A small act of trust at a bakery in Ho Chi Minh City has captured widespread attention online after a foreign customer returned the next day to pay for his order—and bought even more.
The story, shared by bakery owner Pham Anh Thai, quickly gained thousands of reactions on Vietnamese social media, with many praising the gesture as a simple but powerful example of hospitality and customer service in Vietnam.
The incident happened around 8:50 p.m. on April 25, just before closing time at Thai’s bakery in Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
A foreign customer entered the shop and selected several desserts, including tiramisu, brownies, and mango mousse cake, with a total bill of around VND200,000 (about US$8).
When it came time to pay, the customer realized he had no cash and only carried a bank card. The bakery, however, did not yet have card payment facilities.
Embarrassed, the customer appeared ready to leave without the cakes.
Instead of turning him away, Thai made an unexpected decision.
He told the customer to take the cakes home and return another day to pay.
The visitor was visibly surprised by the offer, thanked the owner, and left with the order.
The next day, staff told Thai the customer had not returned, and he briefly wondered whether the man might have been a tourist who had already left Vietnam.
But just before closing time that evening, the customer came back.
Not only did he pay the full bill from the previous day, but he also purchased more cakes, bringing the total to around VND500,000.
During their conversation, the customer learned Thai was the owner and praised the business in English, calling it an “amazing shop,” clearly impressed by the experience.
Speaking to local media, Thai said this was not the first time his bakery had allowed customers to pay later.
At a previous location on Mac Dinh Chi Street, the shop had handled similar situations for customers who forgot to bring cash.
“In every case, customers always came back to pay,” he said. “Many of them even became regular customers afterward.”
After Thai shared the story online, many users said the real value was not the money, but the trust behind the decision.
Commenters noted that flexible and thoughtful service helps businesses build stronger customer loyalty, especially in a city like Ho Chi Minh City where international visitors increasingly shape the local service economy.
One social media user wrote that this kind of kindness creates a positive image of Vietnam for foreign guests and reflects the human side of doing business.
At a time when digital payments dominate and transactions often feel purely transactional, the story stood out for something simpler: trust still works.
For one bakery in Ho Chi Minh City, a VND200,000 risk turned into a loyal customer—and a reminder that good service often starts with believing people will do the right thing.
Vietnam is gaining stronger global attention as both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have been ranked among the world’s five fastest-growing cities through 2035, according to the latest Growth Hubs Index by global property consultancy Savills.
Ho Chi Minh City secured the No. 2 position worldwide, while Hanoi ranked fifth, placing both Vietnamese megacities ahead of many established urban centers and reinforcing Vietnam’s rising role in Asia’s economic transformation.
The ranking, which assessed 245 cities globally, identifies future “growth hubs” expected to lead economic expansion over the next decade. Savills highlighted Asia as the main driver of global urban growth, supported by rapid urbanization, young populations, and major shifts in global manufacturing supply chains.
For Vietnam, the results signal more than just strong GDP growth. They reflect the country’s growing importance as an investment destination for multinational companies, manufacturers, and global capital looking for alternatives in Asia.
According to Chris Marriott, CEO of Savills Southeast Asia, the region’s youthful population is creating strong momentum for long-term economic expansion.
A growing labor force, rising consumer demand, and faster urbanization are increasing pressure and opportunity across real estate sectors, from industrial parks and logistics hubs to residential towers and mixed-use developments.
At the same time, the “China + 1” strategy continues to accelerate the relocation of manufacturing operations to Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as one of the strongest beneficiaries.
As companies diversify production beyond China, Vietnam has attracted a steady flow of foreign direct investment, particularly into manufacturing. That capital is creating major spillover effects in real estate markets, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which remain the country’s largest centers for infrastructure, labor, and consumer demand.
Neil MacGregor, CEO of Savills Vietnam, said the country has all the fundamentals needed to sustain high growth, including infrastructure development, foreign investment, and rising domestic demand.
However, Savills warned that rapid expansion alone does not guarantee long-term competitiveness.
Cities must also prove resilience.
That includes strong economic fundamentals, technology ecosystems, ESG standards, quality of life, and the ability to execute development strategies effectively. In this area, established global leaders such as New York, Tokyo, London, and Seoul continue to lead by balancing growth with livability and long-term planning.
For Vietnam, infrastructure remains the most critical foundation.
The country currently has around 234 major infrastructure projects underway, representing an estimated VND3.4 quadrillion, or roughly US$129 billion, in total investment.
Major projects including Long Thanh International Airport, metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and more than 380 kilometers of newly operational North–South Expressway sections are helping create new economic corridors across the country.
These projects are not only improving transport connections but also reshaping urban development patterns.
Areas surrounding both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are emerging as new investment zones, while industrial real estate is benefiting directly from the rise of integrated manufacturing and logistics ecosystems.
At the same time, so-called “soft infrastructure” is becoming increasingly important.
Factors such as education, healthcare, environmental quality, and overall living standards are playing a bigger role in decisions made by businesses and highly skilled workers choosing where to invest and relocate.
As Asia continues to become the center of global growth, Vietnam is pushing for double-digit economic expansion backed by infrastructure spending and strong FDI inflows.
But experts say the real challenge will be execution.
Project timelines, legal reforms, financing conditions, and administrative efficiency will ultimately determine whether Vietnam can convert its growth potential into sustainable long-term competitiveness.
With strong macroeconomic stability, continued urbanization, and resilient foreign investment, both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi appear well positioned to remain among Asia’s most important growth stories in the decade ahead.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is once again proving why it remains the heart of Vietnam’s culinary identity, as global recognition for the capital’s street food scene continues to rise.
From steaming bowls of pho served on low plastic stools to Michelin-recognized restaurants redefining local cuisine, the district offers a rare mix of tradition and modern dining that few cities in Asia can match. Last year, British magazine Time Out ranked Hanoi as the second-best street food city in Asia, placing it ahead of both Singapore and Bangkok.
