Jukebox brings Czech Republic closer to Vietnam

November 08, 2022 | 19:03
(0) user say
The Czech Republic installed a jukebox at its embassy’s premises in Hanoi last week on the occasion of its National Day with sponsorship by Home Credit Vietnam.

Jukeboxes were most popular between the 1940s and 1960s until they went out of fashion in the late 1970s. Often placed in restaurants and public entertainment venues, the machines could automatically play selected songs on round vinyl records.

Customers just inserted a coin and choose their favourite songs. Today, jukeboxes have become a symbol of nostalgia in major metropolitan cities.

The first Czech jukebox in Hanoi does not need a coin to operate like other classical gramophones. Hanoian residents and visitors just need to stop by and press a button to enjoy a song or poem in Vietnamese.

The Home Credit-gifted jukebox is a masterpiece by renowned Czech artist Ondrej Kobza who is the brains behind a bevvy of outdoor cultural projects that have sprung up in Praha and other Czech cities. Hanoi jukebox is Kobza’s third artwork installed in Southeast Asia, following those in Manila and Jakarta.

Jukebox brings Czech Republic closer to Vietnam
Hynek Kmonicek, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic in Vietnam, appreciated music from the jukebox on National Day at the Czech Republic Embassy in Hanoi

The jukebox is part of a project to promote cultural exchange and strengthen bilateral relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic and to commemorate the Republic’s role as the President of the European Union Council. It is also a celebration of the 30th anniversary of Czech Republic Independence Day which falls on October 28.

Jukebox brings Czech Republic closer to Vietnam
Ambassador Hynek Kmonicek by the jukebox with Hoang Lan Anh, Home Credit Vietnam’s head of External Affairs (in the white dress), Pham Thi Bich Lien, head of Marketing Operations and Sustainability (in the black blazer), and embassy officials

For the past 30 years of independence, the Czech Republic has developed into a highly open, modern economy that attracts foreign investors. Czech businesses are well-known as reliable partners and suppliers of products, technology, and finance, including Home Credit.

Founded in the Czech Republic in 1997, Home Credit is the world's leading provider of consumer financial services, with more than 144 million customers in eight countries across the globe.

Entering Vietnam’s consumer finance market in 2008, Home Credit is currently positioned as a leading digital finance firm in the country, serving more than 14 million customers in 63 cities and provinces nationwide.

With a responsible lending approach, Home Credit always aims to achieve a breakthrough with sustainable development by improving customer experience, providing integrated technology solutions, and promoting social responsibility.

Home Credit is also a pioneer, launching digital financial products in the local market like instant online loan approvals and virtual credit cards.

The firm recently offered Home PayLater – its buy now pay later service – by working with e-commerce platforms. The simple procedures help customers own their favourite items immediately without having a significant impact on their personal budgets and family spending.

Assessing the potential of buy now, pay later services Assessing the potential of buy now, pay later services

Home Credit is betting on the prospects of buy now, pay later services in Vietnam. Michal Skalicky, chief customer officer of Home Credit Vietnam, shared with VIR’s Thanh Van his insight into the growth potential in Vietnam’s e-commerce market.

Home Credit Vietnam proud to receive Inspirational Brand Award Home Credit Vietnam proud to receive Inspirational Brand Award

Home Credit Vietnam was recognised as an Inspirational Brand by the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2022.

Home Credit teams up with OnePay to promote Home PayLater expansion Home Credit teams up with OnePay to promote Home PayLater expansion

Home Credit is working with OnePay on the buy now pay later (BNPL) model to promote digital payment habits in Vietnam.

By Thanh Van

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional