Vietnam leads member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the number of students studying in the US, with nearly 50% pursuing majors in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This aligns with Vietnam's goals to develop a workforce for high-tech industries, according to a report released this month by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

The number of Vietnamese students studying at universities and colleges in the US has continued to grow, reaching 22,066 in the 2023-2024 academic year. When considering all education levels, the total number of Vietnamese students in the country exceeds 31,000.

As part of the efforts to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, and a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the US Department of State and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, the US diplomatic mission in Vietnam has funded an exchange programme in the US to improve technical training for 18 Vietnamese education manages; expanded English training programmes and STEM education activities for Vietnamese young people; implemented the Fulbright fellowship programme; and provided additional Fulbright scholarships in natural sciences to Vietnamese students.

The mission is also committed to expanding higher education cooperation through thematic seminars, working trips, and meetings involving US universities and colleges, in Vietnam.

Elevation of ties provides motivations for both Việt Nam, Malaysia: Expert

Vietnamese Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s recent official visit to Malaysia and the elevation of bilateral relations is a timely move that brings great motivations for both sides, according to Collins Chong Yew Keat, an expert on foreign affairs and security at the University of Malaya.

It reflects the importance of Malaysia to Việt Nam, particularly in the context of Việt Nam's efforts to make contributions to ASEAN through its support for Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair in 2025, Collins said.

The expert held that the Vietnamese leader’s visit, spanning from November 21-23, along with the relationship elevation brought about positive outcomes in three key aspects.

First, it strengthened economic power and future resources. Second, it built greater political trust. And third, it sent out a strong message that bilateral relationship and mutual trust are maintained and reinforced, he stated.

Looking ahead to future cooperation, Collins emphasised that both countries focusing simultaneously on areas such as people-to-people diplomacy and cultural exchange, alongside boosting trade and investment, would generate even greater synergy by complementing each other’s strengths.

Malaysia needs to address food security challenges, where Việt Nam can play a larger role. High-tech manufacturing, the digital economy, and natural resources are areas where Malaysia holds a competitive advantage, and these are sectors where Việt Nam can leverage its strengths, according to Collins.

Both nations are also key destinations for foreign direct investment in the region. With the growing relocation of top-tier technology companies to Southeast Asia, there are significant opportunities for both countries. This dynamic will lead to broader economic integration and development, contributing to the shared goals of defence and security.

Collins asserted that the Việt Nam-Malaysia bilateral relationship was poised to play a crucial role in ASEAN’s future, particularly with Malaysia assuming the rotating ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. Therefore, Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s visit would lay the groundwork for an expanded partnership, strengthening ASEAN’s role and influence under Malaysia’s leadership. This would be an opportune moment for both nations to align their efforts toward shared larger goals, including maintaining regional peace and stability, while ensuring economic recovery and future development through strategic economic and trade growth, he underlined.

This was the first visit to Malaysia by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam over the past 30 years.

Within the framework of his visit, Lâm held talks with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim; met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Tan Sri Dato' Johari Bin Abdul, and President of the Senate Dato’ Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah; and received Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Rural and Regional Development, and President of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He also had meetings with outstanding Vietnamese nationals living in ASEAN member states, and representatives from the Vietnamese community in Malaysia; visited several cultural and economic centres; and delivered a policy speech at the University of Malaya. On this occasion, his spouse, Ngô Phương Ly, visited the National Heart Institute of Malaysia, and presented gifts to child patients undergoing intensive treatment there. 

ITF U18 – J30 2024 Tournament wraps up in Ninh Binh

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) U18 – J30 2024 Tournament concluded on November 24 at Ninh Binh province's Sports Training and Competition Centre, with awards presented to athletes achieving exceptional performances.

In the men’s singles category, Lee Gyu Dan of the Republic of Korea (RoK) successfully defended his championship title. He triumphed over his countryman Jeon Geon Hyeok in an intense three-set match, securing the victory with a score of 2-1.

In the women’s singles event, Japan’s Riho Goto claimed the title after defeating her rival Rei Miyamoto also from Japan in two straight sets.

The men’s doubles title was won by the RoK's duo Oh Seung Min and Kim Young Hoon, who defeated Vietnam’s Nguyen Nam and Tran Duc Minh with a 2-0 score.

Meanwhile, the women’s doubles championship went to Maria Wojtaszczyk of Poland and Mai Sasaki of Japan. The pair overcame Pin-Tsen Chou of Chinese Taipei and Yueqi Fu of China with a score of 2-0.

Jointly organised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Vietnam Tennis Federation (VTF), and the Ninh Binh provincial People’s Committee, the tournament attracted 200 players from nearly 20 countries and territories.

According to the organisers, this international event offered local players a valuable opportunity to hone their skills, boost their confidence, and improve their rankings both nationally and globally.

Beyond its sporting significance, the tournament aimed to promote tennis development in Ninh Binh and raise awareness of the province's rich cultural and natural heritage among domestic and international visitors.

Ninh Binh, a popular tourist destination, was a filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster "Kong: Skull Island". It is also home to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO-recognised World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. The tournament coincided with the 3rd Ninh Binh Festival 2024, themed “Heritage Flow”./.

French journal praises Vietnam’s ecological agriculture model

French newspaper Le Monde has run a story highlighting Vietnam’s northern province of Son La as a model for ecological agricultural development.

Published on the threshold of a conference themed “How can we feed 10 billion people without destroying the planet?” that the journal will host in coordination with the Centre for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (Cirad) on November 25, the article tells how this mountainous region has become a frontrunner in Vietnam’s national initiative to transform the food and agriculture system.

Son La, now leading in ecological agricultural reforms, is part of Vietnam’s broader transition towards circular economies, reforestation, and reducing monoculture farming practices, the article said. This initiative is guided by the National Action Plan for the Transformation of the Food System launched in 2023 which focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices and combating environmental degradation.

One of the primary initiatives in Son La is the application of circular economy principles in agriculture, particularly in livestock feeding and fertilisation. The project, part of the "Ecological Agricultural Transformation and Safe Food System" (Asset) programme, was launched in 2020 and runs for five years. Asset is coordinated by Cirad and involves 15 Vietnamese and international partners, including research centres and government agencies. The programme is also being implemented in Laos and Cambodia with funding from the French Development Agency and the European Union.

The programme's success is illustrated by the voluntary participation of 30 villagers in Nam hamlet, a rural community in Son La, who are transforming their farming methods through circular agricultural practices. Pascal Lienhard, an agricultural engineer at Cirad, explains that the goal is to reinvest in livestock farming, which had been neglected due to the focus on monoculture, while proving that circular agriculture can increase farmers’ income. Additionally, six other villagers are learning to improve biodiversity and soil health on coffee plantations through agroforestry practices that help restore forest ecosystems.

Nam hamlet, nestled in a lush green valley, is home to around 100 wooden houses, the owners of many of which have adopted ecological farming techniques. The initiative aims to reconcile agricultural development with sustainability and environmental protection, which is facing significant challenges. Economic pressures, labour shortages, and climate change impacts have driven farmers towards intensive monoculture practices. Coffee farming, a key source of income in Ban Nam, occupies steep hillsides and accounts for 70% of the villagers' income. Yet, the density of coffee trees – up to 7,000 per hectare – worsens soil erosion and chemical runoff into nearby water sources.

Son La has also reformed its agricultural model significantly from 2015-2020, shifting away from soil degrading monoculture crops like maize and expanding fruit tree cultivation. Maize cultivation has been shrunk from 169,000 hectares to 70,000 hectares and fruit tree cultivation expanded from 29,000 hectares to 84,000 hectares. This shift prioritises both sustainability and profitability.

Alongside, the article also spotlighted another success model in Moc Chau district of Son La, with an Asset-launched initiative to brand the region of Moc Chau, connecting consumers to producers by showcasing ecological farming practices and promoting short supply chains through agricultural tourism./.

Party Central Committee examines key national issues in Hanoi

The 13th Central Party Committee convened its plenum in Hanoi on November 25 to discuss many important issues, with Party General Secretary To Lam in the chair.  

