The Prime Minister recently issued a decision on the establishment of the National Medical Council which is tasked with giving independent capacity assessment in medical profession.

Under the decision, taking effect from August 13, chairman of the council is a leader from the Ministry of Health (MoH), while there are one standing vice chairman, and two vice chairmen who are the directors of the MoH’s Department of Medical Service Administration, and Administration of Science, Technology and Training. They are appointed by the Prime Minister as proposed by the Minister of Health.

Members of the Hanoi-based council include representatives from medical facilities, training establishments and associations, and experts./.

Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line attracts young passengers

The newly-operated Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line served 256,126 passengers, mostly young people, during the first four days of operation from August 8-11, according to General Director of Hanoi Metro Co, Ltd Vu Hong Truong.

Notably, the train transported up to 100,000 passengers on August 11 alone, far exceeding initial expectations. Previously, the 13.1km Cat Linh - Ha Dong, the first metro line in the country, had a peak day on May 1, 2023, with just over 58,000 passengers.

The Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line is 12.5 kilometers long but only the 8.5km elevated section, running from the Nhon area in Bac Tu Liem district to Cau Giay district, has been put into use. The remaining 4km underground section from Cau Giay district to Hanoi Railway Station in Dong Da district is still under construction.

According to public feedback, the management and operation of the trains ensure safety, punctuality, and bring satisfaction for passengers.

In its first days of operation, the metro line served mainly students and young people, who are interested in experiencing the service. Almost all passengers have expressed their joy as the train makes their travel more convenient.

The metro line passes by 11 universities, and is supported by 36 bus routes, 33 of which are subsidised. Additionally, there are two passenger transfer points at Cau Giay and Nhon, and 32 bus stops along the line in both directions.

According to the Hanoi People's Committee, the fare for a single journey on the line is 8,000 VND (0.32 USD), while a full line ticket costs 12,000 VND. The monthly pass is priced at 200,000 VND, with a discounted rate of 100,000 VND for students. A group ticket is available for 140,000 VND per month.

The line offers free tickets for children under six, war veterans, seniors over 60 and people with disabilities./.

USAID-funded project helps increase opportunities for the disabled

A conference to review the results of a project on expanding opportunities and improving the status for persons with disabilities for the 2021-2024 period was jointly organised by the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of central Thua Thien-Hue province and the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC) on August 14.

The project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) via ACDC with a total budget of more than 4.5 billion VND (178,790 USD).

In his remarks at the conference, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Binh suggested that units and localities in the province continue to promote communication work, along with the implementation of the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's law on supporting people with disabilities.

They were urged to replicate the models brought about by the project, devise plans to upgrade public and transport infrastructure to ensure the disabled's access to those facilities, improve the quality of health, educational and social services, and create an environment sensitive to those in need. Attention should also be paid to supervising the implementation of support policies for the target group, he added.

Ho Dan, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said through its activities, the project has contributed to enhancing the disabled's knowledge and skills, improving their access to health and legal services, public works, and transport facilities, increasing their participation in family and society, and stepping up the implementation of policies on independent living, integration, and non-discrimination against people with disabilities.

He noted that over 3,000 persons with disabilities have benefited from the project during the three years. Specifically, 10 accessible bus routes, with 42 new vehicles, were put into operation for those with disabilities as well as locals. The project organised reproductive health check-ups for more than 300 disabled women, and four training courses on gender-based violence prevention and control for over 140 people with disabilities and caregivers. Also included were courses on independent living and integration for 131 disabled persons and their families./.

Vinh Phuc press agencies share experience with Thai journalists

Representatives of the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) and the Vietnam Journalists Association visited some press agencies in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on August 14.

Welcoming the delegation, Deputy Director of the Vinh Phuc Television and Radio Station Nguyen Manh Tuan gave a brief introduction of his agency and also mentioned some advantages and difficulties in local journalistic activities.

At the headquarters of Vinh Phuc Newspaper, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Van Thuy expressed his hope that the newspaper and the TJA will further share the two countries’ experience in journalism so as to serve the public at their best.

