Talk Around Town - VietNam News

If you happen to visit a newspaper office in Viet Nam this week, you are bound to catch a glimpse of flowers. Although there are still two days until the Viet Nam Revolutionary Journalism Day which falls on June 21, this year's celebration has already begun.

Retirement homes catch on among elderly

Social welfare is becoming a more pressing issue in Viet Nam as the years go by, including the establishment of nursing centres for the elderly.

Vietnamese women shun carbs to shed pounds

In recent years, many Vietnamese women have been using a popular dietary programme known as a "low-carb diet" to lose weight.

Backpacking: You can go your own way

Phan Hai Anh, 24, carefully checks his sleeping bags, medicine kit and backpack once more in preparation for a weekend journey to the northernmost province of Ha Giang with some friends.

New tests pose a worthier challenge

A journalist colleague, Nguyen Bich Chau, realised the benefits of daily news briefings for her family when her daughter sat for high school graduation exams marking the completion of 12 years of education.

Are children becoming more apathetic?

The parents of a 10th grade student at the Viet-Duc School have an unusual concern about their adolescent son: he appears to have no soul.

Vaccine frauds threaten national health schemes

In recent weeks, frauds related to child vaccines have been reported around the country. First the Health Ministry decided to cease the use of Quinvaxem, a five-in-one vaccine used for warding off diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B and meningitis, because it was suspected to have caused several child deaths.

School's out, but kids should still be learning

With the summer holidays fast approaching, parents are thinking about how to arrange a productive summer vacation for their kids.

Infants working overtime in scramble for success

My seven-year-old nephew once complained of his busy schedule. Sure, he was sometimes busier than a 20s-year-old office worker. His normal classes run from 8am to 4.30pm daily and the weekend is reserved for chess, drawing lessons and learning how to use an abacus.

Youth litter collectors dispel trashy image

Every Sunday afternoon, equipped with plastic bags and gloves, about 20 members travel around the lake to collect the rubbish, some of which they recycle during the following week.

Medical workers learn to say ‘thank you'

Going to hospitals for health check-ups or treatment has never left me feel comfortable. It is not because I am afraid of getting an injection, but of receiving a dressing-down from doctors.

Hightlight

First Korean-language newspaper hits shelves

The Vietnam-Korea Times – Viet Nam's first Korean language newspaper made its debut in Ha Noi yesterday.

New industrial zone to lure Japanese firms

Construction of the Phu My 3 Industrial Zone starts today in the south-eastern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau to predominantly house Japanese companies. Viet Nam News spoke to Nguyen Thi Thao Nhi, CEO of the Thanh Binh Phu My Joint Stock Company, the major investor in the zone, about its strengths and commitment to the province's development.

Classical guitarist to entertain