The Party Central Committee discusses key national issues during its plenum starting in Hanoi on November 25
During the sitting, senior Party members will debate and make decisions on several key issues, such as the implementation of the Party's Resolution 18 regarding the continued reform and restructuring of the political system to ensure it operates efficiently.

Other issues include restarting Vietnam’s nuclear power programme, reviewing disciplinary actions against Party members with violations or shortcomings, and considering the resignation of some members from their positions, as well as introducing new leadership appointments for certain state agencies.

In his opening speech, General Secretary To Lam emphasized that the issue of streamlining the political system’s organizational structure has been addressed in several Party Congresses.

He pointed out that while some initial results have been achieved, there is still much to be done, as the organizational structure remains cumbersome. The decentralization and delegation of authority are not fully aligned, and the overall effectiveness and efficiency are not high.

Therefore, he said, continuing the reform and reorganization of the political system is an urgent requirement in light of practical circumstances.

According to the Party chief, the Politburo has reached a strong political consensus to evaluate Resolution 18 comprehensively and early, providing a foundation for making bold decisions at the Party Central Committee to continue streamlining and improving the political system, starting with central agencies.

“This is a task that must be completed quickly, before the 14th National Party Congress takes place,” he stressed.

The General Secretary urged the Party Central Committee to reach high consensus across the political system and resolve to implement the restructuring of the political system to meet the goals and requirements of national development in the new era.

Regarding the policy to restart the study and implementation of nuclear power and the nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan province, the General Secretary stated that the development of national energy infrastructure is crucial that should be addressed soon to spur socio-economic development.

With the vision of national development in the new era, to realize the country’s development goals for 2030-2045, the GDP growth rate must exceed the current level, reaching a double digit rate and maintaining it consistently.

“Given this requirement, we foresee an energy shortage even after implementing the Power Development Plan VIII. Thus, restarting the study on nuclear power usage is essential for preparing for the future,” said the Party General Secretary.

At this meeting, the Politburo will also present a report on some personnel matters within its authority.

Cambodian media praises Vietnamese top legislator’s visit

Cambodian media outlets have extensively covered the four-day official visit (November 21-24) of Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man, commending the solidarity, neighbourliness, and cooperative ties between the two countries.

Among the nearly 30 activities in the trip, the inauguration of Cambodia’s new NA administrative building in Phnom Penh on November 21 garnered significant attention. Cambodian news agency AKP quoted NA President Samdech Khuon Sudary as expressing profound gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people for their 25 million USD support to construct the building. She emphasised it enhances the local legislative body's capacity to undertake governance reforms, transition toward a digital parliament, and improve the efficiency of its Secretariat’s personnel.

According to the AKP, the 12-storey establishment, funded by Vietnam, features modern facilities and Khmer-style architecture and will serve various administrative functions, including housing NA committees, meeting rooms, and Secretariat offices.

The news agency noted at the inauguration ceremony, the top legislators of Vietnam and Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening comprehensive cooperation between the two parliaments, both bilaterally and multilaterally, aligning with the aspirations of their people.

In another article, the AKP described the visit as a step forward in bolstering the countries’ neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and sustainable relations, as well as in promoting Vietnam’s multilateral relations and parliamentary diplomacy for peace and regional stability with Cambodia.

Meanwhile, the Khmer Times ran an article on the sides’ enduring and long-lasting friendship, calling the visit a milestone in enhancing bilateral parliamentary cooperation and deepening ties between the two neighbours.

Another Khmer Times piece on new heights in the nations’ economic and trade cooperation featured analysis by Uch Leang, Acting Director of the Department of Asian, African, and Middle-East Studies under the International Relations Institute of Cambodia at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC). The article highlighted robust trade growth over the past decade and significant investment opportunities.

The RAC researcher expressed his optimism that Cambodia and Vietnam would continue creating favourable conditions for businesses and investors to advance trade and investment. He recommended government agencies proactively propose policies promoting such development, focusing on digital transformation, the circular economy, technology-driven innovation, and experience-sharing./.

Three dead, one injured after crashing into ditch in Hà Nội

Three people including a one-year old baby died and another child was injured, after they crashed into a ditch in the Hà Nội’s suburban district of Chương Mỹ on Sunday evening.

According to local eyewitnesses, the group were on a motorbike when it left the road and plummeted into the ditch at around 8.35 pm in Đồng Lạc Commune, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Four victims are all from the same family.

The deceased were a 49-year-old woman, a 20-year-old man, along with the baby, while the child born in 2015 remains in hospital.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash.

Vietnam honoured as Asia’s Best Golf Destination 2024

Vietnam has surpassed several strong contenders such as Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, winning Asia’s Best Golf Destination 2024 award for the eight consecutive time.

Vietnam is regarded as an ideal golf destination in Asia due to its stunning natural landscapes, tropical climate favourable for golf course development, and golf tourism.

The honour was announced by the World Golf Awards during its 11th annual event recently held in Madeira, Portugal.

At the same awards ceremony, Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, was named the World’s Best Golf City Destination 2024.

Voting was conducted by golf industry professionals, the media, and the public. Winners were determined based on the highest number of votes received in each category.

Vietnam is regarded as an ideal golf destination in Asia due to its stunning natural landscapes, tropical climate favourable for golf course development, and golf tourism. Currently, the country boasts around 100 operational 18-hole golf courses, including 32 that meet international 5-star standards and are integrated with luxurious resorts.

One of the key focuses of Vietnam’s Tourism Development Strategy through 2030, approved by the Prime Minister, is the development of infrastructure and the creation of golf tourism products.

Vietnam has won eight Asia’s Best Golf Destination awards and two World’s Best Golf Destination awards. It has been named as Asia’s Leading Golf Destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for six consecutive years (2017–2022) and the World’s Leading Golf Destination in 2019 and 2021.

National Assembly discusses Vietnam Airlines restructuring plan

The National Assembly is scheduled to examine the restructuring plan of the Vietnam Airlines Joint Stock Company in its ongoing eighth session in Hanoi on November 25 to help the aviation firm to overcome the consequences caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam Airlines has completed a comprehensive restructuring plan aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and achieving sustainable recovery and development by 2035.

To date, the firm has fully restored its international flight network following the COVID-19 pandemic and has introduced several new routes, with the latest connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Munich (Germany). It has reduced various costs, such as financial, sales, and management expenses. Notably, financial expenses, primarily interest payments, are only 30% of what they were in quarter III 2023. These factors contributed to a consolidated post-tax profit of approximately VND862 billion.

However, the recent positive performance has not yet enabled Vietnam Airlines to fully overcome its challenges or completely recover from the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the airline’s production and business activities are improving significantly, its consolidated equity as of September 30, 2024, remains negative at VND11,086 billion, down from negative VND17,025 billion at the beginning of the year.

According to the restructuring plan, the firm proposed issuing additional shares to existing shareholders to increase charter capital by a maximum of VND22,000 billion. Nevertheless, the implementation faces obstacles due to regulations under the Securities Law and the Law on Management and Use of State Capital Invested in Production and Business.

Deputy Prime Minister cum Finance Minister Ho Duc Phoc will present the Vietnam Airlines report and answer relevant questions to be raised by National Assembly deputies.

HCM City: more than 3,000 infants vaccinated against measles

After one week, the city has injected 3,043 measles vaccine doses for infants aged six to nine months.

On November 22, the HCM City Department of Health reported that from November 11-17, the total number of measles cases in the city was 211, an increase of 43.5 per cent compared to the average of the previous four weeks, including 127 inpatient cases (an increase of 26.1 per cent) and 84 outpatient cases (an increase of 81.6 per cent). Accumulated from the beginning of the year, the number of measles cases in the city has been 1,858, including three deaths.

In addition, the number of cases from other provinces treated at four hospitals in the city last week also increased with 419 cases (up 31.1 per cent compared to the average of the previous four weeks).

Since the beginning of the year, the cumulative number of measles cases from other provinces treated in HCM City has been 3,052 cases.

According to the city Department of Health, the measles vaccination campaign for children aged one to 10 has contributed to reducing the number of cases in this age group. However, the surveillance system recorded an increase in the number of new cases in children aged six to under nine months.

This is a young age group, long too old to be vaccinated against measles under the expanded immunization program, while antibodies passed from the mother may have decreased below the protective level.

