Social News 28/5 Photos recalling 70 years of patriotic movements on display   Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (centre) cuts a ribbon to launch a photo exhibition on 70 years of patriotic emulation movements in Hanoi on May 28. Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh cut a ribbon to launch a photo exhibition on 70 years of patriotic emulation movements in Hanoi on May 28. The exhibition is hosted by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) to mark the 70th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s call for patriotic work emulation on June 11, 1948. Opening the event, VNA Director General Nguyen Duc Loi said as an important and reliable news agency of the State and Party, the VNA has made contributions to national building and protection and the country’s industrialisation and modernisation. VNA journalists have captured numerous photos showing the fervent atmosphere of patriotic emulation among Vietnamese soldiers and people during the anti-French and anti-US wars and when the country began international integration and development, he noted. On display at the exhibition are a collection of 100 black and white photographs reminding people of large-scale movements during the national struggle for independence against the French and American, including “Hu gao khang chien” (Rice jar for the Resistance), “Diet giac doi, Diet giac dot, Diet giac ngoai xam” (Kill the hunger, Kill illiteracy, Kill invaders), “Thanh nien Ba san sang” (the youth ready for three tasks), “Phu nu Ba dam dang” (Women with three responsibilities) and more. The photos also tell stories about other patriotic movements during the renewal period, for example, people building new-style rural areas or paying tribute to those who served the nation. The exhibition will run through June 3. Seven decades ago, in the spring of 1948, the country was struggling as it waged its resistance war against the French. To encourage the nation to contribute to the war, President Ho Chi Minh made an appeal for patriotic work emulation on June 11, 1948. Opening the appeal he wrote: “The purpose of patriotic work emulation is to eliminate poverty and hunger and illiteracy and foreign aggressors. It means our entire people have enough rice to eat and clothing to wear. The entire population will know how to read and to write. The soldiers will have enough food and weapons to defeat the foreign aggressors. These are aimed to unite the entire nation. Thus we will have an independent nation, free civil rights and happy welfare of the people." Seventy years have passed, but the appeal he made in June 1948 as the country fought to defeat the French while building a stable future, always promotes work emulation of every Vietnamese. Famous film director dies at 90   Director Nguyễn Huy Thành, winner of many Golden Lotus awards, has died. He was 90. – Photo laodong.vn  Director Nguyễn Huy Thành, who rose to fame after winning the Golden Lotus Award for Nổi Gió (The Wind Rises) in 1970, passed away while visiting his children in France on May 22. He was 90. Thành was born in Đà Nẵng in 1929. He joined the military in 1945 and then moved to the North after 1954. In 1959, he studied directing at the Việt Nam Cinematography University (now the Hà Nội University of Theatre and Cinematography). Thành’s first film Làng Nổi (Floating Village) in 1965 was much-acclaimed. In 1970, he won the Golden Lotus award for Best Feature Film for Nổi Gió (The Wind Rises), given by the Department of Cinematography. He received the Golden Lotus awards for Best Feature Film and Best Screenplay for Về Nơi Gió Cát (Return to the Land of Wind and Sands) in 1983, and Best Feature Film and Best Director for Xa và Gần (Far and Near) in 1985. In honour of his contribution to cinematography, Thành was awarded the titles of People’s Artist and Meritorious Artist in 2007. He was also given State swards for Literature and Arts in the same year. The HCM City Film Association is preparing a memorial ceremony for Thành, and his funeral will be held in HCM City. Irrigation systems need repairs   The 2400ha Pá Khoang Lake within the Pá Khoang tourism site in the northwestern province of Điện Biên. The province’s irrigation systems have been prepared to deal with the upcoming flood season.  Nearly 900 irrigation systems in the northern mountainous province of Điện Biên will be reinforced in preparation for the upcoming flood season. Among those systems are 13 reservoirs, two electrical pumping stations and more than 880 spillways and temporary dams. Two other reservoirs are under construction, including Ảng Cang in Mường Ảng District and Nậm Khẩu Hu in Điện Biên District. Damaged constructions pose severe threats to people who live in downstream or riverside areas. According to Nguyễn Văn Định, head of Điện Biên Province Department of Water Management, the agency tasked reservoir owners to evaluate the construction’s conditions to draw up plans of flood prevention and resilience. Forest protection and better communication between reservoir owners and local authorities were stressed as essential. Nguyễn Văn Duyên, director of Điện Biên Irrigation Management Company, told Vietnam News Agency that since April 2018, the company had inspected 12 reservoirs and dams that it reinforced for extreme weather events. Điện