Dozens of passengers have managed to escape a sleeper bus on Phan Thiet – Dau Giay Expressway in Binh Thuan province, southern Vietnam, before the vehicle was completely destroyed by a fire.

The incident happened at around 10p.m. on October 17 on Phat Thiet – Dau Giay Expressway, Section Km24+300, and the sleeper bus was travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to a locality in the central region, said the police.

Discovering the fire in the vehicle, the driver opened the doors for dozens of passengers to jump out and escape before the flame engulfed the entire vehicle, they said.

As the site was more than 30km from Phan Thiet city of Binh Thuan province, it took more than 30 minutes for two firefighting trucks and firefighters to reach the scene. The fire was extinguished after one and a half hours later.

Traffic police rushed to the scene to manage and regulate traffic to avoid congestion.

Relevant forces launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.

National VFF Congress: Delegates hail front’s role in uniting all people

Delegates to the ongoing 10th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) have hailed the front’s role as a “common house” of all ethnic groups and religions, and showed their hope that it will continue connecting the political system with the people so as to promote the strength from the great national solidarity bloc.

Most Venerable Thich Tanh Nhiep, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Executive Council, said that one of the important achievements of the front in the past tenure was the close coordination with ministries, sectors, and central agencies as well as member agencies to encourage people from all classes inside and outside the country as well as from all ethnic groups and religions to successfully control the COVID-19 pandemic and promote socio-economic recovery and development.

Recently, the front called on all people and the Vietnamese community abroad as well as organisations and businesses to support victims Typhoon Yagi and subsequent floods and landslides, helping them resume normal life and production, he noted.

Most Venerable Thich Le Trang, Chairman of the VBS Executive Council, underlined the VFF’s key role in the great national solidarity bloc that includes religions. The front has served as the common house for all ethnic groups and religions to gather and join hands in realising shared dreams, he stated.

He said he hopes the front will continue to exert efforts to gather all classes in the society for poverty eradication.

Vu Hong Phi, former President of the Women Union of Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, highlighted the important role of the VFF in building the great national solidarity bloc.

She said she hopes in the next tenure, the front will continue encouraging people to promote the spirit of self-reliance, national pride, talent, and creativity to sustainably reduce poverty and become more prosperous, and engage in building the all-people defence and security.

Bui Thanh Dung, a delegate from the Muong ethnic group, Vice Chairman of the War Veteran’s Association of So Toi village, Yen Trung commune, Thach That district of Hanoi, said the VFF has shown strong performance in connecting Party committees and administration at all levels as well as the whole political system with the people, which is a key factor to unite people from all walks of life to follow the path led by the Party.

Yathi, a delegate from Churu ethnic minority group in Duc Trong district of Central Highlands Lam Dong province, said that over the years, thanks to the support of the Party and State, the living conditions of ethnic minority communities have improved significantly with better access to information of the nation.

Nguyen Lan Huong, Chairwoman of the VFF Committee of Hanoi, said that over the past five years, the committee and member organisations have conducted various activities to support poor households and people with disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring social welfare through renovated methods.

The VFF committees at all levels in the city have raised VND411.1 billion (US$16.31 million) for the needy, building and repairing 5,099 houses, and assisting 31,679 poor students, while providing livelihood support to 8,988 households and healthcare support to 8,434 poor households.

The municipal VFF Committee also raised VND169.7 billion for people affected by natural disasters and fire incidents, she said.

Hoang Dinh Thang, member of the Presidium of the VFF Central Committee and President of the Union of Vietnamese People Associations in Europe, said that the union, established in October 2016, has worked to connect the Vietnamese community and support associations of Vietnamese youth, students, and women in Europe, and encouraged Vietnamese community in Europe to respond to charity movements launched by the VFF.

Thang said he hopes the Party, State, and VFF, through high-level exchanges and the diplomatic channel, will prompt some countries to recognise the Vietnamese community as an ethnic group, while designing policies to support domestic firms to invest abroad, and creating favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to return home to work and make contributions to the homeland.

Fukushima prefecture helps Vietnam overcome Typhoon Yagi aftermaths

Governor of Fukushima Uchibori Masao on October 17 visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan to hand over a donation in cash from the Japanese refecture's residents to help Vietnamese people to overcome the consequences of Typhoon Yagi.

He extended symphathies to Vietnamese people affected by the natural disaster.

On the occasion, Uchibori highlighted his recent trip to Ho Chi Minh City last month, during which he introduced Fukushima pears to the locals and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietravel on implementing charter flights between Vietnam and Fukushima.

He emphasised the potential for these flights to boost tourism and strengthen cultural ties between the two sides.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu expressed deep gratitude for the support from the people of Fukushima, and said that Vietnam received Japan's timely assistance, including essential supplies such as water filtration systems, following the typhoon.