In response to the increase in new measles cases, after receiving approval from the Ministry of Health, HCM City is implementing a measles vaccination campaign for children from six months to nine months old.

As a result, after one week of cumulative vaccination, the city has vaccinated 3,043 doses for children in this age group.

The vaccine used for children is a single vaccine in the expanded immunization programme implemented by the city to ensure safety.

In addition, the city continues to review and implement a measles vaccination campaign for children aged one to 10, as well as deploy vaccines in the expanded immunisation programme for those who have not been vaccinated or have not been fully vaccinated.

The health sector recommends that parents and family members proactively take their children to vaccination sites to get vaccinated against measles. 

Vietnamese community football tournament helps strengthen bond in Japan

The finals of the FAVIJA Champions Cup 2024, the largest Vietnamese football championship in Japan, took place in Saitama prefecture, featuring 32 top teams from seven regions of Kanto, Chubu, Tokai, Kansai, HoKuriku, Chugoku, and Kyushu.

The event, held by the Vietnam – Japan international exchange organisation (FAVIJA) under the sponsorship of the Vietnamese Embassy and local administrations, saw the teams simultaneously play across eight pitches at Resland Sports Complex.

FC T-Connect Binh Dinh claimed the championship title after a series of competitive matches, with FC Asahi securing the second place. Meanwhile, FC ISC and FC Uni-co Hai Phong shared the third place.

The tournament introduced an innovative cultural integration element by allowing each team to register up to two Japanese players and three Vietnamese football stars, exemplifying the growing ties between Vietnamese expatriates and local Japanese communities.

According to FAVIJA President Do Quang Ba, beyond physical fitness, this tournament creates a healthy environment for Vietnamese expatriates to strengthen community bonds and support one another while living abroad.

The championship, with its qualification running from March 17 to October 27, drew a record participation of 232 teams nationwide./.

Ninh Binh looks to capture Japanese tourism market

The northern province of Ninh Binh, home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (968-1009), showcased its stunning natural landscapes and people to the Japanese market through a recent tourism promotion conference called “the splendor of the ancient capital” in Tokyo.

The event, jointly organised by the provincial People's Committee and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, drew the attendance of travel industry representatives, government officials, and Japanese who love Vietnam.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Song Tung laid stress on the significance of the event, which aimed to raise awareness of the locality’s tourism potential among Japanese tourists and travel firms.

He said the conference serves not only as a platform to comprehensively introduce the province’s natural, cultural and heritage values but also a bridge to strengthen collaboration between tourism organisations and businesses of both nations.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu stressed that Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam's pioneering localities in organising tourism promotion events in Japan, reflecting the province's innovative spirit and strong determination in tourism development, focusing on targeted cultural promotion so as to enhance its position in the national tourism strategy.

He described the conference as an important move in connecting Ninh Binh with international markets, particularly Japan – a potential and crucial market for the Vietnamese tourism sector.

The embassy pledges to accompany the province and many other localities in tourism promotion as well as support them to expand international cooperation, he added.

Mayor of Saiki city Tanaka Toshiaki, who had previously visited Trang An, shared his positive impressions on the destination. There is an increasing number of tourists from Saiki city, Oita prefecture visiting Ninh Binh, he said, expressing his hope for deeper relations between the two countries in both natural and historical aspects.

Looking ahead, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism Bui Manh Ha said the province has identified Japan as a priority market in its international tourism strategy. The delegation's visit has already resulted in numerous partnerships with Japanese partners, with plans to enhance service quality and professionalism through collaborative efforts in travel, accommodation, and hospitality services.

In framework of the conference, several cooperation agreements were signed between tourism agencies of both countries, laying the groundwork for more intensive collaboration in the future./.

Deputy PM meets with Vietnamese community in Denmark
 
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha had a meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Denmark on November 24 as part of his working trip to the European country.

Speaking highly of their contributions to the homeland, Ha affirmed that the overseas Vietnamese (OV) communities, including that in Denmark, are an integral part of the nation, helping popularise Vietnam's images to the world.

The Vietnamese Party, State and Government always see Vietnamese intellectuals abroad a valuable resource and a driving force for the nation’s development, he stressed.

Looking ahead to 2025, which marks the beginning of a new development phase for Vietnam with ambitious goals, Ha underscored that the country is striving to further integrate into the global economy and has chosen Denmark as a model for sustainable development.

Vietnam has set up diplomatic relations with over 190 countries and comprehensive partnerships with more than 30 nations. The country now ranks among the top 15-20 global exporters and stands 5-6th worldwide in terms of energy transition, he added.

Expressing his admiration for Denmark's green development model and circular economy, Ha said the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the two countries, strengthened by previous ODA support, has evolved into a promising partnership in sustainable development and renewable energy.

The Deputy PM spoke highly of the Vietnamese Embassy’s efforts to step up the bilateral relationship and hoped that the ties will be elevated with extensive collaboration in those areas.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Denmark Luong Thanh Nghi said the embassy and the OVs will continue contributions to the development of the Vietnam – Denmark relations, highlighting that the community will maintain its bridging role to develop the bilateral ties to a new height.

The 16,000-strong Vietnamese community in Denmark, predominantly composed of intellectuals and professionals, has significantly contributed to the host nation while maintaining strong ties with their homeland, by offering COVID-19 vaccine funding and natural disaster relief efforts. Besides, the OVs have promoted the Vietnamese language teaching among younger generations.

Coast Guard seizes 55,000 litres of smuggled diesel

The Coast Guard has seized 55,000 litres of contraband diesel from a fishing boat off the coast of the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Kiên Giang.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Phan Nhân Hậu, head of the Đồng Nai Province-based Coast Guard Intelligence Division No 2, said on November 22 that his patrol team discovered the boat KG-93815-TS registered in Kiên Giang Province about 25 nautical miles to the east of Nam Du Archipelago at around 12:50 on November 21.

Officers boarded the boat and found oil of unknown origin.

On board were its captain, Dương Văn Năng, of Kiên Giang, and four crew members.

Năng failed to furnish documents to prove the origin of the oil, and none of the crew members had the certification required to be a sailor.

At around 9:30am on November 22, the patrol team brought the boat ashore, and handed the case over to Squadron No 422 under the Coast Guard Region No 4 Command, which is based on Phú Quốc Island, for further investigation. 

Vietnamese students in Russia welcome new academic year

The Interim Executive Committee of the Vietnam Students’ Association (VSA) at P.E. Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University (RUDN) in Moscow kicked off the new academic year with the annual "Resonance" event on November 23.

The event not only welcomed new students but also fortified the bonds within the burgeoning Vietnamese student community.

RUDN representative Vyacheslav Sokolov announced that the university has opened its doors to 45 new students from Vietnam this year, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This surge further cements RUDN's reputation as one of the schools with the largest number of Vietnamese students in Russia.

Le Huynh Duc, President of the Vietnam Students’ Association in Russia, commended the nurturing learning environment that Russia offers, stressing that the knowledge and experiences gained here will be instrumental for Vietnamese students to contribute to Vietnam's future development.

The "Resonance" event was a meticulously planned celebration that offered lively performances featuring traditional songs and dances, as well as folk games and activities designed specifically for newcomers./.

Vietnamese ambassador pledges support for trade expansion with Argentina

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet has pledged to help Argentine firms expand trade cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in the export of key local products such as beef, soybean, corn and cotton.

During her visit to Reconquista city in Santa Fe province from November 21-23, Ambassador Nguyet engaged in a working session with Mayor Amadeo Enrique Vallejos.

She provided an insightful overview of the cooperative relations between Vietnam and Argentina, stressing that Vietnam has now become Argentina's sixth largest trade partner. This growing partnership highlights the immense potential for further collaboration, especially in the aquaculture sector.

Mayor Vallejos stressed that as part of its strategy to expand into global markets, Reconquista considers Vietnam one of the key destinations that its leaders and businesses are focusing on.

He said Reconquista has a well-developed livestock industry, which includes cow, pig, and poultry breeding, alongside the cultivation of soybeans, corn, sorghum, cotton, sunflower and citrus trees. He also expressed a desire to explore opportunities for cooperation and learn from Vietnam's successful aquaculture practices.

