Cook's Team Visits Vietnam To Strengthen Social Connection And Contribution

Apple CEO Tim Cook wants to always connect with students, creators, and users of Apple products. (photo: x @tim_dook)

JAKARTA - Apple CEO Tim Cook arrived surprisingly in Vietnam on Monday 15 April with the aim of connecting with students, creators and users of Apple products. He also hopes to understand more deeply about the various ways of using Apple products that allow extraordinary achievements.

"Apple is always trying to build strong relationships and provide more benefits for the people where we operate. Starting from cooperation with local suppliers to supporting clean water supply projects and educational opportunities, we are committed to continuing to strengthen our connections in Vietnam," Cook said.

Since starting operations in Vietnam more than a decade ago, Apple has supported more than 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly through the supply chain and the iOS ecosystem. Vietnam is listed as one of the top 5 countries in the world in mobile gaming production.

On its official website, Apple announced its plans to increase investment in supply to suppliers in Vietnam. The company has allocated nearly 400 trillion since 2019 through the local supply chain, by doubling the annual budget for Vietnam in the same period.

In addition, iPhone manufacturers are also working with global clean water organization Gravity Water to install state-of-the-art rainwater storage systems in schools in Hrypta B same province. With support from Apple, the organization is moving towards a target of covering 131 schools by the end of April, providing safe and steady water sources throughout the year for more than 42,000 students, teachers, and their families.

In addition to clean water, Apple's Power for Impact initiative also aims to bring clean energy to schools in rural areas. Apple is working with the TRE Foundation to install solar panel systems in 20 schools in rural Vietnam, while supporting children's teaching programs on sustainable development and STEMs.

This year, Apple will expand the Skills Training program for Persons with Disabilities to encourage integration and provide greater opportunities for them in supply chains. Apple also supports students and teachers in the STEM education approach with programming resources and application development in Vietnamese, including Apple's Swift Playgrounds app and any project could program.

Prior to this unexpected visit, Apple CEO often mentioned Vietnam. In a press conference for the financial outcomes of the second quarter of 2021, when recording record revenues of USD 81.4 billion (IDR 1.308.4 trillion), Tim Cook stated, "Most of the markets we monitor grow in double digits, especially in new emerging markets, including India, Latin America, and Vietnam."

According to a 2023 first-quarter report from Counterpoint Research, demand for Apple's iPhone in Vietnam continues to grow, although the number of imported smartphones has decreased significantly. Therefore, Apple's presence in Vietnam is getting stronger. On May 18, iPhone manufacturers inaugurated an online store to provide original products directly to users in Vietnam.

At the end of 2023, CEO Tim Cook also confirmed that Vietnam is one of the countries included in Apple's special business strategy. Currently, several company products such as MacBook, iPad, and Apple Watch are being produced in Vietnam. Cook also believes that Vietnam's digital economy is growing rapidly.