Vietnam Insider - Page 37 of 1520

Chinese National Escapes from Da Nang Hospital While in Police Custody — Still Wearing Leg Shackles

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Police in Da Nang have recaptured a Chinese suspect who escaped from a hospital while receiving medical treatment — even though one of his legs was still shackled.

The man, identified as Li Shang Ze, 31, had been in temporary detention for his alleged involvement in a case of unlawful imprisonment. Early on November 2, while under police escort at Da Nang Hospital, Li managed to flee around 4:30 a.m., heading toward the Hải Phòng–Ông Ích Khiêm intersection.

Local authorities immediately launched an intensive manhunt, deploying police forces across nearby wards and reviewing security camera footage. Notices were also circulated through neighborhood Zalo groups to alert residents.

After several hours on the run, Li was tracked down and arrested in the Ngũ Hành Sơn District — about five kilometers from where he escaped.

Photos shared by local media showed the suspect still wearing one side of his leg shackle at the time of capture.

Police are now investigating how Li managed to escape custody and whether any security lapses occurred during his hospital stay.

Vietnam Rolls Out 5-Year Visa-Free for Global Elites

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Vietnam Insider – Vietnam just flung open a golden door to the world’s most coveted minds and wallets—issuing five-year, multiple-entry visa waivers to select foreigners whose influence can supercharge its $430 billion economy, from semiconductor pioneers to market-cap titans and cultural icons, in a calculated bid to outmaneuver regional rivals Singapore and Thailand for high-stakes talent and capital.

Decree 221, signed August 8, green-lights invitations from Vietnam’s top leaders or ministries for categories including Fortune Global 100 executives, award-winning scientists, digital-tech chief engineers, and athletes ranked in the world’s top 100 by FIFA or equivalent bodies. Each recipient receives a chip-based or e-card granting 90-day stays per visit, extendable, with the Ministry of Public Security holding revocation power—a streamlined gateway absent until now.

The playbook is explicit: lure the human and financial capital driving TSMC’s $600 billion valuation or NVIDIA’s AI empire into Hanoi’s nascent chip hubs, while cultural heavyweights amplify soft power akin to Dubai’s art-fueled rebrand. Last year Vietnam attracted $36 billion in FDI; this visa gambit targets the next leap, mirroring UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa that pulled $10 billion in real estate alone.

For global boards, the signal is unambiguous—Vietnam is open for elite business at warp speed. Contrarian investors should front-run the influx: load up on VinGroup bonds and Hanoi land parcels before the first wave of wafer-fab CEOs lands and the talent arbitrage gap closes for good.

Vietnam’s Banking Sector Braces for a New Capital-Raising Race Ahead of Basel III Implementation

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HANOI, Nov 3 (Vietnam Insider) — Vietnam’s banking industry is gearing up for a fresh wave of capital increases as Circular 14/2025, which lays the foundation for the country’s transition to Basel III standards, takes effect on September 15, 2025, signaling a major regulatory and structural shift in the financial system.

A new report from BSC Research suggests that lenders are entering a period of accelerated capital preparation to meet stricter capital adequacy requirements while sustaining credit growth that continues to outpace expectations.

By the end of the third quarter of 2025, Vietnam’s total outstanding credit had expanded 13.4% year-to-date, reaching over VND 17.7 quadrillion (USD 695 billion). Real estate loans alone surged 25.4% since January to more than VND 1.8 quadrillion (USD 71 billion) — accounting for a record 10.4% of total credit.

Monetary Easing Fuels Credit Expansion

The ongoing accommodative monetary environment and the recovery of the property market have strongly benefited banks with large exposure to real estate developers such as Techcombank (TCB), VPBank (VPB), SHB, and HDBank (HDB). VPBank stands out with an exceptional 29% individual credit growth so far this year and is expected to reach 35% by year-end — the highest in its history and across the sector.

However, as BSC notes, the net interest margin (NIM) — a critical profitability metric — continues to narrow amid rising funding costs. The interbank market remains tight, with more than VND 1 quadrillion injected through open-market operations in Q3 alone, and maturities extending up to 91 days, keeping interbank rates elevated. Meanwhile, CASA (current account savings account) deposits are no longer the cheap funding source they once were, forcing banks to raise lending rates to protect margins.

Strategic Shift: From Lending to Fee-Based Income

Facing pressure on traditional lending income, banks are turning aggressively toward non-interest revenue streams. A key trend is the creation of life insurance subsidiaries and cross-selling within financial ecosystems. After Techcombank Life (TCLife), VPBank has announced plans for its own insurance arm, while VIB is expected to follow.

BSC highlights that with Vietnam targeting 10% GDP growth in 2026 and per capita income of USD 5,400–5,500, the insurance market remains underpenetrated — but long-term success will depend on execution and governance.

Banks are also positioning for future growth in digital asset and gold trading platforms, though regulatory frameworks are still being refined. At least five brokerage firms within banking ecosystems — TCBS, VPBS, HDBS, SSI, and VIX — have established legal entities for these ventures. MBBank, which earlier signed an MOU with South Korea’s Dunamu (Upbit), has yet to see significant progress.

Basel III Triggers a New Capital Race

Circular 14/2025 officially ushers in Vietnam’s Basel III transition, replacing Basel II by January 2030. Between 2025 and 2030, banks must report under both standards. Several early adopters, including Vietcombank (VCB), TPBank (TPB), and VPBank, have already registered for early compliance.

Under Basel III, the minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) remains at 8%, with Tier 1 capital at 6% and core Tier 1 at 4.5%. However, the capital conservation buffer will gradually rise from 0.625% to 2.5% over the next four years, lifting the effective minimum CAR to 10.5%, plus a countercyclical buffer of up to 2.5%, at the discretion of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

While Vietnam’s average CAR hovers around 12%, it remains well below the 19% average seen among ASEAN peers that have fully adopted Basel III. As a result, analysts expect a wave of capital-raising initiatives — through retained earnings, bond issuance, or foreign equity placements — as banks race to strengthen balance sheets.