On the occasion, Vallejos declared Ambassador Nguyet an Honorary Guest of Reconquista, presenting her with the Key of the City, a symbol of its commitment to fostering international cooperation.

The Vietnamese diplomat also held working sessions with Mayor of Vera city Paura Mitre, President of Guadalupe Norte district Hector Zat and President of La Sarita district Gerardo Castillo.

She also toured several livestock facilities and leading beef and pork processing and export companies in Reconquista, such as Friar and Tutto Porkys./.

Emirates to recruit pilots in Hanoi, HCM City

Emirates is accelerating its recruitment efforts in Vietnam to meet the surge in customer demand. The airline will host pilot recruitment roadshows in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, seeking experienced commercial pilots to join its expanding team.

The upcoming roadshows will take place in Hanoi at the Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi on November 29 at 7 pm and November 30 at 10 am. In HCM City they will be held at Pullman Saigon Centre on December 1 at 7 pm, December 2 at 10 am and 5 pm. Pilots are required to attend only one of the sessions.

At the session, prospective Emirates pilots can learn more about the airline’s recruitment process, opportunities, training programmes, career trajectories and benefits. They will also have the chance to speak to current Emirates pilots. Interested pilots based in the northern region and those in the South can register for the respective Hanoi and HCM City roadshows via this link.

Emirates’ Country Manager in Vietnam Majid Al Falasi said: “Vietnam is a fast-growing market with rising demand for international travel, and Emirates is committed to supporting this growth by recruiting skilled pilots. With Emirates, they’ll enjoy a rewarding career, flying on one of the world’s most modern fleets, along with comprehensive training, and extensive benefits. We look forward to welcoming Vietnam’s top aviation talent as we expand operations in this dynamic market.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Emirates operates a modern fleet of over 260 aircraft, serving more than 148 destinations across six continents. The airline operates daily flights from Hanoi and HCM City to Dubai./.

Community tourism transforms livelihoods in remote areas

Across Vietnam, a transformative movement is quietly reshaping the landscape of local livelihoods, particularly in remote and mountainous areas as community-based tourism turns the rich traditional cultures and daily lives of ethnic groups into interesting attractions for foreign travelers.

As tourists seek authentic cultural experiences, they are flocking to these areas, breathing new life into local economies and helping preserve their unique cultural heritage.

This influx of visitors is not merely a boon for local businesses, but also a vital lifeline that sustains and spreads the distinctive cultural values that define these communities, said Director of the Institute for Tourism Development Research under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Anh Tuan.

By promoting immersive experiences, such as making and savoring traditional Cham cakes, engaging in folk music exchanges, and enjoying performances of traditional musical instruments, communities can offer visitors a hands-on approach to their cultural heritage, Ho Luu Phuc from Van Hien University said.

In the southern province of Soc Trang, Dai Tam commune in My Xuyen district has become a model rural commune. Showcasing the cultural heritage of the Kinh, Khmer and Hoa ethnic groups, the commune seamlessly blends cultural preservation with tourism to create a thriving economic model, evident in its average income per capita exceeding 76 million VND (3,000 USD) per year.

Phong Phu Thinh from Dai An hamlet, Dai Tam commune said over 200,000 visitors annually come to the famous Chen Kieu Pagoda carrying Khmer style. They also explore various cultural ceremonies, enjoy traditional Khmer music and dance performances, purchase local specialties, agricultural products, and handicrafts.

Similarly, in Phuoc Dan town, Ninh Phuoc district, the south central province of Tay Ninh, community-based tourism activities are being promoted, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Bau Tuc pottery village of the Cham people. Here, tourists can discover the unique art of pottery-making, which does not use a potter's wheel, learn about the culture and beliefs reflected in each ceramic product, and purchase local crafts. This not only creates employment opportunities for the local population but also plays a practical role in preserving the traditional craft.

Phuc also proposed innovative solutions to improve community-based tourism products. He underlined the importance of collaboration among local authorities, tourism companies, hospitality providers and relevant sectors. A concerted effort is needed to invest in infrastructure that supports these enriching activities, he said, adding ensuring hygiene and food safety must be prioritised in food tourism to guarantee visitor satisfaction and foster repeated visits./.

Party leader’s Malaysia visit highlights Vietnam’s ASEAN-centric approach: Thai newspaper

The official visit to Malaysia from November 21-23 by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam highlights Vietnam’s ASEAN-centric approach, positioning both nations as key players in counterbalancing external influences in Southeast Asia, scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn wrote in an article posted on the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS)'s website on November 22.

The scholar affirmed that as the first ASEAN member to establish ties with Vietnam in 1973, Malaysia recognised the potential of the country early on, and understood that overall regional stability and cooperation would depend on Vietnam’s integration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The article stressed that the visit is significant as it comes at a time when two leading ASEAN nations are navigating rapid geopolitical shifts.

It is noteworthy that both countries have a penchant for staying ahead of global trends. Vietnam and Malaysia employ a balanced strategy to manage ties with major powers like China and the US while maintaining excellent regional partnerships.

The Vietnamese Party chief's trip is expected to significantly boost Hanoi’s ASEAN-oriented approach and its “bamboo diplomacy,” the Thai scholar affirmed./.

Over 25,000 students in Vietnam learning Korean: seminar

An international seminar on Korean language education in central Vietnam in the age of hyperconnectivity opened in Da Nang city on November 22.

Organised by Dong A University in collaboration with the Korea Foundation’s Hanoi Office and Cyber Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, the hybrid event gathered nearly 200 experts, researchers, lecturers, and students.

It featured discussions on topics such as the impact of hyper-connectivity on Korean language education abroad, the application of artificial intelligence to enhance teacher skills, and strategies for advancing Korean language education in central Vietnam.

Lim Bora, Consul at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Da Nang, emphasised that Vietnam is the only country in Southeast Asia where the Korean government has established and operated two consulates general in addition to its embassy. This is a clear testament to the significance of the RoK-Vietnam relations and the strategic role of Da Nang.

Woo Hyung Min, head of the Korea Foundation’s Hanoi Office, noted that 46 Vietnamese universities now offer Korean language and Korean studies programmes, with over 25,000 students enrolled. Since 2021, Korean has also been taught at secondary and high schools nationwide on a pilot basis.

As the demand for Korean language education continues to rise in Vietnam, improving teaching quality has become a priority, he said, adding the seminar offered a platform for sharing innovative teaching methods and adapting to an evolving educational environment.

Dr. Phan Hoang My Thuong, head of the Korean Language and Culture Department at Dong A University, emphasised the importance of creating an international learning environment for students.

By strengthening Korean language education and fostering collaboration, the seminar contributed to building a skilled, multilingual workforce to support Da Nang’s strategic goals, she said./.

Long An prevents public security problems from grassroots level

The police force in the Mekong Delta province of Long An has rolled out various measures to ensure local public security and order, especially in the last months of the year and during the second Long An Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week 2024, according to Colonel Nguyen Van Hoa, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Public Security.

The force is actively monitoring, analysing, and forecasting security situations in various areas, advising local authorities to mobilise the support of the political system and the public in ensuring security, he said, stressing that the focus is placed on preventing and resolving emerging issues early and at the grassroots level.

Along with implementing effective plans and strategies to maintain public order and ensure the safety of critical infrastructure, important political, cultural, and social events. The force will concentrate in protecting the safety and order for the Long An Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week 2024 from November 28 to December 4. This will involve coordination with various sectors, local authorities, and a high-level mobilisation of forces to combat crime and maintain traffic safety, the official said.

The force is committed to no passive or unexpected situations or events that could disrupt public order. Local police have proactively advised Party committees and administrations at all levels to effectively settle disputes, complaints, strikes, and other issues from the outset, especially those related to land disputes and policies for labourers. This approach ensures that hostile elements cannot exploit these situations to destabilise security. The police are strengthening preventive measures and effectively combating various types of crime, addressing the root causes and conditions that lead to crime from the very beginning. Special attention is being given to tackling serious crimes such as murder, robbery, theft, fraud, intentionally causing injury, drug trafficking, and smuggling, and eliminating usury, illegal use of weapons and explosives, and social evils.

