As temperatures soar past 40°C, Vietnam’s intense heatwave is not just testing endurance, it is creating a surge in consumer spending.
From packed water parks to street vendors selling hundreds of drinks a day, extreme weather is turning into a seasonal business opportunity across major cities like Ho Chi Minh City.
Water Parks Packed as Families Seek Relief
Cooling off has become a daily priority, especially for families.
Water parks are welcoming 2,000 to 3,000 visitors per day, up from around 1,000 on normal days
Weekday demand is rising, not just weekends
Many families are returning multiple times per week
Ticket prices remain affordable, but the volume of visitors is driving strong revenue growth.
Street Vendors See Sales Double or Triple
The real winners may be small scale vendors.
One sugarcane juice seller reported:
Selling 700 to 800 drinks per day
Daily revenue reaching VND6 to 7 million (around $240 to $275)
Demand doubling compared to cooler seasons
Other vendors selling orange juice, herbal drinks, and fruit teas are seeing similar spikes, with sales up 50 to 100 percent.
Changing Consumer Behavior
The heat is also reshaping how people buy:
Increased reliance on delivery apps as people avoid going outside
Higher demand during evening and post work hours
Greater willingness to spend on convenience and cooling experiences
Vendors are adapting quickly by expanding menus and preparing pre made drinks to keep up with demand.
Not All Profit: Costs Are Rising Too
Despite strong revenue, margins are under pressure:
Ingredient prices such as sugar, citrus, and packaging are increasing
Supply shortages due to higher demand
Longer working hours and operational strain
Still, most vendors report profit margins of 30 to 40 percent, making this one of their most lucrative periods of the year.
Bigger Picture: Climate Meets Consumer Economy
For international readers, this trend highlights a broader dynamic:
Extreme weather events are reshaping local economies
Informal sectors can rapidly adapt and capitalize
Climate patterns are increasingly tied to short term consumption spikes
Bottom Line
Vietnam’s heatwave is not just a weather story.
It is a clear example of how extreme climate conditions can drive real economic activity, turning survival behavior into a fast moving, high demand marketplace.
New EU alignment signals deeper trade, defense, and tech cooperation
Vietnam’s accelerating alignment with Europe took a decisive step forward on Monday as the country elevated ties with Robert Fico’s Slovakia to a Strategic Partnership—highlighting Hanoi’s growing geopolitical relevance and its ambition to position itself as a key gateway for EU investment into Southeast Asia.
Following high-level talks in Hanoi, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Slovak counterpart endorsed a joint declaration formalizing the upgrade, alongside the signing of six cooperation agreements spanning defense industry, diplomacy, culture, nuclear energy, and innovation. The move comes at a pivotal moment, shortly after Vietnam consolidated its top leadership and deepened ties with the European Union through a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
For global investors and multinational corporations, the development signals more than diplomatic symbolism. Slovakia—an EU member with strong industrial and manufacturing capabilities—has identified Vietnam as its largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade reached approximately $1.78 billion in 2025, but both sides acknowledged that economic cooperation remains below potential. The new framework is designed to unlock that gap, with a clear push toward expanding trade flows, facilitating investment, and accelerating technology transfer.
The partnership also reflects Vietnam’s broader strategy to diversify economic alliances beyond traditional power centers. By strengthening ties with Central Europe, Hanoi is positioning itself to capture supply chain shifts, attract high-quality foreign direct investment, and deepen integration into EU value chains—particularly in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and energy transition.
Defense and security cooperation, often a sensitive pillar, will also be expanded in line with rising political trust. At the same time, softer dimensions—including education, labor mobility, tourism, and cultural exchange—are expected to gain momentum. Notably, Slovakia’s recognition of the Vietnamese community as an official ethnic minority provides a stable legal foundation for long-term diaspora engagement, reinforcing people-to-people connectivity that often underpins durable economic ties.
Business leaders are already moving. A Slovak delegation of major enterprises is accompanying Prime Minister Fico, participating in a bilateral business forum aimed at converting political commitments into concrete deals. Both governments have pledged to support corporate partnerships and investment flows, with discussions also touching on the potential for direct flight routes—an enabler that could significantly boost tourism and commercial exchange.
The upgrade underscores a broader question for global markets: as Vietnam systematically builds strategic bridges across Europe and Asia, is it evolving from a manufacturing alternative into a central node of global economic diplomacy—and how quickly will capital follow that shift?
Vietnam is preparing a major administrative and economic upgrade that could reshape its urban hierarchy: Dong Nai Province may soon become the country’s seventh centrally governed city.
The proposal has been formally submitted to the National Assembly and is now under review, marking a significant step in Vietnam’s long term urban and economic strategy.
Why This Upgrade Is a Big Deal
Centrally governed cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City operate with greater autonomy, larger budgets, and stronger policy influence.
If approved, Dong Nai would join this elite group, signaling:
A shift in economic power toward southern Vietnam
Stronger regional integration around key industrial zones
Accelerated infrastructure and urban development
The Numbers Behind Dong Nai’s Rise
Dong Nai is not a typical candidate. It is already one of Vietnam’s most economically significant provinces:
Population: 4.49 million
Area: over 12,700 square kilometers
GRDP: among the top in the country
Contributes roughly 5 percent of national GDP
It also hosts 82 industrial zones and is widely seen as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Strategic Location: Vietnam’s Southern Gateway
Dong Nai sits at the heart of the Southern Key Economic Region, making it a critical logistics and industrial hub.
