Swift police response on the Ho Chi Minh Highway underscores Vietnam’s growing readiness for international travelers
A routine motorbike journey through central Vietnam turned into a test of emergency response—but also a quiet reassurance for global travelers—after a German tourist was injured on a remote mountain pass and received prompt assistance from local police. The incident, while minor, reflects how Vietnam’s tourism infrastructure and on-the-ground public services are increasingly aligned with the expectations of international visitors.
The accident occurred on January 20 along the Ho Chi Minh Highway, a scenic but technically challenging route popular with foreign motorbike tourists exploring Vietnam beyond major cities. While on patrol, police officers from Avuong Commune discovered Stefan Weiber, 36, who had fallen from his motorbike after losing control on a steep, slippery section of the road.
According to local authorities, Mr. Weiber was traveling from Huế to Hội An, passing through mountainous terrain in Đà Nẵng. Unfamiliar road conditions led to the crash, resulting in soft-tissue injuries. Police immediately transported him to the Avuong Commune Health Station for first aid before transferring both the tourist and his motorbike to the Đông Giang Regional Health Center for further treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the traveler had all required documentation, including valid identification and a driver’s license, allowing medical care and logistical support to proceed smoothly. Mr. Weiber later expressed gratitude for what he described as the “responsible and dedicated” assistance provided by local police.
Beyond the individual incident, the story carries broader relevance. Vietnam is experiencing a surge in international tourism, particularly among adventure travelers and digital nomads seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences across Southeast Asia. Routes like the Ho Chi Minh Highway attract thousands of foreign riders annually, raising the stakes for road safety, emergency preparedness, and traveler confidence.
For international visitors —especially those considering Vietnam for long-term travel or investment in tourism-related sectors—the takeaway is clear: while infrastructure challenges remain in mountainous regions, local authorities are increasingly capable of responding quickly and professionally. As Vietnam continues to position itself as a top destination in Asia-Pacific tourism, real-world moments like this may quietly shape global perceptions more than any marketing campaign ever could.
Inside the MM Mega Market transaction reshaping Thai capital flows into Vietnam
Thailand’s latest multibillion-dollar move into Vietnam’s retail sector is making headlines across Southeast Asia—but the reality behind the numbers tells a more strategic, less dramatic story. A planned transaction valued at more than VND 19.3 trillion (about $800 million) has sparked speculation about a major Thai “takeover” of Vietnam’s modern trade market. In truth, it reveals something more consequential: how regional conglomerates are quietly restructuring ownership to double down on Vietnam’s consumer economy.
The deal centers on Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC), one of Thailand’s largest consumer and retail groups. Through its near-wholly owned subsidiary, C-Distribution Asia, BJC plans to acquire all shares of TCC Land International Singapore, the holding company that owns MM Mega Market Vietnam. The transaction, disclosed via the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is valued at 22.5 billion baht and structured as an indirect internal transfer rather than a market-facing acquisition.
That distinction matters. MM Mega Market Vietnam has long been part of the broader TCC ecosystem controlled by Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi and his family, who also hold a dominant stake in BJC. Company representatives in Vietnam have emphasized that this is an internal reorganization, not a hostile or external takeover. Operational control, branding, and strategy remain unchanged—at least on the surface.
So why restructure now? For global investors and regional competitors, the timing is the signal. Vietnam’s retail market is entering a new phase, driven by a young population, rising middle-class consumption, and sustained economic reforms. By consolidating MM Mega Market Vietnam more directly under BJC, the Thai group is simplifying governance, improving capital efficiency, and positioning itself for faster expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s most competitive consumer markets.
This move also highlights Thailand’s long-standing dominance in Vietnam’s modern trade landscape. Beyond MM Mega Market, BJC already owns the Big C hypermarket chain, giving it deep exposure across wholesale and mass retail formats. For Vietnam, this underscores both the attractiveness of its consumer market and the growing influence of regional capital in shaping how that market evolves.
The bigger question for international readers is not whether Thailand is “buying” Vietnam’s supermarkets—it already has a strong foothold—but how these internal restructurings set the stage for the next wave of consolidation, IPOs, or strategic partnerships. As Vietnam’s consumption story accelerates, expect fewer flashy takeovers and more quiet balance-sheet moves that signal long-term conviction rather than short-term control.
Underdog China, unbeaten and goal-shy, sets up tactical chess match against possession-heavy Vietnam on January 20 – could discipline trump flair in Jeddah?
As the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup reaches its business end in Saudi Arabia, China’s U23 team has stunned the continent by reaching their first-ever semi-final, armed with an impregnable defense that has yet to concede from open play. Facing Vietnam in Jeddah on January 20 at 10:30 PM local time (Vietnam time), Antonio Puche’s pragmatic outfit represents a major roadblock for the Southeast Asians’ bid to recapture their 2018 runner-up magic and reach another final. This clash pits Vietnam’s proactive, ball-dominant style against China’s low-block resilience, with global implications for youth development in two footballing nations hungry for continental breakthrough.
China’s journey has been defined by denial rather than dominance. Under Spanish coach Antonio Puche, the side deployed a disciplined 5-3-2 formation, maintaining a mid-to-low block with zonal marking and tireless midfield coordination led by captain Xu Bin. They frustrated higher-ranked Uzbekistan to a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes before winning 4-2 on penalties in the quarter-finals, thanks to goalkeeper Li Hao’s heroics. Clean sheets have become routine—China conceded zero from open play across the tournament—while an unbeaten run includes a group-stage 1-0 upset over Australia. Possession rarely exceeds 49%, yet direct play, long balls to target man Abduwali, and counter surges keep threats alive.
