The Việt Nam Railway Corporation has proposed a total investment of VNĐ445 billion (US$18.6 million) for the upgrade of two railway stations: Sóng Thần, part of the Hà Nội – HCM City railway route, and Cao Xá, part of the Hà Nội – Hải Phòng railway route.

The corporation said due to several years of operation, the infrastructure of Sóng Thần station, encompassing railways, warehouses, cargo yards, and drainage systems, has deteriorated and no longer meets the region's rail freight transport demands.

Sóng Thần station is considered one of the largest cargo railway stations, playing a vital role in the loading and unloading of goods to and from the southern region.

Additionally, it is one of six international intermodal railway stations facilitating the import and export of goods by rail between Việt Nam and China and vice versa.

In light of these factors and to meet the demands of inter-provincial and international rail freight transport at Sóng Thần station, the corporation has requested the Ministry of Transport to consider upgrading the station.

At the Sóng Thần cargo yard of the station, the corporation has proposed a renovation plan that includes upgrading the existing loading and unloading lanes, cargo yards, enhancing the internal road system, and constructing an additional 2,005-square-meter cargo yard.

At the An Bình cargo yard of the station, the corporation has put forth a proposal that includes the installation of a new cargo loading and unloading road measuring 337m, the construction of an additional 7,126-square-meter cargo yard, repairs to the container-truck gathering yard and the container washing yard, and the construction of a 2,500-square-meter cold storage facility.

The total investment for the construction and repair is estimated to be VNĐ150 billion ($6.26 million).

Regarding the Cao Xá railway station in the northern province of Hải Dương, it is located in close proximity to industrial parks such as Đại An, Cẩm Điền, Phúc Điền, Tân Trường, and Việt Hòa - Kenmark. These industrial parks exhibit a significant demand for the import and export of goods.

However, the station currently caters primarily to domestic cargo transportation, with a relatively low volume of shipments.

Thus, the corporation has submitted a request to the ministry for the upgrade of the station to facilitate intermodal operations.

In the first phase, it will build a new goods-loading and unloading road with a length of 250m; a new customs-service office with an area of 200 sq.m; a new warehouse with an area of 1,000 sq.m; a new 10,000-sq.m cargo yard installed with a lighting system, water supply, drainage system, surveillance cameras and a firefighting system.

After completing the first phase, the station will undergo further upgrades in the second phase with many new items.

The total investment for both phases is estimated to be VNĐ295 billion ($12.3 million).

President welcomes leader of Japanese House of Councillors

President Vo Van Thuong received President of the House of Councillors of Japan Otsuji Hidehisa, who is paying an official visit to Vietnam, in Hanoi on September 6.

Welcoming Otsuji and other members of the Japanese House of Councillors, President Thuong said the visit, taking place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations, will help to strongly promote cooperation between the two parliaments and practically contribute to the Vietnam - Japan friendship and extensive strategic partnership.

Lauding the two countries’ traditional relations and close-knit ties in multiple areas, the Japanese leader held that with many similarities, the two countries’ reinforcement of all-round cooperation, including parliamentary ties, is completely suitable and necessary in the context of numerous global challenges facing the world.

The Vietnamese President expressed his delight at the extremely important achievements in the bilateral ties, noting that mutual trust and understanding have been strengthened unceasingly, thus providing a good stepping stone for promoting cooperation programmes and projects.

He spoke highly of Japanese political parties’ unanimity in enhancing cooperation with Vietnam as seen in the presence of many representatives of the parties in the Japanese upper house delegation on the ongoing visit to Vietnam.

President Thuong also highlighted the two countries’ collaboration in economy, trade, investment, education, science and culture, along with people-to-people and youth links.

To enhance the bilateral relations on the basis of the 50-year diplomatic ties, President Thuong suggested both sides further increase all-level meetings and mutual visits between the Vietnamese and Japanese States, parliaments, governments, parties, ministries, sectors, and localities.

Vietnam hopes to step up exchanges between the two countries' parliamentarians, including young ones, he said, calling on both nations to set a higher vision of cooperation to bring their relations to a new height in the future.

