Changshin Grows Hope with Vietnam for 23 Years

Free cataract surgery support restores sight for more than 500 people

• Leading shared growth with the local community through continued social contribution activities since 2001
• More than 500 employees and local residents regain their sight; support is expanded to diabetic retinopathy this year
• Also won the main prize at the CSR Awards organized by the Vietnamese government

Global footwear manufacturer Changshin Inc. (CEO Choongil Nam; hereinafter Changshin) has led shared growth with the local community by carrying out social contribution activities tailored to Vietnam for 23 years.

On the 28th at 2 p.m. (4 p.m. Korea time), Changshin held a ceremony at its local subsidiary in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, marking the “More Than 500 Visions Restored” milestone of its cataract surgery support program. The ceremony was attended by the employees involved and their families along with Dong Nai provincial government officials and the director of Dong Nai General Hospital, among others, gracing the occasion.

Since 2001, Changshin has partnered with Dong Nai General Hospital to provide free cataract surgery for employees, their families, and local residents. Recognized as an initiative that goes beyond simple treatment support to improve residents’ quality of life and contribute to better health, the program won the main prize at the 8th CSR Awards ceremony on October 29 last year, organized by the Vietnamese government, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour.

Because of its low latitude, Vietnam has a high incidence of cataracts due to intense ultraviolet radiation. However, many local residents are known to suffer from deteriorating vision or face the risk of blindness because financial hardship keeps them from affording surgery and receiving proper treatment in time.

In response, as part of its corporate social responsibility, Changshin has supported cataract surgery for 20 to 30 local employees, family members, and residents in Vietnam every year since 2001. Furthermore, the company is taking the lead in improving the health of employees and local residents with plans to expand the support beyond cataracts to cover treatment for diabetic retinopathy, one of the complications of diabetes, starting this year.

CEO Choongil Nam, who attended the ceremony, said, “The trust we have earned through respect for our employees and the local community will be the foundation of the company’s sustainable growth,” adding, “Going forward, we will work even harder to strengthen our social contribution activities from a long-term perspective so that we can grow together with the local community.”