Moreover, the provincial police are implementing comprehensive strategies to ensure traffic safety, urban order, fire prevention, rescue operations, disaster response, and climate change adaptation, while improving the force’s capacity.

According to Colonel Hoa, in the first 10 months of 2024, the Long An police investigated and clarified 652 of 760 social order-related cases, reaching 85.78%. They arrested 1,407 individuals, and recovered over 90 billion VND (3.54 million USD) worth of assets. The force also dismantled 291 gambling rings and launched procedures against 1,479 individuals. They foiled 550 cases involving the storage, transportation, and sale of contraband goods, seizing over 991,000 foreign cigarette packs, 59.5 tonnes of sugar, 3.4 tonnes of various fireworks, and eight combine harvesters. The force also busted 201 drug-related cases, arresting 307 suspects and seizing 4.2 kg of heroin, 39 kg of meths, 54.5 kg of cannabis, 9,800 USD, and 417.2 million VND.

In early September, local police raided an illegal drug trafficking case, seizing 9.9 kg of meths, 14.99 kg of ketamine, and 9,800 USD.

Also in September, they dismantled a gambling ring run by three Chinese nationals. They detained 15 Chinese individuals involved in gambling activities, seized gambling materials, 745 million VND, 3,333 USD, and 20,729 RMB in cash.

These achievements reflect the province’s commitment to following the directions of the Ministry of Public Security, the provincial Party Committee, and the provincial People’s Committee. The local police have consistently garnered political and public support to combat crime, especially during intensive crime-fighting campaigns. Through proactive monitoring and targeted operations, the force ensures security and public order in the locality./.

Road to border marker No 962 inaugurated in Lang Son

The inauguration ceremony of a road leading to border marker No. 962 was held in Quoc Khanh commune in Trang Dinh district of the northern province of Lang Son on November 22.

The project is a meaningful activity to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944- 2024) and the 35th anniversary of All-People’s National Defence Day (December 22, 1989 – 2024).

The road, which stretches over 1,900m long and 1.2m wide, is within the border area managed by the Po Ma Border Guard Station under the Lang Son Border Guard Command. Construction of the project began in early May this year with the efforts of more than 1,500 officials and local residents of Trang Dinh district, and border guard officers and soldiers. It has a total investment of over 1.8 billion VND (70,800 USD) and was put into use after six months.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Nguyen Anh Tuan, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Border Guard, highlighted the construction of the road as a practical initiative which exemplifies the effective mobilisation of resources, enthusiastic participation, and responsibility from various sectors, political and social organisations, and the community.

Colonel Trinh Huu Tang, Political Commissar of the Lang Son Border Guard Command, said that over the past two years, the province has successfully raised over 40 billion VND, hundreds of tonnes of materials and over 30,000 work days to build 189 concrete roads leading to border markers to ensure safety when conducting patrols./.

Long An's 2nd Culture, Sports, Tourism Week to kick off in late November

The Mekong Delta province of Long An will host the second Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week 2024 from November 28 to December 4, according to the provincial People’s Committee.

This week-long celebration will offer a wide range of activities, providing visitors with unique experiences of Long An’s culture, people, and natural beauty.

The event will kick off with an opening ceremony themed “Long An – Aspiration of the Vam River” on November 28, featuring vibrant art performances promoting the province’s culture and image. A special highlight will be a spectacular drone light show.

There will be food courts introducing traditional dishes, with stalls displaying specialties of Long An and neighbouring provinces.

The event will also comprise traditional music and dance shows featuring hundreds of performers from leading art troupes of Long An and other provinces in the Mekong River Delta. Folk games, cooking and sports competitions will also be held.

A number of sports events will take place during the week, such as a marathon in the Waterpoint Ben Luc urban area in Ben Luc district, the Long An Open Bodybuilding Championship, martial arts performances, and the first-ever three-plank boat race on the Vam Co River— an iconic natural wonder in the province.

Other events will include the 2024 Long An Investment Promotion Conference and a forum on promoting tourism and One Commune, One Product (OCOP) products between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, providing opportunities for Long An to build partnerships, foster regional cooperation, and attract investment in industry, trade, and tourism.

Nguyen Thanh Thanh, director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that tourist arrivals in the province increased by 60% year-on-year during its first Culture, Sports and Tourism Week last year. It is expected to welcome 1 million visitors during this year’s edition, he said.

As a gateway of the Mekong Delta region, which neighbours HCM City, the province has great potential for developing specific tourism products such as exploring the lives of local people living along rivers, orchards, craft villages, and historical and cultural heritage sites.

Long An has a rich history and traditions, with 21 national-level historical and cultural heritage sites and 105 provincial-level ones

It boasts the Tan Lap Floating Village, the Endless Field Tourist Site, the My Quynh Zoo and Chavi Garden will help visitors have the experience of the river scenery and typical culture of the Mekong Delta region.

Regarding sports tourism, Long An hosts two golf courses meeting international standards in Duc Hoa and Duc Hue districts. In the Mekong Delta, only Phu Quoc and Long An own this advantage.

In the first nine months of this year, Long An received more than 1.1 million visitors, up 64% compared to the same period last year.

In 2025, it hopes to attract 2.5 million domestic visitors and 30,000 international tourists a year, with an annual growth of 30% and revenues of more than 2 trillion VND (78.5 million USD)./.

Athletes secure gold at Petanque Asian Championships 2024

Vietnamese athletes outplayed their Malaysian opponents in the final game of the Petanque Asian Championships 2024 in Chinese Taipei, on November 24, bringing home the team’s only gold medal.

Taking on Malaysian opponents in the finals, duo Kim Thanh and Kim Thao put in strong displays to clinch an important 13-5 victory, winning a gold medal in the women’s doubles category.

The event attracted 11 teams, and to make it all the way to the final, Vietnam defeated Japan in the quarter-final stage and Indonesia in the semi-final stage.

Overall, Vietnam won one gold, one silver, and one bronze medals at the second Petanque Asian Championships in Chinese Taipei.

In 2025 Petanque will be included among the 50 sports to be competed at the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 33) in Thailand. The recent Petanque Asian Championships 2024 provided a chance for Vietnamese athletes to prepare for the regional event.

Vietnam, Venezuela step up educational cooperation

An educational cooperation agreement for the 2024-2029 period was signed by Vietnam’s University of Technology and Management (UTM) and Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB) of Venezuela on November 21 as part of activities celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (December 18, 1989-2024).

The signing ceremony was held during a visit by a UTM delegation led by Rector Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Xuan Son. The event aimed to further enhance educational cooperation to parallel the strong political ties between Vietnam and Venezuela.

UCAB Rector Dr. Arturo Peraza praised the UTM delegation’s visit, noting its significance as the two nations are celebrating 35 years of diplomatic relations. He expressed his confidence that the agreement will foster greater partnership in education between Vietnam and Venezuela.

Dr. Peraza emphasised the agreement’s importance as a legal framework for joint efforts in teaching, scientific research, and technology. It will provide opportunities for students from both countries to deepen their understanding of each other's culture and people, thus strengthening the bilateral friendship.

Both universities are leading institutions in eSports education, a rapidly growing global industry. The partnership aims to train a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this emerging sector.

Dr. Son highlighted Vietnam’s educational achievements after nearly four decades of reform, noting significant investments from the Party and State.

He described the UTM’s journey over the past two decades as a reputable institution providing high-quality, multidisciplinary education. The university’s mission includes producing a skilled workforce for both domestic and international markets, contributing to Vietnam’s industrialisation and modernisation.

Dr. Son expressed optimism that the UTM-UCAB partnership will further enhance the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Venezuela. The agreement focuses on faculty and student exchanges, training programmes, professional development for lecturers and researchers, information sharing, and co-hosting specialised courses, workshops, and conferences.

Founded in 1953, UCAB is a renowned institution in Venezuela and Latin America, offering international-standard undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. With three campuses and around 15,000 students, UCAB delivers diverse, multidisciplinary education.

During the visit, the UTM delegation also worked with other Venezuelan universities, research centres, the Venezuela-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela; and visited cultural and historical sites./.