Describing 2023 as a historic point of time which marks 50 years of the Vietnam - Japan diplomatic relations, 50 years of the ASEAN - Japan relations and 15 years of the Japan - Mekong ties, President Thuong appreciated the Northeast Asian country’s active contributions to the cooperation with ASEAN, which has contributed to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Party official receives President of Japanese House of Councillors

Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member, Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat, and Chairwoman of the CPV Central Committee’s Organisation Commission, received  President of the House of Councillors of Japan Otsuji Hidehisa in Hanoi on September 6.

Expressing her delight at the sound development of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, Mai noted that bilateral political trust has been increasingly enhanced, while high-level exchanges have been regularly held. She affirmed that Vietnam consistently values the bilateral ties and highly appreciates Japan's development cooperation and investment in Vietnam.

Mai, who is also Chairwoman of the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, suggested the Japanese House of Councillors pay attention to and urge the Japanese Government to provide new-generation ODA for Vietnam, and support Vietnam in the process of transition to green and clean energy, and digital transformation. Both sides should promote high-level visits and people-to-people exchanges and make the most of the positive and favourable aspects of their relationship.

The Party official thanked Japan for and proposed the Japanese side continue its policy support and favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in the Northeast Asian country. She also suggested the two sides collaborate closely at international and regional multilateral forums.

For his part, Otsuji stressed that Japan highly treasures its relationship with Vietnam. He praised the vibrant exchanges between lawmakers of the two countries, with the two friendship parliamentarians' groups playing a vital role in promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and their legislative bodies.

Members of the Japanese delegation affirmed that the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations serves as a starting point for the next five decades of their friendship and cooperation. They believed that both nations share many common interests and supported their increasing exchanges of high-level delegations as well as people-to-people and parliamentarian-to-parliamentarian exchanges. They hoped Vietnam will share its experiences regarding the participation of women in politics and society.

The delegates noted that Japan is willing to share technology in transport infrastructure and assist Vietnam in digital transformation and green transition, with many Japanese businesses expressing interest in investing in the Vietnamese market.

Highly appreciating the contributions of Vietnamese expatriates in Japan to the host country’s socio-economic development, they expressed their readiness to create favourable legal frameworks and conditions for the Vietnamese community.

Leaders affirm coordination to deepen Vietnam-RoK comprehensive strategic partnership

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Yoon Suk Yeol have affirmed their commitments to continue close coordination to develop the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in a more profound and comprehensive manner, contributing positively to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

At their meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 6, the two leaders agreed to enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels, and make greater efforts to promote bilateral trade, investment, and education cooperation.

PM Chinh expressed his delight at the rapid and practical development of the bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022. He also highlighted the success of President Yoon's state visit to Vietnam in June this year, which left a deep impression on Vietnamese leaders and people.

For his part, President Yoon stated that Vietnam is a key partner of the RoK in the implementation of its Indo-Pacific Strategy. He highly appreciated the close cooperation between the two sides in carrying out the results of his Vietnam visit, including an action plan on the deployment of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The President took this occasion to thank the Vietnamese Government for its attention and favourable conditions provided to RoK enterprises investing and doing business in Vietnam.

Gia Lai Province to expand herbal medicine production

A medicinal plant growing area in Gia Lai Province’s Chư Sê District. – VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Điệp

The Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands) province of Gia Lai is expanding the area under medicinal plants that offer economic efficiency and grow well in the local climatic and soil conditions.

It has a diverse range of forest resources and great bio-diversity, including 537 precious medicinal plant species that are widely used and have great potential for developing key products.

They grow naturally on more than 43,000ha of natural forests, mostly in Kbang, Đak Đoa, Chư Prông, and Mang Yang districts.

The province also had 4,000ha of medicinal herbs grown by households and companies as of the middle of last year, 3,000ha more than in 2020.

The plants grown here including Ngọc Linh ginseng, marbled jewel orchids and female ginseng, and many farming models are effective as they involve the use of proper techniques.

The model for growing bố chính ginseng used by the Quang Vinh medicinal Plant Agriculture Co-operative in Kbang District’s Sơ Pai Commune offers an average yield of six tonnes per hectare per year and income of VNĐ335 million (US$14,000) to the growers.

The model of intercropping cà gai leo (Solanum Procumbens) and coffee in Chư Sê District’s Ia Tiêm Commune offers farmers incomes of VNĐ40-50 million ($1,700-2,000) per hectare per year from harvesting the former, a medicinal herb.

Nguyễn Văn Hoan, deputy director of the province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, says the plan is to expand medicinal plant cultivation to 5,000-10,000ha by 2025.