For international visitors, the Old Quarter is more than a tourist destination. It is where Vietnam’s food culture has been built, preserved, and constantly reinvented for more than 1,000 years.
As night falls, the transformation begins.
Daytime shopkeepers close their storefronts, while street vendors wheel out metal carts, plastic stools, and giant pots of simmering broth. Pavements become open-air kitchens, and narrow streets fill with diners waiting for fresh noodles, grilled meats, and late-night snacks.
Michelin Guide describes the experience as something that feels almost untouched by time, where the rhythm of daily life looks much the same as it did decades ago.
According to food historian Trinh Khanh Linh, the Old Quarter has existed since around the year 1000 and has always served as Hanoi’s main trading center.
“People came here from across Vietnam and from other countries, including many Chinese migrants in the 17th century,” Linh explained.
That history is still reflected in the street names. Hang Bac was once known for silversmiths, Thuoc Bac for traditional medicine, Hang Thiec for metalworkers, and Hang Chieu for woven mats.
Today, many of those same streets are known less for trade and more for food.
Cookbook author Andrea Nguyen told Michelin Guide that much of Hanoi’s culinary history is hidden in these names. Streets such as Hang Khoai, once associated with root vegetables, naturally became places where vendors sold boiled sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro.
As trade expanded, food followed.
Competition among vendors helped shape some of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes. Chinese culinary influence introduced noodles, which later became central to northern Vietnamese cuisine. French colonial rule in the late 19th century added another layer, bringing new ingredients and cooking techniques.
Pho became the clearest result of that cultural blending.
Widely considered Vietnam’s national dish, pho combines Chinese noodle traditions, local herbs and broth techniques, and French influence through beef-based stock preparation.
Chef Charles Degrendele of Michelin-selected Le Beaulieu said Vietnam adapted French cuisine to local tastes rather than simply copying it.
Opened in 1901, Le Beaulieu became one of Hanoi’s earliest fine dining institutions and helped shape the city’s evolving restaurant scene. Degrendele noted that over the past century, many Vietnamese and international chefs trained there before opening restaurants of their own.
For much of the 20th century, dining out in Hanoi usually meant choosing between street food and hotel restaurants, with few options in between.
That began to change in the 1990s as Vietnam opened its economy and private restaurants started expanding rapidly.
The Old Quarter led that shift.
Long Nguyen, who grew up around his family’s Michelin-selected restaurant Hanoi Garden, said restaurants were still rare outside hotels during that period. His strongest memories are of simple breakfasts on cold Hanoi mornings, sitting on wooden benches in the street.
For him, those everyday meals define Vietnamese cuisine more than luxury dining ever could.
Many Old Quarter eateries have now served the same neighborhoods for more than 30 years, often using recipes that remain unchanged. Their reputation depends entirely on local trust, where residents return only if quality stays consistent.
Chef Truong Quang Dung of Chapter restaurant believes that same foundation allows younger chefs to innovate without losing authenticity.
Using local ingredients such as corn and eel, he creates refined dishes designed for international diners while keeping traditional Vietnamese flavors at the center.
He said the Old Quarter remains a demanding place where only good food survives.
“The residents here are proud of their food,” he said. “For those seeking authenticity, this is where it can be found.”
That balance between preservation and reinvention is helping Hanoi strengthen its global food reputation.
With Michelin recognition, rising international tourism, and a street food culture still rooted in daily life, Hanoi’s Old Quarter continues to stand out as Vietnam’s most important culinary destination—and one of Asia’s most compelling places to eat.
Tại Đại hội đồng Cổ đông Thường niên 2026, Tổng Công ty Cổ phần Bia – Rượu – Nước giải khát Sài Gòn (SABECO) đã công bố kết quả kinh doanh vững vàng của năm 2025. Đây là thành quả có được nhờ kỷ luật trong quản trị nguồn vốn cùng nỗ lực bền bỉ trong củng cố hiệu quả vận hành, giúp công ty bảo vệ các hoạt động cốt lõi và thành công vượt qua những thách thức của ngành.
Trong năm tài chính 2025, SABECO ghi nhận doanh thu thuần đạt 25.888 tỷ đồng, lợi nhuận sau thuế đạt 4.573 tỷ đồng, tăng khoảng 2% so với năm trước. Đáng chú ý, chỉ trong quý 4/2025, lợi nhuận sau thuế đạt gần 1.119 tỷ đồng, tăng 13% so với cùng kỳ. Tính đến ngày 31/12/2025, tổng tài sản doanh nghiệp đạt 32.597 tỷ đồng, với hệ số thanh toán hiện hành 2,49 lần, cho thấy khả năng thanh khoản và kỷ luật tài chính vững mạnh.
Với nền tảng tài chính ổn định, Hội đồng Quản trị đề xuất mức chi trả cổ tức tổng cộng tương đương 50% vốn điều lệ cho năm 2025. Đây là năm thứ hai liên tiếp SABECO duy trì mức chi trả này, thể hiện cam kết nhất quán trong việc mang lại giá trị bền vững cho nhà đầu tư.
Ông Tan Teck Chuan Lester, Tổng Giám đốc SABECO, chia sẻ: “Năm 2025 đòi hỏi SABECO cần sắc bén hơn trong thực thi, tập trung vào những cải thiện mang tính cấu trúc và sâu sắc hơn trên toàn hệ thống. Trong bối cảnh thị trường chịu tác động từ nhu cầu suy yếu và cạnh tranh gia tăng, phản ứng của chúng tôi không chỉ nhằm đảm bảo kết quả tài chính mà còn nâng cấp năng lực trên cả phương diện thương mại, vận hành và số hóa.”
Ông Tan Teck Chuan Lester, Tổng Giám đốc SABECO chia sẻ tại Đại hội đồng Cổ đông Thường niên 2026 của SABECO
Những bước tiến trong hoạt động vận hành năm 2025
Trong năm 2025, chiến lược triển khai của SABECO tập trung vào việc củng cố các năng lực cốt lõi và nâng cao năng lực cạnh tranh trên ba trọng tâm:
Nâng cao hiệu quả thương mại và năng lực phân phối: SABECO đã cải thiện hiệu quả phân phối, tăng cường năng lực thực thi tại điểm bán và mở rộng độ phủ thị trường trong suốt năm 2025. Tỷ lệ giao hàng trực tiếp đạt 89% trên toàn quốc, giúp nâng cao khả năng kiểm soát chi phí, tốc độ phản hồi và tính minh bạch của dữ liệu. Việc ứng dụng các công cụ số hóa đã tiếp tục củng cố năng lực thương mại thông qua khâu lập kế hoạch tối ưu hơn, ra quyết định nhanh chóng hơn và nâng cao năng suất thực địa.
Tối ưu danh mục sản phẩm và đẩy mạnh giá trị thương hiệu: SABECO tiếp tục cải thiện danh mục sản phẩm và củng cố định vị thương hiệu với việc ra mắt thành công dòng sản phẩm Bia Saigon Chill dạng lon 250ml. Động thái này không chỉ tạo đà tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ trên thị trường, mà còn thúc đẩy chiến lược cao cấp hóa, gia tăng tỷ trọng phân khúc cao cấp. Các chiến dịch kích hoạt thương hiệu tại địa phương cùng chương trình tương tác với nhiều thế hệ khách hàng đã góp phần củng cố giá trị thương hiệu, đồng thời duy trì kỷ luật về giá.
Thúc đẩy hiệu quả vận hành và chuỗi cung ứng: SABECO tiếp tục duy trì kiểm soát tiêu chuẩn sản xuất và chuẩn hóa trên toàn hệ thống nhà máy, qua đó nâng cao độ tin cậy của tài sản và minh bạch hóa chi phí. Đồng thời, việc hoàn thiện quy hoạch tổng thể hệ thống kho bãi toàn quốc cùng các sáng kiến chuẩn hóa quy trình giao hàng đã giúp giảm khoảng 5% chi phí trên mỗi lít bia và cải thiện rõ rệt chất lượng dịch vụ.
SABECO chia sẻ về những bước tiến trong hoạt động vận hành năm 2025
Bên cạnh đó, SABECO cũng củng cố năng lực cạnh tranh dài hạn thông qua quá trình chuyển đổi số, thực thi các sáng kiến ESG và nâng cao năng lực quản trị doanh nghiệp. Việc đầu tư vào công nghệ đã làm tăng tính linh hoạt và thúc đẩy văn hóa ra quyết định dựa trên nền tảng dữ liệu. Trong khi đó, những nỗ lực về phát triển bền vững đã giúp tối ưu hóa hiệu quả sử dụng tài nguyên, điển hình là việc cải thiện tỷ lệ tiêu hao nước và tái sử dụng 100% chai thủy tinh.
Duy trì động lực phát triển trong năm 2026
Bước sang năm 2026, SABECO tiếp tục lạc quan về bức tranh tăng trưởng của Việt Nam nhờ vào nhu cầu nội địa phục hồi và đà phát triển kinh tế tiếp diễn. Chiến lược phát triển của SABECO tập trung vào bốn trọng tâm, bao gồm:
Tăng trưởng dựa trên chất lượng và hiệu quả thay vì mở rộng sản lượng: Tiếp tục tập trung vào việc bảo vệ biên lợi nhuận, cải thiện cơ cấu lợi nhuận, đồng thời ưu tiên tính hiệu quả và kỷ luật thực thi hơn là chiến lược tăng trưởng chỉ dựa trên sản lượng.
Thúc đẩy cao cấp hóa danh mục sản phẩm và nâng tầm thương hiệu: Nhằm đáp ứng nhu cầu ngày càng khắt khe và tinh tế của người tiêu dùng, công ty sẽ củng cố danh mục sản phẩm hướng tới các phân khúc có giá trị cao hơn, nâng tầm trải nghiệm khách hàng và củng cố vị thế thương hiệu. Theo định hướng này, SABECO sẽ ra mắt phiên bản lon giới hạn 333 Pilsner Cheers Pack dung tích 250ml vào tháng 5 tới. Với thiết kế hiện đại, nhỏ gọn và tiện lợi, Cheers Pack kế thừa hương vị bia êm cực êm của 333 Pilsner – một dòng sản phẩm kết hợp hài hòa giữa di sản của thương hiệu bia huyền thoại và công nghệ ủ bia xuất sắc. Phiên bản lon 250ml được nghiên cứu và phát triển phù hợp với nhịp sống năng động hiện đại, mang đến sự sảng khoái trong từng ngụm bia. Đây là lựa chọn phù hợp cho những dịp gặp gỡ cùng đồng nghiệp và bạn bè, góp phần mang đến những cuộc vui nhẹ nhàng, thoải mái và thêm gắn kết.
Đẩy mạnh chuyển đổi số và vận hành dựa trên dữ liệu: Ứng dụng sâu rộng các công cụ kỹ thuật số, trí tuệ nhân tạo (AI) và phân tích dữ liệu; song song với việc mở rộng kênh thương mại điện tử và thương mại hiện đại nhằm nâng cao năng lực ra quyết định và hiệu suất vận hành.
Tăng cường quản trị và tích hợp ESG: Tiếp tục nâng cao các chuẩn mực quản trị tiệm cận hơn với tiêu chuẩn quốc tế, đồng thời thúc đẩy các cam kết ESG trong suốt các ưu tiên về môi trường, xã hội và vận hành.
Cùng với đó, SABECO sẽ tiếp tục tối ưu chuỗi cung ứng, đầu tư vào nghiên cứu và phát triển, củng cố vị thế tại thị trường nội địa và từng bước mở rộng ra thị trường quốc tế.
Nhận định về triển vọng năm 2026, ông Koh Poh Tiong, Chủ tịch Hội đồng Quản trị SABECO, cho biết “Trong bối cảnh môi trường kinh doanh cạnh tranh cao và chịu ảnh hưởng từ các yếu tố toàn cầu, SABECO tin tưởng vào khả năng vượt qua thách thức và cam kết đầu tư vào các cơ hội tăng trưởng dài hạn nhằm mang lại giá trị bền vững cho cổ đông, khách hàng và cộng đồng.”
Các cổ đông bỏ phiếu biểu quyết tại Đại hội đồng Cổ đông Thường niên 2026
Dựa trên các định hướng này, SABECO sẽ không ngừng củng cố vị thế trên thị trường thông qua năng lực thực thi kỷ luật, các quyết định đầu tư có chọn lọc và nền tảng vận hành vững chắc. Từ đó, công ty tiếp tục hiện thực hóa mục tiêu kiến tạo giá trị bền vững, dài hạn cho các cổ đông, khách hàng và cộng đồng.
Ho Chi Minh City’s expanded scale after the merger with two provinces brings new opportunities but also calls for a clearer and more convincing brand identity for both local and international audiences.
In 2025, Ho Chi Minh City crossed a historic threshold. With the merger of Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, the city is no longer just a metropolis. It has become a multi-polar mega-region, combining finance, industry, logistics, innovation, culture, and marine economy.
On paper, the change was clear and decisive. Ho Chi Minh City now stretches across more than 6,700 square kilometres, is home to over 14 million people, and accounts for almost a quarter of Vietnam’s GDP. In economic and logistical terms, it has become the largest urban entity the country has ever known.
According to Associate Professor Giannina Warren, Senior Program Manager for Professional Communication at RMIT University Vietnam, administrative mergers are often treated as technical exercises: redraw boundaries, restructure agencies, and integrate budgets. But cities are not only defined by maps and statistics.
“They are also defined by how people understand them and live, work and play in them. They are not only governed systems; they are perceived systems. People – residents, investors, students, visitors – make decisions based on how a place feels, what it stands for, and whether its story makes sense to them,” she said.
Ho Chi Minh City now stretches across more than 6,700 square kilometres and is home to over 14 million people. (Photo: Pexels)
For decades, Ho Chi Minh City has been easy to describe. It was Vietnam’s commercial heart, a dense and energetic place known for opportunity, openness and relentless movement. Bình Dương was recognised as an industrial engine, while Ba Ria – Vung Tau was associated with ports, energy and the sea.
After the merger, these identities did not disappear – they were simply placed under one name. That creates enormous potential, but it also raises a fundamental question: what, exactly, is Ho Chi Minh City now?
“When cities grow in size and complexity, their identity does not automatically grow with them,” Associate Professor Warren said. “In fact, without careful attention, it often becomes less clear. Bigger cities can become harder to explain, harder to remember, and harder to trust – especially for people who do not live there.”
In recent years, Ho Chi Minh City’s public image has relied heavily on tourism-led messaging, with familiar language about vibrancy, energy, and dynamism. These ideas are not wrong, but they are no longer sufficient. A city that aims to position itself as a regional logistics hub, an international financial centre, a destination for global talent and a centre for higher education needs a deeper, more coherent story.
The 2025 merger intensifies this challenge. “When a city tries to stand for too many things at once – industry, finance, tourism, innovation, culture – without a clear organising idea, its identity can start to feel diluted. Scale alone does not create meaning,” Associate Professor Warren said.
According to Dr Bui Quoc Liem, a lecturer in Professional Communication at RMIT Vietnam, the diversity of function requires a different way of thinking about city identity. Rather than one slogan trying to describe everything, HCMC now needs a brand architecture: a shared overarching story that allows different areas to express distinct roles, while still belonging to one coherent identity.
This shared narrative should explain how the different parts belong to the same urban system and contribute to a common future. Without this, peripheral areas risk feeling like add-ons rather than integral parts of the city, and the city risks communicating conflicting messages to the outside world.
Associate Professor Giannina Warren (left) and Dr Bui Quoc Liem (Photo: RMIT)
Dr Liem also stressed that this is where city branding is often misunderstood. It is easy to assume that branding is about logos, taglines, or advertising. In reality, especially in the context of a merger, branding is closer to strategic coordination.
“A clear narrative helps different parts of the city – and different government departments – move in the same direction. It shapes how infrastructure priorities are explained, how investment strategies are framed, how talent is attracted, and how the city speaks to the world. The city’s brand becomes the compass for its development, instead of just a decoration,” he said.
The city leaders have already recognised this connection. Ho Chi Minh City has begun work on a long-term branding strategy aligned with its socio-economic vision for 2030 and 2045. Crucially, there is growing acknowledgement that a brand cannot exist in isolation. A city that presents itself as open must reduce administrative friction. A city that aspires to be liveable must invest seriously in transport and public services. A city that aims to become a financial centre must demonstrate credibility, consistency, and governance capacity.
The RMIT experts believe that the cost of not addressing this moment is not dramatic or immediate, but it is real. Without a clear narrative, communication becomes fragmented. Residents in newly merged areas may struggle to see themselves as part of the city’s story. International partners may find the city impressive, but difficult to access. Opportunities to position Ho Chi Minh City as Southeast Asia’s next major mega-region may quietly slip away.
The administrative transition has already happened. The question now is whether the city can tell its new story clearly enough for others to understand it – and for its own residents to believe in it. The challenge ahead is not to invent something artificial, but to articulate clearly what already exists: a city-region that connects industry with innovation, ports with finance, culture with opportunity, and local energy with global ambition.
Short-haul trips surge as Vietnamese tourists chase high-impact, time-efficient international getaways
As global travel rebounds with a sharper focus on time efficiency, Vietnamese tourists are driving a surge in “micro-holidays”—short, high-impact international trips—and Singapore is emerging as a clear winner. With long public holidays approaching, demand is shifting toward destinations that offer seamless access, dense experiences, and minimal travel friction—turning short-haul hubs into strategic tourism hotspots across Southeast Asia.
Data from Traveloka shows that searches for flights and accommodations by Vietnamese travelers have jumped roughly 30% ahead of the Reunification Day and Labor Day holiday period. Meanwhile, insights from Agoda confirm Singapore’s position among the top five most searched international destinations. The appeal is structural: a flight time of under three hours from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, combined with world-class infrastructure, allows travelers to compress a full-spectrum travel experience into just a few days.
At the heart of Singapore’s appeal is its ability to deliver a “city-in-a-day” experience. Marina Bay exemplifies this model, where iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, and Gardens by the Bay are concentrated within walking distance. By day, the district blends green urban spaces with cutting-edge architecture; by night, it transforms into a high-density entertainment zone, anchored by the Spectra light and water show—an immersive 15-minute spectacle that encapsulates the city’s tech-driven tourism strategy.
Beyond the skyline, Sentosa Island extends the experience into a multi-layered leisure ecosystem just 30 minutes from the city center. Visitors can move seamlessly between adrenaline-driven attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and quieter, restorative spaces such as the Singapore Oceanarium. The island’s integrated design allows tourists to transition from theme park excitement to beachfront relaxation at Siloso Beach, finishing with panoramic views from SkyHelix Sentosa—all within a single day.
Back in the urban core, riverside districts like Clarke Quay and Boat Quay offer a contrasting layer of cultural immersion and nightlife. Traditional bumboat cruises along the Singapore River provide a slower, reflective perspective of the city’s transformation, while the surrounding dining and entertainment venues cater to a global palate—bridging heritage with contemporary urban energy.
Singapore’s sustained popularity among Vietnamese travelers reflects a broader shift in global tourism behavior: travelers are optimizing for experience density rather than trip duration. In an era where time is increasingly scarce, destinations that can compress diverse, high-quality experiences into a short window are gaining a structural advantage. The question for regional tourism markets is no longer how to attract visitors—but how to redesign experiences for a world where a “perfect trip” may only last three days.
Vietnam’s IT leader posts solid growth as overseas contracts recover and AI-driven services gain traction
As global tech spending shows early signs of stabilization, FPT Corporation has delivered a steady first-quarter performance—offering investors a timely signal that demand for outsourcing and digital transformation services is rebounding despite ongoing macro uncertainty.
In preliminary results for Q1 2026, the Vietnamese technology giant reported revenue of VND 12.4 trillion (up 9% year-on-year) and net profit after minority interests of VND 2.5 trillion (up 14%). Pre-tax profit rose even faster at 16%, broadly in line with market expectations and reinforcing FPT’s reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most resilient tech exporters.
The company’s IT segment remained the primary growth engine, accounting for nearly 90% of total revenue and close to 60% of pre-tax profit. Overseas IT services—FPT’s core export business—grew more modestly, with revenue up 10% and profit up 6%, reflecting lingering effects from slower contract signings in mid-2025. However, a notable turnaround is emerging: newly signed orders reached VND 13.6 trillion, up 22% year-on-year, with March alone accelerating by an estimated 27%. This suggests that global clients are gradually resuming technology spending, even as geopolitical and economic risks persist.
Japan continues to anchor FPT’s international growth, with revenue from the market rising 19%, outperforming other regions. Europe posted a striking 44% surge, while the Americas saw modest growth of 4% and Asia-Pacific declined 10%, highlighting uneven recovery patterns across global markets. Meanwhile, digital transformation services—particularly in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity—generated VND 4.2 trillion in revenue, up 18%, underscoring the company’s strategic pivot toward higher-value, future-facing technologies.
Domestically, FPT also delivered strong double-digit growth, with IT revenue rising 14% and pre-tax profit expanding fourfold. The improvement was driven by a higher contribution from software and services—segments with stronger margins—along with expanding demand from both private enterprises and the public sector. Beyond technology, FPT’s education and investment segments posted a 24% increase in pre-tax profit, supported by solid earnings from affiliated companies.
For global investors, FPT’s performance offers more than just a snapshot of one company—it reflects Vietnam’s broader emergence as a digital services hub in Southeast Asia, increasingly positioned alongside India and Eastern Europe in the global outsourcing landscape. The rebound in new orders, particularly in high-growth areas like AI and cybersecurity, suggests that the next phase of tech spending may favor agile, cost-efficient players like FPT.
The critical question now is whether this recovery can accelerate in the second half of 2026. If global enterprises continue to unlock budgets for digital transformation, FPT—and Vietnam’s tech sector more broadly—could be entering a new growth cycle that reshapes the competitive map of global IT services.
Vietnam’s push into electric mobility just became more definitive.
At Vingroup’s 2026 annual shareholder meeting, billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong delivered a clear message to investors and the market. VinFast will not return to gasoline vehicles under any circumstances, even as some global automakers reconsider hybrid strategies.
For international observers, this signals one of the most aggressive all electric commitments by a major emerging market automaker.
A Firm Strategic Bet on Electric Vehicles
Responding to shareholder questions about whether VinFast might produce hybrid or gasoline cars, Vuong rejected the idea outright.
Instead, the company will:
Continue developing new electric vehicle models
Focus on extending driving range to address charging concerns
Expand its global footprint across Asia and beyond
The stance comes at a time when parts of the global auto industry are slowing EV transitions and reintroducing hybrid options.
VinFast is taking the opposite approach.
High Growth, High Cost Transition
The company’s financials reflect the scale of its ambition.
2025 revenue reached over VND 90 trillion, up 139 percent year on year
Net losses exceeded VND 97 trillion
Accumulated losses have surpassed VND 170 trillion
Despite these losses, VinFast has become the largest car brand in Vietnam, capturing around 36 percent market share.
This highlights a familiar pattern in the EV industry, where rapid expansion and heavy upfront investment often precede profitability.
Global Expansion Targets
VinFast is aiming for significant scale in 2026:
Deliver 300,000 electric cars globally
Sell between 1 and 1.5 million electric motorbikes
Expand into Southeast Asia and India
The company is positioning itself not just as a domestic leader, but as a regional EV player.
Flexible Battery Strategy
Rather than fully vertically integrating battery production, VinFast is adopting a hybrid approach.
The company plans to:
Source batteries from external suppliers
Partner with technology firms
Maintain partial in house production
This strategy is designed to reduce capital intensity while maintaining flexibility and cost competitiveness.
Beyond Cars: Building an EV Ecosystem
VinFast’s strategy extends beyond manufacturing.
Its sister company Green SM, an electric ride hailing platform, has already become the market leader in Vietnam’s four wheel ride hailing segment.
Holds over 50 percent market share by transaction value
Expanding into services such as delivery and logistics
Preparing for a potential IPO in the near future
Together, these moves suggest a broader ecosystem play, integrating vehicles, services, and infrastructure.
Why This Matters
VinFast’s refusal to return to gasoline vehicles sets it apart from many global competitors.
For investors and industry watchers, it raises key questions:
Can a pure EV strategy succeed in emerging markets
How quickly can profitability follow scale
Will Vietnam become a serious player in the global EV supply chain
Bottom Line
VinFast is making a clear, high risk bet on an all electric future.
By ruling out any return to gasoline vehicles, Pham Nhat Vuong is signaling long term commitment over short term flexibility. The outcome will shape not only the company’s trajectory, but also Vietnam’s position in the global auto industry.
Vietnam is preparing to develop one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects to date, a nearly $8 billion “smart and green” international airport designed to meet top tier global standards.
The proposed Gia Binh International Airport is expected to redefine how airports are built and operated in Vietnam, with a focus on sustainability, technology, and passenger experience. If completed as planned, it aims to rank among the world’s top 10 five star airports.
A Next Generation Airport Concept
Unlike traditional airport expansions, Gia Binh is being designed as a fully integrated aviation ecosystem.
Key features include:
Total investment of about VND 196 trillion, roughly $8 billion
Land area of nearly 1,900 hectares
ICAO 4F standard, capable of handling the largest wide body aircraft
Four runways designed for independent operations
The project is positioned not just as an airport, but as a long term aviation hub for northern Vietnam.
Capacity and Scale
The scale of the project reflects Vietnam’s rapidly growing air travel demand.
Planned capacity includes:
30 million passengers per year by 2030
50 million passengers per year by 2050
Cargo handling capacity of up to 2.5 million tons annually
The airport will also include a major aircraft maintenance and overhaul center, positioning it as a regional hub for aviation services in Asia Pacific.
Built as a “Green and Smart” System
A defining feature of Gia Binh is its integrated design approach.
The airport will combine:
Smart technologies for operations and passenger flow
Sustainable infrastructure aligned with environmental goals
Multi modal transport connections linking road, rail, and urban transit
Commercial, logistics, and service zones within a unified masterplan
The goal is to create a seamless travel experience while reducing environmental impact.
Strategic Role for Northern Vietnam
The project is expected to play a critical role in reshaping the region’s infrastructure landscape.
It will help ease congestion at Noi Bai Airport, which is nearing capacity
It will support economic growth in the greater Hanoi region
It is planned as a dual use facility, serving both civilian and strategic purposes
Notably, the airport is also expected to support major international events, including APEC 2027.
Why This Matters
Vietnam’s aviation sector is entering a new phase of expansion, driven by:
Rapid growth in passenger demand
Increasing international connectivity
Rising importance of logistics and cargo transport
Large scale projects like Gia Binh signal a shift toward long term, high capacity infrastructure planning rather than incremental upgrades.
Bottom Line
Gia Binh International Airport represents a bold attempt to position Vietnam among the world’s leading aviation hubs.
If executed successfully, it will not only expand capacity but also redefine standards for sustainability, technology, and passenger experience in the region.
South Korea is doubling down on Vietnam as a strategic investment destination, with senior officials highlighting a new wave of interest from major Korean corporations in high value industries.
The message, delivered during high level talks in Hanoi, points to a clear shift in the bilateral relationship. Vietnam is no longer seen only as a manufacturing base. It is increasingly viewed as a partner in advanced technology, innovation, and long term industrial development.
Where Korean Investors Are Looking
According to South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung Hoon, large Korean firms are actively evaluating opportunities across several priority sectors in Vietnam.
Key areas of interest include:
Semiconductor manufacturing
High tech electronics production
Artificial intelligence and software development
Big data and digital infrastructure
Biotechnology
Smart city development
Large scale infrastructure projects
These sectors align closely with Vietnam’s national development strategy, which aims to move up the value chain and reduce reliance on low cost manufacturing.
Why Vietnam Is Attracting Attention
Vietnam’s appeal to Korean investors is driven by several structural advantages:
A young and increasingly skilled workforce
Competitive production costs
Strategic location within regional supply chains
Strong government support for technology driven growth
Officials from both countries emphasized that human capital will be a central pillar of future cooperation, particularly in emerging fields such as AI and semiconductors.
From Policy to Projects
Beyond broad commitments, both sides are working to translate policy into concrete initiatives.
A key example is the Vietnam Korea Institute of Science and Technology, which has been highlighted as a model for:
Joint research and innovation
Technology transfer
Workforce training in advanced industries
South Korea has pledged continued support for expanding this platform, with the goal of linking research institutions more closely to private sector investment.
Expanding Beyond Industry
Cooperation is also widening into other areas:
Agriculture and food technology
Education and workforce development
Official development assistance projects
This reflects a more comprehensive partnership that goes beyond traditional trade and investment.
Strategic Context
The discussions took place during a state level visit by South Korea’s president, underlining the importance both governments place on the relationship.
Vietnam and South Korea already maintain a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The latest developments suggest an effort to deepen that framework with a stronger focus on technology and innovation.
Bottom Line
South Korean companies are increasingly targeting Vietnam’s next generation industries, not just its factories.
For investors, this signals growing confidence in Vietnam’s transition toward a higher value, technology driven economy.
Vietnam is set to break ground on a $2.2 billion mega project in Ho Chi Minh City, led by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, as part of a broader wave of major infrastructure and real estate launches tied to a national milestone.
The project, scheduled to begin construction around April 30, marks one of the most significant urban developments currently planned in the country’s largest and wealthiest city.
A Mega Urban Project With Education at Its Core
At the center of the announcement is the Berjaya International University Urban Area, a large scale mixed use development spanning nearly 880 hectares in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
Key features include:
Total investment of حوالي VND 59 trillion, equivalent to about $2.2 billion
Planned population of approximately 135,000 residents
Capacity for around 60,000 students
The project is designed as a hybrid urban and education hub, combining residential zones with academic and research infrastructure.
What Will Be Built
The masterplan outlines a full scale urban ecosystem:
Low rise villas and townhouses
Mid rise and high rise apartment complexes
Social housing and resettlement units
Educational institutions and research facilities
Hospitals, commercial centers, and public services
The goal is to create a self contained district that reduces pressure on the city center while supporting long term economic growth.
Strategic Importance for Ho Chi Minh City
The development aligns with broader urban planning priorities:
Expanding growth toward outer districts
Reducing congestion in central areas
Building knowledge and innovation clusters
Creating jobs and attracting investment
Officials view the project as a future anchor for an education and research corridor in northern Ho Chi Minh City.
Ownership and Investment Structure
The project is being developed by Berjaya Vietnam International University Urban Development JSC, a subsidiary now largely controlled by Vinhomes, the real estate arm of Vingroup.
The project’s ownership has evolved over time:
Originally backed by Malaysia’s Berjaya Group
Majority stake later transferred to Vietnamese investors
Currently dominated by Vinhomes with a controlling interest
This reflects a broader trend of domestic firms taking the lead in large scale urban development projects.
Part of a Larger Investment Wave
The groundbreaking is one of four major projects approved to launch during the April 30 holiday period, with a combined investment of roughly VND 142 trillion.
This coordinated rollout signals strong momentum in Vietnam’s real estate and infrastructure sectors, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.
Bottom Line
The $2.2 billion project is more than a real estate development. It represents a shift toward integrated urban planning centered on education, innovation, and long term sustainability.
For investors and observers, it highlights how Vietnam’s largest city is positioning itself for the next phase of growth, with large scale, mixed use developments playing a central role.
A shocking case in southern Vietnam has ended with prison sentences for five individuals after a violent “exorcism” ritual led to the deaths of a father and his young son.
The trial, held in Tay Ninh province, underscores the severe legal consequences of actions driven by superstition when they result in loss of life.
What Happened
According to court findings, the incident began with a belief that a deceased relative had “possessed” a family member.
Acting on this belief, a group of relatives organized a ritual intended to “expel spirits.” The situation escalated into prolonged violence.
Victims were restrained and covered with blankets
Liquids were forced into their mouths
Burning incense was applied to their bodies
Repeated physical assaults were carried out over many hours
The abuse continued through the night and into the following day.
Both victims later died from a combination of suffocation, multiple injuries, burns, and trauma.
Court Verdict
The provincial court sentenced five defendants to prison terms ranging from 7 to 10 years on charges of murder.
One defendant received an additional sentence due to prior drug related offenses.
Two individuals identified as central instigators were not held criminally responsible after being diagnosed with severe mental illness.
The defendants’ families provided financial compensation to the victims’ relatives as part of civil liability.
Wider Impact
The case also affected multiple others present during the ritual.
Several individuals required hospitalization after being forced to participate for extended periods without food, rest, or communication.
Authorities described the actions as extremely dangerous, emphasizing that belief based practices cannot justify violence or harm.
Legal and Social Context
Vietnamese law treats acts that result in death with strict penalties, regardless of motive.
This case highlights:
The risks associated with unregulated spiritual practices
The potential for group dynamics to escalate harmful behavior
The importance of public awareness around mental health and superstition
It also reflects broader efforts by authorities to address harmful practices rooted in misinformation or belief systems.
Bottom Line
What began as a misguided attempt at a spiritual ritual ended in tragedy and criminal conviction.
The case serves as a stark reminder that actions driven by belief still carry full legal responsibility when they cross into violence.
IMF 2026 outlook highlights Vietnam’s rapid rise, with 7.1% growth and a reshaping Southeast Asia’s economic hierarchy
Vietnam is rapidly emerging as one of Asia’s most dynamic growth stories, with new IMF projections placing the country among the world’s top 35 economies and signaling a notable shift in Southeast Asia’s economic balance—an increasingly important signal for global investors tracking supply chains, consumption growth, and frontier market opportunities.
According to the latest April 2026 update from the International Monetary Fund, Vietnam is ranked 34th out of 215 economies globally and 14th in Asia by nominal GDP. Within Southeast Asia, the country now stands fourth, reinforcing its position as a rising economic powerhouse behind regional heavyweights like Indonesia and Singapore.
What stands out most is Vietnam’s growth trajectory. With an estimated GDP expansion of 7.1%—one of the fastest in the region—the country continues to outperform many peers at a time when global growth remains uneven. This pace reflects strong export recovery, resilient domestic consumption, and sustained foreign direct investment inflows, particularly from multinational manufacturers diversifying away from China.
A more striking milestone comes from purchasing power parity (PPP) metrics. Vietnam’s economy has officially crossed the $2.03 trillion mark in PPP terms, allowing it to surpass Thailand—a symbolic and strategic shift that underscores Vietnam’s improving living standards and expanding domestic market scale. For global brands and institutional investors, PPP is often a more relevant indicator of real consumption potential than nominal GDP.
In the broader Asian ranking, Vietnam now sits 14th with a nominal GDP of approximately $527 billion, just behind Thailand and ahead of economies such as Malaysia and Philippines. The region continues to be dominated by giants like China, Japan, and India, but Vietnam’s upward momentum is increasingly difficult to ignore.
The implications extend far beyond rankings. Vietnam’s rise is reshaping supply chains, attracting capital flows, and reinforcing its role as a critical node in the “China+1” strategy adopted by global manufacturers. As geopolitical fragmentation continues to influence trade patterns, Vietnam’s combination of growth, stability, and integration into global markets positions it as a strategic alternative in Asia.
The key question now is not whether Vietnam will continue climbing—but how fast. If current momentum holds, the country could soon challenge the region’s top three economies, forcing investors to rethink Southeast Asia not as a supporting market, but as a central pillar of global growth.
Nebula Energy tightens control over Ca Mep terminal, signaling rising foreign bets on Vietnam’s LNG-to-power market
VIETNAM INSIDER – As global energy markets pivot toward cleaner fuels and supply diversification, Vietnam is fast emerging as a strategic LNG gateway in Southeast Asia—now drawing deeper commitments from U.S. energy players seeking long-term positioning in Asia’s next growth market.
U.S.-based Nebula Energy has moved to take full control of the Ca Mep LNG terminal near Ho Chi Minh City, after its subsidiary AG&P LNG agreed to acquire the remaining stake from local firm Hai Linh Company. The deal lifts AG&P LNG’s ownership from 49% to 100%, although financial terms remain undisclosed and regulatory approvals are still pending.
The Ca Mep LNG terminal—one of only two operational LNG import facilities in Vietnam—is positioned to become a cornerstone of the country’s evolving gas-to-power ecosystem. With planned expansion capacity of up to 6 million tonnes per year, the facility is being integrated into Nebula Energy’s global LNG supply chain, reinforcing Vietnam’s role in regional energy flows.
Completed in 2025, the terminal is already equipped to supply stable LNG volumes to industrial and power generation clients across southern Vietnam. Its infrastructure includes three onshore storage tanks with a combined capacity of 220,000 cubic meters, along with distribution systems capable of reloading LNG onto smaller vessels and delivering compressed natural gas (CNG) and LNG via tanker trucks. Critically, the terminal is directly connected via pipeline to Vietnam’s largest gas-fired power complex, with total capacity reaching 3.9 gigawatts.
For Hai Linh, the divestment reflects a strategic pivot. The company plans to redeploy capital into its core petroleum business and the Hiep Phuoc power project, effectively handing over LNG infrastructure development to a specialized international operator. For Nebula Energy, however, full ownership unlocks operational control and accelerates expansion across downstream gas distribution networks.
The acquisition underscores a broader trend: Vietnam’s LNG-to-power model is rapidly gaining traction as the country seeks to balance energy security with decarbonization goals. With strong connectivity to industrial zones and major consumption hubs, Ca Mep is increasingly viewed as a critical node in Southeast Asia’s emerging LNG logistics map.
The bigger question now is whether this deal marks the beginning of a larger wave of foreign acquisitions in Vietnam’s energy infrastructure—or a race among global players to secure early dominance in one of Asia’s most promising power markets.
Authorities in Austria have issued an urgent warning after discovering that baby food products may have been deliberately contaminated with rat poison, raising serious health concerns for infants and triggering recalls across the country.
Rat poison was detected in a sample of a 190-gram jar of carrot and potato flavored baby food. Photo: APA/Tobias Steinmaurer
The case is being investigated as a potential cross border extortion attempt, with officials warning that even small exposure could lead to delayed but severe medical complications in children.
What Was Found
The alert centers on jars of baby food sold under the HiPP brand, specifically a carrot and potato variant.
Key developments include:
Rat poison was detected in at least one confirmed sample
A second potentially contaminated jar has also been identified
Products were distributed through SPAR supermarkets, with a nationwide recall affecting around 1,500 stores
Authorities believe the contamination did not occur during manufacturing but may be the result of external tampering within the distribution chain.
Why This Is Dangerous
The substance identified is likely bromadiolone, a common anticoagulant used in rodenticides.
Its effects are particularly dangerous for young children:
It interferes with vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting
It can lead to internal bleeding and hemorrhage
Symptoms may not appear immediately, often delayed by 2 to 5 days
This delayed onset makes early detection difficult and increases the risk of severe complications if not treated in time.
Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For
Health authorities advise parents to monitor children closely for symptoms such as:
Unexplained bruising
Nosebleeds or bleeding gums
Blood in stool
Unusual fatigue or pale skin
If any of these signs appear, immediate medical attention is required. Early treatment with vitamin K can be highly effective.
What Consumers Should Do
Officials have issued strict guidance:
Do not consume any suspected products
Return items to the point of purchase for a full refund
Avoid opening suspicious jars
Use gloves when handling potentially contaminated items
Wash hands thoroughly after contact
Signs of tampering may include damaged lids, unusual smells, or missing seal sounds when opening.
Vietnam Also Issues Warning
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has moved quickly in response, instructing local authorities to recall affected products and advising consumers to stop using the specific baby food variant under investigation.
This reflects the global nature of modern food supply chains, where safety incidents in one country can quickly become a concern elsewhere.
Bigger Picture: A Growing Food Safety Challenge
The incident comes amid broader concerns in the global baby food sector, following earlier contamination cases involving toxins that affected multiple countries.
For regulators and manufacturers, this case highlights:
Vulnerabilities in distribution and retail handling
The need for stronger traceability systems
Increasing risks of deliberate product tampering
Bottom Line
This is not a routine product recall. It is a serious safety incident involving suspected criminal interference.
For parents, vigilance is essential. For the industry, the case underscores the importance of securing every step of the supply chain, not just production.
