The ice bucket challenge has arrived in Vietnam, with even the Minister of Transport being asked to take the plunge, reports DTI news.

The challenge, which began in 2013 as a way to raise funds for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), involves having a bucket of ice and cold water dumped on one’s head and then challenging others to do the same.

Over the past month it has gone massively viral, with famous figures such as George W. Bush, Bill Gates and Chris Pratt taking part in the campaign.

Not only has the challenge resulted in fundraising, but it has also led to the capture of a wanted criminal and the death of a Scottish teenager.

In Vietnam, many well-known figures such as Ho Ngoc Ha, Dam Vinh Hung, Diem My and Ho Vinh Khoa have recently accepted the challenge.

Singer Dinh Huong challenged songwriter Phuong Uyen, singer Ho Quynh Huong and the Minister of Transport, Dinh La Thang.

Others, such as singer Minh Quan, were not so quick to jump on the bandwagon saying that it has become a game and no longer reflects its original intent:

“No one really contributes to the fund, they only dump the water on their heads and post the videos on Youtube."

When asked about the Ice Bucket Challenge, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Anh Tuan said,

"It's great if it's for charity. But people, especially elderly people, should keep their own health in mind before taking on this challenge. There are a lot of ways to do charity work that does not involve pouring freezing water on your head."

Truer words have never been spoken.

[DTI News]