Key advantages include:
Long Thanh International Airport set to begin operations soon
Access to seaports and major highways
Connectivity across road, rail, air, and waterways
Border access to Cambodia
This level of connectivity is rare and positions the province as a future regional logistics and investment hub.
What Still Needs Approval
To qualify as a centrally governed city, Dong Nai must meet strict criteria.
Currently meets most required standards
Remaining benchmarks are expected to be completed by 2028
Proposal includes restructuring administrative units and increasing urbanization
Lawmakers have broadly supported the plan but requested further clarification on urban planning and population metrics.
Bigger Picture: Vietnam’s Urban Strategy
The move reflects a broader national agenda:
Expanding high capacity urban centers beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Reducing pressure on existing megacities
Creating new growth poles to attract foreign investment
Bottom Line
If approved, Dong Nai’s transformation into a centrally governed city will not just be an administrative change.
It will mark the emergence of a new economic powerhouse, reshaping investment flows, infrastructure priorities, and Vietnam’s long term growth map.
A violent incident involving a seventh grade student in central Vietnam has triggered widespread public concern after a video showed her being beaten by a group of boys outside her school.
The assault took place after midterm exams and has since gone viral, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
What Happened: Attack Outside School Gate
According to initial reports:
The incident occurred outside a secondary school in Quang Ngai Province
The victim was attacked shortly after finishing her exam
A dispute between students escalated into physical violence
A 7th-grade female student was beaten by male classmates in front of Binh Thuan Secondary School (located in Van Tuong commune, Quang Ngai province).
Witness footage shows the girl being repeatedly punched and kicked while unable to defend herself, despite attempts by an adult to intervene.
Escalation from Student Conflict
Authorities say the attack stemmed from a conflict between two female students.
One student reportedly called her older brother
He arrived with two other boys
The group then assaulted the victim
The incident highlights how quickly school conflicts can escalate when external individuals become involved.
Victim Hospitalized with Physical and Psychological Trauma
The student was taken to hospital with multiple injuries:
Facial swelling and bruising
Difficulty eating
Ongoing pain across the body
Signs of psychological distress, including shock and vomiting
Student D.T.K (7th grade, Binh Thuan Secondary School) was beaten by a classmate, resulting in a swollen face and bruised eyes.
Her family is seeking further medical evaluation and treatment.
Investigation Underway
Local police have begun:
Taking statements from those involved
Verifying the sequence of events
Assessing responsibility for the assault
The family has called for appropriate legal action to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.
Why This Case Matters
For broader audiences, the case reflects growing concerns around:
School violence and bullying
The role of social media in amplifying incidents
The need for stronger prevention and intervention measures
Bottom Line
What began as a student dispute escalated into a serious act of violence with lasting consequences.
The case is now a test of how effectively authorities and schools respond to protect students and address accountability in an increasingly visible digital environment.
Vietnamese authorities have uncovered a sprawling drug trafficking operation worth nearly $1.2 billion, involving sophisticated smuggling methods and hundreds of suspects across the country.
At the center of the case is an alleged kingpin who used everyday items like toothpaste tubes and even unwitting airline crew members to transport narcotics into Vietnam.
How the Smuggling Operation Worked
The network relied on concealment and deception at scale.
Toothpaste tubes with drugs hidden inside found in the luggage of four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants flying from Paris to HCMC, March 16, 2023. Photo by HCMC Customs
Drugs were hidden inside:
Toothpaste tubes marked with specific symbols
Consumer goods such as coffee, detergent, and cosmetics
These shipments entered Vietnam through multiple channels:
Airline passengers and crew unknowingly carrying luggage
International courier services routed through major airports
Local handlers then retrieved, sorted, and distributed the drugs across different provinces.
The Flight Attendant Case
One of the most striking elements involved four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants.
Nguyen Do Truc Phuong is arrested in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2024 for her involvement in a major drug trafficking ring. Photo by police
They transported luggage from France to Ho Chi Minh City
Customs officials discovered over 11 kilograms of drugs hidden inside toothpaste tubes
Investigators concluded the attendants were unaware of the contents and not part of the network
This incident initially drew widespread attention and became a key entry point into the larger investigation.
A Nationwide Criminal Network
Authorities describe the operation as highly organized and expansive:
Nearly 500 sub networks dismantled
Activities spanning 34 provinces and cities
Around 600 kilograms of drugs seized
Weapons including firearms and grenades confiscated
In total:
Over 3,000 individuals investigated
227 suspects formally charged
Financial Scale and Sophistication
The network operated with advanced coordination:
Use of fake identities and unregistered SIM cards
Digital payments and layered logistics chains
Payments reaching tens of millions of VND per transaction
Total drug related transactions are estimated at VND29 trillion, highlighting the scale of the operation.
Expanding Web: Public Figures and International Links
The investigation extended beyond core operators, reaching:
Individuals in entertainment and social media circles
Overseas Vietnamese networks involved in logistics
Cross border routes connecting Europe and Vietnam
This underscores the increasingly global and interconnected nature of drug trafficking networks.
Why This Matters
For international observers, the case highlights:
The growing complexity of transnational crime
The use of legitimate travel and trade systems for illicit activities
Vietnam’s expanding enforcement capabilities across multiple jurisdictions
Bottom Line
This is not just a drug bust.
It is one of the largest and most complex trafficking cases in Vietnam, revealing how criminal networks adapt to globalization and how authorities are scaling up efforts to dismantle them.
Vietnamese authorities have arrested three South Korean nationals wanted under Interpol red notices in the coastal city of Nha Trang, highlighting ongoing international cooperation in tackling cross-border crime.
