Vietnam topped the medal tally at the 2024 Southeast Asia (SEA) Rowing and Canoeing, U19 and U23 Championships which concluded in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 7.

Vietnamese athletes grabbed 58 gold medals, leaving Thailand and Singapore behind in second and third places with 13 gold medals and nine gold medals respectively.

Indonesia clinched four gold medals while Malaysia secured three gold medals, finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

Cambodia stood at the bottom of the medal tally, pocketing 3 bronze medals.

The Southeast Asia (SEA) Rowing and Canoeing, U19 and U23 Championships is a reputable tournament in Southeast Asia.

This year’s event lasting from June 24 to July 7 brought together more than 500 officials and athletes of rowing and canoeing from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The 2024 edition provided an excellent opportunity for athletes to hone in skills ahead of international competitions, including the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand next year.

Japan, Vietnam bolster cooperation on advanced technology solutions

The Vietnam-Japan Digital Transformation Association (VADX JAPAN) made its debut in Japan on July 7, with the association set to become a platform to connect local firms operating in the information technology (IT) sector in Japan, while boosting ties and sharing innovations and advanced technology solutions between the two countries.

As part of his address at the launching ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu emphasized that since 2005 when the first Vietnamese IT enterprise opened a branch in Japan, more than 60 enterprises have opened branches or established new branches in the Far East Asian nation.

The establishment of VADX JAPAN shows the rapid maturity of Vietnamese IT businesses in Japan with a growth in their reputation, quality, human resource scale, revenue, and development opportunities in the future.

Moving forward, the association will serve as a bridge to connect the community of Vietnamese IT businesses based in Japan. These firms have high determination to take the lead in promoting digital transformation and making practical contributions to the development of joint ties between the two countries for the benefit of the communities and people of the two sides.

On behalf of the association’s executive committee, Do Van Khac, chairman of the group, affirmed that the association is not only a place to connect businesses operating in the field of digital transformation and innovation, but is also destined to become a firm bridge to bring innovations and technological solutions from Vietnam to Japan and vice versa.

Furthermore, both nations’ IT businesses will have plenty of opportunities to co-operate together, thereby making an important contribution to consolidating and improving the quality of IT human resources that Japan is currently lacking.

The association is poised to launch a string of activities aimed at promoting innovation, technology transfer, research, development, and application of advanced digital technology for its members.

For human resource development, the group aims to build a contingent of tens of thousands of high-quality engineers in Japan and hundreds of thousands of engineers proficient in Japanese in Vietnam.

This will help deal with Japan's shortage of human resources, estimated to be at nearly 800,000 people by 2030, according to data from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

In particular, personnel in new technology fields such as Cloud, Big Data, AI, Blockchain, and VR/XR will be given priority in the context that the Far East nation is actively developing advanced technologies to build “Society 5.0” model.

Currently, Vietnamese IT businesses in Japan are growing very strongly in both quantity and quality. Among them, there are more than 10 enterprises with over 1,000 businesses such as FPT, Rikkeisoft, VTI, NTQ, and CMC. The total number of firms providing IT services to Japanese companies has reached nearly 500.

According to VADX JAPAN's assessment, Japanese demand for software development entrustment is estimated to stand at more than US$30 billion annually, while currently Vietnamese IT businesses only account for 6% to 7% of the market share. Therefore, the potential and opportunities for Vietnamese IT businesses in Japan in the medium and long term are huge.

With close linkages and the spirit of innovation, the association is set to bring the total revenue of Vietnamese IT businesses in Japan to JPY1,000 billion, equal to nearly US$7 billion, by 2033 towards becoming a reputable and strong organisation. This will contribute significantly to the digital and green transformation process of the two countries.

It is hoped that a wealth of development opportunities for IT businesses and experts will open up, as well as spurring sustainable development of the IT and communications industry.

Hanoi encourages community engagement in child protection

Hanoi has rolled out various measures to continue effectively implementing policies of caring for, educating, and protecting children.

The city People’s Committee has issued a plan to implement the municipal Party Committee’s plan to realise the Politburo’s Directive No. 28-CT/TU on strengthening child care, education, and protection to meet the requirements in developing a prosperous and happy nation.

