Vietnam’s Private Higher Education in the Making Opinion Private higher education institutions are serving the excess and quick-growing population. They are responsive and absorbing the strong demand of workforce development. It is widely discussed amongst private higher education institutions that they are still in the water-testing stage and early development amidst the fluctuating laws and regulations. This article is a synopsis of PHEI leaders’ concerns over the development of private higher education in Vietnam. By Le Quoc Loi
Inside Vietnam’s Fight against the Silent Epidemic: Domestic Violence Article Domestic violence and sexual violence has been an increasing yet taboo topic within Vietnamese society for a long time. But with the recent passing of a new law and more support programs available to assist survivors, hope is brightening the dark tunnel of domestic violence. By Nguyen Thuy Mien
Vietnam: 'Why Don’t You Get an Electric Vehicle?’ Article At first, it seemed it would take forever to find an electric vehicle (EV) user in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly or still widely known as Saigon. In June, I sent out a bunch of messages to try to find someone who is using an EV, but the responses were not encouraging. “EV… what? No, I don’t have such a car,” many said. Others said they did not know anyone who had one. By Nguyen Thuy Mien
Watch! Nược Đua’, an Animation about the Endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin Interview Nược Đua’ is how Vietnamese living in the Mekong Delta used to call out to the dolphins ‘to help them out when they were fishing. That was decades ago, when the Irrawaddy dolphin could still be seen in Vietnam. By Le Chan Thinh and Johanna Son
The Human Face and the Social Costs: Still Waiting for LGTBQIA+ Recognition in Vietnam Opinion Valerie Hammond came out as a gay man when she was 17 before realizing that she is a trans woman. In sharing her personal experiences of becoming transgender two years ago, she reflects on the continual social discrimination and lack of legal rights the LGBTQIA+ community in Vietnam still face. By Valerie Hammond
IN THE TIME OF COVID: Reflections from Ha Noi Essay Nguyen Qui Duc, radio broadcaster, writer, designer, editor and translator, based in Hanoi reflects about the impact of the pandemic on Vietnamese society. By Nguyen Qui Duc
Troubling Waters of Waste around Phu Quoc Island of Vietnam Article The slow implementation of urban waste solutions and wastewater treatment projects leads to environmental problems and the risk of unsustainable development in the near future on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. By Hoang Giam
‘New Normal’ in the Mekong Delta Article The Mekong River in the Vietnamese delta region has consistently received its lowest flow levels in recent years, limiting rice-growing and other crops. Climate change, saline intrusion, and hydropower dams have all significantly impacted farmers’ livelihoods but Resolution 120, a response from the Vietnamese government, is expected to provide some hope for a shift in agricultural strategy and food security for the future. By Nguyen Thuy Mien
Paving the Way for Women DJs in Vietnam’s Music Industry Article Maggie Tra, founder of SYS Sister Sounds and Hà Nội Community Radio, keeps pushing boundaries to give Vietnamese women more opportunities in the music industry. Navigating a path through DJ-ing in Hanoi, offering workshops and encouragement to others, she hopes the music sector will evolve to see more diverse participation and change perspectives of what women can do. By Nguyen Thuy Mien
Waste Overload: Another Enemy in the Fight against COVID-19 Article Several cities and provinces in Vietnam are reopening after a so-called tragic fourth wave of COVID-19. Along with societal and economic losses, waste generated from daily routines and medical facilities has become a huge consequence and the country must learn how to deal with the overwhelming waste. By Le Dinh Tuyen