Singapore: In the Spotlight Newsletter |15/1/2024 

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The monthly newsletter by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will provide updates and showcase Singapore’s unexpected, diverse and unique experiences. These range from well-known, iconic experiences to hidden gems that showcase varied facets of Singapore. In this newsletter, you will also receive the latest news, events, and statistics, offering an overview of the Singapore tourism landscape.

News in highlight:

1. This Lunar New Year, Singapore offers an exciting lineup of vibrant festivities across iconic locations: 

a) Chinatown Chinese New Year Light-Up & Celebrations 2025 will illuminate historic streets with dazzling lantern displays, bustling festive fairs, cultural performances, and a lively Countdown Party, setting the stage for the Year of the Snake.

b) River Hongbao 2025 at Gardens by the Bay returns with larger-than-life lantern displays, captivating cultural performances, carnival rides, and thematic nights.

c) Chingay Parade 2025, themed ‘Joy’ features vibrant floats, cultural showcases, PassionArts installations, and over 4,000 performers celebrating Singapore’s rich diversity and achievements.

2. This January, Singapore’s Civic District transforms into a vibrant canvas with Light to Night Festival 2025, featuring over 70 artworks and programs exploring themes of diversity, self-identity, and belonging.

3. Singapore’s tourism scene welcomes exciting new developments and upcoming projects, including COTU, a sky-high nightlife destination featuring five distinct concepts. In April 2025, the Mandai Rainforest Resort will open, offering eco-luxury stays within Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Looking ahead to 2026, Live Nation’s first purpose-built music venue in Asia will debut at Orchard Road.

I. CALENDAR OF EVENTS & EXCITING EXPERIENCES IN SINGAPORE 

1.Things to do in Singapore this season

  • Celebrating Lunar New Year 2025 in Singapore

Chinatown Chinese New Year Light-Up & Celebrations 2025: The Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2025 promise a vibrant and immersive experience, marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake. The festivities officially begin with an Opening Ceremony and Street Light-Up on 8 January 2025, during which Chinatown’s historic district will be adorned with dazzling lantern displays and vibrant decorations. Visitors can explore beautifully lit streets along New Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, Upper Cross Street, and South Bridge Road, with the centerpiece display located at New Bridge Road. Each evening, the lights will illuminate the district from 7 PM until midnight, with extended hours on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Beyond the light displays, visitors can explore the bustling Festive Fair along Sago Street, Smith Street, Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, and Temple Street. Additional attractions include the Chinese New Year Eve Countdown Party at Kreta Ayer Square and weekend stage performances showcasing cultural acts and Lunar New Year songs.

WHEN: 

  • Street Light-Up: 8 January – 27 February 2025
  • Festive Fair: 8 January – 28 January 2025
  • Countdown Party: 28 January 2025
  • Weekend Stage Shows: 11–12 January & 18–19 January 2025

WHERE: Chinatown

PHOTO: Chinatown Festival Committee

SOURCE: https://www.littledayout.com/chinatown-chinese-new-year-light-up-celebrations/

River Hongbao 2025: First launched in 1987 by the Singapore Tourism Board, River Hongbao has become one of Singapore’s most cherished annual traditions. The name ‘River’ reflects its origins at Marina Bay by the Singapore River, while ‘Hongbao’ refers to red packets given during Chinese New Year as symbols of good luck and prosperity. Over the years, this event has evolved into an inclusive celebration, inviting people from all walks of life to experience the richness of Chinese culture. 

This year’s event at Gardens by the Bay will mark its 39th edition and pay tribute to SG60, Singapore’s 60th year of independence with larger-than-life lantern displays, including the iconic God of Fortune lantern, and captivating firecracker showcases during the first three evenings. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural performances with thematic nights like Getai Night, Xinyao Night, Movie Night, and Singapore Talent Night, featuring acts by local and international performers.

Families can enjoy a bustling carnival at Supertree Grove, featuring rides like the Double-Storey Horse Carousel and Mini Viking, as well as classic carnival games. Food enthusiasts can explore the bustling Food Street, offering a diverse spread of local and international cuisines. Additionally, the event will showcase an art exhibition, including Chinese calligraphy, paintings, and the ‘Greetings from Afar: Chinese Remittance Letters’ exhibition, highlighting stories of early Chinese migrants.

WHEN: 

  • 27 Jan 2025: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
  • 28 Jan 2025: 6.30pm – 12.15am
  • 29 Jan – 5 Feb 2025: 2.30pm – 10.30pm

WHERE: Gardens by the Bay

PHOTO: RIVER HONGBAO 2025 ORGANISING COMMITTEE

SOURCE: https://www.sassymamasg.com/whats-on-river-hongbao-singapore-dates-tickets-lanterns/

Chingay Parade 2025: Chingay Parade, one of Singapore’s most iconic and vibrant cultural events, returns in 2025 with a spectacular celebration of diversity, creativity, and unity. Originating in 1973 as a street parade along Jalan Besar, the event has since evolved into a multicultural extravaganza featuring local and international performers from various ethnic groups. 

With over 4,000 performers from 150 organizations, Chingay Parade 2025 promises an immersive experience. The 2025 edition, themed ‘Joy’, will bring the country together in a ‘Food Wonderland’, celebrating Family Joy as families gather over shared meals, Community Joy through cultural exchanges and shared stories, and National Joy in honoring Singapore’s achievements. Highlights include food-inspired floats, vibrant costumes, and PassionArts installations that spotlight Singapore’s favourite pastime: eating great food.

WHEN: 7 & 8 February 2025, 8pm – 9.30pm

WHERE: F1 Pit Building 

TICKET: SGD 19.40 – SGD 58.19 (Free for lap-sitting children aged 2 and under). Buy tickets here.

PHOTO: Chingay Parade SG via Facebook

SOURCE: https://www.sassymamasg.com/whats-on-chingay-parade-dates-tickets-floats/

  • Discover Art and Light at Light to Night Festival 2025

As part of Singapore Art Week, Light to Night Festival 2025 returns for its ninth edition, illuminating Singapore’s Civic District with over 70 artworks and programs across venues such as the Asian Civilisations Museum, The Esplanade, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and nearby malls. 

Themed ‘Do You See Me?’, this year’s festival explores themes of diversity, self-identity, and belonging through immersive light installations and interactive experiences. Highlights include Travelling Through the Tropical Rainforest by sculptor Han Sai Por, featuring towering inflatable tropical ferns glowing at night, and Arts Skins on Monuments, where vibrant projections bring the facade of the National Gallery Singapore to life. Inside the Gallery, visitors can engage with The Living Room, an interactive communal space. Additionally, the Padang Atrium will host Angin Cloud, an installation inspired by Vietnam’s Central Highlands. 

 WHEN: 17 January – 6 February 2025

 WHERE: Civic District

 PHOTO: National Gallery Singapore

 SOURCE: https://www.timeout.com/singapore/news/light-to-night-returns-in-january-2025-with-dazzling-light-installations-a-food-street-and-live-performances-121624

II. SUMMARY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM NEWS

1. Exciting New and Upcoming Developments in Singapore

This year promises an exciting chapter for Singapore’s tourism scene, with a series of exciting projects and developments set to enhance visitor experiences.

COTU – A Sky-High Nightlife Destination Singapore’s vibrant nightlife scene welcomes COTU (Centre Of The Universe), a sprawling 18,000-square-foot lifestyle destination located on the 38th and 39th floors of CapitaGreen. Featuring five distinct concepts, visitors can indulge in a cocktail bar, Japanese steakhouse, live jazz lounge, retro hip-hop club, and open-air sky pool within an entertainment venue. With million-dollar city views, COTU offers an unparalleled nightlife experience curated by experts behind renowned establishments like the F1 Amber Lounge and Attica.

Mandai Rainforest Resort (Opening April 2025): Nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the Mandai Rainforest Resort, operated by Banyan Tree, blends luxury with sustainability across its 338 rooms. Designed around mature trees and natural ventilation, the resort prioritizes environmental responsibility with features like rainwater recycling and energy-efficient systems. Guests can enjoy exclusive wildlife experiences, early access to Bird Paradise, and guided tours at Singapore Zoo, alongside modern facilities such as a 300-seater ballroom, Banyan Tree Spa, and a rooftop pool.

