Latest news with #Toan
The Star
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Prosperity tops Vietnamese youths' priority list
ON April 30, 1975, Vu Dang Toan commanded the first tank to smash through the gate of Saigon's Independence Palace. After years of war, he was there for its bitter end – the full surrender. As helicopters carried away the last Americans, South Vietnam's soldiers scattered, leaving behind their uniforms and boots. 'I'm proud,' Toan later reflected, 'that as a soldier, I completed the mission.' Fifty years on, Toan is far from the battlefields of Saigon. Now living comfortably near Hanoi, surrounded by rice fields, he's witnessed Vietnam's dramatic transformation. In his home, a photo of his tank at the palace's gates hangs on the wall. Sitting beside his 14-year-old grandson Dang Hoang Anh, the stark contrast between their lives is evident. A family visiting the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. — Hannah Reyes Morales/The New York Times Anh dreams of studying in Canada and making money, free from the worries of his grandfather's generation. 'My grandparents' generation, they had to go to war. Now we don't worry about that. We worry about school and jobs,' Anh says. The Vietnam War was a complex conflict – a fight for nationalism, for ideological dominance between socialism in the North and capitalism in the South, and a tragic chapter for both the Vietnamese and the Americans. Today, however, ideology has largely faded, replaced by pragmatic progress. Vietnam has transformed from a war-torn nation to a growing middle-income country. The communist state that once defined it has evolved into a hybrid system, blending free-market principles with state control. Major multinationals, like Nike and Apple, have turned the country into an export powerhouse. A young girl watching excitedly as kites fly overhead in a field adjacent to skyscrapers in Ho Chi Minh City. — Hannah Reyes Morales/The New York Times This shift began in the late 1980s when the country opened up its economy. By embracing industrialisation and higher-tech manufacturing, Vietnam is now a rising player in Asia's economic sphere. Yet, the country faces challenges as global trade dynamics shift. The US-China trade war has dampened investment and slowed economic growth, while Vietnam's population, which once fuelled the 'demographic dividend' of youthful labour, is rapidly ageing. Still, optimism remains high. In the past few decades, poverty has plummeted. Less than 4% of the population now lives below the national poverty line, and per capita income has soared six-fold since 2000. The country's social media presence is growing, reflecting the aspirations of a younger generation eager to engage with global culture. But beneath the surface of Vietnam's growing economy, there are concerns. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, air pollution is now a major problem. Coal still supplies much of the country's electricity, and unsustainable farming practices have taken a toll on the environment, particularly in the Mekong Delta. Le Hoang Phuc, 25, from the Mekong Delta, recalls a time when the area was abundant with fish, but now pollution has left it desolate. 'Today we have more trash than fish,' he says. His family now practises organic farming, but Phuc acknowledges that broader systemic changes are needed. A woman recording a video of herself selling coats at a shop in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It has been 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. Most of the country's 100 million people were born after the fighting stopped and have seen Vietnam transform. — Hannah Reyes Morales/The New York Times 'We need stricter laws, garbage trucks for rural areas,' he adds. 'We need to reclaim a community mindset.' Vietnam's economic ambitions are tempered by environmental degradation, yet a new cultural movement is gaining momentum. More young professionals are embracing meditation and spirituality at places like the Giac Ngo Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, where modern concerns like consumerism and stress are challenged through ancient practices. Religion, too, is making a resurgence. Catholic seminaries are producing more young priests, and faith-based communities are increasingly popular. For many, this return to traditional values represents a shift from the Marxist ideologies that dominated Vietnam for decades. Yet, Vietnam remains a one-party state, and any challenge to the system is met with consequences. A boat on a river near Can Tho in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. — Hannah Reyes Morales/The New York Times This creates a paradox – a country that embraces growth and global engagement while suppressing dissent and alternative ideas. As the country's population grows older, there are new challenges in sustaining its economy. Workers like Phan Van Du, a 40-year-old factory employee, are no longer the exception. Vietnam's youth-driven workforce is becoming harder to sustain, with many companies looking further afield to find workers. These rising costs, coupled with intense international competition, could stymie future growth. The question that looms large for Vietnam's future is what comes next. In his 1946 interview, the country's most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh, said that economic independence would be harder to achieve than political independence – a sentiment that remains true today. The path forward may be marked by greater global integration, but it's uncertain whether Vietnam can overcome the demographic and economic obstacles in its way. A merchant waits for customers at her shop in Hanoi. Globalisation and capitalism have lifted Vietnam to new heights, but complaints about inequality, development and environmental dangers are increasing. — Hannah Reyes Morales/The New York Times The legacy of war is still felt across the country. While reconciliation with the United States has largely succeeded, the internal wounds from the conflict remain. Families still search for the bodies of lost loved ones, and the narratives of the war remain controversial, especially regarding the suffering and violence faced by those on both sides of the conflict. In an essay on national reconciliation, Vietnam's leader, To Lam, acknowledged that healing could only happen through accepting different perspectives, including those of the Vietnamese who fought for the South. However, internal reconciliation remains a slow process, and the legacy of the war continues to shape the national identity. — ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teen, 16, Who Lost Parents and Sister in Vancouver Festival Attack Donates $192K from Fundraiser to Other Victims
