The Vietnam Student Association at the Australian University of Wollongong in Sydney has organised the “VGong's Got Talent 2023” contest, aiming to spark students' creativity, passion and talent as well as promote the image of Vietnam among local and international friends.

Held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia, the event is also intended to strengthen understanding in culture, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

This edition of "VGong's Got Talent" attracted 30 performances after two months. Of these, eight outstanding performances were selected to perform at the final of the competition (August 17).

A special feature of the programme is the combination of performances of Vietnamese students which are imbued with national cultural identity and those performed by indigenous Australians.

In his remarks at the opening of the event, Vietnamese Consul General in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia Nguyen Dang Thang, hailed the creativity and enthusiasm of the Vietnamese students in organising such an event, hoping that they will actively contribute to foster Vietnam-Australia relations.

Professor Theo Farrell, Vice President of the University of Wollongong, considered "VGong's Got Talent" a great programme, a testament to the spirit and enthusiasm of the youth. It is also a way for international students to integrate into the life and culture of Australia as well as enrich the multi-ethnic culture of this Oceanian nation.

Deputy PM congratulates Buddhist dignitaries on Vu Lan Festival

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang on August 19 visited the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in Ho Chi Minh City to congratulate the dignitaries, monks and nuns on the occasion of the Vu Lan Festival 2023.

At Vietnam National Pagoda in District 10, Quang inquired into the health of Thich Tri Quang, supreme patriarch of the Patronage Council of the VBS, and Thich Thien Nhon, president of the Executive Council of the VBS.

He congratulated the dignitaries, as well as other Buddhist monks and nuns on Vu Lan festival 2023, an important religious ritual of Buddhists during the year.

He expressed his belief that the VBS together with the dignitaries, monks and nuns and Buddhist followers will actively take part in patriotic emulation movements and charity activities, while making further contributions to the common work of the country.

Supreme patriarch Thich Tri Quang briefed his guest on the VBS’s recent activities, saying after the VBS successfully held the ninth National Buddhist Congress in November 2022, the Patronage Council and Executive Council of the VBS have worked out plans of actions to realize the resolutions and objectives adopted at the congress.

The superior monk also talked about the significance of the Vu Lan festival (Ullambana festival). The festival, an important Buddhist ritual, is usually held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month during which Buddhist followers show filial piety to their parents.

Hanoi active in implementing UCCN commitments

Hanoi, which has joined the UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for four years, is actively implementing its committed initiatives, including three at local level and three at international level.

At the local level, the city has built a Hanoi Creative Design Centre, while constructing and supporting the development of creative spaces, and organising a creative talent TV programme. 

The Hanoi Creative Design Centre is now in its first phase with the pilot operations at the Hanoi Museum, focusing on connecting, coordinating and providing information on creative design and hosting some activities and exchanges of creative spaces.

The city wants to develop another creative design centre for the promotion and selling of OCOP products, products of trade villages in association with tourism development in localities across the city.

The capital city has built and support the development of creative spaces by organising creative activities in pedestrians’ streets, connecting and enhancing the capacity of creative spaces, and forming creative spaces at craft villages.

Meanwhile, the Hanoi creative talent TV programme is being broadcast by the Hanoi Radio and Television Station.

The three international-scale initiatives include the organisation of a Hanoi Creative Design Festival (already held in 2022), the hosting of the UCCN Southeast Asia Forum (slated for November this year), and the building of a network of young creative designers through the organisation of contests and activities linking creative spaces, universities, organisations and individuals.

Hanoi has also participated in all meetings and seminars of the UCCN Asia-Pacific as well as other relevant meetings and conference in many countries in the region and the world. At the same time, the city has also called for the engagement and support from departments, sectors, organisations, businesses and local residents as well as international partners in building a creative city.

Vietnam attends first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit

Several Vietnamese delegates are attending the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, which is currently taking place in Gandhinagar of Gujarat state in India.

The event, held alongside the G20 health ministerial meeting, seeks to mobilise political commitment and evidence-based action on traditional medicine, which is the first port of call for millions of people worldwide in order to address their health and well-being needs.

