

According to many experts in the industry, cloud, social, mobility and big data are considered to be the 4 major current technology strategies. Microsoft found that cloud computing is particularly useful in helping NGOs overcome IT challenges they are facing, simultaneously achieving efficiency in the organization and implementation of community projects and reducing the burden of limits to personnel and financial resources. The cloud computing platform allows more individuals and organizations around the world to access information, communicate, and cooperate with each other in ways far more effective than before. If a growing number of NGOs understand and apply of cloud computing in the organization’s activities, they may be able to provide better services and achieve their mission in Vietnam.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Hue, The Vietnet-ICT company director said, “Technology is bringing changes to the methods of working and communicating for NGOs. For non-governmental organizations of limited workspace, human, or technological knowledge resources, cloud computing can be very beneficial. It can help save energy, reduce hardware requirements, and is easy to install and maintain. NGO Connection Day allows organizations the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, share knowledge, and exchange best practices. This event will not be successful if the organizations are not willing to share their knowledge and experiences with each other.”

The Director of Citizenship Microsoft Asia Pacific, Ms. Clair Deevy, stressed: “Vietnamese NGOs’ need to improve social issues while maintaining cost efficacy is not easy. Through technology funding for NGOs we hope to enable them to provide more effective services to the community. We really hope that through this program, Microsoft will have a positive impact on and improve the quality of life for people throughout Vietnam.”

Microsoft has brought more support for NGOs, including software donation, skills training, and technical assistance to improve operational efficiency and help people in Vietnam, particularly disadvantaged groups.