In his opening speech, the Government leader stated that alongside priorities given to resources mobilisation and allocation, the meeting is designed to analyse challenges and specific tasks in a bid to effectively implement the Politburo and Government’s solutions, as well as the region’s planning.

It will work to review activities of the council nine months after its establishment and sketch out tasks for the council moving forward.

PM Chinh said that the Planning for the Red River Delta Region in the 2021 to 2030 period with a vision ahead to 2050, which was approved by the PM on May 4, highlights six core and strategic viewpoints.

Under the terms of the planning, the region is defined as a strategic location of extreme significance, serving as the leading growth motivation and guiding the economic structure reform and growth model transformation.

The development and economic restructuring of the region must therefore be based on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, according to the planning. Indeed, this underlines that economic development must be in harmony with the growth of culture, social progress, and equality.

PM Chinh emphasised that the planning focuses on developing a synchronous and modern infrastructure system, ensuring reasonable, effective, and unified space organisation, whilst boosting the economical and efficient use of resources, energy, food and water security, along with environmental protection.

Meanwhile, socio-economic development will be combined with national defence and security assurances, as well as the improvement of the effectiveness of foreign affairs activities and international integration.

According to the Government leader, the planning outlines five major tasks and breakthroughs, including promoting the development of the infrastructure system with regional and international connection; speeding up innovation, science, and technology application; preserving, exploiting,, and promoting cultural values of the Red River Civilisation; accelerating urbanisation; and completing mechanisms and policies for regional development and regional links.

National Humanitarian Month a journey of kindness that everyone can join

The National Humanitarian Month, which has been held every May since 2018 to respond to the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8), has contributed to a strong change in the awareness of humanitarian work of Party committees, authorities, organisations, and individuals, thus creating a widespread solidarity movement in the community.

Chairwoman of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC) Bui Thi Hoa said that this year's humanitarian month is aiming for a journey of kindness which everyone can participate in, contribute to and connect with each other to help people in need, multiply kindness actions, and contribute to building a united and compassionate community.

With a target of supporting 100,000 individuals and collectives in difficult circumstances, the VRC is striving to mobilising 400 billion VND (15.7 million USD) during this year’s humanitarian month.

To respond to the National Humanitarian Month 2024, the “Trieu Buoc Chan Nhan Ai” (Millions of Steps of Kindness) campaign was held from February 25 to April 21 with the participation of nearly 100,000 people through the V-Race application.

The campaign collected 16.2 billion VND to provide free medical check-ups, treatment and medicines to over 9,400 poor people in Thai Nguyen, Son La, and Dien Bien provinces; build 10 kitchens for preschools and primary schools and assist 82 poor households in Dien Bien; provide nutritional support and learning conditions for more than 7,000 students; and donate 100 water tanks to households in difficult circumstances.

The VRC was set up by President Ho Chi Minh on November 23, 1946.

Recognised as a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on November 4, 1957, it has since been actively contributing to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and coordinating to effectively implement programmes in various fields such as health care, social relief, and disaster prevention and response./.

Uruguayan, Cuban media spotlight Dien Bien Phu Victory

Uruguay's Grupo R Multimedio newspaper on May 7 published a series of three articles on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, affirming it as a brilliant milestone in the history of Vietnam.

The articles recalled the context leading to the establishment of the Dien Bien Phu stronghold by the French with the support of the US, the preparation, and the determination to defeat the enemy of the entire Party, army, and people of Vietnam.

They highlighted the 56 days and nights in the Dien Bien Phu battlefield which are considered part of the flesh and blood of the soldiers who overcame all difficulties, sacrifices, and hardships to shatter the strategically important stronghold in the Muong Thanh valley that the French colonial army considered "invincible", leading to the Dien Bien Phu Victory that resounded across the five continents and shook the globe.

Grupo R Multimedio quoted President Ho Chi Minh as noting that the victory is a golden milestone in the history, clearly marking a steep downtrend and disintegration of colonialism while displaying significant progress recorded by national liberation movements around the world.