Biên Province has several irrigation systems located in isolated areas which pose difficulties for search and rescue operations. Moreover, some reservoirs such as Bản Ban, Na Hươm and Sái Lượng are inaccessible in the flood season due. Meanwhile, the breakwater project along Quảng Thái Beach in the central province of Thanh Hoá is being postponed, exposing locals to danger when the storm season approaches. The project, which was invested with more than VNĐ180 billion (US$7.9 million) and was expected to be completed this month, is currently halted due to slow disbursement. At the same time, the casuarina forest playing the role of a natural breakwater was completely felled, letting waves directly hit the shore. Phạm Trung Tuấn, deputy head of Quảng Thái Commune People’s Committee, said that if a powerful storm hit the area, 300 local families would face severe damage. “Because of the postponed project, the landscape is negatively affected, fishing boats have no place to be moored and local fishing is ruined,” he said. — VNS Hanoi celebrates 590 years since King Le Thai To’s coronation   The palanquin procession marks 590 years since the coronation day of King Le Thai To on May 27  A ceremony was held by Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi on May 27 (13th day of the fourth lunar month) to mark 590 years since the coronation day of King Le Thai To, the founder of the Le so Dynasty (1428 – 1527). In 1416, Le Loi, posthumously known by his temple name Le Thai To, and prominent figures gathered at the Lung Nhai Oath Ceremony in the land which is now Thanh Hoa province to vow to liberate the country from the rule of the Chinese Ming invaders, who attacked the country in 1407. He launched the Lam Son Uprising in 1418 and it came to success in 1427, after 10 years of countless hardships and many resounding victories, forcing the Ming invaders to retreat. On the 15th day of the fourth lunar month in 1428, Le Loi came to the throne under the name Thuan Thien at Kinh Thien Palace in Dong Quan Fortress (now Hanoi), and renamed the country Dai Viet, a name used to exist from 1054 to 1400. The ceremony marking his coronation featured a palanquin procession with the participation of over 1,000 people and the incense offering at the King Le Thai To Statue relic site. A representative of the administration of Hoan Kiem district said the ceremony aimed to commemorate the great merit of Le Loi during the 10-year uprising against the foreign invaders. It was also meant to help preserve and uphold traditional spiritual cultural values and educate people about tribute to ancestors. Greetings extended to Buddhists on Buddha’s birthday   Most Venerable Danh Lung presents gift to Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Ngo Sach Thuc  A delegation led by Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Ngo Sach Thuc visited and extended greetings to Buddhist dignitaries and followers in Ho Chi Minh City on May 27 on the occasion of Lord Buddha’s 2562nd birthday. Visiting Most Venerable Thich Duc Nghiep, Vice Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)'s Patronage Council and dignitaries in Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Thuc stressed that Buddhism always stays side by side with the nation and makes numerous contributions to the national development. Visiting dignitaries of Khmer Nam Tong (Theravada ) Buddhism sect in Candaransi Pagoda, Thuc acknowledged that together with Buddhist work, the VBS has actively participated in emulation movements and social welfare activities as well as making efforts to protect the environment, adapt to climate change and ensure food safety and traffic safety. Most Venerable Danh Lung stated that Buddhist dignitaries and followers continue promoting the good tradition of Buddhism, actively responding to the patriotic emulation movement and other campaigns initiated by the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and maintain contributions to the national great unity. On the day, the delegation also visited Most Venerable Thich Giac Toan, Vice President of the VBS’s Executive Council, who represents the Khat si Vietnam Nam (Mendicant Buddhist) Sect; Most Venerable Thich Thien Tam, Vice President of the VBS’s Executive Council and head of the Kinh Nam Tong Sect, and Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Vice Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)'s Patronage Council and head of the Executive Council of the VBS’s Ho Chi Minh City chapter. OV intellectuals in France, Belgium meet for national building   AVSE Global members, including many overseas Vietnamese intellectuals in France, met with Vietnamese specialists and businessmen living in Belgium in a gathering on May 27. Members of the Association of Vietnamese Specialists and Scientists (AVSE Global), including many overseas Vietnamese intellectuals in France, met with Vietnamese specialists and businessmen living in Belgium in a Brussels gathering on May 27. The AVSE held the gathering to connect Vietnamese intellectuals in the two countries and called on Vietnamese people living in Belgium and the Europe at large to together turn their hearts to the homeland and make contributions to the national building. In his remarks at the meeting, AVSE President Nguyen Duc Khuong said the meeting aims to