International help sought in boosting math education

VietNamNet Bridge – Strengthening international co-operation is one of the ways to develop the study of mathematics in countries like Viet Nam, experts have said.

Vietnamese gymnast vaults to fame

VietNamNet Bridge – Phan Thi Ha Thanh made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in the vault at the 2011 World Artistic Gymnastics Competition in Tokyo, placing her on the team for London.

Gov’t not to cut capital for poverty reduction

The Government has decided not to cut down on capital sources for poverty reduction to ensure sustainability and stability in this activity, although public investments are being scaled down across the board, said the labor minister.

Bank of England warns of possible recession in 2012

The deputy governor of the Bank of England (BOE) said on Tuesday that the economic prospects for Britain in 2012 are grim, with a possibility that the British economy could sink back into recession, and that the eurozone could break up.

Philippine president to declare State of National Calamity

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III will declare a state of national calamity following the extensive destruction to lives and property by tropical storm Washi (local name Sendong) in central and southern part of the country.

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 21/12

 Reproductive medicine society founded; HCMC seizes 1.6 tons of mostly rotten pork; Dietary supplements lack nutrients; Hanoi’s Tet gifts for the poor worth nearly VND240 billion

Ancient citadel's wall unearthed

VietNamNet Bridge – Archaeologists have unearthed a section of the relics of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel wall dating back to the Le So dynasty (the 15th-18th century), saying it would help with research into the citadel.

Open funds have officially been opened, new investment wave expected

he circular that guides the establishment and management over open investment funds has been issued, which is hoped to create a “set of new investment tools”.

Artist gives a nod to the conical hat

VietNamNet Bridge – For Nha Trang-based artist Nguyen Lieu, the conical hat of Viet Nam has more than iconic value.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 21/12

Hollywood shoe designer Christian Louboutin visits Vietnam; Boy singer boasts talent in int’l television channels; 5D World Rider offers discount tickets; Japanese conductor to wield baton in Hanoi; Hoi An Day to take place in town  

Fraud increases around Tet

Smuggling and illegal trading have increased along the borders and coastal regions as the Lunar New Year approaches.

Harvest – a glimpse at northern countryside Images of soldiers on display

A solo painting exhibition called ‘Harvest’ by artist Nguyen Van Cuong opened on December 178 at HCM City Museum of Fine Arts.

$4,700 highest bonus for Tet

VietNamNet Bridge – The highest Tet bonus this year for employees working in factories in HCM City industrial parks and export processing zones will be VND99 million (US$4,700) by a domestic enterprise based in Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park.

High price of decorating fails to dampen Christmas spirits

The spirit of Christmas has filled streets, shopping centres and stores in HCM City with striking colours, decorations and items, with prices rising by 5-20 per cent compared to last year.

World Bank approves strategy for Vietnam

The World Bank Group's Board of Executive Directors has discussed the Vietnam Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for the 2012-16 period and approved the first three operations under the new CPS.

Iraq Sunni VP ready for trial in Kurdish region

Iraqi Vice President Tariq al- Hashimi on Tuesday said he is ready to face trial on condition that it is held in Iraq's northern Kurdish region.

Domestic tours getting unattractive because of higher airfare

Domestic tours have become not favored by Vietnamese travelers, because they are more expensive than outbound tours.

Menu digitalization smart devices: just surf and touch

Tablet PCs now not only can undertake office jobs for office workers, but can also help serve customers at café and restaurants.

Silver-winning squad prepares for next season

VietNamNet Bridge – The indoor football team will be busy next year with a full schedule that will see them compete in three international tournaments beginning in February.

Vietnamese universities losing best students?

Vietnamese universities fail to attract the most excellent and the richest students, because they choose to go studying abroad when feeling disappointed about the domestic university education.

Unexpected electricity price hike deals another blow on businesses

While businesses feel worried that they may fail to fulfill the yearly business plan in the big economic difficulties, they have heard another shocking news: the electricity price increases from December 20.

Athletes eye remaining London Olympic berths

VietNamNet Bridge – Gymnasts Do Thi Ngan Thuong and Pham Phuoc Hung will have their eyes set on the remaining spots at the 2012 London Olympics as they compete in the qualifying event in England on January 10-13.

Nation checks rising population

VietNamNet Bridge – Significant outcomes have been attained in curbing population boom in Viet Nam, with 18.5 million people lower than estimated by 2010, according to health officials yesterday, Dec 20.

Leading Thai lawmaker plans visit to Viet Nam

VietNamNet Bridge – President of the Senate of Thailand Teeradej Meepien will be making an official visit to Viet Nam.

U.S., Japan, India hold first trilateral dialogue

The United States, Japan and India held their first trilateral dialogue here on Monday over a "wide range" of regional and global issues of common interest.