Big Changes Proposed for Driving Fines
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- Published on 26 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
When news broke that new regulations would fine those driving vehicles not registered in their name, many were confused and unhappy. For Vietnamese, motorbikes are often shared among numerous family members and foreigners sometimes rent their bikes and are lucky to have any paperwork for their bikes. Public outcry has forced the Ministry of Transport to abandon these fines as revealed in the latest draft of the decree.
Silk Painting Exhibition at Phương My
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- Published on 26 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
From the organizer:
‘PAEONIA DREAM: LE HOANG BICH PHUONG’ is the inaugural exhibition launching ‘San Art Productions x Phuong My’ in Ho Chi Minh City – connecting the local cultural community through fashion and contemporary art.
Webinar: How to Setup a Business in Vietnam
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- Published on 25 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Viewed as the land of opportunity for those coming from countries with sagging economies, It's not uncommon to find foreigners who want to open a business in Vietnam. But with so many regulations and red tape, it's not always clear how to accomplish this.
To this end, we've stumbled upon a webinar hosted by Alberto Vettoretti, Managing Partner at Dezan Shira & Associates, an expert on best business practices in Asia.
9 Taiwanese Face Charges for Anal Gold Smuggling
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- Published on 24 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Well, this is impressive. South Korean customs officials have announced that they have broken up a gold smuggling ring. The kicker? The mules would bring in the gold through their anuses.
According to reports from China and Japan, mules were recruited in Taiwan and offered free travel and accommodation in Seoul. Once arriving in the South Korean capital, they would meet their handlers in a subway station where the gold would be…unloaded.
Serious Flaws Plague Vietnam’s Higher Education System
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- Published on 24 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Thanh Nien recently published a very well-written and well-researched article about the state of higher education in Vietnam. From numerous interviews with education professionals, it’s abundantly clear that the system is inefficient at best.
Saigon to Implement Bus Rapid Transit System
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- Published on 24 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Transit authorities recently conducted feasibility studies for the Saigon’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and hope to complete the project by 2017.
Duong Hong Thanh, Deputy Director of the City Department of Transport, told Saigon Giai Phong Newspaper that the first of 8 proposed routes will provide service from Ben Thanh Market to An Suong Bus Station in District 12.
12 Old Pictures of Saigon Canals
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- Published on 23 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Canals used to serve as the Saigon's main commercial highway, connecting the city to the Saigon river and in turn the web of rivers that traverse Vietnam.
Before the construction of large urban markets, trade was conducted on rivers and canals, allowing farmers and fisherman to easily offload and sell their wares.
City Authorities to Demolish Hundreds of Illegal Homes
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- Published on 22 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Over the next three weeks, city authorities will demolish 500 illegally-built houses in Binh Chanh, Thu Duc, Binh Tan, Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, Go Vap and Tan Phu Districts.
A few weeks ago, city authorities discovered hundreds of illegal homes had been built without construction licenses or on lands not zoned for housing. The demolitions have come quickly to dissuade residents from building illegally in the future.
Event: Thrift Shop @ Saigon Outcast
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- Published on 22 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Saigon Outcast is preparing for another great event, this time with the theme ‘Thrift Shop.’ So this Saturday from 10am – 10pm, be sure to stop by and update your wardrobe!
Slideshow: Saigon Past and Present in a Single Image
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- Published on 22 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
As we've seen in our slideshows of old pictures, while Saigon is rapidly changing, some things and places stay the same. And what better way to illustrate this change than by overlaying the old with the new?
Is the Internet Changing Vietnam’s Perception of Sexuality?
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- Published on 22 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Over at Vietmeme, one of our favorite local blogs, Mai Huyen Chi takes a closer look at the recent scandal surrounding the bra-less Facebook sensation, Bà Tưng and how the web is shaping sexual discourse in Vietnam.
What the Phở Happened Last Weekend? 10 Stories You May Have Missed
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- Published on 22 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
- HCM City: Explosion at U.S. Consulate General store kills one [Vietnam Net Bridge]
- Vietnam 'Running Man' says he was invited by Arsenal to UK [Global Post]
- American businesses “like” Vietnam most in ASEAN [Vietnam Net Bridge]
Video: Foreigners Race Mini Bikes Around Saigon Traffic Circle
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- Published on 19 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Ever wonder what it would look like if two foreigners undertook a 250 lap race around a Saigon traffic circle on 49hp mini bikes and full racing regalia?
Do you have 14 minutes to spare? That's rhetorical, of course you do.
Campaign Launched to End Vietnamese Demand for Rhino Horn
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- Published on 19 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Well, better late than never, we suppose.
While rhinos have completely disappeared in Vietnam due to poaching, many Vietnamese are still buying and consuming illegal rhino horn for supposed health benefits and its powder has become a status symbol for many of Vietnam’s elite.
Slideshow: 12 Old Pictures of Advertisements in Saigon
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- Published on 19 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Before 1975, large advertisements were commonplace in Saigon. But after the American War and the fall of capitalism in the South, ads were considered a vestige of the old order and were heavily regulated.
Saigon Couples Encouraged to Make More Babies
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- Published on 19 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Even though Vietnam’s population has been steadily growing the last few decades, a declining birth rate has prompted HCMC officials to encourage couples to have more than one child.
Slow Going for Vietnam’s First Nuclear Plant
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- Published on 18 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Vietnamese planners and their Russian counterparts are rushing to complete the first stages of Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant. While construction is scheduled to begin in 2014, slow land clearance, miscommunication and incomplete design are threatening the projects timetable.
[Video] What Saigon's Streets Looked Like in 1993
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- Published on 18 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Last week we saw some pictures of Hanoi from the mid-90s. Today, we're treated with a video which shows Saigon street life in 1993 captured by Dung Hua.
As with all the old Saigon pictures and videos, some things have changes but more has stayed the same.
Saigon Bridge 2 Set to Open in November
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- Published on 18 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
If your commute takes you over the Saigon Bridge, you may have noticed a massive concrete frame rising next to it. This is Saigon Bridge 2 which, when completed, will ease congestion on Highway 1.
Future Shorts Returns with 2 Screenings
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- Published on 18 July 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
90 Countries, 325 Cities, 6 Continents, 1,700 screenings – Future Shorts is the world’s largest short film festival. This season’s short films explore the grief; the joy, and the memory of living and breaking with the familiar.
Returning to Ho Chi Minh City, Future Shorts showcases electrifying short films from filmmakers around the world.On Sunday, July 28th, Future Shorts will screen at Snap Cafe following the monthly art showcase, Creative Shake.
