The Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR) has announced that the construction of the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line 1 project is 100% complete, with commercial operations set to begin on December 22 this year.
Metro Line No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to be operational from December 22. Photo: Duy Hieu.
At a press conference on Ho Chi Minh City’s socio-economic developments held on November 21, MAUR provided an update on the project’s progress.
According to MAUR, all efforts have been focused on resolving challenges and completing key tasks for the project. With construction fully completed, the unit is now working on regulatory procedures to prepare for the official launch.
Currently, MAUR is collaborating with Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Company Limited No. 1 (HURC1) to prepare for the operation and exploitation of Metro Line 1. Activities include staff training, testing, acceptance, handover, trial runs, and plans for efficient operation.
In addition, the two entities are consulting on a pilot plan for the utilization of certain urban railway infrastructure assets to ensure the project’s effective and sustainable operation.
On the morning of November 21, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee officially approved passenger ticket prices for Metro Line 1.
For cash payments, ticket prices range from VND 7,000 to VND 20,000 per ride, depending on the distance traveled. For cashless payments, prices range from VND 6,000 to VND 19,000 per ride.
Daily passes are priced at VND 40,000, allowing unlimited rides within a day. A three-day pass costs VND 90,000, offering unlimited travel within three days.
Monthly passes are available at VND 300,000 for general passengers and VND 150,000 for students.
These ticket prices include personal accident insurance for passengers using Metro Line 1’s public transport services.
For cases eligible for fare exemptions or discounts under Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council resolutions, HURC1 is responsible for publicly listing fare information at metro stations and on public communication platforms before implementation.
The Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Center will monitor ticket sales revenue, which will serve as a basis for contracting public transport services on Metro Line 1.
According to the People’s Committee of Cat Hai District (Hai Phong), kayaking activities in the Cat Ba Archipelago have been deemed spontaneous and do not meet safety regulations required for tourists.
Cat Hai District People’s Committee announced the suspension of kayaking services on bays in Cat Ba archipelago from November 15. Photo: Pham Ha.
On November 15, the Cat Hai District People’s Committee (Hai Phong City) announced the suspension of kayaking services across the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago for businesses, organizations, and individuals until they comply with legal safety standards.
The local government stated that kayaking activities in the Cat Ba Archipelago have been conducted in an unregulated manner, posing safety risks to tourists and potentially disrupting public order in the bays.
To address this issue, businesses, organizations, and individuals have been urged to cease all kayaking services in the area starting November 15.
Authorities have increased supervision and inspection efforts to manage kayaking services in the bays, Authorities ensure compliance with legal regulations and penalizing violations.
Additionally, the Cat Hai District People’s Committee has urged the Cat Ba National Park to complete necessary documentation and submit it to the Hai Phong Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for approval of an eco-tourism and leisure plan. This proposal covers three water areas: Cua Cai – Minh Tu, Van Ta, and Ba Dinh.
Kayaking is one of the favorite activities for tourists when visiting Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay. Photo: Pham Ha.
Speaking with Tri Thuc – Znews on November 21, Pham Ha, CEO of Lux Group—a cruise operator in Ha Long, Lan Ha, and Cat Ba—expressed concern over the sudden suspension. He emphasized that kayaking is a popular activity cherished by many tourists visiting Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay.
“The abrupt suspension has left many tourists feeling disappointed and frustrated, potentially tarnishing the destination’s image and reputation internationally,” he remarked.
Some international tourists, upon learning of the board, have reviewed their travel plans. “They’re disappointed that such an enjoyable activity has been halted. Some critical customers even accused travel agencies of false advertising,” Ha shared.
In response, cruise operators are focusing on alternative activities, such as sunset tea sessions, cooking classes onboard, tours featuring contemporary Vietnamese art and heritage, to enhance customer experiences.
For tourists eager to kayak, travel agencies are advising alternative destinations like Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.
CEO Pham Ha voiced concerns about the long-term effects of the ban: “In an era where tourists seek diverse experiences and spend more time and money at destinations, such restrictions could significantly hinder tourism development in the long run.”
Công ty TNHH Bảo hiểm Nhân thọ Prudential Việt Nam (“Prudential”) chính thức giới thiệu công nghệ OCR thế hệ mới (nhận dạng ký tự quang học tích hợp AI tạo sinh) vào quy trình thẩm định và xét duyệt hồ sơ yêu cầu giải quyết quyền lợi bảo hiểm trực tuyến. Công nghệ này giúp quy trình chi trả chỉ còn tính bằng phút nhờ rút ngắn thời gian đưa ra quyết định chi trả, từ đó mang lại trải nghiệm nhanh chóng và thuận tiện hơn cho khách hàng.
Công nghệ OCR thế hệ mới là một giải pháp nhận dạng và trích xuất tài liệu thế hệ mới tích hợp AI tạo sinh được phối hợp nghiên cứu và phát triển cùng đối tác VinBigdata. Công nghệ này có khả năng nhận dạng và trích xuất thông tin từ hình ảnh sang văn bản chính xác đến 96% với tốc độ xử lý dưới 20 giây, giúp hệ thống tự động đọc và phân tích các thông tin trên chứng từ bảo hiểm mà khách hàng nộp dưới dạng hình ảnh. Nhờ đó, hệ thống có thể phản hồi ngay lập tức về tính hợp lệ của chứng từ và đẩy nhanh quy trình đưa ra quyết định xét duyệt hồ sơ chi trả một cách nhanh chóng.
