In the near future, HCMC will use a smart ticket system for its bus lines

Vice Chairman of HCMC Peple’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong said that HCMC Transport Department is assigned to direct the Management Center for Public Transport to send the project to related state departments and agencies to study and implement as a part of the city’s working plan.

HCMC Transport Department and Information – Communications Department, professional management agencies of the State, HCMC Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR), HCMC Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority (TCIP), and relevant investors must review and apply the Standard Framework for Automatic Ticket Collection System in Passenger Public Transport when they develop, assess, approve, and carry out an investment project to establish such a system in HCMC.

HCMC Transport Department is requested to create one specific Standard Framework for Automatic Ticket Collection System in Passenger Public Transport for HCMC according to actual situations. It will then collect professional opinions from relevant state units when in need of adjusting this framework or report to HCMC People’s Committee when needed directions.

MAUR is asked to review the status of the bidding package to build an automatic ticket collection system for Subway Route No.2, Ben Thanh – Tham Luong Route, while considering the possibility to integrate with other public transport kinds (bus lines, urban railway No.1) and challenges (if any). These information pieces have to be compiled in a report sent to HCMC Transport Department this July.

According to the HCMC Department of Transport, the smart ticket system for public transport in HCMC belongs to the program ‘Global Future Cities’, using non-refundable ODA capital of US$5 million from the Governments of the UK and North Ireland via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Last victim’s body in Lam Dong landslide discovered

The last body of the four victims killed in the July 30 landslide on Bao Loc Pass, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, was found at noon on July 31, local authorities reported.

A serious landslide happened on a section of Bao Loc Pass, part of National Highway 20, in Da Huoai district at about 3pm on July 30, burying a traffic police station with four people and many vehicles trapped inside. The victims comprise three traffic police officers and one civilian.

Shortly after the incident, hundreds of rescuers were mobilised to search for the missing. Three of the victims were found late July 30.

The landslide also completely blocked Bao Loc Pass. Authorities are continuing to clear the site to resume traffic as soon as possible, according to the Lam Dong steering committee for natural disaster prevention and control, search and rescue.

On July 31, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, accompanied by central and provincial officials, came to the landslide site to give directions over the incident settlement. They also visited and offered sympathies to the bereaved families.

Tran Van Hiep, Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, reported that natural disasters have occurred complicatedly in the province during the first seven months of 2023. In particular, serious landslides have happened continuously, causing human and property losses.

There are 163 sites of landslides or prone to landslides across the province at present. Authorities are working to evacuate residents in vulnerable areas to ensure safety for their lives and property, he noted.

Three police martyrs in Lam Dong landslide honored

The Prime Minister on July 31 signed a decision granting the "Fatherland Acknowledges the Merit" certificates to three police officers who died while performing rescue tasks in the recent landslide on Bao Loc Pass, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

On July 31, General To Lam, Minister of Public Security, signed a decision to provide 100 million VND (4,200 USD) to each of the three bereaved families, and 50 million VND to the family of the former member of the Lam Dong Police who also died in the incident.

On July 30, a landslide occurred on National Highway 20 passing through Bao Loc Pass, which resulted in four people being buried at a police station.

Vietnam wants to learn UK's experience in renewable energy development

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received UK Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart in Hanoi on July 31.

Appreciating the UK Government's actions and Stuart's efforts in carrying out the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), Ha urged the UK share its methods for implementing rooftop solar policies; and introduce businesses that have successfully invested in projects to develop wind and solar power, smart grid, green hydrogen, green ammonia, and large-scale energy storage systems. He also welcomed the UK’s sharing of its experience in developing policies and criteria for selecting investors to ensure the best overall interests.

For his part, Stuart informed his host on the process and results of transforming energy sources from coal and fossil fuels to renewables in the UK since 2012. It is expected that all coal-fired power plants in the UK will cease operations by 2024. Meanwhile, the proportion of electricity generated from renewable energy has increased from 10% in 2010 to 40% of total electricity production in 2023, with further growth projected for the coming years.

The minister said lessons learned for the UK Government include establishing a legal framework, vowing long-term and stable policies for investors to reduce risks and capital costs, supporting businesses through working groups on solar and wind power, and creating jobs in the green energy sector, among others.

These lessons are valuable for Vietnam to accelerate the process of raising awareness, unifying actions, and harmonising the interests of businesses, State, people, and the global community in implementing energy transition, Ha affirmed.

Vietnam wins gold medal at Int’l Circus Festival

A unique circus act titled Khoanh Khac Tinh Yeu (Moment of love) by Vietnamese artists Hien Phuoc and Thanh Hoa, won gold medal on July 30 at the International Circus Festival held in Almaty City of Kazakhstan.

The special performance left a positive impression on over 2,000 international spectators present at the festival, according to Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

This year’s festival brought together 100 talented circus artists from Kazakhstan, Germany, Vietnam, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Ethiopia, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan, the UK, the Czech Republic, Tajikistan, and Lithuania.

Vietnamese painting exhibition in Mongolia marks diplomatic ties

A painting exhibition has been held at the Mongol Art Gallery in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar as part of activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

On display were more than 50 paintings and graphic works by 16 Vietnamese artists from Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to two paintings done by a Mongolian volunteer-artist.

The exhibition, jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Mongolia and Asia Art Link Vietnam, was to introduce Mongolian audiences to the contemporary Vietnamese art scene, helping them to gain greater insights into the beautiful Vietnamese landscapes, culture, and its friendly people, according to Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

Addressing the opening ceremony, Ambassador Doan Khanh Tam emphasised that the event marks the first time that a painting exhibition depicting Vietnamese art and culture has been held in Ulaanbaatar - the capital of the Mongolia.