TJA President Norrinee Ruangnoo said her delegation’s working visit is a chance for press agencies of Vietnam and Thailand to share and learn each other’s experience to improve their performance in the field of press and media.

Members of the Thai delegation also pointed out certain difficulties as well as good practices of Thai press agencies in the digital era.

Following the trip, the TJA is set to carry out concrete activities to help introduce Vinh Phuc to people and businesses in Thailand, thereby helping enhance mutual understanding and friendship between their countries./.

Women’s unions of Quang Binh, Laos' Khammouane foster ties

The women's unions of the central province of Quang Binh and the Lao province of Khammouane solidified their partnership on August 14 with the signing of a new cooperation agreement for the 2024-2026 period.

During their talks held in Quang Binh province’s Dong Hoi city, both sides shared insights into the socio-economic development of their respective provinces and the best practices and achievements in their women's union work and movements. They underlined the pivotal role of women in ensuring security, building a borderline of peace and friendship, and strengthening solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

Reflecting on the success of their 2022-2024 cooperation agreement, they proposed ideas to further enhance bilateral collaboration in the coming years.

Areas of focus include joint efforts to educate and raise awareness of their members and the public about the special friendship and solidarity between the two nations and their women's unions.

They also agreed to collaborate in educating border communities and women on the strict observance of the Vietnam-Laos National Border Delimitation Treaty, as well as in managing and safeguarding border security.

The two sides vowed to continue sharing experience in building strong women's union organisations, managing and utilising financial resources, and supporting women in economic development, starting a business and reducing poverty; and building prosperous, progressive and happy families. They also discussed efforts to contribute to new-style rural development and combat the trafficking of women and children.

The two unions will work together to promote legal migration and registered marriages among women in border areas, prevent early and consanguineous marriages, and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Additionally, they will facilitate exchanges between women's unions of the two provinces and their districts with shared borders, as well as between female entrepreneurs in both provinces.

Earlier, the representatives of Quang Binh and Khammouane provinces offered incense and flowers at the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh and the memorial for the heroes and martyrs of Quang Binh province. They also toured the models on family well-being and environmental sustainability in Mai Thuy commune, Le Thuy district./.

Vietnam, Thailand exchange experience in managing professional ethics of journalists

General Director of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Vu Viet Trang on August 14 received Chairman of the National Press Council of Thailand and Senior Advisor to the Thai Journalists Association Chavarong Limpattamapanee and a Thai delegation who are on a working visit to Vietnam.

Welcoming the guests, Trang said that the visit takes place at a time when external activities between Vietnam and Thailand are being held vigorously and there are various press exchange activities between the two countries.

She briefed the delegation on the organisational apparatus and development directions of VNA, stressing that VNA is one of the six key national press agencies that provide Vietnam’s mainstream information for the domestic and foreign press systems. In recent years, VNA has also directly provided information to the public.

VNA operates under the consortium model with 15 news units for domestic and foreign service (consisting of five editorial departments, two source news centres and eight editorial offices), along with five news support centres, a publishing house, and two printing companies. With representative offices in all 63 cities and provinces nationwide and 30 overseas bureaus across the five continents, VNA has a strong contingent of more than 1,000 reporters working across the country and in most of the key areas around the world.

The General Director noted that VNA has bilateral and multilateral cooperation with more than 40 major news agencies and press organisations in the world, including two press agencies of Thailand, namely the Thai News Agency (TNA) and Thai Public Relations Department (PRD). It is a member of the Executive Board of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA).

VNA's representative office in Thailand was the first resident bureau that the news agency opened in a foreign country, in early 1946 right after the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established. Throughout its operation process, despite a temporary closure due to the world situation, VNA's resident reporters in Bangkok have always worked effectively, fulfilling their tasks, promoting the image of Vietnam to the Thai people; providing accurate and timely information about the situation in Thailand and the region, Trang said.

For his part, Chavarong said he has worked for the National Press Council of Thailand with the task of connecting Vietnamese and Thai journalism since 1994. In Thailand, journalists’ matters and related issues are managed by press agencies.

