The police has received 1.7 trillion VND (69.35 million USD) handed back by those involved in the COVID-19 test kit case scandal at Viet A Technologies JSC.

Lieutenant General To An Xo, Chief of the Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, said at the Government’s regular press conference on December 1 that this is a complicated case causing discontent among the public, and many officials and Party members, including many senior officials have been punished.

The investigation agency under the Ministry of Public Security decided to prosecute and apply preventive measures against 29 people, while blocking many transaction accounts, bank deposit books and distraining many assets, he said.

Punishments for those in the case have been applied in three levels depending on their roles and performances, ensuring the strictness of the legal regulations and the humanity and leniency of the regime at the same time, the official stated.

He underlined that the ministry advises violators to honestly confess their wrongdoings to authorised agency or return the corrupt money to receive leniency when investigation into the case is expanded.

11th ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons opens in HCM City

The 11th ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons opened in Ho Chi Minh City on December 2, offering a great opportunity for ASEAN colorectal surgeons to share experience and enhance collaboration.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. Lam Viet Trung, Deputy Director of Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City, said Vietnam records about 16,000 cases of colorectal cancer each year, yet there is no national colorectal cancer screening programme.

He suggested regular colorectal screening and good eating habits to prevent colorectal cancer.

The two-day conference has brought together 300 surgeons from ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Myanmar and Malaysia, and rapporteurs from Japan and the Republic of Korea.

The participants looked into the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases and colorectal cancer in particular, including minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer.

Techfest Vietnam 2022 kicks off in southern Binh Duong province

The National Innovative Entrepreneurship Day 2022 (Techfest Vietnam 2022) opened in the southern province of Binh Duong on December 2.

The three-day event, which is being organised by the provincial People’s Committee and the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to seek solutions in line with the development trends of the fourth Industrial Revolution, especially in areas greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic like healthcare, education and energy, thereby contributing to promoting innovative ideas and improving people's lives.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung said hundreds of innovative start-up products and services will be exhibited at Techfest Vietnam 2022.

There will be 30 seminars focusing on technological trends, sharing experience in developing an innovative startup ecosystem, and lessons on the transformation of business models to adapt to the post-COVID era.

The highlight of the event will be a high-level multilateral policy forum on entrepreneurship and innovation with a series of seminars (also known as Stage) such as IPO Stage, Open Innovation Stage and Mentor Stage.

By hosting the event, Binh Duong province hopes to introduce the potential startup ecosystem that has been nurtured and supported by the provincial administration. Its pavilion features Becamex Investment & Industrial Development Corporation (Becamex IDC Corp), Minh Long Company and Thu Dau Mot University.

Held annually since 2015, Techfest Vietnam aims to promote innovative solutions from startups in the age of rapidly developing technology, and attract experts, intellectuals, domestic entrepreneurs and overseas Vietnamese to develop the economy. 

This year’s edition, with the theme "Open Innovation Ecosystem - The Next Big Think", is expected to attract more than 8,000 people representing startup communities nationwide and from 20 countries.

Ensuring full, equal engagement of PwDs in social life to not leave anyone behind: UN official

In order to realise the commitment of not leaving anyone behind, it is necessary to ensure the full and equal engagement of persons with disabilities (PwD) in all social areas, stated UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis on December 2.

Speaking at a Hanoi conference on the role and contributions of PwDs in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Tamesis noted that 2022 marked the 30th anniversary of the International Day of PwDs (December 3) and the eighth year since Vietnam joined the Convention on the Rights of PwDs.

She lauded Vietnam’s big strides in promoting the rights and social integrations of PwDs, citing data from the latest country report submitted to the UN Committee for Rights of PwDs as showing that in the past decade, Vietnam exerted great efforts to increase the accessibility for people with disabilities.

Many buildings and public transport vehicles have become more friendly to PwDs, she noted.

However, she held that Vietnam has still faced many difficulties in ensuring the rights of PwDs, as 17.8% of those people are living in poor families, while many schools, especially in the rural areas, are countering a lack of teachers specialising in caring for children with special needs, and many companies have yet to equipped themselves with the infrastructure and technologies that enable them to employ PwDs.

The employment of PwDs should not be considered as charity, nor as a privilege, but as a guarantee of the right to work which benefits everyone, she stated.

This year, the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) project has played an important role in changing the attitude and improving capacity for policy influencers and service providers, while providing legal and policy through consultations, and raising community awareness about inclusion and equality for PwDs, she said.