It said that the victory was a significant historical event for the heroic Vietnamese nation, demonstrating the strength of national great solidarity and the aspiration for peace and national independence, and serving as evidence of the outstanding leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam headed by President Ho Chi Minh.

According to the newspaper, Vietnam’s victory not only contributed to the overthrow of old-style colonialism worldwide but also served as a solid foundation and a shining example for colonialised nations to rise against oppression, exploitation, and domination by colonial powers in many parts of the world. It played a significant role in the struggle for independence, democracy, and social progress for humanity.

Meanwhile, in an article on the same day, the Latin American News Agency Prensa Latina affirmed that the Dien Bien Phu Victory was a result of the wise leadership of the CPV and President Ho Chi Minh, combined with the strength of the military and the patriotic spirit of tens of thousands of Vietnamese people.

It said the resounding success of the Dien Bien Phu campaign paved the way for the signing of the Geneva Accords in 1954 on ending the war in Vietnam, eliminating the presence of French troops in Indochina, and restoring peace in the region.

The triumph sounded an alarm against old-style colonialism and created extremely favourable conditions for Vietnam to defeat the US imperialism in the South to achieve independence and reunify the country./.

Da Nang student wins writing contest with letter on children lacking love

A ninth grader in the central city of Da Nang won the first place at the national round for the 53rd Universal Postal Union (UPU) letter-writing competition for young people, surpassing 1.5 million entries with his letter about children who lack love and need a place to express their feelings.

In his writing, addressed to the UPU General Director in 2174, Nguyen Do Quang Minh from Nguyen Khuyen Secondary-High School expressed his hope that in the next 150 years when electric emails and other advanced means of communications become popular, postal services will still be provided for free for children to write letters to the Santa Claus.

He also wished that there will be more Santa Claus schools so that people can learn how to bring happiness to children.

Minh’s letter will be translated into either English or French. The translated version and its Vietnamese original will be sent to the UPU organising board based in Switzerland.

Since 1971, the UPU has encouraged children aged 9-15 to write letters on a given theme to win exciting prizes in its competition, aiming to making young people aware of the important role postal services play in societies. It develops their skills in composition and their ability to express thoughts clearly. It also fosters enjoyment of letter writing and helps strengthen the bonds of international friendship.

The UPU's secretariat, the International Bureau, chooses a theme annually and publicises it each year. Participating countries then organise the competition at the national level through the Post, often with the support of the educational authorities and media.

In 2024, participants are encouraged to reflect on the future of the world under the theme: "At 150 years old, the UPU has served people around the world for more than eight generations. The world has changed enormously since then. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit."

The contest has been held in Vietnam for 36 times so far./.

Programme looks back at President Ho Chi Minh’s childhood

The radio-television station of the central province of Nghe An, the homeland of President Ho Chi Minh, on May 8 evening coordinated with its counterpart in Thua Thien-Hue province in organising a live TV programme on the occasion of the 134th birthday of the late leader (May 19).

The event featured the childhood and boyhood of the late President in Hoang Tru village, Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district, Nghe An province, and Quoc Hoc Hue School (Hue National School) in the imperial city of Hue.

The President lived in his hometown for 10 years, from 1890 to 1895 and from 1901 to 1906, and another decade in Hue, 1895-1901 and 1906-1909.

Through photos, documents and art performances, the programme helped the watchers understand more about what had fueled the determination of Nguyen Ai Quoc (an alias of President Ho Chi Minh) to seek the way for national salvation. It was also broadcast by 43 other radio and television channels across the country.

With his intelligence, talent and outstanding contributions to the Vietnamese nation and the advancement of mankind, in 1987, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) honoured President Ho Chi Minh as a Hero of National Liberation and a Great Man of Culture of Vietnam./.

Indian poet’s 163rd birth anniversary marked in Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh authorities and the Indian embassy have made a floral tribute to mark the 163rd birth anniversary of Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore (May 7, 1861 - 2024) at the northern province’s international friendship park.

At the May 7 event, flowers were laid at the statue of Tagore, while local students and members of the Indian community in Hanoi performed poetry and music pieces related to the polymath, who was also a playwright, song composer, and painter.

