Vietnam Insider

For decades, Vietnam’s southern megacity was synonymous with hustle: a young, fast-moving population that powered some of the region’s most impressive economic growth. Today, that same city is confronting a deeply inconvenient truth. Young people are choosing not to have children, and the numbers are now impossible to ignore.

At a policy workshop held on April 9 to discuss Vietnam’s new Population Law, officials revealed that Ho Chi Minh City’s total fertility rate in 2025 stands at just 1.51 children per woman, far below the 2.1 replacement level needed to maintain a stable population. The city has held the unwanted distinction of recording the lowest birth rate in the entire country for more than twenty years running.

The numbers behind the reluctance

The picture emerging from the data is one international investors and urban planners will find immediately familiar. The average age at first marriage in Ho Chi Minh City has risen to 29.8 years, compared to a national average of 27.3. Young professionals, squeezed between stagnant minimum wages and soaring property prices, are simply doing the math and deciding that parenthood does not add up.

Former Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Thien Nhan, a professor who has become one of Vietnam’s most prominent voices on demographic risk, put it bluntly at the workshop. He argued that the core issue is financial pressure, particularly the cost of housing, education, and healthcare. “They are behaving rationally,” he said of young couples who delay or forgo having children, noting that the old Vietnamese proverb roughly equivalent to “where there’s a will, there’s a way” no longer resonates with an urban generation that plans carefully and spends deliberately.

A warning from East Asia

Nguyen Thien Nhan drew direct comparisons to South Korea and Japan, both of which saw similar patterns of urban fertility decline before the consequences became structurally embedded. Japan’s working-age population contraction is widely cited as a central factor in the country’s three decades of economic stagnation from 1996 to 2025, following 33 years of exceptional growth. For foreign businesses and investors operating in Ho Chi Minh City, a city of over 14 million people, the parallel carries real weight.

The demographic squeeze is already producing visible effects: accelerating population ageing, a tightening labour supply, and mounting pressure on social welfare systems that were designed for a much younger population profile.

The gap no policy has bridged

One of the most striking findings from local surveys is the wedge between minimum wage and what economists call a “living wage.” The minimum wage in Ho Chi Minh City covers basic personal expenses for a single individual, but the financial calculus of raising a child, particularly in a city where competitive schooling is seen as non-negotiable, pushes that number far higher. Many low-income workers surveyed said they had postponed or abandoned plans to have children entirely.

What the city is doing about it

The municipal government has begun rolling out incentives, including a one-time payment of five million Vietnamese dong (approximately USD 200) to women who have two children before the age of 35. A comprehensive healthcare programme covering the period from 2025 to 2030 is also underway.

Longer-term proposals on the table include housing subsidies, childcare services for infants as young as six months old, extended parental leave, tax relief for families, and targeted programmes to attract migrant workers to offset labour shortfalls.

Critics, however, note that financial micro-incentives of this scale are unlikely to move the needle in a city where a modest apartment can cost upward of USD 100,000 and international-standard schooling runs tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Why this matters beyond Vietnam

For the expatriate community, multinationals, and investors with a long-term stake in Ho Chi Minh City, the demographic trajectory is a strategic variable worth watching. A shrinking and ageing workforce will shape everything from labour costs and consumer spending patterns to real estate demand and social infrastructure over the next two decades.

Vietnam has long been positioned as a younger, cheaper alternative to China for manufacturing and services. That narrative depends heavily on maintaining the demographic dividend that has powered the country’s rise. Ho Chi Minh City, its wealthiest and most globally connected urban centre, is now the clearest signal that the dividend is not permanent, and that policy action cannot wait.

A devastating boarding house fire in Hanoi that killed 15 people has returned to court, reigniting public anger as the landlord denied responsibility and blamed his deceased wife.

The case, linked to a 2024 blaze in the Trung Kinh area, is drawing attention not only for its tragic toll but also for broader questions around accountability and fire safety enforcement.

What Happened: A Deadly Midnight Fire

The fire broke out shortly before 1 am while 23 people were inside the property, including both tenants and the landlord’s family.

• The building had multiple fire safety violations
• The main gate was locked, preventing escape
• The fire originated from an electrical short circuit near parked electric vehicles

As the flames spread rapidly, many occupants were unable to escape, resulting in one of the deadliest residential fires in recent years.

Courtroom Tension: Denial and Backlash

During questioning, the landlord claimed:

• He was not involved in managing the property
• His wife handled operations, finances, and compliance
• He was unaware of regulatory and safety conditions

Judges rejected this defense, emphasizing that as a co owner, he could not claim complete ignorance of the property’s management.

Regulatory Failures Under Scrutiny

The case also implicates former officials accused of negligence in fire safety oversight.

Investigators found that:

• The building lacked proper permits
• Fire safety regulations were not enforced
• Authorities failed to detect and address violations

These lapses contributed to the severity of the disaster.

Families Speak: “We Just Want Accountability”

In emotional testimony, victims’ families expressed frustration not over compensation, but over the lack of accountability.

One father, who lost his only son, told the court:

• He did not seek damages
• He wanted acknowledgment of responsibility

Several families echoed the same sentiment, asking for a sincere apology so the victims could “rest in peace.”

A Tragedy That Hit Both Sides

The landlord himself also suffered losses, with multiple family members killed in the fire and his property destroyed.

Authorities cited these circumstances, along with compensation payments, as reasons for not pursuing criminal charges against him, despite identifying violations.

Why This Case Matters

For international observers, the case highlights critical issues:

• Fire safety compliance in rapidly urbanizing cities
• Oversight gaps in small scale rental housing
• The human cost of regulatory failures

Bottom Line

This case is not just about one tragic fire.

It reflects deeper challenges in enforcement, accountability, and urban safety and serves as a stark reminder that rapid development must be matched with equally strong regulatory oversight.

Vietnam, 9 April 2026: In 2025, global searches for pet-friendly accommodation on Booking.com soared to nearly 15 million* (APAC 2.3 M), making it one of the top 10 search filters on the platform. Meanwhile, consumer spending on pets reached roughly $157B by the end of that same year**. As the world celebrates International Pet Day on 11 April, Booking.com shares trends focusing on how Vietnamese travellers are increasingly integrating their pets into their 2026 travel itineraries.

The Rise of the “Pet-First” Mindset 

According to Booking.com’s latest research, pets are no longer an afterthought but a primary factor in how Vietnamese travelers plan and experience their journeys. This influence extends from the type of stay to how destinations are explored. The data reveals that 60% of Vietnamese pet owners prefer vacation rentals and apartments, highlighting a preference for more space and flexibility these accommodations offer. 17% of Vietnamese travelers also look at pet policies before booking deciding where to stay. Furthermore, with 1 in 4 (25%) Vietnamese travelers leaving their pets at their accommodation during excursions, making availability of suitable amenities a critical factor in the booking decision.

Shaping the Itinerary

Pets also influence the “where” and “what” of travel. While traveling with their companions, Vietnamese travelers are prioritizing pet-inclusive activities: 58% went on hiking/nature walks in rural areas or parks, 50% visited a dog-friendly beach or swimming area, 60% went sightseeing in pet-friendly towns and city centers and 55% dine at dog-friendly patios, restaurants or breweries.

When it comes to transportation, the data reflects a preference for ground travel with 93% of travelers favoring spontaneous, flexible road trips, suggesting that more pets will be joining their owners on the open road this year. In addition, while 43% are willing to fly with their pets, 12% of Vietnamese travelers admit they feel stressed about the flying experience.***

As pets continue to evolve from companions to playing a key part in the decision-making process, their influence now spans every aspect of the journey, from the destination and accommodation to the mode of transport.

Whether it’s by land or by air, Booking.com remains committed to taking the friction out of travel for the entire family. For even more insights into the trends driving travel this year, visit Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions. 

