FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The answers are given at the end of the FAQs list below after FAQ #24

1. Accompanying Person(s)
  a. Can I bring my spouse/child with me to the Conference?
  b. How much do I have to pay for accompanying person(s)? (See 1a)
           
2. Agenda
  Please refer to #3c (Conference Agenda and Program of Activities)
           
3. Conference Agenda and Program of Activities
  a. What are the features of the Conference? 
  b. What is MOM?  (Please refer to #16)
  c. What is the agenda / Schedule of activities?
  d. When do I need to be in Ho Chi Minh City?
  e. Can I get a copy of the event program?
  f. Who are the speakers? (Please refer to #23)
           
4. Country information
  a. What is the climate in Vietnam? 
  b. Do I need to apply for a VISA to enter Vietnam?
  c. Currency
    i. What is the unit of currency in Vietnam?
    ii. Where can I get my money changed?
           
5. Delegates Information
  a. How many participants are expected to attend the Conference? 
  b. Can I get a list of attendees of AFCSR 2007? 
           
6. Dress Code
  Please refer to #12d (General Information)
           
7. Entertainment
  Please refer to #22 (Shopping & Entertainment)
           
8. Exchange Rate
  Please refer to #4c (Country Information)
           
9. EXPO
  a. Who can exhibit?
  b. What are the rates?
  c. What is an Expo Networking Pass?
           
10. Features of the conference
  Please refer to #3a (Conference Agenda and Program of Activities)
           
11. Fees and Discounts
  Please refer to #20a (Registration)
           
12. General Information
  a. When is the event to be held?
  b. Where is the event to be held?
  c. What happens when I get to the Conference?
  d. What is the dress code?
  e. Meal Preference
    i. What kind of meals do you serve?
    ii. Are Halal/Vegetarian meals available?
    iii. Can I order other special meals?
           
  f. Who can I speak to for more information on AFCSR? 
  g. Can I have a map of the location?
           
13. Hotel and Airline Information
  a. Where can I stay during the Conference?
  b. How much do I have to pay for the accommodation? (See 13a)
  c. Is my hotel reservation confirmed?
  d. Is it ok if we are 3 in a room?
  e. Can you give me rates of the alternative hotels? (See 13a)
  f. How do I get from the airport to Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers?
  g. How much is the taxi, limo, bus, etc. rate? (See 13f)
  h. Will there be someone to meet me at the airport? 
  i. How much is the cost of airline ticket?
           
14. Materials and handouts
  How do I get the Conference materials? 
           
15. Meal Preference
  Please refer to #12e (General Preference)
           
16. MOM
           
17. Parking
  a. If I am driving, where do I park?
  b. Is parking free? (See 17a)
           
18. Partners and Sponsors
  a. Who are AFCSR 's Partners? 
  b. Who are AFCSR 's sponsors?  (See 18a)
           
19. Program
  Please refer to #3e (Conference Agenda and Program of Activities)
           
20. Registration
  a. How much is the Conference fee?
  b. What does the Conference fee cover? 
  c. Is there any discount for group registration? (See 20a)
  d. How much do I have to pay if I do not attend all the sessions?
  e. Are there any other fees that I have to pay?
  f. How do I pay the delegate fees?
  g. Can I pay the registration fees onsite
  h. Is the registration for the Conference transferable
  i. Am I allowed to obtain a refund if I were to cancel my booking? 
           
21. Schedule
  Please refer to #3c (Conference Agenda and Program of Activities).
   
22. Shopping & Entertainment
  How far is the nearest shopping and entertainment district?
           
23. Speakers
  a. Who are the speakers?
  b. Where do I get the speeches and presentations of the speakers?
  c. Can I have the Speakers' keynotes before the event?
  d. How can I contact the speakers?
           
24. Tours
  a Are there tours before and/or after the conference? 
           

           
1. Accompanying Person(s)
  a. Can I bring my spouse/child with me to the Conference?

We have a special rate for accompanying persons. This covers two lunches as well as the Grand Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner but does not cover access to the conference sessions.

You may also choose to bring an accompanying person to one or a few social functions only. In which case, you only need to pay for the additional meal. Rates are available on request.

We do not have any prearranged special programs or tours for accompanying persons. However we would be most happy to make arrangements for you.

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  b. How much do I have to pay for accompanying person(s)? (See 1a)
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2. Agenda
  Please refer to #3c (Conference Agenda and Program of Activities)
     
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3. Conference Agenda and Program of Activities
  a. What are the features of the Conference? 
   