Vietnam’s culture and cuisine introduced in Israel

The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel, in collaboration with the International Women’s Club (IWC) in Israel, organised an event on November 21 to introduce Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

The event drew the participation of around 50 participants, including female diplomats, spouses of foreign diplomats in Israel, Israeli businesswomen, embassy staff, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in the Middle East nation.

The attendees watched videos showcasing Vietnam’s stunning and diverse landscapes, flavourful cuisine, and warm hospitality. They also learned about 'ao dai', the traditional Vietnamese long dress. Several IWC members who had visited Vietnam shared their impressions of the country, praising its people and its rich cultural and culinary traditions.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung provided additional insights into Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage and highlighted the nation’s recent socio-economic achievements.

Professor Nir Avieli, a sociologist from Ben-Gurion University told the Vietnam News Agency's resident correspondent that he have visited Vietnam many times, adding that he loves the country and its people. For him, Vietnamese cuisine is the best in the world, he said./.

Vietnam promotes cultural heritage values for sustainable future

Vietnam’s over-4,000-year history has woven a tapestry of cultural treasure across the country, representing more than just the nation’s soul but emerging as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development. Amidst rapid globalisation and urbanisation, preserving and promoting the cultural wealth has never been more critical.

Vietnam's cultural landscape, shaped up by its over four millennia of history, boasts both tangible and intangible heritage.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Department of Cultural Heritage, as of mid-2024, the country housed an impressive collection of more than 40,000 historical sites, including eight UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites, 130 special national monuments, and over 10,000 provincial-level heritage sites, and approximately 70,000 documented elements nationwide, with 15 inscribed on UNESCO’s representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity and the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

Notably, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex stands as Southeast Asia’s only mixed heritage site, combining both cultural and natural significance.

The cultural treasure has been an important resource for the country’s socio-economic development. Many elements have become well-established cultural-tourism offerings, helping position the national brand in the era of global integration.

Over the recent past, seeing cultural heritage as a driving force and catalyst for sustainable development, the Vietnamese Government has spent thousands of trillions of VND on preservation and renovation efforts.

The impact of heritage preservation in Vietnam tells a remarkable success story. The Hue Monuments Complex (recognised by UNESCO as a world relic site in 1993) and Ha Long Bay (1994) have transformed from modest attractions, drawing just tens of thousands of visitors, to world-class destinations welcoming millions annually. In the same vein, the Trang An Landscape Complex lured over 6.3 million visitors yearly within just five years of its UNESCO recognition.

These impressive numbers are driven by an innovative approach to heritage preservation that has mobilised diverse stakeholders, including organisations, businesses, UNESCO, and both governmental and non-governmental agencies. Particularly, local communities have become active participants in restoration projects, from the iconic One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi to the monuments of Hue imperial city, proving that heritage conservation can go hand in hand with tourism development.

The preservation effort extends beyond physical landmarks to embrace intangible cultural heritage. Communities across the nation have passed down their cultural legacy to future generations through renovation work and establishment of clubs to encourage traditional art performances. Quan ho (love duet) singing in Bac Ninh province, Soc temple festival, Huong pagoda festival, Hue royal court music, and Soc Trang boat racing have evolved into distinctive cultural tourism brands, each telling their own unique story.

Heritage sites have become powerful engines of poverty reduction, generating thousands of jobs and elevating living standards in surrounding communities. Hoi An ancient town stands as a prime example. Two decades after achieving world heritage status, tourism now accounts for over 70% of the city's GDP. Tourism revenues have funded crucial improvement in local infrastructure, education, health care, and security, while also supporting ongoing heritage preservation efforts.

Vietnam is increasingly embracing digital transformation in heritage preservation. A government program launched in December 2021 to digitise the nation's cultural heritage for the 2021-2030 period lays a foundation for agencies and organisations to digitalise and standardise existing data from museums and heritage site management boards nationwide. This is not only valuable for conservation work but also provides a basis to capitalise on the potential of heritage in the cultural industry.

The Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies has already digitised an substantial collection, including nearly 5,700 video recordings, 980 photo albums containing 91,700 images, over 700 scientific reports, 1,154 documentary films, and 40,000 photographs.

Vietnam's commitment to cultural heritage preservation dates back to November 23, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh signed a decree to set up the Vietnam Oriental Institute, a watershed marking the beginning of systematic heritage preservation in the country.

Since then the Government, aware of the significance of cultural heritage in socio-economic development, has issued various resolutions to connect the cultural heritage with sustainable development, affirming that culture is not only the a target but also a motive for development.

Particularly, the Party’s theory on promoting soft power of the Vietnamese culture, first introduced in the documents of the 13th National Party Congress, emphasises the cultural identity and the people’s strength have become the root of the soft power and a motive for sustainable development and international integration./.

Ha Giang kicks off construction of 24 houses for poor families

The People's Committee of Vi Xuyen district in the northern province of Ha Giang on November 21 held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 24 new houses in replace of the old temporary and dilapidated ones across 18 communes.

The initiative forms part of the nationwide emulation movement “The whole country joins hands to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses”. It is to improve living conditions for residents in disadvantaged areas, contributing to the new-style rural area building, ensuring social welfare and promoting local sustainable development.

Dinh The Manh, Secretary of the district’s Party Committee and head of the district steering committee for the eradication of temporary and dilapidated houses, said that the district aims to complete 45 new houses before the 2025 Lunar New Year and 89 others by the end of April next year.

Nearly 600 million VND (23,604 USD) was raised at an event held the same day in Ngoc Linh commune to support the district in this regard, showcasing the collective efforts of local businesses, organisations, and individuals.

Located in the northernmost region of the country, Ha Giang is a highland province with high rates of poverty and near-poverty households. According to a survey conducted by 11 districts and city, as of October 30, 5,848 households were in need of housing support. Of them, 4,951 require new houses while another 897 need repairs./.

First Vietnamese speaking contest held for university students in Thailand

Srinakharinwirot University has hosted a Vietnamese speaking contest for university students in Thailand to promote and spread the Vietnamese language here.

This is the first of its kind held between five universities of Thailand. The final round of the first edition took place on November 20.

Bui Thi Hue, Minister Counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand, said that the bilateral relationship is thriving across various fields, particularly within the framework of the Vietnam-Thailand enhanced strategic partnership. The two countries are not only friendly neighbours but also key economic partners. Therefore, learning Vietnamese language in Thailand plays a crucial role in strengthening the bilateral friendship, while also opening up new opportunities for students.

With the theme of potential tour guides for Vietnamese visiting Thailand, 15 finalists took the stage to introduce in Vietnamese language a favourite destination in Thailand, based on a video clip they had prepared during the preliminary round. Following the presentations, the contestants answered questions in Vietnamese from the judges, related to the content of their video.

At the end of the contest, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung, and Dean of the Srinakharinwirot University’s Faculty of Humanities presented one special, one first, two second, two third and nine consolation prizes to the winners.

Hung said the contest provided a valuable intellectual platform, helping to promote the learning of Vietnamese language and enhance understanding of Vietnamese culture in Thailand. He added the embassy will continue to support and collaborate with the university in devising Vietnamese language programmes in the coming time./.

Vietnamese Ambassador attends funeral of French journalist Madeleine Riffaud

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang attended the funeral of Madeleine Riffaud, a French poet, journalist, revolutionary, and close friend of the Vietnamese people, on November 20 in Paris.

Madeleine Riffaud passed away on November 6, at the age of 100. She was among the first foreign war correspondents invited to witness the American invasion of Vietnam. Her articles, photographs, and documentaries published in France provided an unflinching portrayal of the resilience and bravery of the Vietnamese people from 1965 to 1973, helping the Southeast Asian nation garner international support at that time.

In particular, her two books - Dans les acquis de Vietcong (In the Vietcong Underground), published in 1965, and Au Nord du Vietnam, écrit sous les bombes (In North Vietnam: Written Under the Bombs), 1967, made a significant impact. The first earned the 1966 award from the International Organisation of Journalists.

Not only did she support and stand by the Vietnamese people during their past struggle for national liberation, but she also remained unwavering in her commitment to them in national construction. Riffaud actively engaged in the activities of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association, supported Vietnamese Agent Orange/dioxin victims, assisted marginalised communities in remote areas of Vietnam, and encouraged the Vietnamese people in their development and global integration.