Through this visit, he hopes to learn about experience in managing journalists' issues, handling violations, as well as dealing with fake news.

At the reception, the two sides discussed issues relating to professional ethics of journalists. Trang said that professional ethics always play an important role in professional activities of each journalist because the press has a social orientation role.

The VNA journalists’ association now has 1,112 members and they are required to comply with the provisions of the 2016 Press Law, the Code of Ethics for Journalists issued by the Vietnam Journalists’ Association, as well as the "Code of Conduct on Social Media" issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications in 2021, she said.

Complying with these regulations helps the members create accurate and timely information, Trang said, adding that they are responsible for the information they share on social media in their capacity as both citizens and journalists, and proactively join the fight against fake news.

VNA recognises that journalists who comply with professional ethics contribute to enhancing the prestige and position of the press agencies they work for, she said, adding that gaining public trust is the target press agencies aim for./.

ASEAN heads of immigration, consular units convene 27th meeting in Khanh Hoa

The 27th ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM) officially commenced in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa on August 14, under a theme of comprehensive security and enhanced connectivity toward the future.

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung highlighted Vietnam's close cooperation in combating and preventing illegal migration with other member states within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with Australia – a key partner outside the bloc.

Tung noted that Vietnam and other ASEAN countries have effectively implemented visa exemption agreements for ASEAN citizens holding ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports. While travel within the bloc has become more convenient, more work is needed to achieve unrestricted movement for people across the region.

Hosting the 27th DGICM offers Vietnam a valuable opportunity to demonstrate its proactive and responsible approach as a member, contributing to the development of a unified, cohesive, and sustainably and comprehensive growing ASEAN in the fields of immigration and consular affairs, said the official.

He stressed that ensuring comprehensive security is a central task for the bloc’s sustainable development, requiring a shift in the mindset as well as a fresh, global, and inclusive approach that takes long-term benefits into account. Member states need to unite, cooperate, and uphold the ASEAN spirit of independence, resilience, and strategic autonomy.

The official said the meeting will review and assess the implementation of initiatives from its previous edition held in Thailand last year, toward reaching a consensus on cooperative measures and mechanisms for immigration and consular affairs within the bloc.

Its three-day course features six key meetings and forums on various topics, including the management of major entry points in ASEAN, mechanisms and measures for intra-bloc immigration information exchanges, human trafficking trends and challenges in the region, and immigration and consular management experiences. Participants ưill also discuss cooperation programmes between the bloc and Australia, and collaboration between ASEAN and the Plus Three countries of China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.

Additionally, bilateral meetings and exchange programmes are scheduled to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between member states and non-ASEAN partners.

First held in 1996 as an annual event hosted on a rotational basis, the DGICM serves as a forum for ASEAN countries to discuss shared concerns and exchange experiences in immigration and consular management. Vietnam joined the mechanism in 1997 and hosted the meeting in 2003 and 2013./.

International exhibition on fire safety, rescue opens in HCM City

The Fire Safety & Rescue Vietnam – Secutech Vietnam 2024 kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on August 14.

The exhibition attracted the participation of over 460 brands from 350 exhibitors who are leading producers and suppliers in the fields of fire prevention, firefighting, rescue operations, and security technology.

The two-day event showcases four main product groups, including fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue technologies; security and safety equipment; smart building and smart home systems; and intelligent parking solutions.

It also features technologies and applications tailored for industrial zones, factories, high-tech facilities, premium buildings, building management, smart cities, commercial buildings, retail and transport sectors.

A highlight of the event is a section introducing the traditions and achievements of Vietnam’s Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Force.

International pavilions from Japan, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea (RoK), along with booths from reputable global companies, are expected to draw considerable interest from industry professionals and visitors alike.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Nguyen Tuan Anh, Director of the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department, emphasised the importance of fire safety, rescue operations, and security.

He noted that the annual event has attracted both domestic and international specialists, especially as the world and Vietnam face significant changes, including the rising threats of high-tech crimes, environmental crimes, fires, explosions, and other complicated social security issues.