Accordingly, the city will focus on promoting the leadership of State agencies in child protection and care, and defining specific responsibility of Party Committees and administrations at all levels, especially leading officials, in directing activities to care for, educate, and protect the children.

At the same time, the city has continued to issue directing documents in the work in a full and timely manner, thus specifying policies and laws related to the children.

Alongside, the city has allocated adequate budget to the implementation of child protection, care and education tasks, while encouraging the engagement of the whole community, especially organisations, businesses and individuals, in caring for them.

The city has increased investment in building public works and providing social services as well as healthcare, education, entertainment, culture, sports and art services to children, especially those in ethnic minority-inhabited and far-flung areas.

Meanwhile, the capital city will strengthen the collection of data for the management of children, especially those with underprivileged background and those facing a high risk of falling into disadvantaged circumstances, for the provision of timely support, while concentrating on preventing and combat child abuse and conducting intervention and assistance activities for children that are victims of child abuse, and taking measures to prevent accidents among children.

Local authorities have strengthened supervision and inspection over the implementation of child care, education and protection activities./.

Quang Tri hosts Festival for Peace 2024

Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan attended the opening ceremony of the Festival for Peace 2024 hosted by the People’s Committee of the central province of Quang Tri at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai Special National Relic Site on July 6 evening.

The event was also attended by representatives from ministries, sectors, Quang Tri province, and foreign embassies in Vietnam, international delegations, veterans, heroic mothers, and heroes of the armed forces.

Themed "Connecting the bridges", the event sends out a message of peace and honour the value of peace, contributing to promoting and preserving peace for humanity, thus improving the stature and image of the Vietnamese people and country.

According to Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vo Van Hung, it also aims to commemorate martyrs who sacrificed their lives for national liberation and reunification, and war victims.

The event spreads the message of strong vitality, patriotism, love for peace, friendship and cooperation for the development of the Vietnamese people, thereby joining hands with international friends in building and safeguarding sustainable peace for nations and peoples worldwide.

Many significant cultural, art performance, sporting, and tourism events will take place in July, helping Quang Tri become not only a cultural space and destination for peace but also a redez-vous for peace-loving friends around the world, he said.

The festival is expected to contribute to promoting Quang Tri's potential for tourism development and investment, thus boosting sustainable socio-economic development in the locality and neighbouring regions, he added./.

Hong Bang open int'l Taekwondo championship kicks off in Da Nang

The 6th Hong Bang open international Taekwondo championship - Hong Tri Viet Cup 2024 kicked off in the central city of Da Nang on July 6 evening.

Hosted by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports in collaboration with the Hong Bang Taekwondo club in the city, the 3-day event attracts the participation of over 600 athletes and coaches representing 50 martial arts teams from provinces, cities, and agencies nationwide, as well as international teams from the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Laos.

Competitors vie for 62 sets of medals in both men's and women's categories.

The 6th edition of its kind provides a venue for Taekwondo practitioners nationwide to compete, interact, and learn from experience of international participants, thus improving their skills and promoting Taekwondo training movements in Vietnam./.

Hau Giang int'l marathon spreads message of environmental protection

The 4th Vietcombank Mekong Delta International Marathon took place in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang on July 7 with 5km, 1km and 42km events.

Themed "Shining together", the tournament aims to promote the physical exercise movement and the development of marathon, and enhance public awareness of environmental protection and sustainable growth in the region through tree planting activities.

According to Truong Canh Tuyen, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hau Giang People's Committee, it is expected to help Hau Giang introduce its socio-economic achievements and investment attraction policies to domestic and foreign friends and businesses.

It is also a stepping stone for award-winning runners to join larger events in the world in the future, he said.

Along with spreading the message of environmental protection, the tournament is hoped to help introduce the image of the beautiful land and hospitable people of Hau Giang as well as the nation and people of Vietnam in general, the official added.

Concluding the tournament, Edwin Yebei Kiptoo came first at the men's 42km events, followed by two Vietnamese runners, Hoang Nguyen Thanh and Le Van Tuan. In the women’s 42km events, Le Thi Tuyet of Vietnam took the triumph and broke last year's record. The second and third prizes also came to Vietnamese runners.