He affirmed that international support, including those from Japan, is critical as Vietnam continues recovery efforts./.

Congress chooses 397 for 10th-tenure VFF Central Committee

Delegates to the 10th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) chose 397 members for the VFF Central Committee in the 2024-2029 tenure at a working session on October 17 afternoon.

The remaining eight members will be added later.

The total members include 72 in the Presidium and 14 in the standing board.

In the new-tenure Central Committee, there are 51 heads of the front’s member organisations, 63 presidents of the VFF committees of provinces and centrally-run cities, 273 standout individuals, 53 representatives of ethnic minority groups, 53 representatives of religious dignitaries from all the 16 religions and the religious organisations with large numbers of followers recognised by the State, 50 representatives from economic sectors, and 18 representatives of overseas Vietnamese across the five continents.

As many as 327 members hold university degrees and higher.

Later the same day, the VFF Central Committee in the 2024-2029 tenure convened the first meeting.

The closing ceremony of the national congress will take place on October 18, during which the Presidium of the VFF Central Committee for the 2024-2029 tenure will make debut./.

Top leader meets with Hưng Yên voters

Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and a delegation of National Assembly deputies of the northern province of Hưng Yên met with voters in Văn Giang District on Thursday, ahead of the 15th NA’s upcoming eighth session.

At the meeting, Lâm provided an update on the country's recent political and socio-economic situation, stressing that Việt Nam is on a path of rapid and sustainable growth, with robust national defence.

He expressed his pleasure at the progress made in Hưng Yên in recent years, particularly noting Văn Giang District's recent recognition as an "advanced new-style rural district" in 2023 - the first district in Hưng Yên to achieve this prestigious honour.

Addressing the concerns raised by voters, he placed a strong emphasis on the fight against corruption and negative practices, which he described as a crucial task in Party building and rectification, as well as in building and consolidating a clean and robust political system, and fostering great national unity.

Under the Party leadership and the State management, the anti-corruption efforts have achieved positive results, with no exceptions or prohibited zone, which has been widely welcomed by officials, Party members and the public alike, he said.

He called for drastic action against petty corruption, thorough investigations into cases of public concern and refinement of legal and policy frameworks to better meet practical needs.

It is essential to direct inspection and auditing efforts, improve the effectiveness of awareness campaigns about anti-corruption and operations of the Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption, Negative Phenomena and Wastefulness, he said.

In response to other issues raised by voters, Lâm asked the delegation and local authorities to compile all suggestions and forward them to competent agencies for consideration.

On the occasion, he presented 50 sets of computers to Văn Giang district, visited and handed over gifts to the family of war invalids Nguyễn Văn Thân and the family of Đinh Thị Ngân, whose household has escaped povery, in Long Hưng Commune. 

Deputy PM requires unified awareness, drastic action in removing IUU yellow card

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà on Thursday requested leaders of ministries and localities to unify their awareness and take measures in removing the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) yellow card.

Chairing the combined online and in-person meeting of the National Steering Committee on combating IUU held in Cà Mau Province, the Deputy PM emphasised that removing the yellow card is not only a way to participate in the European market, but also to develop a sustainable fisheries industry.

It will ensure long-term benefits and livelihoods, ensure the safety of fishermen's lives and property and at the same time implement the Party and State's major policy on developing the marine economy associated with protecting the country's sovereignty over seas and islands.

He confirmed that removing the IUU yellow card will help Việt Nam's seafood industry participate in proactive integration and avoid technical and trade barriers when exporting to large markets such as Europe.

Local leaders need to be frank, honest, scientific and open-minded to accurately assess and find out the reasons why, after seven years, the IUU yellow card has not been removed.

"We need to come up with a comprehensive solution, not only to remove the yellow card, but also to improve exploitation efficiency, while protecting and developing marine resources in fishing grounds," said Deputy PM Hà.

The State plays an important role in planning, assessing fishing resources reserves, determining the season, exploitation areas during the year and the number of fishing vessels operating, thereby having policies to guide and support fishermen.

"The measures need to be clear, transparent, methodical, with scientific thinking based on practical experience,” he said.

The Deputy PM pointed out a number of major shortcomings and problems, such as unclear responsibilities of forces in managing fishing vessels from river mouths to fishing ports and at sea, along with regulations on handling owners of vessels who violate the rules.

He requested ministries and localities to review their responsibilities, leadership and implementation methods: "Considering this a priority political task".

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) must clarify the shortcomings, weaknesses, causes, tasks and urgent and immediate solutions for illegal fishing in foreign waters without declaration.

By next month, localities must complete the registration and management of all fishing vessels in the area.

The Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and the MARD should coordinate and urgently connect forces including border guards, fisheries surveillance, coast guard and navy to use the database on registered fishing vessels and integrate with the national database on population, as well as all fishing vessels at sea.

