A breast cancer awareness campaign entitled 'Joining Hands for the Woman I Love' has been backed by a number of celebrities.

Launched on in Hanoi on October 16, the drive to raise awareness is organised by the Cancer Patients Support Fund – Bright Tomorrow, in coordination with the Roche Pharma Vietnam Co Ltd and other partners.

It coincides with World Breast Cancer Prevention Month and the 94th anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Union Foundation (October 20, 1930 - October 20, 2024).

The campaign comes with the joyful message: 'Despite grapefruit or lemon, being healthy, fresh and green are both beautiful'. With this funny strap line, the organisers hope many more women will get checked, as medical research shows that if the disease is detected early, treatment is simpler, more effective, and has a high cure rate.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, said: “This is an annual health campaign dedicated to Vietnamese women that has created a positive impact over the years.”

The campaign, which collaborates with hospitals and media agencies, has contributed to raising awareness, encouraging women to care for themselves, and especially to proactively screen for the early detection of breast cancer.

“I want to emphasise to women: Don't delay! Love yourself, care for your health and regularly screen for breast cancer,” said Thuan.

The campaign will also see a number of initiatives for those who already have breast cancer, with patient forums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with the theme: 'Modern beautiful women, not afraid of difficulties' with updates on the latest advances in breast cancer treatment.

On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Prevention Month, the Bright Tomorrow Fund has organised a meaningful gift giving programme for breast cancer patients, including members of the Resilient Women's Club Network and underprivileged patients nationwide.

The programme aims to provide both spiritual and material support, helping motivate patients during treatment.

The campaign has already hosted a hair donation festival, with 500 wigs donated to patients at nine hospitals in the northern and central regions.

Professor Le Van Quang, Director of the K Hospital and Deputy Chairman of the Cancer Patients Support Fund – Bright Tomorrow, said: “Since 2012, under the Ministry of Health’s direction, the fund has continuously had communication programmes and annual breast cancer screening nationwide.”

The programmes have helped millions of people access information about breast cancer, and more than 72,000 high-risk women have received free breast cancer screening.

“Through these activities, we hope to promote community awareness about the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection, as the disease can be effectively treated if detected promptly,” he said.

Following the launch, a pink cyclo parade went through busy streets such as Quan Su, Hai Ba Trung, Hang Bai, Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To and Trang Thi to spread the message of breast cancer prevention.

For the first time, a race organised by the Bright Tomorrow Fund and the K Hospital to raise funds for cancer patients will take place on November 1 at Thong Nhat Park in Hanoi.

The campaign calls on the community to come together to support cancer patients through the VietQR platform. The work is conducted by the fund in collaboration with the National Humanitarian Information Portal 1400, and will continue until December 12.

The Doctors' Advice series will be held at universities and industrial zones to provide official information about breast cancer to women.

Here, specialists will directly guide attendees on how to carry out self-examinations, detect the disease early, implement preventative measures, and answer questions related to breast cancer.

Lennor Carrillo, General Director of Roche Pharma Vietnam, said that after more than 30 years in Vietnam, Roche is proud to support the campaign to provide early detection and modern treatment to patients.

“We hope the campaign will achieve significant progress in controlling breast cancer and protecting Vietnamese women’s health,” he said.

The Cancer Patients Support Fund – Bright Tomorrow under the Ministry of Health was established following Decision No 1583/QD/BNV on August 18, 2011, of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Over the past 12 years, the fund has organised treatment support and given gifts to more than 33,000 cancer patients nationwide, worth nearly 54 billion VND (2.1 million USD).

It has provided cancer treatment drugs for patients worth more than 1.1 trillion VND (44 million USD) and offered early cancer screening for more than 79,000 people, worth nearly 41 billion VND (1.6 million USD).

According to the Cancer Registry 2022, each year, Vietnam records 24,563 new cases of breast cancer, accounting for 28.9% of all cancer cases in women./.

Hanoi designer to open Vietnam International Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024

Do Manh Cuong, one of Vietnam’s leading designers, is scheduled to open the Vietnam International Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024 in Hanoi from November 13 to 16.

The event themed “Fashion Evolution” aims to honour the strong development and accelerated progress made by the Vietnamese fashion over the past decade, thereby contributing to elevating the industry’s status in the world’s fashion map.

The organisers will select models to perform at the 18th Vietnam International Fashion Week through a casting round taking place from November 1 to 3 in the capital.

A seminar on consumer trends and global trends in the fashion industry will be held on November 11 at Lotte Westlake Hanoi hotel.

This will be Cuong’s first participation in the fashion week in Hanoi. Previously, he introduced his new collections in the United States in 2015; Sydney in 2019; Sydney University in 2023; and New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 in 2023.

The Vietnam International Fashion Week was first held in 2014 and has quickly become the leading fashion event in ASEAN. In Asia, it ranks as the fourth largest show behind only Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai fashion weeks.

Two options proposed for Cần Thơ Bridge 2

The Mỹ Thuận Project Management Board has proposed two options for constructing the Cần Thơ 2 Bridge, that is expected to start being built in 2026 and completed in 2029.

This project is crucial for completing the North-South expressway route in the eastern region of the Mekong Delta, connecting the Mỹ Thuận-Cần Thơ expressway with the Cần Thơ-Cà Mau expressway.