He expressed his belief that the exhibition will help to further intensify art exchanges between the two countries in the near future.

Painter Trinh Tuan from Asia Art Link Vietnam underscored the significance of the event in terms of elevating the images, art, culture, and people of Vietnam to the wider world.

It has also contributed to enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples and deepening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, he added.

Hanoi advises residents to watch out for dengue fever risks

Director of the Hanoi Department of Health Tran Thi Nhi Ha has advised that people should stay vigilant on dengue fever. 

According to a report from the municipal Centre for Disease Control, 697 new cases of dengue fever were recorded in the past four weeks, pushing the total number of cases so far this year to 1,114 (with no deaths), 3.4 times higher than that the same period last year.

The patients are located across all 30 districts and towns. More cases are expected in the time coming time, with the city identifing several outbreak clusters with a high number of patients and prolonged developments.

Ha said the health sector has mobilised the involvement of the authorities, organisations, and the public in its disease prevention and control activities.

Currently, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment for the disease. The main prevention measures are mosquito eradication and bite prevention, she said.

PM orders efforts to issue sub-law documents

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a document ordering drastic measures to ensure the prompt issuance of documents detailing the implementation of laws and resolutions adopted by the National Assembly (NA).

The PM noted that the Government has issued many directions to give specific tasks to particular ministries and ministry-level agencies on completing the building and issuance of documents guiding the implementation.

However, by July 30, many documents had yet to be issued.

In order to speed up the work, the Government asked ministers and heads of ministry-level agencies to promptly direct the building and finalising of the documents for issuance within their capacity or submitting them to authorised agencies for issuance, while coordinating closely with the Ministry of Justice, the Government Office and relevant agencies to deal with obstacles they encounter. They were requested not to delay the issuance of the document but ensure their quality and to report the results of this work to the PM by August 5.

At the same time, the PM assigned the Ministry of Justice to follow, hasten and examine the drafting of those documents with good progress and high quality, and summarise the progress of the work to report to the PM by August 10.

The Government Office was asked to keep a close eye on the implementation of tasks of ministries and ministry-level agencies in the field, while coordinating with the document drafting agencies in gathering cabinet members’ ideas and completing the documents, and reporting to the PM on issues having different opinions as well as arising problems, thus ensuring the prompt issuance of the documents.

PM chairs nationwide teleconference on rearrangement of administrative units at district, communal levels

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a national teleconference on the rearrangement of administrative units at the district and communal levels for the 2023 – 2030 period on July 31.

Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said the rearrangement of administrative units at the district and communal levels is necessary to streamline the administrative apparatus, enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of State management, and create convenience for the people and businesses.

He added that the arrangement could cause confusion in the operation of administrative units and affect the people and enterprises. Therefore, ministries and agencies should drastically direct the work in a flexible and suitable manner to ensure the smooth functioning of the administrative apparatus.

The PM also required sectors and localities to share experience and lessons in the work, anticipate possible problems and propose appropriate solutions to them during the implementation process.

At the event, delegates were briefed about the contents of the Party Central Committee, National Assembly Standing Committee and the Government’s resolutions on the work.

They are also provided with guidance on steps to rearrange administrative units at the district and communal levels, including the adjustments and supplements to planning and administrative boundaries, financial management, and staffing, among others.

PM directs settlement of Lam Dong landslide, response to heavy rains

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 31 issued a dispatch requesting efforts to overcome the consequences of a landslide in Bao Loc Pass, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, and preparedness against heavy rains in the Central Highlands and the south.

The People's Committees of localities in the region were asked to overcome the consequences of the recent natural disasters and heavy rains, ensuring the local lives and their livelihoods, especially in Lam Dong, Binh Thuan, Binh Phuoc, and Kien Giang provinces.

The Chairperson of the Lam Dong provincial People's Committee was ordered to take recovery efforts, promptly search for and rescue the missing, as well as identify the cause of the incident to draw lessons and ensure the safety of traffic on National Highway 20 and other major transportation routes in the province.

The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control was tasked with closely monitoring the disaster situation and actively directing and urging localities to adopt prevention, control and settlement measures to minimise the possible damage.

Specific tasks were also assigned to the ministries of transport, natural resources and environment, agriculture and rural development, industry and trade.

On July 30, a landslide occurred on National Highway 20 passing through Bao Loc Pass, which resulted in four people being buried at a police station.

As of 10 pm on July 30, rescuers found and identified three bodies of the victims.

The Prime Minister also sent his profound condolences to the families of the victims.

Vietnam to try best in final Women's World Cup match: head coach

Vietnam will not give up its efforts in their third and also final group match at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 against the current runners-up, the Netherlands on August 1 in New Zealand, head coach Mai Duc Chung told a press conference on July 31.

Chung acknowledged that this match is not simple because the Netherlands want to win big to advance to the next round.

At present, both the US and the Netherlands have four points, while Portugal have three points.

Earlier, the Vietnamese team lost 0-3 to the reigning world champions US on July 22 and was defeated 0-2 by Portugal on July 27.

This is the first time the women’s national football team have been present in the world’s biggest tournament.

HCM City launches 2023 AI-powered solutions contest

A contest for solutions and products in artificial intelligence (AI) applications was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on July 31.

Organised by the municipal Department of Information and Communications in coordination with some agencies, this year’s AI Challenge contest is opened for both university and high school students.

It encourages individuals and research groups at home and abroad to propose AI-powered solutions to help the city deal with problems during its development, especially in smart city building.  

Entries should be sent to organisers before August 10 via the website https://aichallenge.hochiminhcity.gov.vn. The final round of the contest is slated from September 5-25, and an award ceremony will be held in October, with a total  prize value of 200 million VND (8,443 USD).

