A female intern in Vietnam has resigned from her position after a distressing incident during a company team-building event. The intern, identified as Huynh Anh My, reported that an older male colleague threatened to kiss her if she did not finish three glasses of alcohol at a mandatory company event in Hanoi.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the incident occurred last year during a seaside team-building activity that included a water-carrying competition and various games. Huynh described the event as “weird” and “perverted,” and reported feeling exhausted and anxious throughout the day.
The situation escalated when, following the water-carrying competition, the team leader proposed a drinking game. Huynh recounted that a male colleague, who was significantly older, told her that if she did not finish three glasses of alcohol, she would have to kiss him. She described feeling horrified and threatened when the colleague grabbed her hand and insisted she drink.
“I burst into tears because he kept getting close to my face and I was so scared,” Huynh told the local Vietnamese news outlet. “It wasn’t until I managed to drink all three glasses that he finally stopped and moved on to another girl.”
The intern reported the incident to her supervisor but received no feedback, leading her to resign from the company. She stated that the event left her feeling terrified and unable to face her colleagues.
Huynh’s story has garnered significant attention online, with many users condemning the event as sexual harassment. “This is sexual harassment. Team-building activities should be gentle and respectful to all employees,” one user commented. Another added, “Not only young women, but people of any age and gender can experience workplace harassment.”
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the need for respectful and appropriate workplace activities. In light of Huynh’s experience, there have been calls for companies to reassess their approach to team-building events to ensure they are inclusive and respectful of all employees.
Sources By Agencies
