Viet Nam News HCM CITY - Despite being dubbed the leading economic sector of HCM City, the city's tourism sector is struggling with a lack of qualified human resources. According to the National Administration of Tourism, HCM City's tourism sector needs roughly 40,000 new workers added to the labour pool each year. Last year, only 37 per cent of demand was met with 15,000 workers joining the sector, with merely 12 per cent of them educated to college level. A college degree in tourism, however, does not guarantee that a worker that can do the job. Nguyễn Hải Linh, investor of the luxurious, high-end Elisa floating restaurant on the Sài Gòn River, admitted the high labour demand of tourism companies in the city but said they rarely employed tourism students. The reason for this was that most of the students had "very weak working skills". "They are adept in theories, but short of practical skills," Linh said. "Many restaurants and hotels were forced to recruit untrained but … [Read more...]

VietNamNet Bridge - Professor Truong Nguyen Thanh, vice rector of the Hoa Sen University in HCMC, has given lectures in a t-shirt and shorts in an aim to teach about creative thought. But his efforts have stirred controversy. A reader commented: “I am studying in the US and I have never seen any professor go to class in shorts. I think in this context, Prof Thanh wants to use this image as an example to prove his view which have relations with his lecture. This is his right to wear shorts, while it is the right of students to make comments." Meanwhile, Hoang Giang, another reader, affirmed that lecturers in foreign countries often go to class in shorts. “They laugh and chat with students very comfortably, but they are very serious in discussing with students and giving marks,” he said. Professor Truong Nguyen Thanh, vice rector of the Hoa Sen University in HCMC, has given lectures in a t-shirt and shorts in an aim to teach about creative thought. But his efforts … [Read more...]

Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI - Overlapping and poor co-ordination among vocational secondary schools or technical high schools continues to drain the State budget. For many years, thousands of billion đồng have been invested in many vocational secondary schools or technical high schools nationwide. However, many vocational training objectives have yet to be achieved. In some localities, vocational secondary schools which were built and furbished with modern machines and equipment remain idle due to poor student enrollment According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Hà Nội is known nation-wide for many achievements in vocational training, yet the enrollment in some facilities is very low. Doãn Quốc Hưng, deputy director of the ThăngLongTransportVocationalSecondary School, said "due to the low percentage of students' enrollment, quite a few teaching facilities in the school remain idle. In some cases, we have to lend them to other vocational institutions". Hưng also … [Read more...]

The Hanoitimes - The first Book Street of Hanoi attracted untold number of visitors right after being launched. Hanoi launches its first Book Street on May 1 at 19/12 Street of Hoan Kiem district, aiming to promote reading culture and develop a learning society for the country’s sustainable development. This is the first time Hanoi spends an especial street for book lovers As the capital of Vietnam – the heart of science, education, economy, international trading, Hanoi is ideal location for leading publishers, big libraries and culture companies. Gathering here are prestigious Vietnam publishers and related units such as: The Truth Publisher, University of Education Publisher, Kim Dong Publisher, Women Publisher, Nha Nam Joint Stock company, Tien Phong Joint Stock Company… Translated by Tu Anh Thanh Hai - Kinhtedothi.vn … [Read more...]

Water operations supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have played an important role in strengthening water security in Vietnam’s most water-stressed areas. The Asian Development Bank was established in 1966 as a financial institution that would foster regional economic growth and cooperation by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. Water operations supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have played an important role in strengthening water security in Vietnam’s most water-stressed areas. Projects implemented by ADB have helped millions of Vietnamese households gain access to clean water over the past five years, the institution said ahead of its 50th Annual Meeting in Japan this week. The regional development bank’s vision is not only to provide sufficient water for households and economic activities in water-insecure areas, but also includes ensuring healthy ecosystem, and … [Read more...]

A charity ride along Vietnam’s central coast late April has raised more than AUD30,000 (US$22,500) for a fund to send seven underprivileged students to university. A charity ride along Vietnam’s central coast late April has raised more than AUD30,000 (US$22,500) for a fund to send seven underprivileged students to university. The week-long ride, held by Lifestart Foundation, took place from April 14 to 21, with six riders covering more than 400 km, or an average of only under 70km per day, the organizers said on Wednesday. The participants, all from Australia, departed from Da Nang and continued along the scenic coast, venturing into the famed ancient capital of Hue before heading west into the mountains and along the Ho Chi Minh Road, according to Lifestart Foundation. The six Australian riders all successfully completed the very hilly ride in extreme heat after seven days. “This was more than a bike trip – it was an inspiring journey with like minded … [Read more...]

Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI - Experts have objected to several provisions of a draft decree on foreign investment in education saying they need further clarification and revision. They expressed their opinions at a consultative workshop held last week on a draft decree prepared by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET). "The draft is set to replace Decree 73 issued in 2012, and change procedures and investment conditions to boost competitiveness and help foreign investors enter the Vietnamese education sector," said Nguyễn Xuân Vang, head of MoET's International Co-operation Department. According to Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, as of March 20, 2017, Việt Nam had attracted 320 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in education with a total investment of US$ 684.3 million, accounting for 1.3 per cent of the total number of FDI projects and 0.2 per cent of FDI capital. Experts said at the workshop that the provision that investors need a … [Read more...]