Vietnam, coached by Kim Sang-sik, enters with momentum from four straight wins, including a dramatic 3-2 extra-time quarter-final victory over the UAE. Their possession-oriented approach contrasts sharply with China’s absorption model, echoing tactical parallels in both teams’ use of deep blocks and flank protection. Yet Vietnam’s edge in flair and transitions could exploit rare vulnerabilities, such as China’s set-piece exposure on the far post. History slightly favors China, unbeaten in prior U23 meetings, but Vietnam’s experience in high-stakes knockout football adds intrigue.
For Asia’s football landscape, China’s breakthrough signals genuine progress in structured youth coaching amid national team struggles, while Vietnam aims to solidify their rise as a regional force. The winner gains not just a final spot—potentially against Japan—but momentum that could reshape investment and talent pathways in both countries.
In a tournament where goals grab headlines, this semi-final reminds us that the path to glory often runs through unbreakable defense. Will Vietnam’s attacking intent finally crack Puche’s wall, or will China’s frustrating blueprint prove that in youth football, the team that refuses to lose is the most dangerous of all?
The answer arrives tonight—watch closely, as history hangs in the balance.
Market Euphoria Fades as Profit-Taking Hits Large-Caps, Foreign Selling Surges
VIETNAM INSIDER – Vietnam’s booming stock market teased a fresh all-time high on January 20, 2026, with the VN-Index surging nearly 20 points to 1,915 in early trade—edging past its recent peak of around 1,918 set earlier this month—only to surrender those gains amid heavy selling in blue-chip stocks. The session’s reversal underscores the fragility of Vietnam’s remarkable 2025-2026 rally, which has delivered over 50% gains year-over-year, fueled by robust economic growth, corporate earnings momentum, and anticipation of FTSE Russell’s emerging market upgrade later in 2026.
The Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) closed the day in the red, with the VN-Index down about 0.15% at roughly 1,894 points, just below the prior reference level. Broad-based pressure dominated, as 180 stocks declined against fewer than 150 advancers. The VN30 basket of large-caps bore the brunt, dragging the index lower after an initial euphoric push that had built since late last week.
Key sectors felt the heat. Banking heavyweights like KLB plunged 3.8%, while CTG, STB, MBB, and TCB shed 0.5-1%; only BID held firm, rising over 2%. Real estate developers faced steep corrections, with NVL, PDR, and DXG dropping more than 1.5%, and Vingroup-linked names VIC, VHM, VRE, and others declining 0.6-3%. Oil and gas stocks saw profit-taking after recent strength, though PLX bucked the trend with a sharp 6%+ gain to 59,000 VND.
Liquidity stayed robust at around VND 36,200 billion (approximately $1.4 billion), with large-caps driving over half the volume—VNM alone notched nearly VND 1,600 billion in trades. Yet foreign investors turned aggressively net sellers at VND 1,750 billion, the heaviest outflow in a month, targeting names like Gemadept (over 10 million units sold), VIX, and HPG.
This pullback highlights a classic post-rally dynamic in emerging markets: strong underlying fundamentals—Vietnam’s GDP growth, improving reforms, and potential passive inflows from index upgrades—clash with short-term volatility from profit realization and cautious global capital. As Vietnam positions itself for deeper international integration, the question looms whether this dip represents a healthy breather or the start of broader caution—investors watching closely may find the next leg up hinges on sustained domestic conviction outweighing foreign caution.
Thai hoteliers demand emergency “war room” as rival Vietnam shatters records and steals market share
As Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape shifts dramatically, Thailand—long the undisputed king of regional travel—faces its first post-pandemic decline in international arrivals, while Vietnam surges to a historic high, redefining affordability, novelty, and momentum for global travelers and investors alike.
In 2025, Thailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign visitors—a 7.23% drop from 2024—generating about 1.53 trillion baht ($49 billion) in revenue from international spending, down nearly 5%. Key markets like China plummeted 30%, hit by a stronger Thai baht, aging infrastructure, resort saturation, and emerging safety concerns. The Tourism Authority of Thailand now targets an ambitious rebound to 36.7 million arrivals in 2026, emphasizing higher-spending, longer-stay visitors through mega-events and quality campaigns.
By contrast, Vietnam shattered expectations with nearly 21.2 million international arrivals in 2025—a 20.4% surge and an all-time record—surpassing its pre-pandemic peak of 18 million. Fueled by visa relaxations, new airports, expressways, integrated resorts, and aggressive promotion, Vietnam drew massive growth from China (over 5 million), South Korea, and especially Russia (nearly tripling). This momentum has redirected group tours and price-sensitive travelers from Thailand’s traditional strongholds like Phuket and Pattaya toward Vietnam’s central coast and emerging hotspots.
The Thai Hotels Association, led by Chairman Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, has proposed an urgent “tourism war room”—a centralized, data-driven unit uniting government, airlines, hotels, and marketers—to counter the slide. The mandate includes real-time competitor analysis, targeted promotions in vulnerable markets like Russia and Eastern Europe, and strategies to offset Thailand’s 15-20% higher service costs. Without coordinated action, leaders warn, the gap could widen permanently, forcing Thailand into catch-up mode against a nimbler rival.
Thailand retains powerful advantages in global brand recognition, diverse offerings, and loyal repeat visitors, but Vietnam’s cost edge and fresh infrastructure signal a structural challenge. As competition intensifies, the real question for 2026 isn’t just recovery—it’s whether Thailand can reinvent itself fast enough to reclaim dominance or if Southeast Asia’s tourism crown is quietly shifting north. Investors and travel operators watching closely may find the next big opportunity lies in betting on adaptation over legacy.
