Localities in the central region have been taking actions in response to impacts of Storm Trami which made landfall in the early afternoon of October 27.

The sixth to hit the East Sea this year has taken its toll on various localities, according to the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

As of 6pm on October 27, one people was reported missing in Quang Binh province while two others dead in Thua Thien - Hue province. As many as 210 houses were damaged in Thua Thien - Hue, 18 in Quang Nam province, and 62 in Da Nang city.

In Thua Thien - Hue, extreme waves hit Thuan An beach zone, leaving many streets in nearby residential areas 30 - 40cm under water. In Hai Duong commune, some low-lying areas are even 1 metre deep under water. About 1km of coastline from Phu Thuan commune of Phu Vang district to Thuan An ward of Hue city was eroded.

Local authorities have evacuated more than 600 residents in inundated areas of Thuan An ward. Evacuation will also be carried out in other coastal areas.

On October 27 morning, the Da Nang municipal People’s Committee established a frontline command for coping with Storm Trami and accompanying downpour.

Authorities have moved more than 6,200 people from makeshift houses and areas prone to landslides, flash floods, and sea level rise to safer places. The city’s Military Command deployed four armoured vehicles for performing duties when necessary.

In Quang Nam, nearly 19,000 residents in dangerous places were also evacuated on October 27 morning. Many working groups have been sent to coastal localities to direct storm response to minimise human and property losses.

Meanwhile, competent agencies in Quang Binh province have sealed off National Highways 9B, 9C, and 15, along with Provincial Road 558B.

Some localities and roads in Quang Tri province have also been severely inundated, forcing the administration to block those areas. Particularly, many communes in Vinh Linh district are flooded as rivers there are in full spate, disrupting power supply for nearly 18,000 clients. Besides, a coastal embankment in Gio Linh district was eroded.

In the face of heavy rains, Quang Tri plans to evacuate about 35,160 residents to avoid flooding, over 9,680 to avoid flash floods, and 5,920 in anticipation of landslides. The provincial administration also demanded localities and agencies to ready essential goods, especially in vulnerable areas, to cope with prolonged downpour and flooding.

In response to Trami and its circulation, the airports of Da Nang in Da Nang city, Phu Bai in Thua Thien - Hue province, Dong Hoi in Quang Binh province, and Chu Lai in Quang Nam province were closed temporarily.

To cope with the storm’s impacts, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has also assigned concrete tasks to the hydro-meteorological forecasting stations, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Information and Communications, along with power and telecommunications businesses./.

Lawmakers discuss property market management, social housing development

The National Assembly (NA) is scheduled to discuss a report by a supervision delegation and a draft Resolution of the legislature on the results of the thematic supervision on the implementation of policies and laws regarding the management of the real estate market and the development of social housing within the framework of its ongoing eighth session in Hanoi on October 28.

This sitting is broadcast live on television and radio channels.

In its fifth session, the legislative body passed Resolution No. 90/2023/QH15 concerning the National Assembly's supervision programme for 2024 on June 8, 2023, along with Resolution No. 95/2023/QH15, dated June 22, 2023, on establishing a supervision delegation for the implementation of policies and laws regarding the management of the real estate market and the development of social housing from 2015 to the end of 2023.

The supervisory topic is said to be challenging, with broad content and scope, as the real estate market and social housing involve various industries and sectors, as well as the management responsibilities of many ministries, sectors, and localities.

Its goals are to evaluate the achieved results, limitations, difficulties, and obstacles; identify causes and clarify the responsibilities of agencies, organisations, and individuals; and propose recommendations and solutions to enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of these policies and laws, especially after the Law on Real Estate Business (amended), the Law on Housing (amended), and the revised Land Law were adopted by the 15th National Assembly in its sixth session.

At the end of the afternoon session, lawmakers will listen to a report and a verification report regarding the draft Law on amendments and supplements to several articles of the Law on Officers of the Vietnam People's Army; and then discuss this draft law in groups.

Vietnamese tea wins “Teas of the World” international awards

The special flavour of Shan Tuyet tea from Lao Cai province won the hearts of the judging panel at the “Teas of the World” international competition, as announced by the Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA) in France.

Both Vietnamese tea entries, including Trà Rồng đỏ Hoàng Liên Sơn (Flying Red Dragon) and Trà Ký ức Hoàng Liên Sơn (Hoang Lien Son Memory), brought home two bronze awards.