AFCSR features a wide array of events, from learning to networking to simply leisure and fun activities. In two-packed days you will:

  • Choose from 28 Special Interest Sessions and 8 Special Plenary Briefings
  • Network with leaders and experts from business, government, and civil society
  • Join facilitated sessions called "Meeting of Minds"
  • Enjoy a cultural show at the Welcome reception
  • Participate in the gala ceremonies of the Asian CSR Awards 2007
  • Visit the Asian CSR Expo of collaborative win-win partnership and projects

Other elements of the event are as follows:

  • Power Dinner
  • Field Trips to local CSR projects
  • Internet café
  • Message Center
  • Massage and Spa
  • Photo Gallery
  • Grand Draw
     
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  b. What is MOM?  (Please refer to #16)
    Please refer to #16 (MOM)
     
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  c. What is the agenda / Schedule of activities?
   

The conference starts on Thursday, September 27 and ends with a gala dinner and ceremonies of the Asian CSR Awards on Friday, September 28. The schedule is as below.

September 27, Thursday
Opening Ceremonies. 08:30 - 08:45  

Session 1. 08:45-10:45

Plenary I & II

Coffee/Networking Break. 10:45-11:15

Expo Hall

Session 2. 11:15am-12:30

Workshops A

Lunch 12:30-14:00

Grand Ballroom

Session 3. 14:00-15:30

Worksop B

Coffee Break. 15:30-16:00

Expo Hall

Session 4. 16:00-17:30

Workshop C

Evening 18:00-20:00

Reception and Fellowship Night


September 28, Friday

Session 1. 09:00-10:45

Plenary III, IV, V

Coffee/Networking Break. 10:45-11:15

Expo Hall

Session 2. 11:15am-12:30

Workshops D

Lunch 12:30-14:00

Grand Ballroom

Session 3. 14:00-15:30

MOM

Coffee Break. 15:30-16:00

Expo Hall

Session 4. 16:00-17:30

Plenary VI,VII, VIII

Evening 18:00-20:00

Gala Dinner and Asian CSR Awards

     
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  d. When do I need to be in Ho Chi Minh City?
   

All participants are encouraged to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City by Wednesday, September 26 as the Conference starts at 08:30 on Thursday, September 27. You may want to arrive a day early to simply enjoy the city.

     
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  e. Can I get a copy of the event program?
   

The tentative Working Title is CSR - A Driving Force for Growth and Development: How CSR reduces poverty, generates investment and enhances trade.

     
    These are the currently planned topics:
      Improving Productivity through Health and ICT
      Sustaining Growth through MDGs and Global Compact Principles
      Education & Literacy as Foundation for National Growth
      CSR and SMEs
      CSR, Trade and the WTO
      Generating Investments through Poverty Reduction
      Tools and Skills for CSR Managers
         
     
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  f. Who are the speakers? (Please refer to #23)
     
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4. Country information
  a. What is the climate in Ho Chi Minh City
    Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate. September is usually the end of rainy season. Average temperature is 27 ºC, and humidity is 80% .
     
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  b. Do I need to apply for a VISA to enter Vietnam?
   

Generally, only citizens of certain countries can visit Vietnam without an entry visa (valid for visit within 30 days). Those countries include: most Asean countries, Korea, Japan & Scandinavians. All other citizens are required to get an entry visa before departure or a pre-approved entry visa (visa is issued on arrival at Vietnam's International Airports) supplied before arrival in Vietnam.

We recommend that you obtain your entry visa by having a valid passport stamped prior to your departure by applying to any one of the Vietnam Embassies and/or Consulates worldwide.

     
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c. Currency
    i. What is the unit of currency in Vietnam?
     
The unit of currency in the Vietnam is Vietnam Dong (VND). The Hotel or moneychangers will be able to give you the official guiding rates. The current exchange rate of one US Dollar is approximately VND 16,005.00 to US $1.
     
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    ii. Where can I get my money changed?
     

Moneychangers including local banks who provide this service are located at the airport and other authorized foreign exchange dealers in commercial establishments. Most commercial establishments are open from 10am to 8pm daily. Banks are open from 9am to 3pm, Mondays to Fridays, with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours. International credit cards such as Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, and American Express Card are accepted in most major establishments.

     
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5. Delegates Information
  a. How many participants are expected to attend the Conference? 
   

