The VinFuture Prize will attract more attention from the world’s leading scientists to all aspects of Vietnam’s activities, according to Professor Geoffrey Hinton.
Prof. Geoffrey Hinton (University of Toronto, Canada) is one of five scientists who won the main VinFuture Prize 2024 at the award ceremony held on December 6 in Hanoi. According to Prof. Geoffrey Hintont, the VinFuture Prize has flexibility and unique categories to honor innovations that help improve human life. Below is his sharing about the prize as well as its impact on global scientists.
Professor Geoffrey Hinton said the VinFuture Prize is flexible in choosing the scientists to be honored. Photo: VinFuture
– How do you feel about being one of the 5 main prize winners of VinFuture 2024?
– I was very surprised when I became the owner of the highest prize, worth up to 3 million USD. This number was much bigger than what I imagined. Even when I told my wife, she thought I was joking and I had to use email to prove it.
I also think the organizers are very generous with the value of the prize. Before that, I had not had the opportunity to learn much about Vietnam or Vingroup. Therefore, I was very surprised that a fund founded by Vietnamese entrepreneurs could organize such a large-scale award. Now, I am very impressed with Vingroup’s rapid success and surprised by Vietnam’s rapid development.
– What do you think when the award is simultaneously given to four other individuals, one of whom is not a scholar?
– I am very happy to be recognized with Mr. Jensen Huang and Prof. Fei-Fei Li. Computational power is one of the most important factors in developing neural networks, and Nvidia’s chips are excellent. Not only the hardware but also the software makes it easier to use. Meanwhile, Prof. Fei-Fei Li has created a large database to test programs that can recognize objects in images. Both have played an important role in the development of deep learning.
As for awarding the award to Nvidia CEO, I think it makes perfect sense. People like Jensen Huang, who has contributed through hardware at Nvidia — or Jeff Dean at Google and Demis Hassabis at DeepMind — have all played important roles in the development of AI. And they all work in the industry.
I think it’s nice that the award celebrates people who really make essential contributions to this development, regardless of where they work.
Professor Hinton received the Nobel Prize in Physics at a ceremony held on December 10. Photo: Globe and Mail
– Having received many international awards, what do you think is different about VinFuture?
– I think the award to Mr. Jensen Huang is a clear demonstration that VinFuture is highly flexible, not limited by the scope of categories like many other award systems. Being a young award can be an advantage that helps VinFuture adapt easily and have a fresh approach. VinFuture has taken advantage of this strength to honor deserving scientists.
In addition to the main prize, VinFuture also has special prizes with different meanings. It is a new and useful idea. In particular, the prizes are all of great value in terms of prize money.
– How do you evaluate the connection between the world’s leading scientists and developing countries, including Vietnam, at VinFuture?
– The VinFuture Prize will attract the world’s leading scientists to pay more attention to all aspects of Vietnam’s activities. Thanks to that, cooperative links, such as that between Mr. Jensen Huang and Vietnam, have been established. I believe that this cooperation will create a significant impact and bring positive impacts to the Vietnamese economy.
– As an AI researcher, what advice do you have for developing artificial intelligence safely?
– Last year, the number of phishing attacks increased by about 1,200%, because large language models can create convincing phishing emails. We need basic science research right now to ensure safe use of AI.
My advice to young people is to focus on AI safety. I hope more talented students will choose to study this issue, find ways to make AI safer, and address a variety of threats, from long-term threats like AI takeovers to short-term threats like cybercrime.
Applying thermal biochemical technology, scientists have developed a waste treatment system that does not emit air, waste ash, waste water, or odors, operating at the Bac Giang waste treatment plant.
On December 15, this technology was applied by Asian Green Energy Joint Stock Company at the factory converting domestic and industrial solid waste into energy in Yen Dung district, Bac Giang. The factory has a capacity of 150 tons of waste/day, with an estimated operating cost of about 150,000-250,000 VND/ton of waste.
Professor Huynh Van Hoa, Chairman of Live Again Group, project manager, said that the waste treatment technology using thermal biochemical technology without emissions was developed by him and his colleagues after nearly 30 years of research. This technology processes waste in a multi-part heating chamber, creating synthetic gas and biochar. The special feature of the technology is that it does not emit emissions, does not generate ash and slag, and does not discharge wastewater into the environment.
The waste treatment process of Professor Hoa and his colleagues has been patented in the US since 2020.
The authors at the plant converting domestic and industrial solid waste into energy in Yen Dung district, Bac Giang. Photo: Hong Ha
Professor Hoa said that the first phase of the project is designed to process 150 tons of solid waste and convert 70 tons of fuel into DME gas, electronic fuel, and Methanol solvent. The second part of the first phase will generate electricity with a capacity of 2 MW/h, convert carbon into activated carbon, and recover hydrogen gas from waste.
“With this technology, there is no need to classify waste at the source and it can receive most types of waste such as: household waste, industrial waste, medical waste, livestock waste, human waste, biomass into clean energy and biochar”, said Professor Hoa. He added that the output of the technology has by-products including DME (colorless gas, used as fuel), methanol, efuel, biochar. The inorganic substances removed: recyclable metals, bricks, glass concrete… are finely ground to produce refractory bricks.
The output product of the waste treatment process is activated carbon. Photo: Hong Ha
According to experts, zero-emission thermal biochemical technology opens up the prospect of waste treatment in rural and small urban areas, thanks to the ability to separate the plant modules to clean waste, grind it, press it into pellets and then transport it to the main plant to convert it into fuel and biochar, which is not limited by geography and scale of treatment. It is possible to thoroughly treat local waste sources without requiring investment in large-capacity plants.