The Vietnamese State and Government awarded her the first-class Order of Resistance in 1984 and the Friendship Order in 2004 in recognition of her significant contributions to the struggle for national liberation as well as the cause of national construction and development.

Ambassador Thang emphasised that her passing is a great loss for her friends, French communists, and all those who cherished Vietnam. The large turnout at her funeral reflects the deep affection and support for her courage, resilience, and passionate involvement in supporting the struggles for justice by the Vietnamese people and other oppressed peoples around the world.

On this occasion, the diplomat affirmed that the people of Vietnam will always remember her affection towards the country, and expressed the hope that her friends will continue to stand by the Vietnamese people in their ongoing struggle and development./.

Experts highlight age as leading risk factor for shingles

Age is the leading risk factor for shingles, especially for those over 50 with diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or kidney diseases, experts affirmed at the International Scientific Summit on Shingles Prevention in Adults recently held in Ho Chi Minh City.

Organised by GSK in collaboration with the Vietnam Medical Association, the summit was attended by more than 150 leading healthcare professionals in the fields of cardiovascular, endocrinology, rheumatology, geriatrics, infectious diseases, and preventive and general medical practitioners from Southeast Asia, who shared diverse perspectives and discussed scientific data, diseases, global clinical practices, and solutions for adult disease prevention.

Aging weakens the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence, which includes both genetic and environmental factors, they said.

Dr. Anita Sharma, medical lecturer, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, University of Queensland, and director of Platinum Medical Centre in Brisbane, Australia, said: “As the immune system weakens, the risk of infectious diseases increases along with their complex complications. Age is the leading risk factor for shingles. The incidence of shingles rises sharply after age 50, with data recorded in various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia, and in countries like Australia, Taiwan (China), the US, Japan, and the UK.”

In addition to high incidence, specifically, one in three adults will develop shingles, the complications of the disease are considered a threat to both physical health and the quality of the life of patients. Shingles complications include postherpetic neuralgia, which can last more than three months after the onset of the disease, with the risk increasing with age and significantly from age 50, she noted.

Additionally, other rare complications of shingles have been reported, such as vision loss following shingles in the eye area, and hearing loss, she added.

Dr. Sharma further elaborated on the risks and burden of the disease, including that studies have shown an association of shingles with cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infraction or heart attack and stroke. Pain from shingles significantly affects the quality of life, impacting sleep, daily activities, work, and mood, leading to a sense of not enjoying life.

Dr. Than Hà Ngoc The, former head of the Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, HCM City said: “The prevalence of chronic diseases in people aged 50 and over is quite common, including having at least two chronic diseases recorded in different age groups.

“Patients with chronic diseases have an increased risk of developing shingles along with serious complications of the disease. The risk of shingles is much higher in over 50-year-old patients with such diseases as diabetes, hypertension or kidney diseases,” he noted.

According to experts, many national recommendations advocate for vaccination with the shingles vaccine for adults aged 50 and older to prevent the disease, including specific guidelines for those with underlying conditions. Countries like the US, Germany, Canada, Spain, and Italy have provided guidelines for shingles prevention through vaccination for patients with asthma, COPD, and diabetes.

It is estimated that annually vaccinations can save four to five million lives globally, prevent over nine million cases of illness, nine million cases of potential long-term disability, and 20 million deaths from 2001 to 2020. Vaccination can also significantly control infectious diseases, they said.

Arnas Berzanskis, vice president, regional medical affairs head, GSK Emerging Markets, said: "GSK recognises the importance of addressing healthcare challenges related to infectious diseases by collaborating with health authorities, international and local medical associations, and leading experts to help healthcare professional, patients, and communities increase their awareness of diseases, recognise risks, and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.”./.

Hue ancient city – Land of UNESCO heritages

The central province of Thua Thien-Hue is now the only locality in Vietnam, and also Southeast Asia, to boast six UNESCO World Heritages. These include the Imperial City of Hue, the Hue Court Music, the Woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Official Records of the Nguyen Dynasty, the royal literature on Hue royal architecture, and the castings on the Nine Dynastic Urns in the Hue Imperial Palace.

This impressive collection underscores the locality’s unique historical and cultural significance, earning global recognition for the Imperial City of Hue as a key site in the story of human civilisation. These heritage treasures have become vital assets for the local economy, offering immense potential for its socio-economic growth, while positioning Hue as a distinctive cultural and heritage hub in Vietnam.

As Vietnam continues to undergo industrialisation, modernisation, and deeper international integration, the Imperial City of Hue stands as a proud symbol of the nation's rich history. Serving as the seat of 13 Nguyen Dynasty kings (1802-1945), Hue is home to an immense cultural heritage system. It also serves as a vital link between the past, present, and future of Thua Thien-Hue province in particular, and Vietnam as a whole.

Among UNESCO’s designations, World Heritage status is the most prestigious and long-standing. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Thua Thien-Hue provincial Department of Culture and Sports, said that the inclusion of Hue's cultural heritages on the UNESCO lists presents valuable opportunities to preserve, and promote these historical treasures. It also raises the locality’s profile as a unique cultural hub of the country, while creating a globally recognised brand that positions Hue as an attractive destination on Vietnam's tourism map.

This recognition has helped the province chart a clear path for development by positioning cultural heritages as the foundation and core of comprehensive and sustainable growth. It plays a crucial role in realising the goal of transforming Thua Thien-Hue into a centrally-run city, built on preserving and enhancing the legacy of the Imperial City and Hue's unique cultural identity.

Despite enduring numerous historical upheavals, the ravages of war, and harsh weather, many of the Imperial City’s architectural structures were severely damaged. UNESCO’s recognition of the Imperial City of Hue as a World Heritage Site in 1993 marked a turning point in the restoration of its heritages. To date, over 200 buildings and structures have been preserved, restored, and rehabilitated, including iconic sites such as the Kien Trung, Ngo Mon and Thai Hoa Palaces, Hien Lam Pavilion, The To Shrine, and several royal tombs.

According to UNESCO’s assessment, the preservation of Hue’s heritages has entered a phase of stabilisation and sustainable development. In 2023, in the celebration marking 30 years since the Imperial City of Hue and 20 years since the Hue Court Music were designated as UNESCO World Heritage, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre Lazare Eloundou Assomo said that the ancient capital has shifted from being a treasure trove of heritage in ruins to becoming a prominent symbol of heritage preservation. This success story has not only brought about hope but also provided invaluable inspiration for the protection of World Heritage sites in today’s challenging context.

With the rapid development of science and technology, the digitisation of artifacts and cultural objects has become an inevitable trend and an important foundation for Thua Thien-Hue. This initiative addresses the challenge of utilising heritage resources for the cultural industry and heritage-based economy, while helping to spread and promote the values of Hue’s heritages in the digital space. Currently, the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre is collaborating with digital technology companies to digitise approximately 11,000 artifacts and objects in 3D. This includes the identification of key artifacts using cutting-edge technology and the launch of the digital exhibition platform “museehue.vn”, allowing anyone around the world to explore and learn about Hue’s rich heritages.

Thanks to its well-connected transportation infrastructure, including road, rail, air, and seaport links, Thua Thien-Hue attracts millions of visitors each year for sightseeing and leisure. Making the most of its rich heritage, the province became the first in Vietnam to create a contemporary festival format and successfully build the "Hue Festival" brand based on its cultural and historical legacy. Today, the Hue Festival is recognised as a national and international event, offering visitors unique and immersive experiences in culture, history, and the arts. It serves as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, bringing together artistic performances from various countries around the world.

Recognising the importance of festivals in the development of the cultural industry, Thua Thien-Hue has set the goal of organising activities of the Hue Festival throughout all four seasons, starting in 2022. This approach aims to maximise the potential of the province's rich festival heritage, which includes about 500 different events, and create tourism products that offer fresh, dynamic, and attractive experiences for visitors, keeping Hue a lively and enticing destination.