Deputy PM Hà requested to review sanctions to strictly handle IUU violations, especially for ship owners and captains, emphasising that: "Punishment should be close to reality, reasonable, emotional, clear, transparent to both deter and prevent."

The MARD is responsible for reviewing administrative procedures for inspecting fishing equipment and vessels, with the spirit of "feasibility, practicality, science, and safety", researching and proposing policies to support ship owners.

The Ministry of Public Security’s duty is coordinating with the agricultural sector and local authorities to check unregistered fishing vessels and update the database.

Chairman of the Tiền Giang Provincial People's Committee Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh said that criminal handling of some IUU violations had greatly affected the awareness and thinking of ship owners and fishermen.

Deputy Chairman of the Bình Định Provincial People's Committee Nguyễn Tuấn Thanh proposed having a specialised department to support and provide information about fishing vessels arrested in foreign waters, so that local authorities have a basis for treating the case domestically.

Lieutenant General Phạm Trường Sơn, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, believes that the most important thing was to strictly manage fishing vessels while at the port.

Authorities, the army and the police must be a unified bloc, assigning clear and specific tasks to each force, from education to controlling and monitoring fishing vessel activities and treating violations. 

Australian official affirms potential for expanding economic, trade, investment ties with Việt Nam

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn held a working session with Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell on Thursday, on the occasion of the former’s visit to Australia and his co-chairing of the 6th Việt Nam-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Sơn lauded Australia’s efforts to strengthen and diversify its economic relations with partners in Southeast Asia and with Việt Nam in particular, by implementing various practical initiatives and projects under Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

Speaking in Adelaide City, South Australia, he urged Farrell to continue supporting Australian businesses to invest in Việt Nam, especially in areas where Australia has strengths and Việt Nam has potential.

Sơn also suggested the two sides promote people-to-people exchanges and open more direct flights between the two countries.

For his part, Farrell stated that there is a large room and potential for Việt Nam and his country to expand their economic, trade and investment relations.

He emphasised the need for the two sides to effectively implement the Joint Statement on upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, especially the 'economic connectivity' pillar, with an aim to become each other’s top ten trade partners and doubling two-way investment capital as set in the Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy (EEES).

The Australian business community is increasingly interested in the Vietnamese market, he said, adding that the Vietnamese community in Australia has been making significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the Oceanian country and serving as an important bridge for bilateral cooperation.

According to Farrell, Australia will continue supporting Việt Nam in terms of high-quality infrastructure, digital infrastructure, climate-resilient infrastructure, agriculture and minerals. It will help develop small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and human resources. It will also strengthen collaboration with Việt Nam at multilateral trade mechanisms such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA).

After the meeting with the Australian official, Sơn attended and delivered a speech at a workshop hosted by the Australia - Việt Nam Policy Institute (AVPI).

The Vietnamese official highlighted the AVPI's role in advising the leadership of the two sides to identify a "new mindset, new vision, and new actions" for the Việt Nam-Australia relations in the future, saying that the institute’s activities have contributed to promoting cooperation and exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.

Sơn affirmed that the Việt Nam-Australia relations are at their most beautiful stage, offering inspiring stories and at a new starting point, which opens up vast opportunities for stronger cooperation.

He expressed his hope that the two countries will continue to open their markets to maximise the benefits of the cooperation frameworks and new-generation FTAs that both are members.

Sơn urged Australian businesses to continue investing in Việt Nam in a quality and sustainable manner, particularly in the green and digital economy, the circular economy, innovation, semiconductor manufacturing, new energy, essential minerals, biotechnology, health care, high-tech agriculture and in training high-quality human resources.

Speaking at the event, Farrell emphasised that Australia considers the ASEAN an important economic partner of Australia and Việt Nam is one of Australia's priority focuses in the region.

Australia established a AUD2 billion (US$1.3 billion) fund to boost two-way trade and investment with Southeast Asia, he said, adding that it will continue to support the clean energy transition and infrastructure development in the region.

Earlier on the same day, Sơn visited the University of Adelaide in South Australia, one of the eight most prestigious universities in Australia.

At the meeting with the university's managers, lecturers and outstanding Vietnamese students, Sơn emphasised that education has served as a bridge between Việt Nam and Australia since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Now, it is one of the most important areas within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

He said that the joint statement on upgrading the two countries’ relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024 has opened up many opportunities for them to strengthen cooperation, especially in the field of education.

Sơn hoped that the University of Adelaide will consider increasing the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students, thereby supporting human resource training and capacity building for Vietnamese students. He hoped for partnerships and links with Vietnamese partners, including public and private universities, not only in education and training programmes, but also in research and innovation, especially in areas where the school has strengths such as science, programming, health and medicine, environment and climate change response.

He also hoped that the university will consider establishing Vietnamese study centres and its branches or research institutes in Việt Nam to promote bilateral cooperation in science and technology, especially in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, sustainable and green energy. 

