Latest news with #VND
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
JBO Vietnam Announces Exclusive 2026 FIFA World Cup Bonuses - Up to 16.8M VND
, Aug. 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- With excitement growing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, JBO Vietnam is proud to launch a limited-time promotion to make football more fun for fans across the country. This exclusive offer rewards both loyal players and new members, making every qualifying match more rewarding. JBO World Cup qualifiers promotion is available to all registered JBO Vietnam members who have selected Vietnamese Dong (VND) as their preferred currency. This special JBO promotion runs until 12 November 2025 and covers all 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, giving fans a chance to enjoy the action and earn great bonuses. Eligible users can participate through Inplay Matrix Sports, SABA Sports, and BTI Sports, stand a chance to earn up to 16,888,000 VND in bonus rewards based on your total accumulated betting turnover. Bonus credits will be issued by 22:59 (GMT+7) on the day following the end of each promotional phase. In addition, newly registered users are eligible for an exclusive welcome bonus of up to 5,000,000 VND, providing a valuable boost as they begin their World Cup journey with JBO. At JBO Vietnam, player safety is the highest priority. The platform uses strong security measures to keep all personal and financial information safe. With 24/7 customer support, players can get help anytime they need. With fast withdrawals and smooth gameplay, JBO is a great place for sports fans to enjoy matches and win real money. JBO proudly partners with football legend Dimitar Berbatov as its brand ambassador, strengthening its position as one of the top sportsbook platforms in Asia. The road to the 2026 World Cup is well underway. Register with JBO Vietnam today or download the JBO app to access exclusive promotions and be part of the action. About JBO Vietnam JBO (Just Bet Online) is a trusted online entertainment platform launched in 2019, serving players across Vietnam. It offers a wide variety of options, including sports, esports, slots, fishing games, and live casino experiences. With real-time action and high-quality gameplay, JBO continues to be a leading choice for sports fans, esports enthusiasts, and online gaming lovers in Vietnam.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Vietnamese police bust cross-border surrogacy ring, rescue 11 infants
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox HANOI - Vietnamese p olice have smashed a major cross-border surrogacy ring led by a Chinese national, rescuing eleven infants and arresting multiple suspects in a coordinated operation across several provinces. The Ministry of Public Security's Criminal Police Department said on Aug 8 that the gang, headed by a man known only as Wang, was a highly organised criminal network using social media, secure communications and fake identities to evade detection. The case came to light when Division 5 of the Criminal Police detected suspicious activity on social media involving commercial surrogacy with links to other countries. Investigators later confirmed that financially vulnerable Vietnamese women were being recruited as surrogates, with some taken to China or Cambodia for embryo transfers before returning to Vietnam for the remainder of their pregnancy. Following orders from Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister and head of the Investigation Police Agency, officers launched a series of raids on July 15. Suspects taken in for questioning included Quach Thi Thuong, 39, from Lam Dong; Pham Thi Hoai Thu, 38; Phung Thi Nuong, 29; and Nguyen Thi Hang, 29, from Hanoi; Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, 33, from Ninh Binh; and Lo Thi Thanh, 29, from Son La, along with other related individuals. Eleven babies, aged between nine days and three months, were rescued. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Four men arrested in Bukit Timah believed to be linked to housebreaking syndicates Singapore Criminal trial of Hyflux founder Olivia Lum and five others starts Aug 11 Singapore Profile of Kpod user has shifted from hardcore drug users to young people: Experts Tech Former data analyst creates AI tutor that assesses students based on Singapore schools' criteria Opinion Recognising our imperfections is part of what makes Singapore whole Opinion I used to be impatient. Then I became a granddad Business The risks of using 'decoupling' to own two properties Asia Manila struggles to keep a lasting hawker culture, casts eyes on how Asian nations lifted street food Investigations revealed that Thuong, using the Zalo account 'Coca', later renamed 'Pepsi', was recruited by Wang in late 2021 to find women under 35 in good health to act as surrogates. She also hired caregivers to look after newborns and arrange birth registration, DNA tests, paternity certificates, and travel documents. Thu, a former surrogate herself, handled hospital admissions and discharges for surrogates. Thuong was paid monthly wages by Wang with US$1,000 (S$1,284) and Thu received US$500 per month. Each surrogate received about VND 300-400 million (S$14,690 - $19,590) per pregnancy. Police said Thuong arranged about 60 surrogacies, earning VND 575 million, while Thu handled about 40 cases, earning VND 345 million. Some former surrogates, still struggling financially, were rehired as nannies for other surrogates' babies, paid up to VND 750,000 per day. To avoid detection, members of the ring lived in luxury apartments with high security and frequently changed addresses. Through investigations, police also detained three Chinese nationals who had entered Vietnam in May to collect a baby, allegedly on the orders of another Chinese suspect. Police have charged Thuong, Thu, Nuong, Hang, Trang, Thanh and Vo Thi Lan with organising surrogacy for commercial purposes. The rescued infants are now in the care of an organisation run by the Vietnam Women's Union's Centre for Women and Development. Authorities are working with the Ministry of Health's Department for Maternal and Child Health and the Vietnam Children's Protection Fund to ensure the babies' safety while the investigation continues. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Diplomat
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Diplomat
Vietnam's Strategic Ascent Up the Global Chip Supply Chain