Trong thời gian chạy thử nghiệm từ ngày 19/10 đến ngày 5/11/2024, “mắt thần” OCR thế hệ mới đã hỗ trợ giải quyết hơn 50% tổng số yêu cầu quyền lợi bảo hiểm được nộp trực tuyến. Trong đó, có 243 yêu cầu nhận được kết quả chi trả chỉ trong vòng 3 phút, và 1.636 yêu cầu nhận được kết quả trong vòng 30 phút tính từ thời gian khách hàng nộp yêu cầu thành công cho đến thời gian nhận được kết quả chi trả. Với “mắt thần” OCR thế hệ mới, quá trình giải quyết yêu cầu chi trả quyền lợi bảo hiểm cấp thiết như chăm sóc sức khỏe ngoại trú, hỗ trợ viện phí, phẫu thuật… sẽ được rút ngắn hơn, từ đó đáp ứng tốt hơn nhu cầu của khách hàng về quy trình chi trả nhanh chóng, đơn giản, và thông suốt.
Trong quá trình triển khai công nghệ OCR, Prudential cũng nhận được sự ghi nhận và đánh giá tích cực từ khách hàng. Chị Thảo My (35 tuổi, Hồ Chí Minh) là một trong những khách hàng đầu tiên của Prudential trải nghiệm công nghệ này: “Tôi hoàn toàn bất ngờ khi nhận được kết quả chi trả trong thời gian ngắn đến như vậy. Dù không hiểu lắm về công nghệ hay AI, nhưng thời gian trả kết quả này làm tôi hoàn toàn hài lòng và thậm chí là an tâm hơn nếu như sau này tôi có lỡ ốm bệnh cũng không cần phải lo xoay xở tiền bạc.”
Việc áp dụng công nghệ hiện đại vào quy trình xử lý bồi thường bảo hiểm là một trong những khía cạnh được Prudential chú trọng, vì đây là khâu để gia tăng niềm tin của khách hàng, từ đó giúp khách hàng đồng hành sâu hơn, xa hơn với doanh nghiệp bảo hiểm. Bà Nguyễn Thanh Hà, Phó Tổng Giám đốc Giao dịch Bảo hiểm (COO), Prudential Việt Nam, chia sẻ: “Chúng tôi tin rằng, vai trò của bảo hiểm là tạo dựng niềm tin thông qua mọi điểm chạm như tư vấn, chăm sóc khách hàng hay chi trả bảo hiểm, từ đó mang đến những giá trị tốt nhất cho khách hàng trên hành trình đồng hành cùng Prudential. Và việc ứng dụng công nghệ OCR thế hệ mới vào quy trình chi trả, giúp rút ngắn tối đa thời gian chờ, là một trong những minh chứng rõ ràng nhất cho những nỗ lực trong việc nâng cao năng lực chi trả, gia tăng chất lượng dịch vụ của Prudential, từ đó tạo dựng và củng cố niềm tin với khách hàng. Trong thời gian tới, chúng tôi sẽ tiếp tục giới thiệu nhiều sáng kiến hướng tới việc nâng cao trải nghiệm khách hàng, giúp việc tiếp cận và tham gia Bảo hiểm nhân thọ trở nên nhanh chóng, dễ dàng và hiệu quả hơn.”
Nhờ vào những sáng kiến giúp tự động hóa quy trình chi trả quyền lợi bảo hiểm của khách hàng, tính đến hết quý 3 năm 2024, Prudential ghi nhận nhiều con số nổi bật chứng minh năng lực chi trả của mình. Cụ thể 87% các hồ sơ bồi thường được thực hiện trực tuyến. Trong đó có 92.828 trường hợp được chấp thuận chi trả, nâng tỉ lệ lên đến 91%, nghĩa là cứ 10 hồ sơ yêu cầu bồi thường thì có hơn 9 trường hợp được chấp thuận chi trả. Những con số này là minh chứng cho những nỗ lực không ngừng nghỉ của Prudential để gia tăng niềm tin của khách hàng, giúp họ đồng hành với Prudential sâu hơn và xa hơn.
Công ty TNHH Bảo hiểm Nhân thọ Prudential Việt Nam (“Prudential”) và Hệ thống Phòng khám Quốc Tế CarePlus (“CarePlus”) ký kết thỏa thuận triển khai chương trình hợp tác chiến lược nhằm cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe, tầm soát tốt nhất trên toàn hệ thống của CarePlus tới các khách hàng của Prudential.
Sự kiện ký kết thỏa thuận lần này được coi là cột mốc quan trọng trên hành trình mang lại các dịch vụ và trải nghiệm tốt nhất cho khách hàng của Prudential khi lần đầu tiên CarePlus thực hiện ký kết thỏa thuận chiến lược dài hạn với một công ty Bảo hiểm Nhân thọ tại Việt Nam. Với thỏa thuận này, tất cả các khách hàng của Prudential sẽ được hưởng quyền lợi tối đa từ việc sử dụng trực tiếp dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe, tầm soát tốt nhất trên toàn hệ thống của CarePlus, với một mức chi phí hợp lý và ưu đãi cao nhất trên thị trường, tính cho đến thời điểm này.