Methodology

*Searches for accommodation on Booking.com between January 6 through December 31, 2025, with the ‘pets allowed’ filter applied

**Pet Spending Statistics, https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/pet-spending-statistics/ 

***Travel Trends 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2026. The sample comprised 32,800 respondents across 34 markets surveyed in January 2026.

Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.

About Booking.com:

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit news.booking.com.

###

Ho Chi Minh City, 08 April 2026 – Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited (“Prudential Vietnam”) today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, delivering resilient performance with a continued focus on quality growth and disciplined execution.

Performance highlights for 2025 are as follows:

• Total revenue from insurance operations reached VND 19,577 billion.

• • Investment revenue reached VND 12,080 billion, including VND 3,995 billion from the Unit-Linked Fund investment portfolio.
  • Additional bonuses declared for the Participating (PAR) Fund reached VND 1,779 billion, reinforcing long-term value for participating policyholders. In total, Prudential Vietnam declared over VND 4,000 billion in regular and one-off additional bonus.
  • Claims and insurance benefits reached nearly VND 16,489 billion, up 15.3% year-on-year.
  • Solvency ratio over 200%, underscoring our strong capacity to fulfil our insurance benefit commitments.

• Total assets reached VND 198,855 billion, up 5.2%.

• Total invested assets amounted to VND 180,837 billion, up 7.2% year-on-year. Of this, investment in bonds reached VND 92,609 billion

• Profits before tax increased to VND 4,937 billion, up 47.8%

Mr. Kevin Kwon, Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Vietnam, shared: 

“2025 marked a strategic inflection point for Prudential Vietnam as we set a clear three-year direction anchored on customer centricity, quality, and sustainability, with a clear mission to provide peace of mind to every Vietnamese family. Alongside our growth ambitions, we placed a strong emphasis on strengthening our operational foundations by streamlining our operating model, modernising technology, and building critical capabilities for the long-term.”

In 2025, Prudential Vietnam further strengthened customer trust and experience, achieving No. 1 ranking (*) in relationship Net Promoter Score (rNPS), alongside improved persistency and retention. These results reflect our continued focus on sales quality, clear communication, and long-term customer value. The Company now serves nearly 2.4 million Lives Assured, underscoring the trust customers place in it.

Prudential Vietnam expanded its protection and investment portfolio while accelerating digital transformation across key customer journeys to deliver simpler, faster, and more personalised experiences. Enhancements in claims digitisation, straight-through processing, and near-cashless payouts improved turnaround time and service performance, supporting a more responsive and scalable operating model. At the same time, the Company advanced development of PRUServices to strengthen its Customer Relationship Management and contact centre capabilities.

With a nationwide network of over 200 agency offices and seven bank partners of which five strategic, Prudential Vietnam continued to strengthen an integrated distribution ecosystem, enhancing access to professional, transparent, and needs-based advice aligned with customers’ long-term financial goals.

The Company also continued to invest in its people and communities, delivering over 16,000 learning hours and fostering a high-performance culture. 

During 2024–2025, Prudential Vietnam mobilised over VND 28 billion to support more than 99,000 people through initiatives focused on financial education, health, and climate resilience – reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. These efforts contributed to continued recognition among the Top 100 Sustainable Businesses (CSI100) for the ninth consecutive year.

As Vietnam’s insurance market continues to evolve with a stronger focus on transparency and customer trust, Prudential Vietnam remains committed to advancing its customer-first strategy and delivering sustainable, long-term value to customers.

For more information, please visit: Báo cáo tài chính | Prudential Việt Nam

(*) Source: Reported by Bain & Company

About Prudential Vietnam

Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited (“Prudential Vietnam”) is a member of Prudential plc, which provides life and health insurance and asset management in Greater China, ASEAN, India and Africa. 

As of December 2025, Prudential Vietnam has charter capital of VND 7,698 billion and offers a comprehensive range of life insurance products, serving millions of Vietnamese customers. The company operates robust distribution with office network and customer service centres across the country, along with strategic partnerships with seven bank partners. 

With the mission “We provide peace of mind to every Vietnamese family”, Prudential Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to always putting customers first, delivering innovative and comprehensive solutions to protect people’s wealth, helping them grow their assets, and empowering them to save for their goals.