The plants to be grown include Ngọc Linh ginseng, marbled jewel orchids, female ginseng, cà gai leo, and tuber fleeceflower.

The province aims to develop at least four establishments that produce and sell high-quality medicinal plant seedlings and supply about 70 per cent of local demand.

The Kon Ka Kinh National Park and Kon Chư Răng nature reserve will establish two centres for growing medicinal plants on a research basis and produce seedlings of rare and commercial medicinal plants.

The centres will focus on preserving the province’s 21 rare medicinal plants listed in Việt Nam’s Red Book of endangered flora.

The province will establish a centre to preserve traditional medical knowledge and genomes of precious medicinal plants grown by ethnic peoples in the Tây Nguyên region.

Besides expanding the cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants, the province also aims to grow more foreign medicinal plants such as South Korean ginseng.

Hoan says climatic conditions in the province’s north-eastern areas are suitable for growing South Korean ginseng and so are zoned for the purpose.

The province has three renowned manufacturers of medicinal products, Trường Sinh International Science Development Company, Đông Nam Dược Gia Lai Joint Stock Company and a plant in Chư Păh District’s industrial-handicrafts cluster.

It has four medicinal plant growing projects with an investment of VNĐ497 billion ($20.8 million), and is seeking investors for 10 other projects on a total area of 1,821ha that will require VNĐ7.3 trillion ($300 million).

It is drafting up a plan to solicit investments in nine hi-tech projects for growing medicinal plants and their seedlings.

The province has 26 herbal medicinal products with three- and four-star ratings under the country’s “One Commune-One Product” programme.

It aims to have at least 10 more by 2030. 

Asia-Pacific urged to use AI to combat cyber threats

Experts have called on the Asia-Pacific region to embrace artificial intelligence to combat cyber threats.

Speaking at a conference in Bali, Indonesia, at the end of last month, Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia Pacific, Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity firm, said: “AI has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of cybersecurity and beyond. 

“The Asia-Pacific region is at the forefront of the AI revolution.” 

Several research studies have predicted that the Asia-Pacific region will be the fastest-growing market for AI globally. 

A report by Allied Market Research has forecast a compounded annual growth rate of 41 per cent for the region by 2030, higher than the global rate of 38 per cent.

According to a recent report by US-based market intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC), AI spending in the region is expected to double to US$18.6 billion by 2026. 

Enterprises in the region are also set to embed AI across various business technology categories within the next three years to boost efficiencies and reduce dependency on technical skills.

China, Australia and India are the current leaders in AI spending across the region, with more countries expected to follow suit, according to the report.

According to a recent report by IDC, some 65 per cent of Asia-Pacific organisations will embed AI across business technology categories by 2026, using AI to improve outcomes without reliance on technical talent.

About 75 per cent of large Asia-Pacific organisations will use AI-infused processes to boost asset efficiency, streamline supply chains and improve product quality by 2026, it said.

While the region’s potential for growth in AI is significant, organisations must develop secure roadmaps to ensure the adoption of AI while prioritising cybersecurity, he added.

Noushin Shabab, senior security researcher for the Asia Pacific Global Research and Analysis Team, said while AI had proven to be a powerful tool in various fields, including cybersecurity, it could also be exploited by cybercriminals for advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks.

“AI can assist cybercriminals in various stages of a sophisticated cyberattack, from reconnaissance to data exfiltration.”

The increasing use of AI by cybercriminals poses a significant challenge as they utilise machine learning and AI to develop APT attacks, she said. 

To defend against AI-assisted APT attacks, she recommended implementing advanced security solutions that monitor user and system behaviours.

“Regularly updating software, providing employees training in cybersecurity best practices, and enforcing multi-factor authentication for critical systems and applications are also important steps.”

According to a Kaspersky report, Việt Nam suffered from the third highest incidence of cyberattacks in Southeast Asia last year after only Indonesia and Thailand. 

The threats included online scams and cryptocurrency thefts.

The company detects an average of 400,000 new malicious attacks in the region every day. 

The conference was organised by Kaspersky.

The Russian firm, founded in 1997, has signed agreements with various countries in the region, including Việt Nam, to help protect against cyber threats. 

Almost million tourists flock to HCM City during National Day holidays

HCM City received 960,000 visitors during the National Day holidays from September 1 to 4, according to its Department of Tourism.

