Circular No. 08/2018/TT-NHNN guiding the work of competition and reward in the Banking industry

CIRCULAR

Guidelines for Competition and Reward Work in the Banking Industry

BASED ON THE Law on Competition and Rewards dated November 26, 2003; THE Law AMENDING AND COMPLEMENTING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE Law on Competition and Rewards dated June 14, 2005; THE Law AMENDING AND COMPLEMENTING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE Law on Competition and Rewards dated November 16, 2013;

BASED ON Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP dated July 31, 2017 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards;

Pursuant to Government Decree No. 16/2017/NĐ-CP dated February 17, 2017 on the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the State Bank of Vietnam;

PURSUANT TO THE proposal of the Director of the Department of Competition and Rewards;

The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam issues this Circular to guide competition and reward work in the banking industry.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

THIS Circular guides the implementation of competition and reward activities in the Banking sector, including the following contents: subjects of competition and rewards; organization of competition movements; titles, title standards for competition; forms, reward standards; authority to decide on rewards, procedures for proposing rewards; presentation of competition titles and reward forms; competition and reward funds; state management of competition and reward activities; competition and reward councils at all levels; rights and obligations of individuals and organizations receiving rewards.

 Article 2. Applicability

Individuals and organizations under the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank); credit organizations; foreign bank branches; Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation; permanent offices of associations and enterprises managed by the State Bank; other individuals and organizations directly contributing to the operations of the Banking sector.

 Article 3. Collectives in the Banking Industry

1. For the State Bank

a) Large collectives include units under the State Bank, party and mass organizations' permanent offices at the main headquarters of the State Bank;

b) Basic collectives are Departments, Bureaus, and Office under the Inspection and Supervision Authority; Branches under the Bureau;

c) Small collectives include departments (offices) and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Points a and b of this Clause.

2. For credit organizations, foreign bank branches, and Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation

a) Large collectives include commercial banks, social policy banks, Vietnam Cooperative Banks, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, foreign bank branches, finance companies, financial leasing companies, microfinance organizations (excluding subsidiaries of credit organizations);

b) Basic collectives are Departments (Bureaus), centers at headquarters, branches, subsidiaries, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause (excluding microfinance organizations);

c) Small collectives are Departments (Bureaus), transaction offices, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point b of this Clause.

3. For training units

a) Large collectives are the Banking Academy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking;

b) Basic collectives are Departments, Faculties, Departments, Centers, and training units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause;

c) Small collectives are Departments (Bureaus), Faculties, Departments, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point b of this Clause.

4. For enterprises managed by the State Bank

a) Large collectives include the National Note Printing Factory, Vietnam National Payment Corporation, Vietnam Asset Management Company, and other enterprises managed by the State Bank;

b) Basic-level collectives include departments (offices), workshops, and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause;

c) Small collectives include teams and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point b of this Clause.

5. For permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank

a) Large collectives include the permanent offices of the Vietnam Bank Association, Vietnam People's Credit Union Association, Vietnam Financial Leasing Association, and other associations managed by the State Bank;

b) Small collectives include departments (offices) and equivalent units under the collectives specified in Point a of this Clause.

  Article 4. INNOVATIONS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

1. Inventions in the Banking sector (hereinafter referred to as inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to existing solutions applied during the implementation of tasks, bringing about substantial benefits (economic efficiency or social benefits), enhancing productivity, quality, and effectiveness of work, including:

a) Management solutions are methods of organizing and managing work by management subjects over management objects to achieve specific goals in work.

b) Technical solutions are methods and technical means to solve specific tasks.

c) Operational solutions are advisory and proposal-making activities for methods to implement tasks, helping management subjects resolve work effectively.

d) Application of advanced science and technology solutions is a method, approach, measure applying a known technical solution to practical banking activities.

2. Scope of Influence of Innovations

a) High-efficiency inventions with nationwide impact (hereinafter referred to as national-level inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to existing solutions, applied in the Banking sector, bringing about substantial benefits nationwide;

b) Inventions with industry-wide impact and efficiency (hereinafter referred to as industry-level inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to existing solutions, applied and bringing about substantial benefits to the Banking sector;

c) Inventions with basic-level impact and efficiency (hereinafter referred to as basic-level inventions) are new solutions created or improvements made to existing solutions, applied and bringing about substantial benefits to the activities of the unit.

Article 5. Principles for Awards

The principles for awards in the Banking sector shall be implemented according to Article 3 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP dated July 31, 2017 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Competition and Rewards (Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP) and the following regulations:

1. In one year, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the Governor) may only present a Certificate of Merit or propose national-level rewards once for a collective or individual, except for exceptional or specialized awards.

2. No award or recommendation for higher-level awards shall be made to collectives or individuals who are under consideration for disciplinary action by competent authorities, or are under investigation, audit, inspection due to signs of violation, or whose complaints or denunciations are being verified.

3. Only credit organizations, branches of credit organizations, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are managers or operators of credit organizations, or General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches with bad debt ratios below the maximum level as decided by the Governor shall be considered for awards or recommended for awards by competent authorities.

4. Collectives and individuals in the Banking sector applying for the Prime Minister's Award related to the criteria for the Ministry-level, Sector-level, Provincial-level, and Central-level Mass Organizations' Awards shall meet the criteria for the Governor's Award (for comprehensive achievements) or annual awards from Ministries and Sectors for activities in the banking supervision and examination agencies, Banking Academy, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, and party and mass organizations.

5. The time for submitting subsequent award applications shall be calculated based on the period during which achievements were recorded in the previous award decision. For decisions without a specified achievement period, the time for subsequent award submissions shall be calculated from the issuance date of the previous award decision.

Chapter II

COMPETITION AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Section 1

COMPETITION AND ORGANIZATION OF COMPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

Article 6. Forms of organizing the competition movement

1. Regular competition is a form of competition based on the functions and tasks assigned to collectives and individuals, organized to perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual work well at agencies, organizations, and units. The subjects of regular competition are individuals within a collective, collectives within the same agency, organization, or unit, or between agencies, organizations, and units with similar functions, tasks, and nature of work.

The organization of regular competition movements must clearly define objectives, requirements, goals, specific indicators, and be implemented at agencies, organizations, and units or through Competition Groups and Clusters to launch competition movements and sign competition agreements. At the end of the working year, the heads of agencies, organizations, and units, as well as the leaders of Competition Groups and Clusters, will conduct summaries and evaluations for competition titles.

2. Special topic (or campaign) competition is a form of competition aimed at performing key tasks or focusing on a specific field determined within a certain period, or organizing competitions to strive to complete urgent and critical tasks of agencies, organizations, and units. Units may only launch special topic (or campaign) competitions after clearly defining the time frame, objectives, requirements, indicators, contents, and implementation measures.

Special topic competitions organized within the Banking sector, when summarizing and concluding competition movements over three years or more, units should select outstanding collectives and individuals for awards or recommend them for the highest award, the Prime Minister's Certificate of Merit; for five years or more, they should recommend the Labor Medal, Third Class.

