Latest news with #HoChiMinhCity
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Moment TV daredevil Guy Martin makes savage war weapon napalm as he tours Vietnam 50 years after fall of Saigon
LEGENDARY motorbike racer Guy Martin tried his hand at making napalm as he headed to Vietnam to mark 50 years since the end of the war. For the latest "Our Guy in…" Channel 4 series, Guy travelled from Hanoi in the north of the country Ho Chi Minh city in the south and saw first hand the legacy of a war that claimed more than 1.3million lives. 11 11 Speaking exclusive to The Sun, Guy said: "They're all looking forward, they're not dwelling on the past, and they're not letting the war define them. It just blew me away." The war between the communist North and western-aligned South intensified in 1965 when the US committed serious force over fears that Soviet influence was spreading in the region. After eight years of intense fighting, the US finally withdrew in 1973 and in 1975 evacuated the country once and for all, when Communist forces surrounded the country's embassy in the country's capital of Saigon, since renamed Ho Chi Minh city. In total, 58,000 American troops were killed - over half of whom were aged just 18. Guy took a Soviet-era motorbike down the route of the legendary Ho Chi Minh trail, a supply route used by the Viet Cong communist guerrillas. It proved crucial in giving them the upper hand over the much more technologically advanced Americans. More than a million tonnes of supplies were transported via the trail, often using nothing more than pushbikes and improvised bridges to cross rivers. But limited resources and a deep knowledge of the landscape made the Vietnamese skilled engineers, and experts at creating boobytraps that would prove devastating to the Americans. In response, the US deployed terrifying weapons such as Napalm - a fearsome mixture of chemicals used to burn through miles of thick jungle. Mixing a small amount of its components in a jar, Guy was then able to see for himself the weapon behind some of the most horrific imagery that defined the war. He said: "That is the worst weapon. Absolutely horrible. "The fire would be that intense, it'll drag oxygen from wherever it can get it, so it'll suffocate whoever's in the building. "The heat would be a thousand degrees. You're not lasting long." Another weapon used with devastating effect by the United States was a herbicide called Agent Orange, designed to destroy vegetation in an attempt to deprive the Vietnamese of cover. 11 11 Like the millions of bombs dropped, its legacy can still be felt today. Guy paid a visit to Son, a maths and computer programming lecturer who is one of those battling the effects today. His father was in the north Vietnamese army, and at one point during the war found himself soaked in the liquid dropped from an American plane. Tests conducted years later confirmed he had been poisoned, and he passed away from cancer in 2006. The genetic damage caused by the chemical has left Son born with birth defects and unable to walk. Guy said: "They used the same weed killer than they use to kill the weeds on the side of the road, but it was 20 times stronger. 'And the landmass that they covered was bigger than Wales.' 11 11 11 An estimated 3 million Vietnamese are still affected by its aftermath. In one month alone, the US dropped as many bombs on Vietnam as it during the entire Second World War. Many of them failed to explode on impact, meaning that acres of the country remain highly-dangerous no-go zones. In total, more than 100,000 people in the country have died since the end of the war as a result of left-over explosives. Guy joined the frontline of the effort to clear the countryside as he headed out with a team of charity workers. 'People are still getting killed because of unexploded mines and fields,' Guy said. 'They've been at it for 30-odd years, just working their way through the fields, using the metal detectors to find the mines and bombs, and then doing a controlled explosion,' Guy added as he reflected on joining in the operation. 'It was great to be part of.' After heading out into the field with metal detectors, Guy and the team came across three unexploded bombs in the small area they were sweeping. A controlled explosion is then performed once the device is wrapped in sandbags, the detonation cord dragged out to a safe distance, and locals warned to clear the area. Guy was then shown how to use the detonation switch, and after a countdown from ten, triggered the explosion. 'There was muck and stuff flying everywhere,' he said. 'And this was a daily occurrence.' Our Guy in Vietnam airs on Channel 4 at 9pm, Sunday June 1. 11
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Vietnam tees off on the world golf stage as official host of Legends Tour 2025
Vietnam is making a power play in the world of international sport and golf is its game of choice. This weekend Ho Chi Minh City was officially named as one of 21 destinations worldwide selected to host the Legends Tour 2025, a prestigious series featuring some of the greatest names in senior professional golf. The Vietnam Legends Championship 2025, scheduled for November 29 to December 1, will bring the likes of Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, and Miguel Ángel Jiménez to Southeast Asia. It hopes to open new doors for fans, business leaders, and investors from regions like the UAE and the Middle East, where golf, tourism, and cross-border investment continue to grow hand-in-hand. The Tour officially launched with the Staysure Marbella Legends at the renowned Aloha Golf Club in Marbella, Spain, on February 14 to 16.. A high-energy press conference held on Saturday under the direction of the People's Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports gathered notable figures, including Legends Tour Chairman Ryan Howsam, European golf icons, and leading Vietnamese and international business representatives. A Global Gateway In his welcome address, Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports and Head of the Organizing Committee, underscored the tournament's strategic impact saying: 'Vietnam Legends Tour 2025 is not just a sporting event, but a bridge for cultural, economic, and human exchange between Vietnam and international friends. 'Through this event, we hope Ho Chi Minh City will affirm its role as a hub for organizing world-class sporting events while opening up investment cooperation opportunities for the business community.' Chairman of the Legends Tour, Ryan Howsam, echoed this sentiment: 'We are honoured to have the Vietnam Legends Tour 2025 hosted in Ho Chi Minh City - a vibrant, friendly, and highly promising city. 'Our presence here is not solely for competition, but also to observe the dynamic transformation of a city in motion.' Dubai-Driven Vietnam Comeback The highlight of the conference was the signing of a three-year strategic partnership between the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Legends Tour, and The Golf House JSC, the event's promoter. Nguyen Gia Bao, Chairwoman of The Golf House, is based in Dubai and played a key role in bringing the Legends Championship back to her native Vietnam for the second time after 2023. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Legends Tour and The Golf House to establish a Golf Academy in Vietnam - an ambitious move to nurture local talent and grow the sport throughout Southeast Asia. Gia Bao, an avid golfer and a professional motorsports racer, commented 'The official signing of a 3-year strategic partnership with the Legends Tour to bring the Vietnam Legends Championship to Vietnam from 2025 to 2027 marks a significant milestone for The Golf House. 'Our goal is not only to organize world-class tournaments but to foster a professional golf community and connect enterprises for sustainable growth. Ho Chi Minh City will be the launchpad for projecting Vietnam's values onto the global stage.' A Nation on the Rise As Vietnam celebrates the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification, the Vietnam Legends Championship 2025 stands not only as a world-class sports event but also as a powerful symbol of the country's global ambition. From championship fairways to corporate boardrooms, Ho Chi Minh City is extending an open invitation to the world -especially forward-looking economies like the UAE - to connect, invest, and grow alongside a dynamic country ready to lead on the international stage.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The International Golf Tournament "Vietnam Legends Championship 2025" Officially Launches
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Under the direction of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City — acting as the Head of the Organizing Committee — in coordination with The Golf House JSC, solemnly held the press conference announcing the Vietnam Legends Championship 2025. This event marks the beginning of a series of international golf activities in Vietnam, with the European Tour Group partnering to position Ho Chi Minh City as a key destination within the global Legends Tour circuit. Vietnam is one of 21 countries to host a Legends Tour tournament in 2025. The press conference was attended by leaders from the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, representatives from departments and agencies, Mr. Ryan Howsam — Chairman of the Legends Tour, distinguished European and global golf legends, Vietnamese and international business leaders, business associations, universities, media agencies, and golf enthusiasts. In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Nam Nhan – Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, and Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized: 'Vietnam Legends Tour 2025 is not just a sporting event, but a bridge for cultural, economic, and human exchange between Vietnam and international friends. Through this event, we hope Ho Chi Minh City will affirm its role as a hub for organizing world-class sporting events, while opening up investment cooperation opportunities for the business community.' Mr. Ryan Howsam – Chairman of the Legends Tour, shared: 'We are honored to have the Vietnam Legends Tour 2025 hosted in Ho Chi Minh City — a vibrant, friendly, and highly promising city. This tournament not only offers top-tier golf experiences but also presents opportunities for global legends to connect with Vietnam's business community and fans.' 'Our presence here is not solely for the purpose of competition, but also to observe the dynamic transformation of a city in motion. Ho Chi Minh City exemplifies a remarkable openness to foreign investment — a place where we not only identify commercial prospects, but also perceive a profound and long-term commitment to reform, infrastructure development, and innovation.' 'From a corporate standpoint, events such as the Vietnam Legends Championship 2025 present more than just an opportunity to convene in a world-class golfing environment. They serve as a platform to engage with the market, foster dialogue with local authorities, and build meaningful connections within the business community — all of which are essential in an ever-evolving global investment landscape.' Mrs. Nguyen Gia Bao – Chairwoman of The Golf House, Promoter of the event, shared: 'The official signing of a 3-year strategic partnership with the Legends Tour to bring the Vietnam Legends Championship to Vietnam from 2025 to 2027 marks a significant milestone for The Golf House. Our goal is not only to organize world-class tournaments but to foster a professional golf community and connect enterprises for sustainable growth. Ho Chi Minh City will be the launchpad for projecting Vietnam's values onto the global stage.' At the