Mett Singapore (Reopening October 2025): The iconic Hotel Fort Canning is undergoing a transformation into Mett Singapore, set to reopen in October 2025. This rebranded luxury hotel will feature redesigned modern minimalist-style guestrooms, updated public spaces, and meeting facilities. Guests can also look forward to unique dining concepts, a new beach club transformed from the existing pool, and an exciting speakeasy bar.

Orchard Road Music Venue by Live Nation (Opening 2026): Set to open in 2026 at the junction of Grange Road and Somerset Road, this 3,000-capacity music venue by Live Nation will be the company’s first purpose-built venue in Asia. Known globally for hosting A-list acts like Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Blackpink, Live Nation manages iconic venues such as the 12,000-capacity Spark Arena in New Zealand and The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. Beyond concerts, it will host MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) events, feature a 350-capacity space for local artists, and include a café, bar, and artists’ lane that serves as an incubator for the local arts scene, food and beverage spaces, and kiosks connected to the Somerset Discovery Walk.

PHOTO: COTU/MAndai Rainforest Resort By Banyan Tree/Sunset Hospitality Group/Live Nation

SOURCE: 

III. TOURISM PERFORMANCE AND LATEST MEASUREMENT UPDATES 

Latest Visitor Arrivals figures

  • As of 30 November 2024, Singapore’s overall international visitor arrivals (IVA) 15.13 million, including approximately 370,530 visitors from Vietnam. 

SOURCE: STAN for public 

Latest border measures updates

– End –

For media queries, please contact:

(Ms.) Quan Toai Nhi

Singapore Tourism Board

Email: QUAN_Toai_Nhi@stb.gov.sg

Mobile phone: (+84) 775 031 822

 (Ms.) Bui Lan Huong 

Edelman

Email: lanhuong.bui@edelman.com

Mobile phone: (+84) 965 642 514

 

Vietnam’s Ongoing Struggle to Enhance English Proficiency

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Despite significant interest and investment in English education, Vietnam continues to face challenges in elevating English proficiency nationwide.

English was introduced as a compulsory subject in middle and high schools in 1982 and trialed in primary schools in 1996. The desire to learn English surged after Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in 2006-07 and remains high.

Under the general education program implemented in 2008, the time allocated for English instruction increased. Primary school students are required to attend four 45-minute classes per week, while secondary and high school students have three classes per week. By the 2022-23 academic year, over 2.9 million students, accounting for two-thirds of the total student population, had studied English for at least 10 years under a Ministry of Education and Training program launched in 2008.

Despite these efforts, Vietnam’s English proficiency remains modest. The country ranked 60th out of 113 countries in the 2022 EF English Proficiency Index, placing it in the “average” proficiency category.

Experts attribute the limited progress to several factors, including outdated curricula, a teacher-centered approach that limits student interaction, and an overemphasis on grammar and vocabulary at the expense of practical communication skills. Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified English teachers, particularly in rural areas, which hampers effective language instruction.

To address these challenges, the Vietnamese government has extended its National Foreign Languages Project to 2025, aiming to improve teaching quality, update curricula, and enhance students’ practical language skills. However, experts caution that it may take decades before English becomes a second language in Vietnamese schools.

In conclusion, while Vietnam has made commendable efforts to improve English proficiency through increased instructional time and national projects, significant challenges remain. Addressing outdated teaching methods, ensuring a sufficient number of qualified teachers, and focusing on practical communication skills are essential steps toward achieving higher English proficiency nationwide.

Hương vị ngọt ngào vượt thời gian của Perfetti Van Melle: Di sản kết nối các thế hệ

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Từ những viên kẹo đầu tiên cách đây hơn một thế kỷ, Perfetti Van Melle đã chinh phục trái tim hàng triệu người tiêu dùng khắp thế giới với các sản phẩm mang tính biểu tượng như BigBabol, Alpenliebe, Mentos, HappyDent, Golia, Chupa Chups. Năm 2025, bộ sưu tập Tết “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào” tiếp tục minh chứng cho sự sáng tạo và vị thế dẫn đầu của Perfetti Van Melle với hương vị độc đáo, thiết kế cao cấp, tiếp tục gắn kết niềm vui đoàn viên và tạo nên những khoảnh khắc đáng nhớ cho mọi gia đình.

“Bảo chứng” bởi hương vị ngọt ngào dẫn đầu thị trường

Từ một tiệm bánh tại Hà Lan vào năm 1900, Perfetti Van Melle đã vượt qua hơn một thế kỷ đổi mới và sáng tạo để trở thành một trong những “đế chế” bánh kẹo lớn nhất thế giới. Hiện nay, với hơn 33 nhà máy, 18.2 nghìn nhân viên và 39 công ty vận hành trên toàn cầu, sản phẩm của Perfetti Van Melle mang niềm vui ngọt ngào đến hơn 150 quốc gia, chinh phục hàng triệu người tiêu dùng với các hương vị vượt thời gian như BigBabol, Alpenliebe, Mentos, HappyDent, Golia, Chupa Chups… 

“Bảo chứng” vị thế dẫn đầu với loạt “di sản” ngọt ngào vượt thời gian được ưa chuộng bởi nhiều thế hệ

Tại Việt Nam, Perfetti Van Melle đã hiện diện gần 3 thập kỷ, liên tục chinh phục khẩu vị người tiêu dùng nhờ sự thấu hiểu sâu sắc thị hiếu địa phương và nỗ lực không ngừng để sáng tạo những hương vị độc đáo. 

Khéo léo kết nối niềm vui các thế hệ bằng các dòng kẹo “bắt trend” độc đáo

Suốt gần 30 năm có mặt tại thị trường Việt Nam, những viên kẹo Perfetti Van Melle đã trở thành một phần không thể thiếu trong cuộc sống của người Việt từng thế hệ, là cầu nối gắn kết ký ức từ những ngày bé thơ đến phút giây trưởng thành. Mỗi thương hiệu mang một định vị riêng biệt, được thiết kế để chạm đến cảm xúc của từng thế hệ người Việt, từ Alpenliebe với sự ngọt ngào, ấm áp trong các khoảnh khắc gia đình sum vầy, Chupa Chups mang ý nghĩa niềm vui bất tận, Mentos với biểu tượng của tinh thần tự do trải nghiệm, đến những viên Big Babol gắn liền với các buổi tụ tập, vui đùa “thổi bùng” niềm vui của trẻ nhỏ. 

Mỹ Mỹ (Phóng viên, Hồ Chí Minh) chia sẻ: “Mỗi lần thấy viên Big Babol hay kẹo mút Chupa Chups là tôi lại nhớ về những ngày rong ruổi khắp ngõ nhỏ cùng bạn bè, vừa mút kẹo vừa thi nhau thổi bóng. Một kỷ niệm thật giản dị nhưng đáng nhớ và tạo nên ký ức thật đẹp thời thơ ấu”. 

Những viên kẹo Perfetti Van Melle trở thành niềm vui đầy háo hức của bao thế hệ Việt, là cầu nối gắn kết ký ức từ những ngày bé thơ đến phút giây trưởng thành.

Đồng thời, cốt lõi thành công của “đế chế kẹo” Perfetti Van Melle tại Việt Nam còn nằm ở khả năng thấu hiểu, cập nhật và thích nghi với những thị hiếu mới, đồng thời hòa quyện khéo léo với văn hóa địa phương để tiên phong sáng tạo những sản phẩm “bắt trend” mang hương vị bản địa độc đáo. Điển hình là dòng kẹo Alpenliebe Xoài Muối Ớt ra mắt năm 2020, lấy cảm hứng từ thói quen ăn trái cây chấm muối ớt của người Việt. Với vị ngọt, cay chua độc đáo, sản phẩm không chỉ thúc đẩy tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ mà còn tạo nên “cơn sốt” với giới trẻ Việt. Năm 2023, tập đoàn tiếp tục “làm mới” thị trường với Alpenliebe Jelly Biển Xanh Long Lanh, dòng kẹo dẻo đột phá về kết cấu, thiết lập tiêu chuẩn mới trong ngành kẹo.

