Since joining ASEAN in 1995, Vietnam has consistently regarded the bloc as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, actively engaging in all three ASEAN Community pillars and cooperation mechanisms.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on August 6 issued Decision No. 1493/QD-TTg approving a special national science, technology and innovation programme on strategic technologies.

The 16th National Assembly (NA) continued its first extraordinary session in Hanoi on August 7, with lawmakers delving into group discussions on a slate of bills.

Vietnam’s iconic pho took centre stage in a nearly three-week cultural roadshow across Europe in July, introducing international audiences not only to the country’s signature dish but also to the traditions, history and community spirit behind it.

The HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) on August 7 held a gathering to celebrate the 59th founding anniversary of ASEAN (August 8, 1967–2026), highlighting friendship and solidarity among the people of ASEAN member states.

British investors have proposed an 18-billion-USD deep-sea port and eco-industrial urban complex in the northern province of Quang Ninh as local authorities reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating strategic, high-value investment projects.

Deputies to the 16th National Assembly on August 7 discussed a draft resolution providing special mechanisms and policies to address difficulties facing projects serving the 2027 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Phu Quoc special zone.

The People’s Committee of the central province of Ha Tinh has approved the investment policies and investors for four wind power projects with a combined capacity of 225MW and total capital of 7.81 trillion VND (298 million USD).

The 2026 Asia Pacific Internet Engineering (APIE) Camp, an annual capacity-building and academic exchange programme on Internet technologies for young people and university students across the region, concluded in Hanoi on August 7.

Air Premia, a carrier of the Republic of Korea, will resume flights between Incheon and Ho Chi Minh City from November 5 after suspending operations since September 2023.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with relevant agencies, is scheduled to hold the launch ceremony for the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) 2025 Index in Hanoi on August 18.

Vietnam will continue to serve as a positive factor in helping shape major strategic shifts and the future development of ASEAN, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung has affirmed.

Continuing its first extraordinary session, the 16th National Assembly on August 8 discussed the draft law on prevention and control of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

A French groom who has grown fond of Vietnamese culture proposed an unusual idea for a wedding ceremony - arriving with a convoy of horse-drawn carriages carrying traditional engagement gifts.

Granting petroleum businesses autonomy to set retail prices could trigger sharp price surges at certain times, creating adverse impacts across the economy.

Vietnam has won seven medals at the 2026 International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad, with seven of its eight students taking home awards, including two golds, one silver and four bronzes, according to the Ministry of Education and Training.

The tropical depression over the eastern Gulf of Tonkin is moving slowly east-southeast and is forecast to weaken into a low-pressure area on August 8.

Once Apple officially enters the race, the foldable phone segment could move into a much stronger phase of growth.

In just seven months, Vietnam spent US$12.31 billion importing 13.65 million tons of crude oil and petroleum products. Domestic fuel prices are currently lower than in several regional markets.

At the invitation of Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn, General Secretary and President To Lam will depart tomorrow, August 9, for a state visit to Australia, accompanied by a high-level Vietnamese delegation.

After more than a century, 131 stone railway arches stretching from Long Bien Station to Phung Hung Street are set for a major renewal aimed at preserving heritage while creating new cultural, commercial and public spaces in the heart of Hanoi.

In its feedback on proposed holiday schedules, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has backed a seven-day Lunar New Year break in 2027 and a four-day break for Vietnam Culture Day in 2026.

In the highland village of Chung Pa A in Tuyen Quang Province, the sound of the khen played by Meritorious Artisan Vang Cha Thao resonates far beyond festivals. It has become a symbol of cultural preservation and community transformation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. People's Artist Nguyen Thi Hien has trained generations of students, including nine People's Artists and more than 30 Meritorious Artists.

Museums in Ho Chi Minh City are embracing digital innovation and cultural activities to showcase its rich heritage, helping boost cultural tourism, stimulate the night-time economy and attract a growing number of domestic and international visitors.