Vo Minh Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications, said outstanding solutions introduced at the contest are expected to be rolled out across the country, towards the region and the world.

HCM City workshop talks amended Land Law

Scientists, experts, lecturers and researchers gave opinions on the Land Law (amended) at a workshop jointly held by the National Assembly’s Economic Committee and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Ho Chi Minh City on July 31.

Nguyen Tao, deputy head of Lam Dong province’s delegation of NA deputies suggested an exclusive chapter in the law for ethnic minority groups in order to institutionalise the Party’s and the State’s ethnic policies in this field.

In reality, deficiencies in policies and laws, and lax land management have led to numerous land-related conflicts, especially in ethnic minority-inhabited areas, thus forming political and social “hotspots,” he explained.

Tao also proposed supplementing provisions on the reclamation of land from underperforming state-owned agricultural and forestry farms, and allocating it to households and ethnic minority communities who have the need and capability for production.

Sharing Tao’s views, economist Tran Du Lich said the draft law has given more room to land issues of ethnic minority groups, and suggested more attention to their livelihoods.

In his remarks, NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai stressed the need for the compilation board to put under consideration rights of ethnic minorities, and supplement regulations on their livelihoods.

Regarding financial regulations in the law, the official said they should ensure the harmony of interests between the State, people and businesses, and spur the development of the real estate market, as well as business and production activities.

Participants also talked about land use rights, land reclamation, land pricing, compensation and resettlement, among other matters.

Requiem for fallen Vietnamese soldiers held in Germany

The Tan Trao Association in Germany on July 30 organised a requiem for Vietnamese soldiers who laid down their lives in the struggles to defend and reunite the homeland as part of a meeting  to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Vietnam War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

Venerable Thich Phap Nhan, the head of the Pho Da Pagoda in Berlin, together with other dignitaries, Buddhists monks, nuns and followers from the Phuc Lam, Tue Quang, and Dong Tam pagodas, conducted the prayer ceremony with Buddhist rituals.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vu Quang Minh emphasised that the Vietnamese people never forget the great contributions of the heroes, war invalids, veterans, who made a glorious part in the nation’s history.

The diplomat said this meaningful activity reflects the profound gratitude and sincere appreciation for those who have fallen or sacrificed their blood and bones for the independence and freedom of the country.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, President of the association Le Hong Cuong, said the event also serves as an opportunity to educate the younger generations about the patriotic traditions and the indomitable heroic spirit of their ancestors. It also demonstrates the care, sharing, and encouragement toward the families of martyrs, war invalids, and veterans.

Vietnam hands over remains of MIA serviceman to US

A ceremony was held at Da Nang International Airport on July 29 to repatriate the remains thought to be associated with a US service member missing in action (MIA) during the war in Vietnam.

The event was attended by representatives of the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP), the US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, and other relevant agencies.

The ceremony, the 162nd of its kind, saw representatives of the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons hand over the remains to the US side.

The remains were found during the 151st joint field activity from recovery operations, which took place from May to July.

Vietnamese forensic specialists examined the remains and determined that they might belong to a US service member missing in action from the war in Vietnam. The remains are set to be transferred to Hawaii in the US for further verification.

The joint humanitarian effort intent is to locate and identify US service members who went missing during the war in Vietnam. These sustained efforts have been implemented for 35 years by the two governments since the late 1980s. To date, more than 730 US service members missing in action have been identified.

Transport Ministry to expand 2-lane expressways according to actual needs

The Transport Ministry informed that it is going to invest in the expansion of some 2-lane expressways when the transport demand increases.

Certain expressways throughout the country have been built with only 2 lanes and no median strips or emergency lane for stopping. The speed limits on these routes are lower.

The Ministry of Transport shared that finding sufficient investments for traffic infrastructure construction is an extremely challenging task. Lately, the allocation of the state budget for this aspect accounts for only 2.18 percent of the national GDP, much lower than the target of 3.5 – 4.5 percent of GDP in the strategy for transport development.

In the upcoming time, the Transport Ministry is going to consider expanding the width of some 2-lane expressways according to the actual transport needs.

At present, those seeing an increase in traffic volume like the section from Phan Thiet – Dau Giay of the North – South Expressway and Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway are reviewed for the enlargement to at least 4 lanes to suit the actual demands for socio-economic growth and to gradually form the national expressway network as planned.

In related news, Can Tho City is accelerating the progress of land hand-over for the construction of key traffic routes, consisting of two expressway projects and the one for the West Ring Road.

Secretary of Can Tho City Party’s Committee Nguyen Van Hieu stressed that the West Ring Road is a critical project of the city. This is an 80-meter-wide boulevard to offer valuable development space for the city. It gives more convenience when moving around the city as well as to neighboring areas, which is expected to boost the socio-economic growth of Can Tho City.

The Can Tho City Department of Transport informed that the project has a total investment of over VND3.84 trillion (US$162.1 million) and is carried out from 2021-2026. Until now, necessary construction land for 5.2km over 18km has been handed over, accounting for 29 percent.

The construction designs and financial estimates of 7/7 construction packages have been completed. The contractors for 4/7 packages have been selected, and the rest have had their designs approved. After the adjustment of the total investment amounts, the results of their financial estimates will be announced as well.

The total capital allocated for the project from the beginning is VND1.96 trillion ($82.8 million). In 2023, the assigned amount is VND763 billion ($32.2 million), 42 percent of which has been successfully disbursed.

Secretary Hieu asked that by the end of this August, Can Tho City Transport Department provide a detailed report on the project so that the Party Unit of Can Tho City People's Committee can have understanding on the works that need doing, including solutions to find capital sources for the adjustment of the project’s total investment.