The suspects, linked to fraud and organized criminal activity, were detained and later handed over to South Korean authorities at Cam Ranh International Airport.
Who They Are and What They’re Accused Of
The three individuals are accused of serious financial crimes:
One suspect wanted for fraud
Two others linked to organized crime and fraud networks
All three had been placed on Interpol’s red notice list earlier in 2026, signaling international efforts to locate and detain them.
How Authorities Tracked Them Down
The arrests followed a local investigation into suspicious activity at a residential property:
Police identified a group of foreign nationals showing unusual behavior
Further checks revealed that three individuals were internationally wanted
Coordination between local police and immigration authorities led to their detention
The suspects were then processed and transferred according to international procedures.
Swift Handover to South Korea
After completing legal procedures, Vietnamese authorities:
Escorted the suspects to Cam Ranh International Airport
Formally handed them over to South Korean law enforcement
The operation reflects efficient coordination between domestic agencies and international partners.
Why This Matters
For international audiences, the case underscores:
Vietnam’s active role in global law enforcement cooperation
The country’s monitoring of foreign residents and visitors
Strengthening cross-border efforts against financial crime
Bottom Line
The arrest of three Interpol-wanted suspects in Nha Trang demonstrates Vietnam’s growing capability in handling international criminal cases.
It also sends a clear message that even in popular tourist destinations, enforcement remains active and coordinated at a global level.
Ngày 10/4/2026, CTCP Vicostone (mã chứng khoán VCS), một đơn vị thành viên của Tập đoàn Phenikaa, đã tổ chức thành công Đại hội đồng Cổ đông thường niên năm 2026 với sự tham gia của các cổ đông đại diện cho 143.150.451 cổ phiếu, tương đương 89,47% tổng số cổ phần có quyền biểu quyết. Với sự đồng thuận và nhất trí cao, Đại hội đã thông quan toàn bộ tờ trình, báo cáo cùng những nội dung quan trọng khác.
Trong bối cảnh biến động đã trở thành trạng thái thường trực của kinh tế toàn cầu, Vicostone xác định 2025 – 2026 là giai đoạn điều hành thận trọng, thích ứng linh hoạt, phát huy nội lực theo định hướng phát triển bền vững dựa trên các trụ cột: tài chính lành mạnh, quản trị rủi ro chủ động, đa dạng hóa thị trường và thúc đẩy chuyển đổi xanh theo định hướng ESG.
Năm 2025: Linh hoạt trước biến động, kiên định mục tiêu
Năm 2025 khép lại trong bối cảnh kinh tế thế giới tiếp tục đối mặt với nhiều bất định: xung đột địa chính trị kéo dài, bảo hộ thương mại gia tăng, chính sách tiền tệ thắt chặt. Tăng trưởng kinh tế toàn cầu dao động trong khoảng 2,8% (UN) – 3,3% (IMF), phản ánh xu hướng thiếu đồng đều giữa các khu vực và tiềm ẩn nhiều rủi ro. Tại Mỹ, thị trường lớn nhất của Vicostone, việc chính phủ đóng cửa đã tác động lớn đến chi tiêu và đầu tư, cùng với đó áp lực giá cả vẫn hiện hữu khiến kinh tế giảm tốc, tăng trưởng cả năm là 2,2%, giảm so với mức 2,8% năm 2024. Thị trường bất động sản và xây dựng tại các thị trường lớn như Mỹ, Canada, Châu Âu… gặp khó khi giá cao, chi phí vật liệu xây dựng và nhân công gia tăng, làm suy giảm nhu cầu tiêu dùng và biên lợi nhuận của các nhà đầu tư, ảnh hưởng trực tiếp tới ngành vật liệu bề mặt. Ngoài các yếu tố vĩ mô, Vicostone tiếp tục đối mặt với cạnh tranh khốc liệt từ các nhà sản xuất tại Việt Nam và khu vực châu Á – Thái Bình Dương.
Trước sự biến động, năm 2025, Công ty ghi nhận doanh thu thuần 4.128,89 tỉ đồng, lợi nhuận trước thuế 823,35 tỉ đồng, tương ứng 87,50% và 85,37% so với kế hoạch đề ra.
Dù kết quả kinh doanh chưa đạt như kì vọng ban đầu, những nỗ lực trong công tác điều hành, tối ưu vận hành và điều chỉnh chiến lược thị trường đã giúp Công ty duy trì sự ổn định và từng bước thích ứng với bối cảnh mới, nhờ đó các chỉ tiêu tài chính trọng yếu, đặc biệt là tỉ suất sinh lời và khả năng thanh toán tiếp tục duy trì ở mức tích cực, phản ánh nền tảng tài chính vững chắc, hiệu quả điều hành và khả năng thích ứng tốt trước sự biến động.
Tỉ suất lợi nhuận trước thuế/Doanh thu thuần của Công ty năm 2025 đạt 20,16% cho thấy hiệu quả trong việc duy trì hoạt động sản xuất, mở rộng thị trường, quản trị rủi ro và tối ưu hóa chi phí;
Hệ số nợ/Tổng tài sản và Hệ số nợ/Vốn chủ sở hữu năm 2025 lần lượt là 0,11 và 0,12 thấp đi đáng kể so với các năm, khẳng định Công ty có thể thanh toán các khoản nợ hiện tại và đảm bảo không có rủi ro đối với các khoản vay nếu lãi suất tăng đột biến;
Giá trị hàng tồn kho cuối năm 2025 giảm mạnh 228,30 tỉ đồng so với cùng kì năm trước cho thấy hiệu quả phân bổ nguồn lực, tối ưu hàng hóa tồn kho, góp phần nâng cao hiệu quả sử dụng vốn lưu động.