In addition, the plant’s technology is not limited to applications in the solid waste and liquid waste treatment industry. The investment cost is 30% lower than the current waste-to-energy incineration technology, but the advantages are: no smoke emissions (the plant has no chimney), no ash, no wastewater, and the payback period is halved compared to waste-to-energy incineration technology.
The research team said that depending on the actual needs of local waste sources, the processing capacity can be optimized to 360 tons/day and night.
IT managers have a median salary of VND52 million, the highest among all sectors, but the income of those with less than one year of experience decreased compared to 2023.
Job platform TopCV announced its annual recruitment market report for 2024 and assessed that the human resource fever in the IT – software group “shows signs of decreasing”, but is still a labor-hungry industry in Vietnam with salaries exceeding those of other fields.
The survey was conducted with 3,000 businesses and employees nationwide, combined with an analysis of 300,000 recruitment posts as of the end of October on TopCV. The company said that the demand for human resources in the IT – software group decreased by 1% compared to last year, but experienced and highly skilled personnel are still sought after.
This is also reflected in salaries. The group of people with less than one year of experience received a median salary of VND11 million, down from VND15 million last year. Meanwhile, team leaders or people with 4-6 years of experience were paid VND35 million. For management or department head positions, businesses were willing to pay VND52 million, nearly 30% higher than last year.
The figure is based on the “median,” which is the value in the middle of a set of numbers. For example, if 99 companies are ranked in order of salary from highest to lowest, that would be the salary of the 50th highest-paying company. In statistics where there is a large difference between the highest and lowest numbers, the median is often used because it gives a clearer picture than the average.
With the above results, IT – software returned to the top position in terms of salary in the platform’s survey. Last year, Insurance was the number one industry with a median salary of 50 million for the position of department head, 10 million more than the IT industry. This year, the position of department head in most popular industries has a salary of 26-39 million VND, much lower than the IT department head.
However, according to TopCV, the IT – software recruitment market in 2024 will face many difficulties, mainly due to the limited supply of candidates, of which 55% said there was a shortage of highly skilled human resources; 49.7% of companies are willing to compete fiercely and offer many attractive incentives to attract this group of employees.
On the other hand, when asked about the reason for “job hopping”, 34.1% said it was because of lower compensation than other companies in the same industry, 29.5% felt there was no more opportunity for promotion, and 19.54% said it was no longer suitable for the leadership’s vision.
However, the survey unit also affirmed that “changing jobs is no longer guaranteed to bring an increase in income”, because only less than 10% can increase their income by 3-5% after changing jobs. In addition, employees when looking for a new job may face many challenges, such as foreign language requirements, multitasking, and updating new skills.
TopCV, founded in 2014, is among the famous HR Tech ecosystems in Vietnam. Recruitment reports have been released annually by the platform since 2018.
Hanoi Court believes that the behavior of defendant Truong Van Minh, 16 years old, stemmed from a conflict between children while playing sports, along with his impulsiveness, competitiveness, and lack of thinking when wanting to defend his younger brother.
The verdict announced this afternoon by the Long Bien District People’s Court determined that the defendant committed the crime when he was 15 years old and showed remorse, so the sentence was below the lowest limit – 4 years and 9 months in prison. This is a sentence that the court of first instance considered sufficient to “deter and educate”.
In addition to the prison sentence, the defendant and his representative must compensate the victim’s family more than one billion VND. The court noted that the defendant’s family has paid 300 million VND.Nguyen Thi Phuong Huyen read the verdict on the afternoon of December 17.
Previously, in the indictment, the representative of the People’s Procuracy assessed that the defendant’s actions were dangerous to society. However, considering all the factors, the People’s Procuracy proposed a sentence of 4-5 years in prison for the crime of Intentional Infliction of Injury.
This morning, Mr. Tam (45 years old, Minh’s father) was summoned to court as guardian. Mr. Tam’s remaining son, Khang, 11 years old, is one of the 8 witnesses summoned by the court.
As the representative of the 13-year-old victim who died, Dat’s mother brought her son’s portrait to the court.
The jury said the victim, the defendant and many witnesses were all under 16 years old, so the trial was held in a friendly courtroom, run by people trained in and understanding the psychology of minors. Journalists were not allowed to film or take photos.
The indictment determined that at around 3:10 p.m. on March 17, Minh’s younger brother Khang, 11 years old, and his grandfather went to Le Mat communal house, Viet Hung ward, Long Bien district. While jogging around the basketball court, Khang met Dat and a conflict arose. Khang was slapped in the face by Dat.
Khang went home and asked his brother, defendant Minh, to come and resolve the conflict. The children’s grandmother saw this and called Mr. Tam and asked him to follow the two children to intervene and prevent them from fighting.
Khang said he was beaten in the communal house yard, so Mr. Tam told him to get on a motorbike and take him away. On the way, he asked about the incident specifically, but seeing that his son was not seriously injured, he said, “They were just teasing me.”
When arriving, Mr. Tam parked the car about 30 meters from the communal house gate, told his two children to go in and meet their grandfather to resolve the matter, while he turned the car around and went home.
About 10 meters from the communal house gate, Mr. Tam felt uneasy so he turned back to check, looking into the communal house yard to find his two children.
Before that, Minh and Khang did not go to see him but went straight to the area where Dat and his friends were playing basketball. Minh asked: “Who hit my brother?” Khang pointed to where Dat was standing and said: “That guy hit me.”
The indictment stated that Minh punched Dat once in the left cheek, causing him to fall.