Article 7. Registration for competition titles, signing competition agreements

1. Annually, large collectives as stipulated in Article 3 of this Circular (hereinafter referred to as units) are responsible for organizing each collective and individual within the unit to register for competition, and to compile and submit the registration forms according to Form No. 01 attached to this Circular to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Competition and Awards) no later than February 28 each year. Microfinance organizations should submit their competition title registration forms to the State Bank of Vietnam branch in the province or city under their management.

2. Annually, the heads of Competition Groups and Clusters organize the signing of competition agreements among units within the Group or Cluster and submit the signed agreements to the State Bank of Vietnam (Department of Competition and Awards) no later than February 28. Indicators, contents, and methods of organizing competitions must be approved by the Group or Cluster to ensure uniform implementation. Competition Groups and Clusters are defined by competent authorities.

Article 8. Responsibilities for organizing the competition movement

1. The Governor launches, organizes, and directs competition movements in the Banking sector. The Department of Competition and Awards is responsible for advising the Governor on launching, organizing, directing, and supervising the implementation of competition movements initiated by the Governor.

2. Heads of units (heads of units under the State Bank of Vietnam; legal representatives of credit institutions, Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam; General Directors (Directors) of foreign bank branches; Secretaries-General of associations managed by the State Bank of Vietnam) are responsible for launching competitions, organizing competition movements, and summarizing and concluding competition movements within their units.

3. Leaders of Competition Groups and Clusters are responsible for launching competitions, monitoring the implementation of competition movements among units within the Group or Cluster, and organizing summaries and conclusions of competition movements.

4. Party committees and mass organizations at all levels in the Banking sector closely coordinate with unit heads to organize and implement competition movements.

5. Information and press agencies in the Banking sector publicize competition and reward work; accurately reflect the results of competition movements and reward work; identify individuals and collectives with outstanding achievements in competition movements to set examples or introduce them to competition and reward councils at various levels for consideration of rewards; combat and criticize violations of laws on competition and rewards in the Banking sector.

Section 2

COMPETITION TITLES AND STANDARDS FOR COMPETITION TITLES

Article 9. Competition Titles

1. For individuals: "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level", "Model Worker in the Banking Sector", "National Model Worker".

 2. For groups including: "Advanced Labor Group", "Excellent Labor Group", "Flag of Competition of the State Bank", "Flag of Competition of the Government".

Article 10. Criteria for the title "Advanced Labor"

Clause 1. The title "Advanced Worker" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

 a) Completing assigned tasks well, achieving high productivity and quality;

 b) Adhering to the Party's guidelines and policies, state laws, regulations and rules of the banking industry, unit, and locality; having self-reliance, solidarity, mutual assistance spirit, actively participating in competition movements;

c) Actively studying politics, culture, professional knowledge, and vocational skills;

Point d) Having good morals and a healthy lifestyle.

Clause 2. Maternity leave time according to regulations shall be counted for the assessment of the title "Advanced Worker".

3. Individuals who bravely rescue people or property, resulting in injuries requiring treatment or convalescence, shall have their treatment and convalescence time counted towards consideration for the title "Advanced Labor".

 4. For individuals transferred to new units, the new unit is responsible for reviewing and nominating the title "Advanced Labor". In cases where the individual has worked at the previous unit for six months or more, comments from the previous unit must be obtained. In cases where individuals are temporarily assigned to other agencies, organizations, or units, the review and nomination for the title "Advanced Labor" shall be decided by the agency, organization, or unit that assigns or temporarily transfers them (with comments from the receiving agency, organization, or unit).

5. Individuals sent for short-term training or development within or outside the country for less than one year, complying with the training institution's regulations, shall have their study period counted towards their work time at the unit for the title "Advanced Labor" review. In cases where individuals are sent for training or development within or outside the country for one year or more, complying with the training institution's regulations and achieving good grades or higher, they may be considered for the title "Advanced Labor".

Clause 6. The title "Advanced Worker" shall not be awarded to individuals in any of the following situations: newly recruited for less than ten months, disciplined with a warning or higher.

Article 11. Criteria for the title "Advanced Labor Group"

The title "Advanced Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

Clause 1. Completing tasks and plans assigned satisfactorily.

Clause 2. Having regular, practical, and effective competition movements.

3. More than 50% of individuals in the group achieve the title "Advanced Labor" and there are no individuals disciplined with warnings or higher for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and no individuals disciplined with extended salary increase periods not exceeding six months, dismissal, or termination for those who are not cadres, civil servants, or public officials.

Clause 4. Internal solidarity, adhering well to the Party's guidelines and policies, State laws.

Article 12. Criteria for the title "Foundation Model Competitor"

Clause 1. The title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" shall be awarded annually to individuals meeting the following criteria:

a) Achieving the title "Advanced Labor";

b) Excellently completing tasks recognized by the unit;

c) Having initiatives to increase labor productivity and work efficiency recognized by the unit or research topics that have been accepted and applied in the agency or unit.

Clause 2. The ratio of individuals recognized with the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" shall not exceed 15% of the total number of individuals achieving the title "Advanced Worker" in the unit.

 Article 13. Criteria for the titles "Model Competitor of the Banking Industry" and "National Model Competitor"

1. The title "Model Competitor of the Banking Industry" is awarded to individuals in the third consecutive year they achieve the title "Foundation Model Competitor" and meet the following criteria:

 a) Standing out among individuals who have three consecutive times achieved the title "Foundation Model Competitor" with outstanding achievements. An individual with "outstanding achievements" is one who has received a "Certificate of Merit from the Governor" or been commended by the Prime Minister or President during the period under consideration for the title "Model Competitor of the Banking Industry";

b) Proposing innovative ideas or research topics in science and technology at the industry level.

2. The title "National Model Competitor": implemented according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 9 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP.

Article 14. Criteria for the title "Outstanding Labor Collective"

Clause 1. The title "Outstanding Labor Collective" shall be awarded annually to outstanding collectives selected from those that have achieved the title "Advanced Labor Collective" and meet the following criteria:

a) Being creative, overcoming difficulties to excellently complete tasks and fulfill all obligations to the State;

b) There is a regular, practical, and effective competitive movement;

c) All individuals within the collective completing their assigned tasks, of which at least 70% have achieved the title "Advanced Worker";

d) There are individuals who have achieved the title "Foundation Model Competitor" and there are no individuals disciplined with warnings or higher for cadres, civil servants, public officials, and no individuals disciplined with extended salary increase periods not exceeding six months, dismissal, or termination for those who are not cadres, civil servants, or public officials;

đ) Internal unity, exemplary behavior, adherence to the Party's guidelines and state laws.

Clause 2. Collectives that excellently complete tasks as stipulated in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article shall be determined as follows:

a) Groups under the State Bank: Excellently completing annual work plans and other assigned tasks; performing duties well; making many proposals for the establishment of regulations and policies of the State Bank; adhering to reporting and statistical systems; promptly resolving complaints and petitions within jurisdiction; Party and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong;

b) Groups under credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation: Excellently completing annual activity targets and plans; performing internal audit and supervision well; adhering to state policies and regulations of the State Bank; promptly resolving complaints and petitions within jurisdiction; Party and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong;

 c) Groups under the Training Sector: Excellently completing all assigned targets and plans comprehensively; ensuring teaching quality; effectively implementing and maintaining scientific research activities; adhering to information reporting systems; managing students well; taking timely measures to prevent social evils from entering schools, maintaining a clean educational environment; promptly resolving complaints and petitions within jurisdiction; Party and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong;

 d) Groups under enterprises managed by the State Bank: Excellently completing all assigned targets and plans comprehensively; strictly adhering to information reporting systems as prescribed; performing internal audit and supervision well; promptly resolving complaints and petitions within jurisdiction; Party and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong;

đ) Permanent offices of associations managed by the State Bank: Effectively promoting the Party's policies and state laws and regulations of the State Bank; proposing many suggestions for the establishment of regulations and policies in banking operations; promptly resolving complaints and petitions within jurisdiction; Party and mass organizations recognized as clean and strong.