Nhất quán với định hướng phát triển bền vững trên nền tảng ESG, Vicostone duy trì tuân thủ, đóng góp 292,30 tỉ đồng vào ngân sách Nhà nước, tăng 31% so với năm 2024; đảm bảo thu nhập và việc làm ổn định cho người lao động; tăng cường các giải pháp kiểm soát phát thải, tiết kiệm năng lượng, sử dụng hiệu quả nguyên vật liệu… Đặc biệt, tăng tốc chuyển dịch sản phẩm theo xu hướng tiêu chuẩn mới về an toàn, sức khỏe, phát huy năng lực R&D, Công ty đã chính thức ra mắt dòng sản phẩm Vicostone Eco Surfaces, bước đầu cung cấp ra thị trường 36 sản phẩm Eco tại thị trường Úc và California, đáp ứng yêu cầu về hàm lượng tinh thể thạch anh theo yêu cầu tại các thị trường này, khẳng định bước tiến quan trọng trong định hướng phát triển sản phẩm xanh, thân thiện và an toàn.
Năm 2026: Thận trọng, chủ động chuyển dịch và thích ứng
Theo đánh giá của các chuyên gia, xung đột địa chính trị không còn mang tính ngắn hạn, mà là chỉ báo của một “trật tự thế giới mới” đầy biến động, kéo theo các hệ lụy dài hạn và khó lường. Theo nghiên cứu mới đây của Ban Nghiên cứu Phát triển kinh tế tư nhân: gần 90% doanh nghiệp cho biết chi phí đầu vào tăng do giá năng lượng, nguyên vật liệu, logistics, bắt đầu “bào mòn” dòng tiền và biên lợi nhuận. Bên cạnh đó, các yếu tố lạm phát neo cao, cạnh tranh gay gắt và rủi ro từ các chính sách bảo hộ thương mại tiếp tục tạo áp lực cho các công ty kinh doanh quốc tế, trong đó có Vicostone. Công ty nhìn nhận môi trường kinh doanh toàn cầu đang chuyển dịch sang chu kì bất định mang tính cấu trúc, trong đó thị trường Mỹ nhiều khả năng tiếp tục duy trì trạng thái trầm lắng do lãi suất cao và nhu cầu tiêu dùng chưa phục hồi rõ nét.
Trước bối cảnh đó, Vicostone xác định chiến lược điều hành không đặt trọng tâm vào tăng trưởng quy mô trong ngắn hạn, mà ưu tiên củng cố năng lực nội tại, tái cân bằng cấu trúc tăng trưởng và nâng cao khả năng chống chịu, tạo nền tảng cho chu kì phát triển tiếp theo. Công ty tiếp tục điều hành hoạt động sản xuất kinh doanh theo hướng tăng trưởng thận trọng, chủ động quản trị rủi ro, sẵn sàng thích ứng để nắm bắt cơ hội. Đại hội thống nhất thông qua kế hoạch năm 2026 với:
Doanh thu thuần dự kiến: 4.186 tỉ đồng (tăng 1,4% so với năm 2025)
Lợi nhuận trước thuế dự kiến: 744 tỉ đồng (giảm 10,6% so với năm 2025)
Kế hoạch hành động năm 2026 của Công ty tập trung vào các mục tiêu:
Thị trường và sản phẩm
Về sản phẩm, trước các tiêu chuẩn ngày càng khắt khe về môi trường và sức khỏe tại các thị trường phát triển, trong đó có các quy định về hàm lượng Silica trong sản phẩm, Vicostone đẩy mạnh phát triển và thương mại hóa dòng sản phẩm thế hệ mới (Eco Surfaces), coi đây là trụ cột chiến lược nhằm nâng cao năng lực cạnh tranh và đón đầu xu hướng tiêu dùng. Về thị trường, bên cạnh đẩy mạnh công tác bán hàng, tăng trưởng thị phần tại các thị trường hiện có như Mỹ, Canada, Châu Âu… Công ty chủ động đa dạng hóa thị trường và kênh phân phối, mở rộng sang thị trường mới tiềm năng; tăng cường mạnh mẽ sự hiện diện tại thị trường Úc và New Zealand qua việc triển khai hệ thống phân phối trực tiếp dưới thương hiệu VICOSTONE®.
Chuỗi cung ứng tự chủ và bền vững
Vicostone định vị chủ động chuỗi cung ứng (nội địa hóa và làm chủ hơn 95% nguyên liệu đầu vào) là năng lực cốt lõi, giúp Công ty kiểm soát hiệu quả chất lượng sản phẩm và nâng cao năng lực chống chịu trước biến động; bên cạnh đó tiếp tục phát triển mạng lưới nhà cung ứng theo hướng chất lượng cao, đặc biệt, tuân thủ chặt chẽ các tiêu chuẩn pháp lí về môi trường để phù hợp với định hướng phát triển sản phẩm xanh, bền vững của Công ty.
Tối ưu chi phí và hiệu quả hoạt động
Vicostone thúc đẩy mô hình vận hành tinh gọn và tối ưu chi phí nhằm củng cố dòng tiền và tạo dư địa cho các chiến lược dài hạn. Trọng tâm là tối ưu hóa sản xuất – vận hành, đẩy mạnh ứng dụng công nghệ, cải tiến quy trình và kiểm soát tồn kho ở mức tối ưu, đảm bảo hiệu quả và tính bền vững trong toàn hệ thống.