For Media Inquiries:

Ms. Trần Thị Hoàng Hà

Interim Head of Corporate Affairs

Email: Tran.ThiHoangHa@prudential.com.vn 

Vietnam’s main labor body is considering whether to merge two major April public holidays into a single extended break, following growing frustration from workers and employers over a fragmented schedule.

The Vietnam General Confederation of Labor has launched a nationwide survey to gather opinions, signaling a potential shift in how public holidays are structured.

The Problem: A Fragmented Holiday Calendar

In 2026, two key holidays fall awkwardly close together:

• Hung Kings Commemoration Day observed on April 27
• Reunification Day and Labor Day from April 30 to May 1

These are separated by two working days, creating a stop start pattern that disrupts both work schedules and travel plans.

For many workers, especially those on six day workweeks, the result is:

• Short breaks interrupted by workdays
• Reduced opportunity for meaningful rest or travel

Proposed Fix: One Continuous Break

Labor groups and local unions have suggested simple adjustments:

• Shift the compensatory day off to April 29
• Or move it to May 2

Either option would create a more continuous holiday:

• A three day break
• Or up to a four day uninterrupted holiday period

Some companies have already gone further, informally extending breaks to eight or nine days by rearranging work schedules or using annual leave.

Government Position: No Change Yet

So far, authorities have signaled caution.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has indicated that:

• The official holiday schedule will follow the current Labor Code
• No immediate changes are planned

However, the ongoing survey suggests the issue remains under active consideration.

Why It Matters for Workers and Businesses

A more continuous holiday could deliver several benefits:

• Better work life balance and recovery time
• Increased domestic travel and tourism spending
• Simplified workforce planning for businesses

At the same time, any change must balance productivity needs, especially in manufacturing sectors.

Pay Implications Remain Unchanged

Regardless of scheduling, labor laws ensure compensation protections:

• At least 200 percent pay for working on rest days
• At least 300 percent pay if work coincides with a public holiday

Bottom Line

Vietnam’s debate over merging April holidays reflects a broader shift toward improving work life balance in a fast growing economy.

While no official change has been confirmed, strong feedback from workers and businesses suggests that more flexible holiday planning could become part of future policy discussions.

Vietnam is in the grip of an intense nationwide heatwave, with temperatures in several regions exceeding 40°C and some areas in central provinces reaching as high as 42°C.

The extreme conditions mark one of the most severe early season heat events this year, affecting large parts of the country simultaneously.

Where the Heat Is Hitting Hardest

The impact varies across regions, but central and northern areas are bearing the brunt:

Northwest and Northern Regions

• Average: 35 to 37°C
• Peaks: up to 40.2°C
• Hanoi: 33 to 36°C, with higher “feels like” temperatures due to urban heat

North Central Region (Epicenter)

• Common: 38 to 39°C
• Extreme: above 41 to 42°C in some locations

Central and Highlands Areas

• Cities like Da Nang and Dak Lak nearing 38 to 39°C

Southern Vietnam

• Slightly lower but persistent heat: 35 to 37°C

What’s Driving the Heatwave

Meteorologists attribute the extreme temperatures to a combination of:

• A western low pressure heat system
• Foehn winds, which bring hot, dry air
• Stable atmospheric conditions in the south, limiting cloud cover

These factors are creating dry, oppressive heat across multiple regions.

How Long Will It Last?

Forecasts suggest the heatwave will continue for several more days:

• Northern Vietnam: easing after April 12
• Central regions: persisting until April 13 to 14
• Southern Vietnam: intermittent heat likely throughout April

Even after peak temperatures subside, hot conditions are expected to remain above seasonal averages.

Rising Risks: Health, Fire, and Infrastructure

Authorities are warning of multiple risks linked to the extreme heat:

• Increased likelihood of dehydration and heat related illnesses
• Elevated fire and explosion risks due to dry conditions
• Higher electricity demand, putting pressure on infrastructure

Urban areas may experience even more severe conditions due to the heat island effect, making temperatures feel several degrees higher than recorded.