BSC forecasts that institutions with strong foreign shareholder bases and room to lift foreign ownership limits (FOL) to 49% will hold a distinct competitive edge. The recently enacted Decree 245/2025, which prevents lowering FOL thresholds, further enhances the appeal of bank stocks to international investors.

Aligning with ASEAN Standards

In parallel, the SBV is revising Circular 22/2019 to align with Basel III by incorporating new risk management indicators such as NSFR (Net Stable Funding Ratio), LCR (Liquidity Coverage Ratio), and LEV (Leverage Ratio). This marks a crucial step toward transitioning from a credit quota regime to a market-based risk control mechanism, similar to models in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

According to BSC, this evolution will benefit banks with strong capital bases and diversified revenue ecosystems, positioning them as long-term leaders in the regional financial landscape.

The research firm maintains a positive outlook for the sector, forecasting pre-tax profit growth of 14.7% in 2025 and 17.6% in 2026. Top picks include MBBank (MBB), VPBank (VPB), and Techcombank (TCB) — banks characterized by dynamic ecosystems, robust cross-selling capabilities, high CAR buffers, and attractive valuations.

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Accelerates Toward 10 Million Foreign Visitors as Post-Pandemic Boom Deepens

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Nov 3 (Vietnam Insider) — Vietnam’s southern metropolis is in the midst of a tourism surge, drawing nearly 6.6 million international visitors in the first ten months of 2025 — an 18% increase year-on-year — as the city eyes a full-year target of 10 million foreign arrivals and total tourism revenue of nearly USD 11.5 billion (VND 290 trillion).

The recovery underscores Ho Chi Minh City’s role as the nation’s economic and cultural gateway. October alone saw 705,000 international travelers and 3.9 million domestic tourists, reflecting both renewed global demand and stronger domestic mobility. Total receipts for the first ten months reached roughly USD 8.2 billion, up 22% from 2024, achieving 72% of the city’s annual revenue goal.

Industry analysts attribute the momentum to diversified tourism products, the return of long-haul markets from Europe and North America, and new travel behavior among post-pandemic consumers.

“This growth isn’t surprising — we’re entering Vietnam’s international high season from October through April,” said Tran Thi Bao Thu, Marketing Director at Vietluxtour. “Travelers from colder regions are escaping winter to seek warmth and culture in Southeast Asia, and Ho Chi Minh City ranks among their top choices.”

A Gateway City Redefining Its Role

Once viewed primarily as a transit point to the Mekong Delta or coastal resorts, Ho Chi Minh City is increasingly becoming a stand-alone destination. With its mix of colonial heritage, culinary diversity, and energetic nightlife, the city is now extending visitor stays and expenditure.

“Ho Chi Minh City benefits from its multi-layered appeal — aviation connectivity, nearby beaches, vibrant street food, and favorable weather,” said Pham Anh Vu of Viet Tourism. “It’s not just a hub; it’s an experience.”

This shift aligns with regional trends. Data from the ASEAN Secretariat and Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration show Vietnam leading Southeast Asia in post-pandemic tourism recovery through the first nine months of 2024, reinforcing the country’s rising status on the global travel map.

Ben Thanh Market is a large marketplace in central Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in District 1. The market is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and an important symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles, ao dai and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine.

Changing Traveler Profiles and Rising Standards

Beyond the headline numbers, the structure of demand is evolving. Tour operators report that European, American, Australian, and Northeast Asian travelers are less bound by seasonality and spending more on mid- to high-end services. Vietluxtour’s inbound volume is up 35% year-on-year, with most guests opting for three- to five-star hotels and bespoke cultural itineraries.

“Foreign visitors today are looking for authenticity, not just luxury,” Thu added. “They want tailored experiences, cultural immersion, and service quality that matches what they’re willing to pay.”

This trend is driving upgrades across the city’s hospitality sector — from hotel standards to staff training. Tour companies are investing heavily in service quality, language skills, and local cultural knowledge to stay competitive.

Experience-Driven Growth and the Rise of the Night Economy

Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism department has revised its targets upward for the final quarter, aiming for 10 million international and up to 50 million domestic visitors by year-end. To achieve this, operators are launching “experience-centric” and “night-time economy” products designed to keep travelers engaged after dark.

At Vietluxtour, preparations for the holiday high season began in the third quarter. The firm is intensifying quality inspections and staff retraining to meet rising international expectations. Meanwhile, Viet Tourism is expanding community-based tours that allow visitors to “live like a local” — exploring Saigon’s historic districts by vintage car or motorbike, dining at late-night food streets such as Vinh Khanh and Ho Thi Ky, and hearing the stories behind each dish.

Another growth driver is MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), which targets corporate travelers with high spending power. The city’s increasing calendar of global business and cultural events is helping travel firms capture this lucrative segment.

Competing with Asia’s Tourism Powerhouses

To strengthen its international competitiveness, Ho Chi Minh City is betting on distinctive cultural experiences and a revitalized nightlife scene. Signature offerings such as Christmas River Festivals and Saigon dinner cruises are being promoted as part of a broader strategy to rival regional tourism magnets like Bangkok and Singapore.

As the city moves closer to its 10-million-visitor milestone, industry insiders say the challenge ahead is not only attracting tourists but also keeping them longer — and ensuring every stay in Saigon tells a story worth coming back for.

Vietnam Stocks Extend Sell-Off as VN-Index Sinks to One-Month Low

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Three-day losing streak wipes nearly 70 points off benchmark amid broad sell-off in banking, real estate, and brokerage shares.

Vietnam’s stock market began the week deep in the red as the VN-Index plunged nearly 23 points Monday, marking its third consecutive session of steep losses and dragging the benchmark down almost 70 points in total. Despite an early rebound attempt that briefly pushed the index up over 10 points, selling pressure quickly intensified in the final half hour of trading, sending the index tumbling to 1,617 points — its lowest level in more than a month.

The Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange was flooded with red, with 240 stocks declining and barely a third that number advancing. Large-cap shares suffered a similar fate: 23 of 30 blue-chip stocks closed lower, signaling a broad-based retreat across key sectors.

Brokerage firms were hit hardest as investors offloaded shares aggressively. The entire securities group finished below reference levels, with typical declines of 3–5%. VIX led the slump, hitting its floor price of VND 26,050 (USD 1.03) with a massive sell surplus of 13.5 million shares. Bank stocks also came under pressure, with SSB the lone gainer. STB dropped 5.8% to VND 52,300, while HDB, TCB, and VPB each fell more than 3.8%.

The real estate sector saw widespread liquidation, with several developers including DXG, DXS, NLG, CII, and HDC hitting their daily downside limits. Yet a few outliers bucked the trend — notably QCG, which surged to its ceiling price of VND 14,150 with strong buying volume exceeding 600,000 shares. Losses extended across other major industries, from fertilizers and oil & gas to aviation, steel, and seaports.

Despite the sell-off, market liquidity remained strong, with total trading value on the Ho Chi Minh exchange rising to VND 29 trillion (USD 1.15 billion), up nearly VND 2 trillion from Friday. FPT led in trading turnover at over VND 2.2 trillion, followed by VIX, SSI, SHB, and HPG. Foreign investors — who had dumped over VND 1 trillion in previous sessions — eased their selling, recording a net outflow of just VND 137 billion, while net buying in FPT reached roughly 2.4 million shares.

Analysts warn the short-term trend remains bearish, though technical indicators suggest a potential rebound once the VN-Index stabilizes above the 1,620-point threshold. Market strategists recommend investors avoid chasing short-term rallies fueled by large-cap momentum and instead consider selective, low-exposure entries (20–40% of portfolio allocation) in defensive sectors such as chemicals, oil & gas, or infrastructure-linked stocks poised to benefit from Vietnam’s public investment push.

The VN-Index’s sharp decline underscores how fragile investor sentiment remains amid regional volatility — but for contrarian investors, Vietnam’s correction could be the next quiet setup for a recovery trade.

SABECO đóng góp 1 tỷ đồng hỗ trợ khắc phục thiệt hại sau bão lũ cho người dân tại Nghệ An và Hà Tĩnh

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Tại điểm dừng chân thứ 8 của chuỗi “Hành Trình Di Sản”, Tổng Công ty Cổ phần Bia – Rượu – Nước Giải Khát Sài Gòn (SABECO) đã phối hợp cùng Ủy ban Mặt trận Tổ quốc Việt Nam (UB MTTQVN) trao tặng 1 tỷ đồng hỗ trợ trực tiếp cho người dân bị ảnh hưởng bởi bão lũ tại hai tỉnh Nghệ An và Hà Tĩnh. Hoạt động này nằm trong kế hoạch của SABECO nhằm chung tay hỗ trợ công tác khắc phục hậu quả thiên tai, đồng thời lan tỏa tinh thần đoàn kết và sẻ chia thông qua chiến dịch kỷ niệm 150 năm di sản.

Lễ trao tặng được tổ chức tại Nghệ An vào ngày 31/10, và tại Hà Tĩnh vào ngày 1/11, với tổng giá trị hỗ trợ 1 tỷ đồng, tương ứng 500 triệu đồng cho mỗi tỉnh. Đây là khoản hỗ trợ được trích từ 3 tỷ đồng do SABECO công bố vào ngày 16/10, và được trao bảng biểu trưng tại văn phòng UB TW MTTQVN vào ngày 24/10 vừa qua. Khoản hỗ trợ này sẽ được SABECO chuyển trực tiếp vào tài khoản tiếp nhận hỗ trợ của MTTQ tỉnh Nghệ An và tỉnh Hà Tĩnh theo sự thống nhất của UB TW MTTQVN, nhằm khắc phục thiệt hại sau bão, hỗ trợ sửa chữa hạ tầng thiết yếu, tái thiết nhà ở và giúp người dân địa phương ổn định đời sống sau bão.

Lãnh đạo SABECO gặp gỡ đại diện lãnh đạo tỉnh Nghệ An trong buổi trao tặng

Ông Hoàng Phú Hiền – Phó chủ tịch UBND tỉnh Nghệ An phát biểu tại buổi trao tặng: “Chúng tôi đánh giá cao các hoạt động mà SABECO đã và đang thực hiện trên địa bàn tỉnh Nghệ An trong thời gian qua, ngoài hoạt động sản xuất kinh doanh và đóng góp ngân sách cho tỉnh, còn có các chương trình cộng đồng ý nghĩa thông qua MTTQVN tỉnh Nghệ An. Thay mặt cho người dân tỉnh Nghệ An, chúng tôi rất trân trọng sự giúp đỡ của SABECO và cam kết trực tiếp trao sự hỗ trợ này một cách nhanh chóng đến với các gia đình bị thiệt hại. Chúng tôi hy vọng SABECO sẽ tiếp tục đồng hành và hỗ trợ cho đồng bào không chỉ riêng ở tỉnh Nghệ An mà còn trên khắp cả nước.”

Ông Nguyễn Thành Đồng, Ủy viên Ban Thường vụ Tỉnh ủy, Chủ tịch UBMTTQVN tỉnh Hà Tĩnh chia sẻ: ” Thời gian vừa qua, nhiều địa phương trong đó có Hà Tĩnh đã chịu thiệt hại nặng nề do bão. Chúng tôi bày tỏ lòng biết ơn sâu sắc đến tấm lòng và nghĩa cử cao đẹp của SABECO trong việc hỗ trợ khắc phục sau bão lũ cho bà con. Chúng tôi rất trân trọng khi SABECO luôn đồng hành không chỉ trong việc phát triển kinh tế xã hội, đóng góp vào ngân sách của tỉnh và tạo công ăn việc làm cho người lao động, mà còn luôn quan tâm, chăm sóc và hỗ trợ cho đời sống của người dân.”