Phát biểu tại buổi lễ ký kết, Bà Nguyễn Thanh Hà – Phó Tổng Giám đốc Giao dịch Bảo hiểm của Prudential Việt Nam chia sẻ: “Khách hàng ngày càng có những kỳ vọng cao hơn đối với doanh nghiệp bảo hiểm nhân thọ mà họ lựa chọn đồng hành. Bên cạnh sản phẩm, chúng tôi muốn tạo sự khác biệt dựa trên chất lượng dịch vụ mà chúng tôi có thể cung cấp cho khách hàng trong hành trình trải nghiệm của họ với Prudential. Điều này đòi hỏi chúng tôi phải can đảm thực hiện một số thay đổi quan trọng, mang đến những dịch vụ giá trị gia tăng chất lượng cho khách hàng của mình, bao gồm trải nghiệm khám thẩm định bảo hiểm và các dịch vụ chăm sóc sau bán hàng. Để làm được điều này thì hệ thống mạng lưới đối tác cơ sở y tế đóng vai trò quan trọng giúp chúng tôi tạo nên sự khác biệt này. ”
“Thông qua việc hợp tác này, chúng tôi mong muốn có thể tận dụng các thế mạnh của CarePlus về chuyên môn y tế cũng như công nghệ để nâng tầm hiểu biết của khách hàng chăm sóc sức khỏe dự phòng vì “phòng bệnh luôn tốt hơn chữa bệnh”, bà Hà nhấn mạnh thêm.
Bà Nguyễn Thanh Hà – Phó Tổng Giám đốc Giao dịch Bảo hiểm chia sẻ tại sự kiện
Chia sẻ tại buổi lễ, đại diện của CarePlus ông Attila Vajda, Tổng Giám Đốc của Hệ thống Phòng khám CarePlus, nhấn mạnh: “Sự hợp tác này được xây dựng trên những giá trị và mục tiêu chung. Tầm nhìn chung của chúng tôi là trở thành những tên tuổi đáng tin cậy và uy tín nhất trong lĩnh vực của mình, và sự hợp tác này đại diện cho sự kết hợp tự nhiên giữa các thế mạnh của hai bên nhằm mang lại lợi ích tối đa cho khách hàng.
Đổi mới là một yếu tố quan trọng khác gắn kết chúng tôi. Tại CarePlus, chúng tôi cũng áp dụng những công nghệ tiên tiến, thể hiện qua ứng dụng di động của chúng tôi và việc triển khai hệ thống MRI và CT sử dụng trí tuệ nhân tạo tiên tiến nhất—lần đầu tiên xuất hiện tại TP.HCM. Những cải tiến này giúp chúng tôi nâng cao độ chính xác trong chẩn đoán và cải thiện kết quả điều trị cho bệnh nhân.
Ngoài ra, các gói kiểm tra sức khỏe toàn diện của chúng tôi, chẳng hạn như Gói Sàng Lọc Đột Quỵ, Gói Chăm Sóc Tim Mạch, và các gói khám sức khỏe Premium và Signature, là những sản phẩm độc đáo trên thị trường, hỗ trợ mạnh mẽ cho sứ mệnh chăm sóc sức khỏe dự phòng của chúng tôi.
Thông qua mối quan hệ hợp tác này, chúng tôi sẽ giúp các cá nhân và gia đình dễ dàng hơn trong việc tiếp cận chăm sóc sức khỏe dự phòng, chẩn đoán sớm và điều trị hiệu quả. Chúng tôi hướng đến việc nâng cao chất lượng cuộc sống của khách hàng và đóng góp vào một Việt Nam khỏe mạnh và hạnh phúc hơn.”
Ông Attila Vajda – Tổng Giám Đốc của Hệ thống Phòng khám CarePlus phát biểu tại sự kiện
Việc mở rộng danh mục hợp tác với các cơ sở Y tế chất lượng cao là minh chứng cho chiến lược phát triển bền vững và là hành động cụ thể của Prudential nhằm hiện thực hóa trụ cột chiến lược về Sức Khỏe. Trước đó, vào tháng 4 năm 2024, Prudential và Hệ thống Y tế Vinmec cũng đã thiết lập thỏa thuận ưu tiên dành mức ưu đãi tốt nhất cùng các quyền lợi y tế chuyên biệt cho khách hàng của Prudential.
Prudential Việt Nam tự hào là thành viên của Tập đoàn Prudential, tập đoàn tài chính hàng đầu thế giới với hơn 25 năm phát triển ở Việt Nam và 176 năm trên toàn cầu. Tôn chỉ mục đích của Prudential “Cho mỗi cuộc sống. Cho mỗi tương lai.” nhấn mạnh sứ mệnh trở thành người bạn đồng hành và người bảo vệ đáng tin cậy nhất cho các thế hệ hôm nay và mai sau. Về phía đối tác, CarePlus là Hệ thống Phòng khám theo tiêu chuẩn quốc tế, được đầu tư 100% vốn nước ngoài. CarePlus cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe ngoại trú chất lượng cao, với đội ngũ y khoa hàng đầu và trang thiết bị hiện đại. Thỏa thuận hợp tác chiến lược giữa Prudential và CarePlus cho thấy cam kết mạnh mẽ của hai đơn vị trong việc cung cấp dịch vụ chăm sóc sức khỏe ưu tiên và vượt trội trong suốt quá trình đồng hành cùng nhau.
Culinary site TasteAtlas has released a list of 76 Southeast Asian dishes made mainly from rice (or sticky rice), featuring numerous entries from Vietnam, including broken rice and banh tet.
Broken rice is a popular street food among Vietnamese people and international tourists. Photo: Thuan Kieu broken rice.
Com broken rice, a signature and widely popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, especially in the southern region, holds the second spot on the list. It is also Vietnam’s most internationally renowned rice dish, so its high ranking in TasteAtlas’s list comes as no surprise.
In its introduction, TasteAtlas describes: “Broken rice is a traditional Vietnamese dish often sold as street food. It’s made from broken rice grains, which were previously discarded during the milling process but are now a defining feature of Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine.”
The culinary platform further explains that broken rice is typically served with various toppings, such as grilled pork chops, fried eggs, shredded pork skin, or fried fish cakes. It is often paired with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled vegetables, scallion oil, and fish sauce.
Previously, broken rice was ranked 40th on TasteAtlas’s list of the 100 most enticing street foods in the world, published in May.
