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Articles by Dat Thanh
A tribute to every generation that helped shape the Saigon Times Group and the memories we carry forward
Deputy Editor-in-Chief in Charge: Pham Huu Chuong Managing Editor: Pham Dinh Dung Head Office: 35 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tel: (84.28) 3829 5936; Fax: (84.28) 3829 4294 Publication Permit No. 41/GP-CBC issued on June 2, 2021 by the Authority of Press. All rights reserved.
Snapshots featuring events over 35 years
Deputy Editor-in-Chief in Charge: Pham Huu Chuong Managing Editor: Pham Dinh Dung Head Office: 35 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tel: (84.28) 3829 5936; Fax: (84.28) 3829 4294 Publication Permit No. 41/GP-CBC issued on June 2, 2021 by the Authority of Press. All rights reserved.
DIG fined, ordered to repay bondholders
HCMC – Development Investment Construction Joint Stock Corporation (HOSE: DIG) has been fined VND175 million and ordered to repay investors after using proceeds from a VND600 billion bond issue for purposes other than those disclosed to bondholders. The Inspectorate of the State Securities Commission issued the penalty decision on June 17, citing violations in the use of funds raised through a private bond placement.
Long Thanh airport construction 76% complete
HCMC – Construction of Long Thanh International Airport’s Component 3 has reached nearly 76% of the value of signed contracts, with more than 7,300 workers deployed under a 180-day acceleration campaign, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). ACV said on June 22 that progress had improved after nearly three weeks of the campaign aimed at completing key works for the airport’s first phase by the end of 2026, reported local media.
Growth drivers and fiscal paradox
Vietnam has set an ambitious goal of achieving economic growth of up to 10% during the 2026-2030 period. Yet with nearly half of 2026 already behind it, the economy is still grappling with a familiar problem: getting public investment money out the door. The challenge facing fiscal policy At the end of the first week of June 2026, Israel and Iran unexpectedly exchanged attacks, marking the first outbreak of fighting since the ceasefire reached in April.
Trust in age of AI
As advances in AI make it increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine and fabricated content, the question is no longer what AI is capable of creating, but whether people can recognize what is real Transparency in AI Use Transparency is a core principle of Article 50 of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). Rather than restricting AI systems, the provision requires disclosure so users know when they are interacting with AI-generated or AI-manipulated content.
Le Méridien Saigon launches dining campaign
Le Méridien Saigon has launched “Eat Out,” its largest annual dining campaign, offering exclusive culinary privileges to Marriott Bonvoy members over a four-month period at participating Marriott International properties across Vietnam. The promotion features premium dining packages designed to enhance the guest experience while showcasing the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants.
Mud, strength and tradition in Van Village
Held from May 28 to 30 (the 12th to 14th days of the fourth lunar month), the Water Ball Wrestling Festival in Van Village, Bac Ninh Province, is a centuries-old folk celebration rooted in local prayers for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2022, the festival is held every two years and attracts large crowds.
Authentic Thai cuisine at Hotel Nikko Saigon
Food lovers in HCMC can experience the rich culinary traditions of Thailand during Thailand Flavors Week, a food festival running from June 4 to 14 at Le Brasserie restaurant. Held daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the event features a wide selection of authentic Thai dishes that highlight the country’s signature balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy flavors. The festival aims to provide guests with an immersive dining experience while promoting cultural exchange through cuisine.
VietBank wins HOSE listing approval
HCMC – VietBank has received approval from the Hochiminh Stock Exchange (HOSE) to list more than one billion VBB shares on the exchange. The approval covers over one billion shares of Vietnam Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VietBank), equivalent to the lender’s current charter capital of nearly VND10.77 trillion. The listing is expected to improve the liquidity of VBB shares and attract greater interest from domestic and foreign investment funds.
FV Hospital ranked among Asia-Pacific’s best specialty hospitals
HCMC – FV Hospital has been named in the Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific 2026 ranking in four medical specialties, becoming one of the most recognized Vietnamese hospitals in the inaugural year Vietnam was assessed. The ranking was published on June 17 by U.S.-based Newsweek and data research firm Statista. More than 3,500 hospitals across 11 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region were evaluated, with 311 hospitals making the final list.
Radisson Hotel Group accelerates expansion in Vietnam
Radisson Hotel Group is continuing to strengthen its presence in Vietnam through a series of new openings, signings, and development milestones, underscoring the country’s importance as one of the group’s key growth markets in Southeast Asia. The group currently has a portfolio of 14 hotels representing more than 3,100 rooms either in operation or under development nationwide.