An impressive award went to another tea, Trà Thác nước Hoàng Liên Sơn (Hoang Lien Son Waterfall) which is also from Lao Cai province.

Grown at 1500 metres above sea level amidst the clouds and mist, Lao Cai Shan Tuyet tea captures the essence of its mountainous terrain. Lao Cai Shan Tuyet tea is a true testament to the craftsmanship and dedication practiced by the H'Mong ethnic people. 

Shan Tuyet tea represents the first five-star OCOP product of Lao Cai that has been exported to the United States and Europe. An awards ceremony will be held on November 4 in France, with the event helping to promote Vietnamese tea to the international market.

Earlier in the “Teas of the World” international competition, Vietnamese tea from the northern provinces of Thai Nguyen, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, Son La, and Lai Chau were honoured in 2018, 2019, and 2022.

A total of two gold, four silver, three bronze, and seven impressive prizes ultimately went to Vietnamese tea.

RoK and Vietnam conduct coast guard exchange

The Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG)’s CSB 8004 ship is on its way to the Republic of Korea (RoK) for a visit and to hold an exchange with the Korean Coast Guard (KCG), a move which will implement the sides’ memorandum of understanding (MoU) on co-operation signed in 2007.

To strengthen the friendship, mutual understanding, and trust between the two forces, the trip will see the Vietnamese delegation meeting with local authorities and joining exchanges and experience-sharing activities with the KCG’s academy and several other units. This is as well as taking part in joint exercises in search and rescue and fire prevention. They are scheduled to tour a number of cultural sites in the RoK.

At the send-off ceremony held in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 27, Major General Tran Van Tho, Commander of VCG Region 1 Command, said that the visit translated into reality the directions on international integration and diplomacy issued by the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defence’s leader. It is expected to cement co-operation between the VCG and the KCG.

The journey will also help the Vietnamese crew to increase their command ability, operational skills, and proficiency with weapons and equipment for prolonged activities at sea, he added.

Renowned paintings of Vietnamese artists exhibited in France

Paintings by three renowned local painters, including Le Pho, Mai Thu, and Vu Cao Dam, has been showcased at Cernuschi Museum in the French capital of Paris from now until March 9, 2025.

The exhibition ran under the theme of “Pioneers of modern Vietnamese arts in France”. On display at the event were a total of 150 artworks by the three late renowned local artists, marking their artistic development from the early days at the Indochina School of Fine Arts to the final period of their career in France.

With his delicate and emotional style, artist Le Pho (1907-2001), introduced vivid pieces to audiences, reflecting the combination of tradition and modernity.

Meanwhile, artist Mai Thu (1906-1980) impressed audiences as his paintings featured his passionate love for his homeland and for Vietnamese people.

Painter Vu Cao Dam (1908-2000) successfully combined traditional painting techniques with modern artistic thinking in order create artworks that were both unique and meaningful.

PM meets Vietnamese community in Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 27 afternoon met with officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community living in seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the framework of his official visit to the Middle East country.

Extending his best wishes to the Vietnamese community in the UAE, Chinh said that Vietnamese in the Middle East nation, no matter what position or job they have, always have the capacity, enthusiasm, intelligence, solidarity, and mutual support; and always look towards the homeland, with all the love for the nation and compatriots.

Regarding the Vietnam-UAE relationship, he said that after more than 30 years, the bilateral friendship and cooperation have been developing positively in various fields such as politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, labour and tourism.

During this visit, the two sides will upgrade their ties and sign the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Chinh stated, adding that this is a foundation and important condition for the bilateral relationship to reach a new height, and for the Vietnamese community to develop further.

The Government leader affirmed that the Party and State always see the overseas Vietnamese (OV) community an inseparable part of the nation and pay due attention to taking care of the Vietnamese nationals both inside and outside the country.

Regarding the proposals of Vietnamese in the UAE, PM Chinh said he will direct relevant ministries and sectors to work to meet their demands and improve their spiritual and material lives as well as promote their role and position in the host nation.

He highlighted that he will consider and direct the early establishment of a Vietnamese people association and a Vietnamese cultural centre in the UAE, thus preserving the Vietnamese language and culture.

PM Chinh also briefed the expatriates on the domestic situation, stressing that Vietnam, enduring hardships due to prolonged resistance wars and embargoes, has never enjoyed such fortune, power, and international standing and prestige as it does today.

He recalled the Party’s policy of bringing Vietnam to the era of the nation’s rise and expressed his belief that the Vietnamese community in the UAE will further develop, better integrate into the host society, continue abiding by local laws, and preserve the national identity, serving as a bridge for the bilateral friendship./.