Meanwhile, nasi goreng ayam, a traditional Indonesian fried rice dish, claimed the top spot. Besides Indonesia, this dish is also popular in Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia.
Indonesia’s nasi goreng ayam fried rice took the top spot. Photo: TasteAtlas.
Another Vietnamese rice-based dish, banh beo, ranks 14th on the list. This popular steamed cake is made from finely ground rice flour and topped with shrimp and pork, served with fish sauce. Diners can enhance its flavor with roasted peanuts and fried shallots. In addition to the savory version, TasteAtlas highlights a sweet variant of banh beo, almost exclusively found in Hoi An.
Traditional banh beo is steamed in small porcelain bowls and eaten with bamboo spoons. Some refer to it as a “Vietnamese version of tapas.” It is said that a perfect banh beo should have a small dent in the center to hold the flavorful toppings.
Ranking 17th and 18th are banh tet with mung bean or pork filling—iconic dishes of the Lunar New Year—and fried rice from Ninh Binh. The fried rice dish is usually made with white rice, garlic, salt, and pepper, although diners can add a variety of ingredients to enhance its flavor. Square-shaped banh chung also made the list, securing the 25th position.
Green rice flakes also made the list. Photo: local-insider.
Other Vietnamese dishes featured in the ranking include Com Lam (30), Xoi Ga (31), Com Chay (33), Xoi Muoi Muoi (43), Xoi Gac (44), Xoi Com (46), Banh Te (52), Com Hen (54), Com Nam (58), Com Coi Tom Rang (62), Xoi Ngu Sac (63), Xoi Vo (66), and Com Ga Tam Ky (70).
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, TasteAtlas is known as a global culinary map showcasing the best local dishes from around the world. Its rankings are based on reader votes, aiming to promote local delicacies and spark curiosity about cuisines travelers may not yet have tried.
Recently, the renowned culinary site TasteAtlas included Vietnam’s vermicelli noodles and stir-fried vermicelli with crab in its list of the “100 Best Dishes Featuring Crustaceans in the World.”
With a rating of 4.1/5 stars, bun rieu secured the 44th spot, according to experts and readers of TasteAtlas.
The site describes bun rieu as a dish with numerous regional variations, though the most common version features a tomato-based broth with crab paste, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Common accompaniments include crab meat, pork sausage, tofu, tomatoes, congealed blood, and fresh herbs. The harmonious combination of sweet and sour flavors makes bun rieu one of Vietnam’s most beloved noodle soups.
Photo: Kim Ngan
Meanwhile, fried vermicelli with crab ranked 76th. This Vietnamese stir-fried vermicelli with crab is a favorite among locals and visitors for its rich, savory taste.
The main ingredients include mung bean vermicelli, crab meat, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and bean sprouts. Depending on personal preference, additional ingredients such as eggs, onions, or chili can be added for enhanced flavor.
Stir-fried vermicelli with crab is typically garnished with chopped scallions and cilantro, resulting in a visually appealing and delicious dish.
This versatile dish can serve as a main course, appetizer, or light snack. Its delectable taste and simple preparation make it a dish that never disappoints travelers.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, TasteAtlas is known as a comprehensive map of traditional dishes from around the world.
According to Matija Babić, the founder of TasteAtlas, their rankings of dishes and beverages are based on opinions and evaluations from culinary experts and critics to ensure the credibility of the awards.
Several familiar Vietnamese dishes were highlighted in TasteAtlas’s recent list of the world’s best pancakes.
Banh xeo. Photo: Buffet Poseidon
With a rating of 4.2/5 stars, banh xeo from Vietnam ranked 31st on the list. This savory pancake is made from rice flour, with its golden-yellow hue derived from turmeric and a fragrant touch of coconut milk. The filling typically includes shrimp, minced or diced pork, and bean sprouts.
The name banh xeo is inspired by the sizzling sound made when the batter hits the hot pan. It is commonly served with lettuce, mustard greens, herbs, and sweet-and-sour fish sauce for dipping.
Banh khoai. Photo: Taste Atlas
Another Vietnamese dish, banh nhieu, originating from Hue, impresses the experts and readers of TasteAtlas with its harmonious blend of local ingredients.
What makes this dish stand out is its unique dipping sauce, made from sesame, peanut butter, and pork liver.
Banh khot. Photo: Taste Atlas
From Central Vietnam, banh khot also made the list. According to TasteAtlas, this crispy pancake is often mistaken by tourists for banh can, another famous Vietnamese dish.
However, banh khot is fried in oil until crispy, unlike the softer banh can. Its golden color is achieved by adding turmeric to the batter.
Wet rice cake. Photo: dulichvietnam
Nha Trang wet cake ranked 79th. This dish features a thin, almost translucent rice pancake made from rice flour mixed with tapioca or potato starch. It is usually served with dipping sauce, Vietnamese pork sausage, pork slices, and fried shallots.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, TasteAtlas is known as a comprehensive map of traditional dishes from around the world.
According to Matija Babić, the founder of TasteAtlas, their rankings of dishes and beverages are based on opinions and evaluations from culinary experts and critics to ensure the credibility of their awards.
The Ho Chi Minh City Digital Citizen application is a two-way communication channel between the city government and its citizens through easy and convenient ‘one-touch’ interaction.
On the afternoon of November 14, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee launched the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Citizen application (abbreviated as Digital Citizen app), with the aim of connecting citizens and the government.
The highlight of the Digital Citizen app is that people can grasp the results of the city’s functional agencies resolving the issues and incidents they report through the app directly and as quickly as possible.
Citizens log in only once through their Vietnamese citizen electronic identification account ( VNeID account ).
