It's Monday morning, which means it's time for the latest Saigoneer Podcast episode!
This week we begin (at 1:22) with a look at the prevalence of fake goods and businesses in Vietnam, and whether or not they're a bad thing. This follows allegations that Mumuso and Minigood are actually Chinese companies, despite their Korean branding.
Then (at 11:36) we chat about some uber-successful Vietnamese millennials, such as the owner of Da Lat's Coi Xay Gio Bakery, who are countering the stereotype that young people are lazy and lack business drive.
Our interview discussion (at 19:51) features Erik Harms, an associate professor of anthropology and Southeast Asia studies at Yale. He wrote the 2016 book Luxury and Rubble: Civility and Dispossession in the New Saigon, which looks at two of the city's biggest planned developments. We had an in-depth discussion about Thu Thiem and the recent controversy swirling around the project. Professor Harms also shares his thoughts on how planners could've done a better job of preserving the area while still developing it.
During the chat, we mention a few historical development maps of Thu Thiem, which can be found here.
As always, we close with Banh Mi Banter (at 51:53).
Listen to the Saigoneer Podcast through the SoundCloud link below, or find us on the Apple podcast app or Radio Public. Please leave us a review letting us know what you think of the show!
Have a great week, and stay dry!