Hanoi launches month "For the poor" and social welfare

The Hanoi People's Committee and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi have co-hosted a programme to launch Month "For the Poor" and social welfare, with the aim of promoting the tradition of solidarity, mutual love, and mutual assistance, whilst creating more resources and joining hands with all levels and sectors to help the poor, thus contributing to fulfilling the city's targets for poverty reduction and social welfare.

Nguyen Lan Huong, chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi, said that since the beginning of the year, the fronts at all levels in the city have allocated more than VND103 billion from the fund for the poor in support of the construction and repair of 1,232 solidarity houses.

The municipal Fatherland Front has co-ordinated efforts with the City People's Committee to build and repair houses for 714 poor households and households in difficult circumstances.

Responding to the call for the whole country to unite to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses nationwide from now until 2025, at present Hanoi has supported 15 provinces and cities in building 7,140 solidarity houses, worth more than VND317 billion.

The capital’s Fund for the Poor has supported production development for thousands of households, provided medical examination and treatment for thousands of people, and supported disadvantaged students locally.

To overcome the consequences of typhoon Yagi, as of October 10 the City Relief Fund had received more than VND250 billion in support of affected people.

The municipal Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee has supported 23 provinces and cities and 930 students studying in the capital whose families in provinces were affected by the storm and floods with a total of nearly VND84 billion and other essential goods worth VND1.73 billion.

At the launch ceremony, philanthropists directly supported the City's Fund for the Poor with a total amount of VND27.6 billion.

PM extols women’s role in national progress

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has extended his greetings to the staff and students of the Vietnam Women’s Academy (VWA), officials of the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU), and women nationwide on the occasion of the upcoming Vietnamese Women's Day (October 20).

Speaking at a gathering at the academy in Hanoi on October 17, the PM underscored the important role women play in the development of each family, community, society and country.

“Throughout our glorious history, Vietnamese women have always been playing a particularly important role, and making contributions to national construction and defence”, he said.

As the country embarks on a new era of renewal, integration and development, the Party and State always pay great attention to female personnel affairs and gender equality, with the guiding principle of ensuring genuine equality between men and women in terms of opportunities, involvement and benefits across socio-political, economic and cultural spheres, he said.

According to him, women account for 30.3% of National Assembly deputies during the 2021-2025 tenure, ranking Vietnam 64th globally, fourth in Asia, and first among Southeast Asian countries. Women hold key leadership positions in half of ministries and Government agencies, and about 20% of domestic small and medium-sized enterprises are owned by women. In 2023, Vietnam ranked 72nd out of 146 countries on the Gender Equality Index.

The VWU has been instrumental in these achievements, serving as a key organisation that represents and protects the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese women from all walks of life, he pointed out.

He expressed his delight at the VWA's success in building on and advancing the over 60-year legacy of the Central Women's Training School, with major and highly impressive accomplishments.

The PM called on the VWU to continue with the practical and effective implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, along with various resolutions, conclusions and directives from the Politburo, the Party Central Committee and its Secretariat. This includes the Secretariat’s Directives on family building, sustainable poverty reduction, and women’s affairs in the new context.

Ministries, agencies, the VWU and Hanoi authorities were assigned to offer all possible support to the VWA in its mission to train officials and public servants, especially in cultivating a skilled female workforce, toward the goal of advancing gender equality and fulfilling Vietnam’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality by 2030.

Founded in 2012, the VWA has two campuses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offering an extensive curricula with 11 multidisciplinary undergraduate majors, four master and two doctoral programmes.

With over 85% of its students being female, it has become a leading supplier of female talent across a range of sectors, including social science, business, law, journalism and technology. Impressively, more than 80% of its graduates secure employment immediately after graduation.

Each year, the VWA trains 2,500-4,000 VWU officials at various levels. Over the past 12 years, it has trained nearly 50,000 local officials and hundreds of others from neighbouring countries.

Vietnam draw hosts Myanmar at 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers

An official draw was held on October 17 at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Malaysia, with Vietnam drawn in the same group as hosts Myanmar in the qualifying round of the 2025 AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup.

According to the results of the draw, Vietnam are due to play Myanmar, Taipei (China) and Macau (China) in Group D.

Group A consists of host nation Thailand, Lebanon, Bahrain, Palestine, and Iraq, while Group B includes hosts Indonesia, Hong Kong (China), Pakistan, India, and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Hosts Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Australia, the Philippines, and Kuwait are in Group C.

A total of 19 teams will battle it out for nine places in the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup 2025, which will be hosted by China in May, 2025.

Teams have been divided into three groups of five and one group of four. The top two of from group and the best third-placed side among all groups will duly progress to the Finals, where they will join hosts China and finalists of the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship, Iran and Japan, to continue their quest for glory.

The Vietnamese futsal team’s goal is to finish in the top three at the tournament held in China from May 7 to May 18, 2025, thereby securing a spot at the World Cup.

