Introduction: The Power of Collaboration in Creating Lasting Change
For over 3 decades, Mekong Plus has operated under a guiding principle: no organization, no matter how dedicated, can create large-scale change alone. As a small NGO deeply embedded in the realities of rural Vietnam and Cambodia, we have witnessed the struggles, resilience, and aspirations of the poorest communities. Our mission is not merely to provide aid but to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard—to bring their stories, challenges, and hopes to those who have the power to make a difference.
However, transforming this mission into lasting impact requires more than passion and dedication—it requires partnership. We don’t seek just any partners; we seek businesses that share our vision of solidarity, transparency, and sustainable development. We don’t want mere financial support; we want meaningful alliances that create shared value, where businesses gain as much as they give, and where the impact extends far beyond a single donation. This is the essence of our approach to corporate collaboration: a partnership that transforms both the giver and the receiver.
From Indifference to Engagement: The Evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility
Twenty-five years ago, the business landscape was starkly different. When I first engaged with the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (Beluxcham), NGOs and social organizations were barely acknowledged in corporate discussions. Meetings revolved around trade, profits, and market expansion—social impact was rarely, if ever, on the agenda. Frustrated by this indifference, I chose to step away.
But times change. Under the leadership of Bart Verheyen, Beluxcham underwent a transformation. When I asked what Mekong Plus stood to gain from becoming a member, he didn’t just make promises, he delivered. Beluxcham organized two Mekong Bike Tours, and the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency (AWEX) organized another. This marked a turning point: Belgium’s business community began to recognize the value of social engagement.
The lesson here is clear: corporate partnerships are not static. They evolve as businesses realize that social responsibility is not just a moral duty, it’s a strategic advantage. Today, Beluxcham’s commitment to Mekong Plus stands as a testament to how far we’ve come and how much further we can go together.
BNP Paribas: A Model of Long-Term, High-Impact Collaboration
One of our most inspiring partnerships is with BNP Paribas. When we interviewed their CEO before his departure from Vietnam, his words resonated deeply: “BNP wants to build a partnership for the long run, and Mekong Plus has proven to be the right partner.”
Why does BNP Paribas believe in Mekong Plus? The reasons are compelling:
- A Reputation for Excellence: Mekong Plus is well-established, transparent, and deeply entrenched in the communities we serve. Our programs, from microcredits to scholarships, are designed for real, measurable impact.
- Alignment with CSR Values: Our mission aligns seamlessly with BNP’s commitment to solidarity, diversity, and sustainable development. Supporting women, empowering students, and fostering economic resilience in rural areas are core pillars of their CSR strategy.
- Agility and Adaptability: In a fast-changing world, Mekong Plus stands out for its ability to find solutions quickly. Whether adjusting to new regulations or responding to community needs, we never say “it’s impossible”—we ask, “How can we make it work?”
- Mutual Support: This partnership is a two-way street. BNP supports us financially, but we also support them by engaging their staff, reinforcing their social impact, and helping them connect with the communities where they operate.
But what truly sets this collaboration apart is employee engagement. BNP Paribas doesn’t just write checks; they mobilize their team. When a staff member donates 1 dollar, the BNP Paribas matches it with another. The result? A staggering 98% participation rate in Vietnam, the highest in the entire region.
It’s a culture of giving, where BNP’s employees don’t just contribute; they really feel the impact of their contributions. They visit our projects, meet the families they help, and return with a deeper understanding of how their work changes lives. This emotional connection is what turns one-time donors into lifelong advocates for change.
MoMo: Harnessing Technology for Collective Impact
Another remarkable example of corporate partnership is our collaboration with MoMo, Vietnam’s leading digital payment platform. For the past four years, MoMo has supported Mekong Plus with up to 50,000 euros annually through an innovative model: customers can round up their payments for services, and the difference is donated to the NGO of their choice.
