Social News 4/4 Bosch introduces smart city solutions in Vietnam Bosch in Vietnam recently brought to the Smart City Summit Binh Duong 2016 smart solutions for transportation and mobility, industrial manufacturing, and security technologies for smart home and buildings. “Bosch can cooperate with local authorities and businesses to develop solutions for Smart City in Vietnam,” said Vo Quang-Hue, managing director of Bosch Vietnam. Bosch is one of the top European investors in Vietnam which operates in all four areas: sales, production, research and development (R&D) and services. In particular, its software R&D center in Ho Chi Minh City, with more than 950 engineers, can research and provide connectivity solutions for smart cities. Bosch is the only company worldwide that is active on all three levels of the internet of things (IoT): sensors, software, and services. Its technologies are applicable in various aspects of life, enabling efficient operation and management of smart home and building, smart city, connected mobility, and Industry 4.0. “With our continuous improvement of technologies and practical experience in designing and implementing Smart City projects in Singapore, Stuttgart (Germany), and in other countries, we look forward to joining hands with the local government to develop solutions to improve the quality of life for city-dwellers,” Hue added.             Co-organised by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong province from March 26-28, the Smart City Summit Binh Duong 2016 aimed to raise awareness about smart cities in general and to introduce solutions for sustainable development in the urban area. HCM City: 480 billion VND spent on greening   Ho Chi Minh City will splash out 480 billion VND (21.5 million USD) on planting more than 1,613 hectares of forests and trees across the greater city municipality, with a view to increasing the rate of tree coverage to over 40 percent by the end of 2020. To realise the target of growing at least 5 million trees to maintain and develop forest areas and a tree canopy, the city is encouraging local people to get involved in tree plantation, especially such high-value trees as Ta-khian, Burma padauk, camphor tree and pride of India. In addition, the city also continues to implement forest development projects in Can Gio, Cu Chi and Binh Chanh districts while developing urban flower garden and a street tree system. Scenic and street trees will be grown in accordance with new projects on upgrading the transport system, while much attention will be paid to forest protection, fire control and prevention, as well as tree care. During 2011-2015, organisations and individuals of the city planted more than 5.16 million trees. The municipal Department of Transport grew some 39,827 trees and coated 39.83 hectares of land in new planting projects, while greening land reserved for transport and public places. 30-percent customs procedures under National Single Window The National Single Window (NSW) has thus far covered only 30 percent of customs procedures for goods and vehicles, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Vietnam Customs Nguyen Duong Thai said on March 31. He said a national plan on the one-stop-shop mechanism for 2016-2020 is being drafted, aiming to raise coverage across State agencies to 100 percent by 2018. According to Thai, since September 2015, the NSW has completed technical connections with four ASEAN member states – Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. The drafted master plan also includes proposals on expanding the connection within and outside the bloc. Accordingly, Vietnam will officially apply the ASEAN Single Window in 2017. In 2018, certifications on goods origins and animal/plant quarantines, as well as permission papers for ships to leave port, will be issued in electronic form to countries wanting to connect with the NSW. In 2020, the exchange of electronic certifications will be expanded based on agreements Vietnam has signed to facilitate trade with foreign partners. Thai went on to note that border checkpoints nationwide have digitised most of their procedures based on the Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System/Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS). The NSW is designed to reduce customs clearance time for businesses by 15 to 30 percent and increase their ties with State-run management agencies. Launched in the end of 2014, the mechanism is used by 9 out of 14 ministries. Hue tourism revenues up by 8% In the first quarter the central province of Thừa Thiên Huế reported tourism earnings of VNĐ737 billion (US$33.5 million), an increase of 8 per cent year-on-year. There were 731,000 visitors to Huế City, the province’s main attraction, including 280,000 from abroad, during the period. Around 440,000 tourists stayed in the city for several days, or 3 per cent higher that the same period last year. Some 12,000 visitors arrived by sea. This year the province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is running a campaign to improve the quality of tourist services, expand links with neighbouring localities and offer promotions to attract more