This Department is also asked to advise about urban planning along the West Ring Road to better exploit the land resources and give way for urban area development in the future.

As to the section of the North – South Expressway passing Can Tho City, Secretary Hieu directed that Cai Rang District have to hand over the construction land no later than the end of this August. The District is proposed to actively mobilize local residents to give land and wisely handle any arisen issues in compliance with the law.

Hanoi ready to offer optimal conditions for businesses from the US

The Hanoi administration stays ready to support and create favourable conditions for businesses from Oakland, California in particular and the United States in general to accelerate new projects in the city, thus contributing more to the development of relations between the two countries and two localities.

This was affirmed by Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh at a recent meeting with a business delegation from the US State of California led by Sheng Thao, Mayor of Oakland.

At the meeting, the municipal leader emphasized that 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership, in the context that both nations' trade relations develop in a strong, sustainable and harmonious direction, and Hanoi is keen to strengthen cooperation with partners from the US.

According to Thanh, Hanoi is in the important development stage of rebuilding the Capital Law, with two development plans for the capital until 2045 and a vision to 2065.

Accordingly, Hanoi has identified a number of prioritized sectors and fields in order to attract investment in line with the general development trend, which can engage in the global value chain and exploit the advantages of the capital as well as the strengths of adjacent provinces, and cities in the region such as real estate, commercial infrastructure, high-tech industry, and environmentally friendly and consume less energy.

The capital city prioritizes investment promotion in a number of areas that bring added value in the coming time, such as agriculture, tourism, education and healthcare, and key industries such as high-tech projects and supporting industries, and biological industry, Thanh said.

In that context, the chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee welcomes the visit by the business delegation from California to Vietnam to seek investment and cooperation opportunities with Hanoi.

Agree with the sharing and suggestions of the municipal leader, the Mayor of Oakland said she believes that the cooperation between the two countries as well as localities will obtain effective results in the future.

At the meeting, US businesses highlighted the strengths of Oakland as a port, waste treatment, clean technology development. In addition, the state of California has also invested billions of dollars in reducing emissions in the air, and developing the road, sea, and aviation transport.

US business delegates expressed their hope that through this visit and the meeting with municipal leaders, the both sides are able to promote their strengths, thereby opening up more specific investment and cooperation opportunities in the time ahead.

Two Vietnamese building projects listed in international architecture guidebook

Two Vietnamese building projects, named "Highland School System" and "Village System," have been included in a guide published by the Union Internationale des Architectes (UIA).

The two projects were designed by Vietnamese architect Hoang Thuc Hao and Hanoi-based architecture firm 1+1>2. "Highland School System" consists of 52 schools built in the highlands, while "Village System" deals with community houses.

The Highland School System is a cluster of schools built in remote and mountainous Vietnam between 2014 and 2022, thanks to donations from benefactors and the community. The design of the schools is based on the principle of respecting and promoting the local indigenous spirit and traditional culture, thus contributing to the sustainable preservation of the local culture.

The Village System consists of five community houses to protect the cultural diversity of architecture and housing, shaping the way of life and promoting local culture. These community houses are built in urban, suburban, rural, and remote areas to provide housing for workers and space for community activities.

They are two of 96 other works for the "UIA Guidebook for the 2030 Agenda," announced by the UIA's Sustainable Development Goals Commission. The publication is inspired by the UN's "Architecture to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals," including two volumes to be published in 2018 and 2020.

The launch of the guide will take place in October 2023, with activities to be developed by the UIA's Sustainable Development Goals Commission, including webinars with architects whose projects have been selected for the new publication.

The event aims to encourage global architects to continue to create unique works in line with the Sustainable Development Goals for ecological and cultural diversity.

In mid-July, Vietnam was ranked 16th among 20 countries with the best architecture in the world by Insider Monkey, a financial website on financial markets, hedge funds, and trading. The ranking was based on analysis and data from various websites covering travel and architecture.

Vietnam acts strongly to minimize plastic waste

Environmental pollution from waste, especially plastic waste, is becoming increasingly urgent, seriously threatening the economy and human life, requiring strong global action.      

As a responsible member of the United Nations, Vietnam is committed to taking action to reduce plastic waste to protect the environment.

Addressing a recent workshop in Hanoi on regional co-operation to promote a global treaty on plastic pollution, Truong Duc Tri, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Agency of Seas and Islands (VASI) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, said the Vietnamese Government always attaches importance to protecting the sea and island environment and addressing issues related to marine biodiversity conservation and marine plastic pollution.

At the workshop, representatives from Vietnam and other countries drafted a cooperation strategy to address plastic pollution and promote a global treaty on plastic pollution.

Under the Master Plan on Plastic Waste Management in Vietnam adopted by Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh in 2021, by 2025 Vietnam will use only environmentally friendly packaging at shopping centers and supermarkets and will collect, reuse, recycle and treat 85% of all plastic waste.

Vietnam also intends to mobilize enterprises engaged in producing and distributing disposable plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags to switch to environmentally friendly products, and raise public awareness to end the discharge of plastic waste into the sea.

Dr. Pham Duc Thi, a climate change expert, said "All citizens must adapt to climate change and learn how to turn harmful habits into good habits. I hope every citizen understands that protecting the environment means  protecting the world. If we don’t protect our natural environment, pollution will adversely affect our health."

Dr. Trang Nguyen, Executive Director of the Vietnam-based NGO WildAct, pointed out "It’s important to minimize the use of plastic and use green materials instead of fossil materials. These are things that contribute to the protection of nature and the environment."

