In a series of activities to celebrate 120 years of presence in Vietnam, Standard Chartered Bank will bring the world-famous Marathon to Hanoi this coming November. Ms. Michele Wee, General Director of Standard Chartered Vietnam, shared about the unique features of this race.
Why does Standard Chartered organize a marathon in Vietnam?
We are proud to be the main sponsor of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Heritage Marathon for 5 years, from 2024. This event aims to honor the traditional values of the Capital, as well as the rich history of Standard Chartered – one of the oldest foreign banks in Vietnam. With experience from Standard Chartered Marathons around the world, we hope to bring differences and enhance the experience for all athletes. The Standard Chartered Marathon Hanoi Heritage will create a playground for everyone from professionals to amateurs, encourage the community to increase health training, and promote running to become a cultural and sports heritage. of the Capital.
What's new about the Standard Chartered Marathon Hanoi Heritage?
First of all, Vietnam is the 10th country to host the world-famous Standard Chartered Marathon. We will take advantage of our experience in organizing tournaments globally to bring a race that focuses on enhancing the experience for athletes.
There are three things that make the running race we organize different. First, the name of the race shows that we emphasize cultural elements, with the route running through Hanoi's historical relics such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Side events also feature traditional features.
Second, this will be a race that passes through most of Hanoi's most unique landmarks so that athletes have the opportunity to experience the capital's heritage in the cold weather and the beauty of Hanoi in the summer. autumn and winter.
Third, our running race is the leading international marathon in Vietnam, with the highest number of foreign athletes in Vietnam today. Through that, we can introduce the cultural beauty of Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general to foreign friends.
Can you share more specific information about the race? Who can register to participate?
The Standard Chartered Hanoi Heritage Marathon will take place on November 3, 2024 at Thong Nhat Park, Hanoi. Thong Nhat Park is a great place thanks to its spacious space. The autumn weather also makes Hanoi's scenery more romantic, consistent with the spirit of the race.
We are designing a running route, standardized by the International Marathon Association (AIMS) with many distances from 5km, 10km to half marathon (21,097 km) & standard marathon (42,195 km).
This is truly a race for everyone. No matter where you come from, we hope you will register to join us to practice, spread determination, effort and build a healthy living community. In addition, with an expected number of participating athletes of up to 15,000 people, we believe that this run is also an opportunity to promote the spirit of sustainable development. We are working with the organizers to minimize the impact of the race on the environment, as well as organizing propaganda activities about plastic waste and recycled products.
What are your personal feelings about Marathon?
Less than 1% of the world's population completes the standard marathon distance - this shows that this is a difficult sport, requiring endurance, endurance and iron will. Personally, I think that marathon is a race of both physical and mental strength. No matter what distance you run, as long as you reach the finish line, you have achieved an achievement worth being proud of.
Standard Chartered honors Vietnamese culture through the 2024 Hanoi Heritage Marathon - Photo 1.
Ms. Michele Wee spoke at the ceremony celebrating the bank's 120th year of presence in Vietnam taking place at Hanoi Opera House on March 19. (Source: Standard Chartered Vietnam)
During 120 years of presence in Vietnam, what has Standard Chartered contributed to the overall economic development?
Our two main focuses are sustainable development (ESG) and net zero emissions. From COP26 to COP28, Standard Chartered has always accompanied the Vietnamese Government in its goal of reducing net emissions to zero by 2050. Specifically, we have been implementing work within the framework of the Transition Partnership. Just Energy (JETP).
Standard Chartered honors Vietnamese culture through the 2024 Hanoi Heritage Marathon - Photo 2.
Ms. Michele Wee received a certificate of merit and medal from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recognizing the bank's contributions to environmental protection and combating climate change. (Source: Standard Chartered Vietnam)
Our experienced team also continuously supports customers in realizing their ambitions to reduce carbon emissions, towards the common goal of sustainable development. Standard Chartered is proud of its 120-year history in Vietnam. We always take advantage of our network to channel investment capital into Vietnam, as well as create conditions for businessesVietnamese customers reach out to international markets.
What is Standard Chartered's upcoming business strategy?
In 2023, we were honored for the third consecutive time by Global Business Review magazine as Best Foreign Bank in Vietnam and Best Digital Bank. We are also proud to be the only business in Vietnam, and the third globally, to receive LEAD EDGE gender equality certification.