GVR posts VND3.9 trillion pretax profit in five months
HCMC – Vietnam Rubber Group – Joint Stock Company (HOSE: GVR) estimated pretax profit at nearly VND3.9 trillion in the first five months of 2026, up more than 30% from a year earlier. The state-owned rubber producer also estimated consolidated revenue at nearly VND13.73 trillion during the period, according to information presented at its annual general meeting on June 17, reported local media.
Vietnam braces for strong El Niño, higher risk of extreme weather
HCMC – Vietnam could face more frequent heatwaves, drought, water shortages and saltwater intrusion in the coming months as a strong El Niño event develops, according to the country’s meteorological authority.
Contracts for long-stalled expressway rest areas may be revoked
HCMC – Investors behind delayed rest area projects on the North-South Expressway could face contract termination and project revocation if they fail to complete required public service facilities by June 30, 2026, according to the Department for Roads of Vietnam. The agency has ordered project management boards, investors, and project companies to accelerate construction of rest areas along the eastern North-South Expressway section from Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa provinces.
HPG wants to sell nearly 15 million tons of steel in 2026
HCMC – Hoa Phat Group JSC (HOSE: HPG) aims to sell nearly 15 million tons of steel in 2026, up about 40% from the previous year and marking the highest annual target in the company’s history. The goal was announced by Pham Thi Kim Oanh, chief financial officer of HPG, at an investor meeting held in HCMC last weekend, reported local media. HPG sold 10.6 million tons of steel in 2025, surpassing the 10-million-ton mark for the first time.
AI era puts adaptability in demand
HCMC – Employers increasingly value adaptability, continuous learning, and the ability to use AI effectively as the technology reshapes hiring requirements, speakers at a university-business forum in HCMC said on June 14. More than 50 companies from sectors such as finance, banking, law, information technology, construction, and business administration joined the Open Business Matching 2026 program organized by Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
Expressway projects face severe shortages of construction materials
HCMC – The Ministry of Construction has urged the Government to direct local authorities to accelerate licensing procedures and expand the output of existing quarries, as major transport projects across the country face acute shortages of construction materials that threaten project schedules.
Vietnam, China pledge deeper strategic cooperation
HCMC – Vietnam and China agreed to deepen strategic coordination and expand practical cooperation in areas ranging from railway connectivity and trade to science and tourism during a conversation call between Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 15. The conversation marked the first exchange between the two leaders since Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly completed the appointment of the country’s new government leadership, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
Can Tho seeks 300 new businesses a year
HCMC – Can Tho City aims to add around 300 new businesses each year through 2030 as the city seeks to expand its private sector and raise its contribution to 78-80% of gross regional domestic product (GRDP). Vuong Quoc Nam, vice chairman of the People’s Committee of Can Tho City, said the city is implementing a range of measures to strengthen the private sector as a key growth driver during the 2026-2030 period. Under the plan, the private sector is expected to grow by an average of 10% annually.
Idle cash flows into banks
HCMC – Vietnamese households parked a record VND10.56 quadrillion in banks by the end of March 2026, underscoring the continued flow of idle cash into deposits, according to the State Bank of Vietnam. Household deposits rose 2.19% from the end of 2025 to the highest level on record, data from the central bank showed. In the first quarter alone, individuals deposited an additional VND200 trillion into the banking system.
Bracing for World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11 in North America. What impact will this event have on the stock market? And what opportunities are there for investors? The gloomy market The market often turns “red” under the weight of rising interest rates, currency pressures, or sudden geopolitical shocks—scenarios investors know all too well. Yet there is a recurring phenomenon that rarely receives attention: every time the World Cup kicks off, stock market liquidity tends to run dry.
Vienna House by Wyndham expands upscale hospitality offering near HCMC
Vienna House by Wyndham Charm Long Hai is positioning itself as a leading coastal hospitality destination following the area’s recent integration into HCMC’s expanded administrative boundary. Located on Vo Thi Sau Street in Hai Son Ward, the property is approximately one hour from central HCMC and 45 minutes from the former Bien Hoa City via the new expressway. It is also situated about 77 kilometers from the future Long Thanh International Airport.
Rowing through the wetlands
Nestled in Phuong Hoa Hamlet in Phuong Binh Commune of Can Tho City, the Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve is a vast green oasis and one of the last remnants of the Mekong Delta’s characteristic wetland ecosystem. Covering more than 2,800 hectares, the reserve serves not only as a strictly protected biodiversity sanctuary but also as an increasingly popular ecotourism destination, offering visitors a rare sense of tranquility and untouched natural beauty.
Japan’s Idemitsu pledges support for Nghi Son refinery
HCMC – Idemitsu Kosan pledged to continue securing crude oil supplies for the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical project while expanding its energy investments in Vietnam, including green energy initiatives. The commitment was made by Atsuhiko Hirano, representative director and vice president of the Japanese company, during a meeting with Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu in Hanoi on June 12.