Vietnam bolsters collaboration with WB in early childhood education

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thi Kim Chi met with the World Bank (WB)’s Human Development team in Hanoi on October 17 to discuss cooperation in building a programme supporting early childhood education reform for 2023-2030.

Chi expressed gratitude for the bank’s contributions to education and training in Vietnam, especially in remote and disadvantaged areas. The WB has helped the country implement universal preschool education for five-year-olds and promote the development of early childhood education.

The ministry is seeking the WB's support as it proposes a National Assembly resolution to extend universal preschool education to children aged 3-5 and update preschool curricula, she said, noting both sides aim to collaborate on solutions and share expertise to address challenges and carry out their agreements.

Rianna Mohammed-Roberts, head of Human Development at the WB, emphasised the importance of early childhood education globally and in Vietnam, where significant progress has been made.

She expressed a commitment to work with the ministry to develop the education, expressing her hope that the two sides will sign a cooperation agreement as soon as possible, with a focus on capacity building to support teachers and education administrators.

In July 2023, the Minsiter of Education and Training sent a document to the WB to propose cooperation in building a programme supporting early childhood education reform for the 2023-2030 period. The Vietnamese side suggested the WB provide technical support for preschool education, help draft a support policy for students in ethnic minority and disadvantaged communities, and build a project on preschool education reform and development./.

Lam Dong province to build, repair over 1,800 houses in 2024-2025

The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong aims to support the construction and repair of a total of 1,813 houses in 2024-2025, said Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham S.

The target includes the building of 1,460 new homes and repairing 353 temporary and dilapidated abodes.

By the end of September, the province had provided support to repair or build 215 out of 867 temporary and dilapidated houses for poor households, equivalent to 24.8% of the target set for 2024, he added.

On May 28, the provincial People's Committee issued a plan to mobilise resources for eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses for poor and near-poor households in 2024-2025. Then, a campaign to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses in Lam Dong province in 2025 was launched three months later.

The official highlighted that the programme has garnered significant support from organisations, businesses, and local residents. As of September 30, total registered contributions exceeded 45 billion VND (1.7 million USD). Notably, Da Lat city has completely removed temporary and dilapidated houses, while the districts of Da Huoai, and Lac Duong, and Bao Loc city have the funds to manage housing needs.

However, there remained challenges in the eradication of temporary and dilapidated houses in the province. Some households are mired in legal procedures regarding land, while others have yet to receive support funds and are unable to secure reciprocal capital to build new homes.

To realise the target, the provincial People's Committee has asked departments, agencies and localities to strengthen leadership and coordination among local authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, political and social organisations, and armed forces to improve the housing situation.

Attention should be paid to the effective use of resources from the National Target Programme, particularly for socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas, as well as mobilisation of social resources from organisations, businesses and individuals for the programme, he said./.

About 315,000 households in need of housing support: Ministry

About 315,000 poor and near-poor households across the countries are facing housing problems and in need of support, according to the Ministry of Construction (MoC).

The ministry has been assigned to submit a document specifying the subjects, support levels and procedures, and authority to approve support expenditures for doing away with temporary and dilapidated houses, and conduct inspection and supervision over the work.

According to MoC Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Sinh, in the 2021-2025 period, there have been two national target programmes with contents on providing housing support to poor and near-poor households – one on boosting socio-economic development in ethnic minority-inhabited and mountainous areas and the other on sustainable poverty reduction.
However, the programmes have not covered all areas of the country and all the subjects.

Thanks to various policies on housing support to the needy, so far, more than 1 million houses have been built for about 4 million policy beneficiaries and poor households. However, many of the policies have expired, Sinh said.

Stressing that housing support is an urgent need for many people, the official said the ministry has submitted to the Prime Minister a decision on supporting poor and near-poor households to repair and build houses with an aim to ensure the feasibility of the scheme following the motto of the State providing support, community assisting, and beneficiary households conducting construction work.

Particularly, the scheme will focus on ensuring that the newly-built houses for the needy are sturdy and resilient to natural disasters, contributing to enhancing life quality and speeding up sustainable poverty reduction.

Vietnam raises suggestions at UNGA’s environmental, climate debate

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN, on October 16 recommended several issues that the organisation and its member states should prioritise and promote in the coming time, at a meeting hosted by the Economic and Financial Committee of the UN General Assembly (UNGA)’s 77th Session.

Addressing the debate on climate change, environment, and biodiversity, the diplomat stressed that with over 80% of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) behind schedule, countries must strive to fully implement commitments made at the SDG Summit 2023 and the Summit of the Future in 2024 to bring the implementation of the 2030 Agenda back on track.

Nguyen emphasised the significance of strengthening the climate actions at global, regional, and national levels, and urged development partners to increase their financial support for developing countries, thus enabling them to fulfill their related commitments.

