Having lived in Vietnam for several years and worked at Crowne Plaza West Hanoi since 2017, Barun Jolly has found life in the country very lively, energetic, and proactive. Each day he is fascinated by the unique Vietnamese culture, the people, and also traditional cuisine. He believes there is a lot to fall in love with in this beautiful country: from stunning beach towns and distinctive mountainside cities to the kind-hearted people and the wide range of diverse and delicious dishes available. What is most important to you when you think about luxury? The perception of luxury may vary in different industries, but I believe the essentials of luxury remain the same. To me, the most important thing in luxury is personalisation. The concept of giving a true sense of luxury lies in understanding what every single guest wants and deliver it at the right time in the right way, predicting guest behaviours and tailoring the service accordingly. It can start from the little things … [Read more...] about Tying the knot between tradition and modernity
Traditional vs modern teaching
Climate Change Vs. Energy Security
Climate Change Vs. Energy SecurityBy Vu Dung In fact, to promote renewable energy, the Government has set a target of expanding the total wind power capacity to 800 MW by 2020, 2,000 MW by 2025 and 6,000 MW by 2030 - PHOTO: THANH HOA Not only does climate change affect the people’s livelihoods but it also seriously threatens energy security. What is the solution to the problem of ensuring energy security without harming the environment? Natural disasters triggered by climate change killed 520,000 people worldwide in 1996-2016, and led to economic losses of US$3.16 trillion, as per statistics from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In Vietnam, climate change, or extreme weather phenomena in particular, is no longer a fancy story, but it is directly affecting livelihood, health and accommodation of millions of people. Many reports have named Vietnam as one of the five nations hardest hit by climate change globally. Under the impact of the change in the … [Read more...] about Climate Change Vs. Energy Security
Exhibition spotlights traditional Quan ho singing in modern context
Quan ho artists talk to school pupils about the art form at the exhibition (Photo: VNA) Bac Ninh (VNA) – An exhibition on Quan ho (love duets) opened in the northern province of Bac Ninh on January 23 to mark a decade since the traditional art form was recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity (2009 - 2019). Taking place at the provincial museum, the exhibition features more than 500 photos, documents, and objects that tell the story of Quan ho. Quan ho is an art form that combines various elements, including music, lyrics, and costume, and features the distinctive culture of people in the region, formerly called Kinh Bac. It has different sub-genres, including hat chuc, hat mung (literally meaning greeting singing), hat tho (ritual singing), hat canh (a singing competition between Quan ho choirs from different villages, which takes place in the evening during the spring festival), and hat hoi (festival singing). After its recognition as an … [Read more...] about Exhibition spotlights traditional Quan ho singing in modern context
Learn about traditional arts voluntarily, not forcibly
Viet Nam News By Bích Hường Some Vietnamese artists have suggested adding traditional theatre arts into the curriculum of Việt Nam’s general education from primary school to high school as a compulsory subject after seeing public, particularly young people, losing interest in the theatrical art forms. The early teaching and learning about traditional theatre arts is expected to help inspire and nurture students’ understanding and love for the arts. It is hoped when they grow up, they can enjoy the traditional theatrical arts that rooted centuries ago in the country. Việt Nam’s traditional performing arts are very diverse, varying from region to region. Some of the most widely known genres of singing include ca trù, cải lương, chầu văn, chèo, quan họ or tuồng. Stage director Đào Quang from the northern province of Nam Định said that teaching traditional theatrical … [Read more...] about Learn about traditional arts voluntarily, not forcibly
Mixing traditional techniques, modern style
Trend setter: Fashion designer Vũ Thảo of the brand Kilomet 109. — Photo courtesy of Kilomet 109 Viet Nam News Visitors to the London Design Biennale 2018 last month were fascinated with an installation at the Viet Nam Pavilion. Entitled Khải, the installation was created by fashion designer Vũ Thảo, multidisciplinary designer Giang Nguyễn and visual artist Lê Thanh Tùng. Thảo, who is also founder of Hà Nội-based sustainable fashion brand Kilomet 109, talks with Thúy Hằng about the impressive project. Inner Sanctum: Can you tell us about the project you exhibited at the London Design Biennale 2018? At the London Design Biennale 2018, 40 participants from six continents showcased new innovative commissions, in response to this year’s theme Emotional States. Khải shows how a new generation of designers is applying modern techniques to Vietnamese design without losing the … [Read more...] about Mixing traditional techniques, modern style