Article 15. Criteria for the title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank" and "Flag of Excellence of the Government"

Clause 1. The title "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank" shall be awarded annually to collectives meeting the following criteria:

a) Being an outstanding collective in the competition movement of the banking industry in each field, region, area, or system; completing all assigned targets and tasks well in the year; being selected and recognized as the leading unit in the Competition Groups and Clusters within the banking industry; achieving the title of "Outstanding Labor Collective" recognized by the competent authority;

b) Having new factors and models for other collectives in the same group, cluster, or entire system to learn from;

c) Adhering to the policies and laws of the Party and the State, regulations of the State Bank, the unit, and the locality; maintaining internal unity, actively practicing thrift, combating corruption, waste, and other social evils.

Clause 2. The title "Flag of Excellence of the Government" shall be awarded annually to:

a) Outstanding collectives leading among those meeting the criteria for the "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank," selected through annual competition movements. The number of collectives proposed for the "Flag of Excellence of the Government" shall not exceed 20% of the total number of collectives meeting the criteria for the "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank";

b) The most outstanding collectives in thematic competitions initiated by the President of the State, the Prime Minister, evaluated, selected, and honored when summarizing from five years onwards.

Chapter III

RECOGNITION AND CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION

Article 16. Types of Awards

1. Awards based on achievements and merits are forms of recognition given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results or completed their assigned tasks excellently, contributing to the cause of building and defending the country.

2. Thematic awards (or campaign-based awards) are given to collectives and individuals who have achieved outstanding results after the completion of a campaign initiated by the President of the State, the Prime Minister, the Governor, or heads of units under the banking sector.

3. Unexpected awards are given to collectives and individuals who achieve unexpected results in labor, production, or combat service; courageously saving people's lives and property (unexpected achievements are those made in unforeseen circumstances outside the planned program, tasks that the collective or individual must undertake).

4. Awards for dedication are given to individuals who have participated in activities during revolutionary stages, held leadership positions in state agencies, public institutions, political organizations, and social-political organizations, making significant contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

5. Foreign awards are given to foreign collectives and individuals who have contributed to the construction and defense of Vietnam in the economic field.

 Article 17. Orders, Medals, "Prime Minister's Commendation", State Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award"

1. Criteria for considering Orders, Medals, "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister," National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Prize," and "State Prize" are implemented according to the provisions of the Law on Competitions and Rewards in 2003 (amended and supplemented) and Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP of the Government.

2. Criteria for "Collective Outstandingly Completing Tasks" for considering "Certificate of Merit of the Governor," "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister," and Orders of various types and ranks are collectives recognized by the competent authority with the title of "Outstanding Labor Collective."

 Article 18. "Governor's Commendation"

1. "Governor's Commendation" is awarded to individuals who serve as exemplary models in implementing the Party's guidelines, state policies and laws, and banking regulations, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having continuously and excellently completed tasks for two years or more, during which time there are two recognized and effectively applied grassroots initiatives within the unit;

b) Achieving many notable results with wide-ranging impacts in each field of activity of the banking industry;

c) Achieving outstanding unexpected results.

2. "Certificate of Merit of the Governor" is awarded to collectives who model good adherence to the policies of the Party, laws of the State, and the banking industry, meeting one of the following criteria:

a) Having continuously and excellently completed tasks assessed in annual campaigns initiated by the Governor; maintaining internal unity, implementing grassroots democratic regulations well, organizing good competition movements; caring for the material and spiritual life of the collective; practicing thrift; fully implementing all systems and policies for all members of the collective;

b) Achieving many outstanding results with wide-ranging impacts in each field of activity of the banking industry;

c) Achieving outstanding unexpected results.

3. "Governor's Commendation" is awarded to collectives and individuals outside the banking sector who have made many direct and practical contributions to the operations of the banking sector.

Article 19. Commendation Certificate

Heads of units are granted certificates of merit to collectives and individuals according to Articles 74 and 75 of the Law on Competitions and Rewards in 2003 (amended and supplemented).

Article 20. Reward for dedication process

Forms of dedication awards to be presented or posthumously awarded to individuals according to Articles 41 and 42 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP.

Chapter IV

REMEMBRANCE CHAPTER

Article 21. Remembrance Medal

1. The Commemorative Medal "For the Cause of the Vietnamese Banking Industry" (hereinafter referred to as the Commemorative Medal) is a form of recognition by the Governor to acknowledge the contributions of individuals inside and outside the banking industry to the development of the banking industry.

2. The Commemorative Medal is only awarded once to an individual on the occasion of the anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnamese Banking Industry every year (May 6).

Article 22. Criteria for Awarding the Remembrance Medal

For bank officials

a) The Commemorative Medal is awarded to individuals who have performed their duties well and have worked in the banking industry for at least 20 years for men and 15 years for women;

b) Officials who are automatically eligible for the Commemorative Medal include: bank officials recognized as martyrs; officials involved in the preparatory committee for the establishment of the National Bank of Vietnam; bank officials who participated in the battlefield B before 1968; bank officials awarded national titles such as "Golden Star Order," "Ho Chi Minh Order," Independence Order of various ranks, "Hero of Labor," and leaders of the State Bank.

c) Priority candidates for the Commendation Medal include: officers who have worked in the banking sector from May 6, 1951 to May 7, 1954 and have at least ten consecutive years of service; bank officers who participated in the B, C, K battlefields during the anti-American resistance period before April 30, 1975 shall have their service time counted as double (one year equals two years) when being considered for the medal; officers previously working in the banking sector who were assigned to military service, volunteer work, study, or transferred to other sectors but later returned to work in the banking sector shall still have that time counted as continuous service in the banking sector when being considered; officers retiring in the year of commendation who have at least 19 years and 6 months of service in the banking sector for males and 14 years and 6 months for females up to the retirement date.

2. For individuals outside the banking sector

Individuals outside the banking industry may be considered for the award of the Remembrance Medal if they meet one of the following criteria:

a) Have made contributions in leadership and guidance contributing to the construction and development of the Vietnamese Banking Sector;

b) They have proposed innovative ideas or scientific research projects of practical value for the activities of the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

c) They have contributed to building and consolidating cooperative relations between countries and international organizations and the Vietnamese Banking Industry;

d) They have made direct and practical material contributions to the development of the Vietnamese Banking Industry.

3. Foreign individuals with at least 15 years of service in the Vietnamese Banking Sector, completing assigned tasks satisfactorily.