As part of the tournament's activities, Hau Giang organised a tree planting event during which 100 trees were planted along a road in Vi Thanh city./.

Vietnam tops Southeast Asian rowing, canoeing tournament medal tally

Vietnam topped the medal tally at the 2024 Southeast Asia Rowing and Canoeing, U19 and U23 Championships that concluded in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 7.

The Vietnamese team won 58 gold, 53 silver and 33 bronze medals.

It was followed by Thailand with 13 gold, 14 silver and 32 bronze medals. Singapore came third, bringing home nine gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze medals.

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia took the next positions in the sequence.

The Southeast Asia Rowing and Canoeing, U19 and U23 Championships is the leading prestigious tournament in Southeast Asia.

Started on June 27, this year it brought together more than 500 athletes and coaches, with 264 for rowing and nearly 300 for canoeing, from seven Southeast Asian nations, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and host Vietnam./.

Da Nang Asian Film Festival wraps up

The 2nd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF II – 2024) concluded on July 6 evening in the central city of Da Nang, with 14 awards in two categories presented.

Organisers presented awards in various categories, including the Vietnamese Film Award voted by audiences for a series of animated films and the NETPAC Award for outstanding Vietnamese film.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong said the event brought a vibrant and colourful week of cinema to Da Nang, noting that this marks the second time Da Nang has successfully hosted an international film event.

DANAFF II not only gathered and honoured outstanding cinematic works, but also created a space to nurture and cultivate talents — one of important steps to establish a cinematic ecosystem, Cuong stressed, adding that this serves as a solid foundation for building Da Nang into a city known for film events, thus contributing to the development of cultural industries.

He emphasised that DANAFF II is expected to become one of the most attractive and effective ways to showcase national identity and promote the vibrant and dynamic image of Da Nang, serving as a bridge connecting Vietnam and Da Nang with Asia and the world.

Themed "Bridging Asia", the highlight of DANAFF II was the competition in two categories of Asian and Vietnamese Film Awards. Notably, for the first time the festival presented the cinema achievement award to an outstanding filmmaker./.

Australia sees impressive growth in Vietnamese tourists

The number of Vietnamese tourists heading to Australia enjoyed strong growth of 441% in the year ending in March, according to the latest data released by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).

Austrade shared that although both Vietnam and the Philippines were not included in the list of the top five international tourism markets of Australia, they are still potential markets that recorded strong growth rates.

The commission also revealed that during the reviewed period, Australia welcomed 7.1 million international travelers, equivalent to 89% of the level witnessed before the pandemic.

Of which, New Zealand was Australia’s largest source of tourists with 1.2 million arrivals, followed by China at 680,000, the United States with 660,000, the UK with 578,000, and India with 390,000.

In 2023, a total of 150,000 Vietnamese nationals visited Australia, while the number of Australian travelers to Vietnam in 2023 reached 390,000 compared to the figure of 383,000 in 2019.

In the first five months of the year, Vietnam welcomed 213,000 Australian visitors, marking an increase of 35% on-year, thereby making Australia the seventh largest source of tourists to the Southeast Asian nation.

Former coach Park Hang-seo to join charity football match in Vietnam

Park Hang-seo, former chief coach of the Vietnam national football team, will lead his ex- players in a friendly match to raise funds for charity in Binh Duong, southern Vietnam, on July 12.

The match initiated by striker Tien Linh will see the participation of 60 players and artists, including veteran players of the national team. The players will be divided into two teams coached by former Korean manager Park Hang-seo and veteran journalist Ly Chanh.

Among the veteran players will be strikers Le Huynh Duc, Viet Thang, and Anh Duc and goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong.

Members of the current Vietnam national team such as Tien Linh, Que Ngoc Hai, Quang Hai, Hoang Duc, Tuan Anh, Doan Van Hau, Bui Tien Dung, Ho Tan Tai, Thanh Chung, Van Thanh, Hong Duy, and Dang Van Lam will play in the friendly.

