More people are choosing to live abroad than ever before. According to the World Migration Report, about 3.6% of the global population are now considered international migrants.
From the rainforests of Panama to the bustling streets of Vietnam, several countries are emerging as global favorites, offering an appealing mix of affordability, friendliness, and quality of life.
In a recent feature, the Vietnam Insider spoke with expatriates living in the top five destinations for foreigners in 2025, with Vietnam securing a prominent place on the list. Many expats described Vietnam as a country where the cost of living remains accessible, while its dynamic urban centers such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City provide endless energy and opportunity. At the same time, Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions and the warmth of its people make settling in feel natural and rewarding.
For many, the country offers a rare balance between modern convenience and authentic experiences, creating a lifestyle that feels both exciting and sustainable. It is this blend that continues to make Vietnam one of the most attractive choices for expatriates seeking a new home in 2025.
Vietnam Insider – Vietnam’s stock market opened in a cautious mood on Thursday but gained momentum toward the close, with the VN-Index rising nearly 9 points to reclaim positive territory and finish just above its 20-day moving average (MA20). Liquidity on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) reached VND 27.8 trillion (approx. USD 1.1 billion), largely unchanged from the previous session.
Trading activity showed clear sector rotation. Real estate was the primary driver, with Vingroup (VIC) surging more than 6% and Vinhomes (VHM) also delivering a strong boost to the index. Other sectors attracting capital inflows included public investment, oil & gas, and energy, where names such as HHV, CII, PVT, NT2, and PC1 posted sharp early gains. In contrast, technology, banking, and brokerage stocks lagged, with many slipping below reference prices and weighing on overall market performance.
Foreign investors remained a headwind, recording net outflows of VND 2.03 trillion, concentrated in large-cap names such as VPB, FPT, SSI, KBC, and VHM. On the buy side, VIC, TCB, and CII attracted some demand, but inflows were insufficient to offset heavy selling pressure.
The VN-Index’s close above the MA20 marks a constructive technical signal, despite continued divergence across sectors. While liquidity has yet to show a breakout, stable domestic inflows helped the market maintain balance.
Analysts expect the index to extend its recovery, with potential to test the upper bound of its trading range around 1,700 points. Investors are advised to take a selective approach, focusing on stocks with strong fundamentals and favorable technical patterns, while maintaining disciplined risk management as the VN-Index approaches key resistance levels. Persistent foreign outflows and unconfirmed strength of domestic active capital remain notable risks.
Visitors traveling to Quang Ninh, home to the world-famous Ha Long Bay, are now being welcomed with a special gift: a complimentary drink, either beer or soft drink, and a serving of chả mực, the province’s signature fried squid cake.
The initiative was announced by Nguyen The Hue, Chairman of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, as part of a new tourism stimulus campaign launched by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The program aims to attract over 20 million visitors this year, including 4.5 million international arrivals. “Chả mực is not just a dish—it represents the culinary essence of Quang Ninh, something we are proud to introduce to travelers from around the world,” Mr. Hue emphasized.
In addition to the food and drink promotion, hotels across the province are offering further incentives. Guests who stay for three nights will receive a complimentary meal equivalent in quality to their booking rate. Cruise services on Ha Long Bay, one of Quang Ninh’s strengths, have also been significantly upgraded. Buffets, which previously included about 25 dishes, now feature up to 45 dishes, while prices have been reduced by 10 to 20 percent depending on the type of service.
Mr. Hue explained that last year’s approach of lowering prices brought only modest results, while this year’s model of offering products directly to guests has received very positive feedback. According to him, tourists tend to appreciate authentic, hands-on experiences more than abstract percentage discounts.
So far, 83 tourism and service businesses across the province have joined the campaign, including 16 four- and five-star hotels, 26 cruise operators, and dozens of restaurants and service providers. The program is being rolled out alongside a series of cultural and entertainment events such as national-level sports competitions, water music performances, and fireworks shows to further enrich the visitor experience.
Quang Ninh aims to welcome at least 20 million visitors in 2025, with more than 3.8 million expected in the final months of the year alone. The broader ambition is to position Quang Ninh as a year-round destination, eliminating the distinction between high and low seasons. “With close coordination between local authorities, businesses, and the community—and a host of attractive incentives—we are confident that Quang Ninh can exceed its targets, especially as international arrivals peak in the final months of the year,” Mr. Hue said.
Vietnam’s government has officially proposed that Binance open a headquarters in Da Nang and collaborate in launching a digital-asset trading platform within Vietnam’s planned international financial center.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình expressed hope that Binance would locate a regional base in Da Nang and work with Vietnam’s international financial center to develop a regulated cryptocurrency trading venue. The government also extended an invitation to Binance CEO Richard Teng to serve as a senior advisor in the development of Vietnam’s international financial hub.
Richard Teng has agreed to share Binance’s global experience and cooperate closely in developing Vietnam’s crypto market, drawing also on lessons from establishing financial centers such as in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Binance and the Da Nang People’s Committee on cooperation in blockchain and digital asset development.
Vietnam is now in the process of building international financial centers in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. The Da Nang center is designated to be a pilot zone with controlled testing (a “sandbox”) for new financial models including digital assets, cryptocurrencies, digital payments and remittances, and to permit the establishment of new exchanges and trading platforms.
Beyond Binance, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình also met with leaders of Bybit, which has more than 2.5 million users in Vietnam and is currently one of the largest crypto exchanges in the UAE. The Bybit leadership welcomed Vietnam’s orientation toward crypto pilots and international financial center development, and offered to assist with legal framework design, share international experience, and help train human capital in Vietnam.
At a separate meeting, representatives of Emaar Properties — a major real estate group with presence in 15 countries — expressed interest in investing in Vietnam. The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that the government encourages Emaar to invest either directly or indirectly through the international financial centers.
Every autumn, Sa Pa in northern Vietnam transforms into a golden sea of ripened rice terraces. From mid-September, the valleys surrounding the town glow with harvest colors — and local cafés and homestays have become some of the best spots to take in the view.
Instead of trekking deep into the mountains, many visitors now choose to pause at hillside cafés, sip a hot drink in the crisp mountain air, and watch the “waves of gold” stretch endlessly across the valley. Here are six recommended stops, all within easy reach of Sa Pa town:
Sapana Café & Bistro – Just 7 km from town, overlooking the Muong Hoa Valley, perfect for panoramic views and sunrise coffee.
Pavi Garden – A quiet hideaway in Ta Van village surrounded by 800 m² of gardens and rice fields.
L.á Coffee – A new rustic wooden café in Lao Chai village with photogenic terrace seating.
Viettrekking Coffee & Restaurant – Famous for views of both rice terraces and the Muong Hoa mountain train passing through.
Sailing Sa Pa – Near Ban Pho, ideal for “cloud hunting” in the early morning alongside glowing rice fields.
Lá Dao Spa & Coffee House – A combined café and Dao herbal spa, where guests can soak in traditional baths while gazing at the terraces.
Tips for visitors:
The harvest season lasts only 2–3 weeks (mid-September to early October). Check updates to avoid missing peak beauty.
Bring layered clothing for chilly mornings and evenings, plus rain gear.
Roads to villages like Ta Van and Lao Chai can be steep and winding — hire a local driver if unsure.
Respect local culture: avoid stepping into rice fields for photos, and always ask before photographing villagers.
Sa Pa’s harvest season is brief but unforgettable — best enjoyed with a cup of coffee in hand and golden fields right before your eyes.
A 12-year-old Australian girl was left with serious neck injuries after being bitten by a monkey during a family holiday in Bali.
Lorena McDonald, from Sydney, was visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud when the incident occurred. According to her mother, Flavia, the family had followed all visitor guidelines and carried nothing that might attract the animals.
The attack happened suddenly: a monkey jumped onto her husband’s shoulder before leaping onto Lorena and biting her neck. “It started pulling at her shirt and bag. Within five seconds, it had bitten her,” Flavia said.
Lorena required rabies vaccinations, but the family was shocked by the cost — 60 million rupiah (about US$3,600) at a local clinic. They hope their travel insurance will reimburse part of the expense.
This is not the first such case. In 2019, a Melbourne photographer was also bitten in the neck by a monkey in Ubud, requiring medical treatment that cost around US$8,000 — fortunately covered by insurance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that rabies causes an estimated 59,000 deaths annually, mostly in regions with low vaccination coverage. Monkey bites in areas like Bali pose a significant rabies risk if the animal is infected.
Following the incident, Lorena’s mother urged tourists — especially families with children — to be extra cautious when visiting monkey sanctuaries.
Praised as “every bit as beautiful as anywhere in the world,” autumn in China is becoming the top choice for Vietnamese travelers, thanks to affordable prices, convenient travel, and easier visa procedures.
Hanh Nhi, 30, from Hanoi, originally planned a leaf-peeping trip to Japan with her sister at a cost of over VND 30 million (US$1,200) per person. But after comparing options, she chose Beijing instead, bringing her parents along. “The money for two people in Japan covers the cost for four in China,” she said.
Her decision reflects a broader trend in Vietnam’s outbound tourism market. Travel agencies report a surge in bookings. Nam Thanh Travel said autumn tours to China in August–September (departing October–November) nearly matched the entire season’s total in 2024. At online platform etrip4u.com, China accounted for nearly 40% of all international tour sales in Q2, far outpacing Northeast Asian and European destinations. Vietluxtour also noted China’s rise, overtaking Southeast Asian routes that previously dominated the autumn market.
According to experts, three main factors are driving this boom:
Competitive prices: A five-day, four-night tour to China now costs from VND 15 million (US$590), 20–50% cheaper than similar tours to Japan or South Korea.
Scenic variety: From golden ginkgo trees in Beijing and fiery maple forests in Harbin, to Jiuzhaigou’s “heaven on earth” with turquoise lakes framed by autumn foliage, China’s landscapes rival those of Japan and Korea.
Travel convenience: Multiple direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, low-cost cross-border tours to Yunnan (just VND 4–5 million for 3–4 days), and simplified visa procedures make trips accessible to more Vietnamese families.
On social media, excitement is spreading fast. When Nhi shared her Beijing plans, a close friend canceled her original trip to book China instead, eager to fulfill her dream of visiting the Forbidden City.
Tips for travelers: The best autumn foliage in China typically peaks from September 20 to November 5. Experts recommend booking flights or tours early to secure seats and visas. Travelers should also prepare warm, weather-resistant clothing for chilly days and sudden showers.
The average number of children born to women of reproductive age in Ho Chi Minh City is just 1.43, the lowest in the country. Experts warn this trend could accelerate population aging and lead to future labor shortages.
“Ho Chi Minh City is still in the golden population period, with 70.7% of residents in working age. However, it is no longer a ‘young city’ as it is facing rapid aging,” said Pham Chanh Trung, Head of the city’s Population Department, at the launch of a communication campaign on improving population quality in low-fertility areas on September 25.
Following recent administrative mergers, Ho Chi Minh City has become Vietnam’s largest mega-urban area, with more than 14 million residents across 168 wards and districts. It is now among the country’s 13 provinces with the lowest fertility rates, while also entering the aging phase with 1.47 million elderly people (10.49% of the population). The city’s aging index is 57.05 – meaning there are 57 seniors for every 100 children under 15. In 2024, life expectancy in the city reached 76.2 years, higher than the national average of 74.7.
For years, Ho Chi Minh City has consistently recorded fertility rates well below Vietnam’s replacement level of 2–2.1 children per woman. The recent merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau – provinces also in the country’s “low-birth zone” – has done little to change the situation.
Experts warn that prolonged low fertility will shrink the young workforce while the elderly population continues to rise. This puts increasing pressure on social welfare and healthcare systems, requiring policies to boost population quality through premarital health checks, prenatal and newborn screening, and elderly care services.
Deputy Director of the city’s Health Department, Bui Chi Tinh, emphasized that the total fertility rate of 1.43 is “a warning figure,” calling for immediate adaptation measures. From September 15 to October 30, the health sector is running a campaign to encourage families to have two children, expand premarital and perinatal health checks, and strengthen elderly care.
To encourage childbirth, since August the city has increased financial support for women giving birth to two children before age 35, raising the benefit from VND 3 million to VND 5 million. As of now, 9,100 women have received the 3 million support package under Resolution 40, while 8,500 women have received the new 5 million benefit under Resolution 32 of the municipal People’s Council.
A breakthrough in HIV prevention is on the horizon: lenacapavir, an injectable drug proven to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9%, will soon be available for as little as $40 a year (around 1 million VND) in over 100 countries starting in 2027.
Currently sold under the brand name Yeztugo by U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, the drug costs about $28,000 per year (over 700 million VND) in the United States.
Game-Changing Generic Versions
According to a joint announcement on September 24 from Unitaid and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, several licensed pharmaceutical companies will begin producing generic versions of lenacapavir. Generics, developed after a drug’s patent expires, contain the same active ingredients and offer identical efficacy—at a fraction of the price.
The injection, administered once every six months, is the first long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment approved to prevent HIV infection.
Partnerships Driving Access
Unitaid has partnered with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (India), the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Wits RHI to ensure affordable distribution in more than 120 countries from 2027.
The Gates Foundation has also announced collaboration with Indian pharmaceutical company Hetero to scale up production.
Voices of Optimism
Carmen Perez Casas, Unitaid’s HIV strategy lead, emphasized:
“Affordable generics are key to expanding access. This injectable has the potential to end HIV transmission.”
Trevor Mundel, head of global health at the Gates Foundation, echoed this sentiment:
“Scientific progress only matters if it reaches the people who need it most.”
Interim Measures Before Generics Arrive
While the generics are being developed, Gilead and the Global Fund have agreed to supply lenacapavir at reduced prices for low-income nations. Earlier this month, Washington confirmed its continued commitment to this initiative under the 2024 agreement, despite recent foreign aid cuts announced by President Donald Trump.
The initiative follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of Yeztugo in June 2025, with the first doses expected to reach at least one African nation by the end of this year.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – September 24, 2025. During a promotional event for the film “Your Year, My Day” (Measure In Love), Taiwanese actor Greg Hsu (Hứa Quang Hán) faced an unexpected power outage—but his warm and easygoing response won over fans in the hall.
This marked the first time the 1990-born actor appeared at a public event in Vietnam, drawing hundreds of excited fans who came to see him up close. Despite the brief disruption, Greg remained calm, smiling, waving, and reassuring the crowd. He answered fan questions, shared behind-the-scenes stories, and even joked about the situation, turning the moment into an intimate and memorable exchange.
“I’m so happy to finally meet my Vietnamese fans. Thank you for all the love—you’ve really surprised me with your passion,” Greg said after the lights returned and the event resumed smoothly.
A Warm Welcome in Vietnam
Fans described Greg’s friendly attitude as uplifting, with applause and cheers echoing throughout the hall. His co-star from “Your Year, My Day” also joined him at the press conference, adding to the excitement of the afternoon.
Greg expressed surprise at the overwhelming welcome he received upon arrival:
“I couldn’t believe there were hundreds of fans waiting for me at the airport. I was so touched and emotional hearing everyone cheer.”
He even charmed the audience by speaking simple Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào Việt Nam” (Hello Vietnam) and “Tôi yêu các bạn” (I love you all).
Sharing Cinema With Fans
Beyond the Q&A session, Greg joined fans for a special screening of the film, making the evening a highlight of his short stay in Ho Chi Minh City. He also mentioned his wish to return and explore more of Vietnam’s food and culture, since his current schedule left little time for local experiences.
On September 25, the cast and crew will head to Singapore for the next leg of their promotional tour.
About Your Year, My Day
Directed by Kung Siu Ping, the film marks Greg Hsu’s screen comeback after completing military service in August. The story unfolds in a world divided by a mysterious “gravity wall”: on one side, time stretches into a year; on the other, it collapses into a single day. The contrast creates dramatic conflicts and emotional connections between the main characters.
Bangkok, Thailand – A massive sinkhole opened up on Samsen Road in Dusit district on September 24, causing severe damage to infrastructure and disrupting daily life for local residents. The collapse has been linked to ongoing metro tunnel construction beneath the area.
According to ThaiPBS, more than 500 households in the Suan Oi community lost access to running water for over 10 hours after a major 1.5-meter-wide water pipe burst due to the ground subsidence.
Emergency Response in Dusit District
Authorities rushed to provide relief:
Water trucks were dispatched to supply drinking water.
Ten 1,000-liter tanks were installed across affected neighborhoods.
A support center was set up outside Vajira Hospital’s emergency department, one of the key facilities impacted.
Bangkok’s waterworks authority has begun installing a temporary bypass pipeline to restore supply for hospitals and residents starting September 25.
Vehicles Trapped, Safety Concerns Rise
Rescue operations faced challenges as several vehicles—including workers’ trucks and a police pickup—were either trapped or plunged into the sinkhole, estimated to be more than 50 meters deep.
Heavy rainfall has heightened fears of further soil collapse, making recovery efforts more complex. Fortunately, officials confirmed no casualties or missing persons.
Experts: Not a Natural Disaster
Geological experts and Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources have ruled out natural causes, identifying tunnel cracks from metro construction as the primary reason.
The affected area sits on a thick 25-meter clay layer topped with road fill. When the tunnel fractured, soil slipped downward, and pressure from the broken water main accelerated the collapse, leading to a rapid and widespread road failure.
Authorities Promise Compensation and Stricter Oversight
A 100-meter radius around the sinkhole remains sealed off, with structural inspections underway for nearby buildings. Residents have been urged to report any signs of further subsidence.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Bangkok’s city government have pledged compensation for households and businesses impacted. Dusit district has also launched an online support channel for claims.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about urban infrastructure safety as the city expands its Purple Line metro project. Experts warn the disaster underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring of construction quality in densely populated central Bangkok.
After Đức Phúc’s victory at Intervision 2025, one image stood out as a cultural milestone: a Vietnamese artist, in a Vietnamese voice, wearing a Vietnamese design that made the world stop and listen. The singer’s outfit, created by SHE by Hoa Nguyen (SBHN), was more than stagewear—it became a symbol of national pride expressed through the language of fashion.
Before that, international audiences had already seen Phương Mỹ Chi at Sing! Asia or Han Sara at Vietnam–Korea exchange events—both choosing SBHN to carry the spirit of Vietnam into the spotlight.
The “Phù Đổng Thiên Vương” Ao Dai – SBHN Exclusive for Đức Phúc
For Intervision’s final night, SBHN crafted a one-of-a-kind design: the “Phù Đổng Thiên Vương” áo dài, inspired by the legendary Saint Gióng, a symbol of Vietnamese strength and aspiration.
This creation was more than clothing; it was a visual manifesto, blending tradition with modern couture:
Premium brocade fabric with exclusive motifs, layered over flowing organza for a sky-like effect.
Hand-embroidered finishing, executed with painstaking precision for depth and texture.
Hand-painted denim trousers, symbolizing bamboo—resilient, upright, and uniquely Vietnamese.
Silhouette rooted in tradition, echoing the four-panel áo tứ thân yet restructured with sharp shoulders and a slim waistline for a commanding, theatrical presence.
The result was not just an outfit, but a living artwork, carrying the essence of Heritage – Excellence – Modernity.
Over a Decade of Craftsmanship
SBHN is no newcomer. With more than 12 years dedicated to haute couture detailing and artisanal craft, the brand has faced countless technical challenges—from complex silhouettes to precision tailoring. This mastery forms the backbone that allows SBHN to meet any artistic vision, no matter how daring or demanding.
The DNA of SBHN: Heritage, Innovation, Identity
At its core, SBHN draws power from Vietnamese cultural heritage. Every design starts with authenticity—not superficial borrowing or imitation. Under Hoa Nguyen’s creative direction, heritage is not confined to the past—it is reimagined for the present and future, striking a delicate balance that defines the brand’s unique DNA.
Global Vision, Local Soul
Hoa Nguyen’s strength lies in versatility. As both founder and creative director across diverse fashion segments—from menswear and hypebeast to couture—he keeps SBHN globally relevant without losing cultural identity. This duality ensures SBHN delivers not just clothes, but the “star moments” that allow artists to shine.
A Path Built with Vietnamese Artists
While many Vietnamese fashion houses seek international collaborations, SBHN’s strategy is different: it walks proudly with Vietnamese artists. When Đức Phúc, Phương Mỹ Chi, or Han Sara step on stage in SBHN, they declare: “I am Vietnamese. This is Vietnamese fashion. This is the culture I bring to the world.”
The Power of Listening and Collaboration
What makes SBHN a trusted partner for artists is not just technical mastery or cultural grounding—it is the ability to listen, adapt, and co-create. Each performance demands balance: explosive yet refined, bold yet elegant. SBHN provides that equilibrium, ensuring every stage appearance is unforgettable without being excessive.
Fashion as Living Art
For SBHN, fashion is more than fabric—it is living art. Every piece is the result of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural storytelling. When Vietnamese artists step onto the global stage in SBHN, they don’t just wear clothes; they carry the voice of Vietnam, expressed fully and proudly through fashion.
From September 17 to 19, the 4th China-ASEAN Meteorological Cooperation Forum kicked off in Nanning, Guangxi, themed“Digital Intelligence Empowers Meteorological Cooperation, Early Warnings Benefit People’s Livelihood”.
Decision-makers, experts, and scholars from meteorological and hydrological departments of China and ASEAN countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia, as well as from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), universities, enterprises, and research institutions, gathered to discuss regional meteorological cooperation and development.
During the opening ceremony of the Forum, the Action Initiative on Joint Innovation for Meteorological Artificial Intelligence (AI) Model Applications launched for the first time. The Initiative focuses on Empowering Meteorology with AI, Empowering Industries with Meteorological Intelligence.
Launch of the Action Initiative on Joint Innovation for Meteorological Artificial Intelligence (AI) Model Applications. Photoed by WEI Jian
With strong computational power and multi-source data integration, AI technology is becoming a crucial link between weather forecasting, disaster warnings, and industrial applications. To further support United Nations’ (UN) Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, CMA launched MAZU, a Joint Action for Early Warnings for All, joining hands with countries around the world to close the early warning gaps and leveraging Al innovations to address climate change challenges together.
Under the framework of MAZU, the Initiative proposesfour pillars for actionto enhance public well-being and drive sustainable regional development: Joint Innovation, to jointly build, optimize, and apply a suite of AI weather forecasting models precisely tailored to region’s needs, thereby enhancing the collective capabilities in forecasting and warning for high-impact weather such as typhoons and severe convection; Data Fusion, to jointly build and enrich a high-quality, high-resolution regional meteorological dataset to serve as the essential foundation for AI model training and optimization; Joint Talent Development, to cultivate a community of experts capable of leading regional advancements in meteorological AI, ensuring the sustainable development of regional cooperation together; Building a Common Home, to establish a robust support system to ensure the effective and long-term implementation of this initiative.
During the Forum, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) also released the “CMA Global Climate Dataset”, marking the first time that China’s climate data products made available for international sharing. The Datasets encompass 6 categories of data, namely Global Surface Dataset, Global Radiosonde Dataset, Global Merged Surface Temperature, CMA ReAnalysis V1.5, FENGYUN (FY) Satellites Land & Radiation Dataset, and FY Satellites Ocean Dataset.
Catalogue of CMA Global Climate Datasets
An AI-empowered Meteorology Exhibition titled “Smart Meteorology, Connecting ASEAN AI Powered New Ecosystem for Regional Disaster Prevention and Mitigation”also held during the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo.
The Exhibition Photoed by JIANG Zhiqing
Guangxi Zhuang AutonomousRegion Meteorological Service introduced two innovative AI-powered service scenarios in the Exhibition: One is “Yuheng”, an AI model for energy meteorological prediction designed to improve the accuracy of wind and solar power forecasts in complex terrains, another is the ASEAN agricultural meteorological service system that provides disaster warnings and 18 types of services for crops such as sugarcane and rice, including drought, rainstorm, waterlogging, and soil moisture monitoring.
Editor: JIANG Zhiqing, WANG Chang, XU Nenyu and LIU Shuqiao
In 2011, a 17-year-old boy from rural Anhui Province sold one of his kidneys to buy an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2. Fourteen years later, that decision has left him bedridden and dependent on dialysis, turning what was once a viral story into a lifelong tragedy.
The Origin of the “Sell a Kidney for an iPhone” Joke
Every time Apple unveils a new iPhone, jokes resurface online about having to “sell a kidney” to afford one. Few realize that the phrase stems from a very real – and devastating – case.
In 2011, Wang Shangkun, a high school student, was captivated by the newly released iPhone 4. Many of his classmates already owned one, but his poor family could not afford such a luxury. When Wang encountered an online stranger offering money in exchange for a kidney, he accepted, believing he could live normally with just one.
The illegal operation, performed under unsanitary conditions, earned Wang around 20,000 yuan (USD $3,200) – just enough to buy the coveted iPhone 4 and iPad 2. When he brought the devices home, his mother’s suspicions quickly unraveled the truth.
“I asked him how he could afford something so expensive. He finally admitted, ‘Mom, I sold my kidney,’” she later recalled.
A Life-Altering Mistake
Doctors had assured Wang that he would recover within weeks. Instead, he developed a severe infection, and his remaining kidney began to fail. Within months, he was hospitalized with irreversible health damage.
In 2012, authorities dismantled the organ trafficking ring, and Wang’s family received 1.48 million yuan (about USD $210,000 at the time) in compensation. But no amount of money could restore his health.
Now, at 31, Wang is classified as 75% disabled. He spends most of his life bedridden, undergoing regular dialysis treatments to survive. Chronic complications such as fever, exhaustion, and blood in his urine have made hospital visits routine.
A Regret That Lasts a Lifetime
Looking back, Wang admits his decision was fueled by ignorance and the pressure to keep up with his peers. “I regret it deeply. It was a mistake that destroyed my future,” he told local media. His mother added with heartbreak, “If only I had bought him the phone back then, maybe he would never have chosen this path.”
A Cautionary Tale Beyond China
Despite China’s ban on organ sales since 2007, black-market trafficking has persisted. Wang’s case has become a global cautionary tale, referenced whenever Apple launches a new model.
Even as recently as 2022, during the release of the iPhone 14, Thailand’s Red Cross urged people not to risk their health for luxury gadgets.
Wang’s story remains a stark reminder of the dangerous mix of consumerism, peer pressure, and lack of awareness—how one impulsive choice for status symbol technology turned into a lifetime of suffering.
A 26-year-old taxi driver has described the unforgettable and nerve-wracking moment when a pregnant passenger gave birth in his vehicle while he was rushing her to the hospital.
A Routine Ride Turns Into a Life-Changing Moment
On the morning of September 21, driver Thanh Tùng (born 1999, Bình Khê Ward, Quảng Ninh) received a call from a regular passenger asking for a ride to Vietnam–Sweden Hospital in Uông Bí. The woman, 38 weeks pregnant, was experiencing abdominal pain and decided to go to the hospital with her mother accompanying her.
“At first, she was still talking normally and said the pain wasn’t too strong,” Tùng recalled. “But just a few minutes after getting into the car, she suddenly cried out that the baby was coming.”
Emergency Delivery on the Road
With only half the journey completed, the woman’s mother had no choice but to act as an impromptu midwife, helping her daughter deliver the baby inside the moving car.
“I was shocked and nervous, but I kept focusing on the road. The baby’s grandmother kept asking how far we were from the hospital, and I could only honk continuously to ask for the right of way while driving as fast—but as carefully—as I could,” Tùng said.
Since the child was born en route, Tùng decided to head directly to the nearest medical center instead of the original hospital.
A First-Time Experience
Having been a taxi driver for two years, this was Tùng’s first time witnessing a passenger give birth inside his car.
“I haven’t married yet, so hearing a newborn’s cry right behind me was an incredibly special feeling. It was also the most stressful ride I’ve ever had,” he admitted.
The driver said the passenger was a familiar customer and this was her third child, which may explain why the delivery happened so quickly—within just 30 minutes.
Dedication to His Passengers
Tùng shared that this was not his first encounter with unexpected situations: “Not long ago, I also drove a woman who went into labor and her water broke on my car. But I never refuse these cases. I see passengers as family. If someone urgently needs help, I believe we should not hesitate.”
The clip of the extraordinary journey has since gone viral on social media, with netizens praising Tùng’s composure and sending congratulations to the mother for safely delivering her baby.