Mr. Tam ran back to stop them and took his two children home. He then returned to check on Dat’s health and saw that he was dizzy and pale, so he bought him some water to drink. After drinking the water, Dat vomited, so Mr. Tam and his friend took him to the emergency room. After being transferred to many hospitals, on May 21, the victim died at the National Children’s Hospital.
Authorities determined that the eighth-grade boy died of multiple organ failure – a consequence of brain hemorrhage.
Regarding the mechanism of injury formation, the forensic conclusion shows that the victim was punched once on the left cheek, causing the skull to move in the same direction as the impact force. When the victim fell, the head hit the stone floor, causing the movement to be blocked. From here, the brain would suddenly move in the opposite direction in a short time, causing vibrations and impact on the skull, leading to contraction, rupture of cerebral vessels, cerebral hemorrhage…
Defendant’s father: I was too subjective, I feel guilty towards Dat’s family.
During the interrogation, the defendant gave the same statement as the indictment, saying he did not know the victim, and that his younger brother told him so he ran out to “settle the matter”. When his father told the two brothers to go see their grandfather, Minh said he “didn’t see him” so he turned to find Dat to resolve the conflict.
Minh claimed that he acted alone, surrounded by only his younger brother and the victim’s group of friends, with no adults witnessing it. After beating his friend, the defendant heard his father yelling.
“My younger brother asked me to come out and resolve the conflict, why didn’t I talk to him? Do you see the consequences? Now, because of a very small incident, it affects many people, the first of which is you and your future,” the panel of judges analyzed.
Defendant Minh bowed his head and said: “At that time I did not realize that I would cause my friend’s death.”
The victim’s mother (second from right) was escorted to court by relatives on November 19. Photo: Hai Thu
Present in court, Minh’s younger brother, Khang, was asked by the jury about the origin of the conflict with the victim. He said that while he was jogging in the yard, “a stranger” (the victim Dat) came and told him to beat up another friend, but Khang refused, so Dat sat on him and slapped him in the face.
Regarding the reason for taking the children home and then returning to the communal house yard, Mr. Tam said he knew the children went to the same school, “if they fought today, they would probably have another conflict if they met at school tomorrow”, so he went out to advise and see how Dat was doing.
“You saw the children having a conflict but didn’t take any measures to resolve it and just left right away?”, the judge asked. Mr. Tam burst into tears and admitted that he had been too subjective and failed to fully assess the situation.
“This incident was partly my fault, knowing there was a conflict but not stopping it. If I had told my child to stay home… I could not have foreseen the incident, causing suffering to the child’s family, causing suffering to the child’s mother,” Mr. Tam said and turned to the other side of the courtroom, bowed deeply and apologized to the victim’s mother.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say now other than sorry to you, sorry to the family,” Mr. Tam said.
Victim’s family requests to change charge to Murder
The victim’s mother said that when she arrived at the hospital, she found her son unconscious. She accused Minh of bragging about the crime and texting his friends without remorse. The defendant’s family did not inquire about Khang’s health.
She requested to change Minh’s charge from Intentional Infliction of Injury to Murder and prosecute Mr. Tam as an accomplice.
The prosecution agency determined that Mr. Tam’s purpose in taking his two children to the communal house yard was so that the two brothers could meet their grandfather to resolve their conflict. The fact that the children did not comply and instead went to beat and injure Dat was beyond Mr. Tam’s subjective consciousness.
When he witnessed Minh beating Dat, he ran to stop his son. His testimony was consistent with the witness testimony and other evidence in the case file. Therefore, Mr. Tam was not an accomplice with Minh in the act of Intentional Infliction of Injury.
As for Khang, the prosecutor determined that he was an accomplice with his brother, but when he committed the crime, he was only 11 years, 5 months and 20 days old, not old enough to be held criminally responsible. The investigation agency has notified Khang’s place of residence and school to coordinate management and education.
The victim’s family requested compensation of more than one billion VND. The defendant’s family has paid compensation of 100 million VND.
Regarding this, in court, Mr. Tam said that right after taking Dat to the hospital, he went home to prepare money and stayed at the hospital all night. “During the time Dat was at Hospital 108, I was there almost the whole time. When Dat’s mother filed a complaint with the police, my two children and I had to go to the police station to give statements and set up the scene, so we couldn’t go to the hospital,” Mr. Tam explained, saying that he asked his sister to go to the hospital on his behalf.
Mr. Tam said his family had to endure “cyber violence, a terrible wave of terrorism” after Dat’s death. His family received text messages, threats, curses, and dirty objects thrown at them at home…
Regarding the 1.2 billion VND requested by the victim’s family, Mr. Tam said this was too large an amount, so he requested the panel of judges to consider it according to the law.
The best places to travel in Asia in 2025 named a Vietnamese city, as voted by the American magazine CN Traveler.
Explore the diversity of Asia from the ancient ginkgo forests of Zhejiang, China to the old streets of Osaka, Japan. Asia is not only famous for its rapidly developing cities but also for its vast natural landscapes and rich cuisine. In particular, Vietnamese cities also offer a unique combination of history and modernity that visitors cannot ignore. Let’s experience the exciting spiritual and historical journeys here.
Here are the top 9 must-visit destinations in 2025, as voted by CN Traveler .
Aseer, Saudi Arabia
The mountainous region of Aseer, in the remote southwest of the country, has long attracted visitors from across the kingdom thanks to its centuries-old villages and palaces, spectacular natural scenery and cool summer weather, while the rest of the Arabian Peninsula swelters. In the valley below is the 900-year-old village of Rijal Alma’a, surrounded by multi-storey stone buildings that resemble ancient skyscrapers (pictured).