4. The Remembrance Medal shall not be awarded in the following cases:

a) Individuals who have been disciplined and dismissed from their positions;

b) Individuals who are currently being pursued by law enforcement agencies for criminal responsibility or are involved in criminal cases without a conclusion from the competent authority;

c) Individuals who have served or are serving a prison sentence (with or without suspended sentence) or undergoing non-custodial reform.

Chapter V

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND PRESENT AWARDS

PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERING AND AWARDING REWARDS

Section 1

AUTHORITY TO DECIDE AND PRESENT AWARDS

 Article 23. Authority to Decide on Bestowal of Merit Titles and Forms of Reward

1. The Governor decides to confer:

a) The title "Progressive Worker" and "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" to the members of the Bank of Vietnam Leadership Board;

b) The title "Model Competitor in Banking";

c) The Flag of Competition of the State Bank;

d) Commendation certificates for collectives and individuals;

d) The title "Outstanding Labor Collective";

e) Commemorative medals for individuals.

2. The Governor of the State Bank branch in provinces and cities, the heads of state-owned enterprises under the State Bank, decide to confer the title "Advanced Labor Collective" on collectives; "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" on individuals within their management and certificates of merit.

3. The Chief Inspector and Supervisor of Banks decides to confer the title "Advanced Labor Collective" on collectives; the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" on individuals within their management and certificates of merit. The Chief Inspector and Supervisor of Banks delegates to the heads of Departments, Bureaus, and equivalent units under the Inspection and Supervision Agency of Banks to decide to confer the title "Advanced Worker" on individuals within their units.

4. The heads of units specified in Point a of Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Article 3 of this Circular decide to confer the title "Advanced Labor Collective" on collectives; "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" on individuals within their management and certificates of merit.

5. The Governor delegates to the Head

a) The State Bank branch in provinces and cities; the Inspection and Supervision Agency of Banks decide to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" on small collectives within their management;

b) The Department of Management; the Department of Issuance and Treasury; the Department of Information Technology decide to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" on small collectives within the Sub-department;

c) Commercial Banks, Social Policy Banks, Cooperative Banks of Vietnam, Deposit Insurance Corporation decide to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" on units;

d) Units specified in Point a of Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Article 3 of this Circular decide to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" on collectives within their management;

e) The State Bank branch in provinces and cities where microfinance organizations have their headquarters decide to confer the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" on microfinance organizations within their management area;

f) Departments, Bureaus, units, and permanent offices of Party and mass organizations at the headquarters of the State Bank decide to confer the title "Advanced Labor Collective" on collectives; "Advanced Worker", "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" on individuals within their management.

 Article 24. Authority to Recognize Inventions

1. For industry-wide and nationwide initiatives: The Industry Initiative Council examines and evaluates the effectiveness and scope of impact of the initiative. Based on the review results of the Council, the Governor delegates to the Director of the Department of Propaganda and Awards to decide to recognize industry-wide and nationwide initiatives.

2. For grassroots-level initiatives: The Grassroots Initiative Council examines and evaluates the effectiveness and scope of impact of the initiative. Based on the review results of the Council, the head of the unit decides to recognize grassroots-level initiatives.

Article 25. Award Ceremony

1. The ceremony for awarding Orders, Medals, National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award", "Flag of Merit of the Government", "National Model Worker", and "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister" shall be carried out according to the provisions of Decree No. 145/2013/ND-CP dated October 29, 2013 of the Government on organizing commemorative days; award presentation ceremonies; diplomatic rituals and welcoming foreign guests.

2. For Orders, Medals, National Honorary Titles, "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award", and "National Model Worker": Upon receiving notification from the Department of Propaganda and Awards, the head of the unit establishes a plan to organize the reception and reports to the Governor (through the Department of Propaganda and Awards). After receiving the Governor's instructions, the Department of Propaganda and Awards is responsible for coordinating with the unit to organize the announcement and presentation.

3. For "Flag of Merit of the Government" and "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister": After receiving notification from the Department of Propaganda and Awards, the heads of units proactively establish plans and organize the presentation to collectives and individuals within their units who have been commended. Before organizing, the unit informs the Department of Propaganda and Awards for monitoring.

4. For organizing the announcement and presentation of national awards to individuals and collectives at the headquarters of the State Bank, the Department of Propaganda and Awards advises the Governor to make a decision.

5. For commendation titles and forms of recognition within the authority of the Governor, the Governor delegates to the heads of units to organize the announcement and presentation to collectives and individuals who have been recognized.

The announcement and presentation of "Certificate of Merit of the Governor" and Commendation Medals to collectives and individuals outside the banking sector, the heads of units coordinate with the Department of Propaganda and Awards to report to the Governor for a decision.

6. The announcement and presentation of commendation titles and awards should be occasions to honor exemplary individuals and deeds and outstanding models, thus the organization must ensure solemnity, effectiveness, economy, and avoid ostentatious formalism and waste. When organizing such events, it is necessary to combine them with other activities of the unit to save time and costs.

Section 2

PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND RECOMMENDATION FILES FOR REWARDS

  Article 26. Commendation Procedures and Routes

1. Heads of units within the Banking Industry have the responsibility to commend or propose to higher authorities for commendation of officers, civil servants, public officials, and workers under their management. The level that initiates the competition shall consider commendation or propose to higher authorities for commendation of collectives and individuals who achieve outstanding results.

2. Units within the industry shall submit commendation proposal files in paper form or electronic form to the State Bank of Vietnam. After receiving the commendation proposal files, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall be responsible for checking the legality of the files, assessing achievements, and submitting to the competent authority within twenty working days (thirty working days in cases requiring information for assessment). If the files do not comply with regulations, they will be notified or returned in paper form or electronic form to the proposing unit within five working days from the date of receipt; the proposing unit shall be responsible for completing the files and resubmitting them to the Department of Competition and Commendation within five working days from the date of receipt. For commendations based on merits and achievements, if the report on achievements for national-level commendation exceeds the prescribed deadline, additional achievements of the proposed collective or individual must be supplemented.

3. Regarding the title "Heroic Laborer": the head of the unit shall submit to the Governor (through the Department of Competition and Commendation) to request approval for the initiative to confer the title "Heroic Laborer". The Department of Competition and Commendation shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Competition and Commendation Council of the Industry for comments, then submit to the Governor to request approval for the initiative to build a collective or individual as a "Heroic Laborer". Based on the Governor's comments, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall issue a notification to inform the unit. After receiving the application file for conferring the title "Heroic Laborer", the Department of Competition and Commendation shall check the file, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for examination; based on the examination results of the Council, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall submit to the Party Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam for review before submitting to the Governor to propose to the competent authority for examination.

4. Regarding the titles "Outstanding Competitor in the Banking Industry" and "National Outstanding Competitor": after receiving the files from the unit, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Innovation Council and the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for examination. Based on the examination results of the Councils, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision. Specifically for "National Outstanding Competitor", it shall be submitted to the Party Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam for review before submitting to the Governor to propose to the competent authority for examination.

5. Regarding the titles "Flag of Competition of the State Bank of Vietnam" and "Flag of Competition of the Government": after receiving the files from the unit or the Competition Group or Cluster, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for examination. Based on the examination results of the Council, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision or proposing to the competent authority for examination.

6. Regarding Orders, Medals of various types and grades: after receiving the files from the unit, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Innovation Council and the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for examination. Based on the examination results of the Councils, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall submit to the Party Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam for review before submitting to the Governor to propose to the competent authority for examination.

