Sa Pa Temporarily Suspends Tourist Visits Due to Storm Impact

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On September 8, the People’s Committee of Sa Pa Town (Lao Cai Province) issued a document temporarily suspending tourist visits to ensure safety in response to the storm and flood prevention efforts within the town.

Sa Pa temporarily suspends all tourism and sightseeing activities.

The document noted that due to prolong heavy rains caused by Storm No. 3, many roads and overflow dams in Sa Pa have been damaged or are no longer safe for transportation.

To ensure tourist safety, the Department of Culture and Information of Sa Pa Town has requested that Hoang Lien National Park, the Tourism and Heritage Management Board, the Management Board of Ham Rong Tourist Area, and other tourist sites in the area proactively inspect and prepare for the storm’s effects to ensure the safety of property and people, especially in areas with waterfalls, streams, and complex terrain.

It has also been mandated that all heritage sites and scenic spots managed by these organizations temporarily suspend receiving visitors from September 8 until further notice from the People’s Committee of Sa Pa.

Local authorities have been asked to increase awareness, inspect tourist areas under their jurisdiction, and ensure that these tourist destinations cease welcoming visitors to protect both property and human lives.

The Lao Cai Tourism Association has informed its member businesses to proactively ensure the security and safety of tourists, suspending all tours and outdoor activities until further notice from the Sa Pa People’s Committee.

@Znews

Tay Ninh Tourism Nears 2024 Revenue Target

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After just eight months, the total tourism revenue for Tay Ninh Province is estimated to have reached over VND 2.1 trillion, achieving 93.3% of the 2024 target

Tay Ninh tourism revenue in 8 months reached more than 93% of the plan. Photo: Dat Thanh

According to statistics for the first eight months of 2024, Tay Ninh ranks first in economic growth in the Southeast region. The province’s tourism sector alone is estimated to have attracted 3.9 million visitors, a 3.6% increase year-on-year. Total tourism revenue is estimated at VND 2,145 trillion, up 37.3% compared to the same period, reaching 93.3% of the annual target.

In August 2024 alone, the number of visitors is estimated at over 276,000, up 17.7% compared to the same period last year. Tourism revenue is estimated at VND 158 billion, an increase of 43.6% year-on-year. It is projected that Tay Ninh will continue to welcome more tourists in the remaining three months of 2024. According to the Tay Ninh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, from now until the end of 2024, the province will focus on implementing policies and diversifying and enhancing the quality of tourism products aligned with the local potential and advantages. The tourism industry is also concentrating on promoting solutions for marketing and outreach to other provinces and international destinations.

specifically, Tay Ninh is strengthening tourism development partnerships with six provinces and cities in the Southeast region and signing a tourism cooperation agreement for the 2024-2029 period with Saigon Tourist Corporation.

This cooperation is seen as an opportunity for the province and other localities in the region to leverage their strengths in unique tourism products, such as industrial tourism, river tours, traditional craft villages, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Tay Ninh is also actively organizing Famtrip tours to survey and connect the province’s tourism offerings with other provinces and cities across the country.

@SGtiepthi

Dong Lam Grassland Festival to Take Place at the End of October

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Scheduled for the end of October 2024, the Dong Lam Grassland Festival offers visitors the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of Huu Lung while participating in various recreational and exploration activities.

A corner of Dong Lam grassland. Photo: Hung Vi

The People’s Committee of Huu Lung District, Lang Son Province, has announced plans to organize the 2024 Dong Lam Grassland Festival under the theme “Dong Lam – The Green Grassland.” The festival is set to take place on October 25-26, 2024, at Dong Lam Grassland, Nong Use Lake in Huu Lien Commune, as well as at the community tourism villages in Huu Lien and Yen Thinh Communes, along with other tourist sites in Huu Lung District.

The festival is not only an opportunity to admire the pristine beauty of Dong Lam Grassland, with its clear lakes and cool streams, but also an opportunity for visitors to engage in various exciting activities. These include kayaking on Nong Using Lake, horseback riding around the grasslands, and trekking to discover Khe Dau Waterfall and Pac Mo Dam.

Tourists kayaking in Dong Lam grassland area. Photo: Hung Vi

Additionally, the festival will recreate a traditional countryside market, where visitors can experience agricultural production processes, taste local cuisine, and participate in traditional games, such as fish-catching contests, pig-roasting competitions, and tent-decorating challenges.

Located in Huu Lien Commune, Huu Lung District, Lang Son Province, Dong Lam Grassland is about 25 km from Lang Son city center and approximately 150 km from Hanoi. Spanning around 100 hectares, this tranquil grassland has attracted many tourists in recent years.

As part of the “Top 7 Impressive Vietnam” program in 2023, the community tourism villages of Huu Lien and Yen Thinh were voted by Saigon Tiep Thi readers as one of the “Top 7 Ecotourism Destinations.”

@SGtiepthi

Bitcoin Bottom In? BTC Order Book Liquidity Says Yes

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Liquidity both close to and further away from the going market rate has declined, hinting at an impending bull reversal.

Bitcoin (BTC) order books, which show the supply and demand dynamics for the largest cryptocurrency, are signaling a potential price bottom and a bullish shift on the horizon.

Data tracked by Hyblock Capital shows market depth, or the collection of buy and sell orders, both close to the going market rate and further away, dried up over the weekend. That’s a pattern usually observed at market turning points, suggesting an end to BTC’s decline from late-August highs above $65,000.

Liquidity, represented by market depth, gauges the market’s ability to absorb large trading orders without influencing price. It tends to depend on several factors, including the time of day, prevailing market events and specific price levels.

Market bottoms are characterized by traders struggling to make decisive moves, leading to fewer buy and sell orders and a decline in liquidity.

“By analyzing the combined spot order books, particularly at the 0%-1% and 1%-5% spot order book depth, we see a pattern where low liquidity in the order book often coincides with market bottoms,” Shubh Verma, co-founder and CEO of Hyblock Capital, said in an interview with CoinDesk. “These low order book levels can be early indicators of a price reversal, frequently preceding a bullish trend.”

“It’s a signal worth monitoring for traders looking to catch significant movements before they unfold. Understanding these imbalances can help identify key turning points in the market,” Verma said.

The 1% market depth shows the total volume of buy and sell orders within 1% of the current mid-market price. The 5% depth represents liquidity 5% away from the current mid-price. Hyblock tracks market depth across multiple exchanges, including Binance and Coinbase.

Potential short squeeze and positive macro

Bitcoin changed hands at $54,800 at press time, up 4.3% from Friday’s low of $52,530, according to TradingView data. Still, funding rates in the perpetual futures market tied to bitcoin remain negative, indicating a bias for bearish bets known as shorts, according to Coinglass.

So, if the market remains resilient, bears may throw in the towel, squaring off shorts and putting upward pressure on prices.

“Positioning remains light, and with funding [rates] negative, the short-term ‘pain trade’ is perhaps higher,” the LondonCryptoClub newsletter said in Sunday’s edition.

The market is fast moving into positive macroeconomic developments for bitcoin, according to the newsletter.

“Fiat, debt driven economies cannot sustain high real rates. The window to normalise rates and reduce central bank balance sheets, withdrawing liquidity, are typically small and that window has now firmly closed. Whilst we encourage short term caution as the market seeks assurances that the Fed will keep the party going, rest assured the punch bowl is about to be returned. Bitcoin and broader crypto investors will be getting drunk again quite soon,” the newsletter reads.

Crypto Exchange Woo X Introduces Copy Trading, With a Twist

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The exchange’s version of social trading comes with a countertrade feature as well as more transparent and equitable profit sharing.

Cryptocurrency exchange Woo X has introduced what it says is an enhanced and fairer version of copy trading, a way of emulating the expertise of seasoned traders by mimicking their market activities, the firm said on Monday.

Copy trading, or “social trading,” as Woo X calls it, is not new in either crypto or traditional finance. The practice of easily availing customers of the returns made by the most successful traders was made popular by fintech platform eToro and is also offered by several large crypto exchanges like Binance and OKX.

However, the existing model required recalibration, according to Woo X COO Willy Chuang, such that lead traders don’t just profit from exchange fees or other misaligned incentives. Another improvement was finding a way to reduce the consistent pressure on lead traders to always outperform, which prompted Woo X to add the flexibility of a countertrade option.

“We conducted extensive research and identified clear pain points for users,” Chuang said in an interview. “Many of the reported returns are misleading or unsustainable, and in some cases, users were being shilled by lead traders. We’ve introduced a higher profit threshold that protects users, ensuring that profits are only shared with lead traders when the portfolios are genuinely profitable.”

