Vietnam Insider

Shen Yun Performance is expelled from Italy: A Necessary Reflection

When the lights rise on a stage and the music begins, the audience expects to be transported into a world of beauty and art.

For years, Shen Yun has promised exactly that to Italian audiences, offering a performance said to celebrate “5,000 years of Chinese civilization.”

However, behind the colorful curtain and the flawless dance movements, a crack has recently opened—one that calls for a deeper reflection, not only on art itself, but also on the transparency and accountability that should accompany it.

An Italian Affair Behind the Curtain

At the heart of this matter lies a very Italian story—an administrative proceeding that, far from the spotlight, has questioned the legitimacy of the national promoter of the show.

The association “Il Ponte – ODV – Custodire 5000 anni di storia, cultura e tradizioni cinesi”, which for years represented Shen Yun in Italy, has been officially removed from the National Single Register of the Third Sector (RUNTS).

The process leading to this decision was meticulous.
The association’s registration in the RUNTS was initially automatic, made possible by the reforms of the Third Sector.
However, such automatic registration required compliance with a series of legal obligations designed to ensure transparency and proper management of non-profit organizations.

According to Decree No. 19322 of the Tuscany Region, issued on September 9, 2025, Il Ponte – ODV never fulfilled these obligations.
Despite a formal notice sent on July 30, 2025, the association failed to submit the required documents: the updated list of its governing bodies, a revised statute compliant with the new regulations, the founding act, and most importantly, its financial statements for the years 2021 to 2024.

From Negligence to Cancellation

This prolonged non-compliance led to an inevitable result: deletion.
This is not a mere formality, it is a substantive measure that strips the organization of its status as a “Voluntary Organization” (ODV) and exposes it to sanctions should it continue using that title.

It’s a decision that raises serious questions about the conduct of those who, for years, promoted an event of such economic and institutional magnitude across Italy’s most prestigious theaters, from the Teatro Regio in Turin to the Rome Opera House, often with the sponsorship of public institutions like the Lombardy Region.

The Business Behind the Stage

These revelations, combined with the Italian administrative issue, prompt us to consider the vast economic dimension of Shen Yun.
With ticket prices in Italy reaching €143 and theaters averaging 1,600 seats, each sold-out evening can generate approximately €150,000 in revenue.

This multi-million-euro enterprise raises legitimate concerns about the influence of financial interests on the cultural decisions of our institutions.

A Call for Reflection

Perhaps, rather than pointing fingers, it’s time for us—as citizens and as lovers of culture—to ask ourselves some questions.
Do we expect the symbolic venues of our national art, whether publicly owned or institutionally sponsored, to perform due diligence on their commercial partners?
And we, as audience members—what role do we play?

The story of Shen Yun and its Italian promoter is not a call for a boycott.
It’s a call for awareness.
An invitation to demand transparency, to engage in dialogue with the cultural institutions we support with our tickets and our taxes.

It’s a reminder that a great performance is not made only of lights, costumes, and applause—it must also be built on ethics, respect for the law, and humanity.
True culture, at its highest level, cannot and must not exist apart from these values.

A Direct Appeal to the Public

For this reason, we make a direct appeal to all those who have purchased tickets for Shen Yun performances:
Do not remain silent.

Your money has funded an entity that was not compliant with Italian law.
You have the right to request a refund.
Contact consumer protection associations, pursue legal actions to reclaim your expenses.

Given the irregular status of the promoter, the revenue from these ticket sales may be considered illegitimate.
It is time for the millions generated by this opaque operation to be returned to those who, in good faith, believed they were supporting a cultural event—but instead found themselves unwittingly financing a noncompliant system.

Italy has taken the first step; now it is up to its citizens to complete the work of justice.

The Vietnamese government has appealed for international assistance to help communities recover from recent devastating natural disasters that have caused heavy losses across the country, reducing national GDP by an estimated 0.2%.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday with more than 20 international organizations and embassies — members of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership (DRRP) — to share updates and seek coordinated support.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said Vietnam has faced 20 different types of natural disasters so far this year, including 11 storms (six making landfall) and four tropical depressions, leaving 238 people dead and nearly 400 injured.

“Economic damage is preliminarily estimated at VND 35 trillion (US$1.3 billion),” Hiep said. “This represents about half the losses seen in 2024, but the scale and frequency of this year’s disasters are highly unusual.”

Record Floods and Widespread Destruction

In northern provinces such as Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, and Bac Ninh, floodwaters following Typhoon Matmo have submerged hundreds of thousands of homes. In Thai Nguyen alone, more than 200,000 houses were flooded, while flood levels on the Cau River reached 29.9 meters — surpassing the 2024 historic record by more than a meter.

Nationwide, over 30,000 hectares of crops have been damaged, 2,280 livestock and 357,000 poultry lost, and key transport routes cut off. The Hanoi–Dong Dang railway line has been suspended, while 217,000 households remain without electricity.

“Beyond People’s Capacity to Endure”

“Despite great efforts from both the government and citizens, the scale of damage this year has exceeded the people’s capacity to endure,” Hiep said. He urged international partners to provide urgent supplies such as clean water, food, filtration equipment, and materials to help rebuild homes and restore livelihoods.

UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis called for an emergency response, stressing that “many families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones.” She emphasized that “collective action can make the difference for those struggling in the aftermath.”

Following Typhoon Yagi in 2024, Vietnam’s international partners contributed US$25 million in aid and thousands of tons of relief goods. Authorities hope for similar solidarity as the country confronts this latest wave of climate-related disasters.

Hoi An, Vietnam’s charming riverside town, has been named the world’s most affordable long-haul destination for this winter, according to a survey by UK-based Post Office, as reported by Time Out magazine.

Budget-Friendly Paradise for Western Travelers

As the year-end travel season approaches, Vietnam continues to attract visitors from Europe and North America seeking to escape the cold — and affordability has become a key factor.
Post Office’s Long-Haul Holiday Report 2025 analyzed the cost of common travel expenses, including meals, drinks, and entertainment, to find destinations offering the best value for money.

Hoi An topped the global list, where travelers can enjoy a three-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine for about £40 (US$51), and a local beer costs just £1.23 (US$1.60).

Beyond affordability, the UNESCO-listed town is celebrated for its picturesque lantern-lit streets, riverside cafes, world-class street food, and peaceful beaches, making it one of the most photogenic destinations in Asia.

The Global Top 10 Most Affordable Long-Haul Destinations for Winter 2025

1. Hoi An, Vietnam

2. Cape Town, South Africa

3. Bali, Indonesia

4. Mombasa, Kenya

5. Tokyo, Japan

6. Colombo, Sri Lanka

7. Penang, Malaysia

8. Delhi, India

9. Phuket, Thailand

10. Santiago, Chile

Vietnam’s Growing Appeal

This recognition adds to Vietnam’s growing reputation as a high-value travel destination, balancing cultural richness, hospitality, and affordability. For long-haul travelers seeking warmth, beauty, and budget-friendly experiences, Hoi An continues to stand out as a top global pick.

Once seen as Ho Chi Minh City’s quiet seaside district, Can Gio is now stepping into the spotlight as a rising hub for luxury tourism and sustainable urban development — thanks to the Vinhomes Green Paradise mega project.

A Visionary Coastal Development

First identified as a key tourism resource in Ho Chi Minh City’s 1996 master plan, Can Gio has long been recognized for its unique ecological and geographical advantages. Now, with the groundbreaking of Vinhomes Green Paradise, the district is set to become a new growth engine for the city’s economy, combining marine tourism, logistics, and environmental preservation.

According to Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, the project represents a “new development approach — balancing urban growth with nature conservation.” The group envisions Green Paradise as one of the world’s leading ESG-oriented (Environmental, Social, and Governance) urban models, showcasing Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable progress.

World-Class Features and Global Collaboration

The ambitious development includes a series of firsts for Vietnam:

• Blue Waves Theatre, a landmark performing arts venue designed by U.S.-based firm Gensler, spanning 7 hectares.

• Two 18-hole golf courses of international standard.

• Paradise Lagoon, the world’s largest natural seawater lagoon, covering more than 800 hectares.

• A 122-hectare “multi-park resort” complex, designed for long-stay tourism and recreation.

Vingroup is also partnering with global institutions such as Cleveland Clinic to establish Vinmec Can Gio International Hospital, aiming to deliver world-class healthcare standards within the new coastal city.

Strategic Marine Economy and National Significance

Experts view the project as a strategic step in restoring Ho Chi Minh City’s maritime prominence in the region. Prof. Dang Hung Vo, former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, noted that Can Gio’s coastal location near the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep-water port gives it an edge in becoming a gateway for international trade and tourism — positioning the city once again among Asia’s leading coastal metropolises.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Chu Hoi, a National Assembly member and marine economy expert, emphasized that Green Paradise reflects Vietnam’s broader ambition to pioneer a modern “blue economy.” Supported by the special Resolution 98 policy framework, Ho Chi Minh City now has the flexibility to implement global-scale projects and attract international investors.

A Future Hub for Sustainable Growth

As Ho Chi Minh City expands its development corridor toward the sea — potentially linking Can Gio, Vung Tau, and Con Dao into a new economic triangle — the district is poised to redefine Vietnam’s coastal tourism landscape.

With its combination of cutting-edge design, ecological awareness, and strategic positioning, Can Gio may soon transform from a quiet mangrove reserve into a symbol of Vietnam’s next era of luxury and sustainable growth.

The United States’ prestigious magazine National Geographic has recently published an article comparing Vietnam’s two biggest cities — Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — describing both as “vibrant, quintessentially Vietnamese, yet strikingly different.”

Hanoi: Where Tradition Meets Timeless Charm

Travel writer and guidebook author Joe Bindloss first fell in love with Hanoi in the 1990s and says the city’s allure has kept drawing him back for three decades.

“It would be silly to underestimate either destination — both are charming and steeped in history,” Bindloss wrote. “When I first visited Hanoi, I was overwhelmed — sometimes literally — by the sea of motorbikes. To dive straight into local life, head to the Old Quarter, where the streets buzz with energy and tradition.”

He paints vivid scenes of early-morning Hanoi — vendors balancing baskets of fruit, elders playing chess in colonial balconies, and the aroma of phở and bún chả wafting through narrow alleys.

According to Bindloss, the magic of Hanoi lies in its “sense of rhythm — a mix of laid-back charm and French-inspired grandeur.” He recommends exploring cultural landmarks such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and ancient temples like Bạch Mã and Văn Miếu, which “anchor the city in its ceremonial past.”

Hanoi also shines through its museums — from the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to the Vietnam Women’s Museum and Hỏa Lò Prison, each offering a powerful glimpse into the nation’s identity and resilience.

“Whether sipping egg coffee in a colonial café, indulging in street food, or watching the skyline from a rooftop bar, Hanoi lets you fully enjoy the art of travel,” he added.

Located close to natural wonders like Hạ Long Bay, Bái Tử Long Bay, and the northern highlands, Hanoi serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City: The Energetic Southern Metropolis

Meanwhile, James Pham, a Southeast Asia editor at Lonely Planet, described Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) as Vietnam’s “younger, trendier sibling.”

“Hanoi has been the capital for nearly a millennium, while HCMC — founded in the late 17th century — has made up for lost time with a dazzling skyline, vibrant nightlife, and world-class cuisine,” Pham wrote.

The downtown area is elegant and leafy, with French-era landmarks like the Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office, alongside bustling modern districts in District 3 and Chợ Lớn.

Pham noted that HCMC exudes youthful energy, driven by students, entrepreneurs, and creatives from across Vietnam. “It’s a place where trends are born and startups thrive,” he said.

This dynamism extends to the city’s culinary scene, which blends regional specialties — from phở and bún chả to bún bò Huế and cơm tấm. HCMC’s proximity to the Mekong Delta ensures a fresh and flavorful cuisine rich in herbs, tropical fruits, and vegetables.

“The city’s craft food scene is booming — from artisanal chocolate made with local cacao to Vietnamese-inspired gin and craft beer,” Pham added. “You’re never far from a world-class Japanese, Indian, or European restaurant.”

For travelers, HCMC’s international airport offers easy access to destinations like Phú Quốc, Côn Đảo, Vũng Tàu, and Mũi Né, making it an excellent base for exploration.

And while Hanoi can get chilly in winter, HCMC enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round — with just two seasons: dry and wet.

Two Cities, Two Personalities

While Hanoi appeals to culture and history enthusiasts, Ho Chi Minh City attracts those who crave modern energy and cosmopolitan living.

As National Geographic concluded: “If you love history and culture, start in Hanoi. But if you prefer to live life to the fullest — see you in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Behind the glittering façade of Cambodian casinos, a dark underworld thrives — a network of cross-border loan sharks, torture cells, and human captivity. What begins as “easy money” for desperate gamblers often ends in debt, violence, and death.

The recent arrest of Ngô Phi Long, a 32-year-old from Hanoi, has exposed the horrifying realities of underground credit syndicates operating inside Cambodian casinos. His ring lured Vietnamese gamblers, trapped them in debt, and tortured them for ransom — and in one case, murdered a victim and dumped his body in a drainage canal.

Body Found in Cambodian Border City

The investigation began when police in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia, discovered a bound male corpse in a waterway on December 2, 2024.
The victim was identified as T.V.H., 41, from Lao Cai Province, Vietnam — a gambler who had crossed the border to chase fortune and instead met a brutal end.

Working with Cambodian authorities, Vietnam’s Criminal Police Department (C02) deployed elite investigators across the border. The team soon uncovered a highly organized criminal network that ran a violent loan-sharking operation from within casino compounds.

“It was a system of enslavement disguised as gambling credit,” said Senior Lieutenant Colonel Le Vinh Tung, deputy head of C02’s Serious Crimes Division. “Victims were held, tortured, and forced to beg their families for ransom. Some never came back.”

Cross-Border Black Credit Empire

According to police, in early 2024, Ngô Phi Long established his so-called “credit empire” across multiple casinos near the Mộc Bài border gate (Tây Ninh Province).

Long recruited two lieutenants — Nguyễn Mạnh Hải and Nguyễn Hoàng Long — to lead separate teams. Their task: hunt down desperate Vietnamese gamblers, offer them quick loans, and trap them in crippling debt.

Loans were handed out on the spot, often 50–200 million VND, with ID cards as collateral. Borrowers faced 10% interest every three days and an extra 15% surcharge on each winning bet.

When debtors couldn’t pay, they were seized and taken to rented “safe houses” near casinos — secret prisons disguised as local lodgings. Inside, victims were beaten, electrocuted, filmed, and forced to call family members to beg for money.

All operations were run through encrypted Telegram groups named “Tài-Lộc” and “Lộc-Phát”, where the gang coordinated loans, tracked victims, and ordered punishment.

The Victim’s Two Trips into Hell

Records show that in October 2024, victim T.V.H. borrowed 200 million VND from Hải’s group at a casino near Mộc Bài. After losing everything, he was kidnapped, beaten, and forced to call his wife for 250 million VND in ransom.
He escaped only because Cambodian authorities raided the premises.

But in November 2024, his gambling addiction lured him back across the border — this time to borrow 100 million VND from another faction under Nguyễn Hoàng Long. When he lost again, he was detained once more.

The gang soon discovered his previous unpaid debt. Furious, they demanded his family pay 500 million VND — including a $5,000 “penalty” for escaping earlier.

On December 1, 2024, while being transferred between gangs, T.V.H. resisted. In a fit of rage, Nguyễn Hoàng Long stabbed him three times in the chest and arm inside a moving car.
He died shortly afterward.

His body was wrapped in a blanket and dumped in a drainage canal in Bavet City, while the killers fled back to Vietnam.

Coordinated Crackdown Across Borders

Following a joint investigation by Vietnamese and Cambodian police, seven key suspects were arrested — including ringleader Ngô Phi Long and the murderer Nguyễn Hoàng Long.

Autopsy reports confirmed death by internal bleeding from chest wounds, consistent with the suspects’ confessions.

The C02 Department has since charged seven individuals:

• Five (including Ngô Phi Long and Nguyễn Hoàng Long) with murder, robbery, and unlawful imprisonment,

• Two others with robbery and illegal detention.

“The brutality of this case — the torture, the killing, the disposal — shows the extreme danger of underground credit systems tied to foreign casinos,” said Lt. Col. Tung. “But it also proves the strength of cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia in dismantling transnational crime.”

Casinos: The New Frontline of Crime

Authorities warn that Cambodian border casinos have become hubs for human trafficking, illegal detention, and loan-sharking rings targeting Vietnamese nationals.

What begins as a gamble often becomes a nightmare — a modern “hell on earth” just beyond the border.

The Ngô Phi Long case is now being held up as a landmark victory in cross-border criminal justice, but also a chilling reminder of how quickly debt and desperation can turn deadly.

As floodwaters surged across northern Vietnam, a drone operated by Viettel Post flew through heavy rain and rising currents to deliver emergency medicine and essential supplies to a 4-month-old infant suffering from high fever and convulsions in Thai Nguyen Province.

High-Tech Lifeline in a Flooded Region

Severe flooding left five hamlets and more than 1,000 households in Nga My Commune completely cut off from rescue access. With flood depths reaching up to two meters, even rescue boats struggled to reach the affected families safely.

In response, Viettel Post, a subsidiary of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, deployed a fleet of high-capacity drones designed for emergency logistics. These unmanned aerial vehicles transported food, medicine, and relief goods across submerged zones — and even guided rescue boats through safe routes.

“The use of drone technology has proven invaluable in reaching isolated areas where traditional rescue methods are impossible,” said a representative from Viettel. “This demonstrates how technology can directly serve the community during emergencies.”

200 Drone Missions in 48 Hours

Over October 8–9, Viettel’s drones conducted 200 relief flights, delivering nearly 5 tons of essential goods and performing 30 navigation runs to assist rescue forces. Each drone flight took just five minutes to complete, ensuring rapid support to stranded residents.

Late on October 8, when reports arrived about a baby in critical condition, Viettel’s team immediately launched a drone loaded with medicine and baby supplies. Within minutes, the aircraft successfully crossed the flooded area and dropped the package directly to the family.

Advanced Technology Meets Humanitarian Effort

Each drone boasts a 5 km flight range, 50 kg payload capacity, and operates at altitudes up to 100 meters. With rapid battery-swapping systems, the fleet can run 24 hours a day, even during challenging weather conditions.

Images from the scene showed drones flying through heavy rain and darkness, carrying critical supplies to families trapped by floodwaters — a vivid example of how innovation and compassion can converge to save lives.

Floods Cause Widespread Damage

The floods were triggered by the remnants of Typhoon Matmo (Typhoon No. 11), which brought 250–500 mm of rainfall between October 6 and 7. Water levels on the Cau River exceeded historical records by nearly one meter, inundating large portions of Thai Nguyen.

Preliminary reports indicate that four people were killed, two are missing, and two others were injured. Nearly 200,000 households were affected, and over 4,400 hectares of crops and aquaculture were damaged.

By October 9, water levels had begun to recede, revealing thick layers of mud, debris, and damaged infrastructure. Residents have started cleaning up and restoring their homes as recovery efforts continue.

Technology at the Heart of Disaster Response

The successful rescue operation in Thai Nguyen underscores how Vietnam’s growing tech capabilities, particularly in telecommunications and unmanned aviation, are transforming disaster relief efforts.

What was once a distant vision — drones saving lives amid floods — has now become a real-world example of innovation in service of humanity.

A 35-year-old village Party secretary in Bac Ninh Province tragically passed away from a stroke while helping residents combat severe flooding caused by prolonged heavy rains along the Cau River.

Devastating Floods Threaten Communities in Bac Ninh

According to the Ministry of Public Security, continuous downpours have caused the Cau River to rise beyond alarm level 3, posing a serious threat to the lives and property of thousands of residents.
Local authorities, together with police and military forces, have been on high alert 24/7, mobilizing all available manpower and equipment to reinforce dikes and protect vulnerable areas.

A Hero Who Fell in the Line of Duty

On the morning of October 9, Doan Van Manh, Secretary of the Party Cell of Tan Son Village and deputy head of the village’s public security team, was working on the dike in Hop Thinh Commune, Bac Ninh. He had been coordinating flood control efforts, assisting villagers in reinforcing embankments, and maintaining order as water levels surged.

After hours of strenuous work in the rain, Manh suddenly collapsed around noon. Despite being rushed to a local medical facility, he could not be revived.

“He was a dedicated, responsible, and exemplary official who always put the safety of the people first,” said Nguyen Van Khanh, Party Secretary of Hop Thinh Commune. “His sudden passing is a great loss for our community.”

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Manh had served in local security forces since 2015, initially as a part-time police officer in Hung Son Commune. In 2024, he became deputy head of the grassroots security team in Hop Thinh Commune while simultaneously serving as Party Secretary of Tan Son Village.

Colleagues and residents described him as devoted, hardworking, and deeply respected—a community leader who led by example during times of crisis.

Behind the Uniform: A Family in Hardship

Manh came from a poor family. His elderly mother is in weak health, while his wife, a farmer, now must care for their two young children alone. Their eldest, aged nine, suffers from a congenital disability.

Local authorities have established a funeral committee, visited the family, and provided emergency financial support. Party and security officials are also stepping in to continue Manh’s duties, ensuring the safety of flood-hit areas.

A Reminder of Courage Amid Crisis

As northern Vietnam continues to face heavy rains and dangerous flooding, Manh’s sacrifice underscores the quiet heroism of local officials and volunteers working tirelessly to protect their communities.

His name will be remembered not just as a village leader, but as a symbol of selfless service and resilience in the face of natural disaster.