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The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Vietnam singer Phuong My Chi grabs third spot Sing!Asia contest
Phương My Chi of Viietnam left a strong impression on the judges in the Sing!Asia 2025. - Vietnam News/ANN HANOI: Phuong My Chi of Vietnam finished third in the Sing!Asia a Chinese sensational music show that includes a large line-up of artistes from various Asian countries on July 27. In the finale, Phuong My Chi was against two outstanding singers of the hosts and one from Japan in three knockout rounds. In the first round, the contestants were paired up to perform duets with guest artists. This was a challenge of their ability to collaborate on stage. After this round, one contestant was eliminated. The remaining three then competed head-to-head to select the two most outstanding faces for the final round. Contestants must maintain their form, demonstrate a variety of performance skills, and continuously adapt to the demands of each round – from song selection, stage presence, to the ability to connect with an international audience in a short preparation time. Thanks to the strategic support from DTAP crew and the harmonious combination of Phuong My Chi and her guest singer Huang Ling, their emotional performance singing Vietnamese song Lac Troi (Flow) completely convinced the experts and earned highest score of 202.8 points. Phuong My Chi, who captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and soulful sounds, was the leading contestant in the first round. In the second round, Phuong My Chi sang Mot Bo Dua (Chopsticks) – a performance accompanied by 30 children in Asian traditional costumes – strongly reflected the spirit of regional connection. Inspired by the story of a bundle of chopsticks in Vietnamese culture, DTAP and Phuong My Chi converted it into a message of solidarity, friendship and the power of connection between Asian countries. The performance used five languages – Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Japanese and English – as a way to express diversity and cultural exchange. Judges praised Chi's impressive development throughout the competition – from the early stages to the finale – highlighting her commanding stage presence and noting that she embodies all the traits of a future star. Phuong My Chi added 204 points to make a total of 406.8 points and was placed third. Miyuna of Japan was successfully crowned the winner. 'Asia is no longer something far far away, in books or on TV, but close around me in this competition," said Chi. "I feel the Asian spirit from the smallest things, the way the contestants tell stories and behave to the unique cultural aspects of each country. "I see Asia through really cute, profound and inspiring friends. Thanks to this Sing!Asia experience, I have had many beautiful memories and messages, and I also appreciate the programme crew who treated me sincerely," she said. The large-scale music competition was organised by the iQIYI platform featuring nine Asian countries and territories. Taking place over 30 days, all contestants began their journey on board of a five-star cruise ship, traveling through destinations in Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, before entering the semifinal round in Shanghai and the grand finale in Macao. - Vietnam News/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Defending champions Vietnam to face host Indonesia in Asean U-23 football final
HANOI (Vietnam News/ANN): The Vietnamese Under-23 team is back in the final will meet host Indonesia for the 2025 Asean Under-23 Championship title. The match is scheduled for 8pm on Tuesday (July 29) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia triumphed over Thailand 7-6 in a penalty shootout after the teams drew 1-1 during regulation time in the semi-finals on Friday evening. This match was a true test of strategy and endurance, showcasing host Indonesia's modern football identity characterised by high pressing, speed, and energy. Meanwhile, defending champions Vietnam secured a 2-1 victory against the Philippines in the other semi-final. This match highlighted the Vietnamese team's resilience and their ability to adapt effectively under coach Kim Sang-sik. In terms of strength, Indonesia are considered on par with Vietnam. The encounter promises to be an exciting encounter, as both teams exhibit aggressive, fast-paced play and are in excellent form. Indonesia are also noted for their physical fitness and pressing ability, while Vietnam have demonstrated effectiveness in organisation. Vietnam has won the Asean U-23 Championship twice in a row in 2022 and 2023 and is now aiming for a hat-trick of titles if they defeat Indonesia in the upcoming final. With the advantage of playing at home, Indonesia is, however, determined to overcome Vietnam and claim the championship. - Vietnam News/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Vietnam's passport ranking rises to 84th in the world, unlocking new opportunities for global travel and integration
Vietnamese passport holders can now enter 51 destinations without a traditional visa - on par with several other developing nations. -- Photo: HANOI (Vietnam News/ANN): Vietnam's passport has climbed seven places to rank 84th out of 199 countries and territories in the Henley Passport Index for the third quarter of 2025, up from 91st earlier this year and 87th in 2024. The improvement, announced on July 22 by UK-based Henley & Partners, signals stronger global confidence in Vietnam and presents broader opportunities for its citizens in tourism, trade, and international integration. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa, or with simplified procedures such as e-visas, visas on arrival, or electronic travel authorisations (ETAs). Vietnamese passport holders can now enter 51 destinations without a traditional visa - on par with several other developing nations. Though still ranked in the lower-middle tier globally, the recent jump reflects growing trust in Vietnam's foreign policy, administrative transparency, and international reputation. It is also one of Vietnam's most significant upward moves since Henley & Partners began tracking global passport access nearly two decades ago using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Vietnamese citizens can currently travel visa-free or with simplified entry to several Asean countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, as well as to destinations in Africa, South America, Central Asia, and South Asia, such as Kenya, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and the Maldives. In South-East Asia, Vietnam's passport ranks above Laos (92nd) and Myanmar (93rd), while Singapore remains at the top worldwide with visa-free access to 195 destinations. According to tourism and policy experts, a passport's ranking reflects more than mobility, it serves as a 'soft measure' of a country's political stability, global standing, and the trust placed in its citizens. The improvement also mirrors Vietnam's efforts in bilateral diplomacy, upgrades in e-passport systems, and negotiations for visa waivers with countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Experts also noted the broader impact on outbound tourism. Visa-free access stimulates demand for international travel and enables Vietnamese tour operators to design more diverse and high-end packages. Better passport access allows students, businesspeople, and workers to engage internationally with greater ease, enhancing Vietnam's role as a contributor to global culture, trade, and diplomacy. As Vietnam continues to modernise its passport system and expand diplomatic ties, the rising passport ranking not only reflects progress but also serves as a gateway for millions to explore the world and represent their country with pride. According to the National Statistics Office, more than 4 million Vietnamese citizens traveled abroad in the first half of 2025, marking a 53.