People can look up administrative procedures, look up administrative records and grasp the status of administrative record settlement in various fields.
At the same time, people can evaluate and give feedback on the services of the administrative procedure settlement agency. This feature continues to be updated so that people can submit documents online in all fields.
For the convenience of citizens to grasp and observe, the Digital Citizen app will display notifications whenever there are results of handling feedback, resolving records, or new developments in the handling process; there are urgent “hot” notifications from authorities.
In the immediate future, in the first phase (from now until December 31, 2024), the Digital Citizen app provides 12 main groups of features, displayed in the Digital Citizen section, including: Reflection and recommendations; Education; Healthcare; Tourism – News; Traffic; Construction; State agencies; Public services – Profile lookup; Maps; General accounts; Interacting with notifications – News – Getting people’s opinions.
In addition, the app also provides users with a number of other features in the “My Services” section, such as: medical information , education, and transportation. This is where users can add the features they want. The Digital Citizen app will save them so that users can conveniently experience the services they save.
The city said that in the coming time, it will continue to listen to feedback and suggestions from departments, agencies, sectors and users to update, upgrade and improve the services, features and utilities of the Digital Citizen app, ensuring the application operates stably and smoothly, bringing the most benefits to the city’s people.
How to download the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Citizen application
To install the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Citizen app, connect with the city government quickly and conveniently, people can search and download the app on Google Play (for Android operating system) and App Store (for IOS operating system) with the app name “Ho Chi Minh City Digital Citizen”.
According to the Ministry of Health, the absolute tax rate should increase from VND5,000/pack of cigarettes to VND15,000/pack by 2030, in addition to the 75% tax rate. This will help reduce the rate of tobacco use among men to 36% by 2030.
Tobacco consumption in Vietnam tends to increase
Speaking to the press on the morning of November 21 at a conference on tobacco harm prevention organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications in Hanoi, MSc. Phan Thi Hai – Deputy Director in charge of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund, Ministry of Health – said that in Vietnam, tobacco use causes 85,500 deaths each year. Passive smoking causes 18,800 deaths. A total of 104,300 deaths per year are due to tobacco-related diseases.
“Tobacco use creates a burden of disease and reduces the quality of the labor force. Of these, more than 15 million Vietnamese smokers and tens of millions of passive smokers are at risk of tobacco-related diseases and premature death.
The burden of disease caused by tobacco use will be more evident in the next 10-20 years when current smokers face the health impacts of tobacco use,” said Ms. Hai.
Master Nguyen Tuan Lam, WHO Office in Vietnam, added that in 2010, the rate of adults smoking was 47%, by 2015 it was 45%, and by 2021 it was 41%. However, it is estimated that this rate will start to increase if there are no tax interventions.
Accordingly, this figure could increase to 43% by 2030, which is reflected in increased production and consumption output.
Control measures (such as graphic warnings, media, tax increases, smoke-free environments, etc.) have been effective to a certain extent but not enough.
“An important factor leading to the current high rate of tobacco use is low tobacco taxes and prices in Vietnam.
Tobacco taxes and retail prices in Vietnam are extremely low compared to other middle-income countries in the world as well as within the ASEAN region.
The increase in tax and price of cigarettes in Vietnam in recent times is too low compared to the growth in per capita income, making cigarettes increasingly cheaper and easier to buy over time,” said Mr. Lam.
Similarly, the tax share of the retail price of cigarettes in Vietnam is about 36% compared to 59% in middle-income countries and 62% globally, and is much lower than the WHO recommendation of 75% of the retail price.
Tobacco taxes, when used effectively, are the fastest and most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use. WHO estimates that taxing tobacco products to increase retail prices by 10% could reduce consumption by 4–5%.
Ministry of Health proposes higher tax on cigarettes
The draft Law on Special Consumption Tax (amended) will be submitted to the National Assembly for comments at this session and approved in May 2025. Regarding tobacco products, according to the proposal of the Ministry of Finance, with 2 options, the absolute tax rate by 2030 will be 10,000 VND/pack, accounting for about 59.38% of the retail price.
However, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) propose a higher absolute tax rate.
Ministry of Health’s proposal to increase tobacco tax – Photo: Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health proposes to add absolute tax along with proportional tax to switch to a mixed tax calculation method and the total tax rate must be large enough to impact changes in consumption levels. At the same time, tax should be increased in a regular manner so that cigarette prices keep up with income growth and gradually move towards the optimal tax rate of 70-75% of retail prices as recommended by WHO.
Specifically, the absolute tax rate should increase from VND5,000/pack in 2026 to VND15,000/pack (20 cigarettes/pack) in 2030, in addition to the 75% tax rate. This option will help achieve a tax rate of 65% of the retail price, close to the WHO recommendation, and help reduce the rate of tobacco use among men to 36% by 2030.
According to WHO, an average 10% increase in tobacco prices would reduce tobacco use by about 4% in high-income countries and 5% in low- and middle-income countries.
Tax measures are particularly effective among youth, with estimates that a 10% increase in cigarette prices would reduce tobacco use by 10% or more among young people.
Coffee chain Starbucks is tightening its office work policy for employees.
When new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol took over in September, he stirred up a lot of controversy. One of them was that Niccol would travel about 1,000 miles a day from California to Starbucks headquarters in Seattle. Now, he’s stirring up controversy again.
Starbucks tightens regulations with employees
The F&B giant requires office workers to work a hybrid schedule of remote and in-office work at least three days a week. Mr. Niccol stressed that Starbucks will not specify which days employees must come into the office. However, that does not mean employees can avoid the three-day work week rule.