We had the opportunity to interview Mr. Phước, Vice-Director of MoMo, who shared his perspective:
“We want to be the biggest platform, not just for business, but to help people and businesses support underprivileged communities. We love working with Mekong Plus because together, we help villagers, women, students, and schools. Your work is deep and effective, whether it’s through scholarships or community development. We share the same vision: to make giving easy and impactful. With MoMo, millions of people contribute, and it’s gratifying to see the difference their small donations make. We want to thank Mekong Plus for the incredible work you’ve done over the years, and we hope to grow this collaboration even further.”
This partnership demonstrates how technology and social impact can go hand in hand. By integrating giving into everyday transactions, MoMo has made philanthropy accessible, effortless, and collective. It’s a powerful reminder that even small contributions, when multiplied by millions, can create transformative change.
Artelia: Engineering Change Through Skills-Based Philanthropy
Our partnership with Artelia, a leading consulting firm in Vietnam, is another shining example of how businesses can align their expertise with social impact. Artelia’s interest in Mekong Plus stems from a strong alignment with their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) values. They recognize that our mission: providing microcredits, access to education, and empowering local communities to protect the environment, reflects their commitment to social progress and environmental protection.
What does Artelia gain from this partnership?
- A Meaningful Mission: Artelia gains the opportunity to contribute to a social and environmental mission while strengthening their engagement in local communities.
- Long-Term Collaboration: Working with a well-established and reputable NGO like Mekong Plus allows Artelia to build a long-term partnership based on shared values and impact.
- Enhanced Reputation: This partnership boosts Artelia’s public image as a socially responsible company, demonstrating their genuine commitment to sustainability and community development.
Artelia’s vision for the future is equally inspiring. They are committed to supporting volunteer projects through Skills-Based Philanthropy, encouraging their staff to participate in volunteering initiatives during working hours or by utilizing their paid leave. Their employees, who specialize in water, environment, construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, sustainable development, energy, and mobility, can bring their expertise to our projects. When on-site missions are required, the Artelia Foundation covers travel and meal expenses, ensuring that volunteers can focus entirely on making a difference.
Artelia is also eager to explore deeper collaboration, including visiting our field projects. Once a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed, they will mobilize their teams to organize volunteer missions, further solidifying our partnership.
The Château de Bousval Vineyard: Where Terroir Meets Solidarity
In Belgium, the Château de Bousval Vineyard, a renowned vineyard, has also embraced our mission. For the past two years, their partnership with Mekong Plus has given new meaning to their work. Rooted in quality, environmental respect, and sustainability, the vineyard finds a natural alignment with our values: solidarity, transparency, and concrete impact.
Their approach is both innovative and heartfelt. A visit to the vineyard, followed by a presentation of Mekong Plus and a delicious meal, creates a moment of sharing where terroir and engagement meet. Through these encounters, they learn from our fieldwork, an ethos of efficiency and humility that enriches their own responsible practices.
But their commitment goes beyond words. Twenty percent of the net sales from wines sold during these events are donated to Mekong Plus. In this way, they transform the pleasure of wine into a lasting contribution to the common good. Together with their donors, they prove that business can be a force for positive change.
A Call to Action: Let’s Build the Future Together
The success of our partnerships with Beluxcham, BNP Paribas, MoMo, Artelia, and the Château de Bousval Vineyard proves one thing: when businesses and NGOs collaborate with purpose, everyone wins.
- For Companies: You gain a stronger brand, engaged employees, and a meaningful legacy. Your CSR efforts move beyond PR, they become a core part of your identity.
- For Mekong Plus: We gain the resources and visibility to scale our impact, reaching more villages, empowering more families, and creating lasting change.
- For Communities: They gain hope, opportunity, and a path out of poverty.
But we’re not stopping here. We want to expand this model. We want more businesses to see that social responsibility isn’t a cost, it’s an investment for a better world.
So, to every company reading this: What if your next CSR initiative didn’t just check a box, but changed lives? What if your employees didn’t just donate, but became part of the solution?
At Mekong Plus, we’re ready to build that bridge. Are you?