Tagore is one of the great cultural figures of India. He became the first Asian to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 then visited Vietnam in 1929. Many Vietnamese scholars have studied and translated his works, and his poems have been included in textbooks in the Southeast Asian country's national education curriculum.

On October 15, 2023, a statue dedicated to him was inaugurated at Bac Ninh’s international friendship park./.

Thảo takes higher boxing level, bringing home WBO Global belt

Landing home in the early hours Trần Văn Thảo was surprised seeing so many of his family and fans there to celebrate him bringing home his WBO Global belt, the highest ever result of Việt Nam boxing.

It is the third title that Thảo has won in his career after previously winning the WBC and IBA.

"The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) is the most prestigious among four boxing systems in the world. WBO Global is the third title in the WBO's ranking following the WBO World and WBO International," Thảo told reporters at HCM City's International Tân Sơn Nhất Airport.

"WBO Global was in my plan a year ago. When I decided to conquer a new system, I had to prepare carefully and I had to win matches to have chance for the belt match."

His planning paid off and he was offered the men's 53.5kg category at the WBO Triple Title Match Goheung Rumble in Goheung City, South Korea on May 5.

The IBA defending champion Thảo, 32, was underrated against his Thai rival Jakrawut Majungoen, who was two years younger and has owned 44 wins (23 KOs) in his 50 times on the rings. Majungoen already holds four international titles.

Both of them started cautiously, with Thảo trying to keep his distance from his more experienced rival, attacking with powerful jabs.

In the eighth round, he floored Majungoen but the Thai showed true stamina and stood up quickly to continue the fight.

In the ninth round, Thảo received a strong blow to his previously injured right eye and needed medical care for several minutes before returning to the bout.

After 12 thrilling rounds, all three judges agreed to give Thảo aka 'The Trigger' a unanimous decision win and awarded him the WBO Global belt.

It is his 18th pro win and jumps him from a number 49 placing in the world to the top 30 in the world. He has also been promoted to be 3.5-star fighter in the Boxrec, the highest rating of any Vietnamese boxer in the world.

"I am extremely happy with the win as I am the first Vietnamese to take part in the WBO Global and win the belt," Thảo said. "Jab is my strong point and I always begin my match with jab which is considered a key to open the door for other techniques. In this match jabs are applied in the first three rounds, so that helped me to exploit many mistakes from the Thai.

"Majungoen is a really tough one as he stayed well under my hard punches, even after he was down on the floor. So I did not try to knock him out but score as many points as possible and keep myself safe under his attacks. And it worked.

"Many Vietnamese supporters who are living in South Korea come to congratulate me. I am so surprised because the match was organised in a competition venue far away from the big cities. It was very moving and made me very happy, thank you everyone!!! "

Thảo will now have three months training before taking part in the belt-defending match which is scheduled for August in Việt Nam.

"If I am successful I will then be offered chance to compete at the higher stage of the WBO International. If the plan goes the right way, my dream of fighting for the WBO World title in Las Vegas will not be far away," said Thảo. 

Canadian enterprises encouraged to invest in Lai Chau

Chairman of the People's Committee of the northern province of Lai Chau Le Van Luong on May 8 hosted a reception for Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Perry Steil, during which the host proposed stronger cooperation between the two sides in the coming time.

Luong said Lai Chau has consistently received cooperation and support from Canadian partners in recent years. He suggested the Canadian Embassy support Canadian businesses in investing in Lai Chau, and continue to provide official development assistance (ODA) to projects in the locality.

He called on Care International in Vietnam (CARE) to continue conducting surveys and implementing support projects and programmes in the locality, focusing on economic development and climate change adaptation.

The official thanked the Canadian government, through CARE, for supporting the project “Advancing ethnic minority women’s economic empowerment in Vietnam” in three communes of Tam Duong district, saying that the project has contributed to promoting poverty reduction and socio-economic development and improving the livelihoods of the ethnic minority community in Lai Chau.

For his part, Steil expressed his joy at CARE’s contributions to Lai Chau.