Những hương vị độc đáo luôn là “chìa khóa” giúp Perfetti Van Melle chinh phục trái tim bao thế hệ Việt

Mỗi mùa Tết, Perfetti Van Melle đều mang đến những bất ngờ mới cho người dùng với những sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn độc đáo. Chào đón Tết Nguyên Đán 2025, Perfetti Van Melle sẽ giới thiệu bộ sưu tập Tết “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào” với các dòng kẹo đặc biệt, đáp ứng nhu cầu tiêu dùng tăng cao mùa lễ hội. Các sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn mùa Tết bao gồm Alpenliebe Caramel, Alpenliebe Xoài Muối Ớt cay bùng nổ, Golia Chanh Gừng thanh nhẹ, Mentos Cầu Dừa Đủ Xoài mang ý nghĩa sung túc và may mắn.

Bộ sưu tập Tết 2025 sẽ “trình làng” với các sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn mang thông điệp “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào”

Điểm nhấn thú vị của phiên bản năm nay là Chupa Chups Kẹo Dẻo Cá Chép Vượt Vũ Môn – sẽ lần đầu ra mắt tại Bộ sưu tập Tết 2025. Lấy cảm hứng từ hình ảnh cá chép hóa rồng, dòng kẹo mới sẽ “nhả vía” cho một năm mới rực rỡ, kiên định và thành công, hứa hẹn tạo nên cảm giác thích thú và gắn kết với đông đảo thế hệ bởi sự hòa quyện tinh tế giữa xu hướng hiện đại và phong tục truyền thống. Đặc biệt, kẹo dẻo vị chua Chupa Chups sẽ giới thiệu phiên bản giới hạn “Ống Gieo Quẻ Vạn Điều Chups” để người dùng “lắc quẻ” và nhận về những lời chúc độc đáo về tiền tài, tình duyên, công việc.

Hàng loạt dòng kẹo giới hạn độc đáo sẽ ra mắt và “khuấy đảo” thị trường Việt mùa Tết này

Thuý An (Nội trợ, Đà Nẵng) chia sẻ: “Mỗi dịp Tết, tôi luôn háo hức với những sản phẩm phiên bản giới hạn của Perfetti Van Melle. Những viên kẹo không chỉ ngon mà còn gợi nhiều ký ức ý nghĩa, gắn kết nhiều thế hệ từ già đến trẻ và giúp ký ức ngày xuân thêm trọn vẹn”.

Không chỉ chú trọng hương vị, Perfetti Van Melle còn đầu tư vào thiết kế bao bì bắt mắt, mang đậm không khí Tết truyền thống với những lời chúc ý nghĩa, từ Alpenliebe “Khởi đầu gắn kết”, Chupa Chups “Khởi đầu vui rộn ràng” đến Mentos “Khởi đầu tươi mới”. Các sản phẩm được thiết kế đa dạng về kích thước, từ túi nhỏ tiện lợi đến hộp quà sang trọng, đáp ứng mọi nhu cầu từ biếu tặng hay bày biện cỗ Tết của mọi thế hệ người tiêu dùng.

Lam Phương (Dân văn phòng, TP.Hồ Chí Minh) nhận xét: “Tôi thích các thiết kế của các sản phẩm Tết năm nay vì chúng rất đẹp mắt và tinh tế. Một hộp kẹo không chỉ là món quà, mà còn thể hiện được sự trân trọng khi tặng người thân với những lời chúc năm mới ý nghĩa ngay trên bao bì”.

Các sản phẩm Tết được thiết kế đa dạng về kích thước, từ hộp quà trang trọng đến túi nhỏ gọn để bày biện trong mâm cỗ Tết

Bộ sưu tập Tết 2025 sẽ chính thức có mặt trên toàn quốc từ tháng 12 năm 2024, tạo ra những “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào” dịp Tết Nguyên Đán 2025 – với các thương hiệu được yêu thích như Alpenliebe, Mentos, Golia và Chupa Chups.

Data Shows US, Russia, and China Continue to Lead Global Military Power Rankings

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According to the Global Firepower 2025 global military power rankings, the United States, Russia, and China maintain their positions as the top three military powers worldwide.

The defense analysis organization Global Firepower recently published its annual report assessing the strength of the world’s armed forces in 2025.

United States: Leading the Rankings

The report places the United States first, with a power index of 0.0744 (where a lower index indicates greater strength). Since 2005, the US has consistently held the top spot, attributed to its abundant human resources, robust financial systems, and unparalleled military industrial production capabilities.

Russia: Strength Amid Sanctions

Ranked second with an index of 0.0788, Russia retains its position despite facing significant Western sanctions. The country continues to execute its “special military campaign” in Ukraine while expanding its defense industry’s scope.

China: Expanding Global Presence

China takes third place, also with a rating of 0.0788. The report highlights China’s growing military footprint, which extends beyond Asia to regions like Africa and South America.

Other Top Military Powers

Following the top three are India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Turkey, and Italy, completing the top 10 rankings.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

Since 2006, Global Firepower has analyzed and ranked the military capabilities of 145 nations. The evaluation is based on over 60 factors, including manpower, military equipment, natural resources, financial stability, and geographic considerations. However, the ranking deliberately excludes the consideration of nuclear arsenals.

VinFast Achieves Unprecedented Milestone with 87,000 Electric Car Sales in 2024

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VinFast has just announced that it has delivered more than 20,000 cars in December 2024 in the Vietnamese market, achieving unprecedented sales in the history of the domestic automobile market, bringing the total number of cars delivered for the whole year in Vietnam alone to more than 87,000 cars. With this record, VinFast officially exceeded its sales target, and is the number 1 car seller in Vietnam.

Phở Treo Famous Near Hoàn Kiếm Lake Makes a Big Comeback: What’s Behind the Rise of Cà Phê Treo?

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This method is both strange and familiar, you may have seen it somewhere…

“Taking Vietnamese Coffee Global”: Cộng Cà Phê Expands to the Philippines Following Success in South Korea, Malaysia, and Canada

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Cong Ca Phe officially entered the Philippine market in February 2025.

Ho Chi Minh City to Launch New Tour Along Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line

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The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has surveyed tourist attractions around 14 stations of metro line 1, as a basis for businesses to build new products and tours.

The information was given by Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, at the program ” People ask, the government answers” with the theme ” Tet At Ty: Happiness, peace, looking towards the future”, on the morning of January 12, chaired by the City People’s Council.

According to Ms. Hieu, when the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line came into operation, the Department surveyed destinations and tourist facilities along the route, around 14 stations. The unit organized a conference, inviting businesses to participate in order to evaluate and build products and tours along the route. The goal is for visitors to the city to both experience metro line 1 and visit attractive destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the leader of the Department of Tourism, during this Tet holiday, many travel businesses have exploited products combining the use of metro line 1 with tourist attractions along this route.

At the program, Ms. Bui Thi To Trinh, Deputy Director of Suoi Tien Tourism Joint Stock Company, also suggested that the city soon have tours to experience metro line 1 associated with destinations along the route.

According to Ms. Trinh, when Metro No. 1 is put into operation, the company will receive many calls from tourists asking about whether there is a tour to visit Suoi Tien combined with taking the metro. In the immediate future, to meet the needs of customers, the company will have a program to give away one metro ticket to visitors. The program will start on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The nearly 20km Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line No. 1 officially came into operation on December 22, marking an important turning point in the urban transport system of Ho Chi Minh City. The metro line is a means of promoting tourism, connecting cultural, historical and entertainment destinations of the city. With 6 out of 14 stations near tourist attractions, visitors can walk to sightseeing spots, visit shops, entertainment complexes, and eateries.

The manual for using metro line 1, published by the Ho Chi Minh City Traffic Safety Committee and the City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR), also suggests many places to visit and travel along the stations.

Specifically, from Ben Thanh Station, people can reach the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts in just 450 meters; Ben Thanh Market in about 350 meters; September 23 Park in about 500 meters; and Tao Dan Park and Thong Nhat Hall in just about one kilometer.

Other tourist attractions in the city center include the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee headquarters, the Opera House station, 220 m away; Nguyen Hue walking street, 300 m away; City Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Van Binh book street, about 550 m away.