VietNamNet Bridge - The competition to enter primary schools has already begun, though official enrollment will only begin in mid-June. According to the Hanoi Education and Training Department, the city will continue applying the online enrollment method for preschool, primary and secondary schools in the 2017-2018 academic year. The enrollment will begin on June 15. However, the race for seats at the schools began one month ago and parents are now sprinting to finish. Analysts said that the race is so hot that the competition ratio at preschools is even higher than competition at universities. A parent in Trung Hoa, Nhan Chinh residential quarter in Hanoi said her daughter applied for the Ngoi Sao Primary School. The school organized the first enrollment campaign in April and her daughter failed. “I heard that 2,000 students have applied for the school, while only 200 students will be admitted. Therefore, it is very difficult to obtain seats at the school this year,” she … [Read more...]

Ahmed Abdelsattar was 14 when Islamic State swept into Mosul and declared a caliphate in 2014. Fearing he would be indoctrinated and sent to fight by the militants, his parents took him out of school. Three years later, he sells ice cream at a refugee camp for internally displaced Iraqis. His family have lost their home and his father is too old for the manual labor positions at the camp, which means he is his family's sole breadwinner. Coupled with a shortage of teachers, books and supplies, the 17-year-old sees no reason to go to the makeshift schools set up in the Khazar camp near Erbil. "Going to school is now useless. I am helping my family," he said. He adds that it is too late for him anyway. Had his education not been interrupted, Abdelsattar would be graduating in a few weeks. Abdelsattar is one of tens of thousands of children orphaned or left homeless by the war on Islamic State and forced to work to support their families in Mosul, the militant's last major city … [Read more...]

While homeschooling is still foreign to most Vietnamese parents, two brothers in Ho Chi Minh City have been undergoing the educational method for years with flying colors. While homeschooling is still foreign to most Vietnamese parents, two brothers in Ho Chi Minh City have been undergoing the educational method for years with flying colors. The brothers, Dang Thai Anh, 14, and Dang Nhat Anh, 19, have dropped out of formal classes after finding their school curricula too stressful and the traditional schooling environment unsuitable for their development. They are now taught at home by their father Dang Quoc Anh, a former university professor who has given up his job to be a full-time dad. "I objected the idea at first, as I believed kids their age should be taken to school," said the brothers' mother Le Thi Thanh, who is also a professor at the Institute of Posts and Telecommunications in Ho Chi Minh City. "But over time I became fed up myself with the strenuous experience the … [Read more...]

VietNamNet Bridge - More and more big investors are pouring money into the education sector, which is seen as profitable and safe. Students can study at TH schools from two years old until they finish high school. The school built on the 18,500 square meters is the first phase of a plan to develop the school system all over the country. If the school receives 2,090 students as planned, it would have total revenue of VND900 billion. The minimum tuition is between VND230 million and VND520 million per annum, depending on education levels. More and more big investors are pouring money into the education sector, which is seen as profitable and safe. The tuition will cover all kinds of expenses, from material facilities, admission fees, uniforms and extracurricular activities. An analyst commented that the revenue would multiply rapidly in the time to come, when TH Group completes the project on the university-junior college complex development and builds at least one school in every … [Read more...]

Vo Tuong An, who won scholarships from more than 10 prestigious international universities and is co-founder of International Catalysts Empowerment organisation, has implemented a new education project to help pupils on Ly Son Island. Vo Tuong An was born in Quang Ngai Province. She qualified for scholarships from Harvard, Yale and Stanford. An chose Stanford University but decided to take two gap years to further develop her social projects. The idea to found the International Catalysts Empowerment was formed during the Yale Young Global Scholars by An and five friends from India, South Korea and the US. The organisation aims to improve school conditions in developing countries and provide students with education and life skills that will help them excel in their future. Funds will be raised to purchase school supplies and discussions on global issues will be held at these schools. Several educational projects have been successfully implemented in India and the US. This year, An … [Read more...]

The Hanoitimes - 19/12 Street in Hoan Kiem district has officially become Hanoi’s first book street from May 1. The street stretchs about 200 meters, connecting Hai Ba Trung and Ly Thuong Kiet streets and officially opens after 4 months of contrucstion. Local authorities will manage this cultural corner. Funds to establish the venue will come from the city budget and stalls will be available for prospective vendors including booksellers and publishers at a fee. Book content will be examined by the city’s department of information and communications. The book street will follow the design inspired by Hanoi's Old Quarter. December 19 Street is considered to be an upgraded version of Dinh Le – Nguyen Xi streets where books have been sold for decades. Last February, the spring book event held in Hanoi attracted thousands of people and brought in VND4 billion ($178,800) worth of books in three days. The funding for creating the book street and organizing related … [Read more...]