Aseer has centuries-old villages and palaces lining its ancient streets and summers bring cool, rainy weather. PHOTO: GETTY
Hangzhou, China
It is already one of the most visited cities in the country, with its snow-covered Broken Bridge, picturesque West Lake, rows of spring willows along Su Road and Leifeng Pagoda reflected in dramatic sunsets.
In 1996, UNESCO recognized Tianmu Mountain Nature Reserve as a biosphere reserve. The historic area in Lin’an is home to the world’s largest ancient Cryptomeria forest and the oldest natural ginkgo forest.
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
This remote city on the Chinese border is not only famous for its cultural diversity, but also for being the adventure capital of Central Asia. From the Tien Shan Mountains to the vast Issyk-Kul Lake, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and paragliding are just some of the popular activities here.
The Tien Shan Mountains and Lake Issyk-Kul are the magical regions of Karakol PHOTO: ALISTAIR TAYLOR YOUNG
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, all eyes are on Independence Square, the vast central city square known locally as Dataran Merdeka, where Malaysia was first declared an independent nation in 1957. The area is the focal point of a number of cultural rejuvenation programmes, including Kreatif KL, an annual event featuring exhibitions, workshops and themed walks in and around the city centre.
Kuala Lumpur Center PHOTO: GETTY
Muscat, Oman
For centuries, Muscat has been known to Indian Ocean sailors as the gateway to the rugged, pristine beauty of Oman’s limestone formations, majestic castles and wind-sculpted deserts.
Muscat has a long heritage as the backdrop to some of Oman’s greatest wonders with limestone massifs, majestic castles and wind-sculpted deserts. PHOTO: GEORGE APOSTOLIDIS
Osaka, Japan
When visitors to Japan look to cosmopolitan Tokyo, they often turn their gaze west to the stately and tranquil Kyoto. But make time for energetic and friendly Osaka, the vibrant hub of the Kansai region, easily accessible by 30-minute train ride from Kyoto.
From April to October 2025, Osaka will host the World Expo, with the theme revolving around creating sustainable societies.
Pererenan, Bali
Sandwiched between the volcanic black sand beaches of Canggu and Bali’s hot surf spot Seseh, the rice-field-fringed Pererenan is fast becoming the island’s most exciting corner. Pererenan is slowly starting to rival its neighbours on the dining scene, with a number of new restaurants and visiting chefs from around the world .
Peaceful rice fields in Pererenan PHOTO: JACK JOHNS
Prayagraj (Allahabad), India
Every 12 years in the city of Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, more than 100 million people gather on a sandbar at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. The Kumbh Mela festival – one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages – is touted as the world’s largest human gathering, and the next one is in January 2025.
The Kumbh Mela, held in Prayagraj (Allahabad), India, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages and is considered the largest human gathering in the world – taking place only once every 12 years. PHOTO: ALISTAIR TAYLOR YOUNG
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This southern metropolis has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism hubs, shattering pre-pandemic records at a high rate, and there’s no better time to visit than 2025…
Ho Chi Minh City is the only Vietnamese city to appear on the American magazine’s list. PHOTO: NGUYEN MINH TU
Beyond its urban and tourism infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City shines brightest as one of Southeast Asia’s cultural hubs – the region’s commercial, culinary and fashion hub. Notably, in 2023, the first Michelin Guide to Vietnam awarded the city’s first star to the new Vietnamese restaurant Anan Saigon. Yet for all its newness and novelty, the city retains much of its traditional charm and ancient architecture, from bustling markets to rustic street vendors, ancient buildings…
From January 1, 2025, Securities Companies will only provide online securities trading services for accounts that have completed updating and standardizing information.
According to Official Dispatch 6435/UBCK-CNTT dated September 30, 2024 of the State Securities Commission on reviewing and standardizing data of investors and securities practitioners according to Project 06/CP, from January 1, 2025, Securities companies will only provide online securities trading services for accounts with investor information matching the National Database/electronic identification and authentication system/chip-embedded CCCD/ID card.
In cases where investors have completed the reconciliation, update and standardization of account information, the units will provide normal services. In cases where there is no coordination to update and standardize information, the SSC requests that the units request investors to come to trade securities directly at the counter and continue to take measures to standardize data information when investors trade directly at the counter.
Previously, in Official Dispatch 4501/UBCK-CNTT dated July 19, 2024 of the State Securities Commission, it was stated that from October 1, 2024, to ensure the principles of electronic transactions on the stock market as prescribed in Article 4 of Circular 134/2017/TT-BTC; Units will only provide online securities trading services for accounts with investor information matching the National Database/electronic identification and authentication system/chip-embedded CCCD/ID card.
However, in Official Dispatch 6435/UBCK-CNTT, the State Securities Commission has postponed the above deadline. Securities companies are requested to urgently contact and request individual investors to verify and update account information, to be completed before January 1, 2025.
At the request of the State Securities Commission, securities companies have notified investors about updating/adjusting information through online, postal and direct forms at the Headquarters/Branch/Transaction Office/Customer Service Center of the securities company… with a deadline before January 1, 2025 to avoid affecting the use of online services.
VSDC data recorded that by the end of November 2024, domestic individual investors had a total of nearly 9.1 million securities accounts, equivalent to about 9% of the population, completing the target ahead of schedule in 2025 and aiming for 11 million accounts by 2030. The total number of foreign investor accounts reached 47,598 accounts.