Meanwhile, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam Naomi Kitahara underlined that young people with disabilities should enjoy sexual and reproductive health rights and body autonomy, and a life free from discrimination or violence. The UN in Vietnam is committed to supporting people with disabilities towards accessibility and equality in the country and the whole world, she said.

Conference participants highly valued the active and resilient participation and important contributions of PwD community in the development of their country and the globe.

Khanh Hoa hosts regional workshop of Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative

The US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City kicked off the “2022 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop: Marine Warriors” in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on December 2.

The workshop brings together youth delegates from all ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste between the ages of 18 and 25 to Nha Trang from December 1-6. The participants were selected among 1,300 applicants for their dedication to community, volunteerism, and strong leadership skills.  Fifteen youths from across Vietnam participated in the workshop, the Consulate General said.

During the workshop, participants will engage in interactive activities including group workshops, panel discussions, and a field trip. They will collaborate to identify potential short and long-term solutions and strategies to address environmental changes in marine/freshwater environments in Southeast Asia.

Participants will be equipped with game development technologies to create solutions for marine environmental degradation via game production. They will also develop ideas on how to engage their communities in protecting the environment and forge new relationships with young leaders from neighboring countries to jointly implement community projects.

The workshop will also provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the US-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and develop skills in leadership, project management, entrepreneurship, and digital communication.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, US Ambassador to ASEAN Yohannes Abraham noted: “Each year, 11 million metric tonnes of plastic pollution enter our oceans.  This rate is expected to double by the end of this decade and triple by 2040 – threatening the world’s delicate marine ecosystems, major industries such as fishing and tourism, food security, and ultimately, human health.”

In his remarks, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee Le Huu Hoang stressed the pioneering, important role of young people in socio-economic development in each country and the world at large.

Khanh Hoa always supports young people in learning, startup and skill development, and encourage them to join international activities, he added.

The YSEALI is a US Department of State’s flagship programme designed to advance regional strategic goals by providing the young generation with networking, mentoring, hands-on training, and the tools necessary to lead communities in addressing economic, environmental, educational, and civic engagement issues.

Reporters trained to better protect children in online environment

The Press Department under the Ministry of Information and Communications held a refresher course in the central city of Da Nang on December 2 on the protection of children in the online environment, with the participation of nearly 100 reporters in the central region.

Participants exchanged views on the current status of child protection in the online environment and some current regulations on the work, and technology trends to protect them and support them to have healthy and creative interactions in the environment.

Deputy head of the department Mai Huong Giang stressed that the press plays an important role in disseminating issues of children in the Internet.

To effectively implement this task, the press needs be equipped with more knowledge and share ethical values in communications to protect and support children to have healthy and creative interactions in the online environment.

According to a survey by UNICEF Vietnam, 89% of the Vietnamese population has Internet access, 77% of the guardians of children use the Internet daily, and only 36% of the children in the households surveyed have been taught to stay safe online.

Notably, there are still children lured to send sensitive photos and videos, or make sexual intercourse.

Vietnam learns from Japan's experience in mutual legal assistance

A workshop discussing issues related to mutual legal assistance (MLA) in criminal matters was held by the Supreme People's Procuracy and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in HCM City on December 2. 

The workshop aims to review the implementation of the Law on Mutual Legal Assistance 2007, and learn from Japan's experience in MLA in criminal matters.

Participants heard that a number of new requirements for the judicial sector in recent years include electronic data collection, recovery of property acquired from illegitimate sources, and sending witnesses abroad to provide mutual legal assistance.

Nguyen Thanh Liem, an inspector of the department of international cooperation and criminal mutual legal assistance of the Supreme People's Procuracy, said Vietnam has sent more than 1,200 requests for MLA in criminal matters, and received nearly 280 requests of this kind from abroad over the last two years. 

The settlement of the MLA requests from Vietnam in 2022 increased by about 33% compared to the average in 2020-2022, he added. 

Vice head of the department Ngo Thi Quynh Anh said the Supreme People's Procuracy has received active and effective cooperation from domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies in this work, including those from Japan. 

This has contributed to effectively settling domestic criminal cases with foreign elements and improving the efficiency of international cooperation in the fight against crimes, especially transnational organised ones, she went on.

Vietnam appreciates Laos' contributions to the UN

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, on December 1 extended his greeting to the Permanent Mission of Laos to the UN on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of Lao National Day (December 2).

The Ambassador highly appreciated the achievements and contributions of the Lao Mission to the UN's multilateral forums over the past time, which he said has helped raise the position of Laos and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the international arena.