provide overseas Vietnamese people and organisations in Vietnam, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and other countries with information and chances to take part in seminars, projects and training programmes the AVSE Global is carrying out. Present at the event, Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Vu Anh Quang highly valued contributions made by the Vietnamese communities overseas, especially intellectuals, to the national building. He expected the Vietnamese intellectuals and businessmen in Belgium will look into the possibility to set up an association like AVSE in France. During the meeting, the AVSE gave the participants an overview of training courses, seminars, forums and projects it has been implementing. The participants then discussed opportunities to expand relations between the AVSE and organisations and individuals in Belgium and to take part in projects and programmes in Vietnam. Founded in 2011 in Paris, France, the AVSE brings together prestigious Vietnamese intellectuals, scientists and specialists who reside both at home and overseas. The group aims to contribute to the prosperous development of the country. Pho Hien set to be new tourism hub   The Xich Dang Temple of Literature, built in the 17th century in Xich Dang Commune. The temple worships Chu Van An (1292-1370), a revered teacher in the Trần Dynasty. It is among the 16 historical relics in the Pho Hien complex recognised as special heritage sites  The northern province of Hung Yen is branding itself as the gateway to Hanoi city, in an effort to attract tourists and market its cultural sites and products. In its tourism development plan, recently approved by the provincial authorities, the ancient Pho Hien (Hien Street) relic complex and the Hong (Red) River eco-travelling lodge have been listed as trademarks of Hung Yen tourism. The province has set a goal to develop tourism industry as a key sector for economic development. The province seeks to tap the abundance of local products, as well as improve facilities, and promote its cultural identity. Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duy Hung said the province has set out a variety of basic targets for development, in which priority was given to the development of the tourism industry; facilities and products that appeal to tourists; and particularly the protection of natural resources and the environment. The province also directed local tourism authorities to focus on improving transport infrastructure and urged the business sector to invest in this field, said Hung. He said, on the one hand, the province will focus on domestic markets, mainly attracting tourists from Hanoi and other provinces in the Red River Delta as well as other provinces in the country. On the other hand, he added, it will expand to international markets including those in Europe, Australia, and North America. Those in Northeast Asia and ASEAN member countries will also be considered, according to Hung. Hung Yen has, for several years, undertaken measures to preserve the ancient Pho Hien relic complex, which is recognised as a special national heritage site. Numerous projects have been implemented in the locality since 1997 to restore Pho Hien, in a bid to protect its cultural and historic value. Repairs have been made to the Xich Dang Temple of Literature, the Chuong Pagoda, the Mau (Goddess) Temple, and the Dong Do Quang Hoi and Hien Pagodas, among others. Now the province has cordoned off nearly 2,000 hectares of land to carry out a master plan to preserve ancient Pho Hien in line with local tourism development. Furthermore, the province has paid consistent attention to restoring Pho Hien traditional cultural festivals in order to maximise the tourism potential of the locality. Worshipping places in the complex remain particularly popular among domestic tourists. The Pho Hien relic complex contains countless pagodas and temples built in Vietnamese, Chinese and western architectural styles. A Catholic church boasting a gothic architectural style was built in Pho Hien during the 17th century. The complex was also once a bustling commercial port on the Red River, reaching its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pho Hien was second only to the imperial capital city of Thang Long as a trading point. It was well-known among foreign traders, especially those from China, the Netherlands, Japan and France. VFF President visits Buddhists in Soc Trang, Dong Nai provinces   President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Tran Thanh Man (front, right) visits Buddhists in Soc Trang province at Prek On Dot Pagoda on May 27  President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man has congratulated Buddhists in the southern provinces of Soc Trang and Dong Nai on Lord Buddha’s 2,562nd birth anniversary (15th day of the fourth lunar month, or May 29 this year). Visiting Prek On Dot (also called Can Duoc) Pagoda in Thanh Phu commune of Soc Trang’s My Xuyen district on May 27, he offered congratulations to Most Venerable Duong Nhon – Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), head of the provincial Association for Solidarity of Patriotic Buddhist Monks and head of Prek On Dot Pagoda; along with leaders of Thien Phuoc Pagoda in Xuan Hoa commune and Thien Thoi Pagoda in Thoi An Hoi