HCMC: Developers told to use green materials

The HCM City People's Committee has approved a circular on the use of unbaked bricks in local buildings, aiming to boost the production and use of "green" building materials.

Toy fair for children

VietNamNet Bridge – This toy fair for children opens once a year on the second day of the lunar year in the northern province of Thai Binh. This year the fair took place on February 11.

Wood firms still unaware of EU import requirement

 VietNamNet Bridge – From March 3, wood makers will have to explain the origins of their products in order to export to the European Union (EU) market, but many enterprises are still not aware of this requirement.

School curriculum to include lessons on Vietnam’s Sea, Islands

From now on, school curriculum in the central province of Khanh Hoa will include lesson chapters on Vietnam's Sea and Islands, with pictures and documents showing the country’s sovereignty.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 11/2

New Delhi showcases India’s cultural vestiges in Vietnam; Historic Hanoi: A 3D journey back in time; 2013 Book Street Festival opens in HCMC; Plan approved to preserve Stone Plateau

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 11/2

Tet for the poor; US Ambassador extends Lunar New Year message; Early Tet for southwestern islanders; Students in Cuba meet for Tet celebration party; Japan funds school, hospital projects

Vietnamese New Year customs

The Lunar New Year Festival is the most important popular in Viet Nam as during the time, Vietnamese people practice a number of New Year customs.  1. Clean and decorate the home

Adele wins best pop solo performance Grammy

British songstress Adele won the Grammy for best pop solo performance, the first award handed out during the main event on the music industry's biggest night of the year.

Japanese archeologists claim unique bond with Vietnam’s history

For the last 12 years, two Japanese archeologists have been living in the country only because of their deep love for Vietnamese history.

The ancient tea trees in Suoi Giang

Situated at an altitude of nearly 1,400 meters above sea level, through the winding but fascinating road, Suoi Giang, Yen Bai province) appears in front of visitors with the oldest tea trees in Vietnam.

Telecoms industry to experience shake up

 VietNamNet Bridge – Telecommunications companies will be restructured this year to ensure that there are only three or four healthy companies in the market.

Voulez-Vous sets food passions alight

Having enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on one of Hoi An’s beautiful beaches, hungry visitors can satisfy their appetites with dinner at Voulez-Vous restaurant in Hai Ba Trung Street is a favourite site for tourists ending the afternoon with dinner.

Vietnam hosts overseas New Year receptions

The Vietnamese Permanent Representative Mission to ASEAN hosted a reception on the occasion of the Year of Snake 2013 in Jakarta, Indonesia on February 7.

Nosey Parkers

People’s definition of privacy says much about the culture they come from.

Athletes born in the year of the snake

Vietnamese sports have set an ambitious target for the 27th SEA Games (2013) and many athletes dream of winning gold.

President’s New Year greetings

In his Lunar New Year message, State President Truong Tan Sang has called on all Vietnamese citizens to unite to help the country overcome difficulties and move forward.

Firm confidence in the nation’s future

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has underlined the need to persist with Party building and rectification as a means of spurring the entire party and people to a bright future of national development.

Lawmaker: Restructure property market, don’t rescue it

 VietNamNet Bridge – The troubled property market, together with the struggling financial market, should be restructured rather than rescued in the nation’s economic restructuring process,

Farmers who draw gold on clay

VietNamNet Bridge - Coming from rural areas, used to work as building workers, brick workers, farmers but thanks to the special vocational training of a famous businessman in the port city of Hai Phong, they have become confident artists.

Juvenile crime may be tried in a separate court

VietNamNet Bridge - To deal with cases relating to minors that are increasingly, the Supreme People's Court is drafting a project on the establishment of the Family and Minor Court.

Banks believed to not let real estate firms die

Commercial banks have been trying to keep real estate firms alive, because if the firms go bankrupt, banks would suffer.

Music venues face losses in crisis

 VietNamNet Bridge – Music cafes and bars in HCM City have been badly affected by economic downturn and other problems, leaving local artists and promoters struggle to earn a living.  

Former sex workers fight to forge new lives

 VietNamNet Bridge – It is a scorching day like any other during this time of year in HCM City. But it is a day different from many in the last 26 years of the life of Le Lan Chi.

Unique collection of over 1,000 endangered fish species

VietNamNet Bridge - Environmental pollution has made the disappearance of many native fish species. With the desire to keep a lot of fish specimens for education, the Dong Nai Museum has launched a very unique collection of fish.

Gadgets get pupils into hot water

 VietNamNet Bridge – Many students, especially those from big cities, are taking advantage of modern gadgets to cheat in exams.