Government chief desire Lulu Group’s stronger presence in Vietnam

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked Lulu Group to continue to promote and introduce more potential Vietnamese products that are suitable for consumer tastes to approach and serve the UAE market as well as the Middle East and other markets in the group's hypermarket chain across the globe.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kader, Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, in Abu Dhabi on October 27, within the framework of his official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The group owns the LuLu Hypermarket chain in 23 countries over the world, and enjoys an annual revenue of more than US$8 billion.

Yusuff Ali said that Lulu has set up a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City to purchase Vietnamese products for its system of 265 hypermarkets around the world. He voiced his hope to receive support from the Government to boost its market expansion in Vietnam.

Appreciating the group for serving as a bridge to introduce quality Vietnamese products to consumers in the Middle East as well as other countries through its large-scale and widespread hypermarket chain, the Vietnamese cabinet leader stated that Vietnam is a country with a sustainably developing economy, a stable GDP growth rate, a large population with a rapidly growing middle class, and constantly improving per capita income.

Vietnam is set to be in the upper middle-income group by 2030 and a high-income developed country by 2045. With increasing consumer needs, the Vietnamese market holds great potential for the consumption of quality products.

Additionally, the country has deeply integrated into the international community with 19 free trade agreements (FTAs) signed with more than 60 countries, of which 16 have come into force.

Combined with a favourable geographical location and an increasingly improving logistics system, Vietnam offers numerous favourable conditions for imports and exports, and for connecting with major markets in the region as well as the world such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Europe, and America, Chinh told his host.

He said attention should be paid to considering investment cooperation with capable Vietnamese partners to open a hypermarket chain in Vietnam, a 100-million-strong market with great purchasing power, thus accessing the larger ASEAN market.

PM Chinh suggested that Lulu Group, with its extensive network of branches, will act as a bridge to attract potential investors from both within and outside the UAE to invest in Vietnam. Asking the group to speed up the building of an agricultural processing facility in Vietnam, he pledged that his country will accompany and create favourable conditions for foreign investors, including Lulu, in developing their business activities in alignment with legal regulations.

Noting that Vietnam is boosting the development of the Halal industry, Chinh said with its strategy to diversify products, production chains, and supply chains, Lulu should collaborate with and support Vietnam in advancing this sector.

Agreeing with the Vietnamese PM’s suggestions, the Lulu Group leader stated that the company will expand the list of goods and increase imports from Vietnam. It will increase closer coordination with Vietnamese agencies to launch Vietnamese goods fairs in the UAE and Gulf countries, thus enabling consumers to gain greater access to Vietnamese products.

PM Chinh said he hopes that Lulu will account for 10% of Vietnam's agricultural export market share in the future.

Cuba, Vietnam bolster security cooperation

A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Public Security led by Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quoc To paid a working visit to Cuba on October 22-26.

During the delegation's talks with Lieutenant General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, Minister of the Interior of Cuba, both sides assessed the progress of the two ministries' cooperation agreement signed in 2018. They also reviewed recent collaborative efforts between their agencies.

The two parties pledged to  bolster cooperation by sharing experience in force building, inspection, supervision, training, and immigration management, contributing to safeguarding national security and maintaining social order and safety in each country. They consented to intensify the exchange of delegations and experts across various areas, while continuing to carry out the agreed contents between the two ministries.

Both sides underlined the importance of nurturing the faithful solidarity and friendship between the Cuban and Vietnamese people.

To expressed his gratitude for the selfless and wholehearted support of the Cuban people for Vietnam’s cause of national safeguarding and building, affirming that Vietnam will always stand side by side with Cuba in every circumstance.

Meeting with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba, the Deputy Minister briefed them on the current situation in Vietnam and hailed the embassy's role in fostering bilateral relations. He encouraged the staff to continue acting as a bridge to further reinforce the special and great friendship between the two countries.

While in Cuba, the Vietnamese delegation laid flowers at the monument of President Ho Chi Minh in the park named after him in Havana; and visited the Che Guevara memorial site, as well as the Fidel Castro Centre, a place dedicated to collecting, preserving and honouring the legacy of the late Cuban leader.

Lawmakers chart course for 2024-2025 socio-economic development

The 15th National Assembly continued its 8th session in Hanoi on October 26, focusing on group discussions that shape socio-economic landscapes for 2024 and 2025.