In January 2026, Ha Giang Aya Lodge by Local Vietnam officially opened in the mountainous area of Ha Giang, now administratively part of Tuyen Quang Province. Located along the famous Ha Giang Loop yet set within a quiet local village, the lodge introduces a new approach to tourism development in northern Vietnam—one that emphasizes balance between cultural preservation, community engagement, and appropriate comfort for international travelers.
The opening of Ha Giang Aya Lodge also marked the launch of a new version of the Local Vietnam website, the result of more than 18 months of research, writing, and fieldwork across Vietnam. Both the lodge and the online platform reflect the same direction: promoting meaningful travel experiences that respect local culture, support local communities, and avoid mass tourism.
A Long-Term Connection with Ha Giang
For co-founder Marnick Schoonderwoerd, Ha Giang has been both a personal and professional attachment for nearly seven years. For Nhung Phung, his wife and business partner, the journey to Ha Giang began more than ten years ago. Over the years, they have returned many times—not only for the dramatic landscapes, but also for the rich cultural life of the ethnic communities.
“On my first trips to Ha Giang, accommodation was very basic—sometimes it was so cold that I had to sleep in multiple layers of clothing,” Marnick shared. “But what stayed with me was the sense of family and connection. You weren’t just a visitor; you felt like you were living alongside local people.”
As tourism gradually developed, Ha Giang began to change. Infrastructure improved and international visitor numbers increased. At the same time, many accommodations along the Ha Giang Loop shifted toward mass tourism or were managed by operators from outside the region. As a result, the original sense of intimacy and local character started to fade.
Through Local Vietnam’s tour operations, the team identified a clear gap. Most of their guests are European travelers seeking cultural experiences, quiet surroundings, and higher comfort standards, while still wanting genuine connection with local life. In Ha Giang, such options have remained very limited.
Seeing Potential in a Remote Location
The idea for Ha Giang Aya Lodge began when the founders were introduced to a plot of land far from the center, though still on the Ha Giang Loop. The surrounding area had almost no hotels, restaurants, or tourism services—only a local village.
“That isolation was actually its strength,” Nhung Phung explained. “We saw an opportunity to create a place that integrates with the village, rather than turning the village into a tourist attraction.”
Construction faced many challenges due to the terrain, climate, and mountain building conditions, which extended the timeline beyond initial expectations. Throughout the process, however, the project received strong support from local residents and partners, reinforcing the belief that tourism in Ha Giang can develop in a more diverse and sustainable way.
The Three Core Values of Ha Giang Aya Lodge
Ha Giang Aya Lodge is built around three key elements: local culture, comfort, and natural landscape.
The lodge is located within a H’Mong village that continues its traditional way of life and is not a “homestay village” created for tourism. Guests staying here become part of everyday local life, including the weekly Tuesday market, where surrounding ethnic communities gather, creating a vivid cultural scene.
Community engagement goes beyond location. Most lodge staff come from the village and nearby areas, ensuring that local people benefit directly from tourism development. Local staff are trained on site and supported in learning English by English-speaking management. In addition, the management team contributes by teaching English at local schools and supporting small community initiatives such as village infrastructure improvements and tree planting.
Comfort is the second core value. Ha Giang Aya Lodge targets travelers who are not backpackers and who value comfort after long journeys on mountain roads. Rooms are equipped with European-standard mattresses, heating for winter, and air conditioning for summer. The restaurant serves Vietnamese dishes alongside Western options, following strict hygiene standards and professional operations.
The third element is the natural landscape. Every room and the restaurant area are designed to face the dramatic limestone mountain range. On certain mornings, low clouds fill the valley, creating a natural “cloud-hunting” experience directly from guest rooms or terraces.
Architecture Rooted in Local Identity
Ha Giang Aya Lodge was designed by architect Tung Le, who blended natural materials with highland cultural inspiration. Drawing from the architecture of the Vuong Family Mansion in Dong Van, the design uses stone foundations, wooden beams, tiled roofs, and warm, earthy tones to blend into the mountain landscape and local culture.
“The architecture is not meant to stand out, but to become a natural part of the area,” Marnick explained.
A Physical Expression of Local Vietnam’s Philosophy
Local Vietnam was founded with the goal of providing in-depth, honest travel information and tailor-made journeys for international travelers. Marnick Schoonderwoerd, originally from the Netherlands, has lived in Vietnam for over ten years and traveled extensively throughout the country. During this time, he has written more than 1,000 travel guides focusing on culture, nature, and lesser-known destinations.
Nhung Phung plays a key role in content development, tour design, and community connection, bringing deep cultural insight and practical local knowledge. The Local Vietnam team operates directly in Vietnam, with a focus on responsible tourism, moderate scale, and long-term relationships with local communities.
Ha Giang Aya Lodge serves as a tangible embodiment of these values—not a mass-market resort, but a place where travelers can slow down, connect with the land, and experience northern Vietnam’s mountains in a more authentic way.
Future Direction
Now officially in operation, Ha Giang Aya Lodge expands accommodation options in Tuyen Quang Province while supporting Local Vietnam’s long-term vision through its new digital platform. In the coming period, the lodge plans to develop cultural experiences, local workshops, and trekking routes that depart directly from the property, guiding travelers to areas less affected by mass tourism.
As Ha Giang continues to develop, Ha Giang Aya Lodge aims to become an example of a tourism model that balances economic development, cultural preservation, and community benefit.
A daylight heist in central Vietnam highlights rising risks around bank security and public safety.
