Science, technology, and innovation play a crucial role in improving labor productivity, competitiveness, and the socioeconomic development of any country. Women's access to and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will create more opportunities for them to equally benefit from advances in science and technology while protecting themselves from the challenges of the 4.0 technology era. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski made the statement at an international forum on "Women, Cybersecurity and STEM" held in Hanoi today [March 29]. At present, the concept of society on a digital platform is very familiar to people, but he said there are also negative discussions and comments. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski makes a speech at the forum. Photo: The Vietnam Women's Union Therefore, in terms of gender equality, it is necessary to pay attention and come up with practical … [Read more...] about STEM Education: Opportunities for women’s mastery of science and technology
Vietnam digital technology
Developments for Vietnam to watch in midst of bank crisis
In 2008, the US investment bank Bear Stearns, on the verge of collapse, had to be rescued by J.P. Morgan. This marked the beginning of the global financial crisis of 2008, which sent the global economy into a deep recession and caused significant economic damage, including massive employment losses. Patrick Lenain, senior associate at the Council on Economic Policies Today, several banks are once again in trouble. As of March 22, four large banks were in distress. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a $212 billion US bank specialising in tech startups, collapsed when it was unable to meet deposit withdrawal requests and had to be taken over by federal regulators. A few days later, Signature Bank, another midsized US bank with assets of $110 billion, also suffered a severe liquidity crisis and was seized by federal regulators. This was followed by First Republic Bank with assets of $205 billion, which was hit by rating downgrades and a tumbling share price and had to be … [Read more...] about Developments for Vietnam to watch in midst of bank crisis
Technology critical to Hanoi’s urban flooding solution
Climate change, rapid urbanization and large-scale construction are the main causes of Hanoi's flooding. Technology and innovation are crucial to protecting the capital city from heavy rains and urban flooding, Nguyen Trong Dong, Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said on March 28. Tran Thai Tong street in Cau Giay District flooded after heavy rain. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times Speaking at the 50th anniversary of the founding of Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Co. Ltd., he said the company needs to speed up digitalization and improve performance and governance so that Hanoi can handle 50-55% of total sewage by 2025. Dong said the company needs to review all wastewater management criteria and standards to improve its performance. "The company must strengthen its cooperation with city departments and propose possible solutions to improve the city's wastewater treatment capacity," he added. "The company should also develop plans to … [Read more...] about Technology critical to Hanoi’s urban flooding solution
The significance of Vietnam for US businesses and why they should take notice: Standard Chartered
The CEO and Regional Head, Client Coverage, Americas, Standard Chartered, shared his view on Vietnam's significance for US businesses and why Vietnam is potential for foreign investors. Vietnam has gone from being a frontier economy in ASEAN to a flourishing, cost-effective industrial nation. Firms and investors looking for new markets to grow, source, or manufacture their products – especially in Asia – should consider Vietnam’s long-term potential and stay updated on its opportunities. Steven Cranwell, CEO and Regional Head, Client Coverage, Americas, Standard Chartered. Photo: Standard Chartered In recent years, Vietnam has benefited from the trade tensions between the US and China. With US companies adopting a ‘China plus one’ approach to their supply chains, the percentage of exports from Vietnam to the US has risen by approximately nine percent between 2018 and 2021. It is, however, important to note that Vietnam has been an alternative to China … [Read more...] about The significance of Vietnam for US businesses and why they should take notice: Standard Chartered
Top legislator commends ministry’s performance in digital transformation
NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue speaks at the working session. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue lauded achievements recorded by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), especially those in digital transformation, at a working session with the ministry in Hanoi on March 29. Digital transformation will also be discussed at one of the three sessions of the ninth Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Forum of Young Parliamentarians, scheduled for September in Hanoi, which will see the participation of MIC, Hue said. The top legislator urged the ministry to play a more active role in preparing contents of the forum, and step up the information work before, during and after the event. He also asked MIC to work together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology to organise exhibitions within the framework of the forum, including one displaying products under the “One Commune, … [Read more...] about Top legislator commends ministry’s performance in digital transformation
Banks expanding share over borders
At last week’s AGM, privately-held Nam A Bank signalled its ambition to expand its footprint in the international market by establishing a wholly-owned commercial bank, or to set up a branch in a foreign country. Banks expanding share over borders, illustration photo/ Source: Nam A Bank This is part of the bank’s long-term strategy to diversify revenues, capitalise on other prospective foreign markets, and build a robust banking ecosystem. “This plan is in line with the upward trajectory of other financial institutions in a bid to support Vietnamese businesses in their international trade and investment activities,” said a bank representative. “We haven’t decided the exact location, but our target would be focused on the Asian market first.” Regarding its domestic network, Nam A Bank targets to open at least 20 new branches and transaction offices in various localities, such as Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Dak Nong, Binh Thuan, and Long An provinces. The bank’s AGM also … [Read more...] about Banks expanding share over borders
Vietnamese banks urged to embrace green financing
What is the role of banks in green growth? Banks will have a crucial role in driving green growth in Vietnam. One of the main roles will be enabling project financing. Billions of dollars worth of investments will flow into the renewable energy sector over the next few years. Banks will help facilitate that flow. This is critical moving forward. Over the past five years, Vietnam has issued $220–230 million of green bonds. On a cumulative basis, three other countries, namely Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, have issued over $40 billion of green bonds in the same period. The issuance of those bonds is done by banks. What we've observed in these countries is the setup of a clear regulatory framework that provides the ability to issue those bonds on a larger scale. This has not been at the top of the list of priorities for banks in Vietnam, which are focusing on other essential things. What can the Vietnamese banking sector do to accelerate green growth? I think it … [Read more...] about Vietnamese banks urged to embrace green financing