What This Means for Residents and Travelers

For expatriates, tourists, and businesses:

• Outdoor activities should be limited during peak hours
• Hydration and sun protection are critical
• Energy consumption and cooling costs are likely to rise

Bottom Line

Vietnam’s current heatwave is both intense and widespread, with temperatures crossing critical thresholds in multiple regions.

While relief is expected in some areas within days, the broader trend points to more frequent and severe heat events, making climate resilience an increasingly important issue for the country.

Vietnam is aiming to transform itself into a startup driven economy, with a new national strategy targeting 10% of its population engaged in entrepreneurship by 2045.

The plan reflects a major shift from traditional growth models toward innovation, technology, and digital transformation as core economic drivers.

Ambitious Targets for 2030

The strategy outlines clear near term milestones:

• 5 million business entities nationwide
• At least 10,000 innovative startups
• Entry into the top 40 of the Global Innovation Index
• Development of 5 unicorns valued at over $1 billion
• Expansion of the venture capital market to $1.5 billion

These targets signal Vietnam’s intent to compete with established startup ecosystems in Asia.

Building a Startup Nation

At its core, the strategy envisions a system where individuals can build businesses based on:

• Science and technology
• Innovation driven models
• Digital transformation

To support this, the government plans to:

• Develop shared infrastructure such as workspaces and digital platforms
• Strengthen legal frameworks to encourage entrepreneurship
• Promote startup culture nationwide

Education and Talent at the Center

Recognizing that innovation depends on human capital, the strategy emphasizes:

• Innovation focused universities
• Research based enterprises
• Venture capital funds linked to academic institutions

This approach aims to create a pipeline of talent capable of driving high value startups.

Financial and Policy Incentives

Vietnam is also introducing direct support measures to lower barriers for entrepreneurs:

• 100% fee waivers for intellectual property registration in early stages
• Support for research, testing, and product development
• Funding for legal consulting and risk insurance
• Subsidies for hiring international technology experts

Both public and private resources will be mobilized to accelerate ecosystem growth.

Long-Term Vision: A Dense Startup Ecosystem

By 2045, Vietnam aims to achieve:

• 1 enterprise for every 35 people
• 1 innovative startup per 5,000 people

This would represent a significant increase in business density and innovation capacity across the economy.

Why This Matters

For international investors and businesses, the strategy signals:

• A shift toward higher value, innovation led growth
• Expanding opportunities in Vietnam’s startup ecosystem
• Increasing government support for entrepreneurship and technology sectors

Bottom Line

Vietnam is not just encouraging startups, it is institutionalizing entrepreneurship as a core pillar of its long term economic strategy.

If executed effectively, the plan could reshape the country from a manufacturing hub into one of Southeast Asia’s leading innovation economies.

Vietnam is positioning itself as a future eco-tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia, leveraging its rich biodiversity, policy reforms, and growing appeal among environmentally conscious travelers.

With a strategic shift toward sustainable travel, the country is aligning tourism growth with environmental protection, a balance increasingly critical in today’s global travel landscape.

A Strategic Shift Toward Sustainable Travel

In recent years, Vietnam has moved beyond traditional mass tourism, placing stronger emphasis on nature-based and eco-friendly experiences.

This transition is backed by national policy:

• A long-term tourism master plan through 2030 with vision to 2050
• Focus on conservation alongside economic development
• Promotion of “green tourism” products across regions

The goal is clear: grow tourism without repeating the overdevelopment seen in other destinations.

A Natural Advantage: Biodiversity and Landscapes

Vietnam’s eco-tourism ambitions are grounded in its natural assets.

• Ranked among the top 20 most biodiverse countries globally
• Home to more than 30 national parks and numerous nature reserves
• Landscapes range from mountains and forests to coastlines and river deltas

Key destinations include:

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, known for its cave systems
• Cuc Phuong National Park, one of the country’s oldest reserves
• Ba Be National Park, featuring lakes and forest ecosystems

These locations offer experiences such as trekking, birdwatching, and ecological exploration, attracting a growing niche of global travelers.