From Ba Son Station, people can reach Ton Duc Thang Museum and Vietnam Geological Museum at a distance of 550 m. In addition, people can reach Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden at a distance of 900 m and Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Vietnamese History at a distance of 1.1 km.

From Tan Cang station (station near Saigon bridge) in Binh Thanh district, take visitors to visit Landmark 81 building and Van Thanh tourist area with a journey of 1.2 km and to Tan Cang tourist area with about 700 m.

At the program, a representative of Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), the operator of metro line No. 1, said that after more than 20 days of free operation, more than two million passengers have used this means of transport. From January 21, passengers who want to travel will buy tickets in cash, via app, or by swiping a bank card.

HURC1 expects that many businesses will buy tickets in large quantities for their employees or tourism businesses will operate tours along the route so that visitors to the city can both experience the new means of transport and visit and promote the image of Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: vnexpress.net

Western Tourists Flock to Quang Binh for Unique “Duck Massage” Experience

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While feeding a flock of more than 100 ducks, Eva from Germany will never forget the feeling of the whole flock rushing at her to perform a strange but memorable beak massage.

After a trip to Phong Nha in June 2024, German digital nomad Esteban Zanelli shared a photo of himself sitting among the ducks and said he had a “silly but extremely relaxing experience” at a farm called The Duck Stop. He hand-fed the ducks and had them give him a beak massage.

Eva, a German tourist, traveled to Phong Nha, Quang Binh last September and visited this farm at the recommendation of a travel blogger. The entrance fee is about 150,000 VND and Eva said it was an “unforgettable” experience to be surrounded by more than 100 ducks for the first time. When food is spread around her feet, the flock of ducks will rush in, creating a “weird but memorable” massage experience, according to Eva.

The Duck Stop model was introduced by The New York Times in 2019 as “a budget travel experience that attracts Western backpackers”. Visitors to The Duck Stop do the work of farmers such as raising ducks, feeding ducks, herding buffaloes and paying their owners.

Fran Lavish, a British tourist, also visited this farm last June after seeing some videos on social media. Being an animal lover, Fran knew this was something she had to try when she had the opportunity to travel to Vietnam.

“You definitely won’t find a similar experience anywhere else,” says Fran.

Her favorite thing is to hold a box of food and the ducks will follow behind like an army. When Fran raises her hand, they all raise their heads and when she lowers her hand, they also bow. Fran says she feels like a general commanding an army of ducks. According to the British tourist, these authentic and intimate experiences will attract many international tourists, especially from developed countries where the countryside is rare.

According to the Quang Binh Province Tourism Promotion Center, The Duck Stop is one of the outstanding community tourism models, implemented by individuals or households, associated with agricultural activities and life experiences. The unit assessed that this model received great attention from both international and domestic visitors.

Developing rural tourism is also an important goal set by the People’s Committee of Quang Binh province for the period from 2021 to 2025. The locality encourages households, individuals, and communities to participate and introduce products with regional characteristics, experiences, and to meet tourists’ tastes.

In recent years, the rural tourism model has been welcomed by many international visitors. Many experienced tour guides revealed that international visitors, especially high-end visitors, are interested in experiential products that allow them to immerse themselves in the lives of local people.

Therefore, in many localities such as Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hoi An, tourism models such as herding buffalo, farming, going to the market and cooking appear more and more. Recently, some tour guides have also created strange tours such as visiting pregnant women , working as construction workers or visiting cemeteries.

Source: vnexpress.net

Blood Pudding Ranked Among the 100 Worst Foods in the World for 2025

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Vietnamese blood pudding ranked 52nd in the top 100 worst foods and was rated 2.7 stars, while blodpalt dumplings made from reindeer blood in Finland ranked number one.

After announcing the list of 100 Best dishes in the world in 2025, the Taste Atlas culinary guide continues to list the 100 worst dishes. Blood pudding is the representative of Vietnam in this list, ranked 52nd, and achieved 2.7 stars out of 5. Balut is also in the top, ranked 48th, but this dish is considered representative of Philippine cuisine.

Describing blood pudding, Taste Atlas writes: “The bright red dish is made from fresh animal blood mixed with fish sauce. The blood and filling will coagulate to resemble a thick, chewy pudding, often served with crushed roasted peanuts, herbs, and basil.” Blood pudding is a traditional dish, often prepared for feasts. The dish has caused much controversy because it is eaten raw, which is not hygienic. Currently, Vietnamese people are gradually eating less of this dish.

This is not the first time Vietnamese blood pudding has been mentioned. In March 2024, Taste Atlas published a list of 45 Vietnamese dishes that were rated worst by international guests , with blood pudding ranked second. Green bean cake ranked first. In 2023, in the 100 worst dishes, balut was also mentioned.

The rating results are based on nearly 400,000 votes from thousands of experts, diners, and chefs on more than 11,000 famous dishes from countries around the world. The rating is calculated by star, the highest is 5 stars. The lower the star, the worse the dish is rated.

Topping the list of the 100 worst foods in the world in 2025 is blodpalt, a traditional dish from Finnish Lapland and northern Sweden. The dumpling is considered “nutritious” by locals but is not highly regarded by international tourists because it is made from barley mixed with animal blood. Traditionally, people would mix reindeer blood with flour to make the dough. Nowadays, blood is used from many different animals as well as using many different spices, sometimes mixed with mashed potatoes. Blodpal is filled with a mixture of fried onions, diced bacon, served with bacon, fried pork, butter and blueberry jam.

Founded in 2015, Taste Atlas connects 9,000 local restaurants, introducing tens of thousands of dishes to readers based on thousands of reviews and research by culinary experts and chefs. The website is considered a world map of traditional dishes made from local ingredients.

Source: vnexpress.net

Why Real Estate and Stocks Are the Smart Investments This Year

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FIDT experts believe that in the initial economic recovery cycle, suitable asset classes for investment include real estate, stocks and bonds.

In the discussion on January 12, Mr. Ngo Thanh Huan, CEO of FIDT Investment Consulting and Asset Management Company, said that asset allocation is the most important issue in financial investment . To have an optimal portfolio, investors need to determine the risk profile and expected return, then determine the economic cycle and investment channels, and finally build an investment portfolio.

“Determining the economic cycle is a very important step, greatly affecting investment performance, but many people ignore or take it lightly. It is better to choose the wrong asset channel in the right cycle, than to choose the right place to invest in the wrong cycle,” Mr. Huan emphasized.

FIDT analysts believe that Vietnam is currently in the early stages of recovery. The telltale sign is that interest rates have bottomed out and are starting to tick up slightly but remain low for many years. On the macro front, GDP growth has exceeded the target of 7.09% in 2024, industrial production has also recovered. Business sales have grown but inventories are low. Credit demand is more easily met. On the stock market, stock prices have begun to rise.

With the assessment that the economy is in the initial recovery cycle, FIDT suggests that suitable investment channels will include real estate, securities (stocks, bonds) and gold.

“This year is a good time to buy real estate. If you need to increase your assets, you can buy stocks and bonds. As for gold, investors should not buy more but do not need to sell soon,” Mr. Huan added.

Accordingly, the FIDT analysis team offers three recommended portfolio proportions for 2025, depending on each person’s risk profile. In general, with the habits of the majority of Vietnamese people, this unit still allocates half or more to real estate, they encourage products with high population demand with small value. Next are stocks, then bank savings, the rest is reserved for bonds and gold.

At the seminar, Mr. Le Bao Long, Marketing Director of Batdongsan platform, said that the market has experienced a reversal point since the beginning of 2024 and is moving towards an exploration phase in the last months of the year. This year, the platform predicts that real estate may enter a consolidation phase.

The above assessment is based on the fact that the source of money participating in the market is improving, the most vibrant is in the Northern region. At the same time, the trio of amended Land, Housing and Real Estate Business Laws coming into effect will create a transparent legal corridor, helping the market develop sustainably. In addition, monetary policy is also forecast to remain steadfastly loose, interest rates may increase but only slightly.

In the coming time, Batdongsan believes that real estate may gradually recover. Expectations supporting the above forecast include economic and investment development potential, market supply recovery and price growth.