A brazen armed robbery at a Vietcombank branch in Vietnam’s Central Highlands has sent shockwaves through the country’s financial sector, underscoring growing concerns about public security, surveillance gaps, and risk management in emerging markets.
On the afternoon of January 19, two young men stormed into the Vietcombank branch in Tra Ba, Hoi Phu ward, Gia Lai province. One of the suspects was disguised in a ride-hailing service uniform, a detail that has drawn particular attention for its calculated exploitation of public trust. According to eyewitnesses and video footage circulating on social media, the men threatened staff and customers with what appeared to be handguns, shouting warnings to remain still as panic spread inside the branch.
The operation was swift and coordinated. While one suspect guarded the entrance—forcing security personnel back inside under threat—the other moved directly to the teller counter and collected cash, placing it into a bag. The pair then fled the scene on a motorbike in broad daylight, leaving behind stunned customers and staff. Authorities have not disclosed the amount stolen, and police have launched a manhunt to locate the perpetrators.
For international observers, the incident resonates beyond a single criminal act. Vietnam has long been viewed as one of Southeast Asia’s safer investment destinations, with a rapidly modernizing banking system and strong foreign investor confidence. However, high-visibility incidents like this raise questions around branch-level security protocols, emergency response readiness, and the risks associated with cash-heavy transactions in fast-growing provincial cities.
The timing also matters. Vietnam’s financial sector is accelerating digital transformation, pushing cashless payments and online banking partly to reduce operational risk. Incidents such as this may further strengthen the case for reduced cash handling, enhanced surveillance technologies, and tighter coordination between banks and local law enforcement—especially as regional cities like Pleiku grow in economic importance.
As Vietnam continues to integrate deeper into global capital flows and attracts international investors, the response to this robbery will be closely watched. The key question is not just how quickly the suspects are caught, but whether this moment becomes a catalyst for stronger security standards—or a warning sign that growth is outpacing safeguards.
An unbeaten defense, a penalty-shootout hero, and a European tactician turn China U23 into the tournament’s most underestimated contender.
What looks like a mismatch on paper is rapidly becoming one of the most intriguing tactical battles in Asian football. As Vietnam U23 prepares to face China U23 in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Championship, international fans and analysts are beginning to ask a counter-intuitive question: has the tournament’s least glamorous team become its most dangerous?
From a global perspective, China U23’s journey defies modern football logic. The team scored just once in four matches yet advanced to the semi-finals without conceding a single goal. In an era obsessed with possession, pressing, and expected goals, China has advanced by doing the opposite—defending deep, absorbing pressure, and exploiting moments of psychological fragility from stronger opponents.
That reality was brutally exposed in the quarter-final against Uzbekistan U23, a former tournament champion and possession powerhouse. Uzbekistan dominated 78% of the ball, fired 22 shots, and forced seven saves—yet still exited the competition after a penalty shootout. The decisive factor was goalkeeper Li Hao, whose nine saves across 120 minutes and penalties turned defensive resistance into outright elimination. China U23 now stands as the only team yet to concede at the tournament.
The architect behind this discipline is Antonio Puche, a Spanish coach who has quietly built a compact 5-3-2 system around physical defenders and extreme positional discipline. Often criticized as passive, Puche’s approach has proven brutally efficient. With an average squad age of just 20.8, China’s U23 side has shown rare emotional control—waiting, frustrating, and striking only when the moment tilts in their favor. It is football intelligence, not luck, that has carried them this far.
For Vietnam, the contrast could not be sharper. Under coach Kim Sang Sik, Vietnam U23 has been one of the tournament’s most fluid attacking sides, scoring eight goals through collective movement rather than individual stardom. Forward Nguyen Dinh Bac, with three goals and one assist, epitomizes this system-driven threat. Yet that very strength may be tested hardest against China’s low block, aerial dominance, and refusal to engage high up the pitch.
The semi-final thus becomes more than a regional rivalry—it is a classic global football dilemma. Can a proactive, possession-based attack dismantle a perfectly organized defensive machine? Or will patience, structure, and psychological resilience once again neutralize flair and tempo?
For international observers, this match offers a reminder that modern football is not only about who attacks better, but who suffers smarter. If Vietnam breaks through, it confirms the rise of Southeast Asia’s tactical maturity. If China holds firm again, it reinforces a timeless truth: in knockout football, the quietest team can be the most lethal.
Banking, energy, and property stocks power a rally that puts Vietnam back on global investors’ radar.
Vietnam’s stock market is once again commanding international attention as the VN-Index surged more than 17 points to close near 1,900—just a few points shy of its all-time high—signaling renewed confidence in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. The rally, driven by heavyweight banking, energy, and real estate names, comes as global investors reassess emerging markets amid shifting capital flows, easing monetary conditions, and a search for growth beyond China.
The benchmark index ended the session at 1,896 on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, extending gains for a second consecutive day despite sharp intraday volatility. While selling pressure briefly dragged the market into negative territory, strong late-session buying pushed the index higher, underscoring resilient demand for Vietnamese equities at elevated levels. The market is now within striking distance of its historical peak, reinforcing Vietnam’s status as a frontier-to-emerging market transition story closely watched by global funds.
Leadership came from systemically important sectors. Large state-linked and private banks posted solid gains, reinforcing the view that Vietnam’s credit cycle remains supportive as economic activity accelerates. Energy stocks delivered the most synchronized advance, tracking firm oil prices and expectations of stable domestic demand, while property names linked to Vingroup continued to anchor the index. In contrast, several mid-sized developers and smaller banks lagged, highlighting selective capital rotation rather than indiscriminate risk-taking.