commune of Ke Sach district. Man informed local Buddhists about Vietnam’s recent achievements which were greatly contributed by Vietnamese Buddhists. He extended greetings to all the Buddhists in Soc Trang, expressing his hope that they will continue encouraging dignitaries and followers to comply with the Party’s policies and the State’s law, including the Law on Belief and Religion, actively participate in social activities and patriotic emulation movements, and promote the great national unity bloc. Most Venerable Thich Minh Hanh, member of the VBS’s Executive Council and head of Thien Thoi Pagoda, appreciated the Party, State and VFF’s attention, affirming that they will further encourage Buddhist followers to contribute to national development. On May 26, the leader of the VFF Central Committee visited Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the VBS’s Patronage Council, at Thuong Chieu Monastery in Phuoc Thai commune of Long Thanh district, Dong Nai province. He noted that the Law on Belief and Religion, which comes into force in 2018, will create more favourable conditions for all religions, including Buddhism. He asked Thuong Chieu Monastery and the VBS to build on the obtained achievements and contribute more to national development and protection. Buddhists in HCM City congratulated on Lord Buddha’s birthday   National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (fifth, left) visits Office II of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in HCM City on May 27  National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, visited and extended congratulations to some Buddhist establishments in Ho Chi Minh City on May 27 ahead of Lord Buddha’s 2562nd birthday. Visiting Chairman of the VBS’s Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon and Buddhist monks, nuns and followers at Office II of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), she hailed the enormous contributions by Vietnamese Buddhists to national development throughout history. The VBS has done a number of activities benefiting the religion and life while encouraging Buddhists nationwide to have good faith, adhere to the State’s law, fulfill citizens’ obligations, actively take part in charitable work, and contribute to poverty reduction. She affirmed that the Party and State always respect and ensure people’s right to freedom of belief and religion, care for the socio-economic development of religious communities, and create favourable conditions for followers and dignitaries of different religious, including Buddhism, to practice their religions authentically and fulfill the obligations of a citizen. Appreciating the Party and State leaders’ attention, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon said the VBS has been complying with Lord Buddha’s teachings to become a religion with humane values that is attached to humankind and generates good values for the life. Over nearly two millennia, the Vietnamese Buddhism has continually been standing by the country and become an integral part of the nation’s history, he noted. He pledged that the VBS will continue encouraging Buddhists to follow the State’s Constitution and law as well as the VBS’s policies and regulations, thus helping to develop the Vietnamese Buddhism sustainably and contributing to national development. Also on May 27, NA Chairwoman Ngan visited the Executive Council of the Giao hoi Tinh do cu sy Phat hoi Viet Nam (Vietnam Pure Land Buddhist Association) Central Committee. Talking to head of the association Nguyen Phuong Hieu, dignitaries, followers and members of the organisation, she spoke highly of their religious practices along with provision of free medical examinations and medicine and care for disadvantaged people, which have helped to build a more altruistic society. She applauded their efforts to join people nationwide to create great strides for Vietnam and improve the country’s stature in the international arena. She asked the Vietnam Pure Land Buddhist Association to continue charitable work to help with national development. Nguyen Phuong Hieu said all dignitaries, followers and members of the association always trust the State’s guidelines and policies on religions and beliefs. They have focused on their religious practices and strived to carry out charitable activities and develop the association. The Executive Council will continue promoting their followers’ adherence to law and the organisation’s rules, along with charitable work, thereby helping to bring peace and happiness to all people, he added. On May 26, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh also visited and sent congratulations on Lord Buddha’s birthday to Buddhists at Lam Son, Thien Minh and Bao Quoc pagodas in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. Vietnam impresses Prague international art festival   Trong dance performed at 20th international art-cultural festival of national minorities in the Czech Republic Vietnam’s traditional dances gained big applause at the 20th international art-cultural festival of national minorities in the Czech Republic held from May 24-28 under the theme “Prague-Heart of Nations”. Vietnamese people living in the country brought to the festival three dances, and an ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) show. This was the