• 2025-12-20

A Small Story – A Great Value in Corporate Culture

Nhan Huc Quan (*)

In my role as CEO of a company that has long partnered with Saigon Tobacco Company as a strategic supplier of production materials, I recently had the opportunity to attend a warm and informal gathering to celebrate the birthday of Mr. Thai Viet Thai, Deputy Manager in charge of Production.

In that sincere and personal setting, I heard a very small story—yet one that left me with a profound reflection on leadership, ethics, and corporate responsibility.

During the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic, a female worker of Saigon Tobacco Company tragically passed away, leaving behind her young daughter. Faced with this heartbreaking situation, the company’s leadership did not stop at procedural support or obligatory assistance. Instead, they chose to go one step further—welcoming the worker’s daughter into the company as a full-time employee.

This was not a symbolic gesture, nor an act of special favor. It was a deeply human decision, clearly reflecting how the organization values people—not only while they are contributing members of the workforce, but also beyond.

We often speak about CSR, ESG, and corporate social responsibility. Yet these principles only truly matter when they are demonstrated through real actions, especially in moments when a company is not required to act—but chooses to do so because it is the right thing to do.

This story was never amplified or showcased in reports. However, it quietly spread within the organization, strengthening trust, loyalty, and gratitude among employees. For us, as long-term partners, such actions form the true foundation of sustainable trust and collaboration.

I strongly believe that the greatest legacy of a leader is not measured by revenue figures, but by how they treat people when those people are at their most vulnerable.

In an era dominated by technology, artificial intelligence, and performance metrics, it is precisely these human values that enable companies to remain resilient, earn respect, and endure over time.

A small story—yet a powerful reminder: Strong companies are not defined by how eloquently they speak about social responsibility, but by how consistently and quietly they live by it every day.

 

(*) General Manager, New Toyo (Vietnam) Aluminium Paper Packaging Co., Ltd.