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Youth plays critical role in nation building. There are many areas where we believe we can make a meaningful contribution to the youth of Myanmar. On this day, AYA Bank is proud to announce our sponsorship of ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit 2023, which showcases region-wide sustainability efforts spearheaded by the next generation of young Asian leaders. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, it is our great pleasure to support this summit by funding the event venue for country round and the winng prizes to our youth talents.
The country round was conducted on 3rd October, 2023 at Novotel Yangon Max Hotel. It was an exciting and rewarding program that helps youth to expand their abilities and strengths and gives sponsors the opportunity to connect with skilled young individuals across the nation. AYA Bank contributed not only as a sponsor, we extended our dedication by introducing ‘Future Banker Program’ at the event to give participants opportunity in the financial service industry.
AYA Bank has been spending years in contributing the community to lead healthy lifestyle and we are one of the signatories of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). Theme of this summit revolves around United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 11 and 12, perfectly aligns with AYA Bank’s commitment towards sustainable and inclusive future. This summit focuses on developing future leaders to create global sustainability and equip them with the necessary abilities, which we believe is the backbone to navigate the new era of sustainable community lifestyle.
As for the background information, ASEAN-China-India Youth Leadership Summit 2023 is designed as a Startathon for youth, to spark the beginning of their entrepreneurship or career journey. Since July 2023, more than 3,600 young individuals from 12 countries in ASEAN, China and India have competed in the qualifying Sustainability Startathon: Country Rounds. Given the primary objective, ‘To educate and raise awareness in our young population about the significance of sustainable living’, Myanmar Nobel University (MNU) acts the country partner for this summit to give youth across the nation opportunity and exposure. The top three teams from each country will advance to the Youth Leadership Summit in Singapore to compete in the Grand Finals.
Our thoughts extend to all those grappling with the devastation wrought by Cyclone Mocha on May 14th, 2023. Cyclone Mocha, a formidable force with sustained winds of 175 MPH and equivalent to a Category-5 hurricane, struck the Bay of Bengal and made landfall in Myanmar's Rakhine, Chin, Sagaing, and Magway Regions as an immensely severe cyclonic storm. This event underscores the pressing need for rehabilitation aid, prompting AYA Bank to take action by launching initiatives aimed at assisting the affected individuals and reconstructing the afflicted regions.
(1) Concerning Our Employees
Throughout and following the calamity, AYA Bank's foremost priority remains the health, safety, and emotional well-being of our personnel. Swiftly responding to field reports and conducting rapid assessments, the Head Office swiftly organized immediate relief provisions, sanitation and hygiene resources, emergency medical services, and psychosocial support for our employees and their families in Rakhine, an area significantly impacted by Cyclone Mocha. On behalf of AYA Bank, guided by the compassionate leadership of our Senior Management, our People and Administrative Teams took proactive steps to assemble care packages and established their presence at Rakhine branches. They extended financial assistance of (MMK 500,000) to each staff member, provided essential supplies, and offered unwavering moral support. Placing our employees at the forefront, comprehensive safety inspections and maintenance measures were implemented prior to authorizing their return to the office environment. This dedicated and considerate approach in the face of adversity vividly showcases our company's resolute commitment to nurturing the well-being and fortitude of our valued workforce.
(2) Concerning Our Stakeholders
Responding to the significant impact of Cyclone Mocha on the vulnerable regions of Rakhine, AYA Bank has initiated a series of measures aimed at furnishing assistance and relief to the affected communities. These actions are strategically devised to mitigate the financial strain faced by both individuals and enterprises in the aftermath of the cyclone.