The diplomat said that he will continue to closely coordinate with the Lao delegation at multilateral agencies under the United Nations as well as strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Ambassador Anouprb Vongnorkeo, Permanent Representative of Laos to the United Nations, expressed his respect for the special comradeship and brotherhood of the Vietnamese Delegation, affirming that he will continue to tighten solidarity and close coordination between the two delegations.

Cultural exchange helps tighten Vietnam - Hungary relations

The Hungarian culture and food festival in Ho Chi Minh City has contributed to tightening the cultural ties between Vietnam and Hungary, thus further boosting the bilateral diplomatic relations, Hungarian Consul General in HCM City Szojka Eva Szilvia has said.

Addressing a gala dinner and Hungarian traditional musical instrument concert programme, one of the main events of the festival in the city on December 1 evening, the diplomat said that this is the largest diplomatic event held by the agency this year to popularise heritage and traditions of the central European country.

The festival kick-started from November 21 with a training course for young chefs of HCM City.

A Hungarian film week from November 25-29 screened five Hungarian movies and animations. Meanwhile, a charity programme took place in parallel with the film week to raise funds for the Association for the Support of Handicapped and Orphans in HCM City. 

A photo exhibition from November 29- December 4 is displaying 46 photos that won awards at the photo contest “365 Hungary” of Hungary, introducing architectural, cultural and natural heritage of the country to Vietnamese friends.

The Hungarian consul thanked Vietnamese partners for their support for the series of cultural events, expressing her belief that the Hungary – Vietnam relations will become stronger in the future.

Hungary is now one of the leading important partners of Vietnam in Central - Eastern Europe.

President Ho Chi Minh’s sentiments towards OVs spotlighted at Czech conference

A conference was held in the Czech Republic on December 1 to highlight President Ho Chi Minh’s sentiments towards overseas Vietnamese and intellectuals.

Attending the online event from Hanoi, Prof. Dr. Hoang Chi Bao, a senior expert from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, told stories about the late leader's life and revolutionary career, and his attention and sentiments for the Vietnamese community abroad.

Stories on President Ho Chi Minh and famous figures reflected the leader’s respect to talents and the way he utilised their contributions to the national revolution.

Bao expressed his hope that officials and staff of Vietnamese representative offices in the Czech Republic will continue to study and follow the ideology, moral example and lifestyle of Uncle Ho, including the Ho Chi Minh diplomacy art.

Dr. Nguyen Duy Nhien, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic, underlined that Vietnamese in the Czech Republic will remember the late leader’s teachings and make contributions to the development of the homeland.

Vietnam calls on ASEAN to enhance coordination at UN

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, has called for strengthening viewpoint coordination among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the United Nations.

He made the suggestion at a meeting held on December 1 by Cambodia, Chair of the ASEAN Committee in New York in 2022 to review its activities during the year. 

The Vietnamese Ambassador suggested the committee continue to study and look for possibilities to make more joint statements at key UN agencies, especially at the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly and at committees in charge of thematic issues of common interest to ASEAN countries. 
         
In the context that ASEAN is entering a pivotal phase in the implementation of the ASEAN Vision 2025 and preparing for integration in the post-2025 period, he suggested that next year the committee will focus discussions on these processes.

This year, the ASEAN Committee in New York has made tens of joint statements at the UN General Assembly and related committees. It also built and pushed for the UN General Assembly's adoption of a resolution on ASEAN-UN cooperation which is co-sponsored by 115 members.

The committee has organised many thematic dialogues with partners such as the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Executive Director, the Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Myanmar. It also held ceremonies to mark the founding anniversary of ASEAN on August 8, ASEAN Families Day and many sports exchanges.

At the meeting, Cambodia transferred the chair of the committee to Indonesia, which will lead the committee in 2023.
 
ASEAN countries congratulated Cambodia on successfully accomplishing its role as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in New York in 2022. They hoped that Indonesia will continue to enhance the performance of the ASEAN Committee in New York, promote relations between ASEAN and partners, thus demonstrating the role and position of ASEAN in the region and the world.

The heads of ASEAN members' delegations to the UN also welcomed and looked forward to cooperating with the Timor Leste delegation to the UN.

YSEALI Regional Workshop: Marine Warriors kicks off in Nha Trang

The 2022 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Regional Workshop: Marine Warriors kicked off in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province on December 2.

US Ambassador to ASEAN Yohannes Abraham, Standing Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa People’s Committee Le Huu Hoang joined the opening ceremony to welcome 100 young Southeast Asian leaders from 10 ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste.