visitors. Terror doesn’t sell The HCM City People’s Court last Wednesday sentenced Hoàng Hải Trai, 28, from HCM City, to one year of imprisonment for terrorist threats. Trai was the director of the Beauty Lashes Co Ltd, a company that sold false eyelashes. In April last year Trai had a unique marketing idea, he planned to use terrorism for publicity. In May, Trai prepared a number of 50cmx50cm boxes with Arabic words outside and his company’s products inside, together with an alarm clock that sounded like the timer of a bomb. The boxes were put at different crowded places in Hà Nội and HCM City. They were soon discovered and confiscated by local authorities. Trai was arrested on May 21 last year by the HCM City Investigation Police. City authorities said that Trai’s action was dangerous and affected public security by frightening residents. It seems unique and original ideas are not always good or profitable. Drivers face fines for kickstand antics Some people have criticised a new decree allowing the police to stop motorbike drivers who leave their kickstands down, which carries a fine of VNĐ2-3 million (US$80-130). Critics said the regulation was unreasonable because many drivers forget to put their kickstands up. Lawyer Huỳnh Phước Hiệp from the HCM City Bar Association said the regulation is targeting people who intentionally put their kickstands down while driving in order to create sparks on the road, causing public disorder and even accidents. The regulation leaves it up to traffic police to define violators and issue proper fines. This could lead to complications and misunderstandings; for instance, if the traffic police wrongly issue a fine, it would be difficult to refund the money, he said. Hiệp said law-making agencies should produce a document that clearly explains the regulation, such as which drivers would be fined and under which circumstances. Associate Professor Nguyễn Hồng Thái, deputy head of the Transport Faculty under the Hà Nội University of Communications and Transport, said the regulation is reasonable if it only fines people who intentionally put their kickstands down. But it would be too harsh if it also punishes people who make a simple mistake, Thái said. “People often remind each other to put their kickstands up if they come across someone who forgets it,” Thái said. “Why don’t we find ways to encourage this action?” Others said motorbike-manufacturing firms should equip motorbikes with alarm whistles that go off when drivers forgot to put their kickstands up. But until then, motorists will have to keep their eyes not only on the road, but also on their kickstands, lest they lose some money. A wedding night like no other A groom in central province of Quảng Nam was stunned by what happened on his wedding night, which should have been one of the best days of his life. Last Monday, the man, only known by his surname of Trần, went to a karaoke bar with his newly-wed wife and friends to have some fun after the ceremony. Trần had to leave for a short time to handle some family business, only to later find out that his wife had gone missing with some jewellery and more than 26 grams of gold. She also took VNĐ1 million (US$44) and some “wedding packets” filled with money for the couple from the wedding guests. It did not stop there. A few days later, Trần started to get calls from Đà Nẵng City asking him to pay for the debts of the run-away bride, which reached nearly VNĐ10 million ($444). Tran is yet to report the incident to the police, as he wanted to give his wife a chance to repent and come back to clear up the mess. What a gentleman! Vietnamese maestro to stage world-renowned musical in France A young Vietnamese conductor has joined French professionals in staging the famous musical ‘Rigoletto.’ Tran Nhat Minh, 35, was invited to La Fabrique Opera Theater in Grenoble to take part in the preparation and performance of ‘Rigoletto,’ one of the world’s most well-known musicals, written by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Rigoletto’ is based on the play ‘Le Roi S'Amuse’ by French writer Victor Hugo and was transcribed into Opera form by Italian librettist Francesco Maria Piave. The three-act opera was performed for the first time in Italy on March 11, 1851. Tran Nhat Minh works as a conductor at the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera. In late 2015, the Vietnamese talent became an assistant to French conductor Patrick Souilot, supporting him in staging and performing ‘Carmen,’ a four-act opera by world-renowned composer Georges Bizet. Minh was later invited to France to take part in the musical project ‘Rigoletto’ at La Fabrique Opera Theater, currently under the management of Souilot. The three-week trip, which began on March 21 and will last until April 12, has been fully funded by the French partner. Gender notion to be included in textbooks in Vietnam 30 educators in the country have completed a document of gender equality education which will be included in textbooks, said representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training at a meeting yesterday in Hanoi. The meeting was held by the MoET and UNESCO. A representative from the ministry