Acknowledging the pressing requirement for monetary aid and smooth transactions within the stricken areas of Rakhine state, AYA Bank and AYA Pay have jointly declared the temporary suspension of all transaction fees, encompassing deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, up until the conclusion of June 2023. The objective is to facilitate expeditious and cost-free transactions, thereby empowering affected individuals and businesses, regardless of their scale, to efficiently access and manage financial resources during this critical juncture. The decision to waive transaction fees exemplifies our unwavering solidarity with the communities impacted by the cyclone. Through the elimination of this financial impediment, AYA Bank and AYA Pay aspire to bolster individuals and enterprises in the process of rebuilding their lives, reinstating their livelihoods, and expediting the recovery trajectory. AYA Bank and AYA Pay enthusiastically encourage residents of the affected zones to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the waived transaction fees, availing themselves of these services for their financial dealings. All transactions will be expeditiously processed, guaranteeing a seamless and secure encounter devoid of any supplementary charges.
U Myint Zaw, CEO of AYA Bank, expressed, "Our sympathies extend to those who have suffered the loss of their homes in the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. We empathize with the trials faced by these individuals and extend our deepest condolences during this arduous period. In conjunction with these endeavors, we are proactively formulating comprehensive loan programs to support cyclone-impacted businesses, irrespective of their magnitude." AYA Bank is extending micro loans to local enterprises adversely affected by Cyclone Mocha. These micro loans will serve to assist entrepreneurs and small business proprietors in their efforts to rebuild and recuperate, ultimately nurturing economic stability and resilience within the community.
(3) Concerning the Community
Since the scale of the devastation caused by Cyclone Mocha is enormous, AYA Bank has explored how we can support the community more meaningful and how we can create better options. We designed the key actions to strengthen the resilience of urban communities since the cyclone has caused significant damage to infrastructure, property and livelihoods. As part of our initiatives, well-wishers can provide cash and kind assistance for cyclone victims through AYA accounts. To facilitate the recovery process for the areas that were severely affected by Cyclone Mocha, the public can transfer money for donation without transfer charges through AYA Mobile Banking and AYA i-Banking.
In order to assist thousands displaced by heavy floods in many parts of the country, AYA Bank contributed MMK 200 million in cash. The relief initiatives undertaken by AYA Bank aligned with our commitment to corporate social responsibility and our mission to support the communities we serve. AYA Bank will continue to monitor the situation closely and evaluate additional measures to further assist in the recovery and rebuilding process.
Together, we stand strong and extend our care to both our colleagues and the wider community impacted by Cyclone Mocha to rebuild, recover, and support each other in these challenging times.
In a world where flowers bloom and greens flourish, we embarked on a transformative journey to "Plant a Tree, Save the Environment." To celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th, 2023, AYA Bank organized a tree-planting initiative at the Pan Pyo Latt Philanthropic School (Monastery) in Bago Township.
Led by U Myint Zaw, Chief Executive Officer of AYA Bank, along with senior officials, 100 staff members actively participated in the campaign. Located just a short drive from Yangon city, this sanctuary embodies AYA Bank's commitment to environmental stewardship - AYA Bank Taking Action for a Greener Future.
Year after year, AYA Bank spearheads tree planting projects as an integral part of our annual initiatives. As part of our esteemed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, we proudly showcase our commitment to environmental conservation, recognizing the significant efforts of the revered monastery in preserving the lush green environment. Through this campaign, the bank pledges to plant a minimum of 1,000 trees each year, demonstrating our commitment to environmental conservation along our green journey. These endeavors reflect our unwavering dedication to preserving our natural resources and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Spanning 100 acres, Pann Pyo Let Monastery stands as a remarkable testament to environmental stewardship. Within its grounds, a flourishing forest, captivating garden, and organic greens farm coexist in harmonious abundance. These vibrant landscapes exemplify sustainability and serve as a nurturing space for spiritual enlightenment and educational growth, as the monastery operates as a revered monastic school. Through the tree-planting campaign, we witnessed the monastery's unwavering dedication to environmental conservation.