The Global Summit, co-hosted by the World Health Organisation and the Indian Government, serves as a platform for all stakeholders, including traditional medicine workers, users, policymakers, and international organisations, among others, to share best practices and game-changing evidence, along with showcasing data and innovation on the contribution of traditional medicine to health and sustainable development.

Addressing the event, Nguyen Thi Huong Lien, co-founder and vice director of Sao Thai Duong Joint Stock Company of Vietnam, highlighted several important aspects of promoting innovation in traditional medicine and recommended several strategic solutions and necessary actions to be taken moving forward.

She also shared Government orientations for the development of traditional medicine in Vietnam, as well as the application of scientific and technological advances in medical examination and treatment and manufacturing of traditional medicine in the country.

For centuries, traditional and complementary medicine has been an integral resource for health in households and communities. Indeed, it has been at the frontier of medicine and science, laying the foundation for conventional medical texts.

According to the WHO, around 40% of pharmaceutical products today have a natural product basis, whilst landmark drugs derive from traditional medicine, including aspirin, artemisinin, and childhood cancer treatments.

There are growing industries for herbal medicines, natural products, health, wellness, and related travel. Currently, 170 Member States reported to the WHO on the use of traditional medicine and have requested evidence and data to inform policies, standards, and regulation for its safe, cost-effective and equitable use. 

Ceramic works depicting VN’s sacred animals on display

‘Linh Kê’ is one of artisan Tước’s most favourite pieces. — Photo phatgiaodoisong.vn

Ceramic objects depicting sacred animals from Vietnamese culture are on display at an exhibition at the Việt Nam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hà Nội.

Linh Thú Ngày Nay (Sacred Animals Nowadays) presents more than 30 artworks created by Trần Nam Tước, who has pursued the subject of sacred animals since he made acquaintance with pottery and ceramic making 32 years ago.

On display are most of his best works created over the decades, including a unicorn, worshipping horse, dragon and lion.

One of his most favourite objects is the work Linh Kê which was inspired by the image of the Mandarin Duck – a creature that is the symbol of symbol of faithfulness and love. However, Tước has added the chicken comb on top, and carved a rich peony pattern on its body, creating a new and artful version.

According to the artist, the versatility of the clay material allows him to create different shapes. The most challenge is to make the objects soulful, at the same time present the artist’s distinctive style.

Although Tước has applied the traditional techniques on ceramic making, he has been creative in forming the shape as well as in using the colours of ceramic glaze.

He said that a perfect work has got through a sophisticated process of seven steps.

First, the artisan needs to draw a sketch that he has created based on folktales. The sketch then will be developed more details, which are then necessary for a 3D design. Next will be the mold making, producing, glaze coating and baking.

“I’ve been through different feelings when I see my works completed," Tước said.

"Sometimes I burst into joy because the products came out the kiln exactly like what I’ve expected. And sometimes I was disappointed when the products got failed.

It was when the objects get crack during the baking process or the glaze shade is not as my expectation.”

‘Lân Sư’ is among more than 30 works displayed at the exhibition. — Photo phatgiaodoisong.vn

However, the failure is not something rare, “because it is not always to have a perfect product in the first attempt.”

Whenever the artist creates a new object, “the only thing I’ve been thinking about is how to let people see the ethnicity and authenticity in those products."

“In the old days, objects depicting the sacred animals can only be seen in religious venues, presenting a solemn spirit. But, at present, those kinds of objects are more applicable and can be used as decorative objects,” he added.

Tước hopes his artworks can attract the interest of public among different generations, especially the younger ones.

Commented on the exhibition, President of the Việt Nam Association of Fine Arts Lương Xuân Đoàn said: “The event is an evidence showing that the Vietnamese traditional heritage has been developing in modern life as well as in Việt Nam’s contemporary fine arts.”

He has hailed the creative ability of Tước that offer attractive visual effect for viewers.

Artisan Trần Nam Tước speaks to guests at the exhibition. — Photo phatgiaodoisong.vn

Born with the real name of Trần Xuân Triều, in Thái Bình Province, Tước nurtured a special interest with traditional folk culture that has been presented strongly in numerous of temples and pagodas in his homeland.