In March of this year, the Vietnamese government officially approved the country's first wafer fabrication plant, with a total investment of 12,800 billion VND ($500 million). Scheduled for completion before 2030, the project marks Vietnam's first serious step into the high-value, technically demanding world of chip manufacturing. For years, Vietnam has been an emerging participant in the semiconductor supply chain, though its involvement so far remains mostly concentrated in lower rungs of the supply chain, such as packaging and testing. Although the factory may initially focus on less advanced chips, it represents a move into the more complex and strategic phase of semiconductor fabrication in support of Vietnam's long-term vision to become a global semiconductor hub by 2050. This transition comes at a moment when semiconductors have become central to global power. In 2024 alone, the global chip market was valued at over $627 billion, according to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics. Chips today are central to military capability, economic competitiveness, and technological sovereignty. What is Vietnam's chance of evolving into a serious player in this new industry? Vietnam is taking concrete steps to establish a credible legal and institutional foundation for its semiconductor ambitions. A key milestone came on June 27, when the National Assembly passed the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation. Scheduled to take effect on October 1, this law introduces Vietnam's first comprehensive statutory framework for managing and promoting innovation, including provisions that directly support the semiconductor sector. In 2025 alone, the Ministry of Science and Technology led the drafting of nine major laws related to science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. This is an unprecedented number, considering that in the previous five-year National Assembly terms, passing even one or two such laws was considered significant. The Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation sets three priorities for the government: building and expanding national research infrastructure; creating a legal environment that encourages risk-taking and innovation; and introducing flexible funding mechanisms and protections to support researchers and institutions. Complementing these priorities is Vietnam's continued effort to strengthen intellectual property (IP) protections, particularly in areas such as chip design, integrated circuit layouts, and trade secrets. Without enforceable IP laws, global firms are unlikely to share their most sensitive technologies or engage in co-development partnerships. To elevate Vietnam's role in the global semiconductor supply chain, the government has also included a range of targeted investment incentives such as preferential tax policies, ESG-compliant industrial zones, streamlined land access, and prioritized R&D. In parallel, the government is also investing in human capital. Through partnerships with firms like Synopsys and Cadence, chip design training programs are being introduced to build a skilled domestic workforce. The government's semiconductor drive also involves significant improvements to Vietnam's infrastructure. Unlike general manufacturing, semiconductor production requires ultra-clean environments, uninterrupted electricity, sophisticated temperature and humidity control systems, and access to pure water. Developers such as Frasers Property, VSIP, and DEEP C are already building fab-ready industrial parks that meet global ESG and LEED standards. In Bình Duong, for example, sustainable industrial zones are emerging to attract and support high-tech investment. To reinforce this momentum, Vietnam is also pursuing internal structural reforms aimed at aligning governance with industrial needs. One such initiative in northern Vietnam is the coordinated development of provinces like Bac Ninh and Bac Giang into a high-tech economic corridor. This strategy aims to attract semiconductor supply chain investment through integrated industrial zones, infrastructure upgrades, and targeted incentives for global tech firms. At the center of this effort is Bac Ninh, home to major investments from Samsung and Amkor, which is positioning itself as a potential 'Silicon Valley of the North' by leveraging its proximity to Hanoi, well-established industrial infrastructure, and a rapidly growing ecosystem of electronics and chip-related industries. But moving up the value chain also requires strong partnerships. Vietnam has deliberately chosen not to align with a single power bloc but instead pursues a multi-directional strategy, seeking collaboration with a wide range of technology partners. The United States is playing a significant role, supporting Vietnam through policy coordination and workforce development programs. Japan is contributing expertise in smart manufacturing and semiconductor tooling, while South Korea continues to expand its chip ecosystem in Vietnam, including through Samsung's growing R&D operations in Hanoi. Amid all this progress, Vietnam remains conscious of the geopolitical terrain. As tensions escalate between the U.S. and China, the country has attempted to strike a balance, benefiting from American capital and training while keeping stable relations with China. This balanced approach has earned attention abroad. Vietnam is increasingly recognized as one of the key emerging beneficiaries of the 'China+1' diversification strategy, as companies seek to build more resilient and geographically balanced supply chains. Yet challenges remain, the most urgent of which is talent. While the government has set a goal of training 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, the current talent pool remains limited. Most universities do not yet offer deep technical programs in chip design, process engineering, or fab management. Vietnam's current partnerships with Synopsys and Cadence focus on foundational chip design training, though this is still limited in scope and not yet sufficient for competing in the more advanced segments of the global semiconductor industry. IP enforcement, too, remains uneven and many companies still perceive risks around technology leakage. The necessary infrastructure will also take considerable time to develop, given the scale of the requirements. While challenges remain, particularly in areas such as energy supply, skilled labor, and long-term policy consistency, Vietnam has, in just the first half of 2025, demonstrated that its semiconductor ambitions are more than aspirational. The government has moved decisively from planning to implementation, enacting new laws, strengthening intellectual property protections, and launching targeted investment incentives. These efforts signal a broader shift: Vietnam is no longer just a recipient of technology or capital, but is attempting to position itself as a partner committed to contributing and aligning with international standards. For investors and global collaborators, it is sending the message that Vietnam is not only ready to engage today, but is also laying the strategic foundation to become a key global semiconductor hub by 2050.
Fibre2Fashion
31-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Consumers in Vietnam spend $7.8 bn on online shopping in H1 2025
Sales on Vietnam's four e-commerce platforms—Shopee, Lazada, Tiki and TikTok Shop—in the first half (H1) this year reached 202.3 trillion VND ($7.8 billion). Imported goods group recorded sales of 7.5 trillion VND with more than 164 million products sold—up by nearly 7 per cent year on year (YoY). The most purchased product groups were food, beverages, cosmetics, fashion, sports, home care and technology. Sales on Vietnam's four e-commerce platformsâ€'Shopee, Lazada, Tiki and TikTok Shopâ€'in H1 2025 reached 202.3 trillion VND ($7.8 billion). Imported goods group recorded sales of 7.5 trillion VND with more than 164 million products soldâ€'up by 7 per cent YoY. Smart data platform projected that e-commerce sales in Q3 2025 in the country can reach 122.8 trillion VND. The number of booths on e-commerce platforms decreased by 6 per cent YoY in H1 2025, showing that the market trend is increasingly leaning towards large sellers and actual stores, a domestic news agency reported. Smart data platform projected that e-commerce sales in Q3 2025 in the country can reach 122.8 trillion VND, while consumption output can reach about 1,236 million products, increasing by 21 per cent quarter on quarter (QoQ) in sales and 27 per cent QoQ in output. The company forecast that the total retail e-commerce revenue of goods this year can rise to more than $30 billion. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Time Business News
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
A Backpacker's Guide to Spending Dong Without Stress
If you've ever handled a Vietnamese banknote, you know the feeling – a wallet full of bills in the hundreds of thousands. The Vietnamese Dong might look overwhelming at first, but once you understand it, it becomes surprisingly easy to manage – and even kind of fun. So, if you're exploring the busy streets of Hanoi, riding scooters through Da Nang, or sipping coffee in the alleys of Ho Chi Minh City, spending Dong wisely can help you stretch your trip without feeling like you're constantly budgeting. This guide gives you everything you need to know – from daily costs to tips on how to avoid common currency mistakes – so you can focus on the adventure, not the math. Keep in mind that these things change constantly, so always check the prices before your trip. The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is one of the least valued currencies in the world – and that's not a bad thing. At the time of writing, 1 USD is equal to around 25,000 VND, which means even a basic meal might cost 30,000 or 50,000 Dong. You'll see bills ranging from 1,000 VND all the way up to 500,000 VND, and yes – all the zeros can blur together at first. But you'll adjust quickly. Locals often drop the 'thousand' part in conversation – for example, saying '50' when they mean 50,000 VND. Don't let the big numbers fool you. What looks expensive might actually be pocket change in your home currency. If you're arriving at a major airport like Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), you'll find currency exchange counters and ATMs right after you exit customs. Exchange rates at airports are usually decent, but you'll often get better rates at gold shops or independent money changers in the city. Keep in mind: ATMs are widely available and usually safe. Stick to banks like Vietcombank, Techcombank, or BIDV. are widely available and usually safe. Stick to banks like Vietcombank, Techcombank, or BIDV. Cash exchange gives better rates if you bring crisp USD or EUR bills. gives better rates if you bring crisp USD or EUR bills. Avoid exchanging Dong before your trip – you'll get a worse rate outside Vietnam. Always ask for smaller bills when possible. Many local vendors and cafés don't carry much change for 500,000 VND notes. Vietnam is famously budget-friendly. You can easily get by on $20–25 USD per day (about 500,000–600,000 VND) without sacrificing meals, sightseeing, or comfort. Here's what an average day of spending might look like: Street food breakfast (banh mi or pho): 20,000–40,000 VND 20,000–40,000 VND Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá): 15,000–25,000 VND 15,000–25,000 VND Local lunch (com tam, bun cha, or noodles): 30,000–50,000 VND 30,000–50,000 VND Entrance to museums or attractions: 20,000–50,000 VND 20,000–50,000 VND Snack (spring rolls, sugarcane juice): 10,000–20,000 VND 10,000–20,000 VND Dinner at a casual eatery: 40,000–70,000 VND 40,000–70,000 VND Bed in a hostel dorm: 150,000–250,000 VND Even with transportation and bottled water added in, you'll still stay under 600,000 VND in most cities. The most common issue travelers run into? Confusing the bills. The 20,000 VND and 500,000 VND notes are similar shades of blue and can easily get mixed up. Here's how to avoid headaches: Take a few minutes to memorize the colors and values of each bill. Keep