This year’s exhibition also features major activities such as seminars on new products, technical solutions, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI), discussions on the integration of technological advancements into fire safety and rescue operations, workshops for businesses involved in the assembly of firefighting and rescue equipment and public campaigns to raise awareness of people on fire safety and rescue techniques./.

Vietnamese workers in RoK appreciated by host employers

Vietnamese labourers who work in the Republic of Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) have been appreciated by Korean employers, said Lim Seung-mook, Vice President of the Human Resources Development Services of the RoK (HRDK).

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Lim said Vietnam is among the countries prioritised by Korean firms in employment and reemployment as Vietnamese workers are quick to adapt to the new situation and meet the requirements of employers.

Stressing the important role of guest workers in Korean small and medium-sized enterprises, he said the East Asian nation would need more foreign workers given its aging population and declining workforce.

Along with the increasing number of Vietnamese workers in the RoK, the proportion of skilled workers is also rising, he said, adding the country plans to open more sectors to foreign workers.

Lim said Vietnamese skilled labourers returning to Vietnam after their contracts expire can work for Korean firms in their homeland, whose number amounts to some 9,000.

According to the HRDK, launched in 2004, the EPS aims to help small and medium-sized companies solve their labour shortages. It allows employers who have failed to hire native workers to legally hire an adequate number of foreign workers. It is a system that the Korean government introduced to manage foreign workers in the RoK in an organised manner.

Vietnam was one of the first six countries to send workers to the RoK under the programme, which now covers 16 nations with Vietnam topping the list, accounting for 134,655 out of more than 1 million foreign workers in the RoK.

Speaking at a recent conference marking the 20th anniversary of the EPS, RoK Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jung-sik affirmed the success of the programme, saying it should be improved to ensure safety standards in the industrial environment, with training, employment and residence support for qualified foreigners.

Min Pil-hong, Director of HTM, an auto parts company in Gyeonggy province, said his firm is employing 14 foreign workers, half of them Vietnamese who are sincere, friendly and serious at work.

Vietnam sent more than 78,000 workers abroad in the first half of this year, fulfilling 62.4% of the yearly target, according to the Department of Overseas Labour under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Japan, Taiwan (China), and the RoK remained the largest recipients of Vietnamese guest workers.

Last year, over 159,000 workers went abroad for employment, surpassing the yearly target by 33.3%, and the highest recorded over the past 10 years.

For 2024, the ministry aims to send 125,000 workers abroad, focusing on key traditional markets such as Japan, Taiwan, and the RoK. It eyes to have 120,000-143,000 people working in foreign countries every year, who send home total remittances of around 3.5-4 billion USD.

The Government has issued a plan to carry out a directive of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat on enhancing the Party leadership on sending workers overseas in the new situation. Along with building strategies to send Vietnamese labourers to foreign countries, the plan outlines solutions to raise public awareness of law observance as well as coordination mechanisms to handle relevant issues./.

US’s 3M Corporation opens science, technology, engineering centre in Hanoi

The 3M Corporation from the US opened a science, technology and engineering centre in Hanoi on August 13.

The centre introduces a series of solutions for traffic safety and the commercial market and showcases the corporation’s electronic technologies and solutions in Southeast Asia.

With an area of 417 sq.m, the centre offers tours and interactive experiences, helping customers better understand how 3M Group's technologies are promoting and developing solutions for the future.

Previously, the corporation launched a Customer Technical Centre (CTC) in Ho Chi Minh City, focusing on introducing solutions and business cooperation opportunities to partner businesses nationwide.

Addressing the centre's opening, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc emphasised that the establishment of the centre is a concrete step in Vietnam’s journey to become a global hub for innovation.

She said Vietnam is at an important point in the transformation towards a digital economy, green economy, and circular economy. Vietnam's socio-economic development strategy for the 2021-2030 period has identified three strategic breakthroughs in institutions, infrastructure and human resource development associated with economic restructuring and growth model innovation; promoting development based on science and technology, innovation and cultural values of Vietnamese people, Ngoc said.