Currently, online stock trading is the most popular method in the stock market. With just an Internet connection, investors can access their accounts, look up portfolios, place buy and sell orders, and deposit/withdraw money through online website platforms or mobile applications.
Many provinces and cities have begun to announce the 2025 Tet bonus level. It is known that the province with the highest bonus level is up to 519 million VND/person.
According to the request of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, December 15 is the deadline for provinces and cities to report on the situation of Tet salary and bonus. Information from localities shows that the 2025 Tet bonus level has not changed much compared to last year, however, there is still a large difference in bonus levels.
Up to this point, many provincial and municipal Departments of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) have reported to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs on the labor situation, wages in 2024 and Tet bonuses in 2025 of enterprises for employees. According to reports from localities, there have been enterprises giving Tet bonuses to employees at “huge” levels, in addition to the average bonus.
Ha Giang
In Ha Giang, according to a report from the provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the highest 2025 New Year bonus is 3 million VND/person; the lowest is 250,000 VND/person.
For Lunar New Year, the survey shows that the highest salary is 109.6 million VND/person, the lowest is 300,000 VND/person.
In 2024, the average salary of workers in the province will reach 8.78 million VND/person/month. The highest salary is 31.6 million VND/person/month. To date, no unit has been recorded as owing wages to workers.
Thai Nguyen
After synthesizing reports from more than 300 enterprises with nearly 146,000 employees, the provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs said that the highest expected bonus for the 2025 New Year is 85 million VND/person, the lowest is 100,000 VND/person. The average bonus is 900,000 VND/person.
For Lunar New Year, businesses plan to give the highest bonus of about 175 million VND/month, the average bonus is 7.5 million VND/month, the lowest is 100,000 VND/month.
Dak Lak
The report on the 2025 Lunar New Year bonus situation of 118 enterprises in Dak Lak province shows that: 70 enterprises plan to give 2025 Lunar New Year bonuses to 10,233 employees with an average income of 1.65 million VND/person; the highest bonus is 80 million VND/person, the lowest is 100,000 VND/person.
In addition, 93 enterprises plan to give Lunar New Year bonuses in 2025 to 13,240 employees with an average of 6.13 million VND/person, the highest level is 94 million VND/person, the lowest level is 200,000 VND/person.
Binh Duong
The “industrial capital” of Binh Duong has also announced the 2025 Lunar New Year bonus levels of businesses in the province. According to a report by the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, out of more than 1,700 businesses reporting, more than 1,670 businesses have planned to give Tet bonuses.
Accordingly, the highest Lunar New Year bonus in 2025 is 375 million VND/person, belonging to a foreign-invested enterprise (FDI). The average bonus on this occasion is about 8.77 million VND/person; the lowest is 4.96 million VND/person, equal to the minimum wage in region 1. For the New Year, the highest bonus is 368 million VND, also belonging to an FDI enterprise.
Can Tho
Regarding information on salary, bonus and labor relations in the area, the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of the city said that more than 800 enterprises have reported, with over 49,000 employees.
The highest expected New Year bonus in 2025 is 151.4 million VND, belonging to FDI enterprises. The average expected bonus is 3.16 million VND, the lowest is 200,000 VND (FDI enterprises).
For the Lunar New Year, the highest expected bonus is 300 million VND; the lowest is 200,000 VND, both for private enterprises.
Long An
Leading in Tet bonus levels up to this point is Long An. According to the report of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of the province, the highest Tet bonus for At Ty 2025 of enterprises in the area is 519 million VND/person, belonging to FDI enterprises.
The average bonus is 8.5 million VND/person, but the lowest bonus is only 1 million VND/person for new employees who have worked for less than 12 months.
For New Year 2025, the average bonus is 2.2 million VND/person; the highest is 30 million VND/person; the lowest is 0.2 million VND/person for new employees who have worked for less than 6 months.
In 2024, Long An is also the leading locality in terms of the highest Lunar New Year bonus, with 5.68 billion VND/person, belonging to senior management positions at FDI enterprises. At the same time, 2024 also recorded a breakthrough in the highest Lunar New Year bonus, which is also the highest level ever.
Thanh Hoa
Information from the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of Thanh Hoa province has just reported to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on the labor and salary situation according to a survey of 1,232 enterprises. These enterprises belong to all 4 types and currently employ more than 220,000 workers.
The report also shows that the average salary actually paid this year at LLCs with 100% state capital is 7.9 million VND/month, the highest is 65 million VND/month, the lowest is 3.9 million VND/month.
The expected 2025 New Year bonus at 8 enterprises under the LLCs with 100% charter capital held by the State at the enterprises for 4,610 employees is 1.9 million VND/person on average, the highest is 12 million VND; the lowest is 200,000 VND.
Lunar New Year Bonus 2025 at 83 foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises with more than 160,000 employees, average 4.9 million VND/person, highest 410 million VND and lowest 70,000 VND.
The expected 2025 New Year bonus at 75 FDI enterprises with more than 140,000 employees is an average of VND 140,000, the highest is VND 146.6 million and the lowest is VND 50,000.
Dẫn đầu thị trường kẹo nội địa, Perfetti Van Melle Việt Nam tiếp tục khẳng định vị thế dẫn đầu với các sản phẩm chào đón Tết Nguyên Đán – mùa lễ hội được mong đợi nhất trong năm.
Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam – Ngày 12 tháng 12 năm 2024. Perfetti Van Melle Việt Nam – công ty hàng đầu Việt Nam trong thị trường kẹo vừa chính thức giới thiệu các sản phẩm Tết 2025 mang chủ đề “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào”. Đón chào mùa lễ hội với nhu cầu tiêu dùng tăng cao, bộ sưu tập Tết “Khởi đầu ngọt ngào” tiếp tục khẳng định vị thế dẫn đầu của Perfetti Van Melle bằng hương vị sáng tạo, thiết kế cao cấp cùng thông điệp ý nghĩa về sự gắn kết và niềm vui đoàn viên.
Các phiên bản vị kẹo giới hạn đặc biệt sẽ góp mặt trong dịp lễ Nguyên Đán bao gồm Alpenliebe vị Caramel, Alpenliebe Hương Xoài Muối Ớt với vị cay bùng nổ, Golia Chanh Gừng thanh nhẹ cho năm mới hanh thông, Mentos Cầu Dừa Đủ Xoài cho năm mới sung túc, may mắn. Bộ sản phẩm năm nay cũng truyền tải nhiều thông điệp mới lạ, làm trải nghiệm Tết thêm thú vị, rực rỡ, như Chupa Chups Kẹo Dẻo Cá Chép Vượt Vũ Môn, lấy cảm hứng từ hình ảnh cá chép hóa rồng, lần đầu tiên được ra mắt để “nhả vía” cho một năm mới kiên định và thành công rực rỡ. Đặc biệt, kẹo dẻo vị chua Chupa Chups sẽ ra mắt phiên bản giới hạn “Ống Gieo Quẻ Vạn Điều Chups” nhân dịp Tết, để người dùng “lắc quẻ” và nhận về những lời chúc độc đáo về tiền tài, tình duyên, công việc.
Những hương vị phiên bản giới hạn này sẽ được đóng gói trong bao bì tinh tế, rực rỡ và mang đậm dấu ấn Tết cổ truyền với hàng loạt thông điệp 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 với nhiều kích thước khác nhau, từ túi nhỏ gọn đến những hộp quà tinh tế, giúp người tiêu dùng dễ dàng tìm thấy lựa chọn phù hợp cho chính mình và người thân, đáp ứng nhu cầu gửi trao yêu thương dịp Tết.
Mang đến niềm vui cho người tiêu dùng Việt suốt gần ba thập kỷ, Perfetti Van Melle Việt Nam không ngừng gây ấn tượng với những sản phẩm sáng tạo, tiên phong định hình xu hướng thị trường. Một trong những sáng tạo nổi bật có thể kể đến là kẹo Alpenliebe Xoài Muối Ớt ra mắt năm 2020 với hương vị ấn tượng, nhanh chóng chinh phục thị hiếu, trở nên bùng nổ và chiếm trọn cảm tình người tiêu dùng Việt. Năm 2023, Perfetti Van Melle tiếp tục “cách mạng hóa” thị trường với Alpenliebe Jelly Biển Xanh Long Lanh – dòng kẹo dẻo với nhân hương trái cây đột phá, thiết lập tiêu chuẩn mới về kết cấu trong ngành kẹo. Đặc biệt, kẹo dẻo hương trái cây Chupa Chups Sour Belt còn tạo nên dấu ấn đặc sắc với kỷ lục Guinness “Dây kẹo dẻo dài nhất thế giới”, tiếp nối sứ mệnh lan tỏa niềm vui và khẳng định tinh thần sáng tạo không ngừng của thương hiệu trên phạm vi toàn cầu.
Về việc ra mắt sản phẩm mới, ông Jan-Willem Paans, Giám đốc Điều hành Perfetti Van Melle Việt Nam cho biết: “Việt Nam luôn là thị trường trọng điểm của Perfetti Van Melle với tốc độ tăng trưởng nhanh chóng. Thành công của chúng tôi tại đây là kết quả của gần ba thập kỷ đổi mới sản phẩm, luôn am hiểu thị hiếu địa phương và phát triển mạng lưới phân phối rộng khắp cả nước. Với các sản phẩm Tết 2025, chúng tôi vẫn tiếp tục chiến lược kết nối người dùng bằng những dòng kẹo chất lượng độc đáo, mang lại niềm vui và những kỷ niệm đáng nhớ cho mỗi gia đình Việt. Bộ sưu tập Tết năm nay sẽ tiếp tục khẳng định cam kết của chúng tôi trên hành trình dẫn đầu ngành hàng kẹo với các thương hiệu được yêu thích, mang đến niềm vui cho nhiều thế hệ người Việt Nam.”
Bộ sưu tập Tết 2025 sẽ chính thức có mặt trên toàn quốc từ tháng 12 năm 2024. Những sản phẩm kẹo đặc biệt này sẽ được bày bán tại cửa hàng tạp hóa địa phương và chuỗi siêu thị lớn trên cả nước, 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.
Về Perfetti Van Melle
Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) là công ty sản xuất và phân phối sản phẩm kẹo, kẹo cao su tại hơn 150 quốc gia. PVM là một trong những công ty hàng đầu thế giới trong ngành công nghiệp bánh kẹo, mang đến niềm vui cho người tiêu dùng trên khắp thế giới với những sản phẩm sáng tạo, đa dạng và được yêu thích nhất.
Công ty sở hữu danh mục đa dạng các thương hiệu nổi tiếng, được yêu thích qua nhiều thế hệ, bao gồm Happydent, Mentos, Chupa Chups, Alpenliebe, Airheads, Center, Fruit-tella, Big Babol, Vivident, Golia, Vigorsol, Smint và Frisk. Ngoài ra, còn có các thương hiệu Trident, Hollywood, Dentyne, Stimorol, V6 và Bubblicious tại Hoa Kỳ, Canada và Châu Âu. Năm 2023, Tập đoàn Perfetti Van Melle ghi nhận doanh thu thuần gần 3,5 tỷ Euro.