It represented a 4.3 per cent increase over last year, when it was also a four-day break.

Compared with same period of last year, the domestic tourists to the City are estimated at 420,000, up 15 per cent; International visitors are estimated at 37,600 arrivals, up 14.5 per cent. The hotel occupancy rate was around 80 per cent, a 6.7 percentage point increase from 2022.

Revenues from tourism are estimated at VNĐ2.89 trillion, up 5.5 per cent.

Tours of national architectural and artistic relics in the city such as the People's Council - People's Committee office buildings were again popular, with 1,614 people signing up for them.

Situated at 86 Lê Thánh Tôn Street in District 1, the buildings were built in 1909 based on designs by French architect Femand Gardès modelled on bell towers in northern France.

The city was also an attractive destination for its exciting cultural and sports activities.

There were art shows, fireworks displays, hot air ballooning, and a marathon race run in Thủ Đức City.

Entertainment arcades and other attractions such as Suối Tiên and Đầm Sen amusement parks and the zoo were crowded with visitors.

Bùi Thị Tố Trinh, deputy general director of Suối Tiên Theme Park, said at least 70,000 people came during the four days.

The park has invested in upgrades to infrastructure, planted more trees and set up a farm that offers hands-on experience and showcases high-tech farming technologies, she added. 

Artists’ Pagoda renovated

The renovation of Artists Pagoda in HCM City’s Gò Vấp District is scheduled to be completed in October.

The work began in June with funds from individuals and organisations, including members of the HCM City Theatres Association.

Artists Pagoda is located on 6,000 square metres of land and serves as home for the aged for 1,000 cải lương (reformed opera) and tuồng (classical drama) performers who were once stars on the stage.

“We have worked to donate funds for Artists Pagoda, the only one of its kind in the city, that also includes a cemetery devoted to former cải lương and tuồng performers,” said theatre actress and producer Trịnh Kim Chi, head of the pagoda’s managing board.

During the Buddist Vu Lan Festival last week, dozens of artists in the city and neighbouring provinces visited and performed to raise funds for the pagoda.

The festival is meant for Vietnamese people to express their gratitude and appreciation to their ancestors and parents.

Following the tradition, they showed their deep respect for late actress Phùng Há, a great symbol of cải lương and also founder of the pagoda.

Há spent her savings to build the pagoda in 1958.

Há began her career in 1923 in Mỹ Tho Province (now Tiền Giang Province), the cradle of cải lương art. By the 1950s, she was at the peak of her artistry and fame.

She performed in many plays featuring the tragedy of Vietnamese women under feudalism, focusing on beautiful and virtuous girls whose sufferings were caused by village tyrants and cruel landlords.

She also worked hard to train younger colleagues. Many of her students, including the late actress Thanh Nga and celebrated artists Bạch Tuyết and Kim Cương, won top prizes at national competitions and festivals.

Há was also a founder of the HCM City Rest Home for Artists in District 8.

The home, opened in 1998, serves more than 20 traditional artists aged 70-80, including theatre stars like Diệu Hiền, Ngọc Đáng and Lệ Thẩm, who performed for more than 30 years and played a role in theatre development.

Free food and healthcare, and even funeral services, are all offered to the residents.

The home receives financial support from local authorities. 

Pop icon’s biography released

The biography of Vietnamese-American singer Elvis Phương, known as Pop Prince in Việt Nam in the 1970s, was released in HCM City.

The work, Dòng Đời (My Way), written by the 77-year-old singer in cooperation with his friends, celebrates his 60-year career.

Apart from featuring the artist’s life and career from a personal perspective, the book also outlines the development of Vietnamese music between the 1960s and 1970s.

Many black-and-white and colour photos are also included.

The 376-page book has 12 chapters featuring Phương’s career and his memories of famous singers and musicians in Sài Gòn (now Hồ Chí Minh City) including late composers Lê Hựu Hà and Trúc Phương, who were pioneers in contemporary Vietnamese music.

“My book, Dòng Đời, tells my fans about the challenges and sacrifices that I have made in pursuing my art,” Phương wrote in his book.

Elvis Phương, whose real name is Phạm Ngọc Phương, began his career in 1962 in Sài Gòn. He performed in popular music bands Rockin’s Stars, Les Vampires and Phượng Hoàng, and sang songs by US pop star Elvis Presley.