The two construction options for Cần Thơ 2 Bridge have estimated investment costs of approximately VNĐ9.8 trillion (US$815 million) and VNĐ27.5 trillion ($1.13 billion), respectively.

The first option proposes the construction of Cần Thơ 2 Bridge with separate lanes for road and rail. The bridge will have a main span length of 550m, using a composite steel girder structure with a reinforced concrete deck. The main bridge is 1,090m long.

This option has the advantage of separating road and rail traffic, enhancing safety and operational efficiency for both modes.

However, its drawback is the higher investment cost due to the need to construct two separate bridges.

The second option allows rail traffic to share lanes with road traffic. The bridge will also have a main span length of 550m but is expected to use a steel truss girder structure. The total length of the main bridge is 1,110m.

The advantage of this option is lower construction costs and a smaller land footprint, as it requires only one bridge. However, the drawback is that combining both types of traffic on a single bridge may present challenges in management, operation and maintenance.

Regarding total investment, option one (separate road and rail lanes) is estimated at VNĐ19,782 billion ($814.6 million) with construction and equipment costs accounting for VNĐ12,874 billion ($530 million), project management, consulting and other costs at VNĐ1,287 billion ($53 million), a contingency of VNĐ2,968 billion ($122.4 million) and compensation, support and resettlement costs of VNĐ2,653 billion ($109.2 million).

Option two (shared road and rail lanes) has a higher total investment, estimated at VNĐ27,494 billion ($1.13 billion) including construction and equipment costs of VNĐ18,544 billion ($764 million), project management, consulting, and other costs at VNĐ1,853 billion ($76.4 million), a contingency of VNĐ4,276 billion ($176 million) and compensation, support and resettlement costs of VNĐ2,821 billion ($116 million).

The Cần Thơ 2 Bridge project has a total length of about 14.65km and is located approximately 4.5km downstream from the existing Cần Thơ Bridge.

The approach road on the Vĩnh Long Province’s side is 8.38km long, with the main bridge and leading spans stretching 2.75km and the approach road and bridge on the Cần Thơ City’s side extending 3.52km.

The starting point of the project connects with the Chà Và intersection (end of the Mỹ Thuận-Cần Thơ Expressway project, located in Mỹ Hòa Commune, Bình Minh Town, Vĩnh Long Province), and the endpoint connects with the IC2 intersection, which intersects with National Route Nam Sông Hậu in Phú Thứ Ward, Cái Răng District (starting point of the Cần Thơ-Cà Mau Expressway).

The bridge will be designed with a navigational clearance width of 300m, with a main channel width of 160m and a height of 39m and side channels with a height of 30m.

The bridge deck width will be 24.75m, meeting the standard scale for a four-lane carriageway in line with TCVN 5729:2012 standards.

The approach road will also have a four-lane configuration, with a width of 24.75m, following expressway standards.

The project is expected to require a land clearance area of approximately 519.64ha.

According to the Mỹ Thuận Project Management Board, the investment project for the construction of Cần Thơ 2 Bridge is the final segment in the North-South expressway route in the eastern region of the Mekong Delta (connecting the Mỹ Thuận-Cần Thơ with the Cần Thơ-Cà Mau).

This is a key national expressway system, ensuring the continuous and high-speed transportation of large volumes of goods and passengers.

The project aims to create seamless connectivity with major seaports, key urban areas, industrial zones, inland ports and logistics hubs in the Mekong Delta region.

The Hậu River, about 230km long, is one of the two branches of the Mekong River as it flows into Vietnamese territory, passing through the provinces of An Giang, Cần Thơ City, Đồng Tháp, Vĩnh Long, Hậu Giang, Trà Vinh and Sóc Trăng.

Currently, there are three completed bridges on this river of the Cần Thơ Bridge, the Vàm Cống Bridge and the Châu Đốc Bridge. 

Experts talk to promote Việt Nam-China education

Vietnamese students will have opportunities to enjoy scholarships and academic studies in China following a recent conference connecting educators of both countries in Hà Nội.

The event entitled Việt Nam-China Education Conference 2024 was jointly organised by Phenikaa University, Chinese Testing International Company (CTI) and CTI Vietnam International Education Company.

About 500 delegates including representatives of Việt Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training, Hà Nội’s Department of Education and Training, Chinese Embassy in Việt Nam, universities and Việt Nam-China educational organisations and a large number of lecturers and students.

It was considered a forum to connect educational managers, officials, lecturers and students between two countries; exchange current training trends; and promote educational exchanges.

At the same time, the event also created opportunities for learners to access official information about training programmes, admission and study conditions, scholarship opportunities, and post-graduation employment in Việt Nam and China.

Prof. Dr. Phạm Thành Huy, Phenikaa University principal, mentioned many important aspects of the educational cooperation relationship between Việt Nam and China in his "Việt Nam - China educational cooperation" speech.

Huy emphasised that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries was increasingly developing well in all fields, including education. Activities such as seminars, talks and educational exhibitions were held regularly with the participation of many agencies from both countries, demonstrating the interest of the leaders and people of the two countries in this field.

He also affirmed the importance of the conference in creating a network between educational institutions, managers and learners from both countries. This event not only contributed to promoting educational cooperation but also brought valuable information to Vietnamese students who wished to study in China.