Tiếp tục đẩy mạnh công tác quản trị rủi ro
Công ty triển khai hệ thống quản trị rủi ro toàn diện, chủ động và tích hợp xuyên suốt mọi hoạt động từ sản xuất, thị trường đến tài chính và đầu tư, đồng thời xây dựng văn hóa quản trị rủi ro để mỗi cá nhân chủ động nhận diện và ứng phó rủi ro, góp phần bảo vệ nền tảng tăng trưởng dài hạn của Công ty.
Phát huy văn hóa Vicostone, tập trung phát triển con người
Xác định con người và văn hóa doanh nghiệp là nền tảng cho tăng trưởng lâu bền, Vicostone tập trung phát triển năng lực đội ngũ, hoàn thiện hệ thống quản trị hiệu suất, thúc đẩy môi trường làm việc gắn kết, học hỏi và đổi mới sáng tạo, qua đó phát huy bản lĩnh, kiên định, sáng suốt, tập trung sức mạnh tập thể để cùng vượt qua những biến động vĩ mô.
Phát triển bền vững theo ESG: Môi trường – Xã Hội – Quản trị
Vicostone định hướng tích hợp toàn diện nguyên tắc ESG vào chiến lược phát triển, từ sản xuất, kinh doanh đến chuỗi cung ứng. Công ty thúc đẩy đổi mới sáng tạo xanh, chuyển đổi sang mô hình kinh tế tuần hoàn và dẫn dắt lộ trình trung hòa carbon hướng tới NetZero 2050, khẳng định vị thế tiên phong trong lĩnh vực vật liệu tiên tiến với các trọng tâm:
Tích hợp ESG và NetZero vào toàn hệ thống;
Vật liệu tiên tiến, sinh thái, công nghệ cao;
Sản xuất thông minh, tuần hoàn, giảm phát thải;
Tạo giá trị bền vững cho các bên liên quan.
Với định hướng quản trị thận trọng, chủ động và linh hoạt, Vicostone tin rằng tăng trưởng bền vững sẽ không chỉ là những chỉ số tài chính ổn định mà còn đo lường qua “chỉ số hạnh phúc” của CBCNV, chất lượng và khả năng chống chịu của doanh nghiệp trước biến động ngày càng khó lường của kinh tế toàn cầu.
A 19-year-old traveler’s tragedy in Ha Giang turns into a cross-border act of humanity that resonates worldwide.
VIETNAM INSIDER – A backpacking journey through Southeast Asia ended in heartbreak—but also in extraordinary compassion—after a British teenager died in northern Vietnam and gave five critically ill patients a second chance at life, highlighting both the risks of adventure travel and the profound power of human connection beyond borders.
Orla Wates, 19, from London, was traveling through Vietnam during a gap year before beginning her studies at Durham University this autumn. Described by her family as “beautiful, independent, and very funny,” she was exploring the dramatic mountain roads of Hà Giang—a region famed among global travelers for its breathtaking but dangerous motorbike routes—when she fell from her bike in a tragic accident.
She was rushed to Việt Đức Hospital in Hanoi, where doctors fought to save her life. On April 2, with her parents by her bedside, Orla passed away.
Her death sent shockwaves through both her family and the wider international community. Orla was the daughter of Andrew Wates, a director at Wates Group, one of Britain’s major family-owned construction firms. She leaves behind three siblings—and a future that had only just begun.
But in the depths of grief, her family made a decision that would transform loss into life.
“We believe that if there is any way to give others a chance, this is what Orla would have wanted,” her mother, Henrietta Wates, said. In a country far from home, they chose to donate her organs—an act that transcended nationality, culture, and distance.
According to Vietnamese authorities, five critically ill patients received life-saving transplants as a result of Orla’s donation. In a statement shared on April 7, Việt Đức Hospital described the gesture as “a deeply humane decision made in immense grief, crossing the boundaries of nation and race to give others a chance to live.”
For Vietnam, where organ donation remains limited and thousands wait for transplants each year, the impact is profound. For the global audience, it is a stark reminder: behind every headline of tragedy can lie an act of quiet, world-changing courage.
Orla Wates came to Vietnam seeking adventure. She left behind something far more enduring—a legacy of life, compassion, and a story that challenges us all: in our darkest moments, what kind of light are we capable of giving to others?
For decades, Vietnam’s southern megacity was synonymous with hustle: a young, fast-moving population that powered some of the region’s most impressive economic growth. Today, that same city is confronting a deeply inconvenient truth. Young people are choosing not to have children, and the numbers are now impossible to ignore.
At a policy workshop held on April 9 to discuss Vietnam’s new Population Law, officials revealed that Ho Chi Minh City’s total fertility rate in 2025 stands at just 1.51 children per woman, far below the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain a stable population. The city has held the unwanted distinction of recording the lowest birth rate in the entire country for more than twenty years running.
The numbers behind the reluctance
The picture emerging from the data is one international investors and urban planners will find immediately familiar. The average age at first marriage in Ho Chi Minh City has risen to 29.8 years, compared to a national average of 27.3. Young professionals, squeezed between stagnant minimum wages and soaring property prices, are simply doing the math and deciding that parenthood does not add up.
Former Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Thien Nhan, a professor who has become one of Vietnam’s most prominent voices on demographic risk, put it bluntly at the workshop. He argued that the core issue is financial pressure, particularly the cost of housing, education, and healthcare. “They are behaving rationally,” he said of young couples who delay or forgo having children, noting that the old Vietnamese proverb roughly equivalent to “where there’s a will, there’s a way” no longer resonates with an urban generation that plans carefully and spends deliberately.
