Pham Thi Hien (holding the certificate of merit), TYM technical officer – Thai Binh Branch, has been honored with the “Field Officer Appreciation Award” by the international organization Whole Planet Foundation.
Recently, TYM received proud and joyful news as Ms. Pham Thi Hien, a loan officer of TYM – Thai Binh Branch, was selected as a recipient of the “Field Officer Appreciation Award” by the international organization Whole Planet Foundation. She is the 11th TYM staff to receive this international award in recognition of her dedication and contributions to microfinance and supporting women’s development.
Over her seven years of service at TYM – Thai Binh Branch, Ms. Hien has consistently exemplified dedication and innovation. Despite staff shortages and the fact that the branch covers two large districts, which requires her to manage a heavy workload, she has always overcome all obstacles and excelled in her responsibilities.
As of April 2025, she manages nearly 700 clients, with an outstanding loan portfolio of VND 12.9 billion and savings mobilization exceeding VND 4.8 billion, maintaining an overdue debt ratio of 0% – an impressive figure reflecting the quality of her credit management and deep understanding of her clients. In center management, she pioneered the implementation of separate Zalo groups for each center in Thai Binh Branch, enhancing communication efficiency and ensuring timely connections. This model was quickly replicated across 100% of the branch’s centers. Through persistence and commitment, she gradually changed rural residents’ financial habits and spread digitalization by successfully promoting cashless payments and encouraging the adoption of the TYM mobile application.
In addition to her professional work, Ms. Hien has a warm heart for the community. She initiated the “Compassionate Porridge Pot” model, where she and her colleagues contribute VND 100,000 per month to cook and distribute hundreds of free porridge servings quarterly at the district hospital. She also actively participates in the “Godmother” program with other TYM staff, providing VND 2 million per child to support and encourage disadvantaged children in the area. For the centers under her management, with her advice, TYM has awarded 5 scholarships to outstanding students from poor households and over 90 annual gifts to vulnerable clients and policy beneficiary families, along with more than 30 relief gifts for clients affected by Typhoon Yagi (2024).
One particularly touching story is that of Ms. Ngo Thi Nghia (center 98), a woman who was already living in extremely difficult conditions, lost her home after Typhoon Yagi, and whose child suffers from a serious illness. Deeply moved by her circumstances, Ms. Hien continuously asked herself what she could do to help her client overcome such hardship. This inspired her to donate 20 breeding hens to Ms. Nghia – a heartfelt embodiment of the principle “teach a person to fish, rather than give them a fish.” Moreover, Ms. Hien and other staff members also contributed funds to buy Ms. Nghia an electric bicycle and guided her in poultry farming and selling eggs. All of these efforts helped Ms. Nghia improve her income and regain confidence in life.
To Ms. Pham Thi Hien, being a TYM field officer is not just a profession – it is a heartfelt journey of giving, of kindling hope, and of walking alongside clients to nurture a better life. Each customer empowered, each life transformed, is the most precious reward for her quiet, persistent efforts. She is truly a deserving face to be honored in the 2025 Field Officer Appreciation Award.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Pham Thi Hien shared her reflections:
“Amidst the busyness of daily work and the quiet rhythm of everyday life, the news that I had been selected for the 2025 Field Officer Appreciation Award by the international organization Whole Planet Foundation came as a complete surprise – a deeply touching and emotional moment. It was one of those rare times when emotions overwhelmed me, realizing that this seemingly modest and unassuming work had been seen and appreciated.
I never thought about receiving an award. As a grassroots TYM officer, I simply devoted myself to my community, my clients, to real people and their real stories. Every trip I made, every center meeting I attended, every word of encouragement I offered to a woman striving to rise – these have all been the motivation that kept me going. Because beyond results or numbers, what truly brings me happiness is contributing to change – a change that is sustainable, humane, and full of hope.
This award is not just personal recognition, but a symbol of the value of hundreds, even thousands of grassroots officers like me – those who silently build the foundation for a stronger future for our communities and for TYM. And above all, it is a powerful reminder that every sincere effort will be acknowledged, no matter where it takes place.
I would like to express my deepest thanks to Whole Planet Foundation for this meaningful recognition. Thank you to TYM’s leadership for always trusting and empowering us to dedicate ourselves fully. My deepest thanks also go to my colleagues and clients – those who have stood by me on this challenging, yet immensely meaningful journey.
Receiving this award today is a great honor – but the belief in TYM’s mission and values is what continues to burn brightly within me. I believe that with every determined step, TYM will keep spreading opportunities, transforming lives, and creating better futures for thousands of Vietnamese women – not just today, but for generations to come”.