In addition, the conference also featured in-depth presentations on cultural, linguistic and educational exchanges between China and other countries; information about the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) exams and the prospects and challenges of Chinese education, bringing a lot of useful information to attendees.

Within the conference’s framework, delegates and guests visited the Vietnamese and Chinese universities and educational organisations booths. Meanwhile, students received information and advices about studying programmes in China and enjoyed 3,000 free slots to participate in the HSK simulation exam. 

Cure-all elixir proves to be potentially deadly

A recent surge in cases of severe poisoning has been linked to the consumption of a so-called 'miracle water' touted as a cure-all for various ailments.

The Bạch Mai Hospital in Hà Nội has reported a steady influx of patients suffering from life-threatening conditions, including coma and organ failure, after drinking this purportedly healing elixir.

One notable case involved a 60-year-old woman from Sóc Sơn, Hà Nội, who was rushed to the hospital in a state of extreme exhaustion after vomiting continuously for several days.

She was diagnosed with alkaline water poisoning, metabolic alkalosis and potassium deficiency. The patient had been drinking about six litres of the 'miracle water' daily after hearing it could cure her chronic health problems.

According to the woman, she started drinking the water after hearing stories of someone recovering from a stroke after drinking it.

The 'treatment' involved instructions to consume large quantities of water from a filtration machine, sometimes mixed with salt, while fasting for nearly half a month.

Around ten people, mostly from her village, were undergoing a similar regimen at the time.

She noted that the water was free, and there was no limit on how much they could drink. The filtration machine was second-hand from Japan. The machine's owner has offered to sell it to anyone interested.

Within five days, she became too weak to stand and was admitted to Bạch Mai Hospital in critical condition.

This case is not an isolated incident. Bạch Mai Hospital had previously treated three patients suffering from kidney failure who also followed this dangerous regimen.

The patients were advised to stop dialysis and drink the same water, consuming up to six litres daily while fasting. After only a few days, they experienced severe respiratory failure and coma.

Blood tests revealed dangerously elevated levels of urea and creatinine, indicating their kidneys were failing rapidly. Fortunately, emergency dialysis saved their lives.

Nguyễn Trung Nguyên, Director of Bạch Mai Hospital’s Poison Control Centre, warned that even for healthy individuals, drinking excessive amounts of water, especially alkaline water, can cause serious health risks, including blood dilution and brain swelling, which can result in coma, seizures and death.

"Drinking large amounts of alkaline water not only leads to overhydration but also causes dangerous changes in blood pH, resulting in metabolic alkalosis, which is extremely dangerous," said Nguyên.

He advised that people seek proper medical care for health issues and avoid unregulated treatments. 'Miracle water', while appealing, can lead to devastating consequences. 

Health ministry urges proactive measures against Marburg virus

The General Department of Preventive Medicine under the Ministry of Health has called for proactive measures to detect and prevent the entry of Marburg virus disease, a highly contagious Ebola-like virus, into Việt Nam.

According to the department, as of October 10, Rwanda in East Africa had recorded 58 cases of Marburg virus infection, with 13 deaths. Notably, 70 per cent of the cases involved healthcare workers.

The disease caused by the Marburg virus is considered dangerous due to its high transmission and fatality rates, which can reach up to 88 per cent. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available.

In Việt Nam, the disease is classified as a Category A infectious disease under the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases.

Several countries, such as the United States, China and South Korea, have strengthened medical measures at border checkpoints to control the spread of the Marburg virus.

To proactively detect the potential entry of Marburg into Việt Nam, the General Department of Preventive Medicine has issued an urgent notice to the Pasteur Institute, International Health Quarantine Centres and Centres for Disease Control (CDC) of cities and provinces to focus on implementing detection and control measures for the disease.

International Health Quarantine Centres and CDCs in each city and province must update information on countries or regions currently reporting Marburg cases. Health officials are also instructed to closely monitor individuals requiring medical quarantine from these areas entering, transiting or importing goods through Việt Nam's borders.

The agencies must also ensure that healthcare staff and those in contact with suspected or confirmed cases follow personal protective measures to prevent infections among healthcare workers and the wider community.

Temporary quarantine areas must also be prepared at border checkpoints for suspected or confirmed cases, if necessary. Health officials are asked to ensure that equipment, disinfectants and medications are ready for immediate use in the event of an outbreak. Training should be provided to health quarantine personnel for monitoring and controlling Marburg, with a particular focus on infection prevention and control measures.

Communication efforts at border checkpoints should continue, informing travellers and the public about preventive measures. People are required to report to healthcare facilities immediately if they develop symptoms or have been exposed to potential risk factors related to Marburg within 21 days of entering Việt Nam.

Staff at border checkpoints should review and update their contingency plans for responding to potential Marburg outbreaks, in collaboration with local health authorities and other relevant agencies. This should include arrangements for healthcare staff, transportation of suspected or confirmed cases and identification of healthcare facilities capable of providing care and treatment.

The Ministry of Health has directed the Pasteur Institute and Epidemiology Institute to train and support localities in collecting and safely transporting medical samples. They are also responsible for receiving samples to confirm Marburg cases from localities, enhancing testing and diagnostic capacities and reviewing and reinforcing their rapid response teams to be ready for suspected or confirmed cases at the local level.