Meanwhile, FIDT continues to emphasize products with real demand. They believe that the real estate recovery in 2025 will be affected by three factors: the high prices in Hanoi, the progress of legal issues, and the real health of the economy. If these factors create too heavy an impact, the recovery may stall and the congestion will continue to last.

Discussing the stock market potential, Mr. Bui Van Huy, Director of FIDT Investment Research, said that VN-Index is moving sideways in a downward trend but may close above 1,300 points by the end of this year with a forecast price range of 1,320-1,540 points. Market valuation is still attractive when P/E (market price per share earnings) is only around 13 times or P/B (market price per book value) is around 1.7 times. Corporate profits in the entire market are forecast to increase by 16% with great potential coming from the banking, technology, and real estate sectors. Great opportunities from market upgrade are near.

“If we forget the current short-term pain, the long-term opportunity is huge,” Mr. Huy stated his opinion.

In the bond channel , after a crisis of confidence from 2022 to present, FIDT believes that the market has gradually recovered thanks to legal improvements. With the amended Securities Law, risks will be reduced, increasing the rights of bondholders. The trend this year is expected to be that businesses will increase new issuance with higher interest rates, while the situation of late payment of principal and interest will decrease. Liquidity of bond trading in the secondary market is also expected to recover.

Last year, global gold prices rose about 28% thanks to strong buying by central banks and investors, despite falling consumer demand. Low interest rates, a weak USD and geopolitical risks fueled this impressive performance. Domestically, SJC gold bars gained nearly 14% to VND84.2 million per tael, while gold rings increased sharply by 33% to close the year at VND84 million.

However, this year, according to Mr. Jack Nguyen, Director of Blockbase Investment Fund, precious metals may grow modestly, unless there is demand beyond expectations from central banks or financial crises stimulate safe-haven flows. On the contrary, higher interest rates can put pressure. The role of China is also very important, depending on trade, economic stimulus and global risks.

Regardless of the scenario, FIDT recommends only investing 5% of the portfolio in gold. They believe that investors should not buy more for now but do not need to sell soon, meaning they should only hold gold to ensure portfolio diversification and increase the support buffer for asset classes.

General Secretary Calls for Bold Solutions to Attract Top Tech Talent

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General Secretary To Lam requested key investments to develop research organizations and deploy breakthrough solutions to attract science and technology talents abroad and overseas Vietnamese to work.

The finest places to live, work, and thrive in Asia are celebrated at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 

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OVER 130 LEADING DEVELOPERS AND DESIGN PRACTICES FROM ACROSS ASIA GATHER IN BANGKOK FOR FINALE OF 2024 AWARDS SERIES

BANGKOK, Thailand — The 19th AnnualPropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, supported by V-ZUG Thailand, today revealed the region’s finest real estate and outstanding developers at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

The conclusion of the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series hosted over 130 award-winning finalists from across Asia, elevating their achievements on the international stage.

Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. was honoured as the Best Developer in Asia—a first for the company.

This marked one of five wins for companies representing Mainland China. Winners from Mainland China included Lead8, awarded for its projects MixC Changchun and K11 Shanghai, Huaihai Middle Road. Other winning design practices were Jiang & Associates Creative Design, which won for ALIBABA BEIJING CHAOYANG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK, and Sybarite, which won for SKP Chengdu.

Developers from Hong Kong and Macau also excelled with four winning titles. Winners included China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited, winning for PANO HARBOUR; Lek Hang Group for Hotel Central Macau; Lofter Group Limited for 1 Ki Lung Street; and New Orient Group for San Tung Fong Commerical Inn North Wing (Former LokKok Restaurant Building).

The Philippines emerged as the most awarded market with 12 accolades. Federal Land, Inc. stood out as Best Luxury Developer (Asia), accompanied by a win for Riverpark, while Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. gained the Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia) title. Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates was honoured as Best Industrial Developer (Asia), supported by a win for LIMA Estate.

Adding to the Philippines’ impressive tally were titles for RLC Residences, winning for The Residences at The Westin Manila; Robinsons Offices for GBF Center 1; and work.able for work.able Robinsons Summit Center. Alveo Land won for Viento at Cerca while Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation won for MITSUKOSHI BGC.

The Estate Makati—a collaboration between SM Development Corporation (SMDC) and Federal Land—received two titles. This year’s PropertyGuru Icon Award was presented to Henry T. Sy, Jr., non-executive director and chairman of the board at SM Prime Holdings, by the editorial team of Property Report by PropertyGuru, the official magazine of the Awards.

A wide array of companies from Malaysia triumphed with 11 wins. They included Bangsar Heights Pavilion, winning for Quayside JBCC; Berinda Group for Ponderosa Callista; City Motors Group for Alfa Bangsar; Eupe Corporation Berhad for Helix2 @ PJ South; Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd for Iconia Garden Residence; Iskandar Investment Berhad for Medini Innopolis; JLand Group Sdn Bhd for Sanubari @ Bandar Dato Onn; Malton Berhad for The Park 2 Pavilion Bukit Jalil; Sime Darby Property Berhad for Serenia Industrial Park; Tropicana Corporation Berhad for Avisa Residences, Tropicana Alam; and Triterra Sdn Bhd for The MET Corporate Towers.

Indonesia celebrated eight wins, led by Paramount Land, winner of the Best Township Developer (Asia) title. Sinar Mas Land garnered multiple titles for BSD City and Biomedical Campus, as well as its joint ventures: Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) at Kota Deltamas by JV Sinar Mas Land & Sojitz Corporation and Navapark by PT. Bumi Parama Wisesa, Hongkong Land & Sinar Mas Land J/V.

Other victorious developers from Indonesia were DM Projects Group, winning for Salty Jim Villa; PT Adhi Commuter Properti Tbk. for LRT City Cibubur; and Summarecon Group for Flora at Summarecon Bandung

Singapore continued its winning streak with eight wins. UOL Group Limited was recognised as both Best Sustainable Developer (Asia) and Best Hospitality Developer (Asia), with Meyer Blue winning an award for both UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited. Pan Pacific Orchard meanwhile yielded a win for both UOL Group Limited and Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

Similarly, GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited jointly won for Lentor Mansion. TID Pte. Ltd. won Best Lifestyle Developer (Asia), alongside a win for Lentoria, while FRX Capital Private Limited was named Best Boutique Developer (Asia).

Australia also garnered seven wins, three of which went to BLVD by OSK Property. Other champions included BHC Property, winning for Mercer; FY Property, Kooringa Group, MA Financial, CPDM for Chatswood Garden; Golden Sedayu for Burswood Point; and Jean Yip Developments for Elements at Carousel.

Thailand earned four titles, with Sansiri Public Company Limited winning for BuGaan Pattanakarn and Narasiri Phahol-Watcharapol. AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited also represented the kingdom with a win for The City Rama5-Nakhon In while APAC Land won for APAC Tower.

Also claiming four titles, Vietnam emerged victorious with Phu Long Real Estates Corporation named as

Best Community Developer (Asia). Gamuda Land won two titles for Eaton Park while Ecopark scored a win for Ecovillage Saigon River.

From Japan, Niseko Woodlands Limited won for Grand Tsuru Niseko while Yoichi Dreams was recognised for Kisin.

Saudi Arabia debuted at the Grand Final with Oud Real-Estate Development Company winning Best Mixed Use Developer (Asia), following a series of wins during the inaugural PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Middle East).

From Cambodia, LP Residences Co., Ltd. received a win for its Palm Springs project. By the Waters by Suryam Developers LLP meanwhile gained a recognition for India.

Jeremy Williams, managing director for Marketplaces at PropertyGuru Group, said: “PropertyGuru’s commitment to a sustainable future in Asia is truly reflected in this year’s award winners. By raising benchmarks for resilience and sustainability, we power communities to live, work, and thrive in tomorrow’s cities. These accolades not only honour the efforts of developers and design practices but also inspire innovation that benefits property seekers, agents, and investors alike. As we celebrate the 19th edition of the Grand Final, we look forward to a wave of progress creating what’s next for the region’s built environment.”