In 1996, Tước came to Bát Tràng Village in Hà Nội, famous for its century-old ceramic-making history, to become a helper at different workshops.

Without professional training, he has accumulated his knowledge and skill by his first-hand experiences. Alongside, he has also devoted to learn and dig down into the field.

His efforts were rewarded when he has been granted the Meticulous Artisan title by the culture ministry, becoming the first ever non-native villager receiving the honour.

His work Dragon Head was chosen to be a gift for the then US President Barack Obama when he visited Việt Nam in 2016. Another his work, the doorset Trung Hiếu Môn, won the first prize at the National Applicable Fine Arts Exhibition in 2019.

The Linh Thú Ngày Nay exhibition opens to public until August 20. The National Museum of Fine Arts is at 66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Ba Đình, Hà Nội. All the artworks at the exhibition have been purchased by a local collector. 

Vietnamese swimming team gear up for ASIAD

The national swimming team is gearing up for the 19th Asian Games (ASIAD) to be held in China next month.

Nguyễn Huy Hoàng, Phạm Thanh Bảo, and Trần Hưng Nguyên are considered key players on the team and are currently undergoing intensive training in Hungary with the goal of excelling in the continental event.

The team's medal hopes rest on Hoàng, who previously won a silver medal in the men's 1,500m and a bronze medal in the men's 800m freestyle at the ASIAD 2018. He is expected to aim for a higher podium finish in this year's event.

Nguyễn Thị Huyền, responsible for swimming at the Sports Authority of Việt Nam under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said: "The Vietnamese swimming team's focus at ASIAD 19 will be on Hoàng's performance in the 1,500m category. We hope he can outperform his previous achievements."

In the ASIAD 18 held in Indonesia, Hoàng completed the 1,500m race with a time of 15:01.63, securing the silver medal while yielding the gold to his Chinese rival Sun Yang, who finished in 14:58.53.

However, Hoàng now has an opportunity as Sun Yang is ineligible to participate in ASIAD 19 due to a four-year ban for doping. Nevertheless, the competition in the 1,500m event is still expected to be fierce, as Chinese swimming boasts several potential athletes who are capable of filling Sun Yang's shoes.

Swimmer Liwei Fei has caused a major surprise by temporarily leading the Asian men's 1,500m swimming rankings in 2023 with a time of 14 minutes 46 seconds 59, surpassing Sun Yang's performance in the Asian Games 18.

In 2022, Hoàng briefly held the top spot in Asia in the 1,500m category when he achieved a time of 15 minutes 00 seconds 75. His performance dipped to 15 minutes 11 seconds 24 at the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia. However, his best performance is calculated for the ASIAD 19, not the tournament in Cambodia.

Apart from their goal of winning medals at ASIAD 19, the Vietnamese team is also aiming to secure spots at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

During the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Hoàng and Nguyễn Thị Ánh Viên represented Việt Nam.

Talented Vietnamese swimmer Nguyễn Hữu Kim Sơn will not be joining the national team to compete at ASIAD 19, as he has decided to retire from the national team in order to focus on his studies.

Sơn was seen as a swimmer with the potential to achieve success for the nation at ASIAD 19. He won gold medals at the 29th SEA Games in 2017 and the 31st SEA Games in 2022. Additionally, he achieved a ranking of 27th at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships held in Japan.

The 19th Asian Games will take place from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, China, with the participation of 45 countries and territories. Việt Nam will be sending a delegation of 320 athletes to the tournament. 

Việt Nam prepares for AFF U23 tournament

Coach Hoàng Anh Tuấn of Việt Nam confirmed many of his players will be teenagers at the 2023 AFF U23 Championship.

Việt Nam are in Group C and will play Laos on August 20 and the Philippines two days later.

"Việt Nam comes here as the defending champion but many players in my team are juniors. We have only three who are 22, the rest are from 18 to 20, and even a 17-year-old," said Tuấn at a press conference on August 17 afternoon in Rayong. "My young players will have chances to test their skills and experience an international football atmosphere. We are confident to have a successful tournament as we want to (at least) advance to the final match."