A warning from East Asia
Nguyen Thien Nhan drew direct comparisons to South Korea and Japan, both of which saw similar patterns of urban fertility decline before the consequences became structurally embedded. Japan’s working-age population contraction is widely cited as a central factor in the country’s three decades of economic stagnation from 1996 to 2025, following 33 years of exceptional growth. For foreign businesses and investors operating in Ho Chi Minh City, a city of over 14 million people, the parallel carries real weight.
The demographic squeeze is already producing visible effects: accelerating population ageing, a tightening labour supply, and mounting pressure on social welfare systems that were designed for a much younger population profile.
The gap no policy has bridged
One of the most striking findings from local surveys is the wedge between minimum wage and what economists call a “living wage.” The minimum wage in Ho Chi Minh City covers basic personal expenses for a single individual, but the financial calculus of raising a child, particularly in a city where competitive schooling is seen as non-negotiable, pushes that number far higher. Many low-income workers surveyed said they had postponed or abandoned plans to have children entirely.
What the city is doing about it
The municipal government has begun rolling out incentives, including a one-time payment of five million Vietnamese dong (approximately USD 200) to women who have two children before the age of 35. A comprehensive healthcare programme covering the period from 2025 to 2030 is also underway.
Longer-term proposals on the table include housing subsidies, childcare services for infants as young as six months old, extended parental leave, tax relief for families, and targeted programmes to attract migrant workers to offset labour shortfalls.
Critics, however, note that financial micro-incentives of this scale are unlikely to move the needle in a city where a modest apartment can cost upward of USD 100,000 and international-standard schooling runs tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Why this matters beyond Vietnam
For the expatriate community, multinationals, and investors with a long-term stake in Ho Chi Minh City, the demographic trajectory is a strategic variable worth watching. A shrinking and ageing workforce will shape everything from labour costs and consumer spending patterns to real estate demand and social infrastructure over the next two decades.
Vietnam has long been positioned as a younger, cheaper alternative to China for manufacturing and services. That narrative depends heavily on maintaining the demographic dividend that has powered the country’s rise. Ho Chi Minh City, its wealthiest and most globally connected urban centre, is now the clearest signal that the dividend is not permanent, and that policy action cannot wait.
A devastating boarding house fire in Hanoi that killed 15 people has returned to court, reigniting public anger as the landlord denied responsibility and blamed his deceased wife.
The case, linked to a 2024 blaze in the Trung Kinh area, is drawing attention not only for its tragic toll but also for broader questions around accountability and fire safety enforcement.
What Happened: A Deadly Midnight Fire
The fire broke out shortly before 1 am while 23 people were inside the property, including both tenants and the landlord’s family.
The building had multiple fire safety violations
The main gate was locked, preventing escape
The fire originated from an electrical short circuit near parked electric vehicles
As the flames spread rapidly, many occupants were unable to escape, resulting in one of the deadliest residential fires in recent years.
Courtroom Tension: Denial and Backlash
During questioning, the landlord claimed:
He was not involved in managing the property
His wife handled operations, finances, and compliance
He was unaware of regulatory and safety conditions
Judges rejected this defense, emphasizing that as a co owner, he could not claim complete ignorance of the property’s management.
Regulatory Failures Under Scrutiny
The case also implicates former officials accused of negligence in fire safety oversight.
Investigators found that:
The building lacked proper permits
Fire safety regulations were not enforced
Authorities failed to detect and address violations
These lapses contributed to the severity of the disaster.
Families Speak: “We Just Want Accountability”
In emotional testimony, victims’ families expressed frustration not over compensation, but over the lack of accountability.
One father, who lost his only son, told the court:
He did not seek damages
He wanted acknowledgment of responsibility
Several families echoed the same sentiment, asking for a sincere apology so the victims could “rest in peace.”
A Tragedy That Hit Both Sides
The landlord himself also suffered losses, with multiple family members killed in the fire and his property destroyed.
Authorities cited these circumstances, along with compensation payments, as reasons for not pursuing criminal charges against him, despite identifying violations.
Why This Case Matters
For international observers, the case highlights critical issues:
Fire safety compliance in rapidly urbanizing cities
Oversight gaps in small scale rental housing
The human cost of regulatory failures
Bottom Line
This case is not just about one tragic fire.
It reflects deeper challenges in enforcement, accountability, and urban safety and serves as a stark reminder that rapid development must be matched with equally strong regulatory oversight.
Vietnam, 9 April 2026: In 2025, global searches for pet-friendly accommodation on Booking.com soared to nearly 15 million* (APAC 2.3 M), making it one of the top 10 search filters on the platform. Meanwhile, consumer spending on pets reached roughly $157B by the end of that same year**. As the world celebrates International Pet Day on 11 April, Booking.com shares trends focusing on how Vietnamese travellers are increasingly integrating their pets into their 2026 travel itineraries.
The Rise of the “Pet-First” Mindset
According to Booking.com’s latest research, pets are no longer an afterthought but a primary factor in how Vietnamese travelers plan and experience their journeys. This influence extends from the type of stay to how destinations are explored. The data reveals that 60% of Vietnamese pet owners prefer vacation rentals and apartments, highlighting a preference for more space and flexibility these accommodations offer. 17% of Vietnamese travelers also look at pet policies before booking deciding where to stay. Furthermore, with 1 in 4 (25%) Vietnamese travelers leaving their pets at their accommodation during excursions, making availability of suitable amenities a critical factor in the booking decision.