They deliberated on a range of issues, including the results of implementing the socio-economic development plan for 2024; the draft socio-economic development plan for 2025, the enforcement of the Constitution, laws and resolutions of the NA, and the NA Standing Committee’s ordinances and resolutions.

A focal point of the discussions was the State budget performance in 2024, and the State budget estimate and allocation plan of the central budget for 2025. Other topics included adjustments and supplements to the State budget estimate, adjustments to the national land use planning for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, and the policy on additional State investment in the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank).

According to the Government's report, Vietnam’s economy is on a robust growth trajectory, with GDP growth reaching 6.82% in the first nine months of this year. The whole year's growth is projected to stands at 6.8-7%, surpassing the NA's target of 6-6.5%. The average consumer price index increased by 3.88% in the nine months, while State budget revenues exceeded 85% of the estimate, up 17.9% year on year. Notably, nearly VND 200 trillion (US$8.3 billion) in taxes, fees, and land rents have been exempted, reduced, or extended for the entire year, providing much-needed relief to businesses and individuals alike.

Trade volume hit US$578.5 billion in the first three quarters, up 16.3% year on year, with a trade surplus of nearly 20.8 billion USD. The economic structure is evolving, shifting towards a digital and green economy. This transition is marked by an increase in the proportion of the industrial, construction and service sectors, while the agricultural sector's share is declining.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Government prioritises fueling growth by renewing traditional growth drivers and advancing new growth engines. Key tasks include maintaining macro-economic stability, controlling inflation, and ensuring major balances of the economy. The Government aims to improve credit quality and achieve credit growth of over 15%.

A stronger emphasis will be placed on development institutions, with a renewed mindset focused on tight management while fostering growth and maximising resource mobilisation to create new development spaces. The Government is committed to decisively cutting and simplifying administrative procedures, promoting decentralisation, and allocating resources.

Human resource development remains a priority. The Government plans to continue accelerating basic and comprehensive reform in education and training, enhance cultural development, and improve the material and spiritual lives and health of people. Efforts to combat corruption, negative phenomena, and wastefulness will be intensified, with a focus on building a clean, integrity-driven, action-oriented government that serves the people.

In the afternoon, deputies engaged in a debate on the draft revised Law on Electricity.

Local representative comes third at K-League Asian Youth Championship Jeju

U17 PVF FC came in third position in the overall ranking of the K-League Asian Youth Championship Jeju friendly tournament which concluded in the Republic of Korea (RoK) on October 26.

In the qualifying round, the Vietnamese U17 players recorded a draw against Jeju United of the host the RoK, and gained two victories over Mito Hollyhock of Japan and Pohang Steelers of the RoK.

The team led by coach Nguyen Duy Dong lost to Japanese club Roasso Kumamoto and failed to win a place in the final.

In the third-placed competition, Vietnamese footballers trounced Mito Hollyhock of Japan 2-0 to bring home a bronze medal. K-League Asian Youth Championship Jeju was held from October 21 to October 26, gathering together a total of 10 young teams from Japan, China, Australia, Vietnam, and the RoK.

Vietnam sent a total of 19 footballers, including fifteen 17-year-old players and two 15-year-old players, to the tournament.

Da Nang to tap digital transformation for development

Da Nang needs to effectively implement digital transformation to develop new sectors in production, health care, and education as well as continue to enhance smart urban services and e-commerce platforms which are among key drivers for future development.

This task is outlined in the Government's Resolution No. 169/NQ-CP, dated September 30, 2024, which focuses on the continued implementation of the 12th-tenure Politburo’s Resolution No. 43-KL/TW on building and developing Da Nang by 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The city is encouraged to renew its mindset, strongly inspire the aspiration for development, demonstrate determination to overcome challenges, and create new momentum to fulfill its role as the centre and driving force of the north-central and central coastal regions.

It is crucial to fully leverage Da Nang's historical and cultural traditions, along with its human resources and natural advantages, to transform the city into a comprehensive and modern metropolis that aligns with contemporary trends and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The resolution emphasises restructuring the economy in conjunction with renewing the growth model, identifying science, technology, and innovation as the primary driving force, while also promoting a green and circular economy.

Focus should be placed on investing in key sectors, implementing specific mechanisms and policies to utilise resources effectively, enhancing public-private partnerships (PPP), and attracting strategic domestic and international investors. Efforts should be made to establish Da Nang as a major economic centre and tourism hub linked to the maritime economy, as well as a modern fisheries centre linked with the Hoang Sa fishing ground and the safeguarding of the country's maritime security and sovereignty.

