Viet Nam News Võ Trí Thành* Việt Nam has made great efforts in fine-tuning its regulatory system and reaped certain successes in recent years. This is, however, not yet finished but now is the right time to speed up this reform to make regulations strong and effective. Since 1986, Việt Nam has issued a number of laws to regulate economic activities in line with market-oriented reforms. In 1996, the National Assembly introduced the first Law on Legal Normative Documents (also known as the Law on Laws). This law specifies the authority of different bodies in promulgating different types of regulations, including laws, ordinances, decisions and circulars. Việt Nam also embarked on simplifying administrative procedures. This direction of work was initiated in the 1990s but only materialised during the 2000s, especially since 2007. Reducing barriers for local firms to do business is acknowledged as a core priority to support the business community and … [Read more...] about Việt Nam: it’s time to make regulations strong and effective
Does it really work
How does technology make lives faster and easier?
Richard R. C. Shih speaking at Taiwan Excellence 2018 In the 4.0 era, how important are smart technology applications in our day-to-day lives? Are these applications suitable for use in Vietnam? We have various emerging technologies that impact our lives in different ways today. Take smart technology for example, it makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable a level of cognitive awareness. The technology employs machine learning and Big Data analysis to perform functions that have traditionally been done by humans. This boosts the efficiency, productivity, and functionality of almost anything it is applied to, hence creating a smarter and more comfortable life for us. Vietnam is both qualified and motivated to take the lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Smart applications can be applied in various fields in Vietnam, ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to education or home appliances. It also attracts great attention from users in Vietnam. In Vietnam, real … [Read more...] about How does technology make lives faster and easier?
A job you can’t really bank on
It was a job that paid well, and she was given extra responsibilities, but Thao’d had enough. She quit her job at one of the top state-owned commercial banks five months ago. The 27-year-old had worked for the bank for four years since her college graduation. But the policy of squeezing employees and extracting extra work got to be too much. Thao said she was overworked and stressed out, and couldn’t take it anymore. “Since there was a change in management and organization, work kept stacking up. I had to hold two positions at the same time,” Thao, who does not want to reveal her full name, told VnExpress International. She was initially recruited as a corporate lending relationship officer, but later when her office expanded, she was asked to undertake another position – that of data administrator, because of limited manpower. The heavy workload required her to be in the office from 7 a.m. until 8-9 p.m. every day. Apart from the hectic … [Read more...] about A job you can’t really bank on
“It’s not distance, but direction that’s important”
Viet Nam News By Robert Bicknell Haizzzz… here we go again. Apparently, the USGA has decided to officially continue their investigation re: the golf ball goes too far. The study, known as the “Distance Insights Research Project”, will initially involve 21 industry stakeholders (architects, superintendents, golf course operators, tour players, and recreational players among them). It’s true that Tour players have been driving the ball around nine yards further than five years ago, but is this the ball or a combination of other factors? In my opinion, the players today are bigger and in better physical condition. This is why they can generate much more clubhead speed. In a recent article, Dustin Johnson said that he didn’t feel he hits the ball too far. Well, no surprise there, but to be honest, he really doesn’t. Sure, when he really gets a hold of one people gasp in amazement, but that’s an exception and usually downwind. His … [Read more...] about “It’s not distance, but direction that’s important”
EU senses Facebook scandal shifts privacy tide in its favour
Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg testifies earlier this week about the data breaches at the social media which have sparked calls for tougher rules AFP/SAUL LOEB After years of mounting concern, the European Union will introduce tough new data protection rules next month, which Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg himself has welcomed in the face of the latest scandals. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force on May 25, gives web users much greater control over how their personal information is stored and used, with big fines for companies that break the rules. "I was really desperate about thinking how to make the best possible campaign for GDPR so now this is well done, so thank you Mr Zuckerberg," the EU's justice and consumer affairs commissioner Vera Jourova told reporters in Brussels this week. "His declaration that they want to expand our European rules globally, it's only good news, it sounds very nice to me." The GDPR is not the only EU … [Read more...] about EU senses Facebook scandal shifts privacy tide in its favour
First work with Industrial Revolution 4.0, learn it later: Viettel CEO