said that textbooks will be updated by adding more information of progressive views of gender equality which will bring proper understanding of gender equality amongst students of all grades. For instance, in the natural and social sciences textbook of the first grade, pictures of studying activities of schoolgirls and schoolboys; or activities of mother and father in the family will be  re-written to  offer a  clear awareness of the equality between female and male in school, family and social activities. Similarly, literature works in senior and junior high schools will be selected and teachers should not stress on humble status of women but show the role of women in the modern time. Three senior high school win “Lend wings to dreams” contest Three senior high school students won the first, second and third-prize awards in the contest “Chap canh uoc mo”(Lend wings to dreams). The final round took place yesterday in Nguyen Thuong Hien Senior High School in Ho Chi Minh City. Six students made short clips, performed comedy and delivered a speech about their dream of future career. The organizer – the municipal Department of Education and Training – decided to present the first-prize award to students Nguyen Thi Quynh Nhu of Nguyen Thuong Hien Senior High School who dreamed to be a chef. The second-prize award was given to students Le Thi Canh Phung from the Continuous Studying center Gia with the dream of medicine physician and Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh from Senior High School Nguyen Cong Tru captured the third-prize award with speech of forensic medicine. The Education Department Deputy head Ms. Bui Thi Diem Thu  said that the contest attracted over 16,800 writing entries which manifest students’ dreams of future career.  The contest is considered a a playground for students, aiming to orient them about their future career. Health Ministry removes substandard antibiotic, vaccine from circulation The Vietnam Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health yesterday decided to take back batches of substandard antibiotics and vaccine from pharmacies across the country. Because tests conducted by the National Institute of Drug Quality Control show that Cadicefpo 200 (Cefpodoxime 200mg) tablets having batch No. 080915 and manufacturing date October 9, 2016 made by the US Pharma Company do not meet the national quality standard, the administration required pharmacies to remove the medication. The administration also ordered the company along with its distributors to send an announcement about the decision to retail and wholesale stores across the country. The company must report to the Ministry of removal of the drug before April 4, 2016. Cefpodoxime tablet is used for treating breathing diseases. On the same day, the administration also  banned the circulation of vaccine Lyssavac N for treating rabies manufactured by India’s Cadila Heathcare and imported by HCMC Medical Import Export Joint – Stock Company YTECO and Nam Hung Viet Vaccine and Biological Product Company as trust importer. Therefore, the administration ordered both importers and trust importers to send an announcement on the removal of the vaccine to all medical facilities. The two companies must report to the Ministry of the quantity of vaccine Lyssavac N. Four mobile teams set up for prevention of Zika As the development of Zika virus and high possibility of its entrance into the country, the Ministry of Health set up four mobile teams in the North, Central, South and Highlands regions to quickly respond to the virus and help local medical facilities in necessary. Moreover, the ministry has asked medical facilities to early detect cases of Zika. As per the ministry’s instruction, hospitals need to pay attention to those returning from the virus-struck nations having Zika virus symptoms including fever, headache, and eye problem. Hospitals must send their blood samples to Pasteur institutes and Epidemiology institutes across the country for testing. In addition, hospitals must prepare isolated ward, drugs and medical equipments for receiving these people virus Zika. Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said that currently 61 nations and territories announced to have Zika virus, especially Vietnam’s neighboring countries  such as Laos, Cambodia and China. It is highly likely that the virus will enter Vietnam so all medical facilities should raise alert level to implement prevention measures, he added. Six first-prize awards of technique creativeness competition given to winners The Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations yesterday gave six first-prize awards to six winners of the 13th National Technique Creativeness competition in Hanoi. The competition has attracted 550 projects in the fields of IT, electronic, telecommunications, auto mechanic, construction, transport, materials, chemical, agriculture forestry fishery, environmental resources, medicine, education and training and other fields. The organizing board awarded prizes to 90 projects including six first prizes; 12 second prizes, 24 third prizes and 48 encouragement prizes. Six-first prizes are “ Invention and completing