7. Regarding the "Prime Minister's Commendation": after receiving the files from the unit, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for examination (except for immediate commendations). Based on the examination results of the Council, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

8. Regarding the titles "Excellent Labor Collective" and "Governor's Commendation": after receiving the files from the unit, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

9. Regarding commendations for individuals and collectives outside the Banking Industry: the head of the unit directly related to the work relationship shall prepare a proposal report along with the achievement report of the individual or collective proposed for commendation and send it to the Department of Competition and Commendation. After receiving the files from the unit, the Department of Competition and Commendation shall check the legality of the files, assess achievements, compile, and submit to the First Deputy Chairman of the Industry's Competition and Commendation Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision.

10. Regarding the titles "People's Teacher", "Outstanding Teacher", "Ho Chi Minh Award", "State Award": these shall be implemented according to the provisions of the Law on Competition and Commendation 2003, the Law Amending and Supplementing 2013, Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP, and other relevant state regulations.

11. For the commendation titles and forms of reward prescribed in Clauses 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this Article, when necessary, the Department of Commendation and Reward shall seek opinions from relevant units before compiling and submitting for reward approval. Specifically, for the titles "Hero of Labor," "Outstanding Model of the Whole Country," and the forms of reward prescribed in Clauses 6 and 10 of this Article, the opinions of the public regarding the collective and individual candidates for reward must be sought on the electronic portal of the State Bank prior to submission for reward approval.

12. Annually, the Department of Commendation and Reward shall cooperate with the Office of the State Bank to prepare files and propose commendation titles and forms of reward for the leaders of the State Bank to submit to the Industry's Commendation and Reward Council for consideration and award.

13. Regarding awards for long-term dedication

a) In cases where the staff member has retired or passed away:

i) For officials who are Leaders of the State Bank who have retired or passed away, the Organization and Cadres Department shall be responsible for preparing the file to propose the award;

ii) For other cases, the head of the unit managing the staff member before retirement or death shall be responsible for processing the application for reward. If the last working unit of the staff member eligible for reward has been dissolved, split, merged, or consolidated, the head of the unit taking over the responsibilities of that unit shall be responsible for preparing the file for the reward application;

iii) The Department of Commendation and Reward shall be responsible for reviewing, compiling, and seeking confirmation opinions from the Department of Organization and Cadres (except in cases where the Department of Organization and Cadres proposes rewards), then submitting to the Industry's Commendation and Reward Council for examination; based on the results of the examination by the Industry's Commendation and Reward Council, the Department of Commendation and Reward shall seek the opinion of the Party Cadre Board before submitting to the Governor for decision;

b) For staff members who are about to retire:

i) In cases where the staff member is a leader of the State Bank who is about to retire, the Office of the State Bank shall be responsible for processing the application for reward according to regulations;

ii) For other cases, six months before the staff member retires, the head of the unit shall prepare the file for the reward application for staff members meeting the criteria within the unit. The Department of Commendation and Reward shall compile and seek confirmation opinions from the Department of Organization and Cadres (except in cases where the Department of Organization and Cadres proposes), then submit to the Industry's Commendation and Reward Council for examination, followed by seeking the opinion of the Party Cadre Board before submitting to the Governor for decision;

c) The Department of Organization and Cadres shall be responsible for: confirming in writing the period of holding positions and disciplinary measures, reasons, and periods of disciplinary action (if any) and equivalent positions of the person proposed for reward; coordinating with related units to resolve complaints (if any) regarding the reward of long-serving staff in the banking industry;

14. Regarding Commemorative Medals

a) For staff members currently working in the banking industry: the heads of units managing the staff members (including those who have retired, passed away, or transferred jobs) shall prepare reports along with files for cases meeting the criteria and correct subjects according to regulations and send them to the Department of Commendation and Reward for review and submission to the First Vice Chairman of the Industry's Commendation and Reward Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision;

b) For staff members outside the banking industry: the leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly, Government, and the Central Ministries, Departments, and Mass Organizations shall be proposed by the Office of the State Bank. Individuals belonging to the Central Ministries, Departments, and Mass Organizations; foreigners currently working in Vietnam, and Vietnamese working abroad shall be proposed by the heads of the Departments, Bureaus, and units directly related to the work under the State Bank. Leaders of provincial party committees, municipal party committees, provincial People's Councils, provincial People's Committees, and other individuals working at localities who have made significant contributions to the banking industry shall be proposed by the Governors of the State Bank branches in provinces and cities. Special cases shall be decided by the Governor for reward. The Department of Commendation and Reward shall review and submit to the First Vice Chairman of the Industry's Commendation and Reward Council for comments before submitting to the Governor for decision;

15. The State Bank Branches in provinces and cities shall examine and approve rewards or propose the Governor to grant special, unexpected rewards, and Commemorative Medals to collectives and individuals under Credit Cooperatives within their jurisdiction.

Article 27. Principles for Establishing Files

1. Reports on achievements and summaries of achievements of collectives and individuals proposed for commendation must bear the stamp of the unit proposing the commendation (if applicable).

2. For units with the obligation to pay state budget and implement social insurance policies for workers, when proposing rewards for the unit heads and branch directors of credit organizations, the reward proposal file must include a confirmation letter from the competent authority. Specifically, for commendation titles and forms of reward within the Governor's authority, the unit head shall be responsible for confirming the above contents in the achievement report (the confirmation letters of tax and social insurance from the competent authority shall be kept at the unit).

3. For credit institutions and enterprises managed by the State Bank (legal entities), when proposing rewards, they must have audit conclusions during the period of reward recommendation (for rewards within the Governor's authority, the audit conclusions correspond to the time of examination of commendation titles and forms of reward; for national-level rewards, the audit conclusions are within five consecutive years prior to the reward recommendation period).

Article 28. Application Files for Titles of Excellence

1. Commendation titles and forms of reward within the authority of the heads of units or delegated by the Governor shall be implemented by the heads of units based on the Law on Commendation and Reward 2003 (amended and supplemented), Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP, and this Circular.

2. The file for proposing the award of the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level" includes:

a) A document proposing recognition of the title "Model Worker at the Grassroots Level";

b) Report on achievements of the individual;

c) A proposal for recognition of an innovation (model 09 attached to this Circular) or a decision recognizing a scientific research topic;

d) Minutes of the meeting with secret ballot results of the Unit's Commendation and Reward Council with a voting rate of 70% or more, calculated based on the total number of council members (if council members are absent, their opinions shall be obtained in writing).