The U20 World Cup 2017 coach said he was faced with challenges when preparing for the tournament because the domestic leagues were ongoing so he could only have all the players for training for one day before leaving for Thailand.

He said many key players did not have enough time to practise with their teammates, leading to miscommunication and a lack of cohesion.

On August 14, Việt Nam had a friendly match against Bahrain which ended 1-1 in official time. Việt Nam then lost 3-5 in the shootout.

Asking about the two rivals in easy Group C, Tuấn said he respected all teams and wished them good luck. His team would have three more days to practise while watching the other teams competing.

In Group A's briefing, Thailand head coach Issara Sritaro believed that the championship was the perfect avenue for players to shine and create a name for themselves.

Issara said that the teams they will be up against are familiar opponents which they had faced previously at the SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia in the middle of this year.

“We have played against Myanmar before (at the SEA Games) but tomorrow will depend on the condition of the day,” Issara told aseanfootball.org. “The players should know that this tournament is a great chance for players to shine. As the head coach, I expect to be the champion but there’s no pressure.”

Added Myanmar head coach Michael Feichtenbeiner: “We are in a very good situation with no injuries in the squad. We have brought in some young players to test them out. We have played against Thailand and Cambodia before at the SEA Games while this will be our first experience against Brunei.”

Meanwhile, coach Atsushi Hanita of Brunei said his team trained for several weeks and last week played against Laos, which was a good match as they now know what they need to improve on.

“We are looking forward to our first game where we hope that we can give a good account of ourselves,” he said

Cambodia head coach Felix Dalmas said a new generation of Cambodian players would take part in the event. They were excited to play against the best players from the region.

“This is a good tournament where we can not only improve ourselves but also improve the standard of football across the region,” he said.

Transparent regulation for ambulance ride costs needed

Transparency in pricing for ambulance rides is needed because there has been no regulation for this service; so responsible agencies can’t handle if there is a dispute between patients’ relatives and transportation companies.

Although many transportation companies transport are licensed to carry patients, they don’t have a fixed price list that regulates the fees for this type of service, leading to price fluctuations while patients’ relatives have no choice.

According to a representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, nine establishments are currently licensed emergency services according to the Decree 155/2018/ND-CP.

In addition, thousands of ambulances have been operating to provide transportation services for patients registered by the Ho Chi Minh City Police and licensed by the Department of Health. However, no one agency has assumed responsibility for controlling this service, so the costs of ambulance vehicles fluctuated affecting patients.

The 115 Emergency Center in Ho Chi Minh City has publicly listed the price of ambulance transportation, hospital transfer and patient transportation on request on the center's website. Specifically, the price is calculated according to the actual number of kilometers according to the vehicle's meter, which is VND20,000 per km.

The 115 Saigon Company in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 10 also published the price of ambulance transfer of VND 300,000 within the first 4km and the price will gradually decrease to VND 10,000-VND25,000 per km for the following distance.

The Ho Chi Minh City Family Clinic Company announced the list price of an ambulance ride. The cost of an ambulance to transfer to a hospital in the inner city of Ho Chi Minh City for a daytime emergency (from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) is VND 3,820,000 and a nighttime emergency (from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. next day) of VND 8,065,000. That’s the price of a basic life support ambulance transfer.

Deputy Director of Hanoi-based 115 Emergency Center Tran Anh Thang said that currently, the Hanoi People's Committee decided the cost of emergency vehicle rides for patients in 2018. Specifically, the distance of 5-10km to perform on-site emergency and transport patients to the hospital is VND750,000. A nurse and a paramedic will accompany ambulance services. Patients do not have to pay any other costs except transportation fees.

Many transportation companies have not listed the prices of a single emergency vehicle ride. The 115 An Tam Company in Binh Chanh District has not clearly publicized price lists on the company's website. The company just announced VND 1.5 million for a single emergency vehicle ride without a nurse and VND 1.7 million for a nurse.