Priority should be given to developing scientific and technological infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The effective capitalisation of concentrated information technology zones and software parks will promote the development of sectors such as information technology, electronics, telecommunications, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data, and semiconductor technology. Attention should also be directed towards constructing a national-scaled data centre, a high-tech park, and a national innovation and startup support centre.

The resolution underscores the need for investing in harmonious cultural and human development commensurate with economic growth, and introducing Da Nang as a civilised city rich in national identity to the international community. It requests establishing a "cultural and civilised urban lifestyle", supporting the development of comprehensive residents who comply with the law, engage internationally, and embody distinctive cultural values. The preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, historical sites, and scenic landscapes should align with the growth of cultural and entertainment industries.

Da Nang should continue to expand its education and training network and enhance the engagement of private sectors in education. Effective collaboration among higher education institutions, vocational training centres, and businesses is essential for training human resources, improving research capabilities, transferring technology, and supplying high-quality personnel for the semiconductor industry and other high-tech sectors.

Another important task is to complete in the healthcare network, improve the quality of medical examination and treatment services, particularly specialised and high-quality medical services, and develop medical tourism.

The government also urged Da Nang to promptly implement the master plan for the north-central and central coastal regions, develop Hoa Vang district into a satellite city, and accelerate key inter-regional projects, including transforming the Tien Sa wharf area into a centre for tourism and marine services./.

Vietnam’s culture popularised in US

An event promoting Vietnam’s economy, culture and cuisine has been held in Washington D.C, attracting more than 100 participants.

In his remarks at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung provided an overview of the country's history, and diverse and unique culture, as well as the hardworking, intelligent, kind, resilient, and hospitable Vietnamese people. He also highlighted the achievements in the bilateral relations over the past time.

The programme featured presentations on Vietnam's economy and investment opportunities in the country, a showcase of traditional costumes of Vietnam's three regions, and a party honouring Vietnamese cuisine.

On the sidelines of the event, visitors had a chance to try on traditional Vietnamese attire and experience the making of nem cuon (spring rolls), a popular dish in the country.

Gregory Bland, CEO of Things To Do DC, co-organiser of the event along with the Vietnamese Embassy in the US, said guests were eager to learn more about Vietnam's people and culture./.

Vietnam, Malaysia hold great potential for trade, tourism cooperation: Malaysian expert

There remains an ample room for Malaysia and Vietnam to promote their relations, Dr. Ei Sun Oh, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia, told Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Kuala Lumpur after Speaker of the Malaysian House of Representatives Tan Sri Dato' Johari Bin Abdul’s official visit to Vietnam on October 22-25.

Dr. Ei Sun Oh stated that the two countries have great potential for cooperation and this was also mentioned by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man while hosting the Malaysian lower house speaker.

To enhance bilateral cooperation, the two nations should consider opening more direct flights connecting their popular destinations to boost bilateral trade and tourism, and deploying cruise ships connecting Vietnamese ports with Sabah.

In addition, Malaysia and Vietnam should also strengthen cooperation in human resources training in areas where both have strengths and needs, such as science and technology, information technology, economics, and education management.

He proposed exploring ways to further integrate their electronics industries into global electronics supply chains to make progress in this high-value high-tech sector.

Regarding training cooperation, the expert said that Malaysia can learn from Vietnam’s experience in training in sciences and mathematics. Currently, many Vietnamese students are studying in Malaysia and the two countries need to find ways to attract more Malaysian students to Vietnam, he added.

Assessing the Vietnam-Malaysia relationship, Dr. Ei Sun Oh said that the two countries have always maintained and nurtured a peaceful, effective and prosperous relationship. They see great potential for expanding trade, including in the Halal field./.

Vietnam, RoK expand medical cooperation

Twenty-one doctors, medical staff and interpreters from the Republic of Korea (RoK) – Vietnam Exchange and Development Committee organised a voluntary medical programme in Thanh Hoa city, the north central province of the same name on October 26.

The “Thank you Doctor” delegation provided free medical examinations and consultations for over 100 low-income residents aged 50-70 and in need of treatment in the city.

Chairman of the committee Lee Jong Il affirmed that the programme will be held in other Vietnamese localities, aiming at improving healthcare services as well as expanding cooperation in the field between the two countries.

The programme also helps consolidate the Vietnam – RoK friendship and develop a sustainable cooperation basis through collaboration with Vietnamese healthcare organisations.