Dr Đỗ Duy Cường, Director of the Centre for Tropical Diseases at Hà Nội's Bạch Mai Hospital, stated that the Marburg virus is in the same family as the Ebola virus. It is transmitted to humans through fruit bats, which act as intermediary hosts.

People can become infected if they come into contact with or inhale secretions or urine from these bats.

Marburg virus can also spread between humans through close contact and bodily fluids, including blood, urine, saliva, vomit, breast milk, semen or amniotic fluid. The virus may also be transmitted in laboratory settings or when healthcare workers care for infected patients. However, Marburg is not easily transmissible. It primarily spreads through direct contact. Transmission through respiratory droplets can occur but only with very close contact.

The clinical signs of Marburg virus disease are difficult to diagnose as they can be confused with other endemic diseases in the region. For example, in African countries, it can be mistaken for conditions like typhoid, yellow fever or Ebola, he said.

The disease's incubation period typically ranges from two to 21 days. Initially, patients may experience symptoms such as sudden fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain and body aches. By the fifth day of illness, a rash or burning sensation may develop. Other symptoms may include chest pain, abdominal pain, nausea, sore throat, diarrhoea and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes).

Patients may also present with bleeding or delirium and eventually go into shock, which can lead to liver failure, multiple organ failure and death. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral medication available to treat Marburg virus disease. Patients must be strictly isolated.

The primary method of treatment is supportive care, including measures such as managing bleeding and restoring electrolyte balance. In cases of multiple organ failure, patients may require oxygen and intensive care. Due to its high fatality rate, patients with Marburg virus disease often have a poor prognosis. 

Cải lương guru performs in charity show

People’s Artist Minh Vương, a guru of cải lương (reformed opera), will perform in a charity show to help poor people in the southern provinces of Cà Mau and Bạc Liêu this week.

The event, Quê Hương và Những Tấm Lòng (The Country and the Hearts), is organised by the Cà Mau People’s Committee [Administration] in cooperation with Hồ Chí Minh City Television (HTV).

It will feature famous artists in theatre and music, including Vương and singers Cẩm Tiên, Tạ Minh Tâm and Hoa Phượng.

All of the artists will perform for free. They will also donate clothes, food and money.

All proceeds will be sent to help disadvantaged children and poor people living in remote areas of Cà Mau and Bạc Liêu.

The organisers hope to raise VNĐ6 billion (US$250,000) from associations and individuals.

“We will also use charity money to upgrade and build bridges in remote areas of the region," said Hồ Việt Lắm, head of the event’s organising board.

“We hope our art will connect people together to work for charity,” 75-year-old Vương said.

Vương has 60 years working in cải lương, the South’s 100-year-old traditional theatre.

His voice and dance skills are considered a standard for cải lương.

He has performed in the lead role in several hundred plays, TV shows and albums in praise of Vietnamese culture and lifestyle in both traditional and modern styles of cải lương.

In the 1990s, Vương worked with Cần Thơ Television, HCM City Television (HTV) and film studios to produce TV shows, videos and albums featuring cải lương.

Through his productions, Vương and his colleagues found ways to win the hearts of southern people living in remote areas who enjoy theatre via TV or radio.

He has also worked with art schools and traditional theatres to train students.

In 2019, Vương was awarded the title People’s Artist by the Prime Minister in recognition of his great contribution to cải lương.

The show Quê Hương và Những Tấm Lòng will begin at 8pm on Saturday (October 19) at the HTV Theatre in HCM City's District 1. 

A celebration of superheroines comes to Đà Nẵng

A painting exhibition, the World Needs Superheroines, organised by the Embassy of Spain in Việt Nam in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Comic Authors, the Herstóricas Association, Comicola Vietnam and the Đà Nẵng Fine Arts Museum, will open at the central city from October 17.

Part of a series activities in celebration of the National Day of Spain, October 12 and Vietnamese Women Day on October 20, the show will be on until November 6.

The exhibition – on its return from a first view in Hà Nội in 2022 – aims to both highlight and recognise the contributions of women to society and to create an artistic dialogue between emerging voices in the comic sector of the two countries.

It includes 64 works by 62 women authors from Spain and Việt Nam which are diverse both in their category and content covering topics such as feminism, love, friendship, society and all of bearing witness to the endless creative capacity of women, especially those who work in the comic sector - the ninth art with great potential for development in Việt Nam.

The exhibition is also supported by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain It will open for free entrance at 78 Lê Duẩn Street in Đà Nẵng City.

Earlier this year, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, along with AmCham Vietnam in HCM City and Đà Nẵng, the Australian Chamber of Commerce Vietnam, the NordCham Vietnam, CEEC Vietnam, German Business Association (GBA), the Swiss Community and ITCC-YBA Đà Nẵng, hosted a networking event for charitable and humanitarian purposes in the city with all proceeds donated to the Long Thọ Disabled Children Centre and the Hope Vocational Centre for disabled people (both in Huế and Đà Nẵng).

The event included an art auction featuring ceramics and paintings, with pieces auctioned for up to 10 times their starting price. It was also enlivened by a band of three musicians with Spanish music. 