Similar to Lai Chau, Canada is rich in natural resources, minerals, and cultural diversity, he stressed, expressing his delight that the Vietnamese locality has demonstrated a development vision aligned with Canada's investment interests.

The project to advance ethnic minority women’s economic empowerment funded by CARE in Tam Duong district not only increases opportunities for women but also shows the potential for cooperation between Canadian businesses and Lai Chau, he said.

Director of CARE Vietnam Le Thi Kim Dung said the project has helped many ethnic minority women gain confidence in economic development, thus affirming their position in their families and the community. She expressed her hope for more cooperation with and support for Lai Chau to gain sustainable development.

After the reception, Ambassador Steil visited some local production establishments./.

French media reflect on 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory

The ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, with the French Minister of Armed Forces in presence, has been widely covered in the French media as an action to recall the past but also look toward the future.

Major television channels, including TF1, France Info, Euronews, TV5 Monde, and France 24, all featured the event, which was held in Dien Bien province on May 7 morning (Vietnam time), prominently. The first presence of French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and Secretary of State for Veterans' Affairs and Memory Patricia Mirallès at the ceremony was widely interpreted as a gesture of "reconciliation".

The daily Le Figaro, in an article published on May 7, detailed the solemn ceremony with the presence of Lecornu and Mirallès, considering it evidence of ongoing reconciliation.

The magazine Le Nouvel Obs released a special issue reflecting on the history of the Indochina War and the impact of the Dien Bien Phu battle. Its analysis delved into how the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu ultimately hastened peace talks that led to the Geneva Accords.

It further noted that the French Minister of the Armed Forces' presence at the Vietnamese ceremony 70 years later signifies a strong desire to forge new and positive relationships, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Meanwhile, the newspaper l'Humanité viewed Dien Bien Phu as a significant step in the process of decolonisation, a symbol of Vietnam's liberation from the oppressive yoke of colonial rule and its successful struggle to reclaim national independence./.

Uruguayan newspaper praises indomitable spirit, heroism of Vietnamese people

The El Popular newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of Uruguay, on May 7 reported on Vietnam’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

Describing the event as a significant political activity, the article said it aimed at promoting the patriotic tradition and revolutionary heroism among the young generation. Vietnamese people commemorate the historic battle to honour and express deep gratitude to those who died serving the cause of national liberation and reunification.

The El Popular also reported that a series of cultural and artistic events have been organised across Vietnam to commemorate the victory, which was a decisive milestone in the struggle to liberate the people of Indochina from the colonial yoke of the French at that time.

The newspaper stressed that the triumph is on par with the famous Battle of Stalingrad in the later struggle against Nazi fascism by soldiers and people of the Soviet Union. The victory of the resistance war against French colonialism, with the pinnacle being the Dien Bien Phu Victory, is a win of patriotism, indomitable spirit, and heroism of the Vietnamese people, forged through thousands of years. It was a prominent milestone in the nation’s history and a source of pride for Vietnamese as well as the liberation movements worldwide./.

Cuba's Prensa Latina praises Dien Bien Phu Victory

The Latin American News Agency Prensa Latina (PL) on May 7 described the Dien Bien Phu Victory as one of the greatest epics of the 20th century that ended the rule of the French colonists.

Highlighting Vietnam’s grand parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory, the news agency said thousands of Vietnamese people, including French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and several French veterans as special guests, showed up at the event on May 7, which was a manifestation for Vietnam’s will to close the history of the French colonialism in Indochina.

The victory not only put an end to the French colonialism but also served as a source of encouragement for the national liberation movement across the globe and started the collapse of the colonialism, it quoted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s speech at the event as saying.

PM Chinh spotlighted the genius of General Vo Nguyen Giap – the architect of the glorious victory, and expressed his belief that amidst complicated developments in the region and the world, the Vietnamese people will promote the spirit of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and reap further great achievements.

Earlier, the Association of the Cuban Journalists posted the memoirs of reporter Walfredo Angulo, the only international journalist to receive the honour to interview General Giap on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the victory.

