VietExplorer

The idea of a combined ASEAN bid has been floating around since 2011. After much discussion, leaders of ASEAN countries and football officials from the ASEAN Football Federation have agreed to bid for co-hosting the 2034 edition of the tournament. In 2017, ASEAN held talks on launching the joint effort with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his visit to Myanmar. In January that year, FIFA confirmed the 2026 World Cup would have 48 finalist teams, expanded from 32, so hosting the tourney in multiple countries was seen as a logical way to accommodate the increase. In June 2019, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced that all 10 nations of ASEAN had agreed to appeal for the co-hosting of the 2034 World Cup. However, in October 2019, only five ASEAN countries officially proposed co-hosting the 2034 competition, with Thailand leading the initiative. The other four countries in the proposed joint effort were Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. The five ASEAN me

Telstar Vietnam, a UK-invested company in Bac Giang province. Photo: VNA Swiss daily Tribune de Gèneve has recently published an article hailing Vietnam as a new destination for foreign companies, according to VNA. The article said Vietnam recorded the strongest economic growth in Asia in 2022 following a period of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Switzerland is well-positioned to leverage advantages brought about by the Vietnamese economy. Two-way trade between Switzerland and Vietnam hit about USD 3.2 billion in 2020. Hundreds of Swiss companies have been among the most important European investors present in Vietnam. In particular, the Swiss industrial equipment sector should fully tap the growing trend of “Made in Vietnam” products. According to the article, the industrial boom in Vietnam could be clearly felt when entering the Van Trung Industrial Park, which is an hour’s drive to the north of Hanoi. Early in the morning, many people were lining up in front of

The dance is usually performed during festivals and special occasions, particularly during Tet (Lunar New Year). The performance mimics a lion’s or a dragon’s movement to bring luck and prosperity in the new year. A family or a business visited by a lion dance performance is believed to have good luck for the rest of the year. The costumes and accessories used by the performers come in various colors and shapes, but all must inspire fear and power to chase away monsters and evils. Traditional dance is considered folk and martial art, as performers must master complex movements. The complex choreography is accompanied by drums called ‘the Seven-Star’ drums that can only be played by the master or second master of the dojo. The performance wouldn’t be complete without “Ong Dia,” the Spirit of the Earth, depicted as a jolly man with a palm-leaf fan. He is believed to have the power to summon mystical animals and leads the dancing troupe, clearing the paths for performers. The