The RoK – Vietnam Exchange and Development Committee, a non-profit organisation, was set up on July 30, 2024 with the participation of 270 Korean enterprises to bolster cooperation across culture - education, socio-economy, and science - technology between localities and businesses of the two nations, contributing to making the bilateral relations more substantive and effective./.

Winners of Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition announced

Two of the brightest ideas from the youngest generation of Vietnamese students have won top prizes at a national innovation competition.

Samsung Vietnam Complex and Junior Achievement Vietnam (JA Vietnam) on Saturday hosted the final round and award ceremony of the sixth annual Solve for Tomorrow competition, recognising outstanding technology innovation projects aimed at addressing social and local issues.

The event featured the top ten teams from various provinces across the country, with five teams from secondary schools and five involving students at high schools, with projects spanning various fields such as environment, healthcare and solutions to support vulnerable groups.

Notably, in addition to those competing for the first, second and third prize, this year's final round also saw the selection of two potential teams.

After an intense competition, the first prizes (including a STEM makerspace for the school of the winning team, a cash prize of 30 million VND for the team and a Samsung product valued at 30 million VND for each team member and advisor) were awarded to the Small Warriors team - Him Lam Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities – Hau Giang with the project of applying smart technology to breed and raise rare insects and the Supernova team of Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted – Da Nang with the project of Braveheart - Using smart applications to warn of dangerous situations in children and women.

At the event, Nguyen Thi Kim Chi, Deputy Minister of Education and Training said: "I see that the Solve for Tomorrow, along with Samsung’s global educational vision, aligns significantly with Vietnam’s educational goals. I believe the six-year journey of Solve for Tomorrow stands as both evidence of its impact and a strong foundation for the competition's future success."

President of Samsung Vietnam Complex Choi Joo Ho said: “Every year, as I observe the projects in the Solve for Tomorrow Final Round, I am amazed by the enthusiasm, effort, and intellect of the students.

"This year is no exception, and I am deeply moved by the impressive products they create. These students are the outstanding talents and future leaders of Vietnam. I hope they do not rest on their current achievements but continue to develop in their academic journeys. In the future, Samsung also strives to expand the reach of the Solve for Tomorrow programme to more students.”

The Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition, launched in March 2024, targets secondary and high school students aged 12 to 18, encouraging them to apply STEM knowledge across science, technology, engineering and mathematics to address current social challenges.

Since its inception in 2019, it has achieved remarkable success, growing from just 500 participants in its first year to over 150,000 students in its sixth year, with nearly 2,300 project submissions from secondary and high schools nationwide. This growth solidifies the competition's reputation as a flagship corporate social responsibility initiative by Samsung Vietnam.

With the desire to popularise STEM knowledge, for the first time, as part of the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition, the 'Solve for Tomorrow Bus' travelled over 8,000 kilometres to reach and provide technology and science experiment experiences to more than 10,000 students nationwide./.

Tho ethnic group drums to preserve gong culture

The Tho ethnic group in the central province of Nghe An has long preserved the tradition of gong (traditional instrument) music, which plays a vital role in their spiritual and cultural lives, part of the rich tapestry of Vietnam's ethnic identities.

Scattered across Tan Ky, Nghia Dan, Quy Hop, and Que Phong districts, the Tho people celebrate their culture through gong performances during festivals, weddings, and funerals. This tradition has been handed down through generations within the community.

Truong Thi Thong, a member of the Long Tho Gong Club in Giai Xuan commune, said that each set of gongs is dedicated to significant cultural events. Although the Giai Xuan Gong Club was established in 2022, gatherings to play gongs, sing, dance, and weave hammocks have long been a part of local life. Club members learn together and share traditional gong melodies, often relying on oral transmission and self-teaching, she noted.

Normally, at the beginning of the Lunar New Year, locals select auspicious days to hold gong festivals, hoping to drive away evil spirits and pray for a prosperous year with good weather, bumper crops, and peace in their villages.

Despite their love for gongs, there have been long periods when community members were unable to play or celebrate with music and dance. Economic hardships led many households to sell their gongs.

Restoring ancient gong melodies has also proven challenging. Traditionally, these melodies were passed down orally, but many elderly members of the community have passed away, taking their knowledge with them and leaving behind a gap in cultural transmission.