technique production of  tubeless plane tires” research of Nguyen Huu Doan from Institute of Military Aviation Technique under the Ministry of Defense; a software to monitor educational facilities made by Mai Thi Binh Nguyen from Junior High School An Vu in the northern province of Thai Binh; “Endoscopic Treatment of Early Cancer of the Colon through anus and vagina” conducted by Dr. Pham Nhu HIep from the Central Hue Hospital; “ Invention of measuring and displaying EOP2 Captain Ha Trung Huu from factory Z181 under the Ministry of Defense; “ Invention, designing and manufacturing of machine to classify shrimp in fishery industry in replacing foreign-made machines” of engineer Nguyen Thanh Chuong from Technique Company QCM in the central city of Da Nang and Making vaccine to treat hyperemia and congestion in pigs carried out by Nguyen Duc Tan from the department of Animal Health in Central province of Khanh Hoa. UXOs continue to pose risks in Quang Tri Unexploded bombs and other unexploded ordnances (UXOs) left from the American War are still commonly found in many scrapyards in the central province of Quang Tri, obviously posing massive risks to local people. Huong Hoa District in the west of Quang Tri Province was one of the most severely bombarded areas during the American War. And even now there are six large scrap metal warehouses here which mainly trade in unexploded bombs. At a scrapyard owned by Nguyen Phuc, 64, in Tan Hop Commune, many kinds of bombs can be found among various other scrap including MK8 and MK82. Phuc said that these bombs were all inactive. "Those thought to be active are carefully placed over there," he said, pointing to a corner with dozens of bombs lying on the floor. "We classify them very carefully." Phuc said he has been trading scrap metal for 15 years and he and many other local people who have made a living from found UXOs, all have lots of experience in handling them. "We used to trade between 30 and 40 tonnes of scrap metals a day," he said "It has now become more difficult to find these UXOs in the area and local people here, who are mostly from ethnic minority groups, are having to go as far as the Laos border in their search." Phuc also admitted that they were aware of the risks from this work but thought it was necessary to earn a living. "Many local people will try to deactivate the bombs they find, even use metal cutters to take them apart and sell the metal which can be good quality steel, aluminium and copper," Phuc said. "Accidents occur sometimes which kill and injure people around us, but we have limited choices for other jobs so many continue. There were three explosions caused by these bombs two years ago here in my yard. Luckily we were away at that time." According to head of the province's landmine detection group, Nguyen Van Cuong, there are 10 large scrapyards in the two mountainous districts of Huong Hoa and Dak Rong which mainly trade in UXOs left from the American war. "Although scrapyards dealers here have some certain knowledge about these UXOs sometimes there are still explosions caused by phosphous bombs which are difficult to identify," Cuong said. "We are finding one or two of these bombs at these yards every week in our patrols. Many of these yards are closely located to residential areas so pose big risk to people's life. Head of the Department of Police in Huong Hoa District, Phan Thanh Quang, said that they are aware of the risks and were proposing more measures to better manage these yards. "We are proposing to set up a special force to manage the scrapyards and move them further away from housing," Quang said. Cat Ba island targets to welcome 1.65 million visitors in 2016 Cat Ba island in the northern port city of Hai Phong has set a target of welcoming 1.65 million visitors in 2016 and a total revenue figure of VND 825 billion (US$37 million) from tourism. The targets were set as part of the island’s tourism programme for 2016, which was announced at a ceremony on March 31 to mark President Ho’s visit to Cat Ba fishing village 57 years ago. In the spring of 1959, President Ho Chi Minh visited Cat Ba fishing village. Talking with local people and fishermen there, he stressed Cat Hai district’s outpost position, calling on residents to consolidate their determination to further develop Cat Hai. Located in Cat Hai island district, which is 60 kilometres far from Hai Phong city to the east, Cat Ba is one of the three biggest islands in Vietnam. It has established itself as an attractive destination for visitors to the north-east region thanks to its diverse ecological system and picturesque landscapes. Following Uncle Ho’s teaching, over the past, the Party committee, local authorities and people of Cat Hai district have exerted efforts to develop the district into a seaport service centre and ecological tourism of the country. Also yesterday, a boat race and Cau Ngu (Whale Worship) festival, a photo exhibition on Cat Ba’s natural beauty, and a design contest for the logo of Cat Ba tourism were held as part of the island’s tourism programme. Economic growth helps narrow gender gap in Vietnam Perhaps surprisingly, Vietnam has emerged better than