Bên cạnh hỗ trợ tài chính cho cộng đồng địa phương, ban lãnh đạo SABECO cũng đã đến thăm các nhà máy, đơn vị đối tác tại Nghệ An và Hà Tĩnh, đồng thời gặp gỡ, động viên đội ngũ cán bộ, công nhân viên bị ảnh hưởng bởi bão lũ, qua đó khẳng định cam kết của công ty trong việc đồng hành và nâng cao chất lượng cuộc sống của người dân Việt Nam.

Ông Lester Tan, Tổng Giám đốc SABECO, chia sẻ: “Sự hỗ trợ này mang ý nghĩa đặc biệt đối với SABECO, bởi Nghệ An và Hà Tĩnh không chỉ là hai trong những địa phương chịu thiệt hại nặng nề nhất sau đợt bão lũ vừa qua, mà còn là nơi gắn bó với nhiều cán bộ, nhân viên, đối tác và các đơn vị thành viên lâu năm của chúng tôi. Các nhà máy và công ty tại hai tỉnh này đã góp phần quan trọng vào sự phát triển của SABECO tại khu vực miền Trung, và chúng tôi ý thức sâu sắc trách nhiệm của mình trong việc sẻ chia và đồng hành cùng người dân địa phương vượt qua giai đoạn khó khăn. Thông qua khoản đóng góp này, chúng tôi mong muốn mang đến sự hỗ trợ kịp thời và thiết thực cho những người bị ảnh hưởng bởi bão lũ, đồng thời thể hiện tinh thần đoàn kết và trách nhiệm xã hội của SABECO trong việc sát cánh cùng đội ngũ nhân viên và cộng đồng nơi doanh nghiệp hoạt động. SABECO sẽ tiếp tục đồng hành cùng Việt Nam trên hành trình phát triển, không chỉ bằng việc xây dựng doanh nghiệp bền vững, mà còn bằng những đóng góp tích cực nhằm nâng cao đời sống và mang lại sự thịnh vượng cho người dân.”

Khoản đóng góp này là một phần trong kế hoạch hợp tác của SABECO cùng Mặt trận Tổ quốc Việt Nam, nhằm khắc phục hậu quả thiên tai tại nhiều khu vực bị ảnh hưởng trên cả nước. Đây cũng là hoạt động thể hiện đúng tinh thần của chiến dịch “150 Năm Di Sản Vươn Cao” của SABECO, nhằm tôn vinh sự kiên cường, đoàn kết và sẻ chia của người dân Việt Nam.

Bên cạnh đó, chuỗi “Hành Trình Di Sản” với hình ảnh xe buýt hai tầng màu đỏ đặc trưng trong chiến dịch “150 Năm Di Sản Vươn Cao” tiếp tục lan tỏa tinh thần kết nối và sẻ chia tại Nghệ An thông qua các hoạt động gắn kết cộng đồng. Nổi bật trong đó là hoạt động “Bức Tường Gắn Kết”, nơi người dân có thể gửi gắm tình cảm và lời động viên đến địa phương, lực lượng tuyến đầu, các tình nguyện viên và người dân đang nỗ lực phục hồi cuộc sống sau bão lũ. Người tham gia cũng được khuyến khích chia sẻ hình ảnh và thông điệp trên mạng xã hội kèm hashtag “Cùng Việt Nam Kiên Cường”, nhằm lan tỏa tinh thần đồng cảm và đoàn kết trên khắp cả nước. Mỗi lời nhắn gửi là một mảnh ghép của tinh thần Việt Nam kiên cường, thể hiện niềm tin về sự đoàn kết vượt qua mọi khó khăn.

“Hành Trình Di Sản” được SABECO tổ chức như một hành trình gắn kết cộng đồng trên khắp Việt Nam, nhằm tôn vinh chặng đường 150 năm phát triển cùng ngành bia và khẳng định cam kết đồng hành cùng sự tiến bộ của đất nước. Mỗi điểm dừng của hành trình không chỉ mang đến cơ hội trải nghiệm di sản mà còn thể hiện tinh thần đoàn kết, cảm thông và sẻ chia – những giá trị cốt lõi mà SABECO luôn theo đuổi. Đến nay, “Hành Trình Di Sản” đã đi qua 8 trên 9 địa điểm gồm TP. Hồ Chí Minh, Cần Thơ, Vĩnh Long, Vũng Tàu, Đắk Lắk, Khánh Hòa, Bình Định, và Nghệ An. Điểm cuối của hành trình ý nghĩa này sẽ kết thúc tại thủ đô Hà Nội.

Nghệ An và Hà Tĩnh là hai địa phương quan trọng trong hoạt động sản xuất kinh doanh của SABECO tại khu vực miền Trung. Nhiều năm qua, công ty đã trở thành một phần quen thuộc với người dân địa phương với sự hiện diện của Công ty CP Bia Sài Gòn – Hà Tĩnh, và Công ty CP Bia Sài Gòn Sông Lam, cũng là hai đơn vị đứng đầu trong danh sách các công ty nộp ngân sách lớn nhất ở Nghệ An và Hà Tĩnh.

Đại diện lãnh đạo tỉnh Nghệ An tìm hiểu, trải nghiệm máy tái chế thuộc Hành Trình Di Sản của SABECO

Ngoài hoạt động sản xuất kinh doanh, SABECO còn góp phần nâng cao chất lượng sống của người dân qua dự án “Thắp Sáng Đường Quê” và “Thắp sáng đường biên” tại Nghệ An (gồm xã Tam Hợp, xã Bắc Lý, xã bản Na Loi) và Hà Tĩnh (gồm xã Hương Lâm, xã Hương Đỗ, xã Quang Thọ, và xã Kỳ Nam). Tuyến đường sử dụng đèn năng lượng mặt trời nhằm thúc đẩy việc sử dụng năng lượng tái tạo, cải thiện cơ sở hạ tầng kinh tế – xã hội ở khu vực nông thôn, đồng thời tăng cường an ninh trật tự, cải thiện điều kiện sinh hoạt cho cộng đồng dân cư vùng biên. Ngoài ra, công ty cũng thực hiện dự án “Nâng bước thể thao”, nâng cấp sân thể thao cộng đồng với mục tiêu khích lệ lối sống cân bằng và năng động, đồng thời mang đến cơ hội phát triển nền tảng thể thao trong cộng đồng.

Thông qua “Hành Trình Di Sản”, SABECO mong muốn không chỉ lan tỏa niềm tự hào về hành trình 150 năm di sản mà còn gửi gắm tinh thần đoàn kết, sẻ chia và kiên cường – nơi mà mỗi người dân Việt Nam cùng nhau viết tiếp hành trình “Di Sản Vươn Cao”.

Arctic Blast Freezes Northern Vietnam, Disrupting Travel and Threatening Crops

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HANOI, Nov 3 (Vietnam Insider) — Northern Vietnam has been hit by an abrupt Arctic-style cold front that sent temperatures plunging to near-freezing levels across several northern provinces — an unusually harsh start to the cool season that’s now disrupting tourism, agriculture, and transport in the region.

The powerful cold surge, driven by an intensified continental air mass sweeping south from China, has blanketed much of North and North Central Vietnam in rain and biting winds since late Sunday. On Monday morning, temperatures on Mau Son Peak in Lang Son fell to just 10°C (50°F), the lowest recorded so far this season. Mountainous tourist destinations such as Sa Pa, Pha Din, and Tam Dao also dipped below 12°C (54°F), catching many visitors and residents off guard.

In Hanoi, the normally mild capital, locals woke to persistent drizzle and a sharp chill, with morning readings hovering between 17°C and 19°C (63°F–66°F). The cold spell is expected to linger for several days, keeping daytime highs suppressed across northern and north-central provinces.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) warned that the cold front’s impact will not be confined to lower temperatures. Heavy rains are forecast to continue along the coast from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai, raising the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban inundation — particularly in low-lying areas and key industrial corridors. Coastal regions are also facing strong winds and rough seas, posing hazards to shipping and fishing operations.

For the agricultural heartlands of the Red River Delta and northern highlands, the bigger worry lies in prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions. Meteorologists have cautioned that livestock and poultry could suffer severe stress, while crops and seedlings may see stunted growth or rot if the chill persists. Rural officials have urged farmers to prepare insulation for barns and limit outdoor grazing.

Despite the current freeze, relief is on the horizon. AccuWeather projects temperatures in Hanoi and surrounding provinces will gradually climb by 1–2°C per day starting midweek, reaching a more comfortable 23–28°C (73–82°F) by the weekend.

For expatriates, travelers, and businesses operating in northern Vietnam, the Arctic blast serves as a stark reminder of the country’s growing climate volatility — and the importance of building resilience into both infrastructure and supply chains as weather extremes become more frequent.

Vietnam Market Tipping Point: Can VN-Index Hold 1,600?

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Experts Warn of Deeper Pullback Driven by Blue-Chip Profit-Taking, Urging Investors to Shift Focus from Short-Term Gains to Preparing for the Next Growth Cycle.

The VN-Index is flashing clear signals of a sharp correction, with analysts forecasting a potential breach of the critical 1,600-point psychological support level as massive profit-taking pressure swamps market momentum. This pullback, heavily concentrated in heavyweight stocks like Vingroup (which single-handedly dragged the index down significantly), signals a necessary, albeit painful, rebalancing away from stocks that have already experienced meteoric gains. Global economic stability factors—including a positive US-China trade framework and expected Federal Reserve rate cuts—are currently being overshadowed by domestic portfolio adjustments and uncertainty surrounding major corporate Q3 earnings reports.

The Correction Catalysts: Vingroup and Foreign Selling

The primary driver of the recent volatility is the massive correction in Vingroup shares, which erased the majority of the group’s contribution to the index earlier in the month. Experts see this not as an outright negative, but as a healthy dispersion of capital, preventing over-concentration in a few mega-caps. However, the broader market faces systemic headwinds: relentless foreign net selling, which has persisted for 15 consecutive weeks totaling nearly 129 trillion VND, and a noticeable decline in trading liquidity, averaging only 37 trillion VND in October.

Nguyen Tan Phong from Pinetree forecasts a “20–30% correction” for high-fliers is normal, giving the VN-Index a real chance of testing support levels around 1,570 points. Technical analysis suggests that while the index remains above crucial medium-to-long-term indicators like the MA100 and MA200, the short-term mood remains bearish until the major index anchors stabilize.

Strategy: Conserve Capital for the Next Wave

The consensus among leading analysts is a pivot from aggressive trading to risk management and portfolio restructuring. Nguyen Tien Dung of MB Securities advises against averaging down on currently declining stocks, stressing that this is the time to preserve capital and position for the next cycle. He suggests a conservative portfolio allocation, maintaining an equity exposure of approximately 50%.

The expected rotation of capital is clear: funds are anticipated to move out of the recently overbought sectors and into previously overlooked segments that show attractive valuations and improving fundamentals. The MBS expert specifically flagged the banking sector (e.g., CTG, ACB) as a continuing pillar of support for the overall market structure. However, new opportunities for the coming cycle are emerging in sectors that have “lagged the market” but show strong underlying health, including technology/telecom (CTR, VGI), energy(HDG, POW), and oil & gas (GAS, PVD).

This consolidation phase is viewed by most experts as a necessary re-accumulation period following the market’s four-month ascent, not the start of a sustained bear trend. The crucial inflection point remains the 1,600–1,620 point area; a decisive break below this zone is considered a low-probability, high-impact negative scenario that could force a test of 1,550 points before the year closes. Investors must be disciplined now to capitalize when the market identifies its new leadership for the next growth phase.

UK Traveler Sells Car for 21-Day Vietnam Adventure

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From UK Downpour to Ha Long Bay: How One Couple’s Budget Trip Became a Viral ‘Fake Honeymoon’

In a stark demonstration of travel prioritization, a British tourist chose the vibrant chaos of Southeast Asia over tangible assets, selling his car to fund a three-week odyssey across Vietnam. This story immediately resonates globally, striking a chord with anyone weighing financial security against life-altering experiences, and it reveals the intense, colorful cultural immersion—and comical missteps—awaiting visitors to the rapidly emerging destination of Vietnam.

Dave McKenna’s journey from the cold, damp bus stops of the UK to the sun-drenched coasts of Vietnam was financed by liquidating his primary asset. He arrived in Hanoi expecting tropical warmth but was hit by an immediate temperature shock, forcing a quick wardrobe overhaul from shorts to coats—a critical, real-world lesson for budget travelers about Vietnam’s significant North-South climate variance. McKenna’s goal was experiential enlightenment, viewing the trip not as a mere holiday, but as a necessary “feast” for the soul, despite the reality check that three weeks barely scratches the surface of the nation’s diverse beauty, from the terraced rice paddies to the bustling Southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).

The couple’s resourcefulness, driven by a tight budget, led to an unforgettable, if slightly mortifying, moment during a luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To potentially snag a free upgrade like a bottle of champagne, McKenna fabricated a “fake honeymoon” status in his booking notes. The cruise line, however, took the ruse far more seriously than anticipated: rather than a minor perk, the deception culminated in the entire dining room erupting in a surprise “Happy Honeymoon” serenade, leaving the couple utterly mortified but rich in anecdote.

This tale of extreme budgeting mixed with cultural surprise is swiftly becoming a shared narrative among international travelers, showcasing Vietnam’s capacity to deliver both high-end experiences and low-cost adventure, often unexpectedly intertwined. McKenna’s candid admission—that “luxury travel in Asia is cheap, but lying about your marital status is expensive”—cuts to the heart of modern budget travel hacks gone awry.

McKenna’s decision underscores the country’s escalating appeal as a must-visit, high-value destination capable of justifying extreme financial sacrifices from its Western visitors. The real takeaway isn’t the car he sold, but the profound emotional and memory capital he gained that no resale value could match.

What kind of in-depth cultural intelligence report would you like on current travel trends impacting major Southeast Asian hubs like Vietnam?

Hoi An Rebounds from Deadly Floods

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Gem Welcomes Back 4.4M Tourists as Cleanup Races Peak Season—But Rivers Rise Again

HOI AN, November 01 (Vietnam Insider) – Vietnam’s lantern-lit jewel, Hoi An, is luring back global travelers just days after record floods killed 35, submerged 16,000 homes, and wiped out crops across 5,300 hectares—signaling Asia’s tourism engine can restart faster than climate risks escalate.

The ancient UNESCO town, where foreign visitors drove 63% of central Vietnam’s income last year with 3.6 million arrivals, saw riverfront strolls resume Saturday as families scrubbed centuries-old wooden shophouses and hotels raced to reopen before December’s high season. Small merchants already tally losses in the thousands of U.S. dollars per shop, yet the swift pivot underscores a $200 billion Southeast Asian travel market that refuses to stay offline.

Nearby Thua Thien Hue Citadel reopened Friday, proving heritage sites can absorb climate shocks and still anchor regional GDP. Vietnam’s storm season, June to October, routinely ravages infrastructure, but Hoi An’s rebound mirrors Phuket’s post-2004 tsunami surge and Venice’s acqua alta recoveries—each time drawing investors betting on resilient demand.

Authorities warn swollen rivers could flood again within days, with 75,000 residents still dark and five missing. No aggregate damage figure exists, yet the episode exposes a broader truth: emerging-market destinations now treat extreme weather as a quarterly earnings event, not a knockout blow.

Savvy allocators are quietly pricing “flood-proof” revenue streams—think elevated bookings platforms and parametric insurance—into Asia’s post-COVID travel boom. The contrarian play: buy the dip in Vietnamese hospitality stocks before Hoi An’s lanterns flicker back to full glow and the next storm hits the headlines.

Decomposing Body Found in Car Trunk in Ho Chi Minh City: Police Identify Victim as 27-Year-Old Local Woman

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Police in Ho Chi Minh City have identified the body of a young woman found decomposing inside the trunk of a parked car on the outskirts of the city — a discovery that has gripped local residents and raised many unanswered questions.

The victim was confirmed to be N.H.L., a 27-year-old woman living in the Đông Thạnh Commune, according to a statement from local authorities on Friday. She had reportedly been out of contact with her family for several days before the discovery.

Residents in the area said they noticed a strong, unpleasant odor coming from a white sedan parked along Nguyễn Thị Đẹt Street on the morning of November 1. When police were called to the scene, they found the car’s rear window broken and the woman’s body inside the trunk, already in an advanced state of decomposition.

The vehicle’s owner — a local man — told investigators that he had parked the car on October 27 after returning from work and had not used it since. Police say the man is cooperating with the investigation.

Forensic teams confirmed no visible signs of external trauma on the body. However, authorities are continuing to examine how the victim ended up inside the vehicle and what led to her death.

Family members told police that in recent months, the woman had shown signs of depression and emotional distress.

Police have cordoned off the area for further investigation and say more details will be released once autopsy results are available.

Vietnam’s Foreign Investors Dump Bank Stocks as Market Slips at October’s End

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Vietnam Insider – Vietnam’s stock market ended October on a volatile note, with foreign investors staging a heavy sell-off that hit several major banking stocks. The VN-Index slid 2.59% for the week, closing at 1,639.65 points, as global uncertainty and profit-taking weighed on blue-chip shares.

The week began with sharp losses before a brief midweek rebound to around 1,675 points, supported by selective buying in large-cap stocks. However, selling pressure soon returned, particularly among high-value sectors such as banking, real estate, and brokerage, leading to another downturn by week’s end. Meanwhile, trading activity picked up among mid- and small-cap stocks, especially those that had underperformed earlier in the year — a sign of speculative rotation in a cautious market.

Foreign Investors Turn Net Sellers, Offload Nearly $120 Million

Foreign investors were net sellers across all major exchanges, offloading a combined VND 2.997 trillion (around USD 118 million) over five trading sessions. The only exception came on October 28, when they briefly returned to net buying before resuming their selling streak.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), foreign funds sold a net VND 2.659 trillion, followed by VND 358 billion on the Hanoi Exchange (HNX), partially offset by a modest VND 20 billion in net buying on UPCoM.

Bank Stocks Lead the Sell-Off

The week’s biggest target was Military Bank (MBB), which saw foreign investors dump roughly VND 1.185 trillion (USD 47 million) — the heaviest foreign outflow of any stock in the market. Analysts noted that the move likely reflected short-term portfolio rotation rather than a change in fundamentals, as MBB remains one of Vietnam’s most stable and well-capitalized lenders.

Other major sell-offs included SSI Securities (VND 937 billion), VIX (VND 470 billion), Hoa Phat Group (HPG, VND 277 billion), Vingroup (VIC, VND 212 billion), CEO Group (VND 210 billion), VietinBank (CTG, VND 203 billion), and VietCap Securities (VCI, VND 160 billion). Additional blue chips such as PDR, HDC, VND, and VHM also faced consistent net selling in the range of VND 147–158 billion each.

Tech and Retail Stocks Attract Foreign Buyers

In contrast, foreign investors showed strong appetite for FPT Corporation, pouring in VND 1.35 trillion (USD 53 million) — making it the most aggressively accumulated stock of the week. VPBank (VPB) and HDBank (HDB) also attracted net inflows of VND 286 billion and VND 225 billion, respectively, signaling continued interest in select banking names with strong digital and retail exposure.

Other notable foreign buys included Vincom Retail (VRE, VND 160 billion), Hai An Transport (HAH, VND 141 billion), Techcombank (TCB, VND 101 billion), and Sacombank (STB, VND 87 billion). Consumer and logistics plays such as LPB, VJC, KDH, FRT, and MWG also saw modest inflows ranging from VND 50–80 billion.

Outlook: Foreign Flows Turn Cautious as Global Yields Rise

Analysts view the late-October sell-off as a reflection of broader global risk aversion. Rising U.S. bond yields, geopolitical tensions, and currency volatility have prompted many offshore investors to trim exposure to emerging markets — including Vietnam.

Still, the country’s fundamentals remain solid, with stable growth, easing inflation, and an expected policy rate cut in 2026. Market watchers suggest that foreign capital may return once valuations stabilize and liquidity improves, particularly in sectors tied to technology, infrastructure, and domestic consumption.

For now, the sharp divergence between foreign selling and selective buying underscores a key theme in Vietnam’s evolving market: smart money isn’t leaving — it’s rotating.

Vietnam’s Capital Markets Take Major Leap: New Regulation Set to Unlock Foreign Investment After FTSE Upgrade

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Hanoi, Vietnam – In a significant move signaling Vietnam’s commitment to maturing its financial infrastructure for a global audience, the Ministry of Finance has issued a new circular designed to dramatically strengthen the risk management and service capacity of local securities businesses.

This regulatory overhaul is specifically aimed at accelerating the inflow of foreign capital following the recent upgrade of Vietnam’s stock market status by FTSE Russell.

The Minister of Finance signed Circular No. 102/2025/TT-BTC on October 29, 2025, amending key provisions on financial safety indicators for securities companies and fund management firms. Taking effect on December 15, 2025, this legislation is poised to be a game-changer, establishing a robust framework that aligns Vietnam’s capital market practices more closely with international standards.

Why This Matters to International Investors and Businesses

The core objective of Circular 102 is to ensure that the financial safety metrics of securities businesses—the very entities serving foreign investors—comprehensively account for operational risks. This is critical in the context of the Vietnam Stock Exchange’s rapid growth in both volume and market capitalization.

The introduction of this circular will enable local financial institutions to better manage risk, enhance their service quality, and, most importantly, significantly boost their appeal to international investors. This development comes as Vietnam’s stock market enters a new phase of growth, catalyzed by its reclassification by FTSE Russell to a Secondary Emerging Market.

The new rules are also expected to improve state management over the market, ensuring its efficiency, transparency, and the protection of legal rights for all market participants.

Key Changes Aligning Vietnam with Global Benchmarks

Circular 102 introduces several key revisions, with the most important changes directly affecting how risk is measured and managed, which is crucial for international due diligence:

Available Capital Calculation: The Circular adjusts the rules for calculating Available Capital by modifying provisions related to undistributed profits to better align with current accounting standards. This aims to ensure a more accurate and realistic picture of a firm’s financial strength.
Market Risk Ratios and Corporate Bonds: In a major step toward global practices, the Circular revises the market risk ratio for listed stocks and, crucially, introduces specific market risk ratios for rated corporate bonds.

This new provision allows securities firms to assess investment risk based on the credit rating of the bond or the issuer, referencing the announced ratings from major international agencies, including Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings, and Moody’s.

This structured, rating-based approach to risk calculation is a fundamental pillar of developed markets, offering a familiar and credible framework for foreign institutions.

Valuation Principles

The rules governing the valuation of securities and other assets are adjusted to ensure consistency with the actual trading prices on the Stock Exchange. This aims for a more accurate representation of asset value, covering listed stocks, trading-registered stocks, and both listed and unlisted bonds.

Transition Period for Compliance

Recognizing the scale of these changes, the Ministry has provided a six-month transition period. This grace period allows securities businesses to gradually adjust their operations and ensure their financial safety ratios meet the new regulatory requirements without a sudden disruption to the market.

This bold regulatory step is a strong signal to the world’s business community that Vietnam is actively clearing the path for greater international participation, making its capital markets safer, more transparent, and highly attractive to investors seeking high-growth opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam stocks sink as real estate and financial shares drag VN-Index below 1,640 points

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HANOI, Oct 31 (Vietnam Insider) — Vietnam’s stock market ended October on a downbeat note, as selling pressure in property and financial stocks wiped nearly 2% off the benchmark VN-Index, pushing it below the key 1,640-point threshold.

The VN-Index plunged 29.92 points, or 1.79%, to close at 1,639.65, while the HNX-Index slipped 0.42% to 265.85. Market breadth turned sharply negative, with 414 decliners versus 330 gainers. Blue-chip stocks were no refuge: 21 of the 30 largest firms in the VN30 basket closed lower.

Trading activity picked up, signaling stronger selling momentum. More than 777 million shares changed hands on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, worth about USD 970 million, while the Hanoi exchange saw USD 71 million in turnover.

The late-session rebound attempt failed to hold, as heavyweight property and banking names—Vingroup (VIC), Vinhomes (VHM), Vietcombank (VCB), and VietJet (VJC)—collectively erased over 18 points from the VN-Index. Only a handful of gainers such as PetroVietnam Gas (GAS), GVR, Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) and FPT Corporation managed to add a modest 2.7 points.

The real estate sector was the hardest hit, tumbling 4.2%, with Vingroup down 6.4%, Vinhomes down 4.6%, and VRE falling 3.8%. Financials and industrials followed, shedding 1.4% and 1.1%, respectively. In stark contrast, media and telecommunications stocks stood out as the only bright spot—rising 4.4%—thanks to gains in Viettel Global (VGI), VNZ, and FOC.

Foreign investors continued their month-long sell-off, offloading another USD 18 million on the Ho Chi Minh exchange, led by heavy net sales in VIC, VHM, VietinBank (CTG), and MBBank (MBB). On the Hanoi bourse, they sold a further USD 2.3 million, mainly in energy and construction plays like PVS and CEO Group.

In total, foreign investors have pulled out more than USD 910 million from Vietnamese equities in October, primarily from large-cap names such as MBB, SSI, Masan Group (MSN), and CTG.

Earlier in the day, the index briefly hovered around 1,650 points as energy shares staged a rare rally. Oil and gas producers including PV Drilling (PVD), BSR, Petrolimex (PLX), and PetroVietnam Technical Services (PVS) climbed 1–3%, bucking the broader market decline. However, the rebound was short-lived as selling pressure resumed across real estate and financial stocks by late morning.

The sharp pullback underscores a fragile sentiment among investors, who remain cautious amid rising volatility, continued foreign outflows, and mounting concerns about the health of Vietnam’s property sector.

Analysts say that unless liquidity improves and foreign investors return to buying, the VN-Index could struggle to reclaim the 1,650–1,670 range in the near term.

Leadership Shake-Up at VietCap Securities as Firm Prepares for Global Push

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Hanoi, October 31 (Vietnam Insider) — VietCap Securities (HOSE: VCI), one of Vietnam’s leading brokerage and investment banking firms, has announced a major leadership transition as long-serving CEO To Hai steps down after nearly two decades at the helm.

According to a filing with the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, VietCap’s Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Ton Minh Phuong, currently Executive Director of Investment Banking, as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer and Legal Representative, effective November 18, 2025.

The change marks the end of an 18-year tenure for To Hai, who has led VietCap since its founding in 2007 and played a pivotal role in shaping the firm into one of Vietnam’s top securities houses. Under his leadership, VietCap became a key player in the country’s capital markets, known for its strong advisory expertise and robust brokerage operations.

Hai will remain on the company’s Board of Directors and continues to be one of its largest shareholders, holding nearly 129 million VCI shares, equivalent to 17.95% of total outstanding equity. His wife, Truong Nguyen Thien Kim, owns an additional 12.5 million shares, representing 1.74% of the firm’s capital. Beyond VietCap, Hai currently serves as Chairman of International Dairy Products JSC (IDP).

In other leadership changes, the Board also approved the replacement of Deputy CEO Dinh Quang Hoan with Tuan Nhan, Executive Director in charge of institutional brokerage and bond trading, effective November 3, 2025. Earlier in October, Hoan was appointed Standing Vice Chairman of VietCap’s Board for the 2021–2026 term.

The management shake-up comes just ahead of VietCap’s extraordinary shareholders’ meeting on November 7, where investors will vote on several strategic initiatives — including a private share placement and the establishment of an overseas subsidiary in Singapore.

According to the proposal, VietCap plans to invest USD 29 million to establish VietCap Singapore Pte. Ltd., which will serve as the company’s international arm, offering brokerage and investment banking services to global clients.

The firm also intends to issue up to 127.5 million new shares to professional investors at no less than VND 18,026 (USD 0.71) per share — its latest book value as of December 31, 2024. The placement, expected to raise around USD 92 million (VND 2.3 trillion), will be executed between 2025 and Q1 2026 once regulatory approval is secured. Proceeds will be used primarily to expand VietCap’s margin lending capacity (80%) and fund its proprietary trading activities(20%).

Financially, VietCap continues to post solid growth. In the first nine months of 2025, the company recorded USD 136 million (VND 3.45 trillion) in revenue, up 28% year-on-year, and USD 35.5 million (VND 899 billion) in post-tax profit, marking a 30% increase. The firm has already achieved 80% of its annual revenue target and 76% of its profit goal for the year.

The leadership transition signals a generational shift for VietCap — a move aimed at strengthening its global footprint while maintaining the strong domestic foundation built over nearly two decades of To Hai’s stewardship.