Nguyễn Văn Cử is the Deputy Director of Disability Research and Capacity Development Center (DRD) and Director of Doi Rat Dep Social Enterprise. Doi Rat Dep, or "Life is Beautiful" in Vietnamese, is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities.
DRD has built a network of over 100 companies, including multinational corporations and Vietnamese enterprises, committed to hiring people with disabilities. Having been with the organisation since its inception, Văn Cử works to make his homeland a more beautiful and fairer place for all.
Born and raised in An Giang province, Văn Cử is now a lecturer at Nguyen Tat Thanh University and a Ho Chi Minh City Peace and Development Foundation member. Before stepping into these roles, Văn Cử recalls his challenges after contracting polio at age two.
“(The polio) left me with a disability that caused me a great deal of insecurity and low self-esteem. After graduating from university, I worked as an accountant for a private company. During that time, I felt quite unhappy and isolated, as I was the only person with a disability in my workplace,” he says to The ASEAN.
Văn Cử’s seemingly monotonous life took a fresh direction when he learned about Doi Rat Dep. During a distribution programme for people with disabilities in Nhon Trach district, Dong Nai province, he met with Dr. Vo Thi Hoang Yen, the Director of DRD.
“It was the first time in my life that I had met so many people with disabilities facing even greater challenges than my own. Yet, despite their difficulties, they were joyful, resilient, and determined to live their lives to the fullest. From that moment on, I realised how fortunate I was and found a renewed sense of purpose.”
In 2005, Văn Cử became part of DRD in its early days. What began as the Disability Resource and Development Program under the Open University of Ho Chi Minh City evolved over the years. By 2010, it transitioned into the Center for Disability Research and Capacity Development under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA). In 2023, Doi Rat Dep took another step forward, becoming a social enterprise dedicated to inclusion and empowerment.
“At DRD, we work tirelessly to empower people with disabilities through various programmes and initiatives, focusing on education, employment, and social integration. We strive to create a society where people with disabilities are not only included but also valued for their contributions.”
To The ASEAN, Văn Cử shares one story that stands out during his journey with DRD: the story of Pham Nhu Y. Y’s dream of attending school was shattered at the age of 11 because of his physical disability. Unable to walk long distances, he relied on friends to carry him every day, but eventually, the journey became too challenging. He was forced to leave school and his family behind, so he moved to Ho Chi Minh City to sell lottery tickets.
Life in the city was unforgiving. Y endured frequent exploitation and often dreamed of returning home but lacked the means to do so. For 10 years, he survived on the generosity of market vendors who shared their food with him. “Y said, ‘I thought my name, Nhu Y (meaning “as you wish”), was beautiful, but why wasn’t my life as I wished?’” Văn Cử recalls.
Y’s fortunes changed when he stumbled upon an article about DRD’s youth empowerment programme. Intrigued, he applied and shared his hopes during the interview. “I’m young and want to try something that can take me further,” he said.
With DRD’s support, Y received a scholarship to study Digital Marketing. His hard work paid off—within months, he was recognised as the best employee at his company, became a marketing manager and established his own business by early 2024.
Y’s story is just among hundreds that have shaped DRD’s journey. Yet, their work is far from over. Today, DRD focuses on expanding Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Consultancy Services while advancing initiatives that promote education, vocational training, employment, and sustainable livelihoods for persons with disabilities.
“Through our D&I consultancy, we work with businesses and organisations to foster inclusive workplaces by offering training on reasonable accommodations, accessibility audits, and specialised recruitment services for persons with disabilities (PWDs). These services include providing vocational and employability skills training, conducting accessibility assessments, and offering post-placement support for employers and employees, such as mentoring and assistive devices. We aim to help organisations create supportive environments where PWDs can thrive and contribute effectively.”
At the same time, DRD is driving initiatives that empower persons with disabilities through education and economic opportunities. These efforts include scholarships, assistive technologies, vocational orientation, vocational training, job placement services, and entrepreneurship support.
“By tackling systemic barriers while addressing personal needs, DRD moves closer to its vision of a more inclusive society where everyone can reach their full potential,” says Văn Cử.
Refusing to walk this path alone, Văn Cử and DRD call on the ASEAN public and its leaders to support the creation of an inclusive society where people with disabilities can thrive. They stress that such efforts are not only a matter of fundamental rights but also a powerful catalyst for economic growth and social progress.
Văn Cử underlines the urgency of investing in accessible infrastructure, fostering inclusive education, and creating equitable employment opportunities. He calls for dismantling stigma and empowering people with disabilities to play active roles in shaping their futures.
“By working together, we can create an ASEAN region where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous society,” he concludes.
The views and opinions expressed in this conversation are solely of the interviewee and do not reflect the official policy or position of ASEAN.