As first reported by Bloomberg News on November 18, an internal memo was sent to the entire company, emphasizing Starbucks’ stricter stance on working from the office, effective January 2025.
The Wall Street Journal revealed more details about the notice, saying employees will face an “accountability process” that will take effect in 2025. Employees who fail to comply with the policy risk serious consequences, “including termination,” the notice said.
“We continue to support our managers in ensuring their teams adhere to our hybrid work policy,” the company said in a statement on November 18, according to Bloomberg .
Last week, it was reported that Publicis Media had fired nearly 100 employees in the US for repeatedly ignoring the company’s three-day-a-week office work policy.
“We have been clear and consistent in our policy that employees work in the office at least three days a week,” a Publicis Media US spokesperson said.
“We should meet as often as possible”
New CEO Brian Niccol has been vocal about the need for in-person work, though he hasn’t increased the number of days employees are required to be present.
“My view is that we should see each other as much as possible,” he said in a speech to staff in September, stressing that employees should exercise their autonomy.
“You have to decide for yourself where you need to be to get the job done, and then do it. We’re all adults,” he said, emphasizing that the company’s success is paramount.
“I care about seeing everyone here succeed, and if success requires us to see each other more often, then let’s see each other more often,” Niccol stressed.
While at Chipotle, Niccol implemented a four-day work week policy, prompting some Starbucks employees to worry that their work-from-home flexibility could be further curtailed.
Starbucks’ hybrid work policy was implemented by then-CEO Howard Schultz in 2023.
Starbucks’ three-day workweek requirement is still considered lenient compared to other major companies that are implementing mandatory return-to-office policies. In September, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that employees would be required to return to the office five days a week starting January 2, 2025. The surprise decision left many employees unhappy.
Walmart and Dell have also begun enforcing strict return-to-office policies. One notable exception, however, is Spotify, which has announced it will maintain its “work from anywhere” policy.
The Ministry of Transport has explained the opinion that with 23 North-South high-speed railway stations, each station stops for 5 minutes, it takes 7 hours to go from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, not 5.5 hours.
The Ministry of Transport has explained the opinions of National Assembly delegates discussing the investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway project .
The train only stops at 5 main stations.
Accordingly, some delegates said that with 23 passenger stations and 5 cargo stations, each station stopping for 5 minutes, the travel time from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City would take more than 7 hours, not 5.5 hours as reported.
Explaining this content, the Ministry of Transport said that according to the project’s pre-feasibility study report, under normal conditions, the proposed organization of exploitation mainly for passenger transport is as follows:
The train only stops at 5 main stations (Ngoc Hoi, Vinh, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Thu Thiem), the North-South journey time is about 5.3 hours. The train stops at 23 stations, the North-South journey time is about 6.6 hours.
This time includes the train stopping time at each station of about 2 minutes, similar to countries operating high-speed railways in the world.
The exploitation organization plan will be adjusted to suit the transportation needs at each time and service object, ensuring effective exploitation of the infrastructure system, serving national defense and security.
Besides, there are opinions that railways mainly transport passengers, and passengers cannot gather in Hanoi and go straight to Ho Chi Minh City, with a distance of 1,400km, passing through 23 stations.
There are stations with very close distances, so it is recommended to calculate the total optimal travel time more carefully to accurately assess the demand for long-distance passenger transport.
Regarding this content, the Ministry of Transport said that the principle of station arrangement is to ensure appropriate distance to effectively exploit infrastructure and vehicles (ensuring acceleration and deceleration distance).
According to calculations, the distance from departure to maximum operating speed of 320km/h and slowing down to stop is about 16.5km.
To improve operational efficiency, the project’s pre-feasibility study report proposes a distance between two adjacent stations of about 50-70km, and trains are organized to stop at all stations, so the actual stopping distance between two stations is about 100-140km.
Therefore, the train is not limited in operating speed, affecting the optimal time and ensuring attracting transport demand.
In the feasibility study report preparation step, the Ministry will direct consultants to continue surveying, investigating, and forecasting transportation demand as a basis for calculating, determining the scale, technical standards, and investment plans for stations to ensure suitability, efficiency, and feasibility.
Will call for business investment
Regarding the suggestion that the operation process should be combined with the private sector, considering it an effective new transportation service business, the ministry stated that the project’s pre-feasibility study report proposed investing in vehicles to ensure exploitation in the first phase because it was impossible to call for businesses to participate in investment.
During the operation process, when demand increases, the ministry will call on businesses to invest in more vehicles for operation, pay infrastructure rental fees to the State and invest in service and commercial areas at the stations.
Many delegates said that the National Assembly resolution must clearly state that technology transfer must be carried out to Vietnam and that the investment process must be mastered.
At the same time, it is proposed that along with the transfer, the railway industry and supporting industries must be developed and the technology must be mastered.
Regarding this content, the Ministry of Transport stated that in the project, it has researched and proposed a number of policies related to the reception and transfer of high-speed railway technology.
The Ministry will coordinate with the National Assembly Economic Committee to revise the draft resolution after receiving comments from delegates discussing in the hall.
It requires contractors and general contractors to commit to transferring technology to Vietnamese partners to ensure the goal of industrial development orientation until 2045.
Accordingly, mastering the construction industry; domestic assembly and gradually localizing vehicles for national railways and urban railways .
Domestically produce and gradually localize hardware and software components for information, signals and power supply systems, and master all operations, maintenance and repair work for high-speed railways.
In addition to reducing the use of pesticides, rice farmers in the West who follow agricultural weather reports also reduce the amount of fertilizer, reduce damage caused by weather risks, and contribute to increasing crop yields.