Used to use emergency transportation services, 68-year-old Vu Thi Anh in District 11 said that ambulance service is necessary for a family with elderly relatives. Most patients and their families do not pay much attention to the cost of transportation, so whatever price the transportation company proposed was also acceptable. However, ambulance ride costs will be a burden for poor and low-income people amid the lack of a specific regulation on emergency transportation costs.

Many people also pointed out that the absence of a specific price frame will lead to inconsistent service prices; patients’ relatives are hence forced to charge high prices from service providers. Without regulations of management agencies, it will create loopholes and opportunities for units and individuals providing ambulance services to take advantage of patients.

They proposed that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance need to coordinate to come up with a frame rate for ambulance services outside hospitals.

According to the Ministry of Health, although there is currently no specific price bracket for emergency transportation charges, the Ministry has regulated transportation support for patients in its Decree 146/2018/ND-CP on the implementation of the Law on Health Insurance

Vegan food festival to be held in HCMC

A three-day vegan food festival will take place the Canh Doi Park in HCMC’s District 7, starting on August 25.
 
The event co-organized by the People’s Committee of District 7 and the HCMC Food and Beverage Association is expected to attract more than 200 stalls featuring diverse clean, green, and plant-based food.

There will be a cooking contest titled “Green Chef 2023”, a competition on preparation for a vegan banquet and a vegan buffet serving more than 10,000 people, and music performances.

On the occasion of the Vu Lan festival celebration that falls on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Lunar Calendar, many restaurants in the city have offered vegetarian buffets and added vegetarian dishes to their menu.

Northern mountainous region at risk of landslides, land subsidence, inundation

The Northern mountainous localities were required to urgently deal with the coming torrential rain days along with risks of land subsidence, landslides and inundation.

The requirement was under an official letter from the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control on August 17 right after receiving the latest weather forecast and reports for the region from the National Center for Hydrology Meteorology Forecasting.

According to the weather agency, from the night of August 18 to August 19, the Northern mountainous region is forecast to experience a wave of tropical downpours with torrential rainfall exceeding 150 mm along with a high risk of flash flood and landslide in mountainous areas and inundation in low-lying areas.

Therefore, the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control required that localities in the affected region need to closely monitor weather forecasts and warnings and timely provide information to authorities and people, especially in areas where torrential rains, flash floods and landslides have occurred recently.

It is essential to arrange specialized forces and rescuers and check and review residential areas along rivers, streams and low-lying areas with high risks of flooding, flash floods and landslides to proactively evacuate people to safe places.

Hanoi culture-inspired mooncakes hit the market

Folk paintings, ca tru singing, and traditional lacquer art of Hanoi has become the inspiration for artisans to make mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival this year.

The Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the eighth lunar month or September 29 this year) is approaching, businesses are also starting to introduce unique collections of mooncakes that are not only delicious but also carry a cultural story.

This year, the Hanoi mooncake market is vibrant with many mooncake collections inspired by the capital's culture.

With inspiration from the traditional lacquer painting "Autumn Moon Shadow" by artist Hoang Huu Van, a moon cake collection called Moonlight has just been launched in Hanoi as part of the "Moon n Sun Project - Touching a Dream".

The painting tells the story of a full moon night in August, with a little girl's dreamy eyes looking up at the sky and the familiar images of the Mid-Autumn Festival: lion dance, lantern procession and moon cakes.

Using traditional colors, Autumn Moon Shadow conveys a sense of nostalgia, bringing viewers back to their childhood atmosphere of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, which is deeply etched in the memories of many Vietnamese people.

This painting inspired Hoang My Lien, CEO of Moon n Sun Company, to develop a collection of mooncakes stored in lacquer boxes made by artisans from Ha Thai Lacquer Village in Hanoi.

According to Lien, Mid-Autumn Festival is the most awaited festival among children, a chance for family members to reunite and enjoy a feast under the moonlight. It is a memory in every person. It evokes traditional cultural values attached to every Vietnamese family.

That's why she put a special touch on this cultural product to make this year's mooncake market unique.