500 to 600 delegates are expected to attend AFCSR 2007. These are CEOs and the senior corporate executive in charge of corporate imaging, heads and managers of NGOs and government agencies related to CSR as well as senior executives from International Organizations.

     
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  b. Can I get a list of attendees of AFCSR 2007? 
   

A list of participants of AFCSR 2007 will be made available during the Conference on the first day and will be placed on the plenary hall seats.

     
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6. Dress Code
  Please refer to #12d (General Information)
     
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7. Entertainment
  Please refer to #22a (Shopping & Entertainment)
     
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8. Exchange Rate
  Please refer to #4c (Country Information)
     
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9. EXPO
  a. Who can exhibit?
 
  • Companies with CSR projects:
    • Environmental Excellence
    • Best workplace practices
    • Support to Community Issues
    • Small Company CSR
    • Poverty Alleviation
    • Education
    • Supply Chain Responsibility
  • NGOs
  • Universities
  • Software and IT applications
  • Telecommunications
  • Management and business solutions
  • Office automation products and services
  • Travel and leisure
  • Consultancy Services
     
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  b. What are the rates?
   

Pleare refer below for the exhibition participation cost:

Raw Space* Shell Scheme Package**
US$ 495 for 2x2 sq.m. US$ 595 for 2x2 sq.m.
US$ 300 for 1x2 sq.m. US$ 350 for 1x2 sq.m.

Special Networking Pass - US$370.00
(All the the benefits of a registered delegate including conference bag, delegate meals and entry to all workshops).

Lunches Only. One lunch pass for each of the two days is U$20.00 per lunch, total US$40.00

*The Raw Space means that the exhibit space does not include any construction, furniture and fittings. The exhibitor will be responsible for their own stand design, construction and furnishings. Electrical fittings are to be ordered from the official stand contractor.

**The Shell Scheme is a ready-to-go stand and includes: Exhibition Space; White Laminated Walls; Carpet for booth area; Fascia board with company name in standard letter; 1 fluorescent lights; 1 information counter; 1 folding chair; 1 power point.

     
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  c. What is an Expo Networking Pass?
   
An Expo Networking Pass is a special rate extended to AFCSR 2007 exhibitors, and allows exhibitors who avail of it access to all the benefits of a registered delegate including the conference bag, delegate meals, and entry to all sessions. Under a regular Exhibitor ID, exhibitors are only allowed access to the Expo area and to the Fellowship Night.
     
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10. Features of the conference
  Please refer to #3a (Conference Agenda and Program of Activities)
     
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11. Fees and Discounts
  Please refer to #20a (Registration)
     
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12. General Information
  a. When is the event to be held?
   

AFCSR 2007 will be held on September 27 & 28 at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. For each of the 2 days, the program starts at 08:30 and ends at 17:30, followed by cocktails on September 27 and a gala dinner on September 28.

There are some post conference activities composed of site visits. This takes place on Saturday, September 29. Further details will be posted in the event website by May 2007.

     
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  b. Where is the event to be held?
   

AFCSR 2007 is going to be held at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on September 27 & 28, 2007.

     
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  c. What happens when I get to the Conference venue?
 

When you arrive at the Conference, please go to the Registration and Information Desk to collect your delegate bag and badge, if you do not have it yet. If you already have your bag and badge, there is no need to go to the Registration desk and there are no registration procedures. Please proceed directly to the first plenary session. Please wear your conference badge at all times - it is your "pass" to the sessions and social halls.

     
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  d. What is the dress code?
   

"Business casual" is the standard attire for the event. This means that you do not need to wear a necktie, but may do so if you wish. The same applies to a jacket. For the ladies, our guidelines are the same, "business casual". Please be comfortable. Do remember that in spite of the warm temperatures outside, the hotel air-conditioning can lower the temperature considerably so you might want to be prepared by bringing a light jacket or shawl.

There are a number of prizes for best national costume for the Gala dinner on September 28, Friday. It is business casual dress as well but we encourage delegates to wear their national attire.

     
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e. Meal Preference
    i. What kind of meals do you serve?
     

We invariably try to serve the cuisine of the country in which the event is held tempered by what is popular to locals and to overseas visitors. Lunches are buffets and there is usually something for everybody. The welcome reception has heavy snacks and finger foods served in a cocktail atmosphere. The Gala dinner is a sit-down dinner with either a soup or salad, a main dish, dessert and coffee.