3. The application file for conferring the title "Model Worker in Banking Industry" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Summary report of the achievements of the individual being proposed for commendation (Form No. 14 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Document proposing recognition of the effectiveness and scope of influence of the initiative, accompanied by a summary of the industry-level initiative of the individual (Form Nos. 07, 08 attached to this Circular) or decision recognizing the industry-level scientific research project;

d) Minutes of the meeting with the results of the secret ballot of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council having a voting rate of 90% or more, based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a Council member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

4. The dossier for proposing to award the title "National Model Worker" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Three reports on the achievements of the individual, confirmed by the recommending unit (Form No. 13 attached to this Circular);

c) Document proposing recognition of the effectiveness and scope of influence of the initiative, accompanied by a summary of the nationwide-level initiative of the individual or decision recognizing the scientific research project (Form Nos. 07, 08 attached to this Circular);

d) Minutes of the meeting with the results of the secret ballot of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council having a voting rate of 90% or more, based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a Council member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

5. The application file for conferring the title "Outstanding Labor Collective" (applicable to collectives recognized by the Governor) includes:

a) Proposal for commendation by the Head of the unit along with the list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Summary report on achievements of the collective proposed for commendation (Form 15 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Minutes of the meeting with the results of the secret ballot of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council having a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a Council member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

6. The dossier for proposing to award the flag "Commendation Flag of the State Bank" includes:

a) Proposal for commendation by the Head of the unit or the Head of the Commendation Group, Block, along with the list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Summary report of the achievements of the collective proposed for commendation (Form No. 15 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit;

c) Minutes of the meeting of the Council, Minutes of the meeting of the Commendation Group, Block, results of the secret ballot with a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Council, Block, Commendation Group (if a member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

7. The dossier for proposing to award the flag "Commendation Flag of the Government" includes:

a) Proposal for commendation by the Head of the unit or the Head of the Commendation Block, Group, along with the list of collectives proposed for commendation (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Three reports on achievements of the collective with confirmation from the unit proposing commendation (Form 12 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of the meeting of the Council, Minutes of the meeting of the Commendation Group, Block, results of the secret ballot with a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Council, Block, Commendation Group (if a member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

8. The dossier for proposing to award the title "Hero of Labor" includes:

a) A report proposing commendation by the Head of the Unit accompanied by a list of collectives and individuals proposed for commendation (Form 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Four reports on achievements of the collective and individual proposed for commendation with confirmation from the unit proposing commendation (Forms 17, 18 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of the meeting with the results of the secret ballot of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council having a voting rate of 90% or more, based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a Council member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

 Article 29. Documents for Proposing Forms of Awards

1. "Certificate of Merit of the Governor" for collectives and individuals, the dossier includes:

 a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Summary report of the achievements of the collective and individual proposed for commendation (Form Nos. 14, 15 attached to this Circular). The achievement report is kept at the unit;

 c) Minutes of the meeting of the Competition and Award Council of the unit.

2. "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister" for collectives and individuals, the dossier includes:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Three reports on the achievements of the collective and individual, confirmed by the recommending unit (Form Nos. 12, 13 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of the meeting with the results of the secret ballot of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council having a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a Council member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

3. Medals of various types and classes for individuals, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Four reports on achievements of the individual with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Form No. 13 attached to this Circular);

c) Document proposing recognition of the effectiveness and scope of influence of the industry-level or nationwide-level initiative, accompanied by a summary of the industry-level or nationwide-level initiative (Form Nos. 07, 08 attached to this Circular);

d) Minutes of the meeting with the results of the secret ballot of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council having a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a Council member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

4. Medals of various types and classes for groups, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Four reports on achievements of the group with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Form No. 12 attached to this Circular);

c) Minutes of the meeting with the results of the secret ballot of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council having a voting rate of 70% or more, based on the total number of members of the Unit's Council (if a Council member is absent, their opinion is obtained in writing);

5. Medals, the documents include:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of proposed awards (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) A brief list of cases proposed for award with confirmation from the unit proposing the award.

6. For exceptional commendation, the dossier includes:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Report on the achievements of the collective and individual prepared by the recommending unit. In the case of proposing "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister," the achievement report is three copies; for Medals, the achievement report is four copies (Form No. 19 attached to this Circular);

7. For commendation in batches (special topics), the dossier includes:

a) A proposal for award from the head of the unit accompanied by a list of groups and individuals proposed for award (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Minutes of the meeting of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council;

c) Report on the achievements of the collective and individual, confirmed by the recommending unit. In the case of proposing "Certificate of Merit of the Prime Minister," the achievement report is three copies; for Medals, the achievement report is four copies (Form No. 20 attached to this Circular);

8. Awards for long-term contributions, the documents include:

a) For retired or deceased officials;

i) Proposal by the Head of the unit (for officials who are leaders of the State Bank, submitted by the Department of Organization and Cadres) along with the list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

ii) Four reports on the achievements of the individual, confirmed by the recommending unit. In the case of deceased officials if they meet the criteria for commendation, the unit should proactively coordinate with the Department of Organization and Cadres to prepare the achievement report for commendation (Form No. 16 attached to this Circular);

b) For officials about to retire;

i) Proposal by the Head of the unit (for officials who are leaders of the State Bank, submitted by the Department of Commendation and Award) for commendation along with the list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

ii) Four reports on achievements of the individual with confirmation from the unit proposing the award (Form No. 16 attached to this Circular);

iii) Minutes of the meeting of the Unit's Commendation and Award Council (except in cases of commendation for the leadership of the State Bank);

9. Awards outside the industry, the documents include:

a) Proposal for commendation by the Head of the unit directly related to the collective and individual along with the list of collectives and individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 02 attached to this Circular);

b) Report on the contributions of the collective and individual to the banking industry, confirmed by the recommending unit (Form No. 21 attached to this Circular).

10. Commemorative medals, the documents include:

a) For bank officials

 i) The proposal for commendation by the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 03 attached to this Circular);

ii) A list of the individual's work history. For the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development, the Vietnam Agricultural Bank for Rural Development, the Vietnam Social Policy Bank, the Vietnam Cooperative Bank, and the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, they shall not send the list of the individual's work history to the State Bank of Vietnam but shall retain it for storage by the responsible unit (Form No. 04 attached hereto);

iii) A summary list of declarations by the unit (Form No. 05 attached hereto).

 b) For officials outside the banking sector

 i) The proposal for commendation by the head of the unit accompanied by a list of individuals proposed for commendation (Form No. 03 attached to this Circular);

ii) A summary of the individual's achievements and contributions to the development of the Vietnamese banking industry, confirmed by the rewarding unit (Form No. 06 attached hereto).

 Article 30. Time for Receiving Applications

1. Annual awards

a) For commendation titles and rewards within the authority of the Governor: applications must be submitted before February 28 each year. Training units must submit applications before August 15 each year.

b) For national commendation titles and rewards:

i) The Flag of Excellence from the Government: applications must be submitted before February 28 each year;

ii) National Labor Medalist, Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister, Medals, Orders of various types and classes: applications must be submitted before March 15 each year;

iii) Training units: applications must be submitted before August 15 each year;

iv) Heroic Laborer: reviewed every five years during the National Patriotic Exemplary Movement Congress at all levels, except in cases of outstanding and exceptional achievements;

v) People's Teacher, Outstanding Teacher, Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize: implemented according to the regulations of the competent state agency.

c) For titles of honor and forms of commendation within the authority of the heads of units: the heads of units shall specify.

2. Commendations for Outstanding Achievements: applications must be received immediately after a collective or individual achieves an outstanding achievement.

 3. Special Topic Commendations: applications must be received immediately after the completion of a program or special topic work.

4. Awards for long-term dedication: applications must be submitted six months prior to retirement for officials preparing to retire. Retired officials must submit applications before March 15 each year.