In 2017, Vietnam officially adopted the UN Environment Assembly’s Resolution on Plastic Waste and Ocean Microplastics. At the in Canada in 2018, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc cited Vietnam’s commitments and called for global cooperation in solving the problem of plastic waste at sea.

Vietnam is among the countries that produce significant plastic waste, more than 3 million tons a year. Under the National Action Plan on Ocean Plastic Waste Management until 2030, Vietnam aims to cut ocean plastic waste by 50% by 2025 and 75% by 2030.

Trainees to benefit from new programme for chances to work in Australia
 
The Ho Chi Minh City Vocational Education Association has said a kitchen training programme provided by DSS Education & Immigration and Australian MD College will help Vietnamese trainees and workers improve their skills, thus getting opportunities to study and work in Australia.

DSS Education & Immigration and MD College recently co-organised the launching ceremony of the Australian kitchen training room and the opening of the second hot kitchen class at the southern office of the Ministry of Education and Training in the city.

Deputy head of the Association’s International Cooperation Department and CEO of DSS Education Daisy Nguyen said the establishment of the Australian kitchen training room will be an essential start to improve the quality of the vocational training programme.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, this will not only be a place for students to practise and improve skills but also help them get used to the professional environment when transitioning to Australia, she said.

Through the vocational training programme, MD College and DSS Education want Vietnamese students and workers to improve their skills and access job opportunities and long-term settlement opportunities in Australia.

In addition, with the training of a skilled workforce, the programme will contribute to solving the serious labour shortage in Australia.

Throughout its 25-year journey of development, DSS Education Group specialise in providing full services for migrant workers in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Rural households using clean water in Mekong Delta double after five years

The rates of rural households in Mekong Delta provinces having access to clean water rose from 26-75% in 2018 to 53-94% in 2023, heard the Congress of the Mekong Delta Rural Supply Association for the 2023-2028 tenure in Can Tho city on July 29.

The association was founded in 2018 with the aim to support residents in coping with drought and saltwater intrusion by ensuring the supply of clean water for households, thereby contributing to an increase in the rate of people accessing clean water.

Over the past five years, the association has given recommendations to relevant ministries and agencies on solutions to legal and regulatory obstacles directly affecting the rural water sector, especially investment mechanisms and clean water support in remote, ethnic minority, mountainous, coastal, island and water-deficient areas, and offered constructive feedback on draft policies and long-term schemes on climate change response.

It assisted its members in accessing clean water technology like water filters and calling for investment in upgrading water supply systems and water-saving technologies.

The association now groups 172 members operating in water supply and relevant sectors.

During the 2023-2028 tenure, the association will continue enhancing its role and responsibilities, establish connections with management agencies and strengthen international cooperation to expand the clean water supply system in the Mekong Delta.

Biggest blood donation campaign collects over 115,000 units

The 2023 Red Journey blood donation campaign has collected more than 115,000 units after two months, according to Director of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Nguyen Ha Thanh.

First held in 2013, Vietnam's biggest blood donation programme in a year has helped ease the scarcity of blood for treatment in summer. In the past one decade from 2013 to 2022, the campaign received nearly 700,000 units.

The 11th edition took place from June 1 to July 30 in 46 provinces and cities.

Thanh emphasised that the Red Journey has contributed to bringing life to hundreds of thousands of patients, helping the health sector overcome many difficulties and challenges to ensure the care and protection of people's health.

Citizen protection measures adopted following incident in Cambodia

A clash occurred in Phnom Penh on July 29, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old Vietnamese citizen, reported the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia.

Cambodian authorities are conducting an investigation to clarify the incident and are seeking the suspect.

Upon learning of the news, the embassy promptly took citizen protection measures to identify the victim as directed by the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry.

It also asked the Cambodian side to investigate and arrest the perpetrator, and work with relevant domestic agencies to inform the victim's family and provide them with guidance on necessary procedures following the incident./.

Vietnam Summer Camp 2023: Young OVs visit Thua Thien-Hue

More than 100 overseas Vietnamese (OV) youth toured the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on July 29 and 30, after 11 days exploring their home country as part of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2023 programme.

They were treated to wearing traditional Ao Dai, travelling the picturesque landscapes of Hue, and visiting a number of famous historical sites such as the Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial City of Hue.

Representing the Vietnamese community in Malaysia, 19-year-old Le Nguyen Tung Chi said through this visit, she discovered many charming natural and historical landmarks in the province.

After the camp, she wished to make her contributions to Vietnam. Upon returning to Malaysia, Chi plans to share her photos and spread the culture, history, and cuisine of her homeland to her friends at the university.

Khamphoun Somvixay, a young OV in Laos who has set foot on Hue twice, expressed the happiness in taking many beautiful photos and the eagerness to share them to introduce the ancient and charming Hue to international friends.

The annual programme, organised by the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with relevant units, aims to connect Vietnamese young people from different parts of the world while fostering the pride that they have for their home country.

This year's edition involving 120 youth living and studying in 26 countries and territories around the world is scheduled to take places in 10 localities, including Thua Thien-Hue. During the camp, participants will have a chance to visit and learn about culture, history and traditions of the country; participate in gratitude and memorial activities; exchanges with local youngsters; and take part in voluntary youth programmes and competitions, among others.

First held in 2004, the camp has brought thousands of outstanding young OVs from 16-24 years old to visit their motherland./.

WIPO supports disability empowerment, cultural preservation in Vietnam

The homepage of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) recently posted an article to praise Kymviet Space, a Vietnamese handicraft production and trading establishments founded by people with disabilities to create jobs for people with disabilities in the country.

