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Phan Thiet to Open Three Night Food Streets

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In September and October, Phan Thiet city is set to launch three night food streets located on Tuyen Quang Street (Binh Hung ward), the old Cultural House area (Mui Ne ward), and within the Novaworld Phan Thiet project area.

From the end of September, Phan Thiet city plans to put into operation three night food streets on Tuyen Quang street (Binh Hung ward), the old cultural house area (Mui Ne ward) and the Novaworld Phan Thiet project area. Illustration photo: Nguyen Vu

The night food street on Tuyen Quang Street, in Binh Hung ward (from the intersection of Nguyen Tat Thanh – Tuyen Quang to Thu Khoa Huan – Tuyen Quang), will operate from 5:30 PM to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with an expected opening at the end of September 2024.

This food street will feature between 50 and 100 stalls, including OCOP products from Binh Thuan, stalls serving local specialties, a cultural and artistic performance area, and traditional games for children.

The second night food street will be set up on the land of the old Cultural House, located in Area 5, Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Mui Ne ward. It is expected to open in October 2024, operating from 5:30 PM to 2:00 AM the following day.

This night food street will have around 70 stalls, divided into three main sections. It will feature mobile stalls (food trucks) and will not have permanent structures, except for public restrooms.

Additionally, within the Novaworld Phan Thiet project area, a local specialty and night food and beverage section will be organized, operating during weekends and holidays. This activity is also expected to start in September 2024.

@SGtiepthi

Da Nang Temporarily Suspends Visits to Son Tra Peninsula Due to Heavy Rain

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On September 18, the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang’s Tourist Beaches (MB) announced the temporary suspension of visits to Son Tra Peninsula.

According to the MB, due to the distant circulation effects of the tropical depression, heavy to very heavy rains occurred in Da Nang on the morning of September 18, causing widespread flooding. From the night of September 17 to the morning of September 18, several areas received over 100mm of rainfall, with Suoi Da at 150mm and Linh Ung Pagoda at 140mm.

Visits to Son Tra Peninsula are temporarily suspended from September 18 until further notice. Photo: Thanh Hien.

It is forecasted that Da Nang will experience heavy to very heavy rains from September 18 to 21 due to the tropical depression, which could potentially strengthen into a storm and directly impact central Vietnam. To ensure the safety of residents and tourists, the MB has suspended all visits to Son Tra Peninsula starting September 18 until further notice.

Currently, forces are working to clear, dredge canals, ditches, and drainage systems, as well as clean the environment in various areas. They are also pruning and securing trees, protecting offices, agencies, homes, and citizens’ property. Plans are being prepared to evacuate residents based on different natural disaster scenarios in areas at risk of landslides, flooding, unsafe housing, and isolated areas. The authorities are ensuring that forces, resources, and equipment are ready to respond.

Strong winds knocked down trees in many places in Da Nang. Photo: Thanh Hien.

According to the City Border Guard Command, as of 5:00 AM on September 18, 62 vessels with 617 workers were still operating at sea. The boats have been informed about the developments and direction of the tropical depression and Storm No. 4. The city’s border guard stations are maintaining communication with the vessels, informing and guiding them to avoid dangerous areas or return to shore for safe shelter.

@Znews

Ethereum Is the Microsoft of Blockchains, ETH Underperformance May Reverse Into Year-End: Bitwise

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The Ethereum blockchain has the most active developers, the highest number of active users and ether has a market cap that is five times larger than its nearest competitor, the report said.

Ether (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, seems to be liked by nobody right now, but the native token of the Ethereum blockchain’s underperformance could reverse as the year draws to a close, Bitwise said in a report on Tuesday.

The asset manager noted that year-to-date ether is little changed, while bitcoin (BTC) is up 38% and Solana’s sol (SOL) has risen 31%.

Ether’s recent underperformance stems from risk related to November’s U.S. presidential election, rising competition from Solana and other blockchains, challenged tokenomics and a mixed response to the introduction of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S., the report said.

Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. The majority of stablecoins are issued on Ethereum, more than 60% of all decentralized finance (DeFi) assets are locked on the blockchain and the popular prediction market Polymarket also settles on the layer-1 chain, Bitwise noted.

“Ethereum has the most active developers, the most active users, and a market cap that is 5X bigger than its closest competitor,” wrote Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise.

“It’s like the Microsoft (MSFT) of blockchains,” Hougan wrote. Everyone wants to talk about about newer companies and their game-changing tech such as Google (GOOG), Slack (WORK) and Zoom (ZM), “but Microsoft is still larger than all of them put together.”

Ether’s challenges are not “existential” and the market may reevaluate the cryptocurrency closer to the U.S. election. “It looks like a potential contrarian bet through the end of the year,” the report said.

Donald Trump’s Group Plans Hotel, Golf, and Resort Developments in Vietnam

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The Trump Organization is expressing interest in investing in golf courses, entertainment, and resort complexes in Hung Yen province of Vietnam.

Known for its involvement in various sectors, including hotels, real estate, golf courses, entertainment, publishing, asset management, and marketing, the group seeks to expand its operations in Vietnam. According to the Hung Yen newspaper, Nguyen Huu Nghia, Secretary of the Hung Yen Provincial Party Committee, met with senior leaders from The Trump Organization to discuss potential collaborations. The meeting, also attended by leaders from various local sectors, centered on investment opportunities in Hung Yen.

The Trump Organization’s representatives emphasized their desire to partner with the province, particularly in hotel construction, golf courses, and entertainment complexes, areas where they have significant expertise and a strong international reputation. They also requested that the province facilitate conditions that would support the group’s participation in its development efforts, aiming to strengthen diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States.

Nguyen Huu Nghia outlined the province’s potential and strategic advantages, along with its long-term economic development plans, which include transforming Hung Yen into a modern hub for industry and services. He also highlighted investment projects focused on transport infrastructure aimed at enhancing regional connectivity between Hung Yen and Hanoi, and leveraging tourism and entertainment opportunities around Hanoi and the Red River Delta.

The Secretary of the Hung Yen Special Economic Zone reiterated the province’s commitment to providing a favorable legal environment for The Trump Organization to explore investment opportunities. However, he noted that many steps still need to be taken to turn this potential cooperation into reality. Local authorities will continue working closely with central agencies to ensure effective promotion of investment in the region.

Founded in 1927, The Trump Organization is a family-owned business, primarily involved in construction and real estate development, with major operations in New York. Since Donald Trump took over in 1971, the company has expanded into other sectors, including hospitality and entertainment. Following his election as U.S. President in 2016, Trump handed over the leadership of the company to his children. Today, The Trump Organization is one of the leading real estate investment firms, with numerous large-scale projects around the world.

One of its first major successes under Trump’s leadership was the renovation of the Commodore Hotel in Manhattan, which reopened as the Grand Hyatt New York in 1980. This was followed by the development of Trump Tower, which opened in 1983 and remains a landmark in New York City, housing both luxury brands and the Trump family’s offices.

You can book direct flights to Italy from Vietnam very soon

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Vietnam Airlines will introduce a direct route between Hanoi and Milan starting in July 2025, marking the first time a Vietnamese airline will offer direct flights to Italy.

With this addition, the airline will operate a total of nine international routes connecting Vietnam to Europe. Currently, Vietnam Airlines is the only carrier in Vietnam offering direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Paris, Frankfurt, and London.

The new Milan route will use Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. To celebrate the launch, Vietnam Airlines is offering round-trip tickets starting from 14.8 million VND (about 600 USD), inclusive of taxes and fees, for customers who book between September 17 and November 12 for travel between July 1 and July 31, 2025.

Tickets are available on the Vietnam Airlines website, mobile app, and through authorized ticket offices and agents across the country. Additionally, the airline plans to open direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Milan in 2026. Vietnam Airlines will also begin direct routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Munich, Germany, in October this year.

Vietnam Airlines is the national flag carrier of Vietnam, established in 1956. It operates domestic and international flights, serving over 50 destinations across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. The airline is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and is known for using a modern fleet, including Airbus and Boeing aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Vietnam Airlines focuses on providing high-quality service and promoting Vietnamese culture and hospitality to its passengers. Its hub airports are located in Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport) and Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport).

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding on Multiple Roads in Ho Chi Minh City

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Prolonged heavy rain from early morning until the afternoon led to widespread flooding on numerous roads in Ho Chi Minh City, causing challenges for commuters.

On September 18, many areas of the city, particularly in certain districts, experienced significant flooding due to the downpour.

Many roads in Go Vap District, including Le Duc Tho, Le Van Tho, Nguyen Van Khoi, and Pham Van Chieu streets, were heavily inundated. In some areas, the water level rose to more than half the height of a motorbike’s wheels, making travel through the district difficult.

Mr. Nguyen Van Sy, a 45-year-old resident of Pham Van Chieu street, shared that the rain started early in the morning and intensified by noon, leading to widespread flooding.

“Pham Van Chieu street usually floods in the afternoon due to a combination of rain and high tides. Today, I was surprised to see it flooded in the morning,” said Mr. Sy.

Similarly, roads such as Song Hanh and Nguyen Anh Thu streets in District 12 also faced flooding, causing some vehicles to stall while passing through these areas.

As of 1:30 p.m., rain continued across all districts in Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking to reporter, Mr. Le Dinh Quyet, Head of the Forecast Department at the Southern Hydrometeorological Station, explained that the tropical convergence zone extending through the Central region, coupled with a tropical depression in the Northeast Sea, has caused the Southwest monsoon to intensify.

He noted that in the coming days, Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region will continue to experience scattered showers, with moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in some areas. There is a possibility of very heavy rain in localized regions.

In the next 2-3 days, the tropical convergence zone will shift west-northwest, with the potential to make landfall in Central Vietnam. The Southwest monsoon is expected to gradually weaken around September 20.

Residents in low-lying, riverside, and urban areas should remain cautious, as localized flooding is likely due to the persistent heavy rainfall.

Designing the Perfect Showcase for Your Photography Portfolio with Elementor

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In the digital age, a captivating online portfolio is essential for photographers to stand out and attract clients. A well-designed portfolio not only showcases your best work but also demonstrates your creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail. Elementor, a leading WordPress page builder, offers a powerful platform for creating visually stunning and highly functional photography portfolios.

In this article, we’ll explore how to leverage Elementor to design the perfect showcase for your photography, aligning with the principles of effective management and innovation that Vietnam Insider values.

1. Understanding the Importance of a Strong Online Portfolio

Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s crucial to understand why a compelling portfolio is essential. A well-designed portfolio serves multiple purposes:

Showcase Your Best Work: It provides a curated view of your skills and style, making it easier for potential clients to assess your capabilities.
Build Your Brand: A unique and professionally presented portfolio helps in establishing your brand identity and differentiates you from competitors.
Engage and Convert: An engaging portfolio can convert visitors into clients by showcasing your expertise and creating a memorable impression.

Effective management principles apply here: a portfolio should be meticulously organised, with every element contributing to a coherent and impactful presentation. Elementor offers the tools to achieve this, allowing you to focus on presenting your work in the best light.

2. Leveraging Elementor’s Design Flexibility

Elementor provides a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the design process, allowing you to create a custom portfolio without needing advanced coding skills. Here’s how you can use Elementor to build a standout photography portfolio:

a. Choose the Right Template: Elementor offers a range of pre-designed templates that can be customised to suit your style. Start with a template that aligns with your vision and modify it to reflect your personal brand.

b. Use Dynamic Content Widgets: Elementor’s dynamic content widgets, such as galleries and image carousels, allow you to display your photographs in engaging ways. Utilise these widgets to create visually appealing galleries that highlight different aspects of your work.

c. Incorporate Interactive Elements: Enhance user experience by adding interactive elements like hover effects, lightboxes, and slideshows. These features not only make your portfolio more engaging but also provide a professional touch.

d. Optimise for Mobile: Ensure that your portfolio looks great on all devices by using Elementor’s responsive design features. With more users browsing on mobile devices, a mobile-optimised portfolio is crucial for reaching a wider audience.

By harnessing Elementor’s design flexibility, you can create a portfolio that not only showcases your work effectively but also enhances the overall user experience.

3. Implementing Effective Organization and Navigation

A well-organised portfolio is easier for visitors to navigate and helps them find the information they’re looking for quickly. Here’s how to use Elementor to implement effective organisation and navigation:

a. Create Clear Categories: Divide your portfolio into clear categories based on different types of work (e.g., portraits, landscapes, events). Use Elementor’s navigation widgets to create a menu that allows users to easily switch between categories.

b. Use Filters and Tags: Incorporate filters and tags to help visitors find specific types of work or themes. Elementor’s dynamic content features can be used to create interactive filters that enhance user experience.

c. Implement a Search Function: Adding a search bar to your portfolio can significantly improve navigation, especially for larger portfolios. Elementor’s search widgets make it easy to integrate a search function that helps users find exactly what they’re looking for.

d. Design an Intuitive Layout: Ensure that the layout of your portfolio is intuitive and user-friendly. Use Elementor’s drag-and-drop functionality to arrange elements in a way that guides visitors through your work seamlessly.

Effective management principles suggest that a well-organised portfolio not only improves user experience but also demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

4. Showcasing Your Work with High-Quality Images

The quality of images in your portfolio is paramount. Elementor provides several features to ensure that your photographs are showcased at their best:

a. Use High-Resolution Images: Ensure that all images in your portfolio are high-resolution to maintain visual quality. Elementor allows you to upload and display high-resolution images without compromising on performance.

b. Optimise Image Load Times: Slow-loading images can detract from the user experience. Use Elementor’s image optimization features to ensure fast load times while maintaining image quality.

c. Implement Lightbox Features: Elementor’s lightbox functionality allows visitors to view images in full-screen mode, providing a better viewing experience for high-quality photographs.

d. Create a Consistent Aesthetic: Maintain a consistent aesthetic throughout your portfolio by using Elementor’s design tools to ensure that images are displayed in a cohesive and visually appealing manner.

By focusing on image quality and optimization, you ensure that your portfolio not only looks professional but also provides a seamless experience for visitors.

5. Enhancing User Experience with Elementor’s Interactive Features

Interactive elements can significantly enhance the user experience of your portfolio. When designing the perfect showcase for your photos, incorporating interactive features can make your portfolio more engaging and memorable. Here’s how to use Elementor to add interactive features:

a. Incorporate Hover Effects: Hover effects can add an element of interactivity to your portfolio, making it more engaging. Use Elementor’s hover effect options to create animations or transitions that activate when users hover over images. These effects can highlight details, reveal additional information, or simply add a touch of creativity to your showcase.

b. Add Video and Multimedia Content: To enrich your portfolio, consider including video or multimedia content if relevant. Elementor supports video embedding and multimedia elements that can add depth to your presentation. Videos can showcase behind-the-scenes content, explain your creative process, or provide additional context to your photos, enhancing the overall impact of your portfolio.

c. Create Interactive Sliders: Elementor’s slider widgets are perfect for creating interactive galleries. These sliders allow users to browse through your work with ease, offering a dynamic and engaging way to view your photos. Customizable slider settings enable you to create a unique browsing experience, highlighting different aspects of your portfolio and making it easier for visitors to explore your work.

d. Use Parallax Scrolling: Parallax scrolling effects can add a sense of depth and movement to your portfolio. Elementor’s parallax features allow you to create dynamic backgrounds and layered visual effects that enhance the visual appeal of your site. This technique not only makes your portfolio more visually interesting but also helps in creating a memorable experience for visitors.

Interactive features not only make your portfolio more engaging but also help in designing the perfect showcase for your photos. By incorporating these elements, you can create a portfolio that captivates visitors, highlights your work effectively, and leaves a lasting impression.

6. Ensuring Seamless Integration with Social Media

Social media integration is essential for promoting your portfolio and reaching a broader audience. Elementor offers several tools to help you integrate social media seamlessly:

a. Add Social Media Buttons: Incorporate social media buttons to allow visitors to easily share your work on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Elementor’s social media widgets make this integration straightforward.

b. Display Social Media Feeds: Showcase your latest social media posts directly on your portfolio. Elementor’s social media feed widgets can be used to display content from platforms like Instagram, providing visitors with a real-time view of your updates.

c. Implement Social Proof: Use testimonials and client reviews from social media to build credibility. Elementor’s testimonial widgets allow you to display social proof effectively, enhancing your portfolio’s credibility.

By integrating social media into your portfolio, you not only increase your reach but also provide visitors with multiple ways to connect with and share your work.

7. Optimising Your Portfolio for Search Engines

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for ensuring that your portfolio is easily discoverable by potential clients. Elementor provides several SEO features to help you optimise your site:

a. Use SEO-Friendly Titles and Descriptions: Ensure that each page and image in your portfolio has SEO-friendly titles and descriptions. Elementor allows you to customise meta titles and descriptions, improving your site’s visibility in search engine results.

b. Implement Schema Markup: Schema markup helps search engines understand the content of your site better. Use Elementor’s SEO tools to add schema markup to your portfolio, enhancing its search engine visibility.

c. Optimise Image Alt Text: Provide descriptive alt text for all images in your portfolio. This not only improves accessibility but also helps search engines understand the content of your images.

d. Improve Page Load Speed: A fast-loading portfolio is essential for SEO. Use Elementor’s performance optimization features to ensure that your portfolio loads quickly and efficiently.

SEO optimization is a key component of effective online management, helping you to ensure that your portfolio reaches the widest possible audience.

8. Maintaining and Updating Your Portfolio

A successful portfolio is one that evolves with your work. Regular maintenance and updates are crucial for keeping your portfolio relevant and engaging:

a. Regularly Update Content: Keep your portfolio up-to-date by regularly adding new work and removing outdated content. Elementor makes it easy to update and manage your portfolio’s content without needing technical expertise.

b. Monitor Performance: Use analytics tools to monitor the performance of your portfolio. Elementor’s integration with tools like Google Analytics allows you to track visitor behaviour and make data-driven improvements.

c. Seek Feedback: Gather feedback from clients and peers to continuously improve your portfolio. Elementor’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to make adjustments based on feedback.

By maintaining and updating your portfolio regularly, you ensure that it remains a valuable tool for showcasing your work and attracting new clients.

Conclusion

Designing the perfect showcase for your photography portfolio requires a combination of creativity, technical expertise, and effective management. Elementor offers a powerful platform that empowers photographers to create stunning, functional portfolios that highlight their work and engage their audience. By leveraging Elementor’s design flexibility, interactive features, and SEO tools, you can build a portfolio that not only showcases your best work but also enhances the user experience and drives client engagement.

Incorporating effective management principles into your portfolio design ensures that it is organised, optimised, and continually evolving to meet the needs of your audience. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can create a photography portfolio that stands out in the digital landscape and helps you achieve your professional goals.

By aligning with the principles of effective management and innovation that Vietnam Insider values, your portfolio will not only showcase your photography skills but also demonstrate your commitment to excellence and creativity.

Discover Vietnam’s Hidden Gems to Experience Autumn Foliage

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As autumn arrives and leaves begin to change, Vietnam presents a breathtaking display of colorful foliage. According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2024, 57% of Vietnamese travelers are eager for a nature getaway this year, and 60% consider beautiful natural scenery an important factor when choosing their destination.

For those seeking a vibrant and picturesque retreat, Booking.com, a global leader in online travel, highlights some lesser-known destinations to inspire autumn exploration.

Mu Cang Chai

Famous for its expansive rice terraces, Mu Cang Chai is truly captivating in autumn. The golden rice fields, draped across the hills, offer a spectacular backdrop perfect for photography. Visitors can explore local villages and hike through the countryside to fully experience the autumn scenery. The best time to visit is from late October to early November when the terraces are at their most vibrant.

Ha Giang

For adventure enthusiasts, Ha Giang’s rugged mountains and winding roads provide a thrilling escape. Explore ancient villages, marvel at striking karst formations, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Hmong people. From September onwards, cultural festivals like the Mong Khen Festival and the Buckwheat Flower Festival come alive. Travelers can experience the beauty of autumn while enjoying festive activities and community gatherings.

Kon Tum

Situated in Central Vietnam, Kon Tum offers a diverse landscape of forests, mountains, and waterfalls. Visitors can explore Kon Tum City, tour its cathedral, and savor local cuisine. Hiking through Kon Chu Rong National Park or visiting Dak Doa Lake provides a peaceful atmosphere to appreciate the stunning autumn foliage.

Ninh Binh

Often called the ‘Halong Bay on Land,’ Ninh Binh is a beautiful destination with limestone karsts and calm rivers. Visitors can uncover hidden trails and witness the changing colors of the surrounding landscape. A hike to the top of Mua Cave offers panoramic views of Trang An, revealing a breathtaking scene of rice fields and limestone formations.

Whichever destination you choose, autumn in Vietnam promises an unforgettable experience with pleasant weather and spectacular beauty.

To make travel planning seamless, Booking.com allows Vietnamese travelers to book everything they need in one place—from car rentals and airport transfers to accommodations and local attractions. With a wide range of activities and hidden gems on offer, travelers can enjoy a connected and hassle-free journey.

Tropical Depression Expected to Strengthen into Storm No. 4, Approaching Quang Binh and Quang Tri

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According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 7:00 a.m. this morning, the tropical depression was centered about 220 km east of the Hoang Sa archipelago. The maximum sustained winds near the center were measured at level 7 (50-61 km/h), with gusts reaching level 9. The system is moving westward at approximately 15 km/h.

Storm No. 4 is Imminent

Over the next 24 hours, the tropical depression is expected to strengthen into Storm No. 4, with winds intensifying to level 8 (62-74 km/h), and gusts reaching level 10. By 7:00 a.m. on September 19, the storm will be about 210 km east-southeast of Quang Tri and 120 km east of Da Nang.

The storm is projected to make landfall in the Quang Binh – Quang Tri region, then weaken back into a tropical depression as it moves inland.

Tropical Depression to Weaken Over Land

By 7:00 a.m. on September 20, the weakened system will be positioned near the Vietnam-Laos border, with winds reduced to level 6 (39-49 km/h) and gusts at level 8. In the following 48 to 72 hours, the tropical depression will continue moving west-northwest at a speed of 10-15 km/h, eventually weakening into a low-pressure system.

Marine and Coastal Areas at Risk

Due to the influence of this storm, strong winds (level 6-7) and high waves (2-4 meters) are expected across the northern East Sea, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, and coastal waters from Nghe An to Quang Ngai, which includes the island districts of Ly Son, Cu Lao Cham, Con Co, and Hon Ngu. Near the storm’s center, winds could reach level 8 with gusts up to level 10, generating waves as high as 5 meters.

Marine vessels in these areas are at risk of encountering storms, strong winds, and large waves. Coastal provinces from Quang Binh to Quang Nam should prepare for the possibility of high tides combined with strong waves, which could lead to coastal erosion, dike breaches, and flooding in low-lying areas.

Preparing for the Storm’s Impact

From the early morning of September 19, mainland coastal areas from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai will experience strengthening winds, reaching level 6-7. Near the storm’s center, winds may reach level 8 with gusts up to level 10. Inland areas may also experience gusts of level 6-7.

Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

McDonald Closes Its branch in Ho Chi Minh City After 10 Years

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McDonald’s has announced the closure of its Ben Thanh branch in Ho Chi Minh City, effective September 19. This location, situated at 2-2A Tran Hung Dao, District 1, was one of the first McDonald’s outlets in Vietnam.

In a post on its official Facebook page, McDonald’s shared, “Although we don’t want to say goodbye, at 2:00 a.m. on September 19, McDonald’s Ben Thanh will close its 10-year journey.” The branch, which opened in May 2014, had become a familiar spot for locals, and news of its closure has drawn expressions of regret from many.

Occupying a prime location at the intersection of Tran Hung Dao and Pham Ngu Lao streets, close to Ben Thanh Market and 23/9 Park, the three-story, 660-square-meter restaurant was open 24/7. It was also the first in Vietnam to feature a custom food conveyor system, transporting meals from the kitchen on the third floor to the ground floor in just 15 seconds.

McDonald’s entered the Vietnamese market in February 2014, with its first branch at 2-6 Bis Dien Bien Phu, District 1. At the time, the company aimed to open 100 stores within 10 years. However, a decade later, the chain has only reached a little over one-third of that goal, operating 36 locations in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Binh Duong, Khanh Hoa, and Hai Phong.

McDonald’s is not the only global brand scaling back operations in Vietnam. Starbucks recently closed its Reserve store at 11-13 Han Thuyen, District 1, on August 26, with plans to relocate. Real estate brokers are now seeking tenants for the 210-square-meter property, offering it for lease at $30,000 per month (over 750 million VND).

Bill Gates’ Foundation Makes First Direct Investment in a Vietnamese Company

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For the first time, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust has directly acquired shares in a Vietnamese company. The trust, managed by billionaire Bill Gates, now holds over 1 million shares of Masan Consumer (MCH), representing more than 0.14% of the company’s capital.

Recently, Masan Consumer announced the results of a vote regarding additional dividend payments for 2023. A remarkable 97.3% of shareholders approved the plan to pay a cash dividend of 168%, equivalent to VND 16,800 per share.

Among the shareholders, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust stands out, currently holding over 1.04 million shares, valued at approximately VND 212 billion. This makes the trust the 11th largest shareholder in the company. With the new dividend plan, the trust is expected to receive nearly VND 17.5 billion, adding to the VND 10.4 billion already received from previous dividend payments in 2023, bringing the total to nearly VND 28 billion.

Related: Here’s how to invest into Vietnam as a foreigner

Historically, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust has indirectly invested in Vietnam through the Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited (VEIL) fund, which is managed by Dragon Capital. By mid-2023, the trust was the second-largest shareholder in VEIL, with nearly 24.7 million fund certificates. However, the trust had never held direct shares in a Vietnamese company before now.

Interestingly, despite its increasing presence in Vietnam, the trust has reduced its exposure to global technology giants. In the fourth quarter of 2023, it sold off its shares in major tech companies like Apple, Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia, as well as other prominent names such as Walt Disney, Morgan Stanley, Johnson & Johnson, and Unilever.

Masan Consumer, known for its robust growth, is set to distribute an additional VND 12,000 billion in dividends this year. This move comes ahead of the company’s expected transfer from UPCoM to HoSE in early 2024. The company’s strong financial performance, with a record profit of VND 7,195 billion in 2023, has enabled these significant payouts.

In the first half of 2024, Masan Consumer recorded VND 13,968 billion in revenue, an increase of 11.6%, with a gross profit margin of 46.5%. Pre-tax profit reached VND 3,923 billion, while after-tax profit amounted to VND 3,458 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 14.6% and 13.4%, respectively.

Masan Consumer has ambitious goals for 2024, targeting net revenue of VND 31,500 to 34,500 billion and after-tax profit of VND 7,300 to 7,500 billion. By mid-year, the company had achieved over 40% of its revenue goal and nearly 47% of its profit target.

CEO Truong Cong Thang highlighted the company’s strategy to dominate both domestic and global markets by growing its six billion-dollar brands and expanding its product portfolio to cater to consumers both at home and abroad. Key brands like Kokomi, Omachi, Chinsu, Nam Ngu, and Wakeup 24/7, which contribute significantly to Masan Group’s overall revenue, are expected to play pivotal roles in this growth.

Since the beginning of 2024, MCH shares have more than doubled in value, now exceeding VND 200,000 per share, giving Masan Consumer a market capitalization of approximately VND 147,600 billion (USD 5.9 billion).

Bhutan, Tiny Country With $3B GDP, Holds Over $780M in Bitcoin

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Bhutan’s state-owned Druk Holdings touts digital assets as one of its focus investment groups.

A picturesque landlocked nation between India and China has amassed bitcoin (BTC) holdings worth over $780 million in the past few years, nearly one-third of its gross domestic product (GDP) and the fourth-largest state-owned stash, according to on-chain analytics tool Arkham.

Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas, considers its fewer than 900,000 citizens’ happiness a better measure of the country’s well-being than money. It is the second nation after El Salvador to officially hold BTC, in this case as part of the state-owned Druk Holdings fund.

“Bhutan has constructed Bitcoin mining facilities in multiple locations, with the largest being on the site of the now-defunct Education City project,” Arkham said in an X post. “Unlike most governments, Bhutan’s BTC does not come from law enforcement asset seizures, but from Bitcoin mining operations, which have ramped up dramatically since early 2023.”

These mines are likely related to mining giant Bitdeer (BTDR). In 2023, the Singapore-based company said it would work with the Bhutan government to establish cryptocurrency mining operations in Southeast Asia and raised over $500 million for the venture. Shortly afterward, Bitdeer said it had built a 100 megawatt (MW) facility in the first phase of the company’s project.

In April 2024, Bitdeer said it was working on expanding Bhutan’s mining capacity to 600MW in 2025.

Bhutan, which is smaller than Switzerland, has little economic diversification and nascent private sector development. It relies on hydropower, tourism and agriculture for revenue. Gross domestic product, the value of all finished goods and services made in the country, was just under $3 billion in 2022, about half that of the Maldives.

But Druk is pushing into various sectors to expand the country’s coffers. Its site shows “digital assets” as one of the primary focus areas in a technology-driven investment strategy, including hydropower projects and metaverses.

The Druk wallets tracked by Arkham show brisk deposit and withdrawal activity in the past few weeks. It has received up to 2 BTC from Foundry, another miner, and other unidentified Bitcoin addresses several times over the past week.

It has periodically sent bitcoin to other addresses and sometimes to crypto exchanges: A transaction from early July shows a tranche of over $25 million worth of BTC was sent to crypto exchange Kraken, where it was likely sold.

Triển lãm YMS Thúc Đẩy Ngành Công Nghiệp Làm Đẹp và Thời Trang Bước Vào Kỷ Nguyên Mới

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Vào giữa tháng 8, Yimeishang (YMS), thuộc Tập đoàn Yifei, đã tổ chức thành công “Triển lãm Sản phẩm Tiêu dùng và Kênh YMS lần thứ 14 năm 2024” tại Trung tâm Hội nghị và Triển lãm Grand Hangzhou.

Sự kiện đã quy tụ hơn 1.000 nhà triển lãm về các sản phẩm xu hướng, hơn 50.000 kênh phân phối và khách tham quan chuyên nghiệp, hơn 100 nền tảng thương mại điện tử, hơn 500 người có ảnh hưởng trong ngành, và hơn 10.000 khách mua hàng VIP chuyên nghiệp từ ngành làm đẹp và thời trang, nhằm tìm kiếm những cơ hội mới trong thương mại điện tử và thúc đẩy sự phát triển kinh doanh.

Gần 40.000 Khách Tham Quan Chuyên Nghiệp Tham Dự, Tiết Lộ Xu Hướng Mới và Thúc Đẩy Sự Phát Triển của Ngành

Năm 2024, ngành công nghiệp làm đẹp và thời trang toàn cầu đang đối mặt với những thách thức lớn hơn bao giờ hết. Nguyên nhân gốc rễ bao gồm nhu cầu tiêu dùng gia tăng, lượng truy cập giảm, chi phí vận hành tăng cao và sự đồng nhất của sản phẩm, tất cả đều tạo ra những rào cản mới cho sự phát triển của các doanh nghiệp trong ngành.

Với hơn 20 năm kinh nghiệm là nền tảng dịch vụ cho ngành công nghiệp sản phẩm tiêu dùng làm đẹp và thời trang toàn cầu, YMS, bao gồm hơn 1 triệu người hoạt động trong ngành, đã nhanh chóng nhận diện các thách thức này và tổ chức “Triển lãm Sản phẩm Tiêu dùng và Kênh YMS lần thứ 14”. Triển lãm này đã trở thành một chất xúc tác mạnh mẽ, mang đến cảm hứng và định hướng cho các chuyên gia trong ngành để vượt qua thách thức và thúc đẩy ngành công nghiệp làm đẹp và thời trang bước vào kỷ nguyên phát triển mới.

Đáng chú ý, đây là sự kiện khai mạc đầu tiên với tên gọi mới “Triển lãm Sản phẩm Tiêu dùng và Kênh YMS” và là lần đầu tiên YMS tổ chức tại Trung tâm Hội nghị và Triển lãm Grand Hangzhou. Theo ban tổ chức, triển lãm kéo dài ba ngày đã thu hút 37.206 khách tham quan chuyên nghiệp, minh chứng cho sự phổ biến của sự kiện.

Song song với đó, sáu hội nghị chuyên đề đã được tổ chức, bao gồm Hội nghị Làm Đẹp và Thời Trang Toàn Cầu “Lưu Lượng Mới & Kênh Mới”, Hội nghị Tiếp Thị KOL lần thứ hai của Tiểu Hồng Thư, Hội nghị Thương mại Điện tử Trực tiếp lần thứ hai, Hội nghị Sản phẩm Tốt Trung Quốc lần thứ hai, Hội nghị Tăng trưởng Bán lẻ Trực tiếp lần đầu tiên, và Hội nghị Thương mại Điện tử Xuyên Biên Giới lần thứ hai. Hơn 200 nhà sáng lập và giám đốc điều hành của các công ty hàng đầu trong ngành sản phẩm tiêu dùng làm đẹp và thời trang đã tham dự sự kiện, nơi các đối tác trong chuỗi cung ứng, thương hiệu, kênh phân phối, các agency người có ảnh hưởng (MCN), và các nhà cung cấp dịch vụ đã cùng nhau chia sẻ triết lý kinh doanh và các hiểu biết về xu hướng, nhằm cung cấp sức mạnh cho các chuyên gia trong ngành khám phá những nguồn lưu lượng mới, mở ra các kênh mới và đạt được những đột phá mới. Trong thời kỳ vàng son của tiếp thị số, với thị trường gia tăng do Internet tạo ra, cuộc chiến về lưu lượng đã chính thức bắt đầu.

YMS tin rằng ngành công nghiệp cần quay trở lại hàng đầu tiếp xúc với người tiêu dùng. Như Giám đốc điều hành YMS Qian Qiu đã nói: “Khi chúng ta quay trở lại với ‘Nguyên tắc Suy nghĩ Đầu Tiên’ và tập trung vào người tiêu dùng, chúng ta có thể đạt được nhiều thành công.” Ví dụ, tối ưu hóa sản phẩm, kịch bản live-streaming, chiến lược quảng bá, trang trí studio và tài liệu thúc đẩy lưu lượng trong các buổi live-streaming; cải thiện tài liệu nội dung, hình ảnh, sao chép và tích hợp công cộng và riêng tư trong thương mại điện tử trên kệ; và phát triển sản phẩm sâu hơn, đề xuất từ những người có ảnh hưởng và vận hành nội dung để xây dựng tính cạnh tranh thương hiệu.

Ngoài ra, nhiều sự kiện như Lựa chọn Người Có Ảnh Hưởng Toàn Cầu, Phiên Kết Nối Đặc Biệt Nền tảng Thương mại Điện tử Nội địa, Phiên Kết Nối Đặc Biệt Nền tảng Thương mại Điện tử Xuyên Biên Giới, và Phiên Kết Nối Đầu Tư của Người Có Ảnh Hưởng đã kết thúc thành công, mang lại hơn 10.000 ý định hợp tác.

Phát Triển Cùng Thời Đại, YMS Trở Thành Nhà Cung Cấp Dịch Vụ Chính Thức Cho Nền Tảng Thương Mại Điện Tử Tiểu Hồng Thư

Trong khuôn khổ Triển lãm Sản phẩm Tiêu dùng YMS lần thứ 14, ba buổi tiệc đêm – Đêm Nhà Sáng Lập do Hongzhi, TUCO và Tập đoàn Hezhong đồng tài trợ; Lễ Trao Giải Thưởng Ngành Làm Đẹp và Thời Trang 2024 và Tiệc Tối Xã Giao do Inno Aesthetics tài trợ độc quyền; và Giải thưởng Lưu lượng Toàn kênh năm 2024 do GREENLAB và Meiqingxu đồng tài trợ – đã kết thúc thành công. Các sự kiện này thu hút gần một ngàn người tham dự từ các chuỗi cung ứng của ngành, các thương hiệu tiêu dùng mới, các thương hiệu làm đẹp, các nhà bán lẻ trực tuyến và ngoại tuyến, những người có ảnh hưởng/agency MCN và các nhà cung cấp dịch vụ, với hơn 1.200 giải thưởng trong ngành được trao tặng.

Đáng chú ý, Bộ Thương mại Quốc tế Vương quốc Anh đã khởi xướng thành lập Liên minh Thương hiệu Làm Đẹp Vương quốc Anh, nhằm thúc đẩy kết nối giữa các thương hiệu Vương quốc Anh với các doanh nghiệp và người tiêu dùng Trung Quốc, đồng thời tạo điều kiện cho sự hợp tác và chia sẻ nguồn lực giữa các thương hiệu và đối tác của Anh và Trung Quốc.

Như là hoạt động quảng bá đầu tiên của liên minh, Bộ Thương mại Quốc tế Anh đã hợp tác với nhiều thương hiệu để thành lập Khu Gian hàng Vương quốc Anh tại triển lãm, trưng bày các sản phẩm sáng tạo về tính bền vững và vẻ đẹp tự nhiên, bao gồm nước hoa, chăm sóc da, chăm sóc tóc, thực phẩm bổ sung sức khỏe, chăm sóc cá nhân và trang điểm.

Hơn nữa, với sự thương mại hóa ngày càng tăng của Tiểu Hồng Thư, nền tảng này đã nổi lên như một động cơ tăng trưởng mới cho các doanh nghiệp và thương hiệu. Nhận ra xu hướng này, YMS đã liên tục thích ứng để nắm bắt cơ hội tăng trưởng mới, nỗ lực cung cấp các dịch vụ tốt hơn cho khách hàng và giúp họ phát triển cùng với thời đại. Do đó, trong Đêm Làm Đẹp và Thời Trang, một thông báo đầy phấn khích đã được đưa ra – YMS chính thức trở thành nhà cung cấp dịch vụ cho Nền tảng Thương mại Điện tử Tiểu Hồng Thư. An Xi, Giám đốc Phát triển Thương mại Điện tử của Tiểu Hồng Thư, đã trao giải thưởng cho YMS, đại diện là Giám đốc điều hành Qian Qiu.

Hơn nữa, xu hướng xuyên biên giới đã tỏa sáng rực rỡ trong năm 2024. Trong phân khúc Đông Nam Á, YMS đã vinh danh những KOL có ảnh hưởng nhất và các agency MCN hàng đầu từ Việt Nam, Thái Lan, Singapore và Malaysia với các giải thưởng “KOL Có Ảnh Hưởng Nhất” và “Agency MCN Xuất Sắc Đông Nam Á”. Thêm vào đó, Giám đốc điều hành YMS Qian Qiu, Sĩ quan Thương mại của Bộ Thương mại Quốc tế Canada Wang Xiaoyi, CMO của Inno Aesthetics Zhang Kai, người nổi tiếng Indonesia Sarwendah, người dẫn đầu livestreamer Việt Nam N.Paia, người có ảnh hưởng hàng đầu về làm đẹp và chăm sóc da Blackmilk, blogger nổi tiếng về chăm sóc da mụn Cui Jianan, KOL nổi tiếng Li Yang, và đối tác kênh nổi tiếng “Nhà chăm sóc da Dajuan” đã cùng nhau chứng kiến sự ra mắt của “Kế hoạch Sản phẩm Mới YMS Global Treasure”.

Liên hệ:

Tên: Tang Biyu
Email: xigua@yimeishang.com
Công ty: Yimeishang
Website: https://www.yimeishang.com/
Thành phố: Shanghai China

How Many Days Do Vietnamese Workers Need to Afford the iPhone 16 Pro?

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First launched in 2018, the iPhone Index is an annual ranking by international e-commerce platform Picodi, published with each new Apple release. The index compares the official price of iPhones in various countries with the average income reported by national statistics agencies. It then calculates how many working days (based on 21 days per month) are needed to buy the latest iPhone.

Vietnam made its debut on the iPhone Index in 2023 after the launch of Apple’s Online Store in the country.

This year, to purchase the iPhone 16 Pro (128GB), the average Vietnamese worker needs to save up for 53.1 working days—equivalent to about 2.5 months’ salary. This places Vietnam 4th among countries where workers must work the longest to afford the new iPhone. In comparison, last year, it took 55.6 working days for Vietnamese workers to afford the iPhone.

Ranking of the number of working days needed to own the 128GB version of iPhone 16 Pro (Source: Picodi)

However, according to the General Statistics Office, the average monthly income in Vietnam for the first half of 2023 was 7.5 million VND. With the iPhone 16 Pro priced at 28.99 million VND, Vietnamese workers may actually need around 81 working days—nearly four months’ salary—to afford the device.

At the top of the list is Turkey, where workers need 72.9 working days to buy the iPhone 16 Pro. This is followed by the Philippines (68.8 days) and Brazil (68.6 days).

On the other end of the spectrum, workers in Switzerland need only 4 days to afford the new iPhone. The US comes in at 5.1 days, while Australia and Singapore both require 5.7 days, and Luxembourg 6.1 days.

9-Day Lunar New Year Holiday Proposed for 2025: Extended Break for Civil Servants

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The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs has proposed a 9-day Lunar New Year holiday for 2025, running from January 25 to February 2, 2025 (corresponding to December 26, Giap Thin year, to January 5, At Ty year in the lunar calendar).

The Ministry recently sent its proposal to relevant ministries and sectors for feedback, with plans to submit it to the Prime Minister for approval.

Unlike previous years, the ministry has suggested only one option for the 2025 Tet holiday: a 5-day official break, including 2 days before and 3 days after the New Year. The official break will begin on Monday, January 27, 2025 (December 28 of the lunar year), and end on Friday, January 31, 2025. This period covers the last days of the old year and the first three days of Tet.

In addition to the official break, the holiday will be extended by two weekends on either side. The holiday will start from Saturday, January 25, and end on Sunday, February 2, 2025. This extension gives civil servants and public employees a 9-day break in total, combining 5 official days and 4 weekend days.

During this period, employees working overtime or at night are entitled to a minimum of 300% of their regular salary. Foreign workers in Vietnam may also receive an additional holiday for their national celebrations outside of the country’s official schedule.

Tết Nguyên Đán, commonly known as Tết, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. It marks the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and early February. Tết is a time for family reunions, paying respect to ancestors, and welcoming the new year with hope, happiness, and prosperity.