Years have passed, the veteran journalist bore in mind the interview with General Giap who proved to the whole world that when a nation resolved to fight for independence and freedom, it, with rational policy, was able to defeat any enemies and gain a control over its destiny.

Seventy years have passed, the lessons and significance of the Dien Bien Phu Victory remain intact, comprising national self-reliance, military art and great national solidarity.

Commending Vietnam’s victory, Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in 1984 that the Southeast Asian country’s struggle was a great lesson for all soldiers and oppressed nations in the world./.

Binh Dinh takes strong actions against IUU fishing

The south-central province of Binh Dinh has shown a strong determination in handling any fishing vessels that have no registration, fishing licences and certificates proving their seaworthiness (“three no's” fishing vessels), as part of the efforts to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The province now has more than 1,000 “three no's” boats, most of which are from six to 12 metres in length and operating in nearshore areas.

According to head of Mui Tan border guard station Lieutenant Tran Dang Binh Dat, they are not allowed to operate at seas while their owners are ordered to sign non-violation commitment.

The European Commission suggested all of the vessels have registration, fishing licenses or it will be hard for the country to have the “yellow card” warning removed.

Along with strengthening communications work to raise fishermen’s awareness of the regulations, the province has ramped up efforts to settle the registration procedures and targeted to complete them in mid-May, head of the provincial Department of Fisheries Nguyen Huu Nghia said.

Colonel Nguyen Van Linh, commander of the province’s border guard, said fishermen have been encouraged to comply with the laws, particularly the 2017 Law on Fisheries, adding the force has joined hands with competent authorities to conduct patrols and control vehicles operating in local waters.

He also recommended the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to support monitoring device installation on “three no's” boats./.

2024 Vietnam Robocon’s final round kicks off

A total of 32 teams have begun their attempt to win the 2024 Vietnam Robot Contest (Robocon Vietnam) in the final round, that was held in Hanoi on May 7 evening.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Dinh Dac Vinh, deputy general director of Vietnam Television (VTV) and head of the Robocon Vietnam 2024 organisingboard, noted Robocon has gradually become a creative, scientific and technological playground for many generations of students across the country since it was organized for the first time in 2002. 

Vietnam Television expects this contest to be organized more professionally demonstrating young people’s capacity to master technology, mechanics and automation, said Vinh.

This year’s Robocon contest is themed ‘Harvest Day’which was inspired by rice cultivation taking place on terraced fields.

Each team has two robots which perform different tasks, such as planting rice and harvesting.

Two strongest teams of the 2018 Robocon Vietnam will go on to represent Vietnam at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2024 (ABU Robocon), which is slated for August in Ha Long city, northern Quang Ninh province.

Fire destroys Khanh Hoa forest

A fire in the central province of Khanh Hoa’s Ninh Hoa Town has destroyed around 60 hectares of forest.

The flame broke out at around 10.30 pm on Monday in Ninh Son Commune.

Hundreds of people were mobilised to fight the outbreak. However, violent winds and hot weather allowed the fire to spread quickly, damaging roughly 60 hectares of forest, comprising 15 hectares of acacia and 45 hectares of sugarcane.

The blaze was brought under control at around 5 pm on Tuesday.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Ninh Hoa Town covers 119,000 hectares, with over 70 percent mountains and forests. The locality is home to some 2,000 hectares of sugarcane but is at risk due to repeated droughts.

World Peace Council President praises Vietnamese people’s indomitable spirit

The indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people in their struggle for national independence inspired peace-loving people around the world, including Indians, said visiting President of the World Peace Council (WPC) Pallab Sengupta, who is also General Secretary of the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO).

At a meeting with Vice President of the Việt Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Nguyễn Ngọc Hùng in Hà Nội on May 8, Sengupta said he was impressed by activities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 1954) in Việt Nam.  

He also congratulated the Southeast Asian nation on its strong and impressive development, and expressed his delight at the great achievements in cooperation between Việt Nam and India.

For his part, Hùng thanked Sengupta for his sentiments and support to Việt Nam during the country’s past struggle for national independence, as well as its present cause of national construction and defence.