Vu Ngoc Son, Chairman of the Giai Xuan commune People's Committee, said that the commune has over 9,000 residents, with nearly 70% belonging to the Tho ethnic group. For years, local officials have sought ways to revive the gong performance alongside economic development efforts.

Though the local government has worked to maintain traditional craft and art clubs, various factors have led to a decline in cultural values. The space for Tho cultural practices has shrunk, and traditional rituals are no longer regularly observed.

In response, the commune issued a plan in 2020 to preserve and promote key aspects of the Tho ethnic group's cultural identity in 2020-2025. The local government aims for each village to have its own set of gongs, drums, and flutes, to collect and preserve folk songs and dances, and to establish cultural clubs for practising cultural performances by 2025.

Thanks to the community's passion for gongs and the efforts of both local authorities and residents, the movement to restore the ethnic group's cultural traditions has seen positive outcomes. Gong clubs, danccing and singing groups, and hammock weaving teams have been established, conducting regular performances. Young people are encouraged to learn the art of gong playing and engage in folk singing while mobilising social resources to purchase new gongs.

The Tho people in Nghe An continue to uphold their unique cultural practices, with gong art playing a sacred role in their spiritual and cultural lives.

In the coming time, the district will encourage artisans to actively share their skills with the younger generation, bring their knowledge into books, and record videos for archival purposes, said Nguyen Van Thuc, Vice Chairman of the Tan Ky district People's Committee. It also plans to incorporate traditional gong melodies into schools and present them to tourists, he added./.

Concerted efforts underway to prevent IUU fishing

Vietnam is making thorough preparations to welcome the European Commission (EC)'s inspection delegation with the hope of having its “yellow card” on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing against the fisheries sector removed, thus boosting seafood exports to the EU market.

Various IUU fishing prevention and control activities have been carried out by coastal localities across the country.

The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has recently issued an official dispatch asking all localities in the province to focus on rolling out drastic solutions against IUU fishing.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lam Minh Thanh said that the whole political system in the province has been mobilised to fight IUU fishing.

The provincial People's Committee assigned the Department of Agriculture and Rural Department to coordinate with units and agencies as well as the provincial Border Guard Command to urgently implement registration and issuance of certificates of technical safety and exploitation licences for fishing vessels, while ensuring that all vessel install the Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and fully update information about fishing vessels on the National Fisheries Database (VNFishbase).

Local authorities are requested to supervise fluctuations in the number of fishing vessel in the locality and update information on VNFishbase.

Meanwhile, the southernmost province of Ca Mau has also drastically handled violations of IUU fishing prevention and control regulations, while launched an automatic switchboard to receive information about fishing vessels that lose connections.

To date, the province has detected and penalised 199 violations with a total fine of more than 7.5 billion VND (295,625 USD), including 108 IUU fishing violations with a fine of more than 6.3 billion VND.

Phan Hoang Vu, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the province has launched legal proceedings on three cases related to organising and brokering illegal emigration and illegal exploitation in foreign waters.

Along with the State’s efforts, the community of fishermen has shown a higher sense of responsibility in fighting IUU fishing, protecting their livelihoods as well as the sustainability of the country’s fishery sector.

Duong Van Ket, a fisherman in Tran Van Thoi district of Ca Mau, said that strict punishments should be given to those who violate IUU fishing prevention and control regulations to avoid bad impacts on the whole community.

Duong Xuan Dung, Political Commissar of Squadron 42 under the Coast Guard Region 4 Command, said that the Coast Guard force has maintained close connections with localities and relevant agencies to popularise legal regulations on fishing and sea and islands, while giving consultancy to fishermen to raise their awareness of IUU prevention and control.

The southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has shown a high determination to combat IUU fishing to protect the rights of fishermen and the sustainability of the local fishery sector.

Huynh Son Thai, Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that since August 2023, the province has deregistered 413 burnt, sunk, rotten and dumped fishing ships. Currently, the whole province has 4,398 fishing boats, of which 2,598 are operating offshore, accounting for 59.1%.

The province has set up three working teams to inspect and support fishing vessels lacking legal documents to process registration, aiming to complete the work in November, Thai said./.

Ceremony marks 70 years since southerners gather in the North

A ceremony was held in Sam Son city in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa on October 27 to mark 70 years since the welcome of compatriots, cadres, soldiers, and students from the South gathering in the North (1954 - 2024).

Addressing the event, Nguyen Trong Nghia, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education, lauded the sentiments of people in the North, including Thanh Hoa, towards compatriots, cadres, soldiers, and students from the South, a demonstration of the truth that “the North and the South share the same home” and “Vietnam is one country, the Vietnamese are one nation”.