He achieved success almost as soon as he embarked on a career singing rock'n'roll, pop, and Vietnamese folk songs.

He performed Vietnamese songs by talented musicians such as Nguyễn Vũ, Lam Phương and Phạm Duy, who played a role in developing modern Vietnamese music.

His hits include Bài Thánh Ca Buồn (The Sad Hymn), Bài Tango Cho Em (A Tango for You) and Kỷ Vật Cho Em (Memorabilia for You), which are still fresh today.

After 1975, he moved to live in the US and work with leading entertainment agencies and studios. He is popular for his strong voice and bold, distinctive style.

In 1996, he released two music videos, Giọt Nắng Bên Thềm (Sunlight on the Veranda) and Quê Hương (Motherland), in Việt Nam.

In 2000, his first live concert attracted 5,000 fans in HCM City. He has performed in mini shows and concerts in HCM City, Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and Đà Lạt.

“I always sing with my heart and soul,” said the singer, who lives in HCM City now.

Vietnamese hit maker to organise first live show

The celebrated Vietnamese vocalist, Hoàng Thùy Linh, known for her recent viral hits such as See Tình, Để Mị Nói Cho Mà Nghe, and Bo Xì Bo, is set to stage her debut live concert in HCM City on September 29.

Linh, famed for See Tình, has unveiled a teaser for this anticipated event. It displays a captivating forest filled with brightly coloured, imaginatively depicted animals, igniting audience intrigue.

Details regarding seating arrangements and ticket costs can be found on Hoàng Thùy Linh's fan page. Tickets are priced between VNĐ1.5 to 3.9 million (US$60-160).

Besides the standard merchandise, which includes lightsticks, tote bags, and T-shirts, the ticket tiers SVIP, VIP, and Guest & Press will also receive a complimentary box of mooncakes. This gesture aligns with the concert's date, which falls on the Mid-Autumn Festival. As of now, Linh hasn't disclosed the roster of guest artists for the Vietnamese Concert.

Born in Hà Nội in 1988, Linh first came to prominence through the television series Nhật ký Vàng Anh (Vàng Anh’s Diary) in 2007. In 2013, she further captivated viewers with her stellar acting in the film Thần Tượng (Idol).

Besides her acting prowess, Linh has equally enchanted audiences with her vocal talents. Early in her singing journey, she was recognised for hits like Cho Nhau Một Lối Đi Riêng (Finding Our Own Way Apart), Nhịp Đập Giấc Mơ (The Rhythm of Dreams), and Ngày Không Anh (A Day without You), to name a few.

Yet, it was with the launch of her third album, Hoàng, in 2019 — celebrating her decade-long singing career — that the songstress truly soared in fame. Her track Để Mị Nói Cho Mà Nghe, which intriguingly blended contemporary folk with electronic elements, topped the Việt Nam music charts for consecutive weeks.

That same year saw Linh being bestowed with the title of Outstanding Vietnamese Artist in Asia at the MAMA Awards hosted in South Korea.

Her triumphs didn't stop there, as she clinched four accolades at the Cống Hiến (Devotion) Awards 2020 from the Sport and Culture newspaper: "Music Video of the Year", "Song of the Year", "Singer of the Year" for Để Mị Nói Cho Mà Nghe, and "Album of the Year."

Riding this wave of success, Linh further bolstered her musical standing with subsequent hits like Duyên Âm, Gieo Quẻ, and Bo Xì Bo. Notably, her song See Tình garnered global attention, instigating a dance cover trend in nations including South Korea and China. This trend was exemplified at the Born Pink concert in Việt Nam in July when all four members of BlackPink performed a dance cover to Linh's viral track.

Việt Nam welcome rivals, ready for U23 competitive matches

Việt Nam is considered one of the strongest teams in the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup and will aim to finish the group stages in top place.

As hosts of Group C, Việt Nam, world No 95, will entertain Guam (203) on September 6, Yemen (156) on September 9, and Singapore (158) three days later, at Phú Thọ Province's Việt Trì Stadium.

"We welcome all three guest teams and hope they will have a good experience during their time in Việt Nam," said coach Philippe Troussier.

"In theory, Việt Nam is the strongest team but in reality, we must work hard on the field and we are ready for the first match."

The French tactician has prepared his team for weeks for the continental tournament in which Việt Nam made a big impression in 2018, finishing second.