Cuc Phuong National Park Named Asia’s Leading National Park

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Recently, at the World Travel Awards held in Manila, Philippines, Vietnam’s Cuc Phuong National Park was honored as Asia’s Leading National Park for 2024.

Cuc Phuong National Park surpassed several strong contenders from around the world, including Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, Sri Lanka’s Minnieriya National Park, Malaysia’s Kinabalu and Taman Negara National Parks, and Vietnam’s own Cat Tien National Park, to win the prestigious title of Asia’s Leading National Park 2024.

This marks the sixth consecutive year, starting in 2019, that Cuc Phuong National Park has received this esteemed award.

Characterized by tropical rainforests, Cuc Phuong includes an extremely valuable biodiversity value system, one of the places with high biodiversity in Vietnam with many rare species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book of Vietnam.

Based on the natural forest conditions of its limestone mountains, Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s first national park, is recognized as one of the country’s most effective public institutions. It has successfully utilized government investments and support from both domestic and international organizations.

The park operates with a focus on forest protection and biodiversity conservation, serving scientific research, environmental education, and ecotourism. This approach aims to raise awareness, promote community livelihoods, and contribute to rapid, green, and sustainable economic development.

This award reaffirms the appeal of ecotourism—a form of tourism actively developed in national parks and nature reserves across Vietnam. It also serves as a golden opportunity to promote Vietnam’s natural beauty on the global ecotourism map.

@vtv.vn

Why Vietnam Becomes A Prime Destination for Global Investors

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Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as a key destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), attracting $20.52 billion in registered FDI capital in the first eight months of 2024, a 7% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Strong FDI Growth Across Key Sectors

Out of the total FDI, nearly $12 billion was committed to 2,247 new projects, marking a 27% increase in value and an 8.5% rise in project numbers compared to 2023. Additionally, existing projects received $5.7 billion in supplementary capital, up 4.9% in value and 14.8% in the number of projects. Despite a 40.9% decline in foreign investment through capital contributions and share purchases, this impressive growth in direct project investments reflects Vietnam’s continued appeal to global investors.

The manufacturing and processing industry remains the backbone of FDI inflows, receiving nearly $14.17 billion, which accounts for over 69% of the total registered capital—up 7.4% from last year. Real estate ranked second, attracting $3.36 billion, followed by the wholesale and retail sector with $844.9 million.

“Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is a major draw for foreign investors, thanks to its skilled labor force, strategic location, and favorable trade policies,” said Ms. Sophie Dao, Senior Partner at GBS, an investment consulting firm in Vietnam. “With the country’s ongoing economic reforms and commitment to improving infrastructure, Vietnam is well-positioned to attract even more FDI, especially in high-tech industries and renewable energy.”

Top Investment Sources and Key Provinces

Singapore led the list of 94 countries and territories investing in Vietnam from January to August 2024, pouring over $6.79 billion into the country, a 75.5% year-on-year increase. Hong Kong (China) followed with $2.4 billion, reflecting a 43.7% surge. This highlights Vietnam’s growing attractiveness to regional investors who seek to diversify their supply chains and capitalize on Vietnam’s favorable investment climate.

On the provincial level, the northern province of Bac Ninh emerged as the largest recipient of FDI, drawing nearly $3.47 billion, representing 16.9% of the total and marking a nearly three-fold increase compared to last year. Quang Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City followed, with nearly $1.78 billion and over $1.76 billion, respectively.

Photo: Olivier Ochanine

Long-Term FDI Prospects

As of August 31, 2024, Vietnam had 41,142 active FDI projects, with a total registered capital of $491.39 billion, of which approximately $311.33 billion had been disbursed. The steady growth in FDI underscores Vietnam’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment through policy reforms, trade agreements, and infrastructure development.

Vietnam’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, coupled with its political stability and integration into global trade networks, continues to make it a magnet for international investors looking to expand in the region. With key sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, and high-tech industries leading the way, the country remains a top destination for FDI.

For global investors seeking to capitalize on Vietnam’s robust economic growth, now is the time to seize the opportunities this dynamic market offers. “Vietnam is reaching new heights as an investment hub,” Ms. Sophie Dao emphasized. “The country’s proactive approach to economic reforms, coupled with its thriving industrial base, makes it a highly attractive destination for FDI, particularly for those looking to tap into emerging sectors like renewable energy and high-tech manufacturing.”

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.

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