 Article 31. Number of "Bank of Vietnam Flag of Competition"

1. For Departments, Bureaus, and units at the headquarters of the State Bank of Vietnam, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam: annually, the Governor presents the "Flag of Excellence of the State Bank of Vietnam" to leading units in the exemplary movement within each Competition Group. The determination of units within each Competition Group is carried out according to the Governor's decision. For units under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, the Governor annually presents the Flag of Excellence to leading units in the exemplary movement within the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency.

2. For State Bank branches in provinces and cities: annually, the Governor presents the Flag of Excellence to outstanding units in the exemplary movement within each Cluster Group. The determination of units within each Cluster Group is carried out according to the Governor's decision.

3. For credit organizations, foreign bank branches, the Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other units in the banking sector: annually, based on the results of operations and the scale of each unit, the State Bank will notify the number of Flags of Excellence for each unit.

4. For the Training Group: annually, the Governor awards the Flag of Competition to outstanding units in the competition activities.

5. Collectives eligible for the Flag of Excellence include those specified in Article 3 of this Circular; Departments, Bureaus, and Offices under the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency; Branches and subsidiaries of credit organizations.

Chapter VI

COMPETITION AND REWARD FUNDS, RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS OF RECIPIENTS OF REWARDS

OF THE COLLECTIVES AND INDIVIDUALS AWARDED RECOGNITION AND STATE MANAGEMENT OF THE EXEMPLARY MOVEMENT AND RECOGNITION ACTIVITIES

Section 1

FUND FOR COMPETITION AND REWARD

Article 32. The Commendation and Reward Fund

The sources, allocation levels, and management of the Commendation and Reward Fund shall be implemented in accordance with Articles 65 and 67 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP and related guiding documents.

Article 33. Utilization of the Commendation and Reward Fund

1. The utilization of the Commendation and Reward Fund shall be carried out in accordance with Article 66 of Decree No. 91/2017/ND-CP and related guiding documents.

2. The Department of Finance and Accounting shall be responsible for coordinating with the Department of Commendation and Reward in guiding the utilization of the Commendation and Reward Fund, disbursing rewards as prescribed, and compiling revenue and expenditure data to submit to the Department of Commendation and Reward before June 30 and December 31 each year.

 Article 34. Principles for Calculating Rewards and Responsibility for Disbursing Rewards

1. Principles for calculating awards: Implemented in accordance with Article 68 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP.

2. Responsibility for award payments

a) For groups and individuals awarded by the Prime Minister or the President:

i) For groups and individuals under the State Bank of Vietnam (excluding public service units), the State Bank of Vietnam shall pay the awards;

ii) For collectives and individuals under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, permanent offices of associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, the unit having the collective or individual being commended shall be responsible for disbursing the reward.

b) Collectives and individuals commended by the Governor

i) For collectives and individuals under the State Bank of Vietnam (excluding public service units) and collectives and individuals outside the banking sector, the reward shall be drawn from the commendation fund of the State Bank of Vietnam.

ii) For collectives and individuals under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, permanent offices of associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, the reward shall be drawn from the commendation fund of the respective unit.

c) For collectives and individuals commended by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces and cities, the reward shall be drawn from the commendation fund of the State Bank of Vietnam branch in provinces and cities (except for collectives and individuals under credit organizations).

d) For collectives and individuals under credit organizations, foreign bank branches, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, public service units, permanent offices of associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, if commended by the head of the unit, the reward shall be drawn from the commendation fund of the respective unit.

3. The amount of awards accompanying commendation titles and forms of recognition shall be implemented according to Articles 69 to 74 of Decree No. 91/2017/NĐ-CP and related guiding documents.

Section 2

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS

 Article 35. Rights and Obligations of Collectives and Individuals in Competition and Commendation

1. Rights of groups and individuals in competition and awards.

a) Participate in competition movements initiated by the State, the State Bank of Vietnam, agencies, organizations, and units;

b) Propose to be considered for commendation titles and forms of recognition in accordance with the provisions of the law;

c) Have the right to provide opinions or propose competent authorities to consider awarding titles and forms of commendation to collectives and individuals meeting the required achievements and standards as stipulated by law, and vice versa.

d) Annually, individuals who have been commended will be considered for early salary increase, priority for training, research, and professional development enhancement, and domestic and international study tours; planning, appointment, and reappointment to positions.

2. Obligations of collectives and individuals in competition and commendation.

a) Strictly comply with the laws and regulations of the State, the State Bank of Vietnam, agencies, organizations, and units regarding competition and awards work;

b) Groups and individuals who have received awards have the obligation to preserve award items and not lend them to others for actions that violate the law;

c) Refuse to accept titles or forms of recognition that are not commensurate with achievements and do not meet the prescribed standards and procedures set forth by law;

d) Have the responsibility to identify individuals with outstanding achievements, exemplary models, and good deeds to promptly propose commendation or report and denounce collectives and individuals engaging in fraudulent behavior or violations of laws on competition and commendation.

Section 3

STATE MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITION AND AWARDS

Article 36. Propaganda, Popularization, and Widespread Promotion of Exemplary Models

1. The Department of Commendation and Reward shall advise the Governor to develop plans and organize the implementation of propaganda activities promoting President Ho Chi Minh's thoughts on patriotic competition, the Party's policies, and the State's laws on competition and commendation; highlighting, honoring, and widely promoting exemplary models in competition movements throughout the industry.

2. Units within the banking industry shall develop plans and organize propaganda activities for the widespread promotion of exemplary models, good people and deeds, selecting collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in competition movements for recognition, honor, and commendation or proposing commendation.

Article 37. Training and Capacity Building

 The Department of Competition and Awards shall develop plans to organize training and capacity building programs in specialized and professional fields for cadres working on competition and awards as stipulated in Article 3 of this Circular. Large collectives shall develop plans and organize training on competition and awards for grassroots collectives and smaller subordinate collectives based on specific requirements and conditions.

Article 38. Inspection of Competition and Award Activities

1. The Department of Competition and Awards shall be responsible for inspecting competition and award activities in all units within the Sector.

  2. Heads of units shall be responsible for inspecting competition and award activities within their managed units.

Chapter VII

COMPETITION AND AWARD COUNCIL

AT ALL LEVELS AND THE INNOVATION COUNCIL

Article 39. Competition and Award Councils at Various Levels in the Banking Sector

1. The State Bank of Vietnam shall establish a Competition and Award Council for the Banking Sector and an Innovation Council for the Banking Sector.

2. Units shall establish Competition and Award Councils and Innovation Councils for their respective units.

Article 40. Composition of the Competition and Award Council of the Banking Sector

1. Chairman: Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

2. First Vice Chairman: Deputy Governor in charge of competition and award activities in the banking sector.

3. Permanent Vice-Chairman: Director of the Department of Competition and Awards.

4. Members: Director of the Cadre Organization Department, Secretary of the Party Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Bankers' Union, Director of the State Bank of Vietnam's Office, Director of the Banking Supervision and Inspection Department, Director of the Internal Audit Department, Director of the Monetary Policy Department, Director of the Finance and Accounting Department, Deputy Director of the Competition and Award Department.

5. Secretary: Specialist of the Department of Competition and Awards.

Article 41. Composition of the Competition and Award Councils of Units under the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: Head of the unit.