Community Driven Tourism Models

A defining feature of Vietnam’s eco-tourism strategy is the involvement of local communities.

In areas like Sa Pa:

• Ethnic minority communities operate homestays
• Visitors engage in daily life and cultural traditions

In the Mekong Delta:

• Locals guide tours through river systems and mangrove forests
• Tourism creates alternative income while reinforcing conservation

This model ensures that economic benefits are shared while encouraging long term environmental stewardship.

Why It Matters for Global Travelers

Vietnam’s eco-tourism push aligns with key global trends:

• Rising demand for sustainable and authentic travel experiences
• Preference for destinations with strong environmental credentials
• Increased interest in community based tourism

For international visitors, Vietnam offers a combination of accessibility, affordability, and ecological diversity that is difficult to match in the region.

Challenges Ahead

Despite strong potential, several challenges remain:

• Balancing visitor growth with environmental protection
• Ensuring consistent standards across regions
• Preventing over commercialization of natural sites

Addressing these will be critical to maintaining credibility as a sustainable destination.

Bottom Line

Vietnam is not just promoting eco-tourism, it is restructuring its tourism model around it.

With strong natural assets, supportive policies, and community engagement, the country is well positioned to become one of Southeast Asia’s leading eco-tourism destinations, if it can sustain the balance between growth and conservation.

The National University of Singapore (NUS), one of Asia’s top ranked institutions, is actively encouraging more Vietnamese students to apply for PhD programs in mathematics, citing their strong academic potential and work ethic.

At a recent Hanoi–Singapore Mathematics Conference, NUS faculty highlighted that Vietnamese students remain underrepresented, despite being highly regarded within the university.

A Talent Gap — and an Opportunity

Currently, NUS hosts around 120 PhD candidates in mathematics, but only three to five are Vietnamese.

Faculty leaders say this number does not reflect Vietnam’s:

• Population size
• Academic strength in STEM
• Growing global competitiveness

The message is clear: there is significant untapped potential for Vietnamese students at top international institutions.

What NUS Offers: Funding and Global Exposure

For prospective applicants, the incentives are substantial:

• Full tuition coverage for PhD students
• Monthly stipend of about S$4,000 (≈ US$3,100)
• Additional funding of up to S$10,000 for conferences and academic programs
• Potential scholarship top ups reaching over S$4,000 per month

These packages make NUS one of the most competitive destinations in Asia for advanced research training.

Beyond Pure Math: Applied and Future-Focused Fields

NUS emphasizes both theoretical and applied mathematics, with research areas including:

• Data science and machine learning
• Bioinformatics
• Computational science
• Optimization and numerical analysis
• Image processing

This aligns closely with global demand for quantitative and AI related expertise.

Strong Rankings, Growing Global Appeal

NUS continues to attract international talent, supported by its global standing:

• Top 10 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 20 globally in Times Higher Education rankings
• Joint top 10 worldwide in mathematics

The university is increasingly drawing students not only from Asia but also from Europe and the United States.

Expanding Academic Ties with Vietnam

The initiative also reflects deeper academic collaboration between Singapore and Vietnam.

• Partnerships with major Vietnamese universities
• Scholarship pathways for master’s students
• Growing exchange of researchers and students

Experts say Vietnamese students are fully capable of competing at the highest international level.

What This Means for Vietnamese Students

For students considering graduate study abroad:

• Opportunities in Asia are becoming more competitive and accessible
• Fully funded PhD pathways reduce financial barriers
• Regional hubs like Singapore offer strong alternatives to Western universities

Bottom Line

NUS’s outreach is both a recognition and a call to action.

Vietnamese students are already seen as high potential candidates. The next step is scale turning that potential into a stronger presence in top global research programs.

A new VinFast electric vehicle has been spotted undergoing road tests in Vietnam, signaling that the domestic automaker may be preparing to launch its next model in an increasingly competitive EV market.

