Many people have complained about the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA) who been accused of harassing people into spending VND22 million (USD1,000) for tickets to an awards ceremony.
People are asked to pay nearly USD1,000 to attend the event
In the past few days, several academics have been invited to a ceremony to honour managers on global ethical standards, people that make achievements in Vietnam and to honour individuals and organisations in business sectors that meet UNESCO's criteria. The event is expected to be held on April 23 in Hanoi.
On the invitation, they were asked to pay VND22m to cover the cost of venue rental, light, equipment and the trophies that will be given to them. By participating, they are promised to a global ethic conference held by UNESCO Vietnam and meeting with experts in education, culture, health sectors and country's top leaders.
Associated Professor Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa from University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University in Hanoi, said even though she refused the invitation, VFUA staff have kept calling her phone and have even turned up at her home.
"At first I thought they mistook me for someone else and when I asked them what organisation was honouring me, they couldn't tell," Hoa said. "I don't understand what kind of honouring is this and for what achievement?"
Hoang Dinh Chien, lecturer at HCM City University of Technology, said the organisers had sent him mail and called him several times. They even lowered the fee from VND24m to VND22m but he refused.
Vietnam Study Encouragement Association General Secretary Pham Tat Dong is listed as being on the review panel for the awards. However, Dong said he had refused the invitation. "A woman called and asked me to join their judging panel. I already said no so why is my name on their list? I'll sue them," Dong said.
Tran Van Manh, vice chairman of VFUA, told Thanh Nien News that the Institute for Strategy Studies under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations suggested the ceremony. VFUA and Dai Viet Communications Corporation are the event's sponsors.
"They are the one who were collecting money, not us. The ceremony needs a budget for lots of things," he said.
