MTV Exit returns to Vietnam to fight human trafficking

MTV Exit is organising a free concert at My Dinh National Stadium to promote human rights with the participation of international artists like the rock group Simple Plan, Korean pop sensations Brown Eyed Girls and Vietnamese star My Tam.  

PayPal fears it would have to reimburse money because of Vietnamese hackers?

The transactions and online payments from the PayPal accounts in Vietnam would be put under the special control.

Government focuses on easing difficulties against businesses

The Government is striving to restructure the economy and resolve difficulties against enterprises in the wake of the current economic harships, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Lack of co-ordination keeps HCM City polluted: official

VietNamNet Bridge – One year into a five-year programme to reduce environmental pollution in HCM City, very little improvement has been made, the city leader has admitted.

Vietnamese bankers earn millions of dollars a year

While businesses moan about big losses and heaped debts, banks still make fat profit, thus allowing their bosses to pocket millions of dollars a year.

Mysterious bat flock at Doi pagoda

VietNamNet Bridge – The most famous temple in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is Doi (Bat) pagoda. This pagoda’s name is actually Mahatup or Ma Toc. But it is widely known as Doi pagoda, because the pagoda’s garden is the home to giant bats.

Genentech to test Alzheimer's drug in landmark prevention trial

U.S. biotechnology company Genentech announced on Tuesday that it has been picked for a first- ever Alzheimer's disease prevention trial which may determine whether one of the company's experimental drugs could delay

Development program sets this way, training goes the other way

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam is seriously lacking manpower in some professions, while it has many redundant workers in other fields.

Saigon at a glance

Okay, as a visitor to Saigon you are free 24 hours a day. What is the best way of spending your time in this historical and vibrant city?

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 17/5

American multi-millionaires to visit Vietnam; EU approve PCA signing with Vietnam; Sacombank to issue bonds in Singapore; VAT payment date extended to help struggling business; Speed bumps for auto-makers

Alarm sounds over maternal mortality

VietNamNet Bridge – The maternal mortality rate in Viet Nam currently stands at 75 per 100,000 live births, over five times higher than that in developed countries, according to the HCM City Health Department.

NYC unveils digital map to help job seekers

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg unveiled an online map on Tuesday aimed at helping job applicants find employment in local technical and digital media businesses.

Drop out students choose to work

The increasing number of students dropping out of school is a continual problem for educators in the central highlands province of Dak Lak.

SBV urged to loosen the “valve of foreign currency credit”

The stable dong/dollar exchange rate has prompted businesses to borrow in dollar instead of dong in order to enjoy low interest rates. Banks have also confirmed that the credit growth has been seen mostly in dollar lending.

Fake stewed pig ears pose health risks

Some stewed pig ears have been made from chemicals that could cause blood and heart problems in East China, sounding a fresh alarm on food safety.

Films to ignite European Days

VietNamNet Bridge – European cinema will shine out from local theatres to entertain movie buffs starting today in what will be the largest number screenings to date.

Rice farmers enjoy benefits government

From July 1 this year, the Government will provide subsidies to rice farmers if their crops are damaged due to natural disasters, in addition to their regular annual subsidies.

Euro hits four-month low on Greek political uncertainties

The euro fell against the dollar on Tuesday and hit fresh four-month low as Greece failed to form new government in the final talks.

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 16/5

Austria provides equipment to Ninh Binh hospital; Germany helps Vietnam deal with soil pollution; American multi-millionaires to visit Vietnam 

Vietnam’s fashion at Long-legged Festival 2012

VietNamNet Bridge – The Long-legged Festival 2012 took place in HCM City on the evening of May 15, gathering leading fashion designers and models of Vietnam.

Gas cannister reuse called ‘time bomb'

VietNamNet Bridge – The widespread practice of illegally refilling and using mini gas cylinders puts users at the risk of suffering serious injuries or worse, according to a report carried by the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper yesterday, May 15.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 16/5

Exhibition marks President Ho’s birthday; Another book on late President launched; Film shines spotlight on clean water; Quynh Gallery to join in Hong Kong fair

Online vendors that seek payment up front pose risks for consumers

VietNamNet Bridge – Online shopping businesses that require customers to pay before goods are delivered pose risks for the public, according to the HCM City-based Anti-Trade Fraud and Consumer Support Association (AFCA).

Rising waters

Developing nations in the Asia-Pacific region must build up climate resiliency and shift towards lower-carbon pathways if they want to sustain hard-won human development gains attained over the past decades in the changing climate context.

100 trillion dong may not rescue Vinalines from sinking

The Ministry of Transport plans to inject 100 trillion dong in Vinalines to rescue the big shipping corporation which has been caught in a shoal. However, experts have expressed their doubts about the rescue plan.