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has announced plans for welcoming the New Year 2025, featuring a variety of vibrant cultural, artistic, and sports events.
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According to the plan, artistic fireworks displays are scheduled from midnight to 12:15 AM on January 1, 2025, at two locations: a high-altitude display near the entrance of the Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City and a low-altitude display at Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11.
The New Year’s Eve countdown celebration will take place on the night of December 31, 2024, at several locations, including Nguyen Hue Walking Street in District 1, Bach Dang Wharf Park, and a floating logo on the Saigon River. Artistic performances will also be held in districts and localities such as District 12, Tan Phu, Binh Tan, Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Nha Be, and Can Gio on the evenings of December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025 .
The city will also host various sports activities, such as the 11th HCMC Marathon 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City International Martial Arts Festival, and the New Year’s Cycling Race on Mai Chi Tho Street.
Additionally, the People’s Committee has directed the decoration of central streets with artistic lighting to create a festive and radiant atmosphere for the New Year.
Thu Duc City will hold a special New Year’s Festival – City Tet Fest Thu Duc 2025 from December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025, at the Saigon Riverfront Park. This festival, making its debut in Ho Chi Minh City, will offer a multi-faceted experience combining culture, community, technology, and sustainability.
The city’s tourism sector has set a target to attract 8.5 million international visitors and 45 million domestic travelers, with total revenue projected to reach 260 trillion VND.
To achieve this goal, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism will implement a series of comprehensive solutions, focusing on improving management quality and services.
specifically, the department plans to enhance tourism policies, introduce a range of tourism products developed from a design competition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam, and strengthen communication and digital application efforts. By 2025, the city aims to launch a tourism app and a 3D 360-degree interactive map linked to regional connectivity.
River tourism is being promoted (Photo: Thu Trang)
The city will also diversify its tourism offerings, especially focusing on nighttime tourism products to increase competitiveness, attract more visitors, boost spending, and encourage longer stays. Additionally, programs to stimulate tourism demand and promotional campaigns during Tet, April 30th holidays, and other festivals will be organized. Investments will be made in festivals and high-economic-impact events. The tourism sector also plans to ramp up promotional activities both domestically and internationally, aiming for “one event per month.”
In 2024, Ho Chi Minh City attracted over 45 million visitors, generating a total revenue of 190 trillion VND. The city’s tourism products and events have been upgraded, with innovative, culturally, and historically significant offerings unique to the city receiving positive feedback from locals and tourists alike.
People and tourists participate in the 2024 River Festival (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism)
Notably, Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector has earned several prestigious international awards. According to CN Traveler, the city was ranked among the top 25 must-visit destinations in 2025 across all seven continents.
Google has recently unveiled its Google Year In Search 2024, highlighting trending topics among Vietnamese users. Remarkably, 8 out of the top 10 most-searched travel destinations for 2024 are domestic locations.
Hoi An is in the top 10 most searched travel keywords by Vietnamese people on Google in 2024. Photo: Pham Thang.
Released on December 13, the Google Year In Search 2024 report features seven main categories: “Top Trending Searches,” “AI Tools,” “Movies,” “Travel,” “Concerts,” “Skills,” and “How-to Guides .” This annual list reflects the topics and information most sought after by Vietnamese users throughout the year.
In the Travel category, the top 10 keywords include Malaysia, Vinh Hy, Hoi An, Con Son Can Tho, Gia Lai, Europe, Da Lat, Thuy Chau Tourist Area, Da Nang, and Vietnam.
Google observed that the prominence of eight domestic travel destinations in the Travel category demonstrates a growing interest in exploring local attractions. This trend signifies a positive shift, highlighting the potential growth and development of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Spectacular sunrise at Hang Rai, Vinh Hy Bay. Photo: Son Nguyen.
Most of the destinations searched by Vietnamese travelers feature unique natural landscapes and exciting experiences. For instance, Vinh Hy—one of Vietnam’s four most beautiful bays—is located in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, Ninh Thuan Province. This stunning spot offers breathtaking views, with the bay surrounded by the majestic Nui Chua National Park, clear waters, and abundant seafood.
Popular destinations well-loved by both domestic and international tourists, such as Hoi An, Da Lat, and Da Nang, also made it onto the list.
Ranked fourth is Con Son Can Tho, a community-based tourism site on a small islet in the Hau River, linking Can Tho and Vinh Long provinces. Visitors here can enjoy activities such as fruit picking at local orchards, sampling traditional Vietnamese cakes, and watching unique fish-jumping shows.
For international travel, “Malaysia tourism” and “Europe tourism” were the two keywords that made it onto the list, ranking in the top and sixth spots, respectively.
Dishes like vinegar-dipped beef, shaking beef, and beef ne are among the standout Vietnamese beef dishes highly rated by Taste Atlas, a renowned global culinary platform.
With a rating of 4.6/5, Vietnam’s vinegar-dipped beef secures the top spot on the list of Asia’s 50 best beef dishes, as ranked by Taste Atlas.
Beef dipped in vinegar. Photo: Clingme
“This is a type of hot pot featuring a broth that combines the sourness of vinegar, the sweetness of coconut water, and the aroma of lemongrass, onions, and other spices. Once heated on a stove, diners can dip thinly sliced beef along with various vegetables into the broth. Shrimp, squid, and other seafood are often added for variety,” Taste Atlas describes.
