"Tall trees provide shade for life."

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the elderly in Hai Phong are not only a source of spiritual support and guardians of family traditions, but also preserve cultural values ​​and affirm the tradition of "elderly people setting a good example."

Nguyen Nam Tuan, General Director of STC Shipbuilding Technology Joint Stock Company, guides staff in researching and manufacturing products. Photo: TRUNG KIEN

With complete passion for the profession.

STC Shipbuilding Technology Partnership Company (Gia Vien Ward) was established in 2000, specializing in research, consulting, design, and technology transfer for ships, marine instruments, and maritime safety. Over 25 years of development, despite numerous difficulties and challenges, the company, under the persistent leadership of its General Director Nguyen Nam Tuan (now over 70 years old), has affirmed its position in both domestic and international markets with its highly applicable technological products.

As an electronics engineer who graduated from Hanoi University of Technology, Mr. Tuan has consistently pursued research and development for over two decades, focusing on products that meet the stringent requirements of the maritime industry. "As long as I have the strength, I will continue to contribute. Each new product is the culmination of the collective intelligence and creativity," Mr. Tuan believes.

Along with focusing on digital transformation in management, Mr. Tuan also expanded cooperation, sent staff to study abroad, and brought new knowledge back to apply to the enterprise. Thanks to this vision, STC has become a reliable partner of the Ministry of National Defence , the Navy, the Coast Guard, etc. Through this, it has maintained growth, made positive contributions to the state budget, and ensured income for its employees.

STC's success affirms the character, intelligence, and dedication of CEO Nguyen Nam Tuan. In his twilight years, this "captain" maintains his enthusiasm and remains steadfast amidst the vast ocean of high-tech industry, affirming the value of his contributions.

Returning to Bao Ha craft village (Vinh Hai commune), the sounds of chiseling and carving resound around the home of artisan To Van Huu (68 years old). As the 13th generation to continue the statue carving craft from his ancestor To Phu Luat, Mr. Huu has dedicated almost his entire life to the profession. For him, each statue is not just a work of art, but also embodies his passion, honor, and the pride of his family lineage.

Even more commendable is the artisan's constant concern for passing on his passion to the younger generation. His two children, who previously worked abroad, have now returned to continue their father's legacy, further developing the traditional sculpting craft. Instead of choosing to retire peacefully, artisan Tô Văn Hữu remains diligently creative, becoming the "keeper of the soul" of the craft village.

A shining example in the community

Many elderly artisans still maintain their passion for the craft. In the photo: Artisans from the Dong Minh Handicraft Cooperative introduce traditional sedge mat products.

Faced with the reality of shrinking agricultural land area, Doan Van Kiem (75 years old), Director of An Hung Agricultural and Electricity Service Cooperative (Hong An ward), is always concerned about finding solutions to support farmers, from restoring production and guaranteeing product sales to expanding distribution channels.

Under Mr. Kiem's ​​leadership, the An Hung Cooperative, with over 100 members, has grown strongly, strengthening links with businesses and building a sustainable agricultural value chain. In particular, the cooperative has successfully produced scallions that meet OCOP 4-star standards, serving exports to Japan and South Korea, affirming the local agricultural brand in the international market.

The cooperative mobilizes resources, maintains stable operations, and meets the essential needs of the people, especially in the fields of environmental sanitation services and electricity business. All areas are effective, leveraging advantages, and ensuring stable and improved income for workers. Each year, the cooperative allocates a portion of its profits to local social welfare activities.

In 2024, the cooperative was honored by the Vietnam Cooperative Union as a model cooperative nationwide and awarded the Cooperative Star Award 2024.

This is a well-deserved reward, recognizing the persistent efforts of the collective and the exemplary leader, Doan Van Kiem, in ensuring that the people feel secure and committed to their homeland.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Quyen, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Thien Quyen Organic Mineral Fertilizer Manufacturing and Trading Company Limited, inspects the products.

For Ms. Nguyen Thi Quyen, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Thien Quyen Organic Mineral Fertilizer Manufacturing and Trading Company Limited, even though she is over 80 years old, she still spends her days researching and improving the production process of organic fertilizers. Ms. Quyen shared: "My children and grandchildren always want me to rest, but because I am passionate about my work, I am still striving to find better products for farmers, contributing to improving economic efficiency, protecting the environment, and improving public health."

Not only is she a successful businesswoman, but she also dedicates a portion of her profits to charity, sharing with those in need. Over the years, she and her company have received numerous awards and commendations from various organizations and departments, including a Certificate from the Central Association of Elderly People recognizing her as an exemplary businesswoman. The company also provides stable employment and income for many local workers.

At the age of 70 or 80, a time when people should be resting, enjoying life, and spending time with their children and grandchildren, these entrepreneurs, artisans, cooperative directors, and female chairpersons of boards of directors, with their unwavering willpower, determination, and desire to contribute, continue to pursue their dreams and make further contributions to society.

Many have actively contributed their experience and dedication to the development of the collective economy, creating thousands of jobs, increasing income, and promoting the sustainable development of the city. They are the "tall trees" that contribute to beautifying life, affirming the significant role of the elderly in Hai Phong in the new era.

According to statistics from the Hai Phong City Cooperative Union, after the merger, the city currently has approximately 550 cooperatives, cooperative unions, cooperative groups, and member enterprises of the Union, of which more than 20% are elderly people participating in leadership roles or as members of these units.

VAN NGA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/cay-cao-toa-bong-mat-cho-doi-522236.html