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. - Vietnam News/ANN
The Star
21-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Storm Wipha nears northern Vietnam with heavy rain, strong winds and flood risk
Farmers in Hung Yen province cover their crops to brace for the incoming storm. - Vietnam News/ANN HANOI: Tropical Storm Wipha (Storm No. 3) is closing in on northern Vietnam after entering mainland southern China early on July 20, bringing heavy rains, strong winds and heightened risks of flash floods and landslides across large parts of the country. According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 4am on July 21, the storm's centre was located at 21.5 degree North latitude and 110.4 degree East longitude, just over northern China's Leizhou Peninsula, about 275km east of the Quang Ninh–Hai Phong coast. The storm is moving west-southwest at speeds of 15-20km/h, packing maximum sustained winds of level 9 (75-88km/h) and gusts reaching level 11 (up to 117km/h). By early July 22, Wipha is expected to strengthen, with winds reaching level 10-11 and gusts up to level 14 as it moves west-southwest at around 15km/h. Areas most affected will include the northwestern Gulf of Tonkin and the coastline from Quang Ninh to Hung Yen. The national disaster risk level is set at Level 3. The storm is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression over inland areas from Hung Yen to Thanh Haa by early July 23, producing wind levels of 6-7 and gusts up to level 9. By July 24, the system is expected to continue west-southwest and weaken into a low-pressure area over northern Laos. Coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Nghe An are expected to see wind speeds of 7-9 from the evening of July 21, with gusts near the storm's centre reaching 10-11 or even 14 in some locations. Inland areas may experience winds of level 6, gusting up to level 8. The northern Gulf of Tonkin is under severe storm conditions, with wind levels up to 12 and gusts as high as 15. Waves in these areas are forecast to reach 4-5 meters. Conditions in the southern Gulf of Tonkin and the northern East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) are also highly dangerous. Scattered thunderstorms and rough seas are affecting much of Vietnam's southern coast and island regions, with strong southwest winds. From July 21 to the night of July 22, heavy to very heavy rain is expected across the northeast, Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An, with some areas seeing over 450mm. Other northern provinces and Ha Tinh may also see up to 250mm. The intense rainfall brings a high risk of flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous areas. Overnight, severe rain caused localised flooding in Dien Bien, Son La and Quang Trị. On July 20, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an emergency directive urging ministries and local authorities to prepare urgently for Storm No. 3. The order emphasises swift action to protect lives and property. Authorities are instructed to evacuate people from unsafe areas, suspend fishing, tourism and marine transport in affected zones, reinforce key infrastructure like power and communications, and deploy rescue teams and supplies under the four on the spot principle. Local authoritiess must ban vessels from going to sea and ensure no one remains on board during the storm. Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha is overseeing the national response. Ministries have dispatched teams to high-risk provinces, while media agencies are boosting public alerts. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has also issued an urgent directive for airports and airlines to prepare for storm Wipha, prioritising safety and minimising flight disruptions. Airports in affected areas are ordered to inspect infrastructure, prevent flooding, and maintain 24/7 operations. Airlines must monitor weather updates, adjust flight schedules, and coordinate closely to ensure safety for passengers and crews. The aviation sector warns that flight times may change as the storm develops, with safety as the top priority. - Vietnam News/ANN
The Star
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Australian golf legend Greg Norman reappointed as Vietnam's Tourism Ambassador
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ho An Phong (right) officially presents the decision appointing global golf legend Gregory John Norman as Vietnam's Tourism Ambassador for the 2025–2030 term. - Vietnam News/ANN HANOI (Vietnam News/ANN): Australian golf legend Gregory John Norman has been reappointed as Vietnam's Tourism Ambassador for 2025-2030, announced by Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ho An Phong on Friday night. Phong praised Norman's impactful golf career and his role in promoting Vietnam's golf tourism during his first term from 2018 to 2021. His efforts helped position Vietnam as a premier golf destination, contributing to the country's growth in international tourism, which saw 17.6 million visitors, including over 3 million golfers, in 2024. In his new term, Norman said he will do his utmost to promote Vietnam not only as a premier golf destination, but also as a land of heritage, nature, culture, and friendly people, thus expanding Vietnam's tourism appeal worldwide. His plans include organising international golf events, launching the Greg Norman Golf Academy, and providing advice on sustainable golf course development. He will also connect golf tourism with cultural and heritage tourism through events like the Heritage Golf Tournament in central Vietnam. Under Norman's first term, Vietnam won the title of 'Best Golf Destination in Asia' for eight consecutive years and 'Best Golf Destination in the World' in 2019 and 2021. His reappointment is a strategic move to attract high-end international tourists, particularly from the US and Australia, boosting Vietnam's reputation as a diverse tourism hub. -- Vietnam News/ANN
