On a recent weekend morning, the An Lac Ward Cultural and Sports Center, formerly in Binh Tan District, buzzed with workers bringing their motorbikes for maintenance. Nguyen Chi Tam, a worker at Dai Duong Tape Company, was among the first to arrive. He shared that his motorbike, over 15 years old, serves as the primary transportation for him and his wife.

Nguyen Chi Tam (in a blue shirt) brings his motorbike for inspection and an oil change before heading home for Tet next week. *Photo: Le Tuyet*

"The motorbike was almost out of oil; driving it further could damage the engine," Tam remarked as he watched a mechanic drain the old oil from his Suzuki scooter. Living close to his workplace, he admitted to being complacent, rarely checking his vehicle. Last week, after receiving a free inspection voucher, he promptly brought his trusty steed for maintenance this morning, preparing for his drive to Soc Trang next weekend.

After the oil change, the technician performed a comprehensive check of the brakes, tires, chain, and sprockets, confirming the motorbike's safety. Receiving his vehicle along with the assessment report, Tam smiled, expressing his peace of mind for the journey home for Tet.

Tam is one of the 2,000 workers receiving complimentary vehicle checks and oil changes through the "Tet Doan Vien - 2,000 Safe Journeys" program. This initiative is a collaborative effort by Global Insurance Joint Stock Corporation (GIC), the Youth Worker Support Center, AP Saigon Petro Joint Stock Company, and the An Lac Ward People's Committee.

This marks the third consecutive year the event has taken place. Diverging from the previous two years, which were held in what was formerly District 12, this year the organizers moved the event to An Lac Ward, previously part of Binh Tan District. This area is a hub for workers employed in industrial parks such as Tan Tao and Vinh Loc, as well as the Pouyuen factory, and serves as a common stop for industrial motorbike taxi unions. Notably, many workers from the Mekong Delta, who frequently travel home for Tet by motorbike, reside here.

Beyond oil changes, mechanics conduct comprehensive checks on the motorbikes. *Photo: Le Tuyet*

According to Hoang Quoc Cuong, Director of Business Development & Marketing at GIC, the program has facilitated over 4,000 safe journeys in its three years. The company plans to expand its scope and introduce more practical activities, aiming for the event to become a cherished annual tradition for Tet, ensuring workers can return home more safely and completely.

Beyond vehicle maintenance, this Tet season, the program extended its support by distributing 400 Tet gifts to disadvantaged workers. It also featured game booths offering over 1,200 prizes and provided free vision and physical examinations. The total funding for this initiative exceeds 500 million VND.

Le Tuyet