"I am confident that this tree planting campaign will yield long-term benefits. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to plant trees within their surroundings, compounds, premises, and even consider indoor plants at their workspaces. AYA Bank is wholeheartedly committed to promoting a 'Green Environment' as a holistic endeavor, not just an isolated activity," expressed U Myint Zaw, Chief Executive Officer of AYA Bank.
Aligned with AYA Bank's commitment to sustainable development, this reforestation effort aims to safeguard the environment while fostering environmental consciousness among participants. Various perennial and shade-providing tree saplings, including Mahogany, Bamboo, Acacia, and Manjansha, were planted across designated areas, covering a total of one acre. The involvement of local communities adds an extra layer of significance as they will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring the long-term growth of the trees.
As flowers bloom and greens flourish, we envision a world where nature's beauty thrives, leaving a lasting impact on our planet.
U Zaw Zaw, Founder and Chairman of AYA Bank PCL, who also serves as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Senior Vice President, assists the larger community through a variety of purposeful humanitarian programmes. AFC highlights his philanthropic endeavours as the perfect examples of courage and kindness in the face of sheer adversity, leveraging the power of the game for the greater good of humankind.
Most recently, while the whole world grappled with the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF), under U Zaw Zaw’s guidance, stepped up to support the people through a range of initiatives.
U Zaw Zaw, who also chairs the Ayeyarwady Foundation, donated generously to help provide quarantine facilities, transportation services, food supplies, and health insurance to volunteers and caregivers, while also offering material help to local hospitals as they strived to meet their daily needs.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the culture we have built with the women at AYA. In keeping with this year’s theme “Embrace Equity”, we expressed our appreciation to women at office with the gift of flowers on 8th March, 2023.
Equity and flexibility are not just words for us. We have managed to truly embed them in our culture. Special appreciation goes to all inspirational women who help shape our organization.
While maintaining priority of products and services which are beneficial and convenient for our customers, AYA Bank remains vigilant and focused on supporting our internal customers, “Our employees”.
Since the prices of commodities have been rising at their fastest pace in recent months, the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis and resulting financial stress is a physical and emotional impact on our employees. The Senior Management of the Bank have decided to provide ‘Cost of Living Support’ to help our employees cope with unexpected hardships that place undue financial stress on them and their families.
Due to this kind of initiative, it is heartwarming to see our employees who will have some peace of mind on their cost-of-living burden and improved well-being. We are proud to give something back to our AYA family members.
Words from Staff about ‘Cost of Living Support’
Ma Chit Chit Zaw
Non-Clerical Staff
Mg Zwe Lin Khant
Security Staff
On 24th September 2022, AYA Bank rolled out COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign for all staff in Yangon to help our people maintain strong protection from coronavirus disease. The vaccination arrangements were conducted at our head offices, ROWE office in Kyauktadar Township and River View office in Ahlone Township.
As part of the steps we have taken to decrease risk of coronavirus infection, we offered booster shot to all staff who were fully vaccinated for more than six months. AYA Bank further arranged booster shot in the following week for staff who missed the day to ensure the full coverage of our vaccination campaign. The campaign has been organized with the support of SML Medical and Diagnostics Center and more than 1700 staff received their booster dose.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, AYA Bank follows the guidelines of Ministry of Health and place preventive measures at workplace for both offices and branches. Maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all our staff and customers is our top priority. Vaccination campaign is a critical step in the fight to COVID-19 and our heartfelt thanks to everyone working together to make this happen.
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, ‘Wear a Mask Campaign’ was organized on 28th January 2022 at AYA Bank’s Head Office in Kyauktadar Township, and near Sule Pagoda in support of COVID-19 protection measures, especially when a new subtype of the Omicron Coronavirus variant is spreading. With the objective of encouraging people to keep practice of wearing mask outdoors, AYA Bank staff distributed face masks packs to the public, who passed by Sule Pagoda and visited AYA Bank. AYA Bank is actively participating not only in the development of health sector in the country but also the social welfare activities by organizing such awareness campaigns.