Famous artists of Vietnamese showbiz such as Huy Khanh, Tuan Hung, Hoang Bach, Quach Ngoc Tuyen, Ho Viet Trung, Hua Minh Dat, Jack, Pham Truong, Chau Khai Phong, and Tien Luat, will also join the match.

The upcoming football match is of great significance, as it not only brings joy to the players but also spreads the love of sports within the community and disadvantaged people, shared striker Tien Linh.

Organisers decided to offer free admissions for all spectators.

After the match, the organizing board will auction special items such as coach Park Hang-seo’s shirt, Tien Linh’s shirt and footballs signed by players, singers and actors participating in the match, to raise funds for charity

Contributions by individuals and businesses and the proceeds from auctions will be transferred to the Binh Duong Provincial Red Cross Fund to carry out humanitarian activities.

The match will be co-organized by the Binh Duong provincial administration, the Binh Duong provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the BInh Duong provincial Red Cross Society, and the Becamex Binh Duong Football Club Joint Stock Company.

Friendship garden inaugurated at HCM City theme park

The HCM City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) has inaugurated a friendship pine garden at Suối Tiên Theme Park in HCM City’s District 9 to celebrate its upcoming 35th anniversary of establishment (July 29).

The inauguration ceremony held yesterday at the park was attended by representatives of 25 Consulate Generals and 30 friendship organisations.

The garden is part of a 10,000sq.m pine orchard and has 35 trees, each having a name tag to represent a country. It is located on the Linh Cung Thập Nhị Giáp and the Phúc Cung Tam Phước hills.

“Pine trees are a symbol for passion, resilience, and hope for a better future, all of which are also Việt Nam’s goals in deepening foreign relations, promoting peace and sustainable growth, and boosting partnership with other countries,” Bùi Thị Tố Trinh, deputy director of the Suối Tiên Theme Park, said. “The longevity of pine trees stands for strong,sustainable growth; hard, spine-like leaves are a symbol for resilience; and pine cones with multiple layers represent unity between countries worldwide.”

Lao Consul General Phonesy Bounmixay spoke with high regard for HUFO’s efforts in strengthening the ties between people in the city, in Việt Nam and in other countries.

He said the garden is a symbol for strong foreign relations and the joint efforts of countries in strengthening international cooperation, and he hoped it would further expand.

The ceremony is part of the park’s ongoing Southern Fruit Festival that lasts until August 31.

The festival features tropical fruits, honours farmers, and hosts an abundance of exciting festivities. 

Tây Ninh Province forges ahead with high-tech agriculture

The southeastern province of Tây Ninh is taking measures to help its farmers adopt technology.

The locality plans to develop 22 high-tech agricultural zones spread over 15,000-20,000ha each between next year and 2030, according to its Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Nguyễn Đình Xuân, its director, said the zones would grow vegetables and fruits in “concentrated and specialised farming areas”.

The province targets high-tech agriculture accounting for 50 per cent of produce value and yielding VNĐ180 million (US$7,000) worth of output per hectare per year by 2030, he said.

With its large tracts of farmlands, abundant water from the Sài Gòn and Vàm Cỏ Đông rivers and Dầu Tiếng Reservoir, the country’s largest for irrigation, the province has ideal conditions for developing high-tech agriculture.

It has support policies to assist farming, encourage companies to invest in agriculture and support the development of small irrigation works and efficient irrigation and seed production.

It also provides soft loans to farmers to implement good agricultural practices and high-tech agriculture, and helps them link up with other stakeholders in the supply chain to sell their produce.

Lê Thị Mai Huyền, Vice Chairwoman of the Tây Ninh Business Association, said the province has many policies to help farmers adopt technology, but since they are not coordinated, the area under high-tech farming is not large.

The linkages between companies and farmers are not close, and production costs are high as a result, which makes farmers reluctant to change their production methods, she added.

According to the department, the linkages remain modest because farmers lack the habit of linking with companies, and the capacity of companies and co-operatives with whom they could potentially link is still limited.

Nguyễn Ngọc Ánh, Vice Chairwoman of the Tây Ninh Farmers Association, said links between stakeholders in high-tech agriculture offer benefits to farmers, who are important stakeholders.