2. Vice-Chairman: Deputy Head of the unit.

3. Members: Representatives from the party committee (branch committee), Chairperson of the Trade Union, and other members who are key cadres of the unit, decided by the head of the unit on the principle that the total number of council members (Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and members) does not exceed nine people. For the Banking Supervision and Inspection Agency, the total number of members does not exceed thirteen people, and the Director of the Banking Supervision and Inspection Agency decides on the establishment of the Competition and Award Councils of Departments, Bureaus, and subordinate units.

4. Secretary: Staff member working in competition and award activities.

Article 42. Composition of the Competition and Award Councils of Credit Organizations, Branches of Foreign Banks, Vietnam Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Enterprises Managed by the State Bank of Vietnam

 1. Chairman: Chairman of the Board of Directors or Chairman of the Board of Members. Specifically, for the Social Policy Bank, the Chairman is the General Director, and for Branches of Foreign Banks, it is the General Director (Director).

 2. Vice Chairman: General Director (Director). Specifically, for the Social Policy Bank and Branches of Foreign Banks, it is the Deputy General Director (Deputy Director).

3. Members: Representatives from the party committee (branch committee), Chairperson of the Trade Union, and other members who are key cadres of the unit, decided by the head of the unit. The total number of council members does not exceed thirteen people.

4. Secretary: Deputy Head of the Department (Office) of Commendation or staff responsible for commendation work.

 Article 43. Composition of the Competition and Award Council of the Permanent Office of Associations Managed by the State Bank of Vietnam

1. Chairman: Secretary-General.

2. Vice Chairman: Chairperson of the Trade Union.

3. Other members are decided by the Head of the Unit. The total number of Council members shall not exceed nine people.

4. Secretary: Staff member working in competition and award activities.

Article 44. Composition of the Innovation Council of the Banking Sector

1. Chairman: Deputy Governor in charge of commendation work in the banking industry.

2. Standing Vice Chairman: Director of the Competition and Award Department.

3. Members and Secretary are proposed by the Competition and Award Department and decided upon by the Governor.

 Article 45. Composition of the Innovation Council of Units

 1. Chairman: Head of the Unit.

2. Vice-Chairman: Deputy Head of the Unit.

3. Members and Secretary are decided by the Head of the Unit.

  Article 46. Principles of Operation, Tasks, and Authorities of the Competition and Award Councils and Innovation Councils

1. The principles of operation, tasks, and authorities of the Competition and Award Council and Innovation Council of the Banking Sector shall be carried out according to the Working Regulations prescribed by the Governor.

2. The principles of operation, tasks, and authorities of the Competition and Award Council and Innovation Council of units shall be carried out according to the Working Regulations prescribed by the head of the unit.

Chapter VIII

MANAGEMENT OF COMPETITION AND AWARD FILES

AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECOGNITION RESULTS

Article 47. Management of Files at the State Bank of Vietnam

1. The Department of Motivation and Awards shall be responsible for monitoring the list of outstanding models at the sectoral level; files on commendation titles and award forms within the authority of the Governor and above; documents related to the work of motivation and awards in the banking industry.

2. Annually, the Department of Motivation and Awards shall be responsible for processing the procedures to send the files and documents to the State Bank of Vietnam's Office for storage in accordance with regulations.

Article 48. Management of Files at Units

1. Organize the management and storage of all files related to the work of motivation and awards in accordance with regulations.

2. For award files, proposals for commendations of commendation titles and award forms of units' collectives and individuals must be stored in one copy as prescribed.

3. Lists of collectives and individuals registering for commendation titles annually, units organize storage in accordance with regulations, only sending to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Motivation and Awards) a consolidated list of registration for commendation titles according to the prescribed model.

Article 49. Notification of Award Results

Annually, the Department of Motivation and Awards shall be responsible for compiling and notifying the results of commendation examinations to units for their knowledge.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 50. Report on Motivation and Award Work

1. At the end of the year's activities, units shall conduct summaries and evaluations of the work of motivation and awards and submit written reports to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Motivation and Awards) before February 15 of the following year. For the Banking Academy and the University of Banking in Ho Chi Minh City, submit annual summary reports before August 15 each year.

2. When launching motivation campaigns, units shall be responsible for sending out the launch of motivation and after each campaign, units shall be responsible for submitting summary reports to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Motivation and Awards) for tracking and as a basis for commendation examination.

3. Microfinance organizations shall send out the launch of motivation and submit summary reports on the work of motivation and awards to the State Bank of Vietnam branch in the province/city where they operate for tracking and consolidation to report to the State Bank of Vietnam (through the Department of Motivation and Awards).

Article 51. Responsibilities of Units

1. The Department of Motivation and Awards shall be responsible for:

a) Taking the lead and coordinating with units in the banking industry to implement this Circular;

b) Annually, proposing the Governor to decide:

i) The maximum non-performing loan ratio for consideration of commendation for credit institutions, branches of credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are Managers, Directors, and General Managers (Directors) of foreign bank branches;

ii) The specific number of flags of motivation for each Group, Cluster of motivation and units;

iii) Providing information on collectives and individuals proposed for commendation with Orders of Merit, various ranks, National Honorary Titles, and National Model Worker Titles to the Department of Communication for comments on the State Bank of Vietnam's website;

iv) Coordinating with the Information Technology Department to guide the submission of electronic documents in accordance with Clause 2, Article 26 of this Circular.

2. Banking Inspection and Supervision Agencies shall be responsible for providing information to serve the examination of commendations in Form No. 22 attached to this Circular for credit institutions, foreign bank branches, and individuals who are Managers, Directors, and General Managers (Directors) of foreign bank branches proposed for commendations within the authority of the Governor and national-level commendations.

3. State Bank of Vietnam provincial and city branches shall be responsible for providing information to serve the examination of commendations in Form No. 22 attached to this Circular for branches of credit institutions and individuals who are Branch Directors and Deputy Branch Directors of credit institutions proposed for commendations within the authority of the Governor and national-level commendations.

4. The Internal Audit Department and some relevant Departments and Bureaus under the State Bank of Vietnam shall be responsible for providing information to serve the examination of commendations for collectives and individuals under the State Bank of Vietnam, the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, the Training Group, the Standing Bodies of Associations, and enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam.

5. The Department of Communication shall be responsible for publishing public information on the State Bank of Vietnam's website regarding collectives and individuals proposed for commendation with Orders of Merit, various ranks, National Honorary Titles, and National Model Worker Titles.

6. Heads of units specified in Point a of Clauses 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Article 3 of this Circular shall be responsible for guiding regulations on motivation and award work suitable to the scale and nature of the unit's operations.

Article 52. Effective date

This Circular takes effect from May 15, 2018, and replaces Circular No. 02/2015/TT-NHNN dated January 7, 2015, issued by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam guiding the work of motivation and awards in the banking industry.

Article 53. Implementation Organization

The Head of the Office, Heads of units under the State Bank of Vietnam, Chairmen of the Management Boards, Chairmen of the Member Councils and General Directors (Directors) of credit organizations, Branches of foreign banks, the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Vietnam, enterprises managed by the State Bank of Vietnam, and Secretaries-General of associations managed by the State Bank of Vietnam are responsible for organizing the implementation of this Circular./.