He also called for initiatives to improve the efficiency of the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, linked to corresponding national strategies and programmes; and greater efforts to protect the environment, address pollution, and promote the completion of an international agreement on preventing plastic waste in 2024.

Nguyen reiterated the proposal by Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam at the Summit of the Future, which called for the establishment of a global forum where regional organisations, including ASEAN, can share experiences and promote cooperation on green technology.

Vietnam will continue to prioritise fulfilling its climate commitments, including the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and actively participating in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on addressing plastic waste, he affirmed.

During the meeting, participants also urged the international community to strengthen partnerships and support developing countries in responding to climate and environmental challenges as they work towards realising SDGs./.

Book by Caracas urban guerrilla fighter published in Vietnamese

The Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House has published the book “Escritos de una combatiente de la guerrilla urbana en Caracas” (Writings of an urban guerrilla fighter in Caracas) by Nancy Zambrano Rivas to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Nguyen Van Troi Campaign (October 9, 1964 - 2024), which marks a significant milestone in the history of relations between Vietnam and Venezuela.

The campaign was launched by Venezuela’s Armed Forces of National Liberation (FALN) Command 60 years ago, during which Venezuelan guerillas abducted US Lieutenant Colonel Michael Smolen in Caracas to swap for young Vietnamese patriot Nguyen Van Troi who had been sentenced to death by the US and the US-backed Saigon regime for his assassination attempt on US Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara.

The book’s author, a former member of the FALN’s “Livia Gouverneur” guerrilla unit, directedly participated in the campaign.

The book features the memories of the author and those playing a core role in the urban armed struggle, vividly portraying the historical and social life of Venezuela in the early 1960s. It describes the struggles of leftist and progressive forces for peace and celebrates the courageous individuals who sacrificed themselves for noble ideals./.

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./.

Theatrical shows praising the country win top prizes at national dance, music festival

Three theatrical shows praising the country and patriotism have won the gold medals for best programmes at the 2024 National Dance and Music Festival held in Thủ Dầu Một City of Bình Dương Province.

The People’s Public Security Music Song and Dance Theatre was granted the top prize on Tuesday for its historical play Mệnh Lệnh Từ Trái Tim (Order from the Heart) written by Nguyễn Thanh Bình and directed by People’s Artist Hoàng Lâm Tùng.

The play highlights the strength of national solidarity, the leadership of the Party, and the contributions of locals and soldiers to the historical victory of Điện Biên Phủ on May 7, 1954.

The production premiered in May in Hà Nội to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ victory.

The Art Troupe of Hà Giang Province brought home the award for 12 music and dance performances with the theme of “Hà Giang – Miền Đá Gọi” (Hà Giang – Land of Stones).

The performances feature folk music and dances of ethnic minority groups living in the northernmost province to honour their rich culture and the extraordinary beauty of the Đồng Văn Karst Plateau Geopark.

The festival’s host, Bình Dương, earned the prize for 12 performances performed by the Bình Dương Culture and Art Centre.

The programme had the theme of Tiếng Gọi Mạch Nguồn (The Origin) and consisted of two parts. The first part, The Origin, depicts the history and establishment of Bình Dương, while the second part, Lifestyle, concentrates on the province during development and integration progress.

The show features a fusion of folk music with contemporary dance and martial arts.

The organisers, the Performing Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Bình Dương Province People’s Committee, also granted gold medals to best director, best choreographers, best actors and actresses, and many others.

Deputy Minister Tạ Quang Đông praised the festival for promoting Vietnamese performing arts and quality plays conveying the country’s historical and cultural values.

He also encouraged art troupes to prepare for the next festival.

The 2024 National Dance and Music Festival held from September 29 to October 15 attracted more than 1,500 musicians, singers and dancers from 24 professional art troupes across Việt Nam.

The performers presented around 200 performances featuring different performing arts such as folk or contemporary music and dance, classical music, ballet, musicals, and traditional theatrical dramas.

Education programme raises primary pupil’s awareness of water conservation, protection

Nearly 400 primary pupils and teachers participated in a water conservation and protection programme at the Cát Tiên National Park in Tân Phú District, Đồng Nai Province from October 15-17.

The three-day programme, entitled 'Journey with Mizu (water) to Protect the Environment 2024', was jointly organised by Suntory Holdings, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, in collaboration with the Central Youth Union Council, the Forest Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Center for Sustainable Development Education.

Based on Suntory's 'Sustainable Water Philosophy', the 'Mizuiku' programme was first launched by Suntory Group in Japan in 2004. Việt Nam was the first country outside Japan to implement the programme in 2015 under the name 'Mizuiku - I Love Clean Water.'

The programme aims to raise awareness of conserving water and protecting water sources among primary pupils, with a goal of educating 3.7 million pupils by 2025. After nearly ten years, the programme has educated nearly 500,000 pupils, and more than one million teachers and pupils have gained access to clean water through infrastructure projects.