The 24th Italian Language in the World begins in Hà Nội

New books by Italian authors translated into Vietnamese will be introduced at the 24th Week of the Italian Language in the World, taking place this week in Hà Nội.

The Italian books are part of the Collection of Books of the Five Continents project, presented at the Department of Italian Studies of the University of Hà Nội on Wednesday.

The project is being managed by the Times Science and Education Publishing Company and the university, aiming to popularise key aspects of Italian culture.

The books, including Lucy, The First Woman, Otzi, The Man Who Came from Ice and a four-book series Notes on Italian Cultural Identity, Short Italian Fashion History, Italian Sign Language and Bitter - An Italian Taste, will showcase different characteristics of the rich cultural identity of Italy.

"The four volumes will offer Vietnamese readers stimulating food for thought on some specific areas of our culture, such as gastronomy and fashion," said Italian Ambassador Marco della Seta at the opening ceremony yesterday.

"We are convinced that the translation of Italian books into foreign languages ​​is an essential step to promote our publishing industry and make our authors known abroad.

"Books allow us to travel through time and space, crossing historical eras, traversing continents and sailing oceans," he said.

At the opening ceremony, winners for the best tourist guide and the best interpreter/translator competitions were also announced.

Vietnamese students interested in studying in Italy, as well as their parents, also had a chance to attend a fair to get information directly from the representatives of 14 Italian universities about possible study choices.

This year's language event is dedicated to the theme Italian and the Book: The World Between the Lines, aiming to explore the connection between language and literature in the contemporary world, while highlighting the role of books as vehicles of cultural heritage, values and Italian identity.

On October 18, the Sun Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert at Hà Nội University featuring Italian compositions.

Casa Italia will host an event to present the books Lucy, The First Woman and Otzi, The Man Who Came from Ice, translated into Vietnamese, on October 20. 

HCM City eye AFC Champions League’s semi-finals

HCM City want a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Champions League, being the Southeast Asian club with best results so far.

Playing internationally for the first time, the Vietnamese champions were in Group C and secured two wins and one loss, putting them in second place and so advancing to the quarter-finals.

The results were, according to coach Nguyễn Hồng Phẩm, due to the players determination and solidarity, along with the key role of three American players and national top scorer Huỳnh Như.

HCM City defeated Taichung Blue Whale of Chinese Taipei and Odisha of India with same score 3-1, before losing 0-2 to title favourites Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies of Japan.

HCM City not only advanced to the next round but are also the only club of the ASEAN region going into the knock-out stage of this continental competition. This result makes them one of four seeded teams who will enjoy the advantage of a home game in their next match in March, 2025.

A draw will be held on January 16 in Kuala Lumpur to know who their quarter-final opponents will be.

Incheon Red Angels (South Korea), Melbourne City (Australia), Urawa Red Diamonds and HCM City are the teams in the round.

They will play Abu Dhabi Country Club (UAE), Taichung Blue Whale, Wuhan Jiangda (China) or Bam Khatoon (Iran).

Apart from Taichung Blue Whale, who lost to HCM City in the group round, the remaining three are strong opponents.

Wuhan Jiangda are currently Chinese Women’s Super League champions. Abu Dhabi Country Club is a founding member of a local women's association football league and have achieved several consecutive league titles.

Bam Khatoon are the most titled of the Iranian women's league, having won ten championships.

Meanwhile HCM City face huge challenges as contracts with Như and three Americans expired after the group stage.

Talani Barnet, Tatiana Mason and Meghan Root returned home while Như, one of top five scorers of the tournament, is said to be in negotiations for a contract with a foreign club.

"HCM City are home to senior, but getting old, members and young players who lack international experience. The gap of expertise between them is clear to see, although they are still the strongest club in Việt Nam," said former midfielder Trần Nguyễn Bảo Châu.

"It is definitely a big problem for HCM City playing without Như and the foreigners who were important pieces of the team, showing their big influence in the group stage performance."

Coach Phẩm said: "We want to sign other contracts with the Americans and especially Như. At the same time, we will recruit more foreign players for the quarter-finals. There are five months to the next match, so we still have time to build a good plan."

Deputy Director of the HCM City Culture and Sports Department Nguyễn Nam Nhân said the club would enjoy a large investment in both domestic and Asian competitions, with the department calling for more sponsorship.

In addition to local support, HCM City will also pocket a US$220,000 bonus from the AFC for their participation in the tournament.

If Phẩm and his players make it through to the semi finals they will receive $120,000. 

Thuỳ Linh wins first round at Denmark Open Badminton Tournament

Nguyễn Thuỳ Linh, Việt Nam's top female player, secured a straightforward victory against Malvika Bansod in the first round of the Denmark Open Badminton Tournament on Tuesday, winning 21-13, 21-12.

Currently ranked No 32 in the world, Linh 23-year-old faced Bansod, who is ranked No 35 and currently in good form.

The Denmark Open is part of the BWF World Tour Super 750 circuit, featuring total prize money of up to US$850,000, attracting many of the world’s elite badminton players.

With her first-round victory, Linh will earn at least $850 and gain 4,320 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings. In the second round, she will compete against Supanida Katethong of Thailand, who is ranked No 11 in the world and is the reigning women’s singles champion from the 32nd SEA Games held last year in Cambodia.