Liquidity remained robust, with total turnover holding near recent highs and large-cap stocks accounting for the bulk of trading value. This concentration suggests institutional participation rather than purely retail-driven momentum—an important signal for international investors assessing market depth and sustainability.
Perhaps the most consequential development was the return of net foreign buying, snapping a four-session selling streak. Offshore investors focused heavily on liquid banking and industrial names, a pattern consistent with portfolio rebalancing rather than short-term speculation. For global asset managers, renewed foreign inflows are often an early indicator of confidence in macro stability, currency management, and earnings visibility.
Looking ahead, analysts broadly expect the uptrend to persist, with the VN-Index eyeing a potential breakout toward the 1,920 level as capital gradually rotates from mega-caps into smaller growth stocks. The bigger question for global investors is whether Vietnam’s rally marks a short-term technical push—or the early stages of a structural re-rating as the country cements its role as a manufacturing, consumption, and investment hub in Asia.
Ủy ban Trung ương Mặt trận Tổ quốc Việt Nam phối hợp với Tổng Công ty Cổ phần Bia – Rượu – Nước giải khát Sài Gòn (SABECO) tổ chức chuỗi sự kiện cộng đồng thuộc khuôn khổ chiến dịch “Chung Vị Tết Việt – Gắn Kết Muôn Miền” tại tỉnh Vĩnh Long và Cần Thơ trong hai ngày 17 và 18/1/2026, mang lại những trải nghiệm Tết gắn kết và ý nghĩa dành cho hàng ngàn người dân địa phương.
Tại sự kiện ở Quảng trường Vĩnh Long và phường Vĩnh Châu, Cần Thơ, chương trình đã trao tặng 900 phần quà mang thông điệp “Chung Vị Tết Việt” cho các hộ gia đình có hoàn cảnh khó khăn – những con người đại diện cho sự lạc quan và ý chí vươn lên trong cuộc sống, cùng đội ngũ bộ đội biên phòng đang ngày đêm bảo vệ sự yên bình cho người dân. Mỗi phần quà không chỉ bao gồm các nhu yếu phẩm và những hương vị Tết quen thuộc như bánh tét, mứt Tết, mà còn có phong bao lì xì như một lời chúc may mắn và tốt lành gửi đến người dân nhân dịp năm mới. Thông qua món quà ý nghĩa này, SABECO gửi gắm mong muốn mang đến sự trọn vẹn và đầm ấm cho những người chưa có cơ hội đón một mùa Tết đủ đầy, để ai cũng cảm nhận được mình là một phần của niềm vui chung trong dịp năm mới.
Bà Nguyễn Thị Tuấn Thanh, Phó Chủ tịch Ủy ban Mặt Trận Tổ Quốc Việt Nam tỉnh Vĩnh Long chia sẻ: “Thông qua sự phối hợp cùng SABECO trong chiến dịch ‘Chung Vị Tết Việt – Gắn Kết Muôn Miền’, chúng tôi mong muốn những phần quà Tết không chỉ mang giá trị vật chất, mà còn là sự động viên tinh thần, giúp người dân địa phương cảm nhận được sự quan tâm, đồng hành của cộng đồng và xã hội trong dịp năm mới. Quan trọng hơn, các hoạt động của chương trình góp phần giúp mọi người, đặc biệt là những hoàn cảnh khó khăn, cảm nhận được rằng mình là một phần của Tết, một phần của niềm vui và sự gắn kết chung của cộng đồng. Đây cũng là cách để tinh thần đoàn kết và nhân ái của dân tộc tiếp tục được lan tỏa mạnh mẽ trong mùa Tết.”
Cũng trong khuôn khổ sự kiện, SABECO mang đến không gian trải nghiệm “vị Tết” qua 7 khu vực tương tác với nhiều hoạt động cộng đồng hấp dẫn. Mỗi khu vực là một sắc thái quen thuộc nhưng đầy cảm xúc của ngày xuân.
Nổi bật là cuộc thi gói bánh Tét “Vị Phúc Sum Vầy” với sự tham gia của người dân địa phương tại các khu phố lân cận. Trong không khí rộn ràng của sự kiện, các đội thi cùng nhau trải nghiệm gói bánh tét và sắp xếp mâm cỗ Tết. Sự kiện ở Vĩnh Long khắc hoạ đậm nét văn hoá miền Tây với những món ăn ngày Tết mang hương vị đặc trưng vùng sông nước và hoạt động vui chơi Tết quen thuộc như hát lô tô. Qua từng sự kiện “Chung Vị Tết Việt” được tổ chức ở ba miền Bắc – Trung – Nam, người dân có thể cảm nhận rõ sự khác biệt trong phong tục đón Tết và chuẩn bị mâm cỗ Tết. Dù mỗi vùng miền có cách thể hiện riêng, tất cả đều cùng hướng đến một giá trị chung: Tết là thời điểm sum họp, sẻ chia và gắn kết gia đình, cộng đồng.
Bên cạnh đó, sự kiện cũng mang đến các hoạt động trải nghiệm văn hóa Tết hấp dẫn tại khu vực “Vị Khai Xuân” với hoạt động biểu diễn văn nghệ, xin chữ Ông Đồ tại khu vực “Vị Tết Đậm Đà Từ Muôn Vẻ” cùng Bia 333, và hoạt động chụp hình lưu giữ khoảnh khắc Tết sum vầy tại khu vực “Vị Hỷ Rộn Ràng”. Khu vực “Tỏa Vị Gắn Kết” cùng Bia Saigon Lager thu hút sự tham gia đông đảo người dân địa phương với các trò chơi mini game tương tác thú vị, lấy cảm hứng từ những hoạt động gắn kết quen thuộc trong ngày Tết như ca hát, nâng ly chúc mừng và chúc Tết đầu năm.
