Vietnam Insider

In a quiet corner of Liên Chiểu, far from the familiar rhythms of expat cafés and Western franchises, a different kind of story is unfolding.

It begins with a decision. Not just to move countries, but to redefine what it means to belong.

For Stevie Idol, a retired American originally from Mississippi, Vietnam is not a temporary chapter. It is, in his words, “the final destination of my life.” And with that decision came a deeper commitment. Not to simply live here, but to become part of something real.

“I never wanted to become the stereotypical businessman that only seeks fun and finance,” he says. “I want to become a staple in my community.”

Choosing the unfamiliar

While many foreigners settle into Đà Nẵng’s well known expat districts, Stevie made a deliberate choice to go in the opposite direction.

“I refused to be comfortable. I refused to be familiar,” he explains.

That mindset led him to Liên Chiểu, a district often overlooked by outsiders. A place without international chains or Western conveniences. A place, as he describes it, where “no McDonald’s, no Pizza Hut, no American or European eateries” exist.

For Stevie, that was exactly the point.

“I wanted to experience the Vietnamese people in their most authentic form. When I arrived here, I was forever changed.” 

Building more than a business

Out of that experience came the idea for “Club Suspicious Lounge”,  a space that blends culture, community, and opportunity.

But this is not just another lounge.

At its core, the concept is simple but intentional. Free Wi-Fi. Free English lessons for single mothers. A welcoming space where locals can gather, host small events, or showcase music and creativity.

Stevie’s background shapes the atmosphere he wants to bring.

“As a Black Indigenous man from Mississippi, I bring Southern hospitality, cultural finesse, and a different kind of energy,” he says.

In a city already filled with bars and pubs catering to tourists, his goal is to create something rooted in purpose rather than trend.

A focus on those who need it most

One of the most defining aspects of the lounge is its focus on single mothers.

Stevie is direct about why.

“English can open doors to better jobs and higher income. But lessons are expensive, and many single mothers simply cannot afford them.”

By offering free classes, he hopes to ease that burden, even in a small way.

“If I can make life a little softer for them and their children, then I have done something meaningful.”

The same thinking applies to free Wi Fi. For students, remote workers, or anyone trying to move forward, access matters.

“If someone is getting closer to their goal, or closer to being more financially stable, I want to be part of that.”

Respecting the community

Stevie speaks candidly about his perspective on foreign presence in Southeast Asia. For him, intention matters.

“I want the local community to know I am not just here to do business. I am here to become part of their community.”

That approach seems to be working.

He describes being welcomed with openness and encouragement. Conversations with locals have turned into mutual support, with many offering help and wishing him success.

Learning from the streets

Among the people who have inspired him most are local street food vendors.

“I admire their courage and determination,” he says. “They operate within small spaces but still manage to thrive.”

Their resilience has influenced how he approaches his own journey. Not chasing scale immediately, but building something grounded and sustainable.

Faith, purpose, and perspective

For Stevie, this project is not just business. It is deeply personal.

He speaks openly about faith, gratitude, and the idea of giving back.

“I have been given so much in life. There are things I can never repay. But I can give back to humanity within my reach.”

That philosophy shapes how he navigates both challenges and opportunities.

The biggest obstacle so far has been language. A gap he jokes about solving with Google Translate, calling it his “second wife.”

But beyond logistics, what has impacted him most is something harder to define.

“The soul of the Vietnamese people,” he says. “There is a powerful energy here. You can feel it.”

Looking ahead

This is only the beginning.

Stevie plans to expand Club Suspicious with multiple locations across Liên Chiểu, along with launching a restaurant called Wett Chicken. Longer term, he is looking at other districts like Sơn Trà and Cẩm Lệ.

But growth, for him, is not just about scale. It is about staying rooted in the same values that brought him here in the first place.

A message to Vietnam and beyond

When asked what he would like to say to the Vietnamese community, his response is filled with admiration.

“You are a resilient people. You have overcome so much, and yet you continue to build forward. I respect that deeply.”

For other foreigners, his message is more direct.

If the intention is superficial, he suggests looking elsewhere. But for those who genuinely want to contribute, his advice is clear.

“Step outside the tourist areas. Get to know real communities. That is where the real connection happens.” 

In a city that is constantly evolving, stories like Stevie’s stand out not because of scale, but because of intent.

Sometimes, the most meaningful impact begins with a simple choice.

To show up. To listen. And to belong.

A driver in southern Vietnam has been fined 21 million VND after being found asleep in his car on an expressway, highlighting strict regulations governing emergency lanes.

The incident occurred on the Vinh Hao to Phan Thiet expressway, where traffic police discovered the vehicle stopped in the emergency lane during a routine patrol.

Caught asleep in the emergency lane

According to authorities, the driver had pulled over and was sleeping inside the vehicle. While the right turn signal was on, the car did not display the required hazard warning lights.

On high speed roads, stopping in the emergency lane is only permitted under specific conditions, and drivers must activate full warning signals to alert other vehicles.

Multiple violations uncovered

During the inspection, the driver failed to present several mandatory documents, including:

Vehicle registration
Technical inspection certificate
Mandatory civil liability insurance

As a result, authorities issued a fine of 13 million VND for improper stopping on the expressway and deducted six points from the driver’s license.

Additional penalties for missing documentation brought the total fine to 21 million VND, and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.

Company also penalized

The company that owns the vehicle was also fined 56 million VND for allowing a car that did not meet legal requirements to operate.

In total, combined penalties for the driver and the vehicle owner reached 77 million VND.

A warning for highway users

Authorities emphasize that misuse of emergency lanes poses serious risks, particularly on expressways where vehicles travel at high speeds.

Even brief stops without proper signaling can lead to dangerous situations, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

The bottom line

The case reflects stricter enforcement of traffic rules on Vietnam’s expanding expressway network.

For drivers, the message is clear: emergency lanes are not rest stops, and non compliance can result in significant financial penalties and safety risks.

ANTIPOLO CITY, PHILIPPINES – Green Xentro has launched the initial phase of a 2,500-unit fleet of fully electric (BEV) taxis in Rizal province, under a strategic partnership with the global mobility platform Green GSM. This marks one of the largest BEV taxi rollouts in the Philippines to date, as well as the first large-scale implementation of a partner-led expansion model designed to accelerate electric mobility adoption across emerging markets.

With its scale and structured implementation, the deployment is expected to serve as a model for expanding electric mobility through local partnerships across Southeast Asia.

The deployment builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in October 2025 between Xentro Group and Green GSM. Initially planned at 2,000 vehicles, the fleet has since been expanded to 2,500, reflecting growing operational confidence and long-term commitment from both parties. The Rizal rollout marks the first phase of implementation, with further expansion expected across Metro Manila and adjacent areas.

At the center of this initiative is a partner-led operating model that combines local market leadership with a standardized global platform. Green Xentro leads on-the-ground execution, overseeing operations, driver management, and local market adaptation, while Green GSM provides a fully integrated electric mobility platform encompassing full electric vehicles, technology infrastructure, and standardized service protocols.

The platform is designed to ensure operational consistency at scale, offering real-time fleet monitoring, centralized safety management, and consistent service delivery standards. Each vehicle is equipped with GPS tracking, CCTV, and dashcams, as well as emergency features such as panic buttons, all connected to a 24/7 monitoring center. The entire fleet is also covered by comprehensive insurance policies, reinforcing safety and reliability.

Passengers can expect a more reliable and predictable travel experience, with standardized service quality and fully electric, air-conditioned vehicles. Services are offered with transparent, value-driven pricing and support multiple payment options, including cash and digital platforms. Rides can be accessed via street hailing or the Green GSM mobile app.

On the supply side, the model introduces a salaried driver system to enhance income stability and professional standards in the transport sector. Drivers earn a fixed monthly salary, performance-based incentives, and full statutory benefits, along with structured training programs focused on safety, service quality, and electric vehicle operations.

Beyond mobility, this rollout is expected to boost local economic activity through job creation and ecosystem development, supported by an expanding EV charging network across commercial hubs within the Xentro system. As a fully electric fleet, the deployment also helps national efforts to cut emissions and improve urban air quality, aligning with broader policy goals for energy transition and sustainable urban growth.

Mr. Noel M. Ignacio, CEO of Green Xentro, shared: “We see this as a long-term investment in building a transport system that is more reliable, more structured, and better aligned with the needs of Filipino communities. By combining electric vehicles with a professional driver model, we are creating a service ecosystem that elevates everyday journeys while also improving the quality of livelihoods for drivers. Over time, we believe this approach can help set a new standard for public transport one that balances efficiency, sustainability, and human-centered service.”

Mr. Dao Quy Phi, Managing Director of Green GSM Southeast Asia, said: “This is not just a fleet deployment. It represents the early stage of a scalable model where strong local partners lead market execution, while Green GSM enables growth through a unified electric mobility platform. We believe this approach can unlock a more practical pathway to green mobility—one that is not only scalable, but also adaptable to the realities of emerging markets. By combining global standards with local expertise, we aim to accelerate adoption in a way that is both commercially viable and operationally sustainable over the long term.”

Green Xentro is among the first international partners to adopt the Green GSM operating model. Developed and refined in Vietnam through extensive collaboration with multiple stakeholders, the model has played a key role in shaping a highly integrated and scalable electric mobility ecosystem. Its rollout in the Philippines marks a significant milestone in the model’s global expansion, thoughtfully localized to suit market conditions while upholding consistent standards of safety, service excellence, and user experience.

About Green Xentro
Green Xentro is an electric mobility company committed to transforming public transportation in the Philippines through innovative, safe, and sustainable EV taxi services. A subsidiary of Xentro Group of Companies owned by their visionary Chairman, Mr. Alexander M. Cruz.

About GSM & Green GSM
GSM (Green and Smart Mobility) is the world’s first company to operate an all-electric ride-hailing service across multiple platforms. As a pioneer in sustainable transportation, GSM has laid the foundation for a cleaner, more responsible, and future-ready mobility model, while inspiring greener lifestyles in countries rapidly embracing sustainability.

Green GSM is GSM’s official brand in the Philippines, operating under the global Green SM brand, alongside Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos, and Green SM in Indonesia. Across all markets, the brand offers a refined travel experience with VinFast electric cars, professional drivers, and a service culture centered on safety and care.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hashtags: #GreenGSM #GreenXentro

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – In Indonesia, where motorbikes have long dominated daily mobility, transitioning to a car has traditionally been seen as a major leap, one associated with higher costs, lifestyle adjustments, and urban constraints. However, the arrival of the VinFast VF 3 is rapidly reshaping that narrative.

For many first-time car buyers, especially those upgrading from motorbikes, the most striking impression of the VF 3 is not its technology, but its sense of relief. No more exposure to heat, rain, or fatigue from long hours navigating traffic, common realities in cities like Jakarta or Surabaya.

‘A small car, yet a whole world of its own’

One user described the experience as “stepping into a completely different world”, a space where they can lean back, relax, and actually enjoy the journey instead of enduring it.

Despite its compact footprint, the VF 3 offers a surprisingly optimized cabin. Its minimalist yet functional design ensures that every element serves a clear purpose, from seating layout to dashboard ergonomics. The air-conditioning system cools the interior quickly, a crucial advantage in tropical climates.

A particularly thoughtful design detail is the upright windshield, which helps reduce direct sunlight entering the cabin, an issue that many traditional sedans in Southeast Asia still struggle with. These seemingly small refinements collectively deliver a noticeably improved everyday experience.

More importantly, for many Indonesian families, VF 3 quickly becomes part of daily life: school runs, grocery trips, and weekend getaways. A compact car, yet a complete personal space on wheels.

Effortless driving, confident journeys

One of the biggest psychological barriers for motorbike users switching to cars is driving complexity. The VF 3 addresses this by making the experience intuitive and approachable.

With a light steering feel, tight turning radius, and a length of just around 3 meters, this mini-SUV is perfectly suited for navigating dense urban environments, a defining characteristic of Indonesian cities.

The gear selector, positioned conveniently behind the steering wheel, further simplifies operation, especially for first-time drivers.

Beyond ease of use, the VF 3 delivers a distinctly different driving experience thanks to its electric powertrain. Acceleration is smooth and immediate, allowing for responsive maneuvering in traffic. Even at speeds of 70-80 km/h, the vehicle maintains stability and a planted feel, giving drivers confidence on highways and intercity routes.

Notably, with a maximum torque of up to 110 Nm, the VF 3 exceeds expectations for a vehicle in its segment. It handles inclines and varied terrains with ease, proving capable even on more challenging routes.

When cost is no longer a barrier

Beyond user experience, economics plays a decisive role in Indonesia’s mobility transition, and this is where VinFastcreates a compelling advantage.

Unlike gasoline vehicles, electric cars offer significantly more predictable operating costs. Users are no longer exposed to volatile global fuel prices. Instead, electricity costs are generally more stable and easier to forecast.

More importantly, VinFast introduces an innovative battery subscription model, which has already received positive feedback in Indonesia. By separating the battery, the most expensive component, from the vehicle price, the company significantly reduces upfront ownership costs.