Vietnam PM launches campaign to drive double-digit growth through 2030
HCMC – Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on June 13 launched a nationwide emulation campaign aimed at achieving sustainable double-digit economic growth between 2026 and 2030, calling on government agencies, businesses and citizens to turn the patriotic spirit into concrete action. Speaking at the launch ceremony in HCMC, Hung said Vietnam’s development ambitions require annual economic growth of at least 10% during the 2026-2030 period, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
Azerai La Residence named among 500 best hotels
Azerai La Residence, Hue has been named among the “500 Best Hotels in the World 2026” by U.S.-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure, marking a significant international recognition for the luxury heritage property in central Vietnam. The accolade places the hotel among just 12 Vietnamese properties included in this year’s list and makes it the only hotel from Hue to receive the distinction.
PV GAS imports 120,000 tons of LNG, LPG from Canada, U.S.
HCMC – PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV GAS, HOSE: GAS) has received nearly 120,000 tons of imported LNG and LPG from Canada and the United States, bolstering fuel supplies for power generation and domestic consumption. The shipments comprised around 73,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada and approximately 45,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States, according to the Petrovietnam subsidiary.
VND45.5 trillion proposed for 64-km Duc Hoa-My An expressway
HCMC – The My Thuan Project Management Board has proposed investing nearly VND45.5 trillion in the 63.6-kilometer Duc Hoa-My An expressway, with construction targeted to begin in 2027 and finish by 2030 if approved. The board has submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Construction for appraisal. The project forms part of the western North-South Expressway corridor.
Central Vietnam golf destinations launch Summer campaigns
Golf destinations along the central coast are rolling out summer promotions, stay-and-play packages and lifestyle experiences as the region seeks to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading golf tourism hubs.
Dengue vaccine demand jumps as HCMC cases rise
HCMC – Demand for dengue vaccinations has surged more than 40% as HCMC recorded 17,718 infections and four deaths in the first five months of the year, according to health authorities and a major vaccination provider. The HCMC Center for Disease Control (HCDC) reported that dengue cases rose nearly 65% from the same period last year. Infections were recorded across all 168 wards, communes, and special administrative areas in the city.
Vietnam, Algeria eye stronger trade in farm produce
HCMC – Vietnam and Algeria are seeking to strengthen direct business links to expand trade in agricultural products and reduce intermediary costs, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh told businesses and officials in Algeria’s Skikda Province.
Vinh Long weighs VND84 trillion investment proposals
HCMC – Three major projects costing a combined VND84 trillion have been proposed in Vinh Long Province, spanning renewable energy, coastal development and navigation infrastructure. The proposals were presented by Tan Hoan Cau Corporation JSC at a meeting with provincial authorities on June 11. The largest proposal is a VND60 trillion coastal development project in Thanh Hai Commune.
Son La breaks ground on wind farm project
HCMC – Son La Province on June 11 broke ground on the 80MW Risen Phu Yen Wind Power Plant, a nearly VND3 trillion project expected to generate more than 230 million kWh of electricity annually when completed. The project is being developed by Northern Wind Energy JSC in Phu Yen and Muong Coi communes in Son La Province. It will operate for 50 years and occupy around 46.4 hectares of land. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2028, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
UK launches green finance initiative to spur clean energy investment in Vietnam
HCMC – The UK has launched a new Green Finance Facility to help Vietnam attract private investment into its clean energy sector by sharing British expertise, Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra announced during her visit to Hanoi this week. The initiative aims to support the development of Vietnam’s clean energy industry and create opportunities for UK businesses, investors, and innovators to participate in major projects, particularly in offshore wind and sustainable infrastructure.
Dengue cases jump 2.5-fold early this year
HCMC – More than 50,000 dengue infections have been recorded in the first five months of 2026, 2.5 times higher than the same period last year, with severe cases requiring hospitalization also on the rise, health officials said. The figures reflect an increasingly unpredictable dengue situation, with outbreaks no longer following previous seasonal patterns.
DGC seeks buyer for ethanol plant
HCMC – DucGiang Chemicals Group JSC (HOSE: DGC) plans to transfer its ethanol plant, which it acquired through an auction at VND253.25 billion in 2024, according to a board resolution released by the company. The plant is owned by Duc Giang Chemicals Dak Nong Company, a subsidiary of DGC. The board authorized the chairman and the subsidiary’s director to seek potential buyers, negotiate the transfer value, and sign agreements in line with current regulations.