Đặc biệt, tại khu vực “Vị Tết Gắn Kết”, người dân được chiêm ngưỡng những khoảnh khắc đón Tết bình dị nhưng đầy niềm vui từ người dân khắp mọi miền đất nước, được tham gia vvà trở thành một phần trong bức tranh chung (mosaic e-album) thông qua hoạt động gắn kết cộng đồng “Chung Vị Tết Việt”. Đây là một sáng kiến của SABECO, kêu gọi người dân khắp 34 tỉnh thành chia sẻ hình ảnh và câu chuyện đón Tết của mình trên mạng xã hội cùng hashtag #ChungViTetViet. Bức tranh Tết chung được SABECO trưng bày tại sự kiện cộng đồng ở 3 tỉnh Đắk Lắk, Vĩnh Long và Nghệ An, thể hiện mong muốn tạo nên một nền tảng chung nhằm gắn kết dân tộc Việt Nam để mọi người đều trở thành một phần của mùa Tết sẻ chia và gắn kết.
Chiến dịch “Chung Vị Tết Việt – Gắn Kết Muôn Miền” do SABECO khởi xướng với mong muốn gìn giữ nét đẹp văn hóa và kết nối những sắc thái văn hóa khắp mọi miền thành một trải nghiệm Tết chung, nơi ai cũng cảm nhận được sự gắn kết và thuộc về. Đây cũng là năm đầu tiên SABECO đưa chương trình Tết thường niên thành nền tảng tôn vinh sự đa dạng văn hóa vùng miền Việt Nam, thể hiện vai trò của doanh nghiệp trong việc bảo tồn bản sắc văn hóa truyền thống, gắn kết cộng đồng và lan tỏa niềm tự hào dân tộc.
Bà Patsy Lim, Phó Tổng Giám đốc phụ trách Marketing & Truyền thông doanh nghiệp SABECO cho biết: “Với SABECO, Tết không chỉ là dịp lễ truyền thống mà còn là thời khắc để mọi người cảm nhận rõ nhất sự gắn kết và cảm giác thuộc về. Trong hành trình phát triển của mình, SABECO luôn trân trọng sự đồng hành và đóng góp của các địa phương trên khắp cả nước, trong đó có Vĩnh Long và Cần Thơ – những vùng đất giàu bản sắc văn hóa, nghĩa tình và gắn bó lâu dài với SABECO trên hành trình phát triển. Thông qua chiến dịch ‘Chung Vị Tết Việt – Gắn Kết Muôn Miền’, chúng tôi mong muốn tạo nên một cầu nối nơi ai cũng có cơ hội trải nghiệm một cái Tết đủ đầy và đầm ấm, dù ở bất kỳ đâu hay trong hoàn cảnh nào. SABECO tin rằng khi những giá trị văn hóa Tết được gìn giữ và lan tỏa bằng những hành động thiết thực, Tết sẽ trở thành trải nghiệm chung của cả cộng đồng nơi mọi người cùng sẻ chia, cùng chung vui và cùng tự hào.”
Vĩnh Long và Cần Thơ là 2 trong số 16 địa phương diễn ra chuỗi hoạt động trao quà Tết và gắn kết cộng đồng từ ngày 10/1/2026 đến hết ngày 8/2/2026. Đây không chỉ là những địa phương tiêu biểu của khu vực Đồng bằng sông Cửu Long – nơi lưu giữ đậm nét bản sắc văn hóa Tết miền Tây, mà còn là các địa phương có sự gắn bó lâu dài với SABECO trong hoạt động kinh doanh và các chương trình cộng đồng ý nghĩa trong nhiều năm qua.
Tính đến nay, chiến dịch đã đi qua 4 tỉnh thành gồm Đak Lak, Lâm Đồng, Vĩnh Long, Cần Thơ, với 1800 phần quà Tết đã được trao tặng. Tiếp sau đó, Ban Tổ chức chương trình sẽ tiếp tục mang các hoạt động ý nghĩa của chiến dịch đến với Đồng Tháp, Đồng Nai, Nghệ An và Hà Tĩnh trong hai ngày 24/1 và 25/1, tiếp nối hành trình mang trải nghiệm Tết đến gần hơn với cộng đồng và lan tỏa tinh thần sẻ chia gắn kết trong dịp năm mới Bính Ngọ.
U.S. chipmaker deepens Vietnam bet as AI talent and IP become strategic assets
As global technology firms race to secure artificial intelligence talent and sovereign innovation capacity, Qualcomm is placing a strategic marker in Vietnam. The U.S. chip giant will open a border AI research lab in Hanoi, signaling growing confidence in Vietnam’s role within the global AI supply chain—beyond manufacturing and into high-value research, intellectual property, and advanced training.
The lab is expected to be based at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, one of the country’s leading engineering institutions. The announcement was made in Hanoi on January 15 by Becky Fraser, Qualcomm’s Vice President for Government Relations in Asia-Pacific and India, during the signing of a cooperation agreement with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training.
According to Qualcomm, the lab will deliver hands-on AI training programs, giving Vietnamese students and researchers access to advanced hardware and practical exposure to frontier technologies. This approach mirrors a broader shift among multinational tech companies: investing directly in local human capital to secure long-term innovation pipelines while reducing dependence on a limited number of global talent hubs.
Beyond the Hanoi lab, Qualcomm plans to back deeper AI research collaborations with top Vietnamese universities, including the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. The company is also expanding its digital intellectual property education, having launched an online IP training platform that has already attracted more than 1,200 registrants, with over 460 students completing courses within three months—an unusually high conversion rate for technical IP education in emerging markets.
This initiative builds on Qualcomm’s existing footprint in Vietnam, notably the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge, which supports university-linked startups in R&D execution, IP protection, and commercialization. Together, these programs indicate a deliberate strategy to embed Qualcomm not just as a technology supplier, but as a long-term ecosystem partner in Vietnam’s innovation economy.
For Vietnam, the partnership reinforces a national ambition to move up the value chain—from electronics manufacturing to AI research, digital transformation, and original IP creation. For global investors and policymakers, Qualcomm’s move is a clear signal: Vietnam is no longer just a cost-competitive manufacturing base in Southeast Asia, but an emerging node in the global AI and semiconductor talent network. The question now is whether more Big Tech players will follow—and how fast Vietnam can convert this momentum into globally competitive innovation output.
The national carrier’s rise signals growing global confidence in Vietnam’s aviation safety and travel infrastructure.
Vietnam Airlines has secured a place among the world’s 25 safest full-service airlines for 2026, a milestone that extends beyond corporate prestige to reflect Vietnam’s broader integration into global aviation standards—an issue that matters to international travelers, investors, and partners increasingly active in Southeast Asia.
Ranked 19th globally by AirlineRatings, Vietnam Airlines climbed three positions from last year and remains the only Vietnamese carrier on the list. The ranking places it alongside industry heavyweights such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, and All Nippon Airways, underscoring how Vietnam’s flag carrier is narrowing the gap with long-established global brands.
AirlineRatings’ 2026 assessment reviewed 320 airlines worldwide using a stringent methodology covering incident rates per flight, fleet age, pilot training, safety audits, and records of serious incidents. This year, the analysis placed greater emphasis on turbulence prevention—now the leading cause of in-flight injuries globally. Vietnam Airlines’ adoption of advanced weather forecasting and terrain-integrated operational software was cited as a key factor in mitigating this risk and improving overall flight safety.
Crucially, the improved ranking reflects sustained, system-wide progress rather than isolated upgrades. AirlineRatings pointed to strong fleet quality, a very low incident rate, stable operations, and robust safety management systems. It also highlighted improvements in Vietnam’s national aviation oversight, aligned with assessments by the International Civil Aviation Organization, benefiting not only domestic airlines but also international carriers flying to and from Vietnam.
Vietnam Airlines’ safety credentials are further reinforced by its long-standing compliance with the International Air Transport Association’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), which it has maintained continuously since 2006. Its Safety Management System, established in 2007, is widely regarded as a benchmark within the Vietnamese aviation sector. In 2023, IATA selected the airline to host the World Safety and Operations Conference, a signal of its growing influence in global aviation governance.
For international audiences, this ranking carries implications beyond aviation awards. As Vietnam positions itself as a major tourism hub, manufacturing base, and investment destination, airline safety is a critical trust signal. Vietnam Airlines’ rise into the world’s safest carriers suggests that the country’s aviation ecosystem—often the first point of contact for global visitors—is reaching a level of maturity that matches Vietnam’s economic ambitions. The question now is whether this momentum can translate into stronger premium travel demand and deeper global partnerships in the years ahead.
Record trading value signals rising domestic confidence, even as foreign capital pulls back
A powerful wave of domestic capital is reshaping Vietnam’s equity market, sending trading activity to its highest level in three months and underscoring a structural shift in who is driving Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing stock market.
Trading value on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange surged to nearly 46 trillion VND (around USD 1.8 billion), up 10% from the previous session and marking the fourth consecutive day of rising liquidity. According to analysis from SSI Securities, the rebound reflects easing interest-rate pressure compared with late last year, prompting local investors to reallocate capital from deposits into equities.
Capital inflows were heavily concentrated in large-cap and market-leading stocks, particularly in banking, securities, consumer goods, and heavy industry. Thirteen stocks recorded trading value above 1 trillion VND, led by SSI with nearly 1.93 trillion VND in matched orders, followed by Vinamilk and Vietcombank. The concentration suggests that domestic investors are positioning selectively rather than chasing broad-based momentum.
Despite strong liquidity, the VN-Index showed signs of fatigue after an early-week rally. The benchmark briefly touched a record high of 1,918 points before reversing course, fluctuating sharply throughout the session and closing down more than 8 points at 1,894. Heavy selling pressure in Vingroup-linked stocks proved decisive: Vingroup, Vinhomes, Vinpearl, and Vincom Retail all fell between 2.5% and 5.7%, collectively shaving 22 points off the index. Excluding this group, the market would have remained in positive territory.
Sector performance highlighted growing divergence beneath the headline index. State-owned banks such as BIDV, Vietcombank, and VietinBank continued to climb, while private lenders including VPBank, HDBank, Techcombank, TPBank, and VIB came under notable pressure. A similar split appeared in brokerage stocks, with leaders such as SSI and HSC advancing, while several mid-tier names declined.
One of the few consistently positive pockets was energy. Oil and gas stocks including Petrolimex, PV Oil, and PVC hit daily limits with no sellers, while PetroVietnam Gas, BSR, and PVS posted solid gains. The move reflects growing investor interest in Vietnam’s energy security and infrastructure expansion amid regional volatility.
Foreign investors, however, continued to move in the opposite direction, extending a net-selling streak of roughly 450 billion VND. Outflows were concentrated in real estate names, reinforcing the view that global funds remain cautious on Vietnam’s property cycle even as local money grows more confident.
