Vietexplorer2024

The Ministry of Health of Vietnam recently held a ceremony to honor Dr. Shobayashi Tokuaki, an expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Policy Advisor to the Health Ministry of Vietnam, with the “For People’s Health” medal. The award ceremony took place in Hanoi on March 1, with the presence of Vietnamese Health Minister Dao Hong Lan, Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam Shige Watanabe, and First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam Sasaki Shohei. Health Minister Dao Hong Lan presents the award to Dr. Shobayashi Tokuaki. Photo: JICA Vietnam This prestigious award is given to Vietnamese and foreign individuals who have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s healthcare sector. During his two-year tenure from March 2022 to March 2024 at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Shobayashi has been highly praised for his policy advisory work in areas such as universal health insurance, infectious disease prevention, medical equipment and drug mana...

Several initiatives have been undertaken by the village chiefs to record and promote the folk songs, folk dances, and customs of the local community. The Then singing and Tinh musical instrument club in Muong Cang commune, Than Uyen district, has been operating for 17 years, three days a week. It has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Thai ethnic people in the region. Lo Van Chon, the club’s leader, mentioned that the club has 30 members and two art troupes consisting mostly of middle-aged and elderly individuals. “We gather on a regular basis as folk songs are an integral part of our lives. We often create new songs accompanied by the Tinh musical instrument,” he stated. The Then singing and Tinh musical instrument club is only one of the various activities aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of different ethnic minority groups in Lai Chau province. In Muong Cang commune, which is regarded as the cultural cradle of the Black ...

During a visit to Auckland, New Zealand a few years ago, I was awe-struck by the cleanliness and serenity of the city. As I strolled through the immaculate streets, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of noise and chaos. It was like stepping into paradise. However, as the clock struck 7:00 pm, the streets became deserted. Only a handful of shops and restaurants remained open, and it took me a good 30 minutes to find a place to grab a beer. Auckland seemed to transform into a ghost town at night.  On the other hand, my first encounter with Ho Chi Minh City was an overwhelming assault on the senses. The city was teeming with vibrancy and energy, from the hustle and bustle of daytime traffic to the lively atmosphere that continued well into the night. Ho Chi Minh City knows how to have a good time like no other city in the world.  But here’s the thing about Ho Chi Minh City—it’s hot. The scorching heat is a trademark of the city, and it comes bundled with the rainy season th...