"The cultural and artistic background is a valuable material for applied product design to add value to Vietnamese products while spreading culture in a new and attractive way. With this project, we want to tell the public many stories about Vietnamese culture and tradition," Lien said.

With the same inspiration of moonlight, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel releases the Moonlight Symphony mooncake collection.

Set against a backdrop of vibrant colors, mosaic art takes center stage with its eye-catching and intricate geometric patterns.

Featuring the essence of premium ingredients along with an esoteric recipe aged for nearly three decades, this mooncake collection represents the quintessential fusion of traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Hyatt Regency West Hanoi also draws inspiration from Hanoi's culture and heritage.

Ca tru (ceremonial singing) is an exceptional form of musical expression that embodies an exquisite fusion of lyrical poetry and mellifluous melodies while resonating with the elegance of Trang An (Hanoi's informal name). This radiant national pride has been solemnly recognized not only throughout Vietnam but also by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage for all mankind.

For Mid-Autumn Festival 2023, Hyatt Regency West Hanoi is collaborating with artist Nguyen Duc Dai Duong to create an artwork entitled Oanh vang ky ngo (Rendezvous of Beautiful Voices) - a vivid depiction of a traditional ca tru performance within the timeless space of ancient Thang Long, showcasing the harmonious blend of poetry, music and painting; bridging the past and the present while conveying a message of unity, abundance, happiness and togetherness during this festive lunar season.

Each mooncake box plays an important role as a cultural ambassador, embodying pride and spreading our commitment to preserving ca tru as an intangible heritage of mankind," said Duong.

Ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has launched six distinctive moon cakes in special gift boxes inspired by the new charm of the hotel's century-old Metropole Wing.

Inspired by exquisite 18th-century toile de jouy printed fabrics, the boxes feature enchanting scenes of old Hanoi illustrated in monochromatic hues. Each brushstroke breathes life into the fabric, creating a tableau that celebrates the city's rich heritage. Adorned with lavish gold foil accents, the boxes add a touch of opulence and grandeur, embodying the spirit of celebration and abundance.

This year's Mooncakes, created by Metropole Hanoi's culinary team, come in six unique flavors: Traditional Mix; Black Sesame and Sunflower Seed; Orange and Grand Marnier; Green Bean, Apricot and Salted Egg; Vietnamese Coffee and Mixed Nuts; and Mango, Passion Fruit and Vanilla.

Inspired by the traditional Hang Trong woodblock painting from Hanoi's Old Quarter - Ly Ngu Vong Nguyet (Carps Gazing Mid-Autumn Moon), the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel's Mooncake Collection depicts a pair of carps chasing the brilliant reflection of the full moon on the surface of the water.

The carp have been engraved in the minds of many Vietnamese people for many generations, appearing through the legend of the Kitchen Gods or the story of crossing the Dragon Gate with a strong, resilient spirit, always pursuing good values. There is also the poetic image of the moon, which represents wealth, fulfillment and prosperity.

The Swiss brand Davidoff Café has also been inspired by the folk painting Carps Gazing Mid-Autumn Moon to launch a moon cake collection that combines tradition and modernity. The Davidoff Mooncake, an innovation in the field of savory cakes, is wrapped in a fine layer of traditional Japanese mochi to ensure that the taste lingers long after the last piece has been eaten. Davidoff's signature tiramisu flavor, which has won the hearts of even the most discerning customers, is also featured in this moon cake collection.

Master plan for social assistance facilities network for 2021-2030 period approved

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed a decision approving a master plan for the development of a network of social assistance facilities for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

The plan aims to ensure that at least 90% of people in extremely difficult circumstances without caregivers are given consultation and assistance and managed by social assistance facilities by 2030, with priority given to lonely or social isolated elderly people, people with mental disorders or severe disabilities, children in difficult circumstances, and victims of family violence or human trafficking. 

Another target is that at least 90% of drug addicts on official management records can access counseling and drug addiction treatment, as well as assistance to integrate into the community. 

