in Architecture

In the Era of Constant Rebuilding, We Turn to Vietnamese Modernism for Nostalgic Comfort

For two years now, I've checked the Vietnamese Modernist Architecture Facebook group almost every day. Here, members post ...

in Environment

How Laos's Dams Are Powering Vietnam, Other ASEAN Nations Despite Mekong Concerns

Following a spate of foreign investment in the 1990s, Laos began producing surplus electricity and looked to export it. Today, around 80% of its energy, largely from hydropower, is sold to neighbors. Electricity exports from Laos generate around US$2.6 billion for what is one of the poorest nations in mainland Southeast Asia. Across the region, neighbors including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia have become reliant on hydropower from Laos. Slowly but surely, however, this is changing.

in Architecture

A Pop-up Night Park Brings the Joy of Playing in the Rain to Phú Mỹ Hưng

A lack of public spaces and activities has been a chronic problem plaguing Saigon’s urban planning since the city experienced its first population boom a few decades ago. If you happen to be near District 7 in the next two months, a pop-up park could be a new option for children, and perhaps some particularly exuberant adults, to frolic in the rain and the evening.

Elise Luong

in Environment

Living, Learning, Loving From the Earth at Ninh Bình's Lá Library

A stone's throw away from Cúc Phương National Park in Ninh Bình Province sits Lá Library, an education center promoting sustainable living through sustainable agriculture farming, earthen building techniques and the art of chilling out.

in Architecture

The Saigon House That Swapped Its Front Door for a Moat

Does a house need walls?

Paul Christiansen

in Natural Selection

Is the Yeti Vietnamese? This Ancient Ape Might Hold the Answer.

Can you name a Vietnamese animal that hasn’t been hunted to the precipice of extinction or become a commodified item whose flesh, fur, or feathers are only deemed significant in relation to their practical use by humans?

in Architecture

This Suburban Hanoi House Answers 'Yes' to 'How Many Windows Do You Want?'

Do you love the tropical summer? Does bathing in the warmth of the sun spark joy in you? How many windows are enough to solar-power your everyday life? If you, too, are toiling with these existential concerns on a daily basis, perhaps this recent residential project might provide some inspiration.

in Health

A Hanoi Duo Crafts Intricate Silicone and Clay Prostheses for People With Disabilities

“The products we make are fake arms, legs, noses, ears… from silicone. The value we create is emotional healing, giving our customers confidence in themselves and their lives — the things they lack after surgeries,” Phúc shared while introducing their products. 

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in Society

Vietnam's 2019 Education Reform Will Take Inspiration From Nordic Countries

Vietnam’s education authorities have started looking northward for ways to improve local schools and curricula.

in Tech

Scientists Reveal Ambitious Plans to Build Made-in-Vietnam Satellites

Vietnamese scientists hope to build and launch domestically produced satellites within the next two years.

in Tech

Vingroup Begins Construction of $3.5bn Car Factory in Hai Phong

Vingroup, Vietnam's largest real estate developer, has begun construction of an automobile production plant in an effort to expand the country's auto industry.

in Development

Vietnamese Firm Suggests Chinese Power Plant Contractor to Take on Construction of Long Thanh Airport

Although it still only exists on paper, Long Thanh International Airport is already embroiled in its first controversy regarding prospective contractors.

in Society

Poorly Planned Development Projects Leave Vietnam's Poorest Minorities Vulnerable to Natural Disasters

Since the beginning of August, flooding and landslides have devastated northwest Vietnam, leaving ethnic minorities living in extreme poverty at the highest risk of property damage and loss of life.

in Sports

Female Athletes Won Two-Thirds of Vietnam's SEA Games Gold Medals: Sport Official

Vietnam performed well during this year’s SEA Games in Malaysia, finishing third, and just two gold medals shy of exceeding its pre-tournament goal.

in Society

Vietnam's Textbooks Lack Gender Diversity, Reinforce Stereotypes: Report

A new study has shown that male-centric content dominates school textbooks in Vietnam, hindering gender equality.

in Tech

Vietnamese Entrepreneur Makes Silicon Valley Top 40 Under 40 List

A Vietnamese entrepreneur recently made the list of Silicon Valley’s 40 under 40 this year.

in Architecture

[Photos] Vo Trong Nghia Graces Binh Thanh With 'Glass Box' Office Tower

Saigon’s Binh Thanh District is about to get a flashy new Vo Trong Nghia-designed “glass box” office building.

in Sports

Swimmer Anh Vien Clinches 2 Gold Medals, Breaks Own SEA Games Records

Vietnam's athletes have won an impressive haul of medals over the last two days at the 2017 SEA Games, currently underway in Kuala Lumpur.

in Society

Vietnam's University Graduates Struggle to Find Jobs That Match Their Skills

University graduates in Vietnam have the highest rate of unemployment among young people, a fact that could seriously jeopardize the country’s growth.

in Development

Saigon's 'Ghost Tower' Seized as Collateral After Owners Fail to Repay Debt

The future of Saigon’s most prominent skeleton tower has become even murkier.

in Tech

82-Year-Old Japanese Coder Creates Apps for the Elderly

Masako Wakamiya, an 82-year-old Japanese woman, has shown that mobile phone app developers don't always fit the mold of Silicon Valley stereotypes.

in Sports

Wushu Martial Artists Earn Vietnam's First Gold Medals at SEA Games 2017

Vietnam’s delegation at this year’s SEA Games competition is off to a good start after wushu martial artists clinched the country’s first two gold medals late last week.

in Society

Vietnam's Female Business Owners Upend Gender Stereotypes

Although there are still issues surrounding gender roles and perceptions of women in Vietnam, the country is in some ways more progressive than its regional neighbors when it comes to gender diversity...

in Development

Korean Giant CJ Group Invests $63m to Build Frozen Food Factory in Saigon

CJ Group, a Korean conglomerate, has announced plans to expand its presence in Vietnam's food market.

in Development

Massive Long An Theme Park Project Abandoned Due to Debt

Once set to become the largest theme park in all of Southeast Asia, Long An province's Happyland entertainment complex may never open to the public due to debt.

in Health

Cash-Strapped University Students in Vietnam Resort to Platelet Donations Despite Health Risks

A wave of Vietnamese students who experience economic hardships have resorted to selling their platelets regularly in order to make ends meet.

in Sports

A Brief Primer on Vietnam’s Football History

How Vietnamese teams made the jump from small-time local leagues to national franchise football.

in Society

The Trials and Tribulations of Life in Saigon's Hẻms With Multiple Slashes

For some, Saigon's hẻms are a treasure trove of hidden urban gems. But for those living in these alleyways, they can also be a relentless source of inconvenience and frustration.