In addition to in-school lessons across primary schools nationwide and clean water infrastructure projects at schools, the 'Journey with Mizu to Protect the Environment' experiential activities are designed as 'classrooms in the forest'.

These activities, held annually, aim to enhance pupils' awareness of the vital role of forests, the close relationship between forests and water and the importance of forest protection, land preservation and water conservation. To support long-term education efforts, Mizuiku environmental information corners have been established at national parks to further spread the programme’s message, reaching not only pupils but also thousands of visitors each year.

Mizuiku is a programme to educate not only about water but also for water. Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam aims to pass these educational values about the environment and water resources from one generation to the next. Through education and cooperation, the 'Journey with Mizu to Protect the Environment' programme will continue expanding across national parks nationwide.

The programme will include not only outdoor experiential activities for pupils but also useful environmental information corners, waste sorting systems and training sessions for national parks employees and volunteers, contributing to environmental awareness and reinforcing the importance of forest and water resource protection for Vietnamese children.

Over the next few years, the programme will expand its scale and is expected to reach more primary pupils nationwide, positively contributing to efforts to raise awareness of forest and water resource protection in communities. 

Chinese Gu takes lead at Nomura Cup, Việt Nam second in team ranking

Gu Liangliang was the only player to score a bogey-free first round, helping China fly high in the 30th edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship golf tournament on Tuesday in Hải Phòng.

With a mature display of course management, the broad-shouldered 15 year old fired a near flawless three-under-par 69 at the Vinpearl Hải Phòng golf course on the first occasion since its 1963 inception that the Nomura Cup has been staged in Việt Nam.

The outstanding result placed Gu in the top spot for individuals, a ranking he shared with Australian Declan O’Donovan. It also put China into a one-stroke lead in the team standings.

“It was not easy conditions so I’m happy with how I played,” said Gu, one of China’s brightest teenage golfing talents, who was a member of the International Team at last month’s Junior Presidents Cup in Canada.

“I struggled a little with my irons, but drove the ball well and chipped and putted well, too,” said Gu, who raced out of the blocks with birdies at the second, sixth and seventh holes.

Second place on 143 is shared by New Zealand, Japan and hosts Việt Nam, for whom Nguyễn Anh Minh, the highest-rated player in the field at 84th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), posted a 71.

In joint fifth on even-par 144 are Chinese Taipei, Australia and Hong Kong (China) with India alone in eighth on 145.

For much of the day, O’Donovan, 743rd in the WAGR, led the way, charging to five-under through 13 holes. But the 21-year-old Sydneysider, who is making his international debut for Australia, dropped shots at 16 and 18.

Playing alongside O’Donovan in the first flight of the day were Minh and New Zealand’s Joshua Bai.

While Minh was frustrated to sign for a 71 after seeing his par-putt lip out at 17 and a presentable birdie opportunity slide by the hole at 18, he was consoled by the fact that he was one of only nine players to finish the opening round in the red, signifying a below-par score.

“The course is very challenging, with unfavourable weather conditions, but I tried to stay focused and patient," said Minh.

"Playing against strong opponents from other countries is a great experience, and I will continue to learn from them each round. Hopefully in the next few days, I will improve my form to bring better results to Việt Nam."

Another Vietnamese player, Hồ Anh Huy, scored three birdies but suffered three bogeys to earn an even par result for an individual top 10 position.

Huy said: "There is regret with my competition today, but I am pleased with the result. There are a few holes where I didn't get a good shot, but that's part of the game. The important thing is that I try to maintain my competitive spirit until the end. Hopefully in the next rounds, I will learn from experience and achieve better results."

Despite battling jet-lag and fatigue after a hectic recent schedule, Bai ended the day in joint third with Thai Teerawut Boonseeor, the APGC Junior Boys’ champion, and Jonathan Selvaraj of the United Arab Emirates on two under 70.

The biennial tournament, known as the Nomura Cup, hosts men's golf teams. This year's event will take place until October 18. It is held over four days with 18 holes of stroke play.

Results from the two players with the best score will be counted as the team's result in each round. The team with the best gross over 72 holes will lift the championship trophy. 

Phong Phú Hà Nam defend women’s U19 title

A 3-0 win over Sơn La has helped Phong Phú Hà Nam defend their U19 Football Championship title, with one game in hand.

Playing on Tuesday in Hà Nam Province, captain Lê Hồng Yêu opened the score just five minutes into the game. Young striker Vũ Thị Hoa and teammate Lưu Hoàng Vân netted one each from spot kicks in the second half.

With their seven wins and two draws, Phong Phú Hà Nam's unbeaten streak brought them 23 points and placed them on top of the rankings.