We can arrange meals to suit a variety of restrictions. Please let us know. If you are a vegetarian, or require Halal or any other special meal preference, please click on this image to email Armine Francisco so that we may take note of your request. We will also let you know of similar varieties available near the hotel.

     
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    ii. Are Halal/Vegetarian meals available?
   

Yes, just kindly let us know if this is your meal preference so I can take this noted and coordinate with the hotel.

     
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    iii. Can I order other special meals
     

Yes, but only for dietary restrictions.

     
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  f. Who can I speak to for more information on AFCSR?
   

Please write or call:

Type of Inquiry

Contact Person

Email Address

Sponsorship/
Partnership

RJ Pormicelle

rjpormicelle@oiceventsasia.com>

Delegate-Related

ArmineFrancisco

arminefrancisco@oiceventsasia.com

Awards

Gwen Benesa

gwenbenesa@oiceventsasia.com

Program Related Abby Bacani abbybacani@oiceventsasia.com

Expo

Jimelyn Lorca

jimelynlorca@oiceventsasia.com

Alternatively, please call (632) 812 6289 or fax to (632) 819 3752, and ask for any of the persons listed above.

     
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  g. Can I have a map of the location?
 

 

   
     
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13. Hotel and Airline Information
  a. Where all can I stay during the Conference?
   

We have arranged for a variety of choices. Most prefer to stay at the conference venue hotel which is Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers. Very nearby and within five to 10 minutes walking distance are a couple of other hotels to choose from.

   

Hotel Name

Room Type

Room Rate
(in USD)

Distance from Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

 

Single

205++
(apprx. 236)

N/A
Double 220++
(apprx. 253)

Saigon Hotel

 

Superior (Single)

50 nett

1-2 minute walking distance

Superior (Double)

55 nett

Bong Sen Hotel

 

Standard (Single)

59.00++
(apprx. 68)

1-2 minute walking distance

Standard (Twin)

69++
(apprx. 79)

Continental Hotel

Superior (Single)

79 nett

3-5-minute walking distance

Superior (Twin)

89 nett

Deluxe (Single)

89 nett

Deluxe (Twin)

99 nett

Grand Hotel

Superior (Single)

90 nett

5-minute walking distance

Superior (Double)

100 nett

Deluxe New Wing room (Single)

95 nett

Deluxe New Wing room (Double)

105 nett

Rex Hotel

Deluxe (Single)

85++
(apprx. 98)

7-10-minute walking distance

Deluxe (Double)

95++
(apprx. 109)
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  b. How much do I have to pay for the accommodation? (See 13a)
     
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  c. Is it ok if we are 3 in a room?
   
Generally this can be arranged but to be sure please let us know in advance. There will be a nominal charge for the third person. Most hotels can provide an extra bed for the 3 rd guest for small additional charge.
     
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  d. Can you give me rates of the alternative hotels? (See 13a)
     
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  f. How do I get from the airport to the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers?
   

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is approximately 12 km from the airport by taxi. Alternatives are:

a) Metered taxi from the airport to the hotel
b) Airport-hotel transfer
* Further details about transfer rates will be posted by March 23, 2007.

From Tan Son Nhat International Airport, driving direction is as follows:

    a) Turn right on Truong Son Street
    b) Continue to Hoang Van Thu Street
    c) Turn left on Hoang Van Thu Street
    d) Right onto Nguyen Van Troi Street
    e) Proceed straight to Independence Palace
    f) Turn left on Le Duan Street
    g) Continue straight on Dong Khoi Street
    h) Turn right and continue pass the opera house
    i) Turn left on Dong Du Street to the hotel entrance
     
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  g. How much is the taxi, limo, bus, etc. rate? (See 13f)
     
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  h. Will there be someone to meet me at the airport? 
   

If you request for an airport transfer from Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, a Hotel representative will meet you when you arrive at the airport arrival area. Please do let me know if you want me to arrange an airport transfer for you. OTHERWISE there are no meeting services arranged by the conference. We request that you simply find your way to the hotel.

     
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  i. How much is the cost of airline ticket?
   

The cost of a round trip ticket varies according to time of year, class of travel and Airline. We suggest that you look at your national Airline and the national airline of your destination as a start. You may also want to check out some budget Airlines like Air Asia, Tiger Air, Jetstar, etc. As a general rule, the earlier you book your flight, the better rate you will receive.