The above information was given by Mr. Le Thanh Tung – Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) at the seminar “Sharing and learning about building and disseminating information on climate services in agriculture in Vietnam “, held on November 21, in Soc Trang.
Mr. Tung said that since 2019, the Department of Crop Production has coordinated with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture and many provinces in the Mekong Delta to pilot the development of agricultural weather bulletins.
“From a pilot project in a few localities, the agricultural weather bulletin model has now been replicated in 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta, contributing to state management of crop production and adaptation to climate change,” Mr. Tung informed.
From weather forecasts provided by the Hydrometeorological Center, the technical team collects agricultural data including agricultural officers, agricultural extension officers, and hydrometeorological experts to develop agricultural weather bulletins.
This newsletter is then disseminated to farmers through loudspeakers, posters, meetings, training sessions and agricultural application pages of state agencies; especially on Zalo groups.
According to Mr. Tung, in addition to providing weather forecast information, the agricultural weather bulletin also provides technical support, crop calendars and instructions for farmers to deal with risks, contributing to crop protection.
Currently, the agricultural weather bulletin has covered 714 communes in the West with 291,000 farmers benefiting.
The survey showed that 73-82% of rice farmers who follow agricultural weather reports reduce their use of pesticides, 63-86% reduce their use of fertilizers, 56-78% reduce damage due to weather risks, 44-85% increase crop yields and 58-63% improve product quality.
“In the 2024-2027 period, agricultural weather bulletins will be improved and digitized to bring information to farmers as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Mr. Tung.
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has just issued a decision on ticket prices for public passenger transport services on urban railway line No. 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien (metro No. 1).
According to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, a single ticket for Metro Line 1 (for people to travel on one route in one day) for cash users costs from 7,000 to 20,000 VND (depending on the distance). For people buying single tickets without using cash, the price ranges from 6,000 to 19,000 VND.
Ticket price by time , one-day ticket 40,000 VND/person (unlimited number of trips per day), 3-day ticket 90,000 VND/person (unlimited number of trips in 3 days).
For monthly tickets , regular passengers are 300,000 VND/person (unlimited number of trips per month), and for students, it is 150,000 VND/person.
The above ticket price includes personal insurance for passengers using public passenger transport services by train on metro line 1. Other cases of ticket exemption and reduction are according to the resolution of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council.
Urban Railway One Member Co., Ltd. No. 1 (operating unit) is responsible for publicly posting information on ticket prices at urban railway stations and on mass media and electronic information pages before the application date.
The Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Center will monitor and supervise ticket sales revenue, as a basis for ordering public passenger transport services by train on metro line No. 1. This decision takes effect from today (November 21).
Speaking with Tuoi Tre , Mr. Ngo Hai Duong – Head of the Transport Management Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport – said that people taking the metro have many ways to buy train tickets such as buying in cash or through an account.
Currently, the Department of Transport is developing a fare plan for connecting buses and metro to submit to the City People’s Committee for promulgation, creating convenience for passengers using public transport.
Previously, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport submitted a document to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee regarding the issuance of ticket prices for metro line 1.
According to this department, the ticket price plan is built using the optimal cost method, combining the comparison method with the ticket price of the Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro line and the consulting unit’s research on people’s ability to pay.
Metro Line 1 will be subsidized by the budget to encourage people and increase competitiveness compared to other types of vehicles.
Urban Railway Company No. 1 said the ticketing system at stations is designed to apply electronic tickets, meeting the requirement of proactively adjusting ticket prices and allowing people to choose from many different payment methods.
Once issued, ticket prices will be posted at stations and made public on the website. In case people go beyond the station, they will need to buy additional tickets. Ticket refunds and exchanges are only applicable if the tickets have not been used.
Buy metro ticket number 1 in just about 10 seconds
Ms. Van Thi Huu Tam – Deputy Director of Urban Railway Company No. 1 – said that people can buy train tickets quickly in just a few minutes or even less than 10 seconds, through the automatic ticket collection system (AFC).
Cashless payment by bank card, Visa/Mastercard, ID card, mobile app, or QR code scanning, makes ticket purchasing quick and convenient.
Currently, according to the AFC automatic ticket collection system signed by the contractor Hitachi and the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board, tickets are divided into four different types including: Single-trip tickets, top-up tickets, 1-day tickets and 3-day tickets. At the same time, there will be additional monthly tickets to give people more choices.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has proposed a gradual tobacco tax hike, starting with a base tax of VND 5,000 per pack in 2026 and reaching VND 15,000 per pack by 2030, in addition to a 75% proportional tax rate. The ministry aims to reduce male smoking rates to 36% by 2030 through this strategy.
Tobacco Consumption Rising in Vietnam
At a recent anti-smoking conference held by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Phan Thi Hai, Deputy Director of the Fund for Tobacco Control, shared concerning statistics. Tobacco usage in Vietnam is responsible for 85,500 deaths annually from direct smoking and 18,800 from secondhand smoke, totaling over 100,000 tobacco-related deaths each year. The health burden from smoking is projected to increase sharply in the next 10-20 years as current smokers face heightened health risks.
Nguyen Tuan Lam, a WHO representative in Vietnam, noted that while the adult smoking rate declined from 47% in 2010 to 41% in 2021, without tax interventions, it could rise to 43% by 2030. Measures like graphic warnings, public awareness campaigns, and smoke-free zones have helped to some extent but are insufficient in curbing the problem.
Lam pointed out that low tobacco prices in Vietnam contribute to high smoking rates. The tax on cigarettes represents only 36% of the retail price in Vietnam, compared to a global average of 62% and WHO’s recommended 75%. Effective tobacco taxes can significantly lower consumption: a 10% price increase typically reduces usage by 4-5%.