Emphasising the significance of people-to-people diplomacy, he called on Sengupta and WPC members to continue their support to VUFO in activities aiming to promote peace and friendship.

The two sides exchanged views on specific cooperation activities in the time ahead, especially 2025 when Việt Nam is scheduled to organise many important events, including the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. 

2025 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Programme announced

The US Mission Vietnam has just announced the 2025 competition for the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Programme.

According to the US Embassy in Vietnam, the Fulbright FLTA Programme is a nine-month, non-degree programme for early career (not more than seven years of teaching experience) full-time English teachers or professionals in related fields to teach their native language at an American college or university. 

Participants will have an opportunity to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency, expand their knowledge of US society and culture, and strengthen foreign language instruction at US colleges and universities.
Participants will assist in up to twenty hours of language classes a week and are required to enroll in at least two courses per semester, one of which must be in US Studies.

The Fulbright Programme in Vietnam will nominate up to five primary candidates and two alternate candidates. The scholarship covers round-trip airfare to the United States, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and waiver of tuition fees for required coursework.

Competition is open to applicants who meet the following minimum criteria: hold Vietnamese citizenship (dual citizenship not permitted) and reside in Vietnam throughout the application and selection process; have at least one undergraduate degree; currently be a teacher of English or a professional of related with no more than 7-year teaching experience; and have a valid minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 or IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 110 or TOEFL Essentials 8.5.

National seven-a-side football to begin this weekend

The national seven-a-side football tournament will kick off in three regions this week.

VietFootball, organisers of the event, and title sponsor Bia Saigon, on May 8 held a press conference to announce the Vietnam Premier League - Season 5 (VPL-S5).

The Northern region tournament, Hanoi Premier League - Season 11 (HPL-S11), will begin on May 12 in Hà Nội. The Southern region competition, Saigon Premier League - Season 6 (SPL-S6) will start on May 18 in HCM City. The Central and Central Highlands region event Daklak Premier League - Season 2 (ĐPL-S3) will be on June 2 in Đắk Lắk Province.

The eight strongest teams from the regional qualifications will compete at the finals in August with the venue to be confirmed at a later date.

It is the 11th year that the seven-a-side football tournament has been held. Organisers also held different formats such as the National Championship, National Cup and Super Cup. An international competition with guest teams from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia also took place last year.

"In the circumstance of a difficult economy, VietFootball is happy to have Bia Saigon accompany us in the national championship for the third year in a row," said Phạm Ngọc Tuấn, general director of VietFootball.

“Under the strong support of the title sponsor, we believe that we will continue to break the limit to lift Việt Nam's seven-a-side football to a new height.

"With the spirit of "Play consciously - Play to enjoy", we hope to receive more support to jointly develop this genre of football in the country strongly and sustainably.

"In the near future, it is expected that each city and province will have its own tournament which will help develop the sport locally and lure the eyes of foreign countries so that seven-a-side football could be known internationally as a Việt Nam's specialty." 

Bia Saigon representative Đinh Nguyễn Thị Nhung said: “Sport is always an important part of Bia Saigon's sustainable development strategy to bring the best to Việt Nam.

"In addition to support programmes aimed at high-performance sports, we also focus on coordinating with relevant parties to implement many projects to promote healthy, active lifestyles in the community."

Nhung added that the company's support for the national championship was due to the strong following of seven-a-side football in the community. He said they are proud to go along with VietFootball in organising and developing the sport around the country before crossing the border into the world.

In its 11 years, the tournament featured the participation of many national 11-a-side football players such as Nguyễn Thành Lương, Nguyễn Hoàng Đức and Brazilian-Vietnamese Kesley Alves, the most successful imported player in Việt Nam.

"I played seven-a-side football in the past and still care about it today," said national captain Đỗ Hùng Dũng said.

“Year by year, the quality of the tournament has increased. Players are good in terms of tactics, technique and physique. The seven-a-side football is close to the community and I hope it will receive support to strongly develop and become an international sport in the future." 

Veteran artist’s book on tài tử music released

A book featuring đờn ca tài tử (Southern folk music) and vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes) has been released in HCM City. 