Responding to a request from Tuoi Tre News, a number of educators have commented on a plan to comprehensively transform Vietnam’s national education system. Responding to a request from Tuoi Tre News, a number of educators have commented on a plan to comprehensively transform Vietnam’s national education system. Included in the plan initiated by the Ministry of Education and Training is a call to eliminate the annual nationwide high school exam as a prerequisite for graduation. The academic and social performance of high school students would instead be evaluated by students’ immediate educators, who will decide whether or not the students are qualified for graduation, according to the draft education program. The plan’s main aim is to put a larger focus on career orientation for 11th and 12th graders. A good idea In my opinion, eliminating the graduate exam is a good idea. Thanks to studies and research done in countries across Europe and North America, … [Read more...]

(VOVworld) – Human resources play a key role in the economic development of APEC members. A senior policy dialogue on human resource development in the digital era will be held in Hanoi next month as part of the Vietnam APEC Year 2017. Science and technology have strongly impacted the production process and eased the workload. Mr. Michel Welmond, Head of the Education Group of the World Bank in Vietnam, said: "The definition of fundamental skills is changing. It's not just the matter of basic skills but the ability to apply them in different situations, master technical skills, know how to keep oneself up with the latest developments." Technology and digitization have resulted in job reduction. Therefore, appropriate social security policies are needed to adapt to such rapid changes. The senior policy dialogue on human resource development in the digital era will evaluate the role and impact of the digital era on the labor market and the quality of human resources in order to … [Read more...]

Police in Hanoi have arrested Nguyen Mau Chien and some others who are alleged members of a trans-boundary wildlife trafficking ring. The police seized nearly 36 kilograms of rhino horn, two frozen tiger cubs, and other wildlife products. The capture strikes a blow on those who are suspected to have involved in smuggling rhino horns, ivories and other wild animal products from Africa to Vietnam. After a period of follow-up, the municipal competent agencies on April 27 caught two people carrying 33 kilograms of rhino horn at Hanoi Railway Station. Police then raided the house of Nguyen Mau Chien – the suspected kingpin – and found another three kilograms of rhino horn, two frozen tiger cubs, elephant tusks, lion pelts and ivory products. In 2007, Chien was arrested in Africa and received administrative punishment for smuggling some wildlife products. In 2015-2016, several tonnes of ivories, rhino horns, and pangolin scab – which were supposed to belong to Chien - … [Read more...]

The event saw the participation of Politburo member, member of the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee (PCC) and Head of the PCC's Commission for Information and Education Vo Van Thuong, the city's leaders and children in the city. The modern, multi-functional, and child-friendly building shows the interest of the city's authorities in education of the young generations. The construction of the 5,000sq.m building with five floors and a basement, 15 functional rooms, a 450-seat hall and a 3D movie theater started in June 2015. The inauguration ceremony. Photo: VNA  * The provincial Commission for Information and Education of Bac Lieu, in association with the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee and the provincial Historical Science Association of Bac Lieu, held a seminar themed "Strength of the great national unity in the April 30, 1975 victory in Bac Lieu province." Speeches during the seminar highlighted the position, significance and special features of … [Read more...]

A Vietnamese cerebral palsied student has received an honor from a U.S. college for his ceaseless efforts and silent contributions to the institution. A Vietnamese cerebral palsied student has received an honor from a U.S. college for his ceaseless efforts and silent contributions to the institution. Georgia Gwinnett College, located in Georgia, has conferred the ‘Unsung Hero’ title on Tran Manh Chanh Quan, a Vietnamese student who suffers cerebral palsy, a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Quan, 25, revealed the accolade is bestowed on students in recognition of their tremendous efforts in life and studies which inspire others and their nameless contributions to the school. The student, dubbed ‘The Penguin of Vietnam,’ earned the honor on a nomination by the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). Quan was selected by his school to attend several of AITP’s seminars and … [Read more...]

Da Nang (VNA) – The education sector of the central city of Da Nang has taken measures to help children learn to swim together with skills to survive in drowning accidents. The municipal Department of Education and Training said as many as 17,000 pupils across primary schools in the city have been taught swimming. It has promoted campaigns to raise the awareness of pupils and students of keeping them away from being injured and drowned. The department has worked with relevant sectors to further invest in building facilities, and called on domestic and foreign organisations to support the work. Knowledge and skills to avoid injuring and drowning accidents have been included in training programmes at schools in Da Nang. Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Education and Training Le Thi Bich Thuan said the city has set to have all primary school graduates to know how to swim in the 2016-2017 academic year. In the coming time, the department will expand swimming … [Read more...]

Ho Chi Minh City’s Youth Union held a ceremony to inaugurate the upgrading project and put the city’s house for children into operation at 36 Le Quy Don Street, District 3. The event saw the presence of Politburo member and Secretary of Party Central Committee (PCC) Vo Van Thuong who is also Head of the PCC’s Commission for Communication and Education, and former Politburo member and Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee Le Thanh Hai. The upgrading project commenced in June 2015 with a total investment of around VND200 billion (nearly US$8.8 million). The house, located in an area of over 5,000 square metres with five floors and a basement, includes a 450-seat hall, 15 function rooms, 25 rooms for gifted children and a 3D movie theatre. On the same day, a delegation of Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee, People’s Council and People’s Committee, led by Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong, laid wreaths and offered … [Read more...]