The platform also highlights that rice paper wrappers and fermented anchovy dipping sauce play a vital role in completing the vinegar-dipped beef experience.
Coming in fourth on the list is Vietnamese shaking beef. This dish is relatively simple to prepare: diced beef is marinated, then quickly grilled or stir-fried over high heat with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The beef, cooked just right, retains its natural sweetness and a bold, aromatic flavor.
Beef stew. Photo: Foody
Meanwhile, beef stew ranked eighth. Served as a traditional dish from Southern Vietnam, braised beef is celebrated for its rich, creamy sauce and tender, slightly chewy beef. The stew’s aroma comes from a blend of spices, including lemongrass, cinnamon, chili, pepper, and garlic.
Bo Ne, ranked 14th, is a popular breakfast dish originating from Phan Thiet and Nha Trang. Its name, which means “dodging beef,” comes from the sizzling hot skillet on which it is served. Diners must “dodge” the splattering oil as they enjoy the freshly cooked dish.
Rounding out the list is bamboo-grilled beef, a specialty from Vietnam’s Central Highlands near Pleiku. Strips of beef are marinated in soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and then grilled with onions, garlic, chilies, and green peppers. The dish is typically served with steamed white rice.
Founded in 2015 and based in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas is known for compiling a global map of traditional dishes from around the world.
According to Matija Babić, the founder of Taste Atlas, all rankings for dishes and beverages are based on expert reviews and critiques from culinary professionals to ensure the credibility of their awards.
The second Me Linh Flower Festival, themed “Me Linh Blooming with Colors,” is scheduled to run for four days, from December 26 to 29.
According to the Me Linh District People’s Committee in Hanoi, the festival will be held at the central square of the district’s administrative center.
Organizers say the event aims to honor the value of the local flower-cultivating craft villages, promote the district’s unique beauty and tourism potential, and toward work establishing the Flower Festival as an annual hallmark of Me Linh and Hanoi tourism.
At the end of December, Me Linh district organized the Flower Festival. Photo: Anh Tuan
This year’s Flower Festival is not only a vibrant cultural and tourism event but also an occasion to reflect on the history and cultural heritage of the Me Linh region.
The displays and installations will combine traditional imagery with modern lighting technology, creating spaces that are both timeless and innovative, promising visitors unique and memorable experiences.
In addition to flower exhibitions and showcases, the festival will feature numerous lively community activities. The opening ceremony will include performances by popular singers such as Hoa Minzy and Duc Phuc.
Over the four-day festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of meaningful programs such as a recycled-material flower bicycle decoration contest, painting competitions, crafting a giant flower mosaic, and an ao dai fashion show.
Notably, during the festival, Me Linh District will collaborate with the Hanoi Center for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion to host a trade promotion fair. This event will showcase over 100 booths, linking local tourism, culture, and commerce.
During all days of the New Year and Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays for the Year of the Snake 2025, historical sites managed by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports will remain open to welcome visitors and tourists.
The Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports has recently released a plan to organize cultural, artistic, sports activities, and manage festivals during the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays for 2025.
As part of this plan, all historical sites under the department’s management will be open to the public throughout the holiday period.
The Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam at night becomes sparkling and magical, giving visitors a new experience. Photo: Vuong Loc
According to the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports’ official website, the Temple of Literature – Imperial Academy will offer nighttime tours, exhibitions, traditional folk games, and the annual Spring Calligraphy Festival.
At the Ngoc Son Temple, visitors can enjoy the “Mystical Night at Ngoc Son” artistic program, highlighted by a re-enactment of King Le returning the treasured sword to the Golden Turtle on a royal boat.
The Hoa Lo Prison Relic will host nighttime experiential tours under the themes “Sacred Night,” “Living Like Blossoms,” and “Youthful Flames,” alongside meetings with historical testimony and special thematic exhibitions.
The Hanoi Museum will organize exhibitions, thematic displays, traditional education activities, seminars, discussions, and cultural and historical events for visitors.
The People’s Committee of Thua Thien Hue recently announced that the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has officially recognized the Hue Nam Temple Festival and Van Cu Vermicelli-Making Craft as part of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Hon Chen Temple Festival in Hue. Photo: Hieu Truong
According to the Government Online Newspaper, on December 11, the People’s Committee Office of Thua Thien Hue revealed that the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism issued a decision to include the Hue Nam Temple Festival (Huong Tho Commune, Hue City) and the Van Cu Vermicelli-Making Craft (Huong Toan Commune, Huong Tra Town) in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The Hue Nam Temple Festival, also known as Hon Chen Temple Festival, is a traditional practice dedicated to the worship of the Holy Mother Thien Y A Na. Held annually in the third and seventh lunar months, the festival is characterized by its lively atmosphere and attracts thousands of followers of the Mother Goddess worship tradition, making it a unique cultural hallmark of the ancient capital.
The festival not only preserves and promotes the cultural values associated with the Hue Nam Temple relic but also contributes to enhancing the tourism appeal of Thua Thien Hue. Additionally, it is closely linked to the Mother Goddess Tam Phu worship belief system, which UNESCO has recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Meanwhile, the Van Cu Vermicelli-Making Craft boasts over 400 years of history and is famous for its ivory-white vermicelli with a distinct flavor. Currently, more than 100 households in the village participate in production, supplying vermicelli to markets, restaurants, and eateries nationally, providing a stable source of income for the local community.
This recognition not only affirms the heritage value of Thua Thien Hue but also serves as a motivation to preserve and develop the region’s rich cultural traditions.