The book, Tìm Hiểu Âm Nhạc Tài Tử và Cải Lương Vọng Cổ-Ghitar Phím Lõm (Learning Southern Music-Traditional Instruments), was written by cultural researcher and musician Kiều Tấn of HCM City. 

Tấn has studied the traditional culture, theatre and music of southern Việt Nam for several years.

His book focuses on the history and developments of đờn ca tài tử in different periods. Vọng cổ songs in praise of life and love are also included. 

The book features traditional instruments, such as the kìm (two-stringed guitar), cò (vertical violin with two strings), tranh (16-chord zither) and bầu (monochord zither). 

Lục Huyền Cầm, a Vietnamese guitar with six strings and scoops on the fingerboard mostly used in singing vọng cổ, is highlighted. 

“Cultural researcher Kiều Tấn, who is also a music player and theatre producer, has 40 years in the industry,” said theatre critic Thanh Hiệp of the HCM City Theatre Association. “His new book, Tìm Hiểu Âm Nhạc Tài Tử và Cải Lương Vọng Cổ- Ghitar Phím Lõm, features the South’s traditional music but also its culture and lifestyle.”

Đờn ca tài tử originated in southern Việt Nam 100 years ago. It is often performed during festivals and special occasions in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta provinces of Cần Thơ, Long An, Vĩnh Long, Bạc Liêu and Cà Mau.

In 2013, the music was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Vọng cổ songs feature the hopes and dreams of southern farmers in the Cửu Long (Mekong) River Delta region, who often sing songs while working in the fields or at traditional festivals and weddings.

They are also used in cải lương (reformed opera) plays. 

HCM City has 84 clubs of đờn ca tài tử, attracting more than 500 members. These clubs offer training courses on vọng cổ singing and playing đờn ca tài tử. They also help to bring traditional arts closer to young people. 

The city has offered policies and given financial support to help tài tử clubs boost their operations and quality. Outdoor performances have also been launched monthly at cultural centres, parks, and residential areas around the city.

Tấn's book was printed and distributed by HCM City General Publishing House. 

HBSO to perform famous arias

The HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) will host a concert featuring a series of famous arias at the Opera House on May 12.

The highlight of the night will be tenor Nguyễn Trường Linh of the Việt Nam National Academy of Music (VNAM).

He will sing Ah! Mes amis, an aria for tenor from the 1840 French opera La fille du régiment (The Daughter of the Regiment) by Gaetano Donizetti, and Viva, il vino spumeggiante (Hail to the bubbling wine!), known as a drinking song, from the 1890 one-act Italian opera Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) by Pietro Mascagni.

Linh will also perform Dein ist mein ganzes Herz (You Are My Heart’s Delight), an aria from 1929 operetta Das Land des Lächelns (The Land of Smiles), with soloist Nguyễn Hồng Dịu of HBSO.

Linh, a student of the vocal department, has won many top prizes at national competitions such as second prize at the 2023 National Chamber – Musical - Choir Singing Competition.

He has participated in musicals and operas such as Princess Anio, a joint opera to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Japan, and the musical Les Misérables.

The concert will also feature Torna ai felici dì (Return to happy days), a tenor aria from the 1884 opera Le Villi (The Willis) by Giacomo Puccini, and Di quella pira (Of that pyre) from the 1853 four-act opera Il Trovatore (The Troubadour) by Giuseppe Verdi with the performance of Phạm Trang.

Baritone Đào Mác will sing an aria Largo al factotum, and a duet Dunque io son with Meritorious Artist Khánh Ngọc. Both arias are from the opera Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) by Gioachino Rossini.

In addition, HBSO Symphony Orchestra and Choir will present the famous Overture from Rossini’s La Cenerentol (Cinderella), and excerpts from operas such as Gugliemo Ratcliff by Pietro Mascagni and Mefistofele by Arrigo Boito.

Trần Nhật Minh, who holds a Master of Music in conducting from Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory, will wield the baton at the concert.

The concert will begin at 8 pm. The venue is at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. Tickets can be purchased at the venue’s box office. 

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