Gia Lai to host National Taekwondo Championship for the first time

The National Taekwondo Championship will take place in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai from October 19 to October 26, marking the event's inaugural hosting in the region.

Organised by the Sports Authority of Việt Nam, the Việt Nam Taekwondo Federation and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Gia Lai Province, the tournament will feature approximately 300 athletes from 30 teams across the country, competing in both combat and performance categories.

This year's championship serves as a valuable opportunity for teams to evaluate their taekwondo training and competition efforts locally. Additionally, it enables national team coaches to identify outstanding athletes for upcoming international tournaments. 

Việt Nam footballers need to improve before AFF Cup 2024

Việt Nam's unexpected performance over the last few months has left much work to do before their AFF Cup campaign's gold medal target, which will kick off in early December.

For nearly six months, under Kim Sang-sik, the team are still searching for the best lineups and suitable tactics.

It is said that Việt Nam's front line was better than before the South Korean's reign, however they still need sharper skills. Meanwhile the defence was really a major problem that Kim and his predecessors struggled to resolve.

Under Kim, Việt Nam have played five games, securing just one win, three losses, and one draw, scoring six goals and conceding 11.

In their latest match, Việt Nam tied 1-1 with lower-ranked India at the Thiên Trường Stadium during a FIFA Days October match.

Việt Nam had many chances to score, but their attempts, including a penalty, were denied by the Indian goalkeeper and inaccurate finishes.

Being held to a draw by a weaker rival has meant a lot of concern for the footballers of Việt Nam before the December 8 - January 5 tournament.

"My teammates and I easily defeated India in either club or national levels when we met in years ago," said former defender Huỳnh Quang Thanh.

"This team always stand lower than Việt Nam in the world ranking. A draw against a weaker team in a match that we expected to show strong domination, with only one goal, was like a defeat."

Explaining Việt Nam's poor performance, Vice President of Hà Nội Football Federation Phan Anh Tú said: "In my opinion, the biggest problem is the midfielders. Kim has tested different players for this line but not yet found the best ones to make up a complete team.

"Apart from striker Nguyễn Tiến Linh and keeper Nguyễn Filip, who stand out among players, none can ensure their place in the starting XI. I think Kim is still testing his players, paying less attention to forming a suitable tactic for Việt Nam. He expected his test would bring a win over India but failed."

Tú added that the midfielders' ability to defend from a distance was very weak, allowing the Indian team to easily break through and put through attempts on goal.

He suggested Kim pay more attention to these positions and build more plans for the team when facing with different rivals at the 2024 AFF Cup.

"When a tactic doesn't work, coaches should take another one. I haven't seen him playing with the 3-4-3 formation which might bring into play all Vietnamese players' ability. We have quality and experienced players and I believe that they are good enough to adapt to his requirements, and play well," Tú said.

After the India match, Kim expressed his support to players and said he was planning changes to ensure Việt Nam's AFF Cup was a win for them.

Kim will gather his players on November 21 and they will have a training camp in South Korea for some intensive practise and friendly matches.

They will return home and begin the AFF Cup's Group B match playing Laos on December 9.

Việt Nam will face Indonesia next on December 15, the Philippines on December 18, and Myanmar three days later. 

PM orders acceleration of transport projects in Mekong Delta

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 16 requested ministries, sectors, branches, and localities to act on their initiative to speed up the construction of transport projects in the Mekong Delta, as expressways have an important role to play in the region’s rapid and sustainable development.

Chairing a conference in Can Tho city to seek solutions to removing roadblocks for transport infrastructure projects in the region, the Government leader ordered competent sides to have a substantive response to the 500-day emulation campaign to complete the expressway building and strive to fulfill some 600 kilometres running through the region by the end of 2025.

As the delta is set to have six expressways with a total length of 1,188 kilometres under the road network planning for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, with 120 kilometres having been put into operation while construction is underway for 428 kilometres and study for other 215 kilometres is in progress, Chinh asked them to handle challenges in project management and site clearance work as well as ensure sufficient filling materials for road construction.

They must carry out missions and solutions stated in the decrees of the National Assembly and Government as well as the directions of the Prime Minister in a harmonious, drastic, and effective fashion, he stressed.

PM Chinh urged investors and contractors to accelerate the construction and ensure sound resettlement conditions for residents.

The Mekong Delta region is carrying out nine key nation transport projects with a combined investment of some 106 trillion VND (4.25 billion USD). Currently, eight projects are under construction, while the remaining, the My An-Cao Lanh expressway, is having its procedures finalised and expected to be launched in early 2025.

Of the eight ongoing projects, six are scheduled to complete in 2025, and the other two in 2026 and 2027./.

New Vietnamese Ambassador pays courtesy call to President of Mexican Senate

Newly-appointed Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai paid a courtesy call to President of the Mexican Senate Gerardo Fernandez Noroña on October 15.

Noroña congratulated Hai on his appointment and praised Vietnam's significant socio-economic achievements in recent years, particularly its robust recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President of the Mexican Senate said as the two countries share many similarities in their previous struggles for national independence, both Mexico and Vietnam recognise the importance of and respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right to self-determination of each nation.