first time a group dance from Vietnam, Trong dance (dance with drums), had been selected to be performed in the Gala Concert – the peak of the festival - in the stunning Vinohrady Theater on May 26. Nguyen Duy Nhien, President of the Vietnamese People’s Association in the Czech Republic, said that Vietnam has attended the festival for nine times, with the purpose of showing friendship and introducing the country’s cultural beauty to international friends. This year’s festival attracted the participation of 20 troupes from European, Asian, African and American nations. The festival is the largest joint festival of national minorities in the Czech Republic, which has been held since 1999. It features music & dance performances, costumeshows, exhibitions, demonstrations of old crafts, creative and dance workshops. Vietnam works to ease childhood micronutrient deficiency Statistics show that the stunting rate in Vietnam remains high at 24.3 percent, while obesity in urban areas is rising rapidly. Public awareness of nutrition is said to be low. Vegetable, meat, shrimp and fish are basic kinds of nutrition that mothers normally choose for their children in daily meals. However, not many of them know how much nutrition is enough. Many mothers think kids need to gain weight to be healthy. Tong Thu Thuy, a mother of two living in Ninh Binh province said it was hard to know how much nutrition is enough. If we want our kids to gain weight, maybe we have to consult doctors, she added. Sharing the viewpoint, Le Thi Loan, another mother in Ninh Binh province told reporters: "It’s difficult to know, only by doing test. I can only let them eat vegetables, fruit, meat and fish, that’s it." Childhood malnutrition is now concerning experts. Data show that as many as 13 percent of under five children in Vietnam now don’t get enough Vitamin A, while the rate of zinc deficiency is up to 70 percent. According to Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Long, Deputy Minister of Health, Vietnam is now facing a serious deficiency of Vitamin A and folic acid. Nutrition imbalance between regions is also worrying us. The Ministry of Health launches campaigns every year to give more children Vitamin A, since the rate of vitamin A deficiency is still high. As many as 1 million Vietnamese children receive vitamin A during the annual campaign in all cities and provinces nationwide. However, the vitamin supplement is conducted during campaigns, not regularly. Malnutrition cause negative effects on children’s health and development. Increasing micronutrients in daily meal is the simplest and most sustainable way to improve the height and physical health of Vietnamese people. Da Nang forest fire service on high alert due to heat wave Forest fire season begins in central Da Nang city as heat wave here is prolonged and fiercer. The city forest fire service and local firemen are increasing their patrol, and monitoring to minimize the number of forest fires. In endless forests in Son Tra nature reserve, the fuels in the ground are immense, like fallen leaves and dried branches. In such a dry condition and low humidity like now, a reckless action by human can easily ignite a raging fire. And, it can go out of control.    Locals living around the nature reserve are deeply aware of protecting forests there. Among them is Le Viet Tien, who has joined a local rapid forest fire service team. When going into the forest, he often keeps an eye out all around the area, and quickly spots a fire if it is occurring. He told reporters: "During national holidays we have to be more vigilant and look out for any situations. If the fire is little, we can handle it by ourselves, if not, then we will call for fire fighters." As the forest fire season is in full swing, local rangers have increased their patrol. They always keep a close watch on bushes or the ground with thick fallen leaves. Tran Thang, Chief of staff of Son Tra – Ngu Hanh Son Park Ranger said: "We broadcast public announcement to inform public of the heat wave, and regulations on forest protection." During their work shift, they often remind visitors to refrain from using lighters or causing fire, he added. Da Nang is home to more than 62 thousand hectares of forest. It has defined fire prevention as the main task. Since the beginning of the drought season, the city ranger force has increased its resources. It has stayed on high alert in order to be the first to deal with any forest fires. Unpredictable weather patterns, and intense heat wave, in recent years, have caused some devastating wildfires. To minimize wildfire-related damage, Da Nang also needs to revise its prevention strategies.  This includes strengthening the existing fire service resources, and sending more personnel to high-risk areas to quickly get to a fire and distinguish it. Slavic writing, culture celebrated in HCM City, Hanoi   An art performance at the event in Ho Chi Minh City.  Events to mark the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture (May 24) were held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi on May 26. In HCM City, the event was hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations the Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association and the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association in the city.  