Vietnamese 9x initiative fuses tradition with modernity
(VEN) - Wishing to contribute to the preservation, restoration and promotion of Vietnamese traditional cultural products both domestically and abroad, a team of young people from the so-called “9x generation” has established the Y Van Hien Joint Stock Company. “9X” refers to Vietnamese born in the late 1980s and throughout the 90s, when Vietnam began opening itself up to the outside world. At a recent ceremony held at the Hanoi Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center to launch the company, Nguyen Duc Loc, director of the company, said Y Van Hien would concentrate on making traditional products, such as ao ngu than (five-paneled aristocratic gown), ao giao linh (cross-collared robe), shoes, wooden clogs, fans and folding pillows. The company makes these products not only for sale but also uses them to revive traditional rites, contributing to the conservation and spread of the quintessence of Vietnamese culture. Y Van Hien has a team of young researchers working … [Read more...] about Vietnamese 9x initiative fuses tradition with modernity
In a union of tradition and modernity, U.S actress Meghan marries Prince Harry
Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle during their wedding ceremony in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Dominic Lipinski) In a medieval chapel at Windsor Castle that 39 English kings and queens have called home since 1066, Harry and Meghan exchanged vows watched up close by royals and celebrities, and from afar by a global TV audience of many millions. Wearing a veil, diamond tiara and a sleek dress with a long train, the American actress was accompanied up the aisle of St George's Chapel by Harry's father, Prince Charles, before she and Harry exchanged vows and were proclaimed husband and wife. The couple kissed on the steps of the 15th Century chapel, before delighting the sea of well-wishers, some of whom had camped for days to witness the spectacular show of British pomp and pageantry, by touring Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage. The union of Harry, 33, a former royal wild child and sixth-in-line to the British … [Read more...] about In a union of tradition and modernity, U.S actress Meghan marries Prince Harry
Dogs vs. boar deathmatch in Hanoi sparks outrage on social media
A video showing several dogs attacking a boar as dozens of people watch on has been circulating on social media and receiving heavy criticism from animal activists and netizens alike. The fight was organized by a group of Argentine mastiff enthusiasts in an empty field in the southwest of Hanoi last Sunday. The video shows a single boar released from a cage and a pack of mastiffs mauling the animal, cheered on by their owners and watchers. As the boar’s squeals eventually subside, all that is left is a bloody mess. The graphic footage has invoked wrath and revulsion from viewers on social media. Vu Ngoc Thanh, an animal expert, said the event was “barbaric and uncivilized.” “Where is the humanity in this?” he said. Nguyen Tam Thanh, an animal welfare officer from Animals Asia, said the fight was a display of violence to satisfy instinctual, cardinal desires, and such a thing has no place in civilized society. “This is intentional animal abuse, and … [Read more...] about Dogs vs. boar deathmatch in Hanoi sparks outrage on social media
Vietnamese youth in traditional costumes take early photos to welcome Tet
The holidays, which take place in the middle of February, constitute an occasion of greatest cultural importance in Vietnam. Vietnamese people, young and old, customarily dress in smart clothes, as they follow the received wisdom that they herald good fortune for the entire New Year by doing so. The Tet festivity typically starts about half a month prior to the event in urban areas, with shops flamboyantly decorated with red ornaments, bright yellow apricot blossoms and peach flowers, the last two being the symbols of Tet in southern and northern Vietnam respectively. As part of the general trend, many young residents in Ho Chi Minh City, in formal clothes, have been present in popular local public places and spots of interest. “When Tet’s near, my friends and me go out and take pictures together ever year,” said Ngoc Thao, 23, a student at the University of Finance–Marketing. They wear the ao dai, literally translated as “long dress,” which is a … [Read more...] about Vietnamese youth in traditional costumes take early photos to welcome Tet
Traditional camp for students
An art performance at the opening ceremony Under the theme of “Proud to be the city’s students to learn and follow Uncle Ho’s teachings”, the camp drew the participation of over 10,000 outstanding students in the “Learning and following Uncle Ho’s teachings” movements of junior and senior high schools and vocational training centers across the city. The organizing panel will honor 408 outstanding students and launch the movement of “For the national seas and islands” to evoke students’ patriotism during the event. In addition, they will also hold artistic programs, sports competitions and folk games, and more for the participants. Translated by Trung Thanh … [Read more...] about Traditional camp for students