Flying Finn calls for responsible drinking

To re-enforce the key message “Don’t drink and drive,” Diageo Vietnam chose the Flying Finn Mika Hakkinen and Caparo supercar to entertain and educate the public. Arriving in Vietnam last Saturday, the Mika-Caparo duo were welcomed by a receptive audience with a thrilling driving performance entitled “Step Inside the Elite Circuit.”

Mika’s safe pair of hands
Since joining the global program by Diageo, champion Hakkinen has visited over 30 countries in four continents from South Africa to Asia Pacific. And on his first visit to Vietnam he helped send the message “Winners always stay in control” - being able to control yourself and everything that’s going on around you is the ability of a true winner – which is geared to audiences around the world to call on them to support the “Join the Pact” campaign by drinking responsibly.

Talented driver and two-time F1 world champion, more than anyone else Hakkinen understands the risks involved when the driver is not in full control of the vehicle. “What I would like to emphasis here is that everyone should celebrate and drink responsibly. Have a designated driver or use a taxi to get home safely.” he added.  

About the trip to Vietnam, the Flying Finn said that this event was not only a great opportunity to bring the meaningful message of this program to Vietnamese people, but it’s also proof that Vietnam can really compete with the rest of the world when it comes to luxury, style and sophistication. “And the “Step Inside the Circuit” programme is an absolute brilliant example of this,” he said. “Last thing, I would like to leave with all of you here today with the message ‘Being a member of the Elite Circuit also means being a winner, so always celebrate like a true winner’.”

A corporate social responsibility
Stephane Gripon, general manager of Diageo Vietnam, said: “Being a leading premium global spirits company, Diageo commits to greatly contribute to setting up the awareness of responsible drinking among consumers. Via “Join the Pact,” we hope that the program will receive the support of influential people in Vietnam so that the message can be spread widely among the community.”

The  influential Vietnamese stars who  joined the campaign include Thanh Hang – Vietnam’s top  supermodel; Johnny Tri Nguyen – a rising star in the nation’s movie industry and Phan Anh – a famous MC considered an idol of Vietnamese younger generations.

Commenting on the “Join the Pack” campaign and other initiatives to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol, Nguyen Lan Huong, country manager of International Center for Alcohol Policies in Vietnam (ICAP Vietnam) praised the work Diageo has done as a responsible business. “The Caparo event as well as many other CSR activities that Diageo has been contributing to in Vietnam with great enthusiasm, expertise and commitment, says more than words,” she said.

According to Nguyen Van Nhan, director of the Center for Information and Publication, Ministry of Transport, the message “Do not drive after drinking” was first introduced by Diageo in Vietnam in 2006. “On the occasion of “Join the Pact”, I call upon fellow citizens to drink responsibly. And do not abuse alcohol in any situation, especially while driving,” he said.