Speaking at the festival, Hoang Thai Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association in HCM City, said the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture (May 24) is observed annually by Slavic countries to commemorate Saints Cyril and Methodius, who created the Slavic writing.  Currently, more than 250 million people across the world are using the writing system, contributing to the development of the European civilization. The Slavic countries include Russia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Serbia and Croatia, among others.  Chargé d' Affairs of the Bulgarian Embassy in Vietnam Marinela Petkova highlighted cooperation in politics, economy, education, tourism, culture and sports between Vietnam and Bulgaria.  The two countries boast substantial potential for economic collaboration, she said, noting that Bulgaria highly values economic achievements Vietnam has recorded in recent years.  The diplomat held that more efforts should be made to deepen the bilateral ties. Da Nang: Dutch Day marks Vietnam-Netherlands ties   “Dutch Day” is part of the activities to mark 45th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands.  The culture and people of the Netherlands grow closer to Da Nang residents through the “Dutch Day” held in the central coastal city on May 26. The event, held by the Dutch Embassy and Consulate General in Vietnam in collaboration with the municipal People Committee, is part of the activities to mark 45th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands (April 9). It featured a wide range of activities, including “Bike Ride”, photo exhibition, book exhibition, and information exchange on studying in the Netherlands, among others. At the event, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Ho Ky Minh said that the “Dutch Day” will help enhance friendship and cooperation between Da Nang and Dutch localities, making contributions to fostering the bilateral ties between the two countries. According to Dutch Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City Carel Richter, the “Dutch Day” will continue its journey to Da Lat city in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong in June, the northern port city of Hai Phong in September and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in November, focusing on agriculture, maritime and climate change, respectively. The events will serve as venues for businesses of both sides to meet and seek cooperative opportunities, he said. Reburial service held for soldier remains repatriated from Laos, Cambodia   At the memorial service   The Central Highlands province of Kon Tum held a memorial service and re-buried 16 sets of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives during wartime in Laos and Cambodia. The event was attended by representatives from the Government’s specialised committee on searching and repatriating volunteer soldiers’ remains, delegations from Laos’s Attapeu, Sekong and Champasak provinces, and Cambodia’s Ratanakiri province.  During the 2017-2018 dry season, the search team of the provincial Military High Command repatriated 16 sets of martyrs’ remains. Of the total, 10 sets of remains were found in Rattanakiri province and six others in Laos’s Attapeu, Sekong and Champasak provinces. Many personal belongings of the fallen soldiers were found along with the remains, including rifles, water containers and combs. Ministry marks 80 years of National Script Dissemination Association   Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Huu Do  The Ministry of Education and Training held a ceremony in Hanoi on May 25 to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the National Script Dissemination Association (May 25, 1938), which is the predecessor of the continuing education sector nowadays. Addressing the event, Deputy Minister Nguyen Huu Do said the romanised script, developed by French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes in the 17th century, became the official script of Vietnam in the early 20th century and was called Quoc ngu (national script).  But it was not until 1917 that the romanized script completely won against Han (Chinese) and Nom (modified Chinese script of Vietnam). However, up to 95 percent of Vietnam’s population was illiterate at that time. After the Communist Party of Vietnam came into being in 1930, the then Party Committee of the northern region decided to set up an organisation to fight illiteracy and invite intellectuals to take part in this organisation. The legality of the National Script Dissemination Association was recognised on July 29, 1938. However, the organisation took May 25, 1938 as its official establishment day. It opened the first course on September 9, 1938. From June 1940 to July 1944, the organisation ran 820 classes with 2,908 teachers and 41,118 students. Nearly 9,460 of the students had escaped illiteracy by September 1944. The organisation began operations in the central region on January 5, 1939 and in the southern region on November 5, 1944. After the August Revolution in 1945 that led to the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the mass education movement was launched, and the National Script Dissemination Association ceased operation. Deputy Minister Nguyen Huu Do said in nearly two decades since Vietnam