Viettel CEO Major General Nguyen Manh Hung According to delegates at the meeting, Industrial Revolution 4.0 is now developing drastically throughout the world, with various impacts on all aspects of industry, business and social life; thus, it is urgent and important for Vietnam to train high-quality human resources to meet the revolution. In his remarks at the event, General Hung said that Industrial Revolution 4.0 can mean “the new is replaced the old,” but what is more important is whether or not people dare to change. He stressed that Viettel closely follows the concept “Creating differences from the impossible” and applies this bold concept into its operation, innovation and human resources development. “If one first starts by learning about the overview of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and does nothing, he/she will lose. The Fourth Industrial Revolution with tools of 4.0 helps create different ways of doing things so one will lag behind forever if … [Read more...] about First work with Industrial Revolution 4.0, learn it later: Viettel CEO
BTM Global: We work and operate as a partner
BTM Global: We work and operate as a partner When looking for a partner to help your retail organization with technology development or implementation, your options can be overwhelming. How do you tell the difference between companies? Don’t they all promise to do the same thing? And doesn’t it really come down to who can do the work at the least cost? When you discuss your needs with a partner or vendor, most of them will likely say they can manage and execute the project. But in order to sort out the great partners from the adequate partners – the ones that will be proactive, solve problems creatively and keep your best interests in mind – you will need to dig a little deeper. The real questions for a technology partner are: What will be the process for completing the project? Will it be predictable? And especially, what will your relationship be like with this partner? This last question is one of the most important: it sets the stage for how you will tackle … [Read more...] about BTM Global: We work and operate as a partner
Classic drama to go on puppet stage
Based on the classic drama Ngheu, So, Oc, Hen (Mussel, Oyster, Snail and Clam), director of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Nguyen Hoang Tuan, has produced a puppet performance entitled Nang Hen. The play, featuring a combination of marionettes and actors has wowed audiences. Tuan talks about stories from behind the curtain.What inspired you to direct the play?Audiences are already familiar with Ngheu, So, Oc, Hen through tuong (classical drama) and cheo (traditional opera). When reading the script, I realised that the play could be performed through puppetry. Through the development of the production I realised that a lot of details could be expressed through the use of puppets. The puppetry really captures some of the effects in the play.Until now, water puppetry seems to be more preferred by Vietnamese audiences than the usual puppetry performed on a stage. So why did you choose this form? Does it have any advantages in conveying the story?Dry puppetry has many advantages in … [Read more...] about Classic drama to go on puppet stage
Social News 11/12
"Danish Week - Sustainable City Solutions" about to beginA series of events on sustainable city solutions will be held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from December 12 to 17 within an initiative of the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam and co-organized by the National University of Civil Engineering in Hanoi (NUCE) and the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (UAH), with support from local authorities, organizations, and enterprises from Vietnam and Denmark.“Denmark is among the world leaders in green technology, and Green Growth is an important area of Vietnam and Denmark’s Comprehensive Partnership Agreement,” said Danish Ambassador H.E. Charlotte Laursen. “With this campaign we hope to create opportunities to exchange inspiration and knowledge with Vietnam on how to build green and sustainable cities.”With the theme “Danish Week - Sustainable City Solutions”, the campaign includes exhibitions, seminars, film screenings, masterclasses, and a … [Read more...] about Social News 11/12
Working as repairmen along busy streets in the motorbike kingdom of Saigon
A common sight along many Saigon roads is that of a tire hanging from a tree branch, pole, or fire hydrant, along with a rustic air compressor prominently displayed on the sidewalk. These street-side repair 'shops' have been serving local drivers on their daily rides in the city for years.Huy, a 33-year-old migrant living in Saigon for the last three years, was riding his ramshackle motorbike to work on a cool morning in December, when suddenly he heard a popping sound, like that of an exploded balloon. The effect was immediate, and his wheel began to malfunction. However, remaining calm, Huy knew he could just ask around for the nearest roadside repairman.Statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport reveal that in March 2017, there were 7.3 million motorbikes in the city.Data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam shows that the city’s official population in 2016 was 8.3 million, which translates to 87 motorbikes per 100 city residents.Well aware of … [Read more...] about Working as repairmen along busy streets in the motorbike kingdom of Saigon