Under the plan, Vietnam will have at least 725 social service facilities by 2030, including at least 90 establishments taking care of the elderly; at least 94 providing care and rehabilitation for people with mental disorders; at least 130 drug rehabilitation centres; at least 130 establishments taking care of children with special circumstances; at least 117 for people with disabilities and at least 164 general social protection establishments and social work centres.

The number of people with extremely difficult circumstances receiving care at social assistance facilities will be raised from 45,000 in 2020 to 65,000 by 2030, including at least 10,000 elderly people.

The master plan will ensure sufficient provision of social assistance services to all people who are at drug rehabilitation centres, which is expected to reach 86,000 by 2030.

The infrastructure of social assistance establishments will be upgraded or built to meet standards and criteria as prescribed by law.

Regarding the contingent staff of these facilities, they will be developed in terms of number and professional qualifications in line with regulations on social assistance and the establishment's requirements.

Hanoi seeks ways to promote nighttime tourism

Hanoi is a pioneer in developing night-time tourism and now there are various options for visitors to do in Hanoi at night. However, to attract visitors, Hanoi’s night tourism still needs a strategic plan, according to experts.

A number of tourism attractions in the city have offered tours designed especially for the nighttime. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a World Heritage site has created a 120-minute night tour called “Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.” 

In July 2022, Hoa Lo Prison in the city also launched night tours taking visitors on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Using light and sound effects, the 45-minute tour, called “Sacred Night - Glorious Vietnamese Spirit”, tells the story of the prison, once called “hell on earth”.

The tours are available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and are not recommended for children under 16 years of age.

Late last year, the Vietnam Literature Museum, which covers an area of around 3,000sq.m and features displays of more than 3,454 artifacts representing the quintessence of Vietnamese literature, started offering night tours every Saturday and Sunday.

Those night tours are often fully booked, proving their popularity. Many travel businesses have included those night tours in the journeys of domestic and international tourists.

Although Hanoi night tour products have brought great experiences to visitors, creating a unique feature of Hanoi's tourism, Hanoi’s night tourism faced problems relating to size, linkage, and quality of the tours.

Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued Decision 1894/QD-BVHTTDL on a project to develop various models of night tourism products, offering a wide variety of activities such as cultural and art shows, sport and health-beauty care, shopping and food. 

Under the project, Hanoi is expected to have night entertainment complexes.

Phung Quang Thang, vice chairman of the Vietnam Travel Association said that tourism activities in the night economy require the participation of many sectors and especially people.

To get their engagement, appropriate mechanisms and policies are needed, especially specific ones for night economic activities, from which Hanoi can develop specific tourism products such as cultural tourism, food tourism, or shopping tourism.

In Hanoi, night economic activities are mostly developed in the Old Quater area in the Hoan Kiem district.

Thang suggested the city develop specialised night tours combined with food tours.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research suggested the city study and expand night tourism products such as the Red River tour, and more modern shopping centres in the city’s inner areas.

Other experts said that Hanoi needs to expand the areas for night economic development, instead of just the Old Quater area.

The director of the city’s Department of Tourism, Dang Huong Giang said that the department is drafting a plan on activities to develop Hanoi night tourism products.

By the end of the year, the city will launch some more night tourism products to further attract tourists, she said.

Vietnam, Cambodia enhance defence cooperation

Maj. Gen. Pham Truong Son, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 18 for Lieut. Gen. Neum Balen, head of the Operations Department under the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces High Command.

Speaking at the meeting, Son said that in the coming time, the Departments of Operations of the two armies should strengthen coordination and direct the implementation of tasks set out in the 2023 cooperation plan between the two defence ministries, work closely to maintain security and order in border areas, and step up training and assistance for each other.

Leaders of the VPA’s General Staff always support and create all favourable conditions for the two departments to intensify cooperation, thus contributing to further deepening the Vietnam-Cambodia defence ties, he added.

Informing the host of the outcomes of the talks between his delegation with a delegation of the VPA General Staff’s Operations Department, Neum Balen said that the two sides had exchanged views on important cooperation contents, and agreed to coordinate in implementing activities for 2023 such as anti-terrorism drills, a border defence friendship exchange between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia by the year-end, and search for the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who sacrificed while carrying out international missions.