Farmers should participate in co-operatives and co-operative groups to achieve effective linkages, and authorities would offer support for seeds and other inputs, she said.

Participating farmers would be instructed in advanced farming techniques to grow produce that meet market requirements, she added.

The department said only 14.5 per cent of agricultural output benefits from such linkages.

The province has developed linkages for key products such as pig, chicken, cattle, sugarcane, custard apple, banana, rice, and durian, it said.

The province plans to strengthen advocacy about the linkages and the benefits of creating them, it said.

More and more farmers in the province have adopted advanced techniques in recent years to improve their efficiency.

They have applied automatic irrigation for polygreen and net houses to grow vegetables and honeydew melon on 35ha and 20ha.

The province has 1,503ha under grapefruit, banana, custard apple, mango, longan, jujube, avocado, and other fruits with origin traceability.

It has granted production codes for 100 fruit growing areas to export to the EU, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and China.

It has attracted investments in large agricultural projects in recent years, including 146 animal breeding projects that are operational.

Its agricultural sector has been growing at 3 - 3.4 per cent a year in recent years and accounts for 20 per cent of its economy. 

Local court slams private bank for unauthorised withdrawals of $1.8m

A local court in Khánh Hoà Province has ruled against a private bank after uncovering multiple unauthorised withdrawals totaling VNĐ46.9 billion (US$1.83 million) from a client's account.

The first-instance court on Thursday ordered Sacombank’s Cam Ranh branch to reimburse VNĐ36.2 billion, including accrued interest and compensation, to Hồ Thị Thùy Dương, the plaintiff in the legal case.

The sum includes the principal amount of VNĐ26.9 billion after deducting the previously advanced VNĐ20 billion at the plaintiff's request, as well as accrued interest of VNĐ7 billion and compensation of VNĐ2.3 billion for damages suffered by the plaintiff.

The court also ordered the bank to return two land ownership certificates that were held as collateral for the previously advanced amount.

The plaintiff initiated legal action against the bank in mid-2022 after the funds from her account at the bank's Cam Ranh transaction office "disappeared under suspicious circumstances." 

The woman had sought the full return of the amount along with accrued interest and compensation for damages incurred.

An investigation by the Khánh Hoà provincial police uncovered a total of 12 unauthorised withdrawal transactions, including cash withdrawals outside of business hours and internet banking transfers to unknown recipients, all without the account owner’s consent.

The plaintiff denied any involvement in these transactions, as she and her family were traveling in Phú Quốc at the time. 

The Procuracy supported the plaintiff’s lawsuit, seeking the return of the principal amount, accrued interest, and the two land use rights certificates, citing the unauthorised nature of the transactions and deficiencies in the bank’s withdrawal procedures.

The bank rejected the ruling, claiming the plaintiff had signed all 12 withdrawal documents, a claim refuted by the plaintiff. 

The bank defended the advance of VNĐ20 billion as assistance in response to the plaintiff’s financial difficulties.

Following embezzlement charges against four officials from Sacombank’s Cam Ranh branch, multiple customers, including Dương, have reported instances of financial fraud. 

The Vietnamese banking sector has been facing criticism for inadequate management, leading to customer losses from unexplained fund disappearances. 

Banks typically disclaim responsibility for such losses and advise customers to await police investigations, a lengthy process that often takes many years.

Intellectual property serves as foundation for net zero

Vietnamese businesses need to proactively apply science and technology, as well as intellectual property as a lever in their development strategy to promote production in a green and environmentally friendly direction, said Lưu Hoàng Long, director of the Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Innovation towards net zero is gradually being targeted by the business community in the context of complex climate change developments.

The journey towards net zero affirms the urgency in applying science and technology to businesses' production to contribute to implementing commitments at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (COP26).

Long said innovation is a process of continuous movement, while intellectual property is the result of the innovation process.

It also serves as a catalyst and an input to promote innovation. Intellectual property is the foundation and used as a tool to encourage innovation in each country, leading to different developments depending on each country's factors.

To realise Việt Nam’s net zero commitment by 2050, it is necessary to create policy mechanisms that directly impact businesses on the journey towards net zero, he said.