declared the elimination of illiteracy and universalisation of primary education, illiteracy eradication efforts have been maintained and resulted in major achievements. The literacy rate has reached about 97.35 percent in the 15-60 age group and 92.56 percent among ethnic minority people, he noted. At the ceremony, the education ministry also honoured collectives and persons with outstanding attainments in illiteracy eradication in recent years. Vietnam presents gifts to Cambodia’s solidarity front   At the presenting ceremony  The Vietnamese Government on May 25 presented three cars and three sets of computers worth nearly 300,000 USD to the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodia Motherland. Defence Attaché at the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia Nguyen Anh Dung handed over these gifts to permanent Vice Chairman of the front Nhem Valy. Nhem Valy expressed the profound gratitude of the Cambodian people in general and the front in particular for Vietnam’s assistance. He said that the gifts will help the front contribute more to Cambodia’s nation building and development as well as the country’s relations with Vietnam. Over the past years, the front has coordinated actively with the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Defence Ministry and other ministries, thus helping consolidate and develop the traditional friendship and solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries’ people. Standard Chartered raises 74,000 USD for eye care programme   The Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Limited has raised more than 74,000 USD from the “Cycling for tomorrow light” programme for its eye care programme. (Source: doanhnhansaigon.vn) The Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Limited has raised more than 74,000 USD from the “Cycling for tomorrow light” programme for its eye care programme entitled “Light is belief.” The amount is much higher than the set target of 60,000 USD. It includes the amount donated by Standard Chartered which is equivalent to the sum raised from the community. All of the proceeds will be used to fund eye care projects in countries and territories where Standard Chartered is operating, including Vietnam. From the former imperial city of Hue, 27 staff members of Standard Chartered in Vietnam, ASEAN and South Asian countries rode across Hai Van Pass and Hoi An ancient city before reaching central Da Nang city. “Light is belief” is a cooperation programme between Standard Chartered, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and leading eye care organizations in the world. Since its establishment in 2003, the programme has supported 163.5 million people through medical intervention, eye-screening tests and instruction on eye care measures. It has also provided training courses on eye care for 294,500 medical workers, carried out 167 projects in 37 countries and presented 1 million glasses to people with eye-related problems. In Vietnam, Standard Chartered has actively coordinated with partners to support and develop eyesight rehabilitation and eye care programmes. To date, “Light is belief” has provided eye-screening tests for 2.5 million people, performed 47,000 eye operations and presented 34,6000 glasses to targeted people. Under the programme, three projects are being implemented with total fund of 2.4 million USD, expected to benefit 2.2 million people, including workers in central Da Nang city and Quang Ngai province, students in Da Nang city, Hai Duong and Tien Giang provinces, and children and elderly people in Can Tho city and Ca Mau province. Vietnamese firms support poor households in Cambodia   At the ceremony to present gift packages to poor people in Cambodia  Vietnamese enterprises operating in Cambodia have presented gift packages through the Association of Khmer-Vietnam in Cambodia to 100 poor households, including overseas Vietnamese and Cambodian families. At the presentation of gifts in Phnom Penh on May 25, Chau Van Chi, President of the association, which was previously known as the General Association of Vietnamese-Cambodian People, thanked the Vietnamese businesses for the donation. Vo Tranh, an overseas Vietnamese living in Chbar Ampov district, expressed his gratitude to Vietnamese sponsors. Apart from this programme, the Khmer-Vietnam association will continue coordinating with Vietnamese and overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs to support disadvantaged residents in Prey Veng province. In recent years, many delegations of Vietnamese and overseas Vietnamese volunteer doctors, enterprises and donors have provided free medical examination and medicines for disadvantaged locals and Vietnamese expatriates in Cambodia, contributing to enhancing the friendship between the two countries and their people in particular. Earlier on May 12, overseas Vietnamese doctors in Cambodia collaborated with local partners to provide free health check-ups and medicines to over 1,000 Cambodian and Vietnamese poor people in Kep province. The charitable activity was funded by Vietnamese enterprises and Overseas Vietnamese firms operating in Cambodia. The people were provided with services such as blood tests, ultrasound examination, electrocardiogram, general examination. They also received medicines and advice on how to prevent diseases.  