Sending emergency supplies directly to those most in need

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The people in Myanmar have recently faced the horrifying impact of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March at 1:10 PM local time, with its epicenter just 17 kilometres from Mandalay. It has left unimaginable destruction and despair; entire villages have been leveled, homes reduced to rubble, roads torn apart, and countless lives forever altered. The tragedy has evoked a profound sense of sorrow and led to an urgent call for action to international communities providing support to the victims of the earthquake.

In response to the crisis, ASG Bancorp successfully raised substantial funds from our parent company in Japan and also received generous donations from our employees and other individual donors, to initiate its relief activities. We formed an emergency relief team and mobilized its resources to deliver essential supplies directly to the people and communities most in need, demonstrating our commitment to supporting Myanmar’s people in times of crisis and reflecting our core values and dedication to humanity.

Immediately after the earthquake, our relief efforts began with procuring essential items and organising logistics including hiring of vehicles to transport the emergent supplies to Sagaing and Mandalay. Procurement includes much-needed items to help alleviate immediate hardships, including emergency shelters and mosquito nets, nutritious dry food and drinking water, and essential medicines.

All our staff joined packing emergency supplies to be ready for the road trip on the following day.

A team of staff volunteers left Yangon early morning on 4th March with a truck and van, traveling to Mandalay. Thanks to our generous donors, the truck is packed with vital items such as home essentials, medical supplies, non-perishable food, clothing, bedding accessories, and temporary shelter materials like tarpaulins.

On the way to Mandalay, the relief team witnessed the severe damages by the powerful earthquake, destroyed homes, schools, hospitals and crucial infrastructure. Landslides and collapsed roads continue all along the Yangon and Mandalay highway.

The relief team finally arrived in Mandalay at late night and stayed at a local monastery. We extended our donations to the monastery and provided emergency supplies to the residing monks and nuns.

On the following day, the team left for Sagaing by crossing over Ayeyarwady Bridge, also called New Ava Bridge, whose original bridge, Colonial-era Ava Bridge, collapsed during the earthquake.

After a long waiting time to cross Ayeyarwady Bridge, the relief team safely arrived at monasteries in Sagaing Hill. We distributed all the donations and emergency supplies and ensured the aid reached directly to those most in need.

ASG Bancorp stands united with the resilient people of Myanmar and is committed to offering compassion and strengths in times of adversity. Our mission to bring hope and relief to earthquake affected areas will continue, reinforcing our belief that humanity transcends borders and unites us all

Interviews of volunteer staff

Ms. Zar Zar Htay, Internal Control Manager

“It was a great honor to participate in this humanitarian mission, which contributed to the continuity of the monastic tradition in this country. I am inspired to extend our voluntary initiative to continue to support the people and communities affected by the earthquake, which might take a long time to restore. I believe the act of delivering aid directly to the affected communities, as opposed to simply transferring funds to intermediary organisations, yielded unparalleled satisfaction. The widespread devastation observed across the country highlights the critical need for continued and expanded distribution of aid to the affected populace.”

Mr. Soe Moe Aung, Regional Manager

“It was a privilege to be able to participate in the company’s relief initiative. I witnessed through the trip, however, a devastating consequence of the earthquake, which needs acknowledgement. The displacement of residents, who have been forced to sleep outdoors due to the damage to their dwellings, was profoundly distressing. The journey itself presented numerous hardships. Nevertheless, the execution of the relief activities in the affected regions has brought considerable satisfaction, for which gratitude is extended.”

Mr. Kaung Htet San, Branch Manager

“Despite numerous logistical challenges during the journey, the relief initiative was successfully delivered. Throughout the trip, I felt that it is evident that extensive recovery efforts are imperative in the earthquake-affected regions. There are many buildings and infrastructure that have sustained structural instability and require immediate demolition. The monastic communities expressed profound gratitude for the supplies and items provided and facilitated by ASG Bancorp. I believe this contribution has positioned ASG Bancorp as one of the first relief groups which reached the regions in the immediate aftermath of the seismic event.”