Nguyễn Quân, chairman of the Vietnam Automation Association, said smart and green production along with innovation are not just trends,  but also key factors for businesses to succeed in the digital era.

Thanks to the combination of operational technology and information technology, smart manufacturing and green manufacturing have helped businesses increase efficiency, optimise green production processes and enhance their competitive position, he said.

“The net zero commitment is the key for businesses to transition to sustainable business models. This is also the premise for each business to improve its competitiveness and meet the requirements of international economic integration.

“Commitment to sustainable development of businesses and application of digital technology is an important premise to ensure that total national greenhouse gas emissions reaches zero net emissions by 2050,” he said.

According to Long, in each country, intellectual property brings both challenges and opportunities for innovation activities, directly impacting the implementation of sustainable development goals.

In Việt Nam, policies and laws on intellectual property have been basically completed. The Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Intellectual Property Law contributes to promoting innovation based on intellectual property rights, improving the capacity to exploit intellectual property rights.

Many provinces, cities, universities, research institutes and large enterprises have policies to support and promote the development of intellectual property and encourage the creation, protection and application of new technical solutions. That has increased the number of patent applications submitted to the Intellectual Property Office. 

Older resident recovering from a stroke, voluntarily collects rubbish in Hội An

For nearly eight years, the image of an old man diligently pushing a homemade cart to pick up rubbish around the Cửa Đại beach area in Hội An City has become familiar to both locals and tourists.

Without any compensation or praise, he quietly goes about his work, beautifying the ancient town.

The people of Hội An affectionately call him "The trash collecting old man".

Sixty-eight-year-old Nguyễn Thương, who lives in the Cửa Đại Ward of Hội An City, is already pushing his homemade cart along the streets and beaches, picking up every small piece of litter.

Every few metres, he stops moving from one side of the road to the other, even in the middle of the road diligently collecting every piece until the streets are spotless.

Sharing how he came to do his litter picking, Thương explained that about nine years ago, while working as a chef at a hotel in Hội An City, he suddenly collapsed due to a stroke.

When he regained consciousness, his hearing was gone and his limbs were paralysed. He spent nearly half a year in the hospital, but his condition did not improve, so his family brought him home for care.

“At that time, everyone thought I wouldn't walk again, but I tried to exercise to improve my health,” Thương told baotainguyenmoitruong.vn.

“At first, I kept falling, but with more walking, my health improved and the illness started to recede.”

Once he could walk again, Thương pondered how to repay his second gift of life. During his exercise walks, seeing nylon bags and masks discarded along the roads sparked the idea of combining exercise with picking up trash to protect the environment.

When he first started, some people found it strange to see him wandering around picking up trash. Some even got angry when he reminded them about littering, calling him “crazy” and idle, wasting his old age on “silly” things.

His family also tried to stop him, but he was determined.

After much persuasion, his family understood and let him continue his meaningful work. The prejudices and mockery from others gradually faded.

For nearly eight years now, except when he is ill, whether it is sunny or raining, the old man roams all the streets and alleys picking up rubbish, wherever it is, he is there.

Sometimes, he even helps elderly residents and schools clean and tidy their places without accepting any payment.

With money saved from collecting recyclable bottles, Thương has invested in two vehicles: a pushcart and a bicycle.

These two vehicles have become his companions on his unpaid mission to keep the ancient town clean.

“On good days, I use the pushcart, and on tiring days, I ride the bicycle. Only when the weather changes, and I feel unwell, fearing a stroke relapse, do I stay home,” he said.

“If I don't pick up trash for a day, I feel restless and uneasy. Carrying the communal burden makes me happy,” Thương says with a gentle smile.

On his cart, Thương has pasted many messages he wishes to convey: 'For the future of our children, let’s keep the environment clean and green', 'Small actions, great meaning', 'Protect the environment, do not use plastic bags, do not litter'.

He hopes the messages will encourage everyone to join in protecting the environment.

Now, the image of a thin but kind-faced man picking up litter to beautify the ancient town has become familiar.

The residents’ thoughts and views on Thương have changed and they understand and appreciate him more.

Nowadays, most residents along the streets where Thương’s trash cart passes have become more environmentally conscious, properly disposing of trash and keeping the streets cleaner.