This aligns closely with Indonesian consumer behavior, where affordability at the point of purchase remains a key decision factor, even if long-term savings are evident.

VinFast further strengthens this advantage through a seasonal promotion: free battery subscription fees for two years for vehicles invoiced before May 31, 2026. Economically, this is highly impactful, as it effectively eliminates a major portion of early-stage operating costs.

When both initial investment and ongoing expenses are minimized, the barrier to switching from motorbikes or gasoline cars to EVs becomes dramatically lower.

A “golden opportunity” to go electric

Amid increasing volatility in global fuel markets, Vingroup has launched the “Trade Gas for Electric” program across multiple markets, including Indonesia.

The initiative provides an additional 3% discount on VinFast electric cars and a 5% discount on VinFast electric scooters for customers who switch from older gasoline vehicles.

At the same time, GSM Green and Smart Mobility is supporting this transition through discounted electric mobility services, allowing users to experience EVs firsthand before making a purchase decision.

Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive ecosystem approach, not just selling vehicles, but enabling a complete shift in mobility behavior.

In a country where motorbikes have long been the default choice, the VF 3 introduces a new paradigm: compact, accessible, and intelligently designed mobility. It delivers not only convenience and cost efficiency, but also a tangible upgrade in quality of life, from protection against weather conditions to creating a private, comfortable space for families.

As urbanization accelerates and mobility needs evolve, solutions like the VF 3 are no longer optional. Ultimately, the reason many Indonesian users are willing to “ditch motorbikes without regret” is simple. They are choosing a better way to move, and a better way to live.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Hashtags: #VinFast

In the remote mountains of northern Vietnam, one unlikely figure has become a quiet force behind a local tourism transformation.

Yasushi Ogura, a 69 year old from Tokyo, has made more than 100 trips to Ha Giang over the past 30 years, dedicating his time and personal savings to helping local communities preserve their traditional homes while building sustainable tourism.

From visitor to lifelong advocate

What struck him most was the region’s traditional earthen houses and tiled roofs, architectural features deeply tied to local identity. Over time, however, he noticed these homes being replaced by concrete buildings as living standards improved.

That shift became his turning point.

Turning preservation into livelihood

Rather than treating heritage as something to protect in isolation, Ogura focused on making it economically viable.

In 2014, he invested his personal savings to open a small café inside a 200 year old traditional house in Lo Lo Chai village. The idea was simple but effective: if heritage could generate income, local families would have a reason to preserve it.

The model worked.

The café became a foundation for broader community tourism, including homestays and shared spaces built in harmony with traditional architecture.

Building trust at the local level

One of Ogura’s biggest challenges was not funding or infrastructure, but communication.

Many local residents did not speak Vietnamese fluently and had little exposure to tourism. Ogura responded by bringing in students to teach basic skills, from language to hospitality, while also learning from the community himself.

His approach centered on respect and relationship building.

According to local residents, trust grew not through formal programs but through shared meals, conversations, and consistent presence over time.

Real impact on local livelihoods

The transformation is visible in households like that of Diu Thi Huong, whose family home became part of the tourism model.

Once reliant on agriculture, the family now earns significantly higher income through tourism services. Huong herself became the first in her family to attend university and has returned to help develop the village further.

Today, dozens of households in Lo Lo Chai participate in community based tourism, with steady monthly income and growing international visitor numbers.

The village was recognized as one of the world’s best tourism villages in 2025.

Balancing growth and authenticity

Ogura is now working on a “living museum” concept, aimed at preserving entire living environments rather than isolated buildings.

The model follows three key principles:

No sale of land to outside investors
Controlled visitor numbers to maintain tranquility
Restoration of traditional homes for living, not commercialization

The goal is to protect not just structures, but the rhythm of daily life.

More than a project, a personal mission

For Ogura, Ha Giang is no longer just a destination.

He describes it as his second home, a place where he feels more connected than in Japan. Even in his late sixties, he continues to spend weeks each month traveling through the region, supporting projects and maintaining relationships.

His motivation, he insists, is not charity.

“It is passion,” he says. “If something I love can also help others, that is enough.”

The bottom line

In an era where tourism often prioritizes scale and speed, Ogura’s work offers a different model, one built on patience, trust, and cultural respect.

His story highlights a key lesson for Vietnam’s tourism future: long term value may not come from building more, but from preserving what already exists and empowering communities to lead their own development.