Stories from Vietnam

The Politburo has officially decided to establish the Central Theoretical Council for the 2026 term. This follows a conference where the General Secretary announced the formation of the new body to guide political theory.

The integration of AI into analyzing large datasets for pathological and lifestyle factors in healthcare is considered a significant step. AI is not intended to replace doctors but to serve as an intelligent assistant, helping to identify complex patterns in conditions like tumors that might be overlooked by the human eye. This technology aims to enhance understanding and improve diagnostic accuracy.

A Vietnamese fairy tale describes a journey involving a monkey, a bird, and a fisherman. The characters encounter a mysterious island and seek passage across the water. The story appears to be a traditional folk tale.

A new trend of bird watching is gaining popularity among young adults, with a 27-year-old noting it's becoming a widespread habit. This surge is attributed to technological advancements, such as apps that identify bird songs and images, making the hobby more accessible. It also offers a way for young people to disconnect from smartphones and cope with stressful modern life, promoting mindfulness and connection with nature.

Prime Minister Le Minh Huong announced plans to complete 12 component projects of the North-South expressway network by the April 30 to May 1 holiday period. This includes the opening of the 37 km Bien Hoa - Vung Tau section to facilitate regional connectivity. The infrastructure expansion aims to improve labor productivity and national economic efficiency. The project includes the implementation of new rest stop systems to support long-distance travelers. Authorities in Vietnam have deployed security forces and fire prevention teams along major transit routes. Road management officials are preparing conditions for the operation of several expressways in the central region. These routes are expected to begin service on the afternoon of April 29, according to Nguyen Phuong Nam, director of Road Management Area 3.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is preparing to handle over 56,300 passengers, including 32,600 domestic and 23,600 international travelers. The airport has issued warnings to passengers to avoid terminal confusion during the holiday period. Current domestic services are primarily focused on Vietjet operations. Authorities plan to operate 713 flights to meet the increased demand for cargo and passenger services. Ho Chi Minh City officials committed to resolving administrative obstacles to maintain development momentum. Experts suggest the modern Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) airport model could increase provincial GDP by 3% to 10%. Quyen Quoc stated that while achieving two-digit growth remains a challenge, the super airport will transform the area into a hub for high-quality capital.

Vietnam has successfully concluded early elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Council for the 2026-2031 term. The voting process took place in offshore locations approximately 580 km from the mainland. The process included the election of 21 provincial and city party secretaries as delegates.

The Ministry of Education and Training held training sessions for organizing upcoming high school graduation exams across 34 provinces and cities. The exams aim to assess students' abilities, qualities, and creativity, moving beyond general knowledge. The registration period commenced on April 24th. The Ministry of Education and Training is implementing a new approach to learning, focusing on different learning capacities for various groups. Additionally, a new method is being introduced in schools, with a target of one session per week during the final eight weeks of the academic year. Candidates have less than two months until the exam period. The Vietnam Ministry of Defense organized a training conference on April 28 regarding the sampling, handover, and digitization of martyr remains information. The conference utilized both in-person and online formats.

The Vietnam U17 national football team is scheduled to play against Malaysia tonight in a match to advance in the tournament. Malaysia enters the match with momentum after a recent 3-0 victory over Laos. The match is highly anticipated as both teams seek to secure their positions in the competition.

Nguyen Xuan Thang will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council for the 2026-2031 term. This appointment is part of the leadership transitions for the new National Assembly. This follows recent structural changes within the Vietnamese political leadership. The Politburo decision establishes the new council to oversee theoretical development in Vietnam.