Those with difficult circumstances, who can’t afford intensive treatment, will have their treatment funded by donors. Kien Giang province seeks partnership with French localities   At the gathering to mark the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties (Source: thoidai.com.vn) The southern province of Kien Giang wants to increase cooperation and people-to-people exchange with French localities, and welcomes French investors and businesspeople to the province, said a provincial official. Addressing a local gathering to mark the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties on May 25, Vice Chairman of Kien Giang People’s Committee Mai Van Huynh said as early as in 2012, the province signed with the French city of Lorient a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on fishing, seafood processing, ship building, education-training, health care, tourism and investment support.  Since then, Kien Giang has also held a number of events to promote trade and investment ties with French businesses. The province is now home to two French investment projects with combined capital of 4.3 million USD. Some non-governmental organisations of France have implemented some support projects in Kien Giang in the fields of public health, education and rural development.  Deputy Ambassador of France to Vietnam Olivier Sigaud stressed that bilateral ties are enjoying development with effective cooperation across many fields after 45 years of diplomatic relations and five years as strategic partners.  He highlighted the growing partnership in culture, education, justice, administration, economic development, and defence-security. He particularly noted that more than 7,000 Vietnamese students are pursuing education in France.  The Deputy Ambassador said Vietnam has great potential for development and investors share the assessment that the country’s economy is seeing stable growth.  He affirmed that French businesses want to continue to invest in Vietnam, adding that for Kien Giang, France will promote investment in seafood processing, tourism and service.  Vietnam and France established a diplomatic relationship on April 12, 1973. France was among the first Western countries to set up ties with Vietnam and assist the country in national reconstruction.  The two countries entered into a strategic partnership in September 2013, marking a step forward in political trust and opening up new directions for close cooperation. Mekong forum highlights technology application in agro-aquaculture   Technology and plant display in the framework of the forum A forum discussing ways to enhance application of technologies in agriculture and aquaculture production take place in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on May 25.  The Mekong 2018 Forum was jointly organised by the Department of Technology Application and Development of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST ), Can Tho’s Department of Science and Technology, Cuu Long University, and the Asia industry information association. The event is part of a chain of events hosted by the MoST, which aims to promote technology application, transfer and innovation in the Mekong Delta region.  The forum featured introduction and demonstrations of modern and smart technologies for agriculture and aquaculture production and business networking activities for technology transfer in the region.  Dao Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho municipal People’s Committee said that the Mekong Delta region is a key agricultural area of the country, accounting for 50 percent, 65 percent and 70 percent of the nation’s rice, aquaculture and fruit yields, respectively.  The region also contributes 95 percent of rice export and 60 percent of aquatic product export of the country, he added.  However, he noted that the delta is vulnerable to challenges caused by climate change and rising sea level, which have direct impact on the production and the life of regional people.  Dung stressed the need to shift the way of thinking in agricultural production from ensuring food security to large-scale and modern agricultural production to meet market demand. MoST Deputy Minister  Tran Van Tung said thanks to application of science and technology  in agricultural production, regional research institutes and enterprises have created many varieties of plants and animals with high economic value, along with advanced production technologies, suitable with regional characteristics, thus developing key products with high competitiveness, contributing to promoting sustainable socio-economic development in  the region and the country in general. Participants, however, pointed out that science and technology have yet to become the main driving force of socio-economic development in the Mekong Delta. They suggested promoting  research, transfer and application of technologies in agricultural production in the region, focusing on new and smart technologies, automation technology solutions basing on the IoT platform such as Unmanned pesticide spraying aircraft; plant / animal quality monitoring system via smartphone, and precise irrigation technology.              It is both the current trend and a compulsory solution to increase productivity, product quality, and shift to modern agriculture. VNN