To realise the above goals, Vietnam has implemented many specific solutions to attract investment and has now become the destination of many technology corporations in the world, the deputy minister said, adding that the country expects the presence of international corporations and businesses in Vietnam in the future.

She hoped that in the coming time, the 3M centre and Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre will engage in effective cooperation to further tap the advantages of each side.

The establishment of the 3M centre is evidence that Vietnam is gradually becoming a destination of hi-tech innovative projects and R&D in the region, Ngoc said, adding that the event also bears significance to the growing cooperation between Vietnam and the US.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper said that 3M's investment in Vietnam is a strong and constructive affirmation that businesses can contribute to promoting scientific and technological cooperation.

The centre will make an important contribution to promoting innovation, progress and prosperity for both countries, including a commitment to economic growth, technological progress and sustainable development, he said.

Amit Laroya, Senior Vice President - Asia, 3M Transportation & Electronics Business Group said that in the next two years, the corporation plans to invest in more advanced testing equipment to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Vietnamese market.

Vietnam prioritises selective investment attraction, targeting high-tech projects, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, research and development, renewable energy, hydrogen, and synchronous infrastructure construction. Those are also areas where US investors have great potential and strengths, he said./.

Vietnam, Romania look to promote labour cooperation

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung on August 13 met with Romanian Ambassador to Vietnam Cristina Romila to discuss labour cooperation between Vietnam and Romania.

At the meeting, Ambassador Romila mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries on cooperation in labour and social security, adding that Romania sees Vietnamese workers as dynamic and skilful.

She also mentioned the proposal to exempt visas for Romanian citizens to meet the requirements of the new situation and the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

In the last few years, many Romanian citizens have come to Vietnam, and similarly, many Vietnamese people have gone to work in Romania. Therefore, the Romanian Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has drafted a set of materials to introduce its social insurance system to the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, she said.

The diplomat suggested the Vietnamese ministry consider the possibility of cooperation between the two countries in negotiating a bilateral social insurance agreement related to pensions, sickness, and maternity. Romania also wants to receive documentation on Vietnam’s Social Insurance Law.

Minister Dung noted that about 2,600 Vietnamese workers are working in Romania, mainly in the mechanical, construction, carpentry, textile and garment, food and domestic work sectors. Those who work under contracts signed between Vietnamese enterprises and Romanian enterprises are entitled to two types of insurance which are health insurance and occupational accident insurance.

Regarding the protection of the rights of Vietnamese workers in Romania, Dung said that Romanian authorities have coordinated closely with Vietnamese diplomatic missions to provide information on the situation of Vietnamese workers in the country.

The minister also discussed Vietnam’s human resources development policies and those for employing foreign workers as well as those for Vietnamese workers working abroad with the Romanian ambassador./.

Quang Tri intensifies measures to combat nearshore fishing violations

The central province of Quang Tri is intensifying efforts to prevent illegal fishing activities in nearshore waters as part of its broader campaign against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has conducted a crackdown on violations within the Con Co island marine reserve, which covers an area of 4,532 hectares with an outer buffer zone of 300 to 500 meters. Con Co island is located approximately 17 nautical miles from the mainland.

The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance patrols and inspections to detect and handle any violations, ensuring that regulations against IUU fishing are strictly enforced.

Authorities have focused on handling violations such as the possession and use of prohibited substances, explosives, and electric fishing gear, as well as violating regulations on fishing zones and licenses for fishing in the reserve.

Challenges remain in managing small-scale fishing vessels, ranging from 6 to 12 meters in length, which often operate nearshore. Some captains of these vessels have not complied with regulations requiring them to anchor at designated ports and to submit fishing logs. In response, the Quang Tri Steering Committee on IUU Fishing has directed coastal localities to take concrete measures to ensure that small-scale vessels adhere to these requirements.

Additionally, the province has handled 378 small fishing vessels, ranging from 6 to 15 meters in length, that are operating without registration, inspection and fishing licenses.

The province has officially listed these 378 vessels with "three nos" and directed relevant departments and coastal localities to assist ship owners in preparing necessary documents for registration.