"We have been working together since March 1 and I have called 70 players to different training camps. Several players have been training with me for five years since they were 17-18 years old.

"We understand each other and players know and catch up with my requirements. We will be together to overcome interesting challenges including this U23 competition."

Việt Nam are currently number one in the ASEAN region, but Troussier said he not only wants to hold this position strongly but also push his youngsters beyond their limits and reach the continental level.

At the press conference, coach Nazri Nasir of Singapore said he respected all teams in the group.

Nasir has taken charge of the team after Singapore's humiliating defeat at the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh in May. Due to the team's problems, they skipped the AFF Cup and the Asian Games. The Asian qualification is the first one since they suffered four losses in a row at the SEA Games.

"To prepare for the Asian U23 qualifier, the national championship has been paused. Most of my players are proactive, they can play in different positions, helping the team to change from 4-3-3 to 3-4-3 formation depending on our opponents. We will consider reality to have the best plan," said Nasir.

Coach Miroslav Soukup of Yemen expected interesting group matches and believed all teams were on an equal footing. The best will qualify for the finals in Qatar.

Yemen just finished its training camps in Iraq and Egypt. They bring to Việt Nam 15 national senior team members. The determined squad arrived in Phú Thọ on September 2 and trained hard targeting a top place of the group.

Meanwhile, Guam coach Dominic Gadia hoped his players of Guamanian origin based in the United States would help his team to have positive results.

Gadia said it was the team's first time at this competition. He did not care much about the score but looked towards a stable foundation of the team.

"Việt Nam has earned remarkable achievements recently. We must respect them. On our side, we have the United States-based players and this is an opportunity for them to shine," said Gadia.

Việt Nam played Guam twice in the past and won all with huge scores of 9-0 and 11-0 at the Asian Cup in 1996 and 2000, respectively.

Guam's latest win was a 5-0 match against Bhutan in 2019 before suffering a streak of 10 defeats.

Forty-three teams are divided into 11 groups with 16 qualifying to play in the finals including Qatar who qualified automatically as hosts.

The finals are scheduled for April 15-May 3 next year. Three top teams will automatically qualify for the Paris Olympics' berth while the fourth-placed one will compete in a play-off match against African representative Guinea for their own opportunity.

AFC 28 back in the cage at The Grand Hồ Tràm Strip

Thrilling bouts between top competitors are promised at the Angel's Fighting Championship (AFC) 28, a famed mixed martial arts event, on September 16 in Vũng Tàu City.

There are seven fights with the main card featuring Việt Nam-lover Robson De Oliveira Soares of Brazil and South Korean Kim Jin Min in the fly weight (56kg) category at the Grand Hồ Tràm Strip.

Soares is well known nationwide after featuring in prestigious MMA tournaments such as the AFC and LION Championship.

Most recently, the Brazilian jujitsu champion knocked out experienced Phan Huy Hoàng of Việt Nam in the first round in the LION Championship with a rear choke.

Earlier, he technically knocked out Rene Catalan Jr in the main card of the AFC 25 on June 10.

Despite being a foreigner, Soares won local support after many years living and fighting here. No matter the result, he always wears the Việt Nam national flag over his shoulders at the end of fights.

The black-belt martial artist is a master of grappling skills. He has three wins and one loss in his career.

His opponent Kim is more experienced with 11 pro bouts. He recorded five wins and six losses but his has made four wins in a row prior to the Hồ Tràm Strip event.

In the bantam (61,2kg) weight, Vietnamese potential Mùi Trọng Vinh (11 wins, three losses) will fight talented Jia Yangin of China (four wins, four losses).

Lưu Đức Mạnh (nine wins, two losses) will face South Korean Park Seong Hyun (two wins, one draw and one loss).

Both Vinh and Mạnh are from No 1 Muay Club. They are managed and trained by seven-time world champion Nguyễn Trần Duy Nhất, also a MMA fighter who is current champion of the LION Championship in the men's 60kg.

Vinh was confident with the powerful combined use of fists, elbows, knees and shins of muay thai and posted on his Facebook page that he was ready for the fight whoever his rival was.

Also in this category, Pablo Eduardo from Brazil is expected to lengthen his winning streak to five when facing Japanese Hiromu Ueni who has a record of 10 wins and 10 defeats.

Other matches will see Brazilian Felipe Negochadle vs South Korean Byeon Jae Woong in the bantam weight; Russian Kim Igor vs South Korean Kim Siwon in the feather weight (57kg); and Song Yeong Jae vs Oh Su Hwan in an all-South Korean 57kg bout

The AFC 28 is jointly organised by Cocky Buffalo, a leading company in Việt Nam in managing and training fighters and organising tournaments, and AFC, a South Korean mixed martial arts promotion. All matches will be broadcast live and executively on VTVcab channels, apps and platforms. 

HCM City, Đắk Lắk Province enhance tourism connectivity

HCM City and the Central Highlands province of Đắk Lắk are enhancing connectivity to create new tourism products and attract more visitors.

At a recent meeting between HCM City and Đắk Lắk tourism enterprises in HCM City, Nguyễn Thụy Phương Hiếu, the Deputy Director of Đắk Lắk Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “Đắk Lắk has huge potential for tourism development.”

Đắk Lắk possesses a variety of traditional regional cultures with 49 ethnic groups. The province has a rich system of natural resources, with 41 recognised monuments, three museums, 225 tourist accommodation establishments, 27 famous tourist attractions and majestic landscapes.

Over the years, the province has issued many policies to attract investment, develop different types of tourism, and cooperate with tourism businesses to survey, build and develop eco-tourism and community-based tourism products. Farming, agriculture, craft villages, and experiential tourism are other attractions. Đắk Lắk tourism industry hopes to connect with many tourism and travel businesses throughout the country to attract a large number of tourists to the province.

At the event, travel agencies introduced new tourism products linking the city and the region, such as tours from HCM City to Lâm Đồng - Đắk Nông - Đắk Lắk, or to Đắk Lắk - Gia Lai - Kon Tum.

These tours will introduce tourists to the region’s significant historic sites, such as the prison of Buôn Ma Thuột City in Đắk Lắk Province, which was a prison during wartime. It was recognised as a national relic in 1980.

The Museum of Đắk Lắk Province is also among the most awaited for destinations in tours. The 9,200sq.m construction was designed based on the traditional house of the Ê Đê people and showcases numerous artefacts reflecting the history and culture of the region.

The tours will also include tourist sites, such as the Kotam Community Resort and the World Coffee Museum, which has numerous artefacts from around the world, including antique coffee containers and cups, and traditional harvest tools of the Central Highlands.

According to travel agencies, the city and Đắk Lắk should co-organise events to promote new tourism products, especially products carrying the cultural identity of the region.

They also urged Đắk Lắk to improve its accommodation and food services, offer training for tourism workers, and raise awareness of community tourism activities.

The agencies called on the province to solicit investment in transportation infrastructure to connect tourism sites and destinations within the province.

Experts said that Đắk Lắk had not fulfilled its tourism potential. Through the conference, they hoped it could connect with leading travel agencies in HCM City to work together to promote the region’s tourism and build more tourism products

Trần Thiên Long, deputy chairman and general secretary of the HCM City Export Processing Zone and Industrial Park Authority Business Association, said companies and enterprises in industrial clusters and parks in the city were very interested in policies that improve the quality of lives of workers. Through the survey programme, representatives of businesses would choose suitable and attractive destinations and tours in Đắk Lắk Province for workers in the near future. 

Local women’s volleyball team improves position in FIVB rankings

The Vietnamese women’s volleyball team have risen to 40th place in the latest rankings, as announced by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).      

Before the 2023 Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship, Vietnam were 48th in the FIVB rankings.

After consecutive victories recorded against the Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, Taiwan (China), and Australia, the team led by coach Nguyen Tuan Kiet accumulated a total of 26.27 points.

The Vietnamese team had been on 97.78 points and climbed to the 38th place in the world’s rankings following qualification for the Asian Senior Women's Volleyball Championship's semi-finals for the first time.

After a losing 3-1 against Thailand on September 4, the Vietnamese team were deducted 2.33 points and duly dropped down to 40th place.

Vietnam have been listed among the top five of the Asian region, followed by China, Japan, Thailand, and the Republic of Korea.

After losing 3-1 to Thailand, Vietnam finished second in Group E and are scheduled to clash with Group F winners and world number five China on September 5.

Meanwhile, Group E winners Thailand, world number 14, are to play defending champions Japan, world number eight, on September 5.

Vietnam's best results in the Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship include finishing fifth in 2015 and 2017.

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