5 November 2026
I am extremely happy and privileged to convey my warmest greetings to the Sao Mai Centre for the Blind, Vietnam, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Reaching a quarter of a century of uninterrupted service is a remarkable milestone. Establishing an institution to serve persons with visual impairment may be relatively easy; building it with a clear vision, sustaining its services, continuously responding to changing needs and maintaining its commitment for 25 years is a far greater achievement.
My association with Sao Mai began in 2008, when the Centre became a partner in the Higher Education Project implemented by the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI), with the support of The Nippon Foundation. I still remember with appreciation the vision of Dr. Larry Campbell, who recognised the tremendous potential of Sao Mai, particularly in the field of technology, and saw the value of partnering with the Centre in advancing opportunities for persons with visual impairment.
Sao Mai more than lived up to that confidence. Through its work in higher education, it encouraged hundreds of students with visual impairment to pursue university education and aspire to greater independence. Its close collaboration with the Vietnam Blind Association (VBA) also contributed significantly to creating role models and demonstrating what persons with visual impairment can achieve when opportunities, technology and appropriate support are made available.
An organisation can realise its potential only when it has the right combination of vision, leadership and technical expertise. Sao Mai has been fortunate to have Mr. Dang Hoai Phuc as its Executive Director, under the overall guidance of the Sao Mai management. Phuc has demonstrated remarkable expertise in the use of technology for persons with visual impairment. More importantly, he has not remained merely a user of technology; he has become an innovator and creator of solutions that enable persons with visual impairment to access information and participate more independently.
One particularly noteworthy example is the text-to-speech engine developed for Myanmar, through a team of professionals led by Phuc in collaboration with a team in Myanmar. By developing an affordable technological solution, the initiative has helped thousands of persons with visual impairment in Myanmar access information and enhance their independence in learning. Equally important is the message behind this achievement: when technical expertise is shared across countries, solutions that might otherwise require substantial time and resources can be developed at an affordable cost. Such an approach has particular significance for developing countries, where accessible technology must be both effective and affordable.
Sao Mai's contribution has now expanded beyond education and technology into the important area of employment. With the support of The Nippon Foundation, the Centre is currently involved in the implementation of the Employment Project for facilitating employment opportunities for persons with visual impairment in Vietnam. It has developed a comprehensive Job Directory covering 50 potential areas in which persons with visual impairment can work and perform on par with others. The Centre has also undertaken extensive research to understand the factors contributing to successful employment and has organised employment forums that bring potential employers and jobseekers with visual impairment together. These initiatives have the potential to make a significant contribution to the long-term empowerment of persons with visual impairment.
Looking back over these 25 years, what impresses me most is the breadth of Sao Mai's contribution. Its work encompasses education, resource development, accessible technology, employment promotion, research, networking and documentation of good practices. These are not isolated activities; together they demonstrate a consistent commitment to discovering and developing the potential of persons with visual impairment.
To me personally, Sao Mai represents a model organisation in building networks among persons with visual impairment and, more importantly, in demonstrating the hidden potential that can emerge when individuals are provided with the right opportunities and technological support. Its journey over the past 25 years is therefore not merely the story of an institution; it is also the story of the growing confidence, independence and aspirations of persons with visual impairment in Vietnam and beyond.
On this memorable occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Sao Mai management and team, and in particular to Mr. Dang Hoai Phuc and his colleagues, for the professionalism, commitment and innovation they have demonstrated through their work. An organisation that has built such a strong foundation over 25 years is well positioned for excellent growth and greater contributions in the years ahead.
May Sao Mai march confidently towards its Golden Jubilee and beyond, expanding its contribution not only in Vietnam but across Southeast Asia, and continuing to inspire institutions and individuals working for the empowerment of persons with visual impairment.
Dr. M. N. G. Mani
Former CEO, International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Consultant, Employment Project
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