Premium beverage expo debuts in HCMC
HCMC – HCMC will host Vietnam’s first exhibition dedicated exclusively to premium beverages and food on June 25-26 at The ADORA Center, bringing together international producers and regional buyers. Premium Beverage Experience Vietnam 2026 will combine product experiences with international trade networking, according to the organizers. The exhibition is expected to attract dozens of exhibitors representing more than 75 premium beverage and food producers from various regions of Italy.
Meadow fresh expands Vietnam portfolio
HCMC – New Zealand dairy brand Meadow Fresh has expanded its product lineup in Vietnam with the launch of whipping cream and unsalted butter targeting professional users in the baking, beverage, and food service sectors. The new products were introduced at the “Meadow Fresh Smoother Texture, Balanced Taste” seminar in HCMC, which brought together F&B experts, chefs, baking training institutions, and representatives from food, hotel, and restaurant businesses.
BAF to issue 10% stock dividend, 10% bonus shares
HCMC – BAF Vietnam Agriculture JSC (HOSE: BAF) will issue a 10% stock dividend and a 10% bonus share allocation to existing shareholders, with June 22 set as the record date for determining eligibility. The company will issue more than 30.4 million shares as a stock dividend at a 10:1 ratio, giving shareholders one new share for every 10 shares held. BAF will also gift more than 30.4 million bonus shares to existing shareholders at the same ratio.
From a culture of community service to the dream of reaching the Moon
More than a century ago, a physicist was astonished to see a private individual funding basic scientific research. The story remains strikingly relevant today, as an increasing number of businesses face a fundamental question: what role can they play in supporting the fields that shape a nation’s future? In the summer of 1905, Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann arrived in California and was taken to Mount Hamilton near San Jose, home to the Lick Observatory.
Vietjet to pay 30% stock dividend
HCMC – Vietjet Aviation JSC (HOSE: VJC) will close its shareholder list on June 17 to distribute a 30% stock dividend for 2025 through the issuance of more than 177.4 million new shares. Under the plan, shareholders will get 30 new shares for every 100 shares held. The airline will use retained earnings of nearly VND12.8 trillion, based on its audited 2025 consolidated financial statements, to fund the share issuance.
Expansion proposed for two Mekong Delta expressways
HCMC – The My Thuan Project Management Board has proposed expanding the Cao Lanh–Lo Te and Lo Te–Rach Soi expressways, covering more than 80 kilometers in the Mekong Delta. The proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Construction as part of a review and refinement of investment plans for the two routes, reported the Vietnam News Agency. For the 51.5-kilometer Lo Te–Rach Soi expressway, which runs through Can Tho City and An Giang Province, the board proposed two options.
Ministry orders uninterrupted biofuel supply
HCMC – Fuel wholesalers and distributors must ensure an uninterrupted supply of biofuel gasoline across their distribution networks, according to a directive issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on June 8. The ministry’s Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development sent Official Document No. 1781 to fuel wholesalers and distributors, requiring them to secure sufficient supplies and maintain continuous distribution to the market.
Industrial output posts strongest five-month growth in four years
HCMC – Industrial production rose 9.1% in the first five months of 2026 from a year earlier, marking the strongest growth for the period in four years, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance. The index of industrial production (IIP) increased in all 34 provinces and centrally governed cities during the January-May period. Manufacturing and processing expanded 9.5% from a year earlier and contributed 7.4 percentage points to overall industrial growth.
Vietnam, Laos sign new finance cooperation pact
HCMC – The Finance Ministries of Vietnam and Laos have signed a cooperation agreement for 2026-2030 focused on strengthening financial management capacity and expanding collaboration across key areas of public finance. The agreement was exchanged on June 7 by Vietnamese Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Santiphab Phomvihane under the witness of the two countries’ prime ministers following talks in Hanoi City, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
Vietnam, Laos sign new finance cooperation pact
HCMC – The Finance Ministries of Vietnam and Laos have signed a cooperation agreement for 2026-2030 focused on strengthening financial management capacity and expanding collaboration across key areas of public finance. The agreement was exchanged on June 7 by Vietnamese Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Santiphab Phomvihane under the witness of the two countries’ prime ministers following talks in Hanoi City, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
Outbound investment jumps 2.5-fold
HCMC – Vietnam’s outbound investment reached US$794.6 million in the first five months of 2026, up 2.5 times from a year earlier, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance. The total comprised US$760.8 million in newly registered capital and US$33.8 million in additional capital for existing projects. During the period, 85 new overseas investment projects received licenses with total registered capital of US$760.8 million, 2.8 times higher than a year earlier.
The capital crunch
Quite a few banks saw their loan-to-deposit ratios (LDR) approach 100% in late Q4 2025, according to SSI Research. Liquidity had grown increasingly dependent on State Treasury deposits, the OMO channel, and foreign capital rather than core deposit growth — setting the stage for fierce competition in Q1 2026.
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