This year’s YSEALI Regional Workshop brings together youth from all ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste between the ages of 18 and 25 to Nha Trang from December 1-6. The participants were selected among 1,300 applicants for their dedication to community, volunteerism, and strong leadership skills.  Fifteen youth from across Vietnam participated in the workshop.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the YSEALI regional workshop, US Ambassador to ASEAN Yohannes Abraham noted, “Looking out at the beautiful waters off of Nha Trang, one cannot help but think about what we will lose if we don’t take better care of our marine ecosystems.  Each year, 11 million metric tons of plastic pollution enter our oceans.  This rate is expected to double by the end of this decade and triple by 2040 – threatening the world’s delicate marine ecosystems, major industries such as fishing and tourism, food security, and ultimately, human health.”

During the workshop, participants will engage in interactive activities including group workshops, panel discussions, and a field trip. They will collaborate to identify potential short and long-term solutions and strategies to address environmental changes in Vietnam’s coastal regions, and other marine/freshwater environments in Southeast Asia.

Participants will be equipped with game development technologies to create solutions for marine environmental degradation via game production. They will also develop ideas on how to engage their communities in protecting the environment and forge new relationships with young leaders from neighboring countries to jointly implement community projects. The workshop will also provide participants an opportunity to learn about the US-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and develop skills in leadership, project management, entrepreneurship, and digital communication.

Fifteen experts in tourism, fisheries, climate change, and waste management for coastal communities mentored the young leaders during workshops. The mentors include the Director of Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, the Co-founder of Set-Jetters, and researchers from the University of Oslo, Norway, and the University of Nha Trang.

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a US Department of State’s flagship program designed to advance regional strategic goals by providing the young generation with networking, mentoring, hands-on training, and the tools necessary to lead communities in addressing economic, environmental, educational, and civic engagement issues.

The 2022 YSEALI Regional Workshop: Marine Warriors is funded by the US State Department and implemented by World Learning.

Techfest Vietnam 2022 kicks off in Binh Duong

The National Innovative Entrepreneurship Day 2022 (Techfest Vietnam 2022) opened in the southern province of Binh Duong on December 2.

The three-day event, which is being organised by the provincial People’s Committee and the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to seek solutions in line with the development trends of the fourth Industrial Revolution, especially in areas greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic like healthcare, education and energy, thereby contributing to promoting innovative ideas and improving people's lives.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Van Tung said hundreds of innovative start-up products and services will be exhibited at Techfest Vietnam 2022.

There will be 30 seminars focusing on technological trends, sharing experience in developing an innovative startup ecosystem, and lessons on the transformation of business models to adapt to the post-COVID era.

The highlight of the event will be a high-level multilateral policy forum on entrepreneurship and innovation with a series of seminars (also known as Stage) such as IPO Stage, Open Innovation Stage and Mentor Stage.

By hosting the event, Binh Duong province hopes to introduce the potential startup ecosystem that has been nurtured and supported by the provincial administration. Its pavilion features Becamex Investment & Industrial Development Corporation (Becamex IDC Corp), Minh Long Company and Thu Dau Mot University.

Held annually since 2015, Techfest Vietnam aims to promote innovative solutions from startups in the age of rapidly developing technology, and attract experts, intellectuals, domestic entrepreneurs and overseas Vietnamese to develop the economy. 

This year’s edition, with the theme "Open Innovation Ecosystem - The Next Big Think", is expected to attract more than 8,000 people representing startup communities nationwide and from 20 countries.

Tropical depressions and storms likely to hit East Sea this December

There is a possibility that a series of tropical depressions and storms will form in the East Sea this December, according to Nguyen Duc Hoa, deputy head of the Climate Forecasting Division under the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting.

Hoa emphasised that along with a period of intensified cold air, the northern region is anticipated to experience a serious cold wave in early and late December.

In line with this, the total rainfall in the north and throughout north-central regions will be at approximately the same level as the average seen during the same period over recent years, with the rainfall in some places reaching between 20mm and 50mm.

Most notably, rainfall in the central and south-central regions will be higher than average, ranging between 70mm and 150mm, or even rising to 200mm in some places.

Hoa therefore warned residents about the need to closely monitor the weather forecast in order to take timely preventive measures, while local authorities have been asked to take drastic actions in order to evacuate people from high-risk areas which are prone to flash floods and landslides.

He emphasised that people in areas affected by natural disasters are requested to strictly abide by the instructions on disaster response and prevention, stay regularly updated on the latest information relating to the weather, as well as making thorough preparations for avoiding possible natural calamities moving forward.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes