Chris Infotainment

The Struggle for Clean Air in Hanoi William Gray packed up his belongings and left Hanoi, unable to endure the city's "thick exhaust fumes and burning plastic stench." After eight years living in the capital, the 38-year-old Briton made the tough decision to move his family to Hoi An at the end of 2024. His experience was not unique—many residents have faced similar challenges due to the city’s worsening air quality. The idea of leaving came after a particularly harrowing moment when he spent half an hour stuck in traffic on a bridge in Ha Dong Ward. The air was so thick with pollution that it made him gag and feel suffocated. “Life in Hanoi would be perfect if not for the pollution,” he said wistfully. Gray's daily commute involved crossing Long Bien Bridge, where the smell of burning plastic from trash near construction sites was constant. During rush hour, he was trapped in exhaust fumes that worsened his health. His wife, a Hanoi native, struggled with respirat...

Strategic Importance of Nuclear Energy in Vietnam Nuclear energy development is being positioned as a long-term strategic goal for Vietnam, with significant implications for socio-economic growth and national defense. This vision was emphasized by the Party General Secretary, To Lam, during a working session with the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) under the Ministry of Science and Technology in Hanoi. The focus on nuclear energy comes with an unwavering commitment to safety. The General Secretary highlighted that nuclear energy must ensure absolute safety for people, the environment, and society. This includes strict adherence to guidelines set by international atomic energy agencies. Such measures are essential to maintain public trust and prevent any potential risks associated with nuclear activities. To support this ambitious goal, the General Secretary called for refining policies and mechanisms that can effectively drive nuclear energy development. He proposed the es...

A Legacy of Resistance and Inspiration In a quiet room in São Paulo, Brazil, 30 students sat in silence as they watched images of B-52 bombers destroying villages and children suffering from napalm burns. These were not just any images; they were powerful visual testimonies of the Vietnam War, captured and shared by the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam to expose the brutal realities of U.S. military actions. This moment was part of a larger movement led by journalist Pedro de Oliveira, who dedicated over five decades to highlighting the struggles of Vietnam and its people. Pedro, now 77, recalls the secret film screenings he conducted more than 50 years ago. He describes the scenes as “horrifying,” emphasizing that the group could not remain silent in the face of such injustice. Using small cinemas across Brazil, he and his friends aimed to educate students about the atrocities committed during the war and challenge the narrative surrounding U.S. involvement. A Life of Act...

A Major Step Forward for Con Dao Islands After six months of intense construction, a significant infrastructure project worth VND4.9 trillion (US$185.6 million) has been completed and is now fully operational. This submarine cable project has brought stable electricity to the Con Dao Islands, ending their long-term dependence on diesel generators. The initiative marks a major milestone in improving energy reliability and sustainability for this popular tourist destination located off Vietnam’s southern coast. The Project Management Board of Electric Power 3, under Vietnam Electricity (EVN), officially energized the 110kV Con Dao transformer station on Thursday. This event marked the successful connection of the island to the national grid, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply. The electricity flows from Can Tho City, crossing the sea to reach the remote islands, which are known for their natural beauty and historical significance. Key Components of the Project The projec...

A New Life in Nha Trang On Tran Phu Street in Nha Trang, Daniel begins his day with a cup of coffee on the balcony, watching the bay unfold. The Canadian software engineer has called this city home for a year. His journey to Vietnam started three years ago as a tourist, but after returning to Canada, he found himself longing for the experiences he had in the country. This desire led him to make a bold decision: move to Nha Trang to see if he could truly integrate into the local culture. He rented a studio apartment in the northern part of the city for $400, began learning Vietnamese, joined local running groups, and now works remotely while organizing coding workshops for students. “Northern Nha Trang has its own rhythm, neither too fast nor too dull. I have been to Bangkok, Bali and Lisbon, but only here do I find the right mix of sea, mountains, good food, and fast internet,” he says. The Growing Expat Community Unofficial data from Expat, a platform that helps people find place...

A Romantic Proposal from the Sky Hong Hon, a 29-year-old man from northern Ninh Binh province, made a breathtaking and unforgettable proposal to his girlfriend during their trip to Bali, Indonesia. The romantic gesture took place from a helicopter, with the words “Will you marry me” written on a white paper that was visible from 150 meters below. Hon had planned this special moment carefully. He knew that his 26-year-old girlfriend, Hoang Anh, had always loved grand and romantic gestures, so he decided to take her on an unforgettable adventure. During their trip last month, he rented a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter to fly over Bali’s beautiful landscapes. The flight started at Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. As the couple soared through the sky, they were treated to stunning views of the sea, islands, and other famous sights. The helicopter journey lasted about 15 minutes before it descended to an altitude of 150 meters. At that point, Hon pointed down to the...

A Journey of Healing and Giving Back Isabelle Paulette Muller had lived with the pain of abuse and stigma for years, but everything changed when she accompanied her mother to Vietnam to rediscover her heritage. The journey marked a turning point in her life, leading her to reconnect with her roots and dedicate herself to helping others. As they stepped off the plane at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Isabelle gripped her mother Loan’s hand, feeling the weight of a new beginning. The heat and noise were overwhelming, but beneath the initial discomfort, she sensed something familiar. It was 1990, and this was her first visit to Vietnam. The immigration officer stamped her tourist visa with a red seal, reminding her that she was only a visitor in the land her mother called home. The unwelcoming atmosphere quickly faded when they arrived at the hotel and enjoyed a steaming bowl of pho. The aroma of cinnamon and star anise brought back memories of stories her mother had told in France. “If it ...

Exceptional Achievement by Three HUST Students Three students from the same laboratory at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) have made history by securing full PhD scholarships to study computer science in the United States before completing their undergraduate degrees. This remarkable accomplishment has been highlighted by their professor, who described it as unprecedented. The students are Nguyen Manh Duong, majoring in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; Cao Minh Tue, and Tran The Hung, both majoring in Computer Science at HUST’s University of Information Technology and Communication. Their achievements have not only brought recognition to their university but also set a new benchmark for academic excellence in Vietnam. Duong was awarded a full scholarship valued at around US$370,000 for a PhD program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is ranked 33rd in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report. Tue received an offer from the Unive...