Health Ministry Advocates for Higher Taxes
The Ministry of Health has urged lawmakers to adopt a hybrid tax model, combining absolute and percentage-based taxes, to bring retail prices in line with rising incomes. Their plan suggests a 5,000 VND per pack tax in 2026, scaling up to 15,000 VND by 2030 alongside a 75% proportional tax rate. This measure is expected to bring the tax share close to WHO’s recommended target, helping to reduce male smoking rates to 36% by the end of the decade.
The ministry believes a substantial tax hike, especially for young people, could be instrumental in curbing smoking. According to WHO, a 10% price increase can reduce youth smoking rates by around 10% or more, providing a powerful deterrent against tobacco use among Vietnam’s younger population.
Vietnam, traditionally known for its robust manufacturing sector, is rapidly emerging as a key player in the global electronics and semiconductor industry.
With increasing investments, strategic government policies, and impressive growth projections, Vietnam is positioning itself as a vital contributor to a sector that drives technologies ranging from smartphones to artificial intelligence (AI).
Vietnam’s Meteoric Rise in the Electronics Sector
Historically, Vietnam’s electronics industry has been recognized for its manufacturing capabilities, especially in the assembly of consumer electronics. However, the country is now extending its reach into the semiconductor market, which plays a critical role in the global tech ecosystem. The semiconductor sector, encompassing chips that power everything from mobile phones to AI systems, is undergoing significant transformation, and Vietnam is seizing this opportunity.
Vietnam’s semiconductor market is experiencing impressive growth, with projections indicating that it will reach a market value of $7 billion by 2028. This growth is expected to be fueled by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.69%. Other optimistic forecasts, such as those by Statista, predict an even higher growth trajectory, with an 11.6% CAGR expected by 2027, bringing the market size to $31 billion.
Global Tech Giants Investing in Vietnam
A significant catalyst for Vietnam’s rise in the semiconductor sector has been the influx of investments from global tech giants. Major electronics industry players such as Intel, Samsung, and Amkor have already set up large-scale operations in the country, focusing on key areas of semiconductor production such as assembly, packaging, and testing. These are the critical back-end processes that help transform raw semiconductor chips into functional components for end-user products.
Vietnam’s strategic geographic location, with close proximity to major electronics markets like China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as its competitive labor costs, make it an attractive destination for semiconductor manufacturing. This combination of advantages has allowed the country to build a strong position in the global supply chain.
The Intel Products Factory in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of IPV
Government Support and Vision for the Semiconductor Industry
The Vietnamese government is committed to fostering the growth of the semiconductor industry through a series of strategic policies. These include offering tax incentives, land-use exemptions, and infrastructure development aimed at attracting foreign investors. The government’s goal is to position Vietnam as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing in the coming decade.
By 2030, Vietnam plans to establish its own semiconductor fabrication plants and create ten assembly and packaging facilities, with a target to contribute up to $25 billion annually to the country’s economy. The recent elevation of Vietnam’s relationship with global partners like France underscores its ambition to strengthen international collaborations in high-tech sectors, further solidifying its place in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
Vietnam’s Role in PCB and PCBA Manufacturing
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) are integral components in semiconductor production. Vietnam has made significant strides in becoming a key player in this space as well. Local manufacturers are rapidly scaling up production capabilities to meet global demand for high-quality PCBs and PCBAs.
This growth is not limited to small-scale startups; even large corporations like Samsung and Panasonic have invested heavily in PCB and PCBA manufacturing in Vietnam. The country is also making strides in the development of high-density interconnect (HDI) boards, multilayer boards, and rigid-flex boards to keep up with the evolving needs of the semiconductor market.
Moreover, Vietnam’s export-oriented production of PCBs and PCBAs is helping the country strengthen its position in global electronics supply chains, not only fulfilling domestic demand but also serving international markets.
Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Semiconductor Industry
Despite its promising future, Vietnam’s semiconductor industry faces several challenges. The country is up against fierce competition from established semiconductor hubs such as South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States, which have decades of experience and sophisticated ecosystems.
Another hurdle is the talent gap. While the government has ambitious plans to train 50,000 engineers by 2030, there is still a shortage of high-end skills such as integrated circuit (IC) design and testing. Developing this talent pool will be crucial for Vietnam’s long-term success in the semiconductor field, and international collaborations with universities and tech companies will play an essential role in closing this gap.
Additionally, advanced semiconductor manufacturing requires cutting-edge technology and significant capital investment—areas where Vietnam is still playing catch-up. Overcoming these technological barriers will require continued investment in research and development, as well as partnerships with global tech leaders.
A Golden Opportunity for Vietnam
The increasing investments from companies like Amkor, Signetics, and Intel are strong signals of Vietnam’s potential to become a semiconductor hub. For instance, Amkor’s $1.6 billion expansion in Bắc Ninh and Signetics’ $100 million investment in Vĩnh Phúc underscore the country’s growing appeal as a destination for semiconductor production.
Looking ahead, Vietnam is on track to integrate further into the global semiconductor supply chain. Government policies, combined with international partnerships and domestic industry growth, are positioning the country to become a pivotal player in the global electronics and semiconductor landscape.
Vietnam is at a critical juncture in its journey to become a leading hub for semiconductor manufacturing. With a rapidly growing market, strategic government support, and increasing international investment, the country is well-positioned to make significant strides in this vital sector.
While challenges such as fierce global competition, talent shortages, and technological gaps remain, Vietnam’s resilience and commitment to development suggest that it could soon become a central player in the global electronics industry. As it continues to expand its capabilities and attract global partners, Vietnam’s semiconductor industry is poised to be a key driver of innovation in the years to come.
