PRESS RELEASE

Launching ceremony of the Application “111 Call Centre”

Hanoi, 13 December 2019. ChildFund Vietnam, Department of Child Affairs and Microsoft Vietnam officially announced the App 111 on both iOS and Android mobile systems. Accordingly, the app will allow users to report and give out warning of suspected child abuse cases, as well as benefit the child protection information system development and management. Associated with the Vietnamese Government Policy on building up a safe and healthy life of children in the digital world, Microsoft has partnered with ChildFund Vietnam to develop software and applications to support child protection activities on the Internet. Attending the ceremony are Mr. Pham The Truong – Country General Director of Microsoft Vietnam, Mr. Dang Hoa Nam – Head of Department of Child Affairs, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Lien – Country Director of ChildFund Vietnam, and other representatives from Ministries, Departments, Sectors related to child protection in Vietnam. As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding, Microsoft has supported Department of Child Affairs and ChildFund to develop a web and mobile-based information system in which users can report child abuse cases timely. Thus, the application (app) 111 is introduced in order to provide users with a tailored template aimed at reporting any suspected child abuse cases and calling for necessary support. In addition, an online library as a key function of the app is also created to introduce to its users information and knowledge of Children Rights and Safety Skill Set for Children. In this event, ChildFund Vietnam, Department of Child Affairs, Microsoft Vietnam and related partners do expect to promote the application as a technical solution that helps strengthen the safety of children, and raise public awareness of Child Protection. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Pham The Truong – General Director of Microsoft Vietnam said, “We are living in a fast moving, connected world, filled with new complex issues everyday. This application is among the strategic projects that Microsoft is working with NGOs to make use of Information Technology in solving challenges, improving constantly public’s awareness and responsibility towards children. We believe in good outcomes from this application and so, our children can live in a healthier environment.” “Developing the app 111 is one of our most important milestones in supporting the Government and grass-roots level’s authorities in building and strengthening an effective child protection service system. We believe that with the support from Microsoft, ChildFund Vietnam will be able to implement data management and awareness-raising through education applications which are highly practical and successfully applied in the context of Vietnam”, said Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Lien- Country Director of ChildFund Vietnam. Also, Mr Dang Hoa Nam – Head of Department of Child Affairs shares his opinion: “Together with Vietnam Government’s investment and support, the participation of organisations and individuals in child protection are highly appreciated. By facilitating the development of the app, Microsoft and ChildFund Vietnam has demonstrated their great supports in enhancing child protection- related programs. Similarly, the supports of high-tech company are also recognisable, especially when it comes to Child Safety on the Internet. I do expect that in the future, the Department of Child Affairs will still receive such meaningful helps for developing applications that are beneficial to child protection in Vietnam.” Users can easily find and install the app in Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS. The application is available in a user-friendly way which can work on both mobile systems with similar design.