He held that that Vietnam is not only a nation that has triumphed over powerful empires but has also risen from the ashes of war to become a developing economy with a prominent global standing.

Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, Noroña announced that the Mexican Senate will organise a "Vietnam Week" at its headquarters, featuring various activities to promote Vietnam’s image and enhance the relationship between the two countries.

For his part, the ambassador affirmed that throughout its journey toward independence and national development, Vietnam has received invaluable assistance from the international community, including its friends in Mexico. He noted that Mexico was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, shortly after the nation's victory in its fight for independence and reunification. At that time, Mexico provided a shipment worth 1 million USD to help Vietnam recover from war and rebuild.

Highlighting Mexico's role as a key partner for Vietnam in Latin America, Hai underlined the growing relationship between the two countries across various fields, including politics, economics, and cultural diplomacy as well as their mutual support in international forums such as the United Nations (UN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and multilateral parliamentary forums.

Regarding bilateral trade, the ambassador noted that Mexico is currently Vietnam's second-largest trading partner in Latin America, while the latter ranks as the former's second-largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN). The volume of the two-way trade is steadily increasing, especially as both countries are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Hai proposed that the two countries should upgrade their Comprehensive Partnership framework by 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He also expressed his hope for the enhanced coordination of lawmakers from both nations in refining legal frameworks that contribute to strengthening Vietnam-Mexico ties.

Politburo member receives Morocco High Commissioner for Veterans

Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary and Chairman of its Commission for Information and Education, received Mustapha El Ktiri, High-Commissioner for Veterans and Former Members of the Army of Liberation of Morocco, in Hanoi on October 16.

Nghia thanked El Ktiri for facilitating his working visit to Morocco from May 29 to June 3 this year, during which he had meetings with the leaders of the Moroccan parliament and political parties, and attended a workshop on President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam at the headquarters of the High Commissioner for Veterans and Former Members of the Army of Liberation.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese people will never forget and always cherish the support that the Moroccan people provided during the past struggle for national liberation and unification, as well as in their current national construction and participation in international and regional forums.

Marking more than six decades of bilateral diplomacy (1961-2024), Nghia proposed that the two countries coordinate closely to promote cooperation in various fields, including enhancing exchanges and cooperation between their war veteran businesses.

El Ktiri for his part emphasized the strong friendship between Morocco and Vietnam, that has stood the test of time for the past six decades.

He expressed a desire for both countries to further enhance cooperation in the coming time, especially in educating the younger generation about Vietnam-Morocco relations.

Both sides should also exchange experiences and cooperate closely to contribute to their development alongside the world, while maintaining their independence and resilience, he suggested.

Photo exhibition spotlights Fatherland Front's activities

As many as 385 photos featuring standout activities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels and their organisations for the 2019-2024 period were showcased at an exhibition that opened in Hanoi on October 16 to welcome the 10th National Congress of the VFF.

Politburo member, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and President of the Front's Central Committee Do Van Chien attended and cut the ribbon to open the event.

The exhibition gave the public a deeper insight into the operation of the Front which has served as a bridge to connect people from all walks of life as well as link overseas Vietnamese with the Party and State. Additionally, it encourages the people to continue contributions to building and promoting the great national solidarity for a society of wealthy people, prosperous country, democracy, justice, and civilisation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice President of the committee Nguyen Huu Dung highlighted the 94-year history of the Front during which it has made significant contributions to the great revolutionary cause of the Party and people and played an important role in consolidating and promoting the strength of the great national solidarity./.

Vice President urges renovating operations of National Fund for Vietnamese Children

State Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan called for renovating operations of the National Fund for Vietnamese Children (NFVC) at a meeting with its Sponsorship Council in Hanoi on October 16.

As Chairwoman of the NFVC Sponsorship Council, Xuan thanked the council’s members and benefactors for their financial support and dedication, which have driven the NFVC's notable achievements in the first nine months of this year.

She also commended the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs for its close oversight and timely removal of obstacles, ensuring the NFVC's activities remain on track to meet its goals.

Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha outlined the NFVC's targets for 2025, aiming to raise 110 billion VND (4.58 million USD) to support about 110,000 children.

As of September 30, the NFVC already assisted 86,953 children, achieving 79% of its annual target with a funding amount exceeding 52 billion VND.

During the Action Month for Children in 2024, the NFVC disbursed 16.3 billion VND (90.3% of the plan) to aid disadvantaged children nationwide.

Since mid-August 2024, it has provided aid and gifts for over 29,900 children in more than 30 cities and provinces, with a total expenditure nearing 6.6 billion VND.

In response to recent natural disasters, the NFVC coordinated with localities to provide direct assistance to 2,159 children hit by Typhoon Yagi in 19 cities and provinces, with funding totaling nearly 4.56 billion VND.

The fund projected that by December 31, it will have assist 118,000 children, surpassing the annual target by 7.3% with a total budget of over 105 billion VND./.

NA Chairman meets with Vu A Dinh Award winners

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man had a meeting with representatives of organisations and individuals who received the Vu A Dinh Award on October 16, on the occasion of the 25th founding anniversary of the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund and the 15th anniversary of the award.

The top legislator commended delegates for their excellent achievements as well as their experiences, initiatives, scientific contributions, and products with practical values contributing to the country's development.