These measures are part of Quang Tri's ongoing efforts to comply with national and international regulations aimed at eradicating IUU fishing practices and ensuring sustainable marine resources management./.

Workshop promotes role of female leaders

The Women’s Union of the central province of Phu Yen and the Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad (APHEDA) organised a workshop on August 13 to seek ways to promote the role of female leaders, managers and elected deputies.

The workshop was part of the project promoting gender equality and capacity building for women in politics funded by the governments of Ireland and Australia, and the APHEDA.

The project, lasting from October 2021 to September 2026, aims to help the target localities of Phu Yen, Hai Duong, Bac Kan, and Hai Phong raise the proportion of women in people-elected agencies, thus contributing to completing targets relating to general equality and sustainable development.

Participants at the workshop also stressed the need to step up the communications work to raise public awareness of gender equality, and touched upon personnel training and planning.

Deputy Ambassador of Ireland Conor Finn highlighted cooperation between the Irish, Australian, and Vietnamese governments in gender equality, saying under the above-said project, 154 activities have been implemented, targeting more than 7,000 people.

Such activities as meeting, experience sharing, and training have received warm response from female deputies, leaders, and managers, as well as local authorities, the diplomat said./.

Poor schools access to drinkable water in new school year

Lifestart Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in Hoi An City and originating from Australia, has provided ten clean water filtration systems and water tanks to underprivileged schools in the mountainous Bac Tra My and Phuoc Son districts of central Quang Nam province.

The schools, predominantly attended by students from the Ca Dong ethnic group, are situated in challenging areas including four extremely poor communes Tra Nu, Tra Ka, Tra Bui, Phuoc Kim, Tra Tan, Tra My and Kham Duc town.

The systems will provide drinkable clean water at the tap for nearly 2,000 school students and teachers in the academic year 2024-2025.

The clean water project is an annual endeavour undertaken by the foundation in the province since 2021.

To date, the clean water project has facilitated 38 water treatment systems for various disadvantaged schools, totalling over 1.75 billion VND (70,000 USD). This initiative ensures the availability of safe clean drinking water for students, teachers, and staff at schools, addressing the fundamental clean water needs of individuals in challenging areas and benefiting over 10,200 people directly throughout the years of project implementation.

Karen Leonard, the founder of Lifestart Foundation, said: “Given the current scarcity of clean water, ensuring the quality of drinking water for students in disadvantaged areas is an urgent matter. The Lifestart Foundation has elected to sponsor water treatment systems as a pivotal project.

”The programme supporting water treatment systems by the Lifestart Foundation not only provides safe drinking water for students but also extends free support to teachers and school staff. This contributes to enhancing the health and learning quality of students, improving the quality of work for teachers and staff at the school, while diminishing the risk of gastrointestinal and other infectious diseases.”

Vice Chairman of the Quang Nam provincial Union of Friendship Organisations, Tran Van Mai added that the lack of drinking water filtration systems in schools impacts the daily activities of students and school staff and the systems from the Lifestart Foundation were very helpful and meaningful.

Nguyen Thi Nhat Kieu, Principal of Son Ca Kindergarten in Kham Duc town in Phuoc Son district said the school is very happy with the water filtration system supported by the Lifestart Foundation.

In 2025, the organisation plans to donate an additional ten drinking water filtration systems to schools in the more disadvantaged mountainous districts of the province, increasing the total number of schools to benefit to 48.

Lifestart Foundation also provided support in the form of 25 gift packages comprising essential items worth a total of 10 million VND for 25 poor children at Hoa My Kindergarten in Tan Hiep A School in Tra Son commune in Bac Tra My district.

Lifestart Foundation said it has donated 33 billion VND (approximately 2 million AUD, or 1.28 million USD) to support the disadvantaged young people in the central region including education scholarships for underprivileged students and housing improvement projects./.

Young kickboxers to compete at world championships

Vietnam will send 18 fighters to the Youth World Kickboxing Championships, which will be held next week in Hungary.

