Stories from Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam

In a world filled with chatbots capable of adapting personalities to user needs, many individuals have developed deep emotional bonds with AI. Some experience grief when updates alter the AI's personality. People are choosing to chat and confide in AI. Users of AI companionship services are experiencing grief when these services undergo updates. Conversations with AI are becoming a part of everyday life, offering companionship and a listening ear. However, users have experienced grief when AI companions are updated. One individual felt deceived, believing the AI was their new boss and would not lie to them. The film 'Robot and Rank 2' explores this theme. The AI's ability to simulate real companionship is leading to emotional difficulties for some individuals. Recent studies indicate that AI algorithms, particularly in facial recognition, show higher error rates for certain demographics.

The Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) became effective in February 2026. This agreement provides preferential export tariffs for various Vietnamese agricultural and food products entering the UAE market. The UAE market is viewed as a opportunity for Vietnamese businesses amid global export challenges. The global Halal economy is estimated at approximately $5 trillion and is projected to double by 2028.

The DT744 road expansion project in Ho Chi Minh City has faced delays since its 2008 approval. These payments are calculated based on the original principal amount plus an interest rate of 0.3%. Land Registration Office No. 29 is currently finalizing the documentation for publication. The bridge branch is nearly 500 meters long with a design speed of 50 km/h. The total investment for this specific component exceeded 124 billion VND. The project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at the city's most complex intersection, particularly during the April 30 and May 1 holiday period. The ATC system recorded 2.6 million transactions and 262 billion VND in revenue on March 31, 2026. In April, transaction volume rose to 3.3 million with revenue exceeding 317 billion VND. This represents a increase in vehicle traffic compared to March.

Two new road segments in Ho Chi Minh City's District 11 are scheduled to open by the April 30 holiday. The project, managed by the District 11 Construction Investment Project Management Board, has a total investment of 200 billion VND. The first route is 500 meters long and 32 meters wide, creating a direct connection between Le Dai Hanh and Ly Thuong Kiet streets. The second route is of similar dimensions and will serve as a connecting branch between the existing roads. These infrastructure improvements aim to enhance local traffic flow. These developments aim to improve urban planning and city aesthetics. The projects are expected to be operational in time for the April 30 and May 1 holidays. The city is also hosting the 13th annual Southern Folk Cake Festival, which opened on April 26. This festival's theme for 2026 is 'Flavors of Heaven and Earth'.

Medical professionals are warning against the use of unscientific methods for ear treatments. Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang of the Underwater Medical Association and OCKF Vietnam stated that certain practices lack reliable scientific evidence. He noted that some methods involving urine therapy are dangerous and unproven. The doctor explained that urine is primarily composed of 95% water filtered by the kidneys.

Vietnamese company Hoang Sao used a logo featuring a Chinese map with disputed borders during an event on April 26. The map includes the disputed Paracel and Spratly Islands, which Vietnam claims as sovereign territory. This action is viewed as an infringement on Vietnamese sovereignty over the two island groups. The incident was reported following the company's launch activities.

Billiards player Hoang Sao reported that CBSA used a map featuring disputed maritime boundaries during an event on April 26. The map allegedly included dashed lines affecting the Paracel and Spratly Islands. This usage is viewed as an infringement on Vietnamese sovereignty and jurisdiction over these island territories. The event is part of the Lely Cup 2026 held from April 26 to April 30. The reported figure associated with the event context is 822,000 CNY.

Road traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City issued fines totaling 120 million VND to a driver and a transport cooperative. The violations involved passenger buses exceeding capacity on the Cam Lam - Vinh Hao expressway in Khanh Hoa province. The transport cooperative, identified as a Ho Chi Minh City-based tourism and transport cooperative, received a 96 million VND fine and a two-month suspension of its operating badge. The incident was reported by the Ministry of Public Security's traffic police department on April 26, 2026.

Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Quang Ngoc chaired a meeting regarding the 500-day campaign to collect and identify remains of fallen soldiers. The campaign focuses on several provinces including Tuyen Quang, Quang Tri, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City. The meeting also addressed social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance policies.

Economic police in Ho Chi Minh City uncovered an illegal production ring for E-MOS brand weight loss supplements. The operation was led by a husband and wife using the Mai Xuan Thanh Agricultural Products Co., Ltd. Authorities report the ring produced and distributed supplements valued at over 3 billion VND during February and March 2026. The investigation follows increased consumer demand for processed foods and discounts at major shopping centers like Takashimaya and Dong Khoi. Police are currently managing the fallout from the illegal production activities. The ring operated through the Mai Xuan Thanh agricultural limited liability company located in Binh My, Ho Chi Minh City. Authorities are investigating the full scope of the safety regulation violations.