He said the entire people stood side by side with one another during wartime, and they needed to stay unanimous to maximise each locality’s strength and assist one another for a peaceful, independent, democratic, wealthy, and strong Vietnam.

Nghia asked localities, including Thanh Hoa, to continue caring for the material and spiritual lives of families of revolution contributors, relatives of the southern cadres and soldiers gathering in the North and, especially families supporting compatriots, soldiers, and students coming from the South at that time.

He also requested localities to promote communications about the significance of the 70th anniversary among all Party members and the public, particularly the youth. Meanwhile, all-level Party committees and administrations in Thanh Hoa need to bring into play the site commemorating the southern compatriots, cadres, soldiers, and students as Sam Son was designated by the Party and then President Ho Chi Minh as the first place in the North to welcome them.

In his speech, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Doan Anh said that 70 years ago, it was Thanh Hoa’s honour to be assigned to receive compatriots, cadres, soldiers, and students from the South. Despite numerous difficulties and hardships due to the war and natural disasters, the Party organisation, army, and people of all ethnic groups in Thanh Hoa focused on recovering infrastructure, boosting production, and preparing food, essential supplies, and necessary conditions to welcome people from the South.

The date of September 25, 1954 became an unforgettable historical moment when the first ship carrying people from the South entering Lach Hoi estuary of Sam Son amidst the cheer of thousands of local residents. In nine months, from September 1954 to May 1955, Thanh Hoa received 47,346 cadres and soldiers, 1,869 injured and sick soldiers, 5,922 students, and 1,443 families of cadres from the South, welcoming the largest number of those among all localities.

The province set up tens of welcome stations, along with many hospitals and clinics in Sam Son as well as Hoang Hoa and Thieu Hoa districts to provide health care for people from the South as soon as they set foot in the North. A donation movement spread across Thanh Hoa to support the southerners to quickly settle down.

Over the last 70 years, especially since the South Liberation and National Reunification in 1975, the province has managed to address the war aftermath, boost socio-economic development, and obtain major and comprehensive achievements, Anh noted.

On this occasion, Thanh Hoa unveiled a commemorative site for the compatriots, cadres, soldiers, and students from the South gathering in the North in Quang Tien ward of Sam Son city./.

Football tournament among Vietnamese in support of Lao children with disabilities

The 10th Vietnam Youth Football Tournament in Laos wrapped up on October 27 with gifts given to children with disabilities in Vientiane.

First held 10 years ago, the tournament has become a pool of resources to support hearing and visually impaired children and those with other disabilities in the host country.

This year, the tournament took place from October 5-27, with the participation of seven teams from groups and clubs of Vietnamese people in Laos.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the tournament, Counsellor Nguyen Thi Thuan at the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos said that it left strong impressions of the spirit of sports and solidarity among players and teams.

On this occasions, she also thanked the sponsors and Vietnamese community in Laos for their support to children with disabilities in Vientiane./.

Festival honouring Vietnamese, culture held in Italy

The Vietnamese Students’ Association in Italy (ASVI) held a festival on October 26 and 27, drawing more than 50 participants.

Under the sponsorship of the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy, the event featured art performances and photos introducing Vietnam as well as its people, culture and cuisine.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Duong Hai Hung affirmed that the festival's theme of 'Honouring the Vietnamese language and culture' was meaningful not only for Vietnamese students in Italy but also aimed to spread the language and culture of the homeland to international friends.

Through channels of promoting the culture and mother tongue in Italy, Vietnamese students have created a bridge to further strengthen relations between the two countries in general and ties between young generations in particular, he added.

ASVI President Vu Thi Bich Diep stressed that the festival, a traditional annual event of the association, aimed to increase solidarity and create a premise for a series of useful activities in the future. ASVI is also planning to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation with Welcome Association Italy and ASEAN Youth Organisation, promising to open up many practical cooperation programmes, bringing many benefits to Vietnamese students in Italy, she added.

The art performances at the festival, especially the 'Ao dai' (Vietnamese traditional long dress) show, reflected the national cultural identity of the country and enthusiasm spirit of the student community in Italy.

Within the framework of the event, ASVI also organised a hybrid seminar to share experiences in studying and living in Italy, during which speakers provided valuable information to new students and those planning to study abroad about necessary procedures for applying for scholarships and enrollment, as well as insights into the studying and working environment in the European country./.

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