Shaping the Itinerary
Pets also influence the “where” and “what” of travel. While traveling with their companions, Vietnamese travelers are prioritizing pet-inclusive activities: 58% went on hiking/nature walks in rural areas or parks, 50% visited a dog-friendly beach or swimming area, 60% went sightseeing in pet-friendly towns and city centers and 55% dine at dog-friendly patios, restaurants or breweries.
When it comes to transportation, the data reflects a preference for ground travel with 93% of travelers favoring spontaneous, flexible road trips, suggesting that more pets will be joining their owners on the open road this year. In addition, while 43% are willing to fly with their pets, 12% of Vietnamese travelers admit they feel stressed about the flying experience.***
As pets continue to evolve from companions to playing a key part in the decision-making process, their influence now spans every aspect of the journey, from the destination and accommodation to the mode of transport.
Whether it’s by land or by air, Booking.com remains committed to taking the friction out of travel for the entire family. For even more insights into the trends driving travel this year, visit Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions.
Methodology
*Searches for accommodation on Booking.com between January 6 through December 31, 2025, with the ‘pets allowed’ filter applied
***Travel Trends 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2026. The sample comprised 32,800 respondents across 34 markets surveyed in January 2026.
Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
About Booking.com:
Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit news.booking.com.
Ho Chi Minh City, 08 April 2026 – Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited (“Prudential Vietnam”) today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, delivering resilient performance with a continued focus on quality growth and disciplined execution.
Performance highlights for 2025 are as follows:
Total revenue from insurance operations reached VND 19,577 billion.
Investment revenue reached VND 12,080 billion, including VND 3,995 billion from the Unit-Linked Fund investment portfolio.
Additional bonuses declared for the Participating (PAR) Fund reached VND 1,779 billion, reinforcing long-term value for participating policyholders. In total, Prudential Vietnam declared over VND 4,000 billion in regular and one-off additional bonus.
Claims and insurance benefits reached nearly VND 16,489billion, up 15.3% year-on-year.
Solvency ratio over 200%, underscoring our strong capacity to fulfil our insurance benefit commitments.
Total assets reached VND 198,855 billion, up 5.2%.
Total invested assets amounted to VND 180,837 billion, up 7.2% year-on-year. Of this, investment in bonds reached VND 92,609 billion
Profits before tax increased to VND 4,937 billion, up 47.8%
Mr. Kevin Kwon, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Vietnam, shared:
“2025 marked a strategic inflection point for Prudential Vietnam as we set a clear three-year direction anchored on customer centricity, quality, and sustainability, with a clear mission to provide peace of mind to every Vietnamese family. Alongside our growth ambitions, we placed a strong emphasis on strengthening our operational foundations by streamlining our operating model, modernising technology, and building critical capabilities for the long-term.”
In 2025, Prudential Vietnam further strengthened customer trust and experience, achieving No. 1 ranking (*) in relationship Net Promoter Score (rNPS), alongside improved persistency and retention. These results reflect our continued focus on sales quality, clear communication, and long-term customer value. The Company now serves nearly 2.4 million Lives Assured, underscoring the trust customers place in it.
Prudential Vietnam expanded its protection and investment portfolio while accelerating digital transformation across key customer journeys to deliver simpler, faster, and more personalised experiences. Enhancements in claims digitisation, straight-through processing, and near-cashless payouts improved turnaround time and service performance, supporting a more responsive and scalable operating model. At the same time, the Company advanced development of PRUServices to strengthen its Customer Relationship Management and contact centre capabilities.
With a nationwide network of over 200 agency offices and seven bank partners of which five strategic, Prudential Vietnam continued to strengthen an integrated distribution ecosystem, enhancing access to professional, transparent, and needs-based advice aligned with customers’ long-term financial goals.
The Company also continued to invest in its people and communities, delivering over 16,000 learning hours and fostering a high-performance culture.
During 2024–2025, Prudential Vietnam mobilised over VND 28 billion to support more than 99,000 people through initiatives focused on financial education, health, and climate resilience – reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. These efforts contributed to continued recognition among the Top 100 Sustainable Businesses (CSI100) for the ninth consecutive year.
As Vietnam’s insurance market continues to evolve with a stronger focus on transparency and customer trust, Prudential Vietnam remains committed to advancing its customer-first strategy and delivering sustainable, long-term value to customers.
Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited (“Prudential Vietnam”) is a member of Prudential plc, which provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa.
As of December 2025, Prudential Vietnam has charter capital of VND 7,698 billion and offers a comprehensive range of life insurance products, serving millions of Vietnamese customers. The company operates robust distribution with office network and customer service centres across the country, along with strategic partnerships with seven bank partners.
With the mission “We provide peace of mind to every Vietnamese family”, Prudential Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to always putting customers first, delivering innovative and comprehensive solutions to protect people’s wealth, helping them grow their assets, and empowering them to save for their goals.
Hue is set to open the Thuan An sea-crossing bridge, the longest of its kind in central Vietnam, marking a major infrastructure milestone aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
The project is expected to be inaugurated by the end of April, aligning with national celebrations and signaling a broader push to modernize transport networks.
The Thuan An sea-crossing bridge spans the lagoon mouth in Hue, central Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Thanh
A Strategic Infrastructure Project
The development includes:
A 2.36 km sea-crossing bridge
A 5.3 km connected road system
Total first phase investment of VND2.4 trillion (about $96 million)
Designed with four lanes and a width of 20 meters, the bridge will significantly improve traffic flow across the lagoon area.