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “The 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series included many first-time accolades. We celebrated the strengths of emerging and established property markets, expanding to new regions and revisiting the region’s leading real estate destinations. We also honoured individuals—industry legends and rising stars poised to change the game. Through the People’s Choice Awards, we engaged with property buyers, giving them a platform to support developers who share their aspirations and values. We also recognised excellence in ESG, supporting those making our industry more sustainable for future generations of property seekers. It’s an honour to conclude this series by celebrating companies across a wide variety of real estate sectors and distinguishing multiple types of projects throughout Asia Pacific, a region that is becoming home to the cities of tomorrow.”

Thien Duong, chairperson of the Grand Final, said: “This year’s winners across Asia Pacific have impressed the judges with their sustainable, functional masterplans and designs, spanning everything from expansive townships to livable homes and dynamic commercial spaces. Excellence in property development is incessantly redefined across the region, and we’re happy to contribute to this ongoing evolution. Congratulations to the Gold Standard bearers of real estate across Asia Pacific.”

An independent panel of head judges from participating markets in the Awards selected the winners: Thien Duong, general director, GroupGSA Vietnam (Vietnam); Ajai A Kapoor, CEO, 360 degrees – Real Estate Services (India); Cyndy Tan Jarabata, president of TAJARA Leisure & Hospitality Group Inc. (Philippines); Eddie Guillemette, CEO, Midori no Ki (Japan); Datuk Ar. Ezumi Harzani Ismail, president, Malaysian Institute of Architects: 2020-2022 (Malaysia); Ivan Lam​, executive director, international business, Charter Keck Cramer (Australia); Ken Ip, chairman, Asia MarTech Society (Mainland China); Kristin Thorsteins, co-founder & managing partner, Portman Investment Pte Ltd (Singapore); Dr. Nirmal De Silva, director and CEO, Paramount Realty (Sri Lanka); Paul Tse, president, board of directors, Macao Association of Building Contractors and Developers (China – Hong Kong and Macau); Sorn Seap, president, Cambodian Valuers and Estate Agents Association (Cambodia); Suphin Mechuchep, CEO, Sen X Group PCL (Thailand); and Vivin Harsanto, senior director and head of advisory, JLL Indonesia (Indonesia).

HLB ensured the fairness, transparency, and credibility of the selection process under the supervision of Paul Ashburn of HLB International Real Estate Group. The global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers was recognised as the “2024 Network of the Year.”

The 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final was a highlight of PropertyGuru Week, which also featured the PropertyGuru Asia Real Estate Summit; the debut of the Awards in the Middle East; and the latest editions of the Awards in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.

Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE:PGRU), the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final is supported by gold sponsor V-ZUG Thailand; official portal partner PropertyGuru; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners Bridges, BusinessWorld, d+a Magazine, Detik.com, Hot Magazine, Kiripost, Kompas.com, Luxury Society Asia, Manila Bulletin, Pattaya Trader, Prop2morrow, REm, SquareRooms, Tatler Asia Homes, The Philippine Star, and Think of Living; supporting partner REHDA Institute; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS
19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final

DEVELOPER AWARDS

Best Developer (Asia)

  • Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. – Mainland China (WINNER)
  • BHC Property – Australia
  • Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd – Sri Lanka
  • New World Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau
  • Robinsons Land – Philippines
  • Signature Global (India) Limited – India
  • Sinar Mas Land – Indonesia
  • UOL Group Limited – Singapore

Best Luxury Developer (Asia)

Federal Land, Inc. – Philippines (WINNER)

Best Township Developer (Asia)

Paramount Land – Indonesia (WINNER)

Best Mixed Use Developer (Asia)

Oud Real-Estate Development Company – Saudi Arabia (WINNER)

Best Sustainable Developer (Asia)

  • UOL Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)
  • King Square Development Co., Ltd. – Thailand

Best Industrial Developer (Asia)

Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates – Philippines (WINNER)

Best Lifestyle Developer (Asia)

TID Pte. Ltd. – Singapore (WINNER)

Best Hospitality Developer (Asia)

UOL Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)

Best Community Developer (Asia)

Phu Long Real Estates Corporation – Vietnam (WINNER)

Best Boutique Developer (Asia)

  • FRX Capital Private Limited – Singapore (WINNER)
  • Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau

Best Breakthrough Developer (Asia)

Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. – Philippines (WINNER)

DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

Best Mega Township Development (Asia)

  • BSD City by Sinar Mas Land – Indonesia (WINNER)

Best Township Development (Asia)

  • Riverpark by Federal Land, Inc. – Philippines (WINNER)
  • Koh Pich City by OCIC Group – Cambodia
  • Summarecon Bogor by Summarecon Group – Indonesia

Best Mixed Use Development (Asia)

  • Burswood Point by Golden Sedayu – Australia (WINNER)
  • Gaysorn Village by Gaysorn Property Co., Ltd. – Thailand
  • KingsQuare by King Square Development Co., Ltd. – Thailand
  • Shenzhen Huafa Snow World by Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. – Mainland China

Best Ultra Luxury Condo Development (Asia)

  • The Estate Makati by SM Development Corp. and Federal Land – Philippines (WINNER)
  • Jianfa Zichen by Jianfa Fangdichan Jituan – Mainland China

Best Luxury Condo Development (Asia)

  • Meyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore (WINNER)
  • R&F Princess Cove Phase 2 – Seine Region by R&F Development Sdn Bhd. – Malaysia
  • The Seasons Residences by Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation – Philippines
  • Waterdale Residencies, bordering Colombo 7 by Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd – Sri Lanka

Best High End Condo Development (Asia)

  • Viento at Cerca by Alveo Land – Philippines (WINNER)
  • Cerule at Solinea by Alveo Land – Philippines
  • Xi’an Huafa Lijun ‧Center Glorous by Zhuhai Huafa Properties Co., Ltd. – Mainland China

Best Condo Development (Asia)

  • The Estate Makati by SM Development Corp. and Federal Land – Philippines (WINNER)
  • BLVD by OSK Property – Australia
  • Lentor Mansion by GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited – Singapore
  • The Pavilia Forest by Joint Venture by New World Development Company Limited & Far East Consortium International Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau

Best Mid End Condo Development (Asia) 

  • Helix2 @ PJ South by Eupe Corporation Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)
  • Aspen Peak by Rumapadu by Harmas Land & Integrasi Transit Jakarta (ITJ) – Indonesia

Best Completed Condo Development (Asia)

The Park 2 Pavilion Bukit Jalil by Malton Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)

Best Luxury Waterfront Condo Development (Asia)

  • PANO HARBOUR by China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)
  • Meyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore

Best Waterfront Condo Development (Asia)

  • Eaton Park by Gamuda Land – Vietnam (WINNER)
  • Oceana Beach Resort Apartments & Villas – Wadduwa by Home Lands Skyline (Pvt) Ltd – Sri Lanka
  • The Residences at Terrazas de Punta Fuego by Landco Pacific Corporation – Philippines

Best Connectivity Condo Development (Asia)

1 Ki Lung Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)

Best TOD Condo Development (Asia)

LRT City Cibubur by PT Adhi Commuter Properti Tbk. – Indonesia (WINNER)

Best Investment Condo Development (Asia)

Elements at Carousel by Jean Yip Developments – Australia (WINNER)

Best Lifestyle Condo Development (Asia)

The Residences at The Westin Manila by RLC Residences – Philippines (WINNER)

Best Eco Friendly Condo Development (Asia)

Alfa Bangsar by City Motors Group – Malaysia (WINNER)

Best Ultra Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia)

BuGaan Pattanakarn by Sansiri Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)

Best Luxury Housing / Landed Development (Asia)

Narasiri Phahol-Watcharapol by Sansiri Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)

Best Housing / Landed Development (Asia)

  • Grand Tsuru Niseko by Niseko Woodlands Limited – Japan (WINNER)
  • Kisin by Yoichi Dreams – Japan
  • Mount Rosie Signature Collection by FRX Capital Private Limited – Singapore

Best Mid End Housing / Landed Development (Asia)

  • The City Rama5-Nakhon In by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited – Thailand (WINNER)
  • Leonora at Summarecon Serpong by Summarecon Group – Indonesia

Best Affordable Housing / Landed Development (Asia)