According to the article, Kymviet is currently registered only in Vietnam, as the company has been focusing on strengthening its brand and reputation nationally. However, it is now ready to enter foreign markets and, in the next five years, is determined to expand to Europe and protect its brand internationally.

The article said the company also intends to create more job opportunities for disabled people in Vietnam and to open a professional vocational training centre for them along with promoting the Vietnamese culture to the world.

A WIPO brand expert is working with the company to develop an international brand and other intangible assets to support Kymviet’s business expansion goals.

WIPO quoted Pham Viet Hoai, founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kymviet, as saying that people buy its products not because they want to contribute to charity but because the products are of the highest quality.

The article also stated three pillars in Kymviet’s business operation and activities, namely the production of handmade products, the café, and education.

Hoai said Vietnam has over 2.5 million deaf people, and Kymviet focuses on this community, with most of the staff being deaf. Kymviet’s mission is to provide job opportunities to these individuals and empower them to fulfill their potential.

Int’l Day of Yoga held in Quang Binh for first time

The International Day of Yoga (June 21) took place in the central province of Quang Binh for the first time on July 29.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy said the province is now home to over 40 yoga clubs. The event enabled local residents to understand more about yoga and the Indian culture, and to popularise Quang Binh’s fitness and sports movement, as well as its potential and strengths to India, thus contributing to fostering cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries.

Roshan Lepcha, Political and Information Counsellor at the Embassy of India, hailed Vietnam as a co-sponsor of the United Nations resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga, and an important partner of India in celebrating the International Day of Yoga over the past years.

Over the past two months, the embassy has held activities in response to the event in 35 Vietnamese cities and provinces, which attracted a large number of yoga lovers, he said.

At the event, a 40-minute mass performance of yoga attracted the participation of Counsellor Lepcha, yoga coaches and 300 yoga practitioners.

On December 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, a 5,000-year-old physical and mental exercise in India which has become increasingly popular.

Prime Minister pays working trip to Bac Ninh

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony for several transport infrastructure projects in the northern province of Bac Ninh on July 30.

The roads connecting Bac Ninh with the new National Highway 3, Ha Bac 2 Bridge, Belt Road 4 and Hanoi Capital Region are scheduled to be completed and put into operation by 2025. They have a total length of about 20.2km and a combined cost of over 1.49 trillion VND (64.78 million USD).

Speaking at the event, PM Chinh stressed that the development of infrastructure, including the transport one, is one of the three strategic breakthroughs defined by the Party. This is particularly important for localities like Bac Ninh which is striving to become a centrally-run city.

He asked provincial authorities to continue completing site clearance while strengthening inspection and supervision during the project implementation to ensure safety, quality and environment protection.

Visiting Samsung factory in Yen Phong Industrial Park (IP) in Yen Phong district in the morning the same day, the PM told its leading official that Vietnam has been developing policies to draw large-scale projects, especially those in hi-tech, digital technology and green growth. Samsung has fulfilled the necessary conditions under these policies and currently is the biggest Korean investor and also the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of nearly 20 billion USD, creating jobs for over 100,000 workers.

He thanked Samsung for taking Vietnam as its strategic production base, research and development hub, thus contributing to the country's export revenue, job creation, and tax payment to the State budget. Samsung has also actively engaged in social welfare activities in Vietnam.

The Government leader wished that Samsung will continue doing business stably and effectively in Vietnam, invest more in digital transformation and circular economy in the country, and train and appoint more Vietnamese to leading roles in the company.

Taking note of Samsung’s proposals regarding taxation and electricity supply for production, Chinh said he has directed ministries and agencies concerned to consider them, with Vietnam's conditions and international commitments in the spirit of harmonising the interests of all parties involved being taken into account.

While in Bac Ninh, the leader also visited Cat Tuong Smart City and Thong Nhat Smart City affordable housing project in Yen Phong district, and presented gifts to workers there.

He took the occasion to urge ministries, agencies and localities to continue refining social housing policies and mechanisms, toward building 1 million houses for low-income earners and workers in IPs for the 2021-2030 period.

Over 4.22 million e-ID accounts in Hanoi activated

As of June 28, out of the over 6.22 million e-ID accounts that have been created in Hanoi, more than 4.22 million were activated, according to the deputy director of the Hanoi Police Major General Nguyen Hong Ky.

Speaking at a meeting on the city’s administrative reform, digitalisation, and the implementation of the project on developing the application of population database, e-identification, and e-authentication for the national digital transformation in the 2022-2025 period with a vision to 2030 (Project 06), Ky said that in the first half of this year, police effectively granted chip-based ID cards for people in the city.

Director of the city’s Home Affairs Department Tran Dinh Canh said that the municipal People's Committee issued 30 decisions to announce the list of new administrative procedures, and amended, supplemented, and removed ones.

As of June 10, 2023, the total number of administrative procedures that local competence of agencies and units are responsible for handling is 1,875, with 1,385 processed by city-level, 339 by district-level, and 151 by commune-level agencies.

Book offers a view of Vietnamese history from the perspective of rubber plantation

Rubber and the Making of Vietnam: An Ecological History, 1897–1975 was awarded the Henry A. Wallace Prize by the Agricultural History Society in 2018, as well as the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Prize by the Forest History Society.

The Vietnamese version of Rubber and the Making of Vietnam: An Ecological History, 1897–1975, translated and published in Việt Nam by Hồ Chí Minh City General Publishing House. Photo courtesy of the publishing house
Lương Hương

A book that explores the impact of rubber plantations on the material and symbolic landscape of Việt Nam and its neighbouring countries has been translated and published in Việt Nam by Hồ Chí Minh City General Publishing House.