Among the participants are Truong Nha Phuong, Kieu Dinh Son, Vo Ngoc Han, Vo Thi Kim Duyen, Le Hoai Nam, Nguyen Vo Dang Khoa, Le Thuy Kiem Ngan and Tran Nguyen Bao Ngoc who are considered the fighters with the greatest potential and rose to prominence at the recent national championship in Binh Dinh province.

They will be facing strong opponents from across the globe and across all weight categories from August 23 to September 1.

"This prestigious event is the culmination of four years of hard work, dedication, and passion for our sport, and it will showcase the best young talents from all over the world," said Roy Baker, President of the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations.

"Kickboxing is more than just a sport. It is a way of life, a culture and a community. It teaches us valuable lessons such as respect, discipline, courage and solidarity. It also promotes health, fitness, and well-being for both body and mind. And most importantly, it brings us joy, excitement and friendship."

It is the first time that a Vietnamese delegation is going to be taking part in this level of a tournament since the Vietnam Kickboxing Federation was established in January./.

Vietnam’s grandmasters to vie for Chess Olympiad 2024 top places

Vietnam will send its strongest masters to compete for team titles at the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024 September 10-23 in Budapest, Hungary.

Grandmaster Le Quang Liem, who is working in the US, will fly to Budapest to join his teammates.

The world No 16 will lead the team which includes GMs Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, Le Tuan Minh and Tran Tuan Minh in the Open category, and Pham Le Thao Nguyen, Vo Thi Kim Phung, Le Thanh Tu and Luong Phuong Hanh in the women's class.

Young players Banh Gia Huy and Bach Ngoc Thuy Duong are also registered to checkmate at the competition which is considered the world championship.

According to the rules, players will compete in the Swiss-system tournament's 11 matches until September 23.

The World Chess Federation (FIDE) said the championship was growing with every tournament and the Budapest event was the largest so far.

"The record-breaking 193 teams in the Open section and 181 squads in the Women's competition will gather in the Hungarian capital from September 10-23 to battle in the biggest team chess event of the biennium," FIDE said.

"Notably, several women's teams - Liechtenstein, Guernsey, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, the US Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Nauru, and the Cayman Islands - will make their debut in Budapest.

"In a historic move toward inclusivity, the 2024 Chess Olympiad will welcome a team of refugees, as officially approved by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This groundbreaking decision aims to promote diversity and support displaced individuals, reinforcing chess as a tool for positive change."

In the Open, Vietnamese GMs will face strong rivals such as Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So of the US, Arjun Erigaisi and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa of India, Wei Yi and Yu Yangyi of China and Magnus Carlsen of Norway.

In the women's pool, title favourites will be those from Georgia, India, China meanwhile Poland and Azerbaijan are considered potential medallists.

"Bringing together acclaimed heavyweights and rising stars from all across the globe playing for their national teams, the Chess Olympiad is an event like no other. We are in for an eleven-day magnificent spectacle showcasing chess brilliance in Budapest," FIDE added.

Vietnam did not take part in the previous event in 2022, which saw Uzbekistan take the men's title while Ukraine topped the women's podium./.

HCM City serves 23 million visitors in seven months

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed more than 3 million foreign tourists and 20 million domestic visitors in the first seven months of 2024, according to the municipal Department of Tourism.

The figures represented a year-on-year increase of 30.3% and 7.6%, respectively.

The city earned over 108 trillion VND (4.3 billion USD) in revenue from tourism from January to July, up 15.4% over the same period last year.

According to Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, the agency will advise the municipal People’s Committee to approve the "Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Development Strategy to 2030", and continue to implement the "Smart Tourism Development Project in Ho Chi Minh City for the 2021-2025 period".

The city’s tourism sector will roll out distinctive tourism products in Thu Duc city and districts, as well as develop waterway tourism, cultural and historical tourism, agriculture and ecological tourism, night-time tourism, and MICE, she added.

Notably, it will organise the 18th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City – ITE HCMC 2024 in early September. The event aims to accelerate the recovery and growth of the southern economic hub's tourism sector.

Themed “Responsible Travel – Creating Future,” it plans a variety of activities promoting key tourist destinations and services in Vietnam, with a goal of expanding the international tourist market and increasing the flow of visitors between countries to optimize tourism revenue.