Andy Le, 16, lost his father Richard Le, 47, stepmom Linh Hoang, 30, and sister Katie Le, 5, after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada on Saturday, April 26 A GoFundMe page set up to help the teenager — who decided to stay home to do his homework instead of going to the festival — has raised over $392,800 In a YouTube clip posted to the fundraiser, Andy thanked everyone for their support and revealed he was planning to donate over $192,000 from the fundraiser to help other families affected by the attack A teenager lost his entire family after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd at a community festival in Vancouver, Canada over the weekend, killing 11 people between the ages of 5 and 65. The Le family was among the many victims in the attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival — an annual event that celebrates Filipino culture — in the city on Saturday, April 26, per a GoFundMe page set up to help raise money for the only surviving family member, Andy Le, 16. The page stated that Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30, and Katie Le, 5, "were killed either instantly or later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital." "Andy Le, the sole survivor, lived only because, at the last moment, he decided to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the event with his family," the message read. In a YouTube clip shared on the fundraising page, which has raised over $392,800, Andy shared, "I would like to thank everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe campaign and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much." Related: 1-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Vancouver Festival Attack, His 'Devoted and Loving Father' Also Hospitalized "I truly appreciate each and every one of you, and I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I'd like to donate $266,000 [CAD] (just under $192,500 USD) to other victims from my GoFundMe campaign," the teenager added. "I want to continue living with my grandparents, who [have] helped raise me, and truly love me. Thank you all so much for your support," he concluded. Richard's brother, Toan Le — who set up the GoFundMe page — confirmed his sibling, Linh and Katie had died in the attack while speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Linh was Andy's stepmom and "raised him like he was her own," per the outlet, citing Toan. "His entire life just changed overnight," Toan said of his nephew. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Katie, who had just finished pre-school, is the youngest confirmed victim who died in the attack, according to the CBC. "She was the life of the party. She was always so cheerful, happy. She always wants to play with her cousins," Toan said, per the outlet. "We're going to miss her so much." Paying tribute to Richard Le, Toan wrote on the GoFundMe page that his brother "was a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach and real estate professional." "He devoted his life to teaching young people the values of sportsmanship and team spirit. He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others," he continued. The GoFundMe added, "Richard's wife and Andy's stepmother, Linh, was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. She had been planning a visit to see her family in Vietnam." "Katie, one of the youngest victims, was about to graduate from kindergarten. She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life. The family is survived by Andy, who is 16 years old and currently being supported by extended family. The Vancouver community is devastated in the wake of this senseless act of violence against innocent lives," the message read. Vancouver Police arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, at the scene of the incident on Saturday that left multiple others injured. He was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, but Sergeant Steve Addison said during a press conference on Monday, April 28 that police "anticipate that additional charges will be laid in the coming days or weeks." New donations on the GoFundMe page raising money for Andy Le have currently been disabled. PEOPLE has reached out to Toan Le for comment. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teen, 16, who Lost Parents and Sister in Vancouver Festival Attack, Donates $192,000 from Fundraiser to Other Victims
Andy Le, 16, lost his father Richard Le, 47, stepmom Linh Hoang, 30, and sister Katie Le, 5, after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, Canada on Saturday, April 26 A GoFundMe page set up to help the teenager — who decided to stay home to do his homework instead of going to the festival — has raised over $392,800 In a YouTube clip posted to the fundraiser, Andy thanked everyone for their support and revealed he was planning to donate over $192,000 from the fundraiser to help other families affected by the attack A teenager lost his entire family after a driver rammed his SUV into a crowd at a community festival in Vancouver, Canada over the weekend, killing 11 people between the ages of 5 and 65. The Le family was among the many victims in the attack at the Lapu Lapu Festival — an annual event that celebrates Filipino culture — in the city on Saturday, April 26, per a GoFundMe page set up to help raise money for the only surviving family member, Andy Le, 16. The page stated that Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30, and Katie Le, 5, "were killed either instantly or later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital." "Andy Le, the sole survivor, lived only because, at the last moment, he decided to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the event with his family," the message read. In a YouTube clip shared on the fundraising page, which has raised over $392,800, Andy shared, "I would like to thank everyone who has donated to my GoFundMe campaign and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all so much." Related: 1-Year-Old in Critical Condition After Vancouver Festival Attack, His 'Devoted and Loving Father' Also Hospitalized "I truly appreciate each and every one of you, and I know that many other families are hurting too, which is why I'd like to donate $266,000 [CAD] (just under $192,500 USD) to other victims from my GoFundMe campaign," the teenager added. "I want to continue living with my grandparents, who [have] helped raise me, and truly love me. Thank you all so much for your support," he concluded. Richard's brother, Toan Le — who set up the GoFundMe page — confirmed his sibling, Linh and Katie had died in the attack while speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Linh was Andy's stepmom and "raised him like he was her own," per the outlet, citing Toan. "His entire life just changed overnight," Toan said of his nephew. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Katie, who had just finished pre-school, is the youngest confirmed victim who died in the attack, according to the CBC. "She was the life of the party. She was always so cheerful, happy. She always wants to play with her cousins," Toan said, per the outlet. "We're going to miss her so much." Paying tribute to Richard Le, Toan wrote on the GoFundMe page that his brother "was a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach and real estate professional." "He devoted his life to teaching young people the values of sportsmanship and team spirit. He served his community and clients with pride and always went out of his way to help others," he continued. The GoFundMe added, "Richard's wife and Andy's stepmother, Linh, was known for her kindness and gentle spirit. She had been planning a visit to see her family in Vietnam." "Katie, one of the youngest victims, was about to graduate from kindergarten. She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life. The family is survived by Andy, who is 16 years old and currently being supported by extended family. The Vancouver community is devastated in the wake of this senseless act of violence against innocent lives," the message read. Vancouver Police arrested Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, at the scene of the incident on Saturday that left multiple others injured. He was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder, but Sergeant Steve Addison said during a press conference on Monday, April 28 that police "anticipate that additional charges will be laid in the coming days or weeks." New donations on the GoFundMe page raising money for Andy Le have currently been disabled. PEOPLE has reached out to Toan Le for comment. Read the original article on People
CBC
29-04-2025
- CBC
3 of his family members were killed in the Vancouver festival attack
Richard Le, 47, his wife Linh Hoang, 30, and their daughter Katie Le, 5, were among those who were killed at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival, according to Richard's brother Toan Le. Toan said Richard had a 16-year-old son, Andy, who had stayed at home that day. Hoang was Andy's stepmom, Toan said, and had raised him like he was her own.
Global News
29-04-2025
- Global News
Relatives rally around teen orphaned by Lapu Lapu festival tragedy
The extended family of a 16-year-old who lost his dad, stepmother and five-year-old sister in the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy in Vancouver on Saturday say they are still processing the loss. Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30 and Katie Le, five, were killed when an SUV plowed into a crowd of people at the festival held to celebrate Filipino culture and community. Andy Le, who decided to stay home and do his homework rather than attend the festival, is the only survivor of the immediate household. 'My family and I, we really appreciate all the support that the community and the public has given us,' Andy's uncle Toan Le told Global News. 'And we are still processing the tragedy, and we're just taking it day by day.' Story continues below advertisement 1:42 Growing memorial for Lapu Lapu Day victims, as Vancouver police update investigation Toan said they are trying to work through the process of getting guardianship for Andy. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Toan started a GoFundMe for Andy – as of Monday evening, it has raised more than $380,000. He said they are overwhelmed by the generosity of people in their community and around the world. 'Originally our intent was just to get enough funds so that we can cover the funeral costs and then the family was gonna pull together resources,' Toan said. 'But now with the level of support that we have received, we would be able to fund Andy's education, we would able to cover the funeral costs. 'As a family, I have spoken to my sister, as well as Andy, and Andy is supportive to share some of those proceeds with other members, other victims of this tragedy. So once we have a tally of what is required for Andy's future, then we will be donating the rest to other victims.' Story continues below advertisement Toan said that all they can do is just be there for Andy in this terrible, tragic time. 'We just told him that we are always going to be there for him and this is what family does, right, so whatever he needs, we're there and no matter what, we will always be there.' 1:03 Candle light vigil held in Vancouver for Lapu Lapu Day victims Toan described his brother Richard as a very kind individual. 'He always wanted to give back,' he said. 'He's been coaching kids and teenagers and adults. And then he's been working as a real estate professional. So I do hope that the community sees the dedication that he provided to the community and giving back.' Toan said Linh was a loving person and a dedicated mother and little Katie would have graduated kindergarten this year. Story continues below advertisement 'She was just an extremely happy child and the life of the party,' Toan said. 'So we're all going to miss her very much.' He also wanted to thank the fire responders, police, nurses, doctors and medical staff that helped the victims. Despite the pain and the loss he and his family are dealing with, Toan had a message for the grieving community. 'I know other families have their loved ones that they will be missing too,' he said. 'So I just wanna say to other people that are in the same situation, stay strong for the people that are still here. The people that have, are gone, they're in a better place now. And as a community, we just have to do better. So stay positive, stay strong, and our hearts goes out to all of you.'