high-value notes in a separate part of your wallet. Always count your change – especially in markets or taxi rides. Don't hand over a big note without confirming the price first. Pro tip: Never rely solely on your card. Many small shops, food stalls, and even some hotels are cash-only. If you're a foodie on a budget, Vietnam is a dream. Some of the best meals come from plastic stools on the sidewalk. For the price of a coffee back home, you can get: Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich): ~25,000 VND ~25,000 VND Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup): ~40,000–50,000 VND ~40,000–50,000 VND Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls): ~10,000 VND each ~10,000 VND each Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk): ~20,000 VND These aren't snacks – they're real, hearty meals that keep you full for hours. And because the portions are lighter, you can try more things throughout the day without overdoing it. Bargaining is a normal part of everyday life in Vietnam – especially in markets, tourist areas, and smaller towns. Locals do it all the time, and vendors expect a bit of friendly negotiation. If you're new to it, don't feel shy or rude. As long as you stay polite and respectful, it's all part of the experience. You should negotiate: At markets when buying clothes, souvenirs, or local crafts With moto-taxi drivers, unless you're using an app like Grab For tours or day trips, especially in beach towns or rural areas You shouldn't bargain: In restaurants, food stalls, or cafés – prices are usually fixed and already low At convenience stores, supermarkets, or pharmacies When prices are clearly posted or printed – especially in more modern shops When you do bargain, start with a smile. Offer a fair counterprice, and keep things light. Vendors often give you a 'tourist price' first, expecting a little back-and-forth. If they won't budge, it's totally fine to thank them and walk away – many times, they'll call you back with a better offer. It might feel awkward the first few times, but once you try it, you'll see it's not confrontational – it's almost a game. And when done right, it can even be fun. Getting around Vietnam is cheap and straightforward. Here are the most common ways and their prices: Bus fare in cities: 5,000–7,000 VND 5,000–7,000 VND GrabBike or GrabCar (ride-hailing app): 10,000–50,000 VND for short trips 10,000–50,000 VND for short trips Intercity bus: 100,000–300,000 VND depending on distance 100,000–300,000 VND depending on distance Scooter rental (per day): 100,000–150,000 VND Download Grab or Be apps – they're reliable, priced fairly, and safer than negotiating directly with taxi drivers. Once you get used to the Vietnamese Dong, managing your money gets easier – but a few daily habits can make a big difference, especially on a tight travel budget: Carry small notes like 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 VND. Many street vendors won't have change for a 500,000 note, especially in the morning. like 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 VND. Many street vendors won't have change for a 500,000 note, especially in the morning. Separate your big bills . Keep 200,000 and 500,000 notes tucked away for hotels or transport, and use smaller ones for food and quick buys. . Keep 200,000 and 500,000 notes tucked away for hotels or transport, and use smaller ones for food and quick buys. Break large bills early in the day at a minimart or café. It's less stressful than trying to do it in a rush at a food stall. in the day at a minimart or café. It's less stressful than trying to do it in a rush at a food stall. Track your spending with a quick phone note. Even a rough list helps you stay on budget and avoid unnecessary ATM fees. with a quick phone note. Even a rough list helps you stay on budget and avoid unnecessary ATM fees. Withdraw wisely . ATMs are common in cities but may charge 30,000–50,000 VND per transaction. Take out enough for a few days and stick with major banks like Vietcombank or BIDV. . ATMs are common in cities but may charge 30,000–50,000 VND per transaction. Take out enough for a few days and stick with major banks like Vietcombank or BIDV. Keep a small USD stash just in case. $20–$50 can help in an emergency if your card fails or ATMs are down. With just a little prep, you'll avoid the most common money hassles – and spend more time enjoying Vietnam, not counting bills in the street. Traveling with the Vietnamese Dong might feel awkward at first, but it gets easier fast. Once you get familiar with the bills, the prices, and the rhythm of the local economy, you'll start to realize just how far your budget can go. You don't need a big wallet to have big experiences in Vietnam. The real value comes from the food you try, the people you meet, and the everyday discoveries that make the country feel special. And luckily, most of those things cost far less than you'd expect. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