many developed countries around the globe in bridging the gender gap over recent years, said speakers at a recent conference in Hanoi. Speaking at the seminar, Dao Hong Lan, deputy minister of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) said the rapid economic growth of the nation’s economy has greatly increased the opportunities for women in business. “Women now constitute 48.3% of the nation’s total workforce,” said Deputy Minister Lan, and the rate of women in key management positions within the business community has risen to a record high 24.9%. With the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the start of this year, Mr Lan said he fully expects increased opportunities in business for women to open throughout the nation. He said he believes that the country will become a trailblazer for reducing the gender gap over the next decade and outperform their counterparts in the more developed countries over the next decade. The simple fact is that no company in Vietnam can afford to ignore highly qualified female talent if it wants to be competitive in the fast-expanding economy, said Mr Lan, and companies are eager to hire skilled workers. One of the solutions to making further reductions in closing the gender gap lies in agriculture, said Bui Sy Loi, deputy chairman of the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee. Mr Loi, noted 47% of women currently in the workforce are employed in agricultural related trades— where earnings and productivity have historically been low relative to other industries such as construction and manufacturing. Vu Sy Cuong, associate professor from the Academy of Finance, in turn, said gender equality for workers in parallel labour markets where the government has little influence represent the greatest challenge for the national economy. Parallel markets – also sometimes referred to as ‘gray markets’ – refer to markets the government has little control to regulate. Typically, genuinely branded goods produced for one market are surreptitiously imported into another market and sold at a below market price. Along with the below market sales prices of goods goes below market wages for, in particular, women, which in Vietnam contributes significantly to the gender gap in pay between women and men. They should not be confused with black markets where counterfeit goods are illegally sold. In gray markets, the products are genuine – it’s just that they are not sold through regulated markets but through unregulated markets without the consent of the owner of the trademark. The answer to eliminating gray markets, said Mr Cuong, is to strengthen enforcement of trademark and tariff laws. If third parties can be prevented from importing unauthorized shipments of product, then the entire unregulated market can be eradicated. Presently, workers in the gray market and agriculture account for roughly one-third of the nation’s total gross domestic product, said Mr Cuong, and this shows the magnitude of the problem is vast. Most importantly, said Associate Professor Cuong, is that equal access to education is vitally important to winning the fight for equality— and women in Vietnam are graduating from universities at rates that match and often outstrip those of men. Contract delays water project A contract relating to the construction of Đà River Water Project Phase 2 between a Vietnamese water supply company and a Chinese pipe supplier has not yet been signed, said an official. Concerns have been raised by the public about the quality of the project as well as the choosing of the Chinese contractor as the pipe has broken 17 times since the completion of the first phase in 2009. - Photo zing.vn Trương Quốc Dương, deputy general director of the Vinaconex Water Supply Joint Stock Company (Viwasupco), the project’s developer, told Tiền Phong (Pioneer) newspaper that  the company and Xinxing Corporation were drafting the contract. Viwasupco was making a report on the project’s implementation to submit to the Department of Construction and the City’s People’s Committee, Dương said. The contract, which was supposed to be signed this week, was postponed after Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc instructed the city administration to review the whole project. The deputy Prime Minister also urged Hà Nội authorities to clarify information relating to the project after concerns by local residents. Solutions should be put forward to ensure the project is effectively carried out on schedule, and in accordance with state regulations, he said. Phúc asked local authorities to submit a report on the case by March 31. In a related development, the city’s department of construction held a meeting on Monday afternoon with relevant agencies and the project developer to hear Viwasupco’s report on how it had sought and chosen the Chinese contract. No competence agencies had raised their voice against the choice of ductile iron pipes or the Chinese contractor, Dương said. The Hà Nội Construction Department would report the case to the city’s administration after the meeting, he said. Last week Viwasupco announced that China’s Xinxing Corporation had won the bid for the supply