A group of students from Đà Nẵng University, inspired by his actions, voluntarily join him in picking up trash.

Every weekend, this group travels from Đà Nẵng City to Hội An City to accompany him in cleaning alleys and beaches.

Despite the lingering effects of the stroke, leaving him deaf in one ear and needing a hearing aid for the other, Thương remains undeterred.

Each month, his family spends over VNĐ1 million (US$40) on his medications.

However, he consistently refuses support from the local People's Committee for his efforts.

For him, this is a meaningful task he has pledged to himself to carry out for life, without seeking support from anyone.

When society needs it, he is always willing to give without expecting any return.

“I’m old and staying idle at home is boring. Seeing the streets and beaches full of dirt and rubbish, I just clean up,” he said.

“Seeing clean streets makes me happy, without expecting compensation or praise. As long as I can, I will continue to contribute, so Hội An becomes more beautiful and everyone enjoys fresh air. I will continue this unpaid work until I can no longer walk or pick up litter."

Nguyễn Thế Hùng, vice chairman of Hội An city People’s Committee, called him a hero of the ancient town. "Thương’s actions are a worthy example for everyone to follow," Hùng said.

HCM City locals suffer from rove beetles during rainy season

In recent days, many residents of HCM City have been attacked by rove beetles, a type of insect that thrives during the rainy season.

Every year during the rainy season, Trần Thị Thanh Linh's family in Thủ Đức City in HCM City suffers from rove beetles.

"Almost every year, our family gets dermatitis due to the toxin of rove beetles. Some years, all three members of my family are affected. Mild cases result in small areas of dermatitis that usually clear up in about 10 to 14 days with topical treatment. However, last year my husband had a severe case with widespread dermatitis and high fever, and he had to be hospitalised," Linh recounted.

She added that not only her family but many residents in her apartment building have also been attacked by rove beetles.

Bringing her son to the HCM City Dermatology Hospital, Phạm Ngọc Loan, a resident of an apartment building in District 8, said that recently, there have been many rove beetles in her home.

She shared, "My son thought they were normal ants and killed them with his bare hands. Without realising it, he then touched his face. The next morning, his eyes were swollen, filled with pus, and red, with blisters on his ears. We tried over-the-counter medication, but it didn't help, so I brought him to the hospital."

Dr Phạm Thị Uyển Nhi, deputy head of the General Planning Department at HCM City Dermatology Hospital, stated that recently, the hospital has received many cases of contact dermatitis due to rove beetles.

On average, 50-70 cases are treated daily.

“Many patients arrive in a severe condition after trying folk remedies or seeking treatment at unreliable facilities, which leads to secondary infections and worsens the condition,” the doctor said.

In fact, many people confuse the symptoms of shingles with contact dermatitis caused by rove beetles, as they have similar characteristics.

According to the doctor, the rainy season's temperature and humidity create favourable conditions for rove beetles to reproduce and thrive. Rove beetles prefer dry places, so during the rainy season, they tend to enter homes.

The pederin toxin in rove beetles can cause blisters and varying degrees of dermatitis, from mild to severe. The condition can spread if the wound is not properly cared for or scratched.

To minimise the toxin of rove beetles, people should first wash the affected area with water gently, without rubbing too hard, to remove as much of the beetle's toxin as possible.

People should also avoid scratching, rubbing, or breaking the blisters caused by rove beetles as it can inadvertently spread the toxin and worsen the condition.

If large blisters and spreading lesions appear, they should visit a hospital or specialist for specific oral and topical medications.

Nhi also said that when affected by the toxin of rove beetles, people should not apply leaves, homemade remedies, or unknown medications. This not only fails to improve the condition but can also worsen the dermatitis, potentially leading to infection and more extensive lesions.

Rove beetles are particularly attracted to electric lights, especially fluorescent lights.

Doctors recommend that during the rainy season, residents should install insect screens, reduce indoor lighting to avoid attracting rove beetles, and keep their homes clean, especially areas where insects can hide, such as door crevices and damp corners.

Locals should avoid drying clothes outdoors at night to help prevent rove beetles from entering homes as well. 

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