Business mogul Nguyen Phuong Hang at her trial on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung Hang, the general director of the Dai Nam Joint Stock Company, stands trial at the Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Court on Thursday, after she was arrested by Ho Chi Minh City police in March last year for "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, and the lawful rights and interests of organizations and/or citizens." She was accused of using different social media accounts to livestream and make allegedly false claims about various celebrities, as well as spread information related to celebrities' private lives. In her videos, she said singer Dam Vinh Hung had not been transparent in distributing money he collected from others, and singer Vy Oanh had earned a huge amount of money after having a child with a rich man. "My reputation, which I have built over the past 20 years, was damaged," Hung said at the trial of Hang at the HCMC People’s Court, … [Read more...] about Singers want apology not money from tycoon in alleged defamation case
Mixed race children
Mid-Autumn magic hits Vietnamese cities in pre-festival spirit
In Saigon, the lantern streets in District 5 have become a lively hub of activity half a month before the Mid-Autumn Festival, which peaks on September 29 this year. Families from all corners of Ho Chi Minh City converge on streets like Luong Nhu Hoc, Phu Dinh, and Lao Tu. Among these, Phu Dinh walking street takes the spotlight as the epicenter of lantern shopping. Phu Dinh and Luong Nhu Hoc streets are renowned for their wide assortment of traditional handmade lanterns. These lanterns, adorned with intricate designs ranging from boats to dragons, fish and butterflies, are predominantly crafted from red cellophane. LED lights have replaced traditional candles, enhancing safety while preserving durability. These enchanting lanterns vary in size, from modest 20-centimeter versions to creations exceeding 1 meter, with prices ranging from VND20,000 to VND500,000 (US$0.80 to $20). Rabbit and pig lanterns, housed in bamboo … [Read more...] about Mid-Autumn magic hits Vietnamese cities in pre-festival spirit
Vietjet offers 0 VND tickets during Mid-Autumn Festival
Vietjet aircraft (Photo courtesy of Vietjet) HCM City (VNA) - During this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival , Vietjet flights are full of joy with reunion and endless love for passengers. Many 0 VND tickets, excluding taxes and fees, will be available from September 22-29, 2023 on the website www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile app will bring you to explore Mid-Autumn Festival across Asia, and receive surprised gifts from Vietjet at the height of 10,000 meters. Accordingly, Vietjet offers promotion tickets from only 0 VND (excluding taxes and fees) throughout the golden week from September 22-29 on the website www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile app, applying to all domestic and international flights with flexible flight schedule from October 9, 2023 to October 31, 2024. To receive the Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 promotion, let’s book the tickets to enjoy the stunning scenery throughout Vietnam , Australia, India, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Hong Kong (China), … [Read more...] about Vietjet offers 0 VND tickets during Mid-Autumn Festival
Hanoi Fall Festival 2023 captivates visitors with unique activities
The 2023 Hanoi Fall Festival program will take place from September 29 to October 1 at Hoan Kiem Lake walking street and Hanoi Children's Palace. The first Hanoi Fall Festival with the theme "Hanoi - Come to fall in love" will be held at Hoan Kiem Walking Space and Hanoi Children's Palace from September 29 to October 1, aiming to promote travel to the capital in Autumn, the season when Hanoi is considered to be at its best. The information was announced by Deputy Director of Hanoi Promotion Agency (HPA) Nguyen Thi Mai Anh at a press conference in Hanoi on September 20. Foreign tourists visit Hanoi's Book Street. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times According to Anh, this is the first iteration of an event showcasing Hanoi's culture and cuisine on Capital Liberation Day (October 10). The festival will feature 150 booths from people's committees in 10 districts of Hoan Kiem, Me Linh, Quoc Oai, Ung Hoa, Ba Dinh, Nam Tu Liem, Cau Giay, Dong Anh, Ba Vi and Gia … [Read more...] about Hanoi Fall Festival 2023 captivates visitors with unique activities
Vietnam’s 9 UNESCO world heritage sites
1. Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago The Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago boasts limestone islands and lush islands, creating its unique natural charm. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Dat On September 16, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago to its list of world natural heritage sites. This latest recognition brings Vietnam's tally to three natural heritages, five cultural heritages, and a mixed natural and cultural property. According to the Department of Cultural Heritage, the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago earned UNESCO recognition due to its natural beauty, which includes limestone islands cloaked in foliage and limestone peaks rising above sea level. The area's vistas, featuring lush islands, saltwater lakes, and limestone cliffs, contribute to its unique appeal. 2. Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay itself has received UNESCO accolades twice before. In 1994, it was designated … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s 9 UNESCO world heritage sites
Mini apartment blocks in eye of controversy after Hanoi fire kills 56
"Mini apartment blocks cannot be legalized," National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said this week as he demanded a review of fire safety regulations in the capital after the fire in a 10-floor mini apartment building killed 56 people , including children, and injuring 37 on Sept. 12. Mini apartment blocks, which typically have between five and 10 floors divided into small apartments, have been mushrooming in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in recent years despite having no legal sanction. There is no official data, but according to national utility Vietnam Electricity, around 2,000 buildings in Hanoi that are connected to the grid can be classified as mini apartment towers. Vu Ngoc Anh, head of the Ministry of Construction’s science, technology and environment department, pointed out to reporters Thursday that the 2014 Housing Law does not recognize mini apartment buildings as a separate category, and so in essence they are residential buildings like others. Many owners have … [Read more...] about Mini apartment blocks in eye of controversy after Hanoi fire kills 56
Green goals can be achieved with collective focus
What does the deal mean to your company and customers? Sébastien Prioux, CEO of GreenYellow Vietnam and Cambodia This transaction represents a significant milestone for GreenYellow and our partners. With more than 180MWp of solar projects in operation and construction, we are focusing on offering very competitive solar electricity to our clients thanks to our ability to finance our projects through aggressive conditions. This deal with the Asian Development Bank and other pool of lenders is an innovative competitive project financing mechanism combining both offshore loans and grants which also covers the lack of long-term VND funding at a fixed interest rate, and potential volatility of the VND-USD exchange rate. In the end, this will benefit to all our clients and partners. Vietnam aims for 50 per cent rooftop solar adoption in offices and residential buildings by 2030. How can the nation realise the target? Vietnam has a very ambitious strategy under the … [Read more...] about Green goals can be achieved with collective focus