press conference, representatives from the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Legends Tour, and The Golf House officially signed a three-party strategic cooperation agreement, confirming their joint commitment to organizing the Vietnam Legends Championship from 2025 to 2027 in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, the Legends Tour and The Golf House signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a Golf Academy in Vietnam — a foundational initiative to nurture the next generation of athletes and advance the sustainable development of golf across Southeast Asia. Vietnam Legends Championship 2025 is one of the key highlights among Ho Chi Minh City's Top 10 international sporting and diplomatic events in 2025, contributing to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification. The tournament will gather over 60 global golf legends from the Legends Tour, hundreds of business executives and golfers from Vietnam and abroad, and more than 3,000 amateur participants joining the full lineup of events: Qualifiers, Road to Legends, Future Legends, and the Vietnam Legends Championship 2025. The tournament promises world-class experiences, valuable opportunities to compete alongside legends, and exceptional business networking. The Organizing Committee also officially announced the full event schedule: - Press Conference: May 29 – June 1, 2025 - Road to Legends Series: June, August, September, October 2025 - Vietnam Legends Championship: November 25 – 30, 2025 Beyond elite sporting value, the Vietnam Legends Championship 2025 also aims to: - Promote the image of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam globally - Foster cultural, tourism, trade, and investment exchange - Inspire the younger generation through Future Legends activities - Facilitate business partnerships between Vietnamese and international enterprises via roundtable discussions and networking events - Build investment and trade bridges in 8 priority sectors: (1) Renewable energy, (2) Halal food & agriculture, (3) Infrastructure & real estate, (4) Tourism & hospitality, (5) Logistics & ports, (6) Technology & innovation, (7) Healthcare & pharmaceuticals, (8) FMCG (Fast-moving consumer goods) The event has garnered attention from over 50 domestic media outlets and numerous international publications, laying the foundation for a global communications campaign for the Vietnam Legends Championship 2025. The entire event series will be officially media-sponsored by Ho Chi Minh City Television (HTV). Leveraging its extensive experience in multimedia event promotion, HTV is set to deliver compelling coverage to both domestic and international audiences — including striking visual content, engaging behind-the-scenes stories, and internationally standardized live broadcasts of the tournament. In addition to HTV's coverage, the event will also receive strong media support from central and Ho Chi Minh City-based news agencies, ensuring widespread dissemination and heightened public engagement. Media Contact – Vietnam Legends Championship 2025 Email: media@ Hotline: +84 913 720 842 (Ms. Thao Phan)
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Vietnam seizes fake Rolex watches, Prada bags from mall amid US pressure
Vietnamese authorities have seized thousands of fake products, including imitation Rolex watches and Prada handbags, during a raid at a shopping centre in business hub Ho Chi Minh City, state media reported on Friday. The raid at Saigon Square Shopping Mall comes as Vietnam steps up its fight against counterfeits and digital piracy, after the United States accused the country of being a major hub for these illegal activities and threatened crippling tariffs. Earlier in May Reuters reported fake luxury goods were on display in the plaza, which is on the list of 'notorious markets for counterfeiting' published in January by the US Trade Representative. The items seized also included alleged fake products of other brands, including Longines, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Hermes, state radio broadcaster VOV reported. 'All of these products show signs of counterfeiting genuine goods, seriously affecting the interests of consumers as well as the reputation of protected brands in Vietnam,' the report cited the trade ministry's market surveillance department as saying. An employee of the shopping centre on Friday confirmed the raid.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Vietnam seizes fake Rolex, Prada items in counterfeit crackdown, state media reports
HANOI, May 30 (Reuters) - Vietnamese authorities have seized thousands of fake products, including imitation Rolex watches and Prada handbags, during a raid at a shopping mall in business hub Ho Chi Minh City, state media reported on Friday. The raid at Saigon Square Shopping Mall comes as Vietnam steps up its fight against counterfeits and digital piracy, after the United States accused the country of being a major hub for these illegal activities and threatened crippling tariffs. Earlier in May Reuters reported fake luxury goods were on display in the mall, which is on the list of "notorious markets for counterfeiting" published in January by the U.S. Trade Representative. The items seized also included alleged fake products of other brands, including Longines, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Hermes, state radio broadcaster VOV reported. "All of these products show signs of counterfeiting genuine goods, seriously affecting the interests of consumers as well as the reputation of protected brands in Vietnam," the report cited the trade ministry's market surveillance department as saying. An employee of the mall on Friday confirmed the raid. "We lease the space to the sellers and are not aware of the origins and authenticity of the products they sell," the employee, who declined to be named, said by phone.