In the other match, Hà Nội beat Zantino Vĩnh Phúc 2-0 with goals by Đỗ Thị Ánh Mỹ and Lê Thị Trang in the second half. Hà Nội has 20 points and sits in second place.

The tournament ends October 19, with Phong Phú Hà Nam playing HCM City. In other fixtures, Hà Nội will meet Sơn La and Thái Nguyên T&T will play Zantino Vĩnh Phúc.

Golfers to swing to support Vietnamese talent and students in need

The eighth Tiền Phong Golf Championship - Swing for Young Talents of Việt Nam - which will be held next month, is on the look out for the next generation of golfing talent.

The championship saw the arrival of many players, such as Nguyễn Anh Minh, Nguyễn Nhất Long and Nguyễn Đức Sơn, who went on to make their mark in the world amateur rankings, helping secure Việt Nam's reputation as a golfing development hot house.

This season, about 160 golfers will compete in five categories, three for men with different handicap points, one for women and one for young players, at the Kings Island Golf Course in Đồng Mô, Sơn Tây Town, Hà Nội on November 2.

At the press launch on October 15, organisers announced a huge bonus for champions, along with more than VNĐ7.3 billion for the hole-in-one winners. The bonus will be set on the par-3 holes No 6, No 14 and No 17.

Deputy Director of the Kings Island course, Cấn Phi Khanh, said this year the organisers have increased the difficulty of the tournament, including the green speed and set it over a longer distance. 

Meanwhile the deputy head of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam's Elite Sports Department 2, Nguyễn Quốc Hùng, said the faster green speed and tougher course would mean all the players will need to up up their game.

After seven seasons, the Tiền Phong tournament has received positive feedbacks from athletes, experts and supporters, along with previous winners.

"I am proud to be the two-time winner of the tournament in 2021 and 2022. In this event, not only me but also other golfers, learn a lot about the game and grow their game," said national golfing number one Nguyễn Anh Minh. 

"Although I cannot compete this year, due to my schedule abroad, I believe that the well-organised tournament will be a successful one and I wish all the players well and hope they have a memorable experience." 

Defending champion Sơn, who took part in the press briefing, said: “I always give my best in every tournament, showing my maximum ability. In my opinion, local tournaments, including the Tiền Phong Championship, are organised just as well as many international ones.

"I hope to have a good result this year and to have the chance to represent Việt Nam in international events." 

The Tiền Phong Golf Championship is supported by the Việt Nam Youth Talent Support Fund. The Fund was established in 1993 and has the Prime Minister as the Honourary Chairman, the First Secretary of the Central Youth Union as Chairman of the Executive Council and Tiền Phong newspaper as the permanent governing body. 

One of the Fund's outstanding annual activities is to help the Central Youth Union in organising the most prestigious Outstanding Vietnamese Young Face Award, on the occasion of the establishment of the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26) every year.

Financial support from the Fund offers billions of đồng in scholarships, bonuses and grants to individuals and groups across many different fields, including national defence, culture, sports, and volunteer social activities every year. 

Responding to the call of the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee and the Ministry of Education and Training, the organising board will open the project 'Help Children Go to School with Tiền Phong' at the championship.

It aims to help students impacted by Typhoon Yagi, to quickly return to normal life and get back to their studies. 

Minh, Yamashita top Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship

Vietnamese Nguyễn Anh Minh's quality golf performance helped him share the top place with Japanese Masayuki Yamashita in the individual ranking of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Team Championship, after round two in Hải Phòng on October 16.

As the highest-rated player in the field, number 84 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Minh, teed-off from the 10th hole, raced out of the blocks with four birdies in his first nine holes. He added another at the fifth en route to a fabulous bogey-free 67, jumping from number six to the top of the ranking.

“It’s very rare to have a bogey-free round, so I can’t complain. The Vietnamese team had a good day today and we’re excited about what can happen in the next two days,” said Minh.

Two other Vietnamese golfers, Lê Khánh Hưng and Hồ Anh Huy. Hưng, finished with an even-par, while Huy took 4-over 76.

Yamashita, whose elder sibling, Miyu, is a star on the Japan LPGA Tour, fired six birdies and one bogey en route to have same score at the 2024 Nomura Cup at the Vinpearl Golf course in Hải Phòng.

In the individual standings, Yamashita and Minh are locked together at six-under 138, two shots ahead of New Zealand duo of Robby Turnbull and Joshua Bai and Australian Declan O’Donovan.

Twenty one year old Yamashita’s efforts also helped Japan to to the top of the leader board in the team standings.

“All of us are playing well and scored under par today. We're pretty confident we can go on and win the trophy,” added Yamashita, who believes the Japan team are well placed to retain the Nomura Cup.

Japan is bidding for an eleventh cup title overall and a second in succession, having triumphed in 2022, holding a two-stroke lead from New Zealand and hosts Việt Nam.

There is then a seven-stroke gap back to Korea and Australia on one-under 287. 

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