Building strong brands for a heritage city and a tourism destination is crucial. In addition to its existing titles, such as ASEAN Cultural City and Green Tourism City, Hue is working towards becoming a UNESCO Creative City in the field of gastronomy, aiming to offer a fresh appeal to both domestic and international visitors. The cultural heritage of the ancient capital, recognised by UNESCO, is experiencing a powerful revival, adapting to contemporary life, and contributing to the creation of attractive tourism products. This helps strengthen the brand "Hue – One Destination, Six UNESCO World Heritage," positioning the city as a must-visit destination for heritage and cultural tourism./.

Khánh wins regional table tennis championships

Nguyễn Khoa Diệu Khánh topped the Southeast Asian Table Tennis Championships' women's singles event on November 24 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Việt Nam failed in teams' categories after both men's and women's squads were eliminated from early rounds. However, they advanced to four other finals.

The Vietnamese champion defeated Malaysian Tee Ai Xin 4-0 to take gold medal, completing the team's mission assignedprior to the competition.

It was the first time that Khánh took the title, making 2024 her most successful year as she won golds at the National Table Tennis Championship and National Table Tennis Team Championships.

In other categories in Bangkok, her teammate Nguyễn Anh Tú secured silver in the men's singles. The former SEA Games silver medalist regrettably lost 3-4 to Choong Javen of Malaysia in the final.

Mai Hoàng Mỹ Trang and Nguyễn Thị Nga were defeated 3-0 by Karen Lyne and Tee Ai Xin of Malaysia in the women's doubles while Nguyễn Đức Tuân and Đoàn Bá Tuấn Anh lost 0-3 to Javen and Wong Qi Shen and Qishen, also from Malaysia in the men's doubles.

Vietnamese athletes also took two bronzes in the men's singles by Tuân and Đinh Anh Hoàng.

The regional tournament attracted almost of strongest players from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Việt Nam.

Vietnamese head coach Đoàn Kiến Quốc praised his players and said Việt Nam reached remarkable achievement in developing national table tennis recently. The results of the team in Thailand were appreciated. Khánh's gold medal especially would inspire young players to achieve higher results in the future. 

Lai wins with record performance, Lệ defends title at midnight marathon

Nguyễn Văn Lai and Phạm Thị Hồng Lệ defended their top positions at the fourth VnExpress Marathon Hà Nội Midnight, experiencing the capital city's beauty and landmarks by night.

As one of the favourites for the title, former SEA Games champion Lai proved his ability from the beginning, breaking away from the whole crowd to run solo on the route.

His arch-rival, Kiptoo Edwin from Kenya, who has dominated most of the Vietnamese competitions he has participated in, fell behind, as it was his first time running in a tournament that started at midnight.

The more he ran, the wider the gap became between Lai and his other rivals, and he crossed the finish line in 2:24.33, a record for the VnExpress marathon series.

"Prior to the race, I couldn't think about running as fast as Kiptoo, a strong international marathoner," said Lai after winning.

"But it was different today. Everything from the weather conditions, my tactics and my performance were good. It is a special win for me and also for Việt Nam athletics," said Lai, who had faced Kiptoo many times but had yet to win against him.

The Kenyan came second after nearly 12 minutes at 2:36.54, followed by Vietnamese Huỳnh Anh Khôi at 2:37.19.

On the women's side, former SEA Games winner Lệ met no challenge to win her title, marking the 10th time she topped the VnExpress marathon series.

Lệ completed the race in 2:57.49, while Nông Thị Chang (2:59.26) and Lê Minh Tuân (3:02.41), two strong amateur runners, came second and third, respectively.

The winner of the women's 21km was Doãn Thị Oanh with a time of 1 hour 21 minutes , her third win of the year. The physical fitness teacher previously triumphed at the HCM City Midnight Marathon in March and the Hạ Long Bay Heritage Marathon last week.

National team runner Trịnh Quốc Lượng overcame strong rivals in the men's category to take the title in a time of 1 hour 11 minutes.

The winners of the 10km categories were Sầm Văn Đời (33 minutes 47 seconds) on the men's side and Hoàng Thị Ngọc Anh (39 minutes 56 seconds) on the women's.

Ngô Lương Quang won the men's 5km race and Bùi Thị Ngân took the women's 5km race. 

About 10,000 athletes competed in the tournament's four distance categories, with a big prize of VNĐ1 billion (US$39,300) awarded to high-ranking runners.

Speaking at the event, Phạm Xuân Tài, deputy director of the city's Culture and Sports Department, said: "The night run creates a positive impact on sports, culture, society and tourism. I believe that it also brings unique experiences to runners, especially because of the time it is held.

"They can enjoy many interesting moments and atmosphere when running past famous landscapes and historical buildings splendidly decorated at night. Along the racetrack, they also feel the cool air of the late autumn and early winter weather, and they can see peaceful and ancient areas mixed with modern and vibrant ones. All of this creates a different and attractive race."

He added that tournaments like VnExpress Marathon Hà Nội Midnight have great appeal, attracting many top athletes, domestic and international tourists, helping with consumption and tourism and the economic development of the city. It also helps form a culture of healthy living, solidarity and love in the community. 

VFF appoints new General Secretary, assigns tasks to national teams at annual congress

The Việt Nam Football Federation has appointed Doctor Nguyễn Văn Phú its new General Secretary and assigned tasks for the national teams at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

Phú will replace current General Secretary Dương Nghiệp Khôi whose contract with the VFF will expire by the end of this year and he sent his resignation letter two months ago.

Khôi was appointed to the position two years ago for the working term of 2022-26 under the suggestion of President Trần Quốc Tuấn.

Prior to that, he used to work as Head of the Organising Committee of Việt Nam's professional football leagues; VFF Deputy General Secretary of VFF, Head of Việt Nam Football Delegation in different international competitions and CEO of several local clubs.

Phú will start working from November 23 until the end of 2026. The decision was officially announced at the congress on November 22 in Hà Nội.

He is currently Head of the VFF Sports Medicine Department, Deputy Head of the VFF Medical Department and Member of the Asian Football Confederation's Medical Committee.

Earlier, he was Deputy Director cum Head of Việt Nam Sports Hospital; and Head of the Health Subcommittee of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam. He was also leader of the medical team of Vietnamese sports delegations at many SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympics.

He supported to help the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Centre be recognised as an Excellent Sports Medicine Center according to AFC standards.

The appointment will not affect the VFF's plan for 2025, which adhere to six main goals to develop national football such as goals for the 2026 and 30 World Cups, youth football and futsal development and the application of science and technology to football.

Reviewing and evaluating its activities of the year, VFF achieved many positive achievements in community football; foreign affairs and international relations; and strong investment for national women's football. The body also paid special attention to sport medicine; develop and upgrade the quality of the referees in all leagues.

Notably, in 2024 the national team will have an important ASEAN Cup in December. The team are asked to at least qualify for the final match.

"Players have been practising for the tournament from November 21 and will leave for South Korean training camp on November 23," said VFF Vice President Trần Anh Tú.

"The camp is expected to improve players' physical fitness and we will support them the best to be ready for the Cup. The target is final match's slot which is not an easy mission when rival such as Indonesia and Thailand are very strong," he said.

VFF has set a target of earning two World Cup slots through qualifications in 2025.

The first hope is the U17 team which qualified for the Asian Cup Finals as one of five best second-placed team of the qualification earlier this year.

VFF evaluates the team have big opportunity to earn a slot in the FIFA U17 World Cup for the first time in history. The tournament will be held in Qatar.

But first of all, they will need to overcome the group stage at the Asian Cup Finals next April in Saudi Arabia.

"VFF will send the U17 team to training courses abroad. They are asked to advance to the top eight teams which will qualify for the World Cup as the AFC representatives," Tú said.

The second hope is the women's futsal team which just secured the regional championship title on November 21 in the Philippines.

The Asian qualification will be held in January, 2025, where Việt Nam are in Group D with Chinese Taipei, Macao and host Myanmar.

Nine best teams from this tournament will take part in the Finals in China in May. The Chinese tournament serves as the qualifying for the inaugural 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup in the Philippines in November.

"Players will gather for training later this month. They may have training courses abroad or VFF will invite some teams to Việt Nam for friendly matches. It will depend on the Finals' draw result," Tú said.

"We are world No 11 so we hope that we would avoid world powerhouses such as Japan and Iran in the early stages so that we can advance to knock-out stage. It is not easy but we still set a World Cup target." 

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV