Everything to Know about Apple’s iPhone 16

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Apple Inc. is gearing up for its most significant event of the year on Monday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, live from its Cupertino headquarters.

This highly anticipated launch event is set to unveil the iPhone 16 series, alongside exciting announcements for other Apple products, including major updates to AirPods and Apple Watches. Furthermore, the tech giant is expected to introduce a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform, marking a new chapter in its innovation strategy.

A Closer Look at the iPhone 16

The centerpiece of the event will be the new iPhone 16 lineup. While Apple has remained tight-lipped about specific details, industry experts predict that the iPhone 16 will bring several advancements in hardware and software. Likely enhancements include improved battery life, faster processors, and even better camera capabilities—areas where Apple consistently strives to outperform competitors.

Speculation has also been rife about Apple’s potential shift toward a more AI-driven user experience. With the rise of generative AI and machine learning, the iPhone 16 may incorporate advanced AI features to optimize performance, customize user interactions, and enhance app integration.

Major Updates for AirPods and Apple Watches

In addition to the iPhone 16, Apple is expected to roll out significant updates for its AirPods and Apple Watch lines. For the AirPods, reports suggest improvements in sound quality and noise cancellation, alongside longer battery life. The possibility of health-tracking features integrated into AirPods has also sparked interest.

As for the Apple Watch, the latest models may boast better sensors for health monitoring, extended battery life, and possibly a fresh design. With Apple’s growing emphasis on health and fitness, these upgrades could make the Apple Watch even more indispensable for health-conscious consumers.

AI Takes Center Stage

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s event is Apple’s rumored unveiling of a new artificial intelligence platform. As AI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the tech industry, Apple is expected to join the competition with a platform designed to streamline user experience, enhance app functionality, and drive innovation across its product ecosystem. This could involve a more seamless integration of AI into Siri and across Apple’s suite of apps, further pushing the boundaries of smart technology.

A Monday Event With Strategic Timing

It’s notable that Apple has scheduled this event on a Monday, which is uncharacteristic for the company. This earlier timing is likely strategic, allowing Apple to grab the spotlight before two major events the following day: a U.S. presidential debate and a critical decision by the European Commission on a long-standing $14 billion tax dispute between Apple and Ireland.

By positioning its iPhone 16 launch ahead of these high-profile events, Apple aims to ensure maximum media attention and steer the conversation around its new products and innovations.

The iPhone 16 launch on Sept. 9 is set to be one of Apple’s most significant events in recent years. With the promise of a cutting-edge iPhone, key updates to AirPods and Apple Watches, and the potential introduction of a groundbreaking AI platform, Apple continues to solidify its role as a leader in consumer technology. As always, the tech world will be watching closely as Apple unveils the next chapter in its iconic product lineup.

Vietnam’s Economy Receives Upgraded Growth Forecast and Positive Assessments

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Vietnam’s economy garnered positive assessments in August, with the World Bank (WB) raising its growth forecast for 2024 to 6.1%, up from the previous projection of 5.5%. The bank’s latest bi-annual report, Taking Stock, also predicts Vietnam’s economy will grow by 6.5% in both 2025 and 2026, an increase from last year’s 5% expansion.

Economic Growth and Capital Market Development

The WB highlighted the robust development of Vietnam’s capital markets over the past decade, attributing their progress to solid macroeconomic fundamentals. However, the markets are still considered in their early stages. According to Ketut Kusuma, WB Senior Financial Sector Specialist, despite global challenges, Vietnam’s economy has shown resilience, with GDP expanding by 6.4% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was driven by the recovery in exports of processed goods, alongside higher levels of investment and consumer spending.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While the economy has rebounded, the report noted that Vietnam has not yet fully returned to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory. Consumer spending and private investment are still below pre-COVID levels. WB experts pointed out that although credit growth improved after a slow start to 2024, concerns about bank asset quality have persisted since 2023.

Sebastian Eckardt, WB’s East Asia and Pacific Practice Manager for Macroeconomics, Trade, and Investment, emphasized that to sustain growth, Vietnam should focus on structural reforms, accelerate public investment, and manage emerging financial risks.

Capital Markets and Institutional Gaps

Vietnam’s capital markets, currently valued at over 90% of GDP, are on par with Indonesia’s in terms of size. Healthy economic growth, low inflation, political stability, and a stable exchange rate have contributed to this growth. Nevertheless, there is significant room for improvement in Vietnam’s capital markets, especially in financial intermediation.

A key challenge is the underdeveloped institutional investor base, particularly the underutilization of Vietnam Social Security (VSS). The WB report calls for stronger policy frameworks to make social insurance a driving force for capital market development. Well-functioning capital markets are essential for mobilizing resources and building resilient, inclusive financial systems.

Foreign Direct Investment and Supply Chain Relocation

Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have remained steady, with FDI accounting for 3.4% of GDP in the first quarter of 2024, similar to Q1-2023 levels. This consistency reflects foreign investors’ confidence in Vietnam’s economic prospects, supported by ongoing supply chain relocations to the country. However, the financial account showed a smaller surplus in Q1-2024 compared to the previous year, driven by higher net outflows.

To maintain its competitive edge and attract higher-quality FDI, the World Bank suggests that Vietnam elevate its position in the global value chain. This includes improving the quality of human capital and enhancing essential infrastructure services like transportation, telecommunications, and electricity. The report also encourages the adoption of green technologies and the reduction of emissions to bolster Vietnam’s long-term competitiveness.

FDI and Vietnam’s Competitive Position in ASEAN

A separate report from HSBC, titled Vietnam at a Glance: FDI – Back to the Basics, emphasizes that Vietnam’s strong fundamentals have made it a leading destination for FDI in Southeast Asia, outperforming its ASEAN peers. The country’s competitive costs and FDI-friendly policies have attracted multinational corporations. Additionally, Vietnam has made significant strides in securing key trade agreements, such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), further boosting its attractiveness as an FDI hub.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s economic growth prospects remain strong, with positive assessments from key global institutions like the World Bank and HSBC. However, to maintain this momentum, the country must address key structural challenges in its capital markets, deepen its integration into the global value chain, and prioritize sustainable development. By doing so, Vietnam can solidify its position as a prime destination for foreign investment and continue its upward economic trajectory.

Dong Nai Company Takes 42,000 Employees on Trip to Da Lat

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On the morning of September 7th, a company based in Dong Nai sent the first group of 1,000 employees on a trip to Da Lat. In total, the company is organizing a tour of Da Lat for 42,000 staff members

The group of up to 42,000 visitors will be divided into groups. The first group of 1,000 people arrived in Da Lat on the morning of September 7. Photo: M.V.

According to the plan, employees from Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Dong Nai) will visit Da Lat from early September until the end of 2024. The 42,000 employees will be divided into groups of 5,000 to 7,000, with each group visiting Da Lat monthly.

Tran Thi Vu Loan, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Da Lat (Lam Dong), said: “Da Lat City is honored to welcome the largest group of visitors ever to the city.”

On the first day of receiving visitors, the city assigned a leadership representative to accompany the group and assist with transportation. Le Anh Kiet, Head of Da Lat’s Department of Culture and Information, was also present to provide support.

A representative from Chang Shin Company shared that this is the second time the company has chosen Da Lat as a travel destination.

“Responding to the desires of our employees, the company’s leadership and the grassroots trade union worked hard to organize this trip to Da Lat, allowing our team to explore the scenery and enjoy the fresh, cool air despite the ongoing economic challenges,” the representative said.

To welcome the first group of 1,000 visitors on the morning of September 7th, the leadership of Da Lat’s People’s Committee and the TTC World tourist area presented flowers in gratitude to the company for choosing Da Lat as one of the destinations for its employees.

Da Lat City has arranged personnel to support companies in welcoming the largest group of tourists ever. Photo: M.V.

To manage the group of 42,000 visitors, the travel company Vietravel is coordinating with TTC World Love Valley.

Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, Deputy General Director of Vietravel, said: “The large group is divided into multiple waves visiting various locations over several months, so there are no issues with overcrowding. Each group enjoys a 3-day, 2-night trip.”

During their time in Da Lat, the visitors will explore famous attractions such as Love Valley, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, watch gong performances at Langbiang tourist area, and savor many of Da Lat’s culinary specialties.

Earlier, Da Lat City Chairman Dang Quang Tu sent a letter to Chang Shin Vietnam Co., Ltd. to express gratitude for using its welfare fund to organize the trip to Da Lat for its employees.

Located at over 1,500 meters above sea level, Da Lat sits on the Lam Vien Plateau and boasts stunning temperate natural landscapes with pine forests and rolling hills. Its cool climate has won the hearts of tourists. Additionally, the city offers a unique cultural charm, diverse cuisine, and many exciting attractions, making it a favorite destination for both domestic and international visitors.

@Znews

Ho Chi Minh City Aims to Fully Transition to Electric Buses by 2030

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The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has proposed loan interest subsidies to implement a plan to invest more than 3.52 trillion VND in transitioning the entire public bus fleet to electric and clean energy by 2030.

Ho Chi Minh City aims to increase the total number of electric buses to 3,317 by 2030. Photo: Y Kien.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport (DoT) has sent a document to the Ho Chi Minh City Fatherland Front Committee, along with other departments, districts, and Thu Duc City, seeking input on a draft resolution by the City Council regarding the transition plan and policies to support the conversion of public passenger transport vehicles to electric and green energy buses in the city.

Specifically, the DoT is developing a project to control vehicle emissions in the city, with phase one focusing on transitioning public passenger transport vehicles to electric buses and green energy.

The DoT stated that this initiative stems from the current situation where Ho Chi Minh City and many other urban areas are facing increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector alone accounts for around 18% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Worryingly, air pollution alone is causing approximately 60,000 deaths annually due to related illnesses. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are suffering from high levels of PM2.5 dust pollution, with estimated economic losses of $10.8-13.2 billion, equivalent to 5% of the national GDP.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has around 2,209 buses, of which 546 run on electricity and CNG, while the remaining 1,663 use diesel, resulting in a total CO2 emission of 553,299 tons per year. Between 2025 and 2030, the city plans to add 1,108 more buses, bringing the total to 3,317 by 2030.

The DoT emphasized that if the plan and supportive policies to transition public buses to electric or green energy are not quickly implemented, the city’s environmental pollution from traffic will worsen, harming public health and causing economic damage.

Therefore, the DoT proposed policies to support interest rate subsidies for investment in vehicle conversion. The goal is to provide a legal framework for loan interest rates and budgetary support to facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to electric and green energy vehicles.

Under the proposed plan, Ho Chi Minh City aims to invest more than 3.521 trillion VND to fully transition the public bus fleet to electric and clean energy by 2030.

Of this, 2.095 trillion VND will be allocated for vehicle investment loans, with an additional 79 billion VND for energy supply station investment. The remaining 1.347 trillion VND will be used to build electric charging stations.

For the vehicle conversion policy, the maximum loan amount is set at 85% of the total project investment. The maximum interest-supported loan is 300 billion VND per project, with a support period of up to 7 years.

Regarding charging station investment, businesses and economic organizations can borrow up to 70% of the total project investment. The maximum interest-supported loan for these projects is 200 billion VND.

The interest rate is calculated at 50% of the loan interest rate announced by the Ho Chi Minh City State Financial Investment Company for the loaned capital during the loan term. The city’s budget will cover the remaining 50% of the interest rate.

@Znews

Nearly 11.4 Million International Visitors Arrived in Vietnam in Eight Months

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According to data recently released by the General Statistics Office, the number of international visitors to Vietnam in August 2024 reached 1.43 million, an increase of 24.5% compared to the previous month and a 17.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Foreign visitors in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thai Bao

In total, during the first eight months of 2024, the total number of international visitors to Vietnam reached nearly 11.4 million, a 46% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Regarding market size, the two largest markets, South Korea and China, contributed more than half of the total international arrivals to Vietnam. South Korea remained Vietnam’s largest international market with over 3 million visitors (accounting for 26%). China ranked second with over 2.4 million visitors (21%).

Taiwan (China) ranked third with 850,000 visitors, followed by the United States with 529,000, and Japan in fifth place with 461,000 visitors. Other countries in the top 10 largest markets for Vietnamese tourism included Australia, Malaysia, India, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Most markets experienced growth, with significant increases from major Northeast Asian markets such as China (up 157%), South Korea (up 32%), Japan (up 32%), and Taiwan (China) (up nearly 71%). Additionally, emerging markets like Australia and India also saw strong growth.

According to the report by the General Statistics Office, revenue from accommodation and food services in the first eight months of 2024 is estimated to have reached 481 trillion VND, up 14% compared to the same period last year. Travel and tourism revenue is estimated at 40.9 trillion VND, up 26% compared to the same period last year.

@SGtiepthi

YouTube Restricts Weight-Related Videos Due to Young People’s Obsession with Appearance

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YouTube is set to limit videos idealizing body standards for users aged 13-17 in order to prevent young people from developing negative thoughts and perspectives.

YouTube explained that the reason for adjusting video recommendation features for teenagers is due to concerns that some content may be harmful if viewed repeatedly.

According to YouTube, content about weight and ideal body appearance does not violate the platform’s guidelines. However, repeatedly watching such content may cause young people to develop “negative beliefs” about themselves.

YouTube will restrict teens from watching videos about weight and fitness. Photo: Reuters

Dr. Garth Graham, YouTube’s Global Head of Healthcare, explained, “When teenagers are in the process of forming thoughts about themselves and their own standards, repeatedly being exposed to content about ideal standards can shape unrealistic views, or even lead to negative thoughts about themselves.”

Experts from YouTube’s Youth and Family Advisory Board have also warned that certain content categories might be “harmless” when viewed individually but could become problematic if watched repeatedly.

According to The Guardian, some video content considered harmful when watched over and over includes: idealizing certain physical features, such as beauty routines to make the nose look slimmer; idealizing fitness or weight, such as exercise routines to achieve a specific ideal body; or encouraging socially aggressive behavior, like physical threats.

However, as reported by the BBC, these types of videos are only restricted if users are logged into their YouTube accounts with accurate birthdates. The platform cannot verify whether the declared age is true or false.

Many experts have welcomed YouTube’s move. Dr. Petya Eckler, a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde who researches the relationship between appearance and social media, told the BBC that “more of this kind of policy is needed to improve overall health and well-being.”

YouTube has also announced several ways for parents to monitor their children’s activity on the platform. Specifically, parents can link their accounts to their children’s to view uploaded content, subscriptions, and comments, as well as receive email notifications when their children upload videos or start live streaming.

Earlier, in May 2024, the UK media watchdog Ofcom urged tech companies to redesign their algorithms to steer children away from harmful content.

@Cafef

 

Vietravel Airlines: Asia’s Leading Airline for Travel Experience in 2024

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Vietravel Airlines has been recognized for the second consecutive year as Asia’s Leading Leisure Airline.

Recently, in Manila, Philippines, at the 2024 World Travel Awards, Vietravel Airlines was once again honored in the category of “Asia’s Leading Leisure Airline 2024.”

This is the second consecutive year Vietravel Airlines has received the World Travel Awards.

This marks the second consecutive year the airline has received this prestigious award, recognizing its continuous efforts to offer top-notch travel experiences. As the youngest leisure airline in Vietnam, operated by a Vietnamese team with a strong national spirit, this accolade serves as an important foundation for Vietravel Airlines to continue its mission of connecting and exploring even further destinations globally.

The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” is a prestigious organization that acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Vietravel Airlines’ leadership emphasizes that delivering a complete flight experience has been the airline’s goal since its inception. On each of its flights, passengers are provided with captivating destination information through the “In-flight Storyteller” and travel magazine produced by Vietravel Holiday, while enjoying local cuisine through hot meal offerings.

Notably, in March, Vietravel Airlines officially launched its “Premium Economy” service, offering passengers additional perks like spacious seats, private lounges, priority check-in, and generous baggage allowances. This service provides more options for passengers seeking enhanced travel experiences. The airline believes that the seamless combination of high-quality aviation services and diverse travel products will deliver complete and memorable experiences for customers.

“As a member of the Vietravel Aviation and Tourism Group, Vietravel Airlines prioritizes collaborating with local tourism departments across the country, aiming to expand its mission of connectivity and contribute to enhancing each locality’s strengths, thereby enriching the overall national tourism landscape. Over the past eight months, we have also successfully coordinated with several cities tourism across Asia to promote bilateral tourism through charter flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang with Kawaga/Fukushima (Japan) and Phu Quoc with Taipei (Taiwan). to expand the international route network to key outbound markets for Vietnam in 2024,” emphasizing the leadership of Vietnam’s first leisure airline.

@Thanhnien.vn

Gates of Olympus: A Slot Like No Other

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If you are passionate about online gambling, you know exactly how many games there are for an average player to try out. You are far too familiar with the abundance of classic games like poker, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, as well as the staggering diversity of internet slot machines. Speaking of slots, they are by far the most played type of game out there which makes a lot of sense considering how much easier they are than the rest as well as how quickly you can go through the rounds. Because of this, they are always the ones that are being changed, expanded, and modernized for a larger audience.

Whenever you open a web-based casino you can see a dozen slots at the home page ready to be played. They would not be there if they were not the popular choice of most gamblers. Slots are also the favorite for newcomers and the perfect gateway game that introduces them to the overall world of casinos. Due to all of these reasons, the modern online casino slot is synonymous with gambling. Therefore, games like Gates of Olympus enjoy a lot of fame and are played by millions of players. In the remained of this article, we go in-depth and reveal why it is such a popular choice.

A Popular and Familiar Theme

Contemporary slots utilize various themes in order to stand out among the crowd. There are the usual graphics elements and design choices like fruits, letters, and numbers, but they are far too outdated. A modern player requires more. They want flashy gameplay and interesting visuals to look at while a different and engaging audio plays in the background. In short, they expect a video game experience as much as a gambling game that can satisfy their needs. With Gates of Olympus, as the name suggests, it is all about Greek mythology.

Greek mythos is a collection of stories based on the pantheon of Old Greek gods. Many of them are famous in popular media. Their design, the feats that are attributed to them, as well as the intricate controversies and complex relationships among them continue to feed the imagination of storytellers. Characters like Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon, three brothers who are some of the strongest gods in the whole legendarium are the usual main protagonists and/or antagonists, with the remaining gods and demigods around them.

In this game, it is Zeus who accompanies you through your gambling journey. The God of Sky and Thunder and the chief among his people is to the side of the spinning reels reacting and advising the player in his easily recognizable white robes, golden jewelry, white beard, and all. It is a great design that has stood the test of time and fits perfectly well with an engaging and dynamic game like a modern slot.

About the Game

Initially, Gates of Olympus looks like most other popular slot games. The reels are made up of shiny gems, crystals, and artifacts. There are 6 reels, each with 5 rows. The company behind the game is Pragmatic Play, a big name in the industry. It is the fan-favorite model of all ways pays gameplay where there are plenty of potential combinations to win. A lot of action takes place throughout each spin and you can never expect how many connections there will be. Just as you win one, another one rolls and you get a few more.

A great example of the game’s amazing features includes the magical orbs that Zeus can throw. This can happen on any spin and is therefore an RNG feature that can happen at any time. These boosts can be as high as 500x of what you score on the spin, something that can literally be a life-changing win. There are also bonus rounds with free spins constantly meaning you will not have to deposit nearly as much money as with some other slots. It is a volatile slot, however, as both the players and the experts agree, with the win probability of 1 in 697.350. Still, it is among the highest on the market.

The maximal potential win in Gates of Olympus is 5,000x of your bet, while the average return to player (RTP) rating is 96.5%. This is better than average across all popular slot machines right now. In order to win, you have to score at least 8 of the same symbol anywhere on the screen. Per spin, you can bet anywhere from 0.2 to 125 per spin. Regarding the currencies, you can bet with US Dollars, Euros, or British Pound Sterling. The winnings and the payout are shown as cash values and you can easily see your current stake.

Payout Details

In total, 10 different payouts can happen. The lowest includes blue gemstones which pay 0.25x for 8-9, 0.75x for 10-11, and 2x for 12+. Green gemstones are next with 0.4x, 0.9x, and 4x for the same values. Yellow gemstones are 0.5x, 1x, and 5x. Purple gemstones are 0.8x, 1.2x, and 8x. The most valuable, and final, gemstone is red with the values of 1x, 1.5x, and 10x.

Then there are the artifacts and jewelry. The goblet will give you 1.5x, 2x, and 12x. The ring is 2x, 5x, and 15x. With the sand timer, the players score 2.5x, 10x, and 25x. Finally, with the crown, you get 10x, 25x, and 50x. The maximum you can win includes 4+ Zeus Scatter together with a Free Spin feature trigger. All in all, this can lead to a 100x bet. The scatter triggers when you score 4-6 scatter symbols on the reels. The payouts are 3x, 5x, or 100x, after which you play 15 free spins.

The aforementioned Zeus multiplier, i.e. the orbs that can fly in thanks to the God at your side, ranges from 2x to 500x. When active, they are applied to the total win from the tumbling reels. Just an example, if the payout is $10, and you get two multipliers for 4x and 7x, the payout is boosted by 11x resulting in you winning $110. All in all, there are many different ways to win in this game and a lot of bonus multipliers and free spins. What else does a slot enthusiast need? It is easy to see why Gates of Olympus is among the favorites, and has been for a while.

Why this US Consulting Firm Expresses Confidence in Vietnam’s Economic Prospects?

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Southeast Asian economies have shown remarkable resilience, achieving solid economic growth in the second quarter of 2024, with Vietnam and the Philippines standing out as the region’s top performers.

Vietnam’s economy grew by 6.9%, while the Philippines followed closely with a 6.3% expansion, according to a recent report from McKinsey & Company, a global strategy and management consulting firm based in the US.

McKinsey’s report highlighted Vietnam’s economic acceleration in the second quarter, as GDP growth rose to 6.9% from 5.6% in the previous quarter. The country’s industrial and service sectors played key roles in driving this growth.

Private consumption also strengthened and is expected to expand further throughout 2024. The export sector maintained its upward momentum, benefiting from increased global demand, especially in key industries such as smartphones, electronics, and textiles.

The report underscored the significant growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the quarter, reinforcing Vietnam’s reputation as an attractive investment destination. However, it also pointed out that inflation continued to climb, driven by wage increases, which has added pressure on the central bank’s monetary policy.

FDI was one of the major highlights of Vietnam’s economic performance, with disbursed FDI reaching $6.2 billion in the second quarter, up from $4.6 billion in the first quarter. Total FDI registered in the first half of 2024 amounted to $15.2 billion, marking a 13.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The robust growth is expected to continue supporting Vietnam’s economy in the near future, further solidifying the country’s appeal as a key investment hub for foreign businesses seeking to diversify their global supply chains, the report concluded.

You Are Advised to Stay Indoors This Evening as Typhoon Yagi Moves Inland

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Hanoians are being urged to avoid going out on the evening of September 7 as Typhoon Yagi intensifies, bringing wind speeds of 50-60 km/h (level 6-7), with gusts reaching 75-100 km/h (level 9-10). The dangerous conditions pose significant risks.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 1 p.m. today, Typhoon Yagi was positioned at 20.8 degrees North latitude and 107.1 degrees East longitude, off the coast between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. The storm’s center is producing winds of 118-149 km/h (level 12-13), with gusts up to 184 km/h (level 16). It is moving west-northwest at a speed of 15-20 km/h.

By 1 a.m. on September 8, Yagi is expected to reach the mainland in the Northeast region, with winds decreasing to level 8 (63-75 km/h) and gusts up to level 10. The storm will weaken as it moves further inland and eventually dissipate into a low-pressure system.

Local authorities in areas affected by the storm, particularly Hanoi, have urged residents to stay indoors and seek safe shelter. The strong winds could topple trees and create hazardous conditions. Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Lang Son are also on alert for possible landslides due to heavy rainfall.

The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control reported that by 1 p.m., the storm had caused damage in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, sinking five cement ships and a small wooden boat. Additionally, 146 trees were uprooted, two power poles and a transformer station were damaged, and widespread power outages affected the districts of Cam Pha and Van Don (Quang Ninh).

Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor weather updates and stay indoors until conditions improve.

Hundreds of Flights Canceled or Delayed as Storm Yagi Hits Northern Vietnam

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Airlines in Vietnam have canceled or delayed hundreds of flights over the weekend as Storm Yagi approaches the northern and north-central regions.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has ordered the temporary closure of four major airports—Noi Bai (Hanoi), Cat Bi (Haiphong), Van Don (Quang Ninh), and Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa)—during specific time frames on September 7 to ensure safety amid the storm.

Noi Bai International Airport will suspend operations from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on September 7. Van Don will be closed from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cat Bi from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tho Xuan from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition, rain and thunderstorms are expected to disrupt flights at Vinh, Dien Bien, and Dong Hoi airports.

Hundreds of flights have already been affected. Vietnam Airlines canceled or delayed more than 110 flights, Vietjet Air nearly 90, and Bamboo Airways 14.

Passengers flying on September 7 and 8 are advised to stay updated through the airlines’ websites or notifications sent directly to them.

CAAV estimates that Storm Yagi could impact around 240 domestic and 70 international flights over the next few days.

Typhoon Yagi Approaches Northern Vietnam with Strong Winds and Heavy Rain

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Typhoon Yagi is currently moving towards the sea area between Quảng Ninh and Thái Bình, with wind speeds of up to 149kph near its center, as reported by the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

As of 10 a.m. today, Typhoon Yagi, also known as Typhoon Number 3, was positioned at approximately 20.6°N, 107.6°E, over the Quảng Ninh-Thái Bình sea area. The maximum wind speeds near the storm’s center range from 134-149 km/h (level 13), with gusts reaching up to level 16.

The storm is projected to move west-northwest at 15-20kph and is expected to make landfall in northern Vietnam. Winds upon landfall are forecast to be at level 8, with gusts reaching level 10. The northern Gulf of Tonkin, as well as coastal and inland areas of Quảng Ninh, Hải Phòng, and Thái Bình, face a level 4 disaster risk, while the southern Gulf of Tonkin and regions of Nam Định, Ninh Bình, and Thanh Hóa face a level 3 risk.

By Sunday at 10 a.m., the storm is expected to weaken as it continues west-northwest at 15-20kph, with winds decreasing to level 6. The risk of natural disasters in Quảng Ninh, Hải Phòng, Thái Bình, Nam Định, Ninh Bình, and Thanh Hóa will remain at level 3.

The Gulf of Tonkin, including the Bạch Long Vỹ and Cô Tô islands, will experience winds of level 8-10, with winds near the storm’s center reaching levels 11-13 and gusts up to level 16. Waves in these areas will range from 3-5 meters, while those near the storm’s center could reach 6-8 meters. Coastal areas from Quảng Ninh to Thanh Hóa may see waves of 2-4 meters, with those near the storm’s center potentially reaching 3-5 meters.

Meteorologists have also issued warnings of storm surges in coastal areas from Thanh Hóa to Quảng Ninh, with water levels potentially rising by 0.5 meters in Thanh Hóa and up to 2 meters in Quảng Ninh on Saturday afternoon and evening.

Fishing boat anchorage areas, aquaculture farms, and coastal dykes are expected to face strong winds, high waves, and storm surges. Low-lying coastal regions, particularly near river mouths, should prepare for potential flooding due to storm surges and large waves.

From Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, the northern region and Thanh Hóa are forecast to experience heavy rain, with rainfall totals between 100-300mm and some areas exceeding 450mm. The most intense rain will occur in the northeastern region on Saturday afternoon and evening, and in the northwestern region from Saturday evening through Sunday night.

Widespread flooding is expected in low-lying areas, with flash floods in smaller rivers and streams, and landslides on mountainous slopes due to the heavy rainfall.

Due to the storm’s extensive reach, areas in northwestern Vietnam and from Nghệ An to Thừa Thiên – Huế should brace for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and strong gusts.

Although Hà Nội will not be directly hit by the storm, the city is likely to experience strong winds of levels 6-7, with gusts reaching levels 9-10, on Saturday afternoon and evening. These winds could cause damage to trees, roofs, and signboards, and residents are advised to stay indoors unless necessary.

Hà Nội is also expected to see heavy rain, with rainfall amounts of 150-350mm, leading to the potential for widespread flooding. Residents should take precautions to prevent and respond to potential floods.

Experts warn that stormy weather can cause significant damage to both people and property, particularly vehicles. People are urged to avoid going out during heavy rain and strong winds.

In areas directly affected by the storm, residents are advised to secure their homes, reinforce roofs, move furniture to higher ground in low-lying areas, and lower outdoor advertising signs. Boats should be anchored in safe locations, and aquaculture cages secured. It’s also recommended to fully charge phones and prepare enough food and water for two days, as power and water services may be disrupted.

Families living in high-rise buildings should tape their windows to prevent glass from shattering and bring heavy items like potted plants indoors to protect against strong winds. Additionally, closing windows tightly can help prevent water from damaging floors and furniture.

Starlink satellite internet services by SpaceX will be offered in Vietnam very soon. Here’s Why

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U.S.-based tech giant SpaceX is poised to invest in and offer its Starlink satellite internet services in Vietnam, according to a senior company executive, as the Southeast Asian nation strives to accelerate its digital economy.

Tim Hughes, Senior Vice President of Global Business and Government Affairs at SpaceX, stated during a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi that the company’s services would benefit sectors such as education, training, and disaster prevention.

Hughes commended Vietnam’s favorable business environment and suggested the country prepare the necessary infrastructure to ensure the effectiveness of the project, aiming to extend internet access to 100% of the population.

PM Chinh welcomed SpaceX’s investment intentions, emphasizing Vietnam’s goal of building a digital government, economy, and society. He assured that Vietnam has the required infrastructure and supportive policies to facilitate efficient operations for foreign companies like SpaceX.

The prime minister also urged SpaceX to collaborate with relevant Vietnamese ministries to ensure the project complies with local laws and guarantees network security. He encouraged additional partnerships in areas where both SpaceX and Vietnam have potential, including science, technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

Additionally, Chinh highlighted the importance of technology transfer, workforce development, and expanding partnerships with Vietnamese enterprises to enhance their participation in global value chains.

Earlier, during a meeting with Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung, Hughes discussed global progress in satellite internet services and SpaceX’s business prospects in Vietnam. Hughes noted that SpaceX has invested over $11 billion in its satellite network, comprising more than 6,500 satellites, and has been providing Starlink services since October 2020.

Currently, the company serves nearly three million clients across over 100 countries, including ASEAN nations such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Hughes expressed interest in bringing broadband services to underserved areas in Vietnam, similar to those provided in the U.S. and Canada.

Minister Hung praised SpaceX’s proposals and outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to expand internet access to remote and underprivileged areas.

Hanoi becomes Asia’s top city break destination as Bangkok and Singapore has been surpassed

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This is the third time Hanoi has earned the title, outshining competitors such as Bangkok, Singapore, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Kyoto, as announced by the organizing committee during the awards ceremony in the Philippines on Tuesday.

In addition to this achievement, Hanoi was also named “Asia’s Leading City Destination.”

Recently, 4,500 tourists from Sun Pharmaceuticals, a leading Indian company owned by Dilip Shanghvi, the fifth richest person in India, visited Hanoi and explored notable landmarks such as the Hoa Lo Prison Relic and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Several other Vietnamese locations were honored at the event as well. Ho Chi Minh City was recognized as “Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination,” while Hoi An received the title of “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination.”

The Tam Chuc Complex in Ha Nam Province, located 60 kilometers south of Hanoi, was awarded “Asia’s Leading Cultural Tourist Attraction.” Ha Nam was also named “Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination.”

Cuc Phuong National Park, 120 kilometers south of Hanoi, was named “Asia’s Leading National Park” for the sixth year in a row.

The northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, near the Chinese border, was recognized as “Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination,” and its neighboring province, Moc Chau, approximately 200 kilometers west of Hanoi, was voted “Asia’s Leading Regional Nature Destination.”

The World Travel Awards, founded in 1993, celebrate excellence in the travel and tourism industry and are often referred to as the “Oscars of the travel industry.” These prestigious awards are determined by votes from both industry professionals and the public.

Typhoon Yagi Remains a Super Typhoon, Approaching Gulf of Tonkin

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Starting the afternoon of September 6, strong winds of level 6-7 will affect the eastern Gulf of Tonkin, including the island district of Bach Long Vi. By tonight, winds in the entire Gulf of Tonkin, including the islands of Bach Long Vi, Co To, Cat Ba, and Cat Hai, will increase to levels 8-11. Areas near the storm’s center could experience winds as high as levels 12-14, with gusts up to level 17. The sea will become extremely rough and dangerous.

On land, the most critical period for strong winds is expected from tonight until tomorrow night. Coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa are likely to experience winds of level 6-9, with areas near the storm center facing winds at levels 10-12, gusting up to 14. Inland areas, including Hanoi, may experience winds of level 6-8, with gusts reaching level 9-11.

Visitors in affected areas, especially around the Gulf of Tonkin and coastal regions like Cat Ba and Co To, should take immediate precautions. Avoid coastal activities, and stay updated on local weather warnings. Strong winds and rough seas make travel and outdoor activities highly dangerous during the storm’s passage.

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