He congratulated, acknowledged and applauded the results that the fund has achieved over the past 25 years, while appreciating sponsors and philanthropists who have made great contributions to the development of ethnic minority, mountainous and island areas through the fund.

Man highlighted the significance of the meeting, saying that it createed more encouragements for individuals and groups receiving the award, as well as for donors.

The NA Chairman called on the award winners to continue to actively contribute their efforts and intelligence in the future.

He urged the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCMU) Central Committee to create conditions for the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund to strongly spread the spirit of solidarity, sharing, and mutual assistance, thus promptly supporting and promoting the potential and strengths of people in ethnic minority, mountainous and island areas, contributing to the development of high-quality young human resources serving the country's industrialisation and modernisation process.

Established in 1999, the Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund under the HCMU Central Committee aims to support ethnic minority students from poor families who achieve outstanding academic performances, towards contributing to training and developing human resources for remote, mountainous and island areas.

The Vu A Dinh Award was initiated in 2009 along with a series of projects of the fund. It honours individuals who achieve outstanding results in education, scientific research, culture and arts, sports, and community activities; as well as organisations with models and projects that provide practical benefits and effectiveness for people in mountainous and island areas.

So far, the award has been presented to 118 organisations and 210 individuals from 44 ethnic groups, including those from ethnic minority communities./.

HCM City proposes retaining surplus budget for urban railway development

HCM City has proposed to retain all surplus budget revenue from 2026 to 2030 to fund urban railway projects.

The plan, submitted to the Finance Ministry, aims to mobilise capital for constructing 183 km of metro lines by 2035, as outlined by the Politburo.

The total funding needed for the urban railway initiative by 2035 is estimated at US$37.45 billion, with over $22.3 billion required from 2026 to 2030.

The city’s public investment capital for this period is projected at over $62.59 billion, making the railway project account for about 35 per cent of that total.

Given the significant funding requirements and insufficient local budget resources, the city is exploring various funding mechanisms, including retaining all surplus revenue while still contributing 79 per cent to the central budget.

Currently, local revenue is classified into three categories: fully remitted to the central government, partially retained, and fully retained.

The city seeks to regulate the second category, where it often exceeds revenue estimates set by the central government.

For example, for corporate income tax, the city will remit 79 per cent to the central government and will retain 21 per cent.

Over the years, the nation’s largest city has consistently surpassed its revenue targets, collecting over VNĐ381.53 trillion in 2021 and over VNĐ471.56 trillion in 2022.

The projected budget revenue is over VNĐ482.85 trillion this year, with VNĐ371.3 trillion collected in the first nine months.

Previously the city announced plans to issue bonds from 2025 to 2035 to finance metro projects and reduce dependence on Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Phan Văn Mãi, chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, urged citizens to invest in metro bonds to support infrastructure, despite lower bank interest rates.

Annual bond issuances will range from VNĐ10 trillion to VNĐ30 trillion, adhering to a 120 per cent debt-to-budget revenue limit, according to Mãi.

The city has lately requested 14 capital mechanisms from the central government to fund 200 km of metro lines, with only two of eight lines and three monorails currently under construction.

The first metro line, a 19.7 km route from Bến Thành Market in District 1 to Suối Tiên Theme Park in Thủ Đức City, is expected to begin operations later this year.

The overall metro plan targets over 350 km by 2045 and 510 km by 2060, requiring an estimated $66.8 billion.

Experts have stressed the importance of assessing public debt risks when issuing bonds, as metro revenue will rely heavily on ticket sales.

For many years, HCM City has always been the leading locality in terms of revenue and contribution to the State budget and has exceeded revenue for many years.

For example, in 2021, HCM City was assigned to collect nearly VNĐ364.9 trillion ($14.6 billion) but the revenue reached more than VNĐ381.5 trillion ($15.3 billion), an excess of nearly VNĐ17 trillion ($683.7 million).

In 2022, the city collected more than VNĐ471.5 trillion ($19 billion), reaching 121.99 per cent of the estimate.

This year, the city’s estimated budget revenue is more than VNĐ482.8 trillion ($19.4 billion). In the first nine months of this year, the city collected VNĐ371.3 trillion ($14.9 billion). 

HCM City frets over safety of street vendors’ foods

Ensuring safety of foods sold by street vendors in HCM City is challenging due to their mobility, lack of licences and food safety certificates, which poses health threats and complicates food poisoning investigations, the municipal Food Safety Department has admitted.

Speaking at a meeting held by the city People's Council’s Culture and Society Committee on food safety management on October 14, department deputy director Lê Minh Hải said his agency is responsible for ensuring food safety at three wholesale markets that supply nearly 80 per cent of the city's food.

It also works with districts to inspect food production and distribution businesses, he said.

It has to ensure traceability of pork and poultry eggs and collaborate with provinces and the ministry of agriculture to ensure a safe food supply chain for the city's consumers.

An official from the city Department of Education and Training said street vendors remain ubiquitous around schools, posing food safety risks.

Hải pointed out that street vendors are the responsibility of the city’s districts and not his department.

Nguyễn Hoài Nam, deputy director of the Department of Health, said there have been botulism cases this year linked to food bought from street vendors and small outlets, complicating traceability for investigators. 

VNA/VNS/VNN/VOV