Finally, please do not forget to contact your local travel agent. Some travel agents can give you very good package deals that include Airline and hotel accommodation.

     
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14. Materials and handouts
  How do I get the Conference materials? 
 

If you are staying at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, we will deliver your delegate bag and ID to your hotel room.

If you live or work in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and there are three or more from your office who registered, we will send the delegate bags to your office.

If you are not staying at the host hotel you may pick up your Delegate bag and ID at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers starting 9am on September 25 or during registration, 7:30am on September 27.

Our Conference materials are generally comprised of:

  • One delegate bag containing sponsors' materials,
  • a handbook;
  • a Delegate Feedback form;
  • a notepad; and
  • One ID Badge containing;
    • a Handy Reference (short version of the Conference handbook);
    • username and password (to be used in accessing speakers' presentations on the website after the Conference); and a pen
     
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15. Meal Preference
  Please refer to #12e (General Preference)
     
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16. MOM
 

The Meeting-of-Minds (MOM) complements and enriches the pre-planned programs of the AFCSR through the fuller participation of the attendees. Invariably in a conference of this size, there are delegates who may wish to present a topic of their own interest to a small group of other delegates who may have the same interest. Meeting-of-Minds allows speakers, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors to "create" their own sessions. Others who wish to listen in or add to the topic can sign up to attend. Arrangements are then made for those with similar interests to meet and interact in small groups.

     
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17. Parking
  a. If I am driving, where do I park?
   

The hotel provides parking space. There are no free parking slots. However, we will arrange for a discounted rate for the delegates. Further details about the parking rate will be posted in the event website by July 2007.

     
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  b. Is parking free? (See 17a)
     
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18. Partners and Sponsors
  a. Who are AFCSR 's Partners? 
   

The Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility 2007 is

Presented by:

Asian Institute of Management
Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility

In Cooperation with:
ActionAid International Vietnam
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (invited)
United Nations Development Programme
Alumni Association of AIM

Strategic Corporate Partners / Platinum Sponsors:
Microsoft
Unilever
The Coca-Cola Company

Asian CSR Awards Sponsor:
Chemoil Energy Limited

Official Industry Partners / Gold Sponsors:
Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd. (APRIL)
HOLCIM Vietnam
NOKIA
UBS

Wi-fi connection courtesy of: Intel

Cooperating Partners:
Ambuja Cement
Banyan Tree
Eurasia
The Figaro Coffee Company
Q.B.I.A.C. Co. Ltd.

Public Relations Partners:
Official PR Company: Ogilvy

Cooperating PR Partners:
PR Society Indonesia (Indonesia)
Integrated Public Relations (Malaysia)

Official Media Partners:
Asia Monitor
ANC
BusinessWorld
CSR Asia
China CSR
The International Herald Tribune
Masso Group
Newsbreak

Conference Partners:

Special Technology Partner: Intel

Network of regional partners :
ActionAid International Vietnam
Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium
Business Ethics Institute of Malaysia
Business in the Community – UK
Center for Development and Integration - Vietnam
Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility Singapore
Centre for Social Markets - India
Community Business – Hong Kong
Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Council for Better Corporate Citizenship - Japan
German Technical Cooperation (GTZ Vietnam )
Indonesia Business Links
Kenan Institute Asia - Thailand
League of Corporate Foundations - Philippines
Makati Business Club - Philippines
Management Institute for Social Change - Malaysia
National Center for Sustainability Reporting
Philippine Business for Social Progress
Population and Community Development Association of Thailand
PPM Institute of Management – Indonesia
Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum
Responsible Business Initiative - Pakistan
Singapore Compact

     
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  b. Who are AFCSR 's sponsors? (See 18a)
     
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19. Program
  Please refer to #3e (Conference Agenda and Program of Activities)
     
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20. Registration
  a. How much is the Conference fee?
   

The table below gives the rates for Overseas and Local delegates. There is an incentive rate for group registrations. This is reflected in the table.

Local rates apply to those who are normally residing in Vietnam.

AFCSR Delegate Rate

 

Local Rate
(in Vietnam Dong)

Overseas Rate
(in US Dollars)

 

Early Bird*

Regular

Early Bird

Regular

1 dele

3,950,000

4,660,000

495

585

2-3 dele

3,450,000

3,950,000

420

495

4 or more dele

2,995,000

3,595,000

370

435

    * Early Bird Rate deadline is on July 27, 2007.