Images circulating online show a heavily camouflaged prototype, but key design cues suggest it is a mid size SUV or crossover, likely aimed at strengthening VinFast’s position in a fast evolving segment.

What the Prototype Reveals

Despite full body camouflage, several details are already drawing attention:

• A sloping roofline and balanced proportions, indicating aerodynamic design
• Signature LED light strip with wing motif, consistent with VinFast branding
• Flush door handles, typically seen in higher end EVs to improve efficiency
• A more angular rear design, suggesting a shift toward a cleaner, tech focused aesthetic

These features point to either an upgraded version or a new variant within VinFast’s existing SUV lineup.

Signs of Advanced Technology Upgrades

One notable detail is the presence of testing equipment mounted on the roof, commonly used during development to collect performance data.

This has led to speculation that the vehicle may feature:

• Enhanced driver assistance systems
• Improved onboard software and user experience
• Potential upgrades in autonomous or semi autonomous capabilities

While unconfirmed, these additions would align with global EV trends emphasizing smart features and digital integration.

A Strategic Move in a Crowded Market

Vietnam’s mid size SUV and crossover segment is becoming increasingly competitive, with both traditional combustion vehicles and new electric entrants vying for market share.

For VinFast, expanding or refreshing its lineup is critical to:

• Maintain brand momentum
• Compete with international EV manufacturers
• Strengthen its domestic and global positioning

No Official Confirmation Yet

VinFast has not released any official details about the prototype, leaving room for speculation regarding:

• Model name and positioning
• Pricing and launch timeline
• Technical specifications

However, real world road testing suggests the development process is in an advanced stage.

Why This Matters

For investors and industry observers, the sighting signals:

• Continued product pipeline expansion from Vietnam’s leading EV maker
• Increasing pace of innovation in the local automotive sector
• Intensifying competition in Southeast Asia’s EV market

Bottom Line

VinFast’s latest prototype may still be under wraps, but its appearance on public roads is a clear sign:

The company is moving quickly to evolve its lineup and stay competitive in a market where design, technology, and speed to launch are becoming decisive factors.

Vietnam’s iconic banh mi has once again secured global recognition, earning a place on CNN’s updated list of the 25 best sandwiches in the world.

The inclusion reinforces the dish’s status as one of Vietnam’s most internationally celebrated culinary exports and a must try for travelers exploring the country.

A Global Favorite with Local Roots

CNN describes sandwiches as a universal food, found in nearly every culture. Within that global landscape, Vietnam’s banh mi stands out for its unique fusion of influences.

Originally shaped by French colonial history, the baguette has been reinterpreted with distinctly Vietnamese flavors, creating a combination that is both familiar and unique.

Classic ingredients include:

• Pork and Vietnamese cold cuts
• Pickled vegetables such as carrot and daikon
• Fresh herbs like coriander
• Mayonnaise and savory sauces

The result is a balance of crispy, fresh, and intensely flavorful elements that has captured global audiences.

Street Food with Global Appeal

One of banh mi’s strengths is its accessibility.

• Widely available across cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
• Affordable and quick to prepare
• Adaptable to different tastes, including vegetarian and modern variations

This combination of convenience and flavor has helped banh mi travel far beyond Vietnam’s borders.

The Only Southeast Asian Representative

Notably, banh mi is the only Southeast Asian sandwich included in CNN’s top 25 list.

It appears alongside globally recognized classics such as:

• Pan bagnat from France
• Bocadillo de jamón Ibérico from Spain
• Torta ahogada from Mexico
• Shawarma from the Middle East

This positions Vietnam firmly on the global culinary map, particularly in the highly competitive category of street food.

Why It Matters

For international audiences, banh mi represents more than just a dish.

• It reflects Vietnam’s cultural hybridity and culinary innovation
• It serves as an accessible entry point into Vietnamese cuisine
• It strengthens Vietnam’s reputation as a top food tourism destination

Bottom Line

Banh mi’s continued presence on global rankings is no accident.

It is a product of history, adaptation, and everyday street culture and it remains one of the most compelling reasons for travelers to experience Vietnam firsthand.