of materials for the second phase of the Đà River water pipeline. The firm would supply materials at about 10 per cent less than the approved cost, according to the Viwasupco’s press release. Concerns have been raised by the public about the quality of the project as well as the choosing of the Chinese contractor as the pipe has broken 17 times since the completion of the first phase in 2009. The construction of Đà River Water Project Phase 2 is an important project for providing clean water to people in the capital, and ensuring livelihood security and social stability. Because of the importance of the project, Viwasupco conducted open international bidding to choose contractors with sufficient capacity and experience, the company said in a press release. After a strict and careful selection process, Xinxing Corporation was chosen by Vinwasupco for the supply of ductile iron pipes and fittings. The second phase of the project started last October after several delays. The project is one component of a larger project to supply clean water to nearly 200,000 households living along the chain of Sơn Tây, Hòa Lạc, Xuân Mai and Miếu Môn, as well as the Hà Nội and Hà Đông urban areas. Hà Nội authorities have asked agencies to speed up the progress of projects in Hà Nội including the Đà River Water Project Phase 2 to ensure water supply for urban areas, especially in the summer time. In a written request sent to agencies, Hà Nội City’s Party Committee has also asked water supply companies to operate at full capacity and review water supply systems as a ground for upgrading the existing system. It called for more investment from other sources to develop water supply companies and water supply systems to meet the clean water needs of the city’s urban and suburban areas. The Party Committee has also demanded that companies intensify the use of surface water and gradually reduce the exploitation of underground water. Good students talk to educators in HCMC 152 good students from different schools in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday took park in a talk with leaders of the city Department of Education and Training about training good students, science researches in schools and academic club development. The 8th talk is themed “Voice of HCMC students”. Different from previous years, the talk this year concentrated on three major subjects including training good students, researches of science and techniques and developing academic clubs in schools. Through the talk, leaders of Department expected students to share their ambition and proposals for a civilized and modernized city. Students voiced their difficulties they faced in study and scientific researches. Accordingly, despite their passion for science, they could not conduct experiments as school facilities cannot meet the demand. In response to students’ expectation of a modernized labs to satisfy their thirst for science researches, leaders of the Education Department promised to contact with colleges and universities to allow senior high school students to conduct experiments in labs. In addition, students also complained the time and no policy to encourage students to take part in national and international contests.. Moreover, students proposed leaders to pay more attention to subjects taught in English and develop more sport clubs and gyms in schools as a playground for students. Most of students wished the department to open a website where students can make friends with students from other countries in the world to exchange experience in conducting scientific and technical researches. Director of the department Le Hong Son promised to open a website where students can talk with their counterparts in the world. Additionally, the department will liaise with the city Executive Committee of the Communist Youth Union, Young Business Association to promote scientific products of students to the public. Furthermore, the department will provide strong support and encourage students who love making scientific researches and inventions. Proceeds from charity musical performance helps poor patients The charity program “Bring music to hospital” has collected nearly VND3 billion (US$134,580) from charity boxes in 143 programs after it was set up five years ago. The news was announced in a meeting in Hanoi on March 29. The proceeds will be given to poor patients, said the organizer. The program has brought smile to patients and medical workers in 100 hospitals in 12 cities and provinces, helping release their pain and tiredness. The program received great contribution of actors and actress, singers. The first musical performance of the program was organized in November, 2011 with the aim to perform music freely in hospitals in serving patients and medical workers. All proceeds from the program were given directly to poor patients in the hospitals where the program was performed. The organizer said that there will be 40 performances this year in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, the central provinces, the highlands provinces and the Mekong delta. Vietnam may have most cases of cancer in world by 2020: expert Do Ngoc Chinh from the Center