The bigger story for global investors is not a single down session, but the changing balance of power in Vietnam’s capital markets. With domestic liquidity surging and increasingly shaping price action, Vietnam is becoming less dependent on foreign flows—a shift that could make the market more resilient, but also more selective, in the next phase of its growth cycle.
Vietnam rises to 86th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, signaling deeper global integration despite fewer visa-free destinations.
Vietnam’s passport has just reached its strongest position in five years—an under-the-radar development that matters far beyond tourism. In the newly released 2026 Henley Passport Index, Vietnam climbed to 86th place, a five-rank jump that reflects not only mobility trends but also the country’s growing economic integration at a time when global travel, investment, and talent flows are accelerating.
Updated on January 13, the 2026 index places Vietnam ahead of its 2025 ranking of 91st, marking its highest standing since 2020. While Vietnamese citizens currently enjoy visa-free or simplified entry to 49 destinations—down slightly after Bolivia removed visa-free access—the upward move underscores a broader recalibration of global openness rather than a simple tally of border access.
According to the Henley Passport Index, passport strength increasingly mirrors diplomatic reach, trade connectivity, and a country’s perceived stability. Vietnam now ranks 80th globally for national openness, offering visa-free entry to nearly 40 nationalities—an indicator closely watched by multinational employers, investors, and expatriates assessing long-term mobility risk in Southeast Asia.
Most visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations for Vietnamese travelers remain concentrated in ASEAN and emerging markets, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and fast-growing island economies such as the Maldives and Cape Verde. While these routes may seem limited compared with advanced economies, they align closely with Vietnam’s trade corridors, outbound labor flows, and tourism expansion strategy.
Historically, Vietnam’s passport peaked at 78th in 2006–2007, before global security shifts and tighter visa regimes reshaped mobility worldwide. Against that backdrop, the current rebound suggests gradual recovery rather than stagnation—especially as Asia-Pacific resumes its role as the engine of global travel growth.
At the top of the global ranking, Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport, with access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan, South Korea, and a cluster of EU states. The United States re-enters the top 10 in 2026, reflecting renewed diplomatic momentum and restored travel access post-pandemic.
The index draws on data from the International Air Transport Association, which expects 2026 to mark the highest year for global travel on record. For Vietnam, this momentum matters: rising passport strength supports outbound tourism, cross-border employment, foreign education, and—critically—investor confidence in a more globally connected workforce.
The bigger question now is not how many countries Vietnamese citizens can enter without a visa—but how Vietnam converts rising mobility into economic leverage, talent circulation, and soft power. In a world where passports increasingly function as economic assets, Vietnam’s quiet climb may be more significant than the ranking suggests.
Vietnam’s electric car champion sold nearly as many vehicles as Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford combined—signaling a structural shift with global implications.
Vietnam’s auto market just delivered a signal global investors cannot ignore: a domestic electric vehicle maker has overtaken nearly every foreign incumbent at once. In 2025, VinFast delivered more vehicles at home than Toyota, Hyundai, and Ford combined, underscoring how rapidly Southeast Asia’s growth story is being reshaped by electrification, local champions, and consumer economics.
According to aggregated industry data from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association, Hyundai Thanh Cong, and VinFast, Vietnam’s auto market sold 604,134 vehicles in 2025, up 22% year-on-year and the highest level on record. The figure excludes several imported luxury and Chinese brands that do not disclose sales, but the headline is clear: VinFast alone delivered 175,099 vehicles—nearly 30% of the market and the highest annual volume ever achieved by a single manufacturer in Vietnam’s three-decade auto history. Every one of those vehicles was fully electric.
The scale of VinFast’s momentum is best illustrated by December. In that single month, the company delivered 27,649 vehicles—roughly equal to Kia’s entire annual sales in Vietnam and comparable to Honda’s full-year total. By contrast, full-year deliveries for Toyota reached 71,954 units, Hyundai 53,229 units, and Ford 50,450 units—together only marginally ahead of VinFast on its own.
The company’s dominance is not driven by a single hit model but by a portfolio spanning mass-market segments. In multi-purpose vehicles, the all-electric Limo Green, launched only in August, sold 27,127 units and ended a six-year reign by Mitsubishi’s Xpander as Vietnam’s best-selling MPV. In December alone, the model posted 10,981 deliveries—the highest monthly sales ever recorded by a single vehicle in the country. Analysts point to a combination of seven-seat practicality, sharply lower running costs than gasoline vehicles, and Vietnam’s registration-fee exemptions for EVs.
Urban SUVs tell a similar story. The VF 5 led its segment with 43,913 units in 2025, while the VF 6 disrupted the fiercely competitive B-SUV category with 23,291 deliveries, outperforming gasoline rivals such as the Mitsubishi Xforce and Toyota Yaris Cross. Higher-end models VF 8 and VF 9 maintained steady volumes, reinforcing VinFast’s coverage from entry-level to premium—an advantage few EV makers in emerging markets can claim.
Perhaps most telling for foreign manufacturers, VinFast was the only top-four brand in Vietnam to grow market share in 2025. Hyundai Thanh Cong saw its share fall sharply from 13.6% in 2024 to 8.8%, while other global brands also ceded ground. The message is unambiguous: in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing auto markets, local EV economics—tax incentives, charging costs, and value-for-money positioning—are now overpowering legacy brand loyalty.
For global automakers, investors, and policymakers, Vietnam is no longer just a future EV opportunity—it is a live case study. If a domestic electric brand can out-sell three global giants combined at home, the bigger question is not whether Vietnam will electrify, but which markets might be next to follow the same path.