He expressed his hope that the two sides will maintain cooperation and mutual support to contribute to strengthening friendship between the armies and people of Cambodia and Vietnam for peace and stability in the region.

Gathering in HCM City marks Hungary's National Day

The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) held a gathering on August 18 to celebrate the National Day of Hungary (August 20), expressing its wish to cultivate fine relationship between the people of the city and Hungary.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of HCM City's Vietnam-Hungary Friendship Association Le Minh Triet said over the past more than seven decades, Vietnam and Hungary have kept fostering their friendship and cooperation.

Within the framework of the bilateral comprehensive partnership, the rapid development have been seen in trade, education-training. The potential for further expansion of cooperation remains significant, as each country possesses specific strengths that can complement each other.

HCM City and the capital city of Budapest already signed a friendship and cooperation agreement. District 1 of HCM City and District 11 of Budapest also inked a twinning agreement, he said.

Consul General of Hungary in HCM City Lehocz Gabor said the Hungarian Government always prioritises tightening relations with Vietnam.

He also pledged to develop friendly relations between the two countries through cultural, technological, and economic exchange activities.

Participants at the event were treated to traditional music performances staged by artists of the two countries.

Party, State, Government always accompany education sector: PM

The Party, State, and Government will always accompany and join hands with the education sector to deal with difficulties and challenges faced by the sector and over 1 million teachers who are tirelessly contributing to the education cause, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The PM made the statement at a conference held in both online and in-person forms on August 18 by the Ministry of Education and Training to review the sector's performance in the 2022-2023 academic year and launch tasks for the 2023-2024 school year.

PM Chinh said the fundamental and comprehensive renewal of education and training is a major direction of the Party and State. Throughout this process, it is essential to inherit and capitalise on the past achievements, cultivate new factors, selectively adopt global experiences that are suitable for Vietnam's conditions and situation, and resolutely correct misconceptions and misguided practices. Solutions should be coherent, feasible, with clear priorities and focal points, along with a well-structured roadmap and suitable steps.

Ministries, agencies and localities were assigned to continue reviewing, amending and supplementing regulations, mechanisms, policies, and legal frameworks in a timely manner to facilitate innovation in education and training while reviewing the 10-year implementation of the Party Central Committee’s Resolution on the fundamental and comprehensive renewal of education and training.

The government leader requested adding incentives for teachers, including financial solutions to support pre-school teachers and those in remote and disadvantaged areas, and upgrading facilities and teaching equipment there, especially digital infrastructure and internet connection.

PM Chinh believed that the sector will accomplish all assigned tasks during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son said in the 2022-2023 academic year, the enrollment rate of preschool children increased by 4.6% compared to the previous academic year. Up to 98.81% of pupils nationwide completed elementary curricula.

All provinces and centrally-run cities met the standards for universal primary education, he said, adding that according to the Global Education Rankings 2021, Vietnam ranked 59th in the world, up five places compared to the previous year.

Pacific Partnership 2023 wraps up in Phu Yen

The Pacific Partnership 2023 (PP23) wrapped up in Tuy Hoa city, the south central province of Phu Yen on August 18.

Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said the PP23 is clear evidence of the members’ commitment to security cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy, demonstrating the shared interests of the involved parties in regional stability and security through activities aimed at enhancing disaster response capabilities and providing humanitarian support when necessary.

This is prominently manifested as engineers, doctors and experts work closely with the Vietnamese partners to contribute to improving the local lives in Phu Yen.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of bilateral comprehensive partnership, the US will do its utmost to enhance bilateral ties in the humanitarian field. Over the past 18 years, the programme has translated leaders' commitments into numerous specific activities, striving for a safer and more secure future for the people, he said.

Held from August 9-18, the PP23 featured school construction, medical training workshops, free surgeries for local residents, and musical exchanges, among others.

Earlier, Ambassador Knapper attended and cut the ribbon to inaugurate three classrooms at Hoa Dinh Tay elementary school funded by the PP23.

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