  • Avisa Residences, Tropicana Alam by Tropicana Corporation Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)
  • Britania Bekasi by PT. Mekar Agung Sejahtera – Indonesia
  • Spring Residence at Spring City, Sentul City by PT Sentul City Tbk – Indonesia
  • Villa Natura by Eupe Corporation Berhad – Malaysia

Best Completed Housing / Landed Development (Asia)

Flora at Summarecon Bandung by Summarecon Group – Indonesia (WINNER)

Best Waterfront Housing / Landed Development (Asia)

By the Waters by Suryam Developers LLP – India (WINNER)

Best Investment Housing Development (Asia)

Iconia Garden Residence by Gunung Impian Development Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)

Best Branded Residential Development (Asia)

  • Quayside JBCC by Bangsar Heights Pavilion – Malaysia (WINNER)
  • The Residences at The Westin Manila by RLC Residences – Philippines

Best Luxury Townhouse Development (Asia)

Mercer by BHC Property – Australia (WINNER)

Best Townhouse Development (Asia)

Chatswood Garden by FY Property, Kooringa Group, MA Financial, CPDM – Australia (WINNER)

Best Smart Home Development (Asia)

Sanubari @ Bandar Dato Onn by JLand Group Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)

Best Integrated Work From Home Development (Asia)

BLVD by OSK Property – Australia (WINNER)

Best Wellness Residential Development (Asia)

  • BLVD by OSK Property – Australia (WINNER)
  • The Residences at The Westin Manila by RLC Residences – Philippines

Best Heritage Development (Asia)

  • Hotel Central Macau by Lek Hang Group – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)
  • San Tung Fong Commerical Inn North Wing (Former LokKok Restaurant Building) by New Orient Group – China – Hong Kong and Macau

Best Mega Scale Industrial Development (Asia)

  • Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) at Kota Deltamas by JV Sinar Mas Land & Sojitz Corporation – Indonesia (WINNER)

Best Industrial Development (Asia)

  • Serenia Industrial Park by Sime Darby Property Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)
  • Light Industry & Science Park IV by Science Park of the Philippines. Inc. – Philippines

Best Green Industrial Development (Asia)

  • LIMA Estate by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates – Philippines (WINNER)

Best Office Development (Asia)

  • The MET Corporate Towers by Triterra Sdn Bhd – Malaysia (WINNER)
  • 83 King Lam Street by New World Development Company Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau
  • Cybergate Iloilo Tower 3 by Robinsons Offices – Philippines
  • FourE-com Center by SM Offices by SM Prime – Philippines
  • JLC by Hongkong Land – Mainland China
  • Oriental Square by OSI by Orient Success International Investment Joint Stock Company (OSI Holdings) – Vietnam

Best Retail Development (Asia)

  • MixC Changchun by Lead8 – Mainland China (WINNER)
  • 23 Paskal Shopping Center by PT Indonesian Paradise Property Tbk and Subsidiaries – Indonesia

Best Smart Building Development (Asia)

Biomedical Campus by Sinar Mas Land – Indonesia (WINNER)

Best Green Development (Asia)

  • Navapark by PT. Bumi Parama Wisesa, Hongkong Land & Sinar Mas Land J/V – Indonesia (WINNER)
  • KingsQuare Residence by King Square Development Co., Ltd. – Thailand
  • Signature Global Titanium SPR by Signature Global (India) Limited – India

Best Nature Integrated Development (Asia)

  • Lentor Mansion by GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited – Singapore (WINNER)
  • Kisin by Yoichi Dreams – Japan
  • The Morizen at Summarecon Mutiara Makassar by Summarecon Group & Sumitomo Forestry – Indonesia

DESIGN AWARDS

Best Mega Township Masterplan Design (Asia)

  • Medini Innopolis by Iskandar Investment Berhad – Malaysia (WINNER)
  • Riverpark by Federal Land, Inc. – Philippines

Best Township Masterplan Design (Asia)

  • Ecovillage Saigon River by Ecopark – Vietnam (WINNER)
  • Paramount Petals by Paramount Land – Indonesia
  • Best Mixed Use Architectural Design (Asia)
  • K11 Shanghai, Huaihai Middle Road by Lead8 – Mainland China (WINNER)
  • Quayside JBCC by Bangsar Heights Pavilion – Malaysia

Best Condo Architectural Design (Asia)

  • Lentoria by TID Pte. Ltd. – Singapore (WINNER)
  • 1 Ki Lung Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau
  • Lucky No. 16 by GAD Architectural Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. – Mainland China
  • Meyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore
  • PANO HARBOUR by China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited and Poly Property (Hong Kong) Co., Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau
  • The Hillshore by FRX Capital Private Limited – Singapore
  • The Spinnaker by Landco Pacific Corporation – Philippines

Best Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia) 

  • Ponderosa Callista by Berinda Group – Malaysia (WINNER)
  • The Links Golf Villas by PT. New Kuta Golf And Ocean View – Indonesia
  • The Palazzo Pinklao-Borom by AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited – Thailand
  • Vong Residence by V.I Land Investment Co., Ltd. – Cambodia

Best Resort Housing Architectural Design (Asia)

Kisin by Yoichi Dreams – Japan (WINNER)

Best Office Architectural Design (Asia)

  • APAC Tower by APAC Land – Thailand (WINNER)
  • GBF Center 1 by Robinsons Offices – Philippines
  • Juli Road No.1 by GAD Architectural Design (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. – Mainland China
  • THE CENDAS by S E A Holdings Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau

Best Retail Architectural Design (Asia)

MITSUKOSHI BGC by Sunshine Fort North Bonifacio Realty Development Corporation – Philippines (WINNER)

Best Condo Interior Design (Asia)

  • BLVD by OSK Property – Australia (WINNER)
  • 2C Boundary Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau
  • Casa Rivera by HWCD Design – Mainland China
  • Century of Cultural Collection by HWCD Design – Mainland China

Best Housing / Landed Interior Design (Asia)

  • Salty Jim Villa by DM Projects Group – Indonesia (WINNER)
  • Regalità by Da Vinci Land – Singapore

Best Suburban Housing / Landed Interior Design (Asia)

  • Palm Springs by LP Residences Co., Ltd – Cambodia (WINNER)
  • Best Heritage Interior Design (Asia)
  • San Tung Fong Commerical Inn North Wing (Former LokKok Restaurant Building) by New Orient Group – China – Hong Kong and Macau (WINNER)

Best Mega Scale Office Interior Design (Asia)

ALIBABA BEIJING CHAOYANG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK by Jiang & Associates Creative Design – Mainland China (WINNER)

Best Office Interior Design (Asia)

GBF Center 1 by Robinsons Offices – Philippines (WINNER)

Best Co Working Space (Asia)

work.able Robinsons Summit Center by work.able  – Philippines (WINNER)

Best Retail Interior Design (Asia)

SKP Chengdu by Sybarite – Mainland China (WINNER)

Best Hospitality Interior Design (Asia)

Pan Pacific Orchard by UOL Group Limited and Pan Pacific Hotels Group – Singapore (WINNER)

Best Condo Landscape Design (Asia)

Eaton Park by Gamuda Land – Vietnam (WINNER)

1 Ki Lung Street by Lofter Group Limited – China – Hong Kong and Macau

Lentor Mansion by GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings Limited – Singapore

Meyer Blue by UOL Group Limited and Singapore Land Group Limited – Singapore

PUBLISHER’S CHOICE

PropertyGuru Icon Award

Henry T. Sy, Jr., Non-Executive Director/Chairman of the Board, SM Prime Holdings Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SM Development Corporation (WINNER)

 

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Điểm sáng trong bức tranh ngành bảo hiểm tại TP.HCM trong năm 2024

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Danh sách 33 doanh nghiệp nộp thuế trên 1.000 tỷ đồng vừa được công bố có tên một doanh nghiệp bảo hiểm nhân thọ cho thấy dù nhiều thách thức, nhưng ngành bảo hiểm vẫn có nhiều cơ hội bứt phá trong 2025.