Entitled Cây Cao Su Ở Việt Nam Dưới Góc Nhìn Lịch Sử - Sinh Thái (1897 - 1975) (Rubber and the Making of Vietnam: An Ecological History, 1897–1975), the book traces the history of rubber cultivation in the region, from the early experimental plantations in the late 19th century to the industry's dominance in the mid-20th century

Unlike many other books and research on rubber cultivation in Việt Nam which primarily provide information on the economy and politics of rubber plantations from the perspectives of European owners and managers, the book takes a different approach - from a historical and ecological perspective.

It highlights the reciprocal impact between rubber trees and the environment in which they grow, and how the development of rubber cultivation is closely linked to each stage of Việt Nam’s history.

Rubber and the Making of Vietnam: An Ecological History, 1897–1975, first published by the University of North Carolina Press in 2018, is the result of a decade of research and two additional years of writing and revisions by its American author, Dr Michitake Aso.

After finishing his degree in 1998, he went to Việt Nam and taught English for two years, mostly in Biên Hòa in Đồng Nai Province. It was when he saw rubber plantations for the first time and was fascinated with this knowledge.

Aso decided to go to graduate school to better understand what he had gone through and the knowledge he had gained. He ended up in the History of Science department at the University of Wisconsin where he studied under Gregg Mitman, Warwick Anderson, and Rick Keller, who all do work at the intersections of science, medicine, and the environment.

During the course of this research project, Aso had to spend extensive time digging in archives in Việt Nam, France, the US and Cambodia. He also talked to rubber experts, former plantation workers and even a former plantation manager living in France in order to obtain a rich and diverse source of reference materials.

One of the most surprising findings that Aso came over is how disease shaped the production of rubber.

In writing this pathbreaking research, the US author has also used interdisciplinary scientific knowledge, including geology, geography, anthropology, political science, economics and medicine to clarify the mutual impacts between rubber trees and all aspects of life in Việt Nam.

The rich knowledge and abundant sources that the author used have contributed to the success of the work. Rubber and the Making of Vietnam: An Ecological History, 1897–1975 was awarded the Henry A. Wallace Prize by the Agricultural History Society in 2018, as well as the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Prize by the Forest History Society.

HCM City supports locals residents affected by Thanh Đa subsidence 

HCM City is supporting locals who are affected by subsidence on a section of Thanh Đa Canal Embankment, which has damaged 15 houses and created high risks of landslides.

Bình Thạnh District People's Committee has been instructed to carry out policies for emergency support programs for locals who have to relocate as a result of subsidence on the canal bank Thanh Đa, as recommended by the Commanding Committee for Civil Defence, Disaster Prevention and Search and Rescue in HCM City.

Bình Thạnh also requested that HCM City be able to relocate affected locals to a resettlement apartment on 4 Phan Chu Trinh Street, where they can temporarily reside.

Bình Thạnh also asked HCM City to set aside resources to relocate residents in the emergency.

On June 22, The Management Centre of Waterway System (HCM City's Department of Transport) discovered that there were several locations of peeling bricks and small subsidence on a section of the embankment corridor of the Thanh Đa canal area.

After that, subsidence occurred at this section, affecting the corridor and the surrounding area.

The embankment corridor subsided about 1.26m, and it has been moved outwards, towards the canal about 1.89m. A small landslide occurred, covering about 168m along the embankment.

The landslide on Thanh Đa canal bank did not cause any injury, but it affected 15 houses, of which most had cracks in walls, which sank and leaned towards the canal, with possible risk of landslide.

Bình Thạnh has carried out the relocation of people and properties out of the area at risk of dangerous landslides, and put up barricades and warnings at dangerous places.

According to the HCM City's Department of Transport, there had been heavy rain for many days, soaking the ground behind the embankment (under the floor of houses) with water due to the lack of a drainage system behind the embankment, which played a role in causing that embankment section to lose stability. 

Vung Tau book street closure proposed

Authorities of Vung Tau City in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau have recommended closing Vung Tau Book Street after five years.

The proposal has been sent to the provincial people’s committee. Vung Tau City Chairman Hoang Vu Thanh said that the book street had opened in Lunar New Year 2018, covering nearly 1,000 square metres with bookstalls and refreshment kiosks.

But the street has attracted fewer visitors recently. Some book stalls have turned into selling drinks.

Meanwhile, Ngoi Sao Bien Saigon Ltd. Co., the investor of the book street still owed Vung Tau City VND2.5 billion in rent.

Thanh said that if the investor wanted to continue operating the street, it would have to seek permission from the local authorities and pay rent.

HCMC to increase penalties on violators of environmental law

Because the water quality of the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers reduced, Ho Chi Minh City authorities will increase the penalties on those who violate the environmental regulation.

The Saigon and Dong Nai rivers play a very important role in the supply of water sources for the southern largest city in particular and the southern provinces and cities in general. However, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s water quality monitoring system has recently recorded serious pollution in the water quality of these rivers, especially the Saigon River.

To tackle the problem, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment announced that the city will strengthen sanctions against organizations, businesses and individuals that commit environmental violations. Furthermore, at the same time, the Department will maintain regulations on state management in the field of water resources, mineral resources and environmental protection in the areas bordering the administrative boundaries between Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces of Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, Long An, Tien Giang, Binh Phuoc and the Central Highlands Province of Lam Dong.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City also signed an inter-provincial plan with Binh Duong province to strengthen coordination in controlling and solving pollution of Ba Bo Canal and Nhum Stream, Xuan Truong Stream, Cai Stream and the above rivers.

Moreover, the Ho Chi Minh City Natural Resources and Environment has allocated thousands of projects and issued millions of land use right certificates.

Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Toan Thang said that since its establishment in 2003, the department has reclaimed acquisition of land and changed the land use purpose of 2,670 projects on a total area of 17,000ha in addition to the issuance of more than 3 million land use certificates for the first time to organizations and individuals.

The restructuring of land use in the right direction has become an important financial resource for the city. Specifically, from 2014 to 2020, the revenue from the land of Ho Chi Minh City reached VND234,316 billion (US$9,8 billion) including land use fees, land rent, non-agricultural land use tax, income tax from land use right transfer, and other charges.

More importantly, many projects and public works have been implemented and completed, contributing to the improvement of city dwellers' quality of life. Furthermore, the formation of 17 export processing zones, industrial parks and high-tech zones has turned Ho Chi Minh City into an attractive location for foreign investment with more than 500 foreign enterprises including the world's leading companies such as Intel Corporation, Samsung, Nidec Sankyo, Techtronic Industries (TTI).

A representative of First Solar Vietnam Manufacturing Company shared that in 2018, the company invested US$ 1.06 billion to build a factory producing solar panels with thin film technology on an area of 44ha in Cu Chi District’s Dong Nam Industrial Park.

According to the latest report of the Ho Chi Minh City General Statistics Office, the total foreign investment capital into Ho Chi Minh City in the first 6 months of 2023 reached $2.8 billion, up 30.7 percent over the same period. Previously, the total foreign investment capital into the city always maintained a positive growth rate of over double digits. This shows that the investment environment in Ho Chi Minh City, especially the policy on land has been open and attractive to investors.

Talking about this, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association Nguyen Ngoc Hoa said that now about 500,000 enterprises have been operating across the city. More importantly, the number of enterprises in the fields of supporting industry, food processing, high technology, and textile in HCMC is leading the country.

Hydropower plant to discharge water, threaten flooding

Đồng Nai 2 Hydropower Plant was set to discharge water from its reservoir yesterday afternoon in the Central Highlands province of Lâm Đồng.

The move is believed to increase the risk of flooding in downstream areas while torrential rains are still hitting the province.

The provincial People’s Committee said that on Monday morning, the water was pouring into the reservoir of the plant with a flow of 297 cu.m per second while the water flow to generate power is 110 cu.m per second.

In response to the situation, the plant decided to discharge the water to reduce the level of the reservoir.

The committee asked local media and authorised agencies to inform people living in downstream areas to coordinate and proactively prevent possible unfortunate damages due to the discharge of water.

According to the province’s Hydro-meteorological Station, the total rainfall from Sunday to 8 am on Monday in the province was about 70 mm.

The soils in some areas in Bảo Lộc City and the districts of Bảo Lâm, Đạ Hoai, Đạ Tẻh, Cát Tiên have reached saturation.

Therefore, the station said districts of Bảo Lâm, Đạ Huoai, Đạ Tẻh, Cát Tiên, Đam Rông, Di Linh, and Bảo Lộc City are put on high alert of flash floods, landslides and inundation in the next 12 hours.

Flood warnings were issued along the La Ngà River in the province due to the torrential rain. 

A quick report from the provincial Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue said that three traffic policemen and one resident were buried and many vehicles were also damaged in a landslide in the province on Sunday afternoon.

So far, local rescuers found the bodies of three victims.

Also on Monday morning, Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang led a team to direct the search for victims at the scene of a serious landslide that buried four people on Bảo Lộc Pass.

Hanoi waives fees for online public services until 2025

Hanoi will waive fees for all administrative procedures under the jurisdiction of the municipal People's Council for organizations and individuals using online public services from now until the end of December 2025.

According to the Hanoi Public Services Portal (dichvucong.hanoi.gov.vn), there are 1,401 online public procedures provided by the city's departments, while 83 administrative procedures are under the jurisdiction of the city's People's Council.

At present, the delivery of online public services is not at all convenient for citizens and enterprises. About 70% of citizens still have to show up at public offices.

This initiative aims to encourage citizens to carry out online public procedures, intensifying digital transformation and building a smart city by 2025 with a vision of 2030, of which the city's goal is to process all documents in an online environment.

In 2022, revenue from fees and charges under the jurisdiction of the city's People's Council through online public services exceeded VND36.5 billion ($1.5 million).

The Hanoi government continues to simplify administrative procedures for online public services so that citizens can conveniently complete procedures without going to public offices in person. Citizens can check the status of their documents on the public service portal via SMS or e-mail.

The Hanoi Department of Information and Communication is coordinating with businesses to provide free digital signatures for individuals at one-stop-shop departments, agencies, and district and city People's Committees. More than 10,000 digital signatures have been issued to Hanoi residents for online public procedures.

PM chairs nationwide teleconference on rearrangement of administrative units at district, communal levels

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính yesterday chaired a national teleconference on the rearrangement of administrative units at district and communal levels for the 2023 – 2030 period.

Speaking at the event, the PM said the rearrangement of administrative units is necessary to streamline the administrative apparatus, enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of State management, and create convenience for the people and businesses.

He added that the arrangement could cause confusion in the operations of administrative units and affect people and enterprises.

To ease any issues, he said ministries and agencies should drastically direct the work in a flexible and suitable manner to ensure the smooth functioning of the administrative apparatus.

The PM also required sectors and localities to share experiences and lessons learned, anticipate possible problems and propose appropriate solutions during the implementation process.

At the event, delegates were briefed about the contents of the Party Central Committee, National Assembly Standing Committee and the Government’s resolutions on the work.

They are also provided with guidance on steps to rearrange administrative units at the district and communal levels, including the adjustments and supplements to planning and administrative boundaries, financial management, and staffing, among others. 

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