Connecting Key Economic Corridors
Beyond local mobility, the bridge plays a strategic role in regional integration.
It strengthens links between:
Central provinces such as Quang Binh and Da Nang
The broader East-West Economic Corridor, connecting Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam
This positions Hue as a more connected node within Southeast Asia’s trade and logistics network.
Unlocking Coastal Development
Authorities expect the bridge to catalyze new investment opportunities, including:
A planned 1,500 hectare coastal urban zone
Expansion of Thuan An township
Growth of the Chan May Lang Co Economic Zone
Key sectors expected to benefit include:
Tourism
Seaport logistics
Industrial development
Part of a Broader Infrastructure Push
The bridge is one of several major projects underway in central Vietnam, alongside:
Sections of the North South Expressway
Industrial zones such as the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park
Strategic economic hubs like Chan May Lang Co
Together, these developments reflect a coordinated effort to accelerate regional growth.
Why This Matters
For investors and businesses, the project highlights:
Improved logistics and transport efficiency
New opportunities in coastal real estate and tourism
Strengthening of central Vietnam as an economic corridor
Bottom Line
The Thuan An bridge is more than just a transport upgrade.
It is a strategic investment designed to unlock Hue’s coastal potential and integrate central Vietnam more deeply into regional economic flows.
Vietnam’s main labor body is considering whether to merge two major April public holidays into a single extended break, following growing frustration from workers and employers over a fragmented schedule.
The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has launched a nationwide survey to gather opinions, signaling a potential shift in how public holidays are structured.
The Problem: A Fragmented Holiday Calendar
In 2026, two key holidays fall awkwardly close together:
Hung Kings Commemoration Day observed on April 27
Reunification Day and Labor Day from April 30 to May 1
These are separated by two working days, creating a stop start pattern that disrupts both work schedules and travel plans.
For many workers, especially those on six day workweeks, the result is:
Short breaks interrupted by workdays
Reduced opportunity for meaningful rest or travel
Proposed Fix: One Continuous Break
Labor groups and local unions have suggested simple adjustments:
Shift the compensatory day off to April 29
Or move it to May 2
Either option would create a more continuous holiday:
A three day break
Or up to a four day uninterrupted holiday period
Some companies have already gone further, informally extending breaks to eight or nine days by rearranging work schedules or using annual leave.
Government Position: No Change Yet
So far, authorities have signaled caution.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has indicated that:
The official holiday schedule will follow the current Labor Code
No immediate changes are planned
However, the ongoing survey suggests the issue remains under active consideration.
Why It Matters for Workers and Businesses
A more continuous holiday could deliver several benefits:
Better work life balance and recovery time
Increased domestic travel and tourism spending
Simplified workforce planning for businesses
At the same time, any change must balance productivity needs, especially in manufacturing sectors.
Pay Implications Remain Unchanged
Regardless of scheduling, labor laws ensure compensation protections:
At least 200 percent pay for working on rest days
At least 300 percent pay if work coincides with a public holiday
Bottom Line
Vietnam’s debate over merging April holidays reflects a broader shift toward improving work life balance in a fast growing economy.
While no official change has been confirmed, strong feedback from workers and businesses suggests that more flexible holiday planning could become part of future policy discussions.
Vietnam is in the grip of an intense nationwide heatwave, with temperatures in several regions exceeding 40°C and some areas in central provinces reaching as high as 42°C.
The extreme conditions mark one of the most severe early season heat events this year, affecting large parts of the country simultaneously.
Where the Heat Is Hitting Hardest
The impact varies across regions, but central and northern areas are bearing the brunt:
Northwest and Northern Regions
Average: 35 to 37°C
Peaks: up to 40.2°C
Hanoi: 33 to 36°C, with higher “feels like” temperatures due to urban heat
North Central Region (Epicenter)
Common: 38 to 39°C
Extreme: above 41 to 42°C in some locations
Central and Highlands Areas
Cities like Da Nang and Dak Lak nearing 38 to 39°C
Southern Vietnam
Slightly lower but persistent heat: 35 to 37°C
What’s Driving the Heatwave
Meteorologists attribute the extreme temperatures to a combination of:
A western low pressure heat system
Foehn winds, which bring hot, dry air
Stable atmospheric conditions in the south, limiting cloud cover
These factors are creating dry, oppressive heat across multiple regions.
How Long Will It Last?
Forecasts suggest the heatwave will continue for several more days:
Northern Vietnam: easing after April 12
Central regions: persisting until April 13 to 14
Southern Vietnam: intermittent heat likely throughout April
Even after peak temperatures subside, hot conditions are expected to remain above seasonal averages.
Rising Risks: Health, Fire, and Infrastructure
Authorities are warning of multiple risks linked to the extreme heat:
Increased likelihood of dehydration and heat related illnesses
Elevated fire and explosion risks due to dry conditions
Higher electricity demand, putting pressure on infrastructure
Urban areas may experience even more severe conditions due to the heat island effect, making temperatures feel several degrees higher than recorded.
What This Means for Residents and Travelers
For expatriates, tourists, and businesses:
Outdoor activities should be limited during peak hours
Hydration and sun protection are critical
Energy consumption and cooling costs are likely to rise
Bottom Line
Vietnam’s current heatwave is both intense and widespread, with temperatures crossing critical thresholds in multiple regions.
While relief is expected in some areas within days, the broader trend points to more frequent and severe heat events, making climate resilience an increasingly important issue for the country.