for Study and Consultation on Consumerism (CESCON) warned that Vietnam may become a nation with most cases of cancer in the world by 2020. As the cases of cancer in Vietnam have continued escalating in recent years; for instance in 2000, around 69,000 cases of fresh cancer yet the number increased to 150,000 in 2015. it is estimated that by 2020 the Southeast Asian nation will have nearly 200,000 cases of cancer making it becomes a nation with most cases of cancer in the world. Cancer experts said that the cases of fresh cancer leaped because of unsafe food, polluted environment and prolonged life-span. For these reasons, the number of cancer patients due to eating unsafe food is highest with 35 percent, next is smoking and hereditary factor accounting for 5-10 percent. The Fund to support cancer people and Tumor Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City announced that the country has around 12,000 fresh cases of breast cancer annually. Doctor Diep Bao Tuan advised people to treat cancer in its early stage. Six first-prize awards of technique creativeness competition given to winners The Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations yesterday gave six first-prize awards to six winners of the 13th National Technique Creativeness competition in Hanoi. The competition has attracted 550 projects in the fields of IT, electronic, telecommunications, auto mechanic, construction, transport, materials, chemical, agriculture forestry fishery, environmental resources, medicine, education and training and other fields. The organizing board awarded prizes to 90 projects including six first prizes; 12 second prizes, 24 third prizes and 48 encouragement prizes. Six-first prizes are “ Invention and completing technique production of  tubeless plane tires” research of Nguyen Huu Doan from Institute of Military Aviation Technique under the Ministry of Defense; a software to monitor educational facilities made by Mai Thi Binh Nguyen from Junior High School An Vu in the northern province of Thai Binh; “Endoscopic Treatment of Early Cancer of the Colon through anus and vagina” conducted by Dr. Pham Nhu HIep from the Central Hue Hospital; “ Invention of measuring and displaying EOP2 Captain Ha Trung Huu from factory Z181 under the Ministry of Defense; “ Invention, designing and manufacturing of machine to classify shrimp in fishery industry in replacing foreign-made machines” of engineer Nguyen Thanh Chuong from Technique Company QCM in the central city of Da Nang and Making vaccine to treat hyperemia and congestion in pigs carried out by Nguyen Duc Tan from the department of Animal Health in Central province of Khanh Hoa. MARD launches national movement to protect dykes The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has launched a national programme promoting the involvement of all levels of authorities and society in the protection of dykes across  the country. MARD Deputy Minister Hoàng Văn Thắng, who is also chief of a steering board for the movement, said yesterday the campaign would be implemented in five years between 2016 and 2020 in all provinces and cities, particularly those having dykes. Every year, the ministry would analyse the results of the implementation including plans to set up models for dyke management counties and honour those localities which have grossed outstanding results in building and protecting standard dykes, the deputy minister said. At a ceremony to mark the launch on Tuesday in the northern province of Hưng Yên, Thắng spoke highly on the importance of the preservation and management of dykes following government regulations on dyke protection saying that inspection and punishment should be more regular and strict against violations. He urged local authorities and people to pay attention to the extremely complicated climate changes currently and improve their awareness on the importance of protecting dykes. Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng recently approved a planning scheme for flood prevention and dyke systems along the Hồng (Red) and Thái Bình rivers. The scheme aims to help the localities take the initiative in preventing floods and storms, contributing to their socio-economic stability as well as national security and defence. It will help relevant ministries, agencies and localities manage efforts against floods and storms, and outline investment plans for related projects until 2030 with a vision towards 2050. Apart from forecasting the flood tide in these areas, the scheme also proposes anti-flood solutions, and how to effectively use river shores in line with the Dyke Law and relevant legal documents in service of national socio-economic development. It defines prioritised items and estimates resources necessary for the realisation of the solutions. From 2016 to 2030, efforts will be focussed on planting administrative border markers at the dyke corridors, completing operational procedures of large reservoirs located at the upper parts of the rivers, upgrading dykes, and start afforestation plans, in addition to bringing infrastructure and equipment to support the work. VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/TT/TN/Dantri