Vừa qua, Kho bạc Nhà nước TP.HCM vừa tổ chức hội nghị truyền thông báo cáo kết quả thu chi ngân sách nhà nước TP.HCM năm 2024. Báo cáo cho biết tổng thu ngân sách năm 2024 của thành phố đã vượt dự toán, đạt gần 510.000 tỷ đồng. Trong 89 tập thể được biểu dương về đóng góp cho thành phố, có tới 59 đơn vị là khối doanh nghiệp. Ở khối doanh nghiệp này, có tới 33 doanh nghiệp đã đóng góp thuế trên 1.000 tỷ đồng cho thành phố, với nhiều tên tuổi quen thuộc của nhóm ngành thương mại, sản xuất, tài chính, bảo hiểm. 

Đáng chú ý, ở nhóm tài chính – bảo hiểm có 8 ngân hàng trong nước và quốc tế, và một đơn vị bảo hiểm nhân thọ góp mặt trong “Câu lạc bộ nộp thuế nghìn tỷ” tại TP.HCM là Prudential Việt Nam. Đây được cho là một trong những điểm sáng của thị trường bảo hiểm, trong bối cảnh còn nhiều khó khăn hiện nay.

Điểm sáng thị trường bảo hiểm

Theo đại diện Prudential, trong giai đoạn từ 2020-2023, đơn vị đã thực hiện nghĩa vụ đóng thuế gần 4.000 tỷ đồng thuế vào ngân sách nhà nước, riêng năm 2023 là 1.231 tỷ đồng.

Chuyên gia kinh tế, PGS.TS Đinh Trọng Thịnh

PGS.TS Đinh Trọng Thịnh, chuyên gia kinh tế cũng cho rằng, doanh thu đóng góp thuế của doanh nghiệp bảo hiểm, nhất là Prudential đã tạo ra điểm sáng cho thị trường bảo hiểm sau nhiều khó khăn về chỉ số niềm tin và thách thức kinh tế thị trường. 

Thực tế, số liệu từ Tổng cục Thống kê chỉ ra, tính chung năm 2024, doanh thu phí của toàn thị trường bảo hiểm ước đạt 227.500 tỷ đồng, giảm nhẹ 0,25% so với cùng kỳ. Trong đó, doanh thu phí bảo hiểm nhân thọ dù đạt 149.200 tỷ đồng nhưng đã giảm 5% so với năm ngoái. 

Như vậy, nếu xét vào bức tranh của toàn ngành, thì đây là tín hiệu tích cực để tạo đà tăng trưởng cho năm 2025.

Ngành bảo hiểm còn nhiều tiềm năng phát triển

Nhìn vào danh sách 33 doanh nghiệp nộp thuế trên 1.000 tỷ đồng trong năm 2024, Tiến sĩ Huỳnh Thanh Điền, chuyên gia kinh tế cũng bày tỏ sự vui mừng khi hầu hết các doanh nghiệp nằm ở lĩnh vực thương mại, dịch vụ, tài chính, bảo hiểm. Theo đó, các đơn vị này đã mang về nguồn ngân sách lớn cho TP, góp phần gia tăng số thu ngân sách chung của TP, vượt xa so với dự toán. Cụ thể, tính đến hết 2024, số thu ngân sách của TP.HCM đã tiệm cận con số 510.000 tỷ đồng, trong khi kế hoạch do UBND TP.HCM giao là 482.851,1 tỷ đồng.

TS Huỳnh Thanh Điền

“Đây thực sự là lợi thế của TP.HCM, cho thấy nền kinh tế đang phục hồi, đặc biệt vào cuối năm 2024”- TS Huỳnh Thanh Điền nhận xét.

Cũng theo vị này, các doanh nghiệp gặp khó khăn đầu năm, nhưng tăng trưởng tốt vào cuối năm thì sẽ tạo tiền đề bứt phá cho năm 2025. Điều này cũng tương tự ở khối ngành bảo hiểm. TS Huỳnh Thanh Điền cũng tin rằng, khi các ngành nghề phục hồi, nhất là sản xuất sẽ kéo theo sự tăng trưởng của nhóm ngành tài chính – bảo hiểm, từ đó kỳ vọng tạo ra chu kỳ tăng trưởng mới.

Ở góc độ doanh nghiệp, đại diện Prudential cũng thông tin, trong năm 2025, đơn vị này sẽ tiếp tục duy trì các tiêu chuẩn cao nhất về quản trị và vận hành, đảm bảo việc tuân thủ theo các thay đổi của ngành. Từ đó tạo nền tảng để tiếp tục tạo đà phát triển không chỉ là sản phẩm, dịch vụ mà còn là đội ngũ nòng cốt, sẵn sàng nắm bắt những cơ hội và vượt qua những thách thức trong tương lai. 

PGS.TS Đinh Trọng Thịnh cũng cho rằng, với những hành lang pháp lý, và quản lý sự thay đổi của doanh nghiệp trong sản phẩm mới, ngành bảo hiểm sẽ còn nhiều dư địa phát triển. Theo đó, Bộ Tài Chính cũng dự đoán, tổng doanh thu phí bảo hiểm ước dự kiến sẽ tăng 0,05% so với cùng kỳ năm trước. Trong đó doanh thu phí bảo hiểm trong lĩnh vực bảo hiểm phi nhân thọ sẽ tăng 9,77% và lĩnh vực bảo hiểm nhân thọ ước tăng 3%.

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam for Foreign Tourists

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Vietnam, a land of breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. From stunning mountain landscapes to pristine beaches and bustling cities, Vietnam has something to offer for everyone.

Here’s a guide to the top 10 places every foreign tourist should explore.

1. Ha Long Bay – The Jewel of Vietnam

Famous for its emerald waters and limestone karsts, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true natural wonder. Tourists can enjoy cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave).

Must-try experience: Spend a night on a luxury cruise to witness the sunrise over the bay.

2. Hanoi – The Historic Capital

Hanoi in Autumn, which is the best season of the year. Photos: Khanh Huy/ Hanoi Times

The heart of Vietnam, Hanoi, blends ancient history with modern charm. Explore the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. The city’s street food, like pho and banh mi, is world-renowned.

Must-try experience: Watch a traditional water puppet show.

3. Sapa – Land of Mountains and Ethnic Diversity

Located in the northern highlands, Sapa is famous for its terraced rice fields, Fansipan Mountain (the “Roof of Indochina”), and ethnic minority cultures. Trekking through villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van is a highlight.

Must-try experience: Interact with the local Hmong people and learn about their traditional crafts.

4. Hue – The Imperial City

Hue, once the imperial capital, is a cultural treasure trove. The city is home to the Hue Citadel, royal tombs, and the iconic Perfume River.

Must-try experience: Take a boat ride on the Perfume River at sunset.

5. Hoi An – The Ancient Town

This charming town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and tailor shops. Hoi An’s beaches, like An Bang, add to its appeal.

Must-try experience: Release a lantern during the monthly Full Moon Festival.

6. Da Nang – Coastal Paradise

A vibrant city with a mix of stunning beaches and modern attractions, Da Nang is the gateway to the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, and the Golden Bridge.

Must-try experience: Visit the Golden Bridge for spectacular views and Instagram-worthy photos.

7. Nha Trang – Beach and Underwater Adventures

Known for its beautiful coastline, Nha Trang is a hub for snorkeling, scuba diving, and island-hopping. Don’t miss the Vinpearl Resort and its amusement park.

Must-try experience: Take a cable car ride to Vinpearl Island.

8. Dalat – The City of Eternal Spring

Dalat’s cool climate, French-inspired architecture, and lush landscapes make it a romantic getaway. The city is surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, and pine forests.

Must-try experience: Explore the Crazy House, a surreal architectural marvel.

9. Ho Chi Minh City – The Bustling Metropolis

Vietnam’s Saigon by night

Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, is a dynamic mix of skyscrapers, colonial landmarks, and vibrant markets. Visit the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market for a taste of local life.

Must-try experience: Enjoy the nightlife at Bui Vien Street.

10. Mekong Delta – The Land of Rivers

The Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rural life. Explore its floating markets, lush orchards, and winding canals by boat.

Must-try experience: Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market for fresh produce and local delicacies.

Vietnam’s diversity in landscapes, culture, and cuisine makes it a dream destination for travelers. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Vietnam promises an unforgettable journey. Plan your trip now and experience the magic of this enchanting country!

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