To date, the organizer has registered around 500 domestic and international exhibitors, who will showcase travel destinations, tourism technology, and products.

The event is expected to welcome around 220 international buyers from over 45 countries and territories, including senior executives from travel agencies, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) organizers, luxury travel companies, and other key stakeholders interested in the Vietnamese market.

On the sidelines, participants will be treated to forums, conferences, seminars, and specialised tourism events./.

Health ministry ensures sufficient supply of vaccines, medical equipment

The Ministry of Health has directed relevant units to ensure the adequate supply of vaccines, medical equipment, and supplies; and also instructed local authorities to proactively carry out immunisation activities.

The ministry noted that the global situation of infectious diseases remains complex, with many diseases, including dengue fever, measles, and whooping cough, seeing increases in the numbers of infections in several countries. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected vaccination rates for children worldwide and in Vietnam.

It said that it issued the 2024 disease prevention and control plan, along with documents regarding the implementation of disease prevention and control measures. It has also been closely monitoring both international and domestic disease situations while proactively directing the implementation of preventive measures such as surveillance, early detection of cases, management, treatment, and emergency care for patients; and encouraging sufficient vaccination.

In addition, the ministry has coordinated with other ministries, agencies, and the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to drastically carry out various prevention and control measures, and enhance surveillance and conduct sample testing in order to early detect cases and outbreaks in communities and healthcare facilities.

The ministry has directed local health authorities to promote regular vaccination for individuals covered by the Expanded Programme on Immunisation to ensure safety and effectiveness, and review and organise catch-up and supplementary vaccinations. It has also encouraged families to ensure their children receive complete and timely vaccinations, and promoted immunisation for pregnant women.

Localities were required to organise activities to prevent and control epidemics, especially dengue fever, and campaigns to kill mosquito larvae by spraying chemicals in risky areas.

It is also necessary to implement preventive measures in educational institutions, especially kindergartens, preschools, and nurseries; effectively carry out school communications on disease prevention and control, and vaccination; and improve school health work to early detect and promptly handle suspected cases, the ministry stressed./.

Vietnam, Australia enhance cooperation in science, technology, innovation

A delegation of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) led by Deputy Minister Tran Hong Thai has paid a working visit to Australia to boost bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation.

During the eight-day visit ending August 10, the delegation held working sessions with the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DoISR) and the Australian Research Council (ARC) in Canberra.

Working with the DoISR, Thai discussed some contents relating to the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation Development until 2030, promulgated in 2022. He said that the MoST is implementing some priorities such as perfecting legal framework for science, technology and innovation activities through amending the Law on Science and Technology 2013 towards approaching international standards, the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations, and the Law on Atomic Energy.

To perform these tasks well, the ministry needs the involvement of domestic and international organisations and experts, especially those from the DoISR, he noted.

The host shared its experience in developing and implementing science and technology development policies, priority areas of the Australian Government such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing industries and emission reduction technology, as well as policies related to intellectual property protection and attraction of participation and funding from the international community for research projects.

Both host and guest will continue to coordinate in managing and effectively implementing collaboration programmes to connect the innovation ecosystems of the two countries, serving the national targets of sustainable socio-economic development based on science, technology and innovation, as well as further promoting cooperation between the two countries in this field.

At a working session with the ARC, Thai suggested the council share experience on the organisation model; sponsoring activities; inspection, evaluation and acceptance of scientific and technological projects, handling of project assets, valuation of products/intellectual property formed from research results, and commercialisation of these results.

The two sides exchanged and proposed orientations for cooperation in science, technology and innovation activities in the coming time such as training and exchanging staff or experts, building joint research projects, enhancing research funding cooperation, using funding from Vietnam, Australia and other multilateral funding sources.

Within the framework of the working trip, the delegation visited and held working sessions with the Vietnamese Embassy, some Australian universities such as Monash University, Melbourne University and RMIT University as well as Vietnamese Australian Scholars & Experts Association (VASEA) in Australia./.

Source: VNA//VNS/VOV/SGGP/VGP