Now we'd like to turn your attention to something that's very special to every Vietnamese. Almost every Vietnamese grows up with the ancient legend of the battle between the Mountain God and the Water God.
For the first time, Vietnam Today’s Special Live Coverage connects our global correspondent network, from USA, China, Russia, to Japan and Việt Nam, to decode the world's biggest technology race. Who is leading? Who is catching up? And where does Việt Nam fit into the global AI race?
ASEAN is putting people at the centre of the artificial intelligence boom. The 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting officially adopted the Hanoi Digital Declaration, pivoting regional strategy from basic connectivity to "connected intelligence." Rather than just chasing technical scale, member states are deploying the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap to bridge the digital literacy divide and protect small businesses.
ASEAN has maintained regional peace and stability for decades through dialogues, confidence-building and multilateral cooperation. However, as the regional security environment becomes increasingly complex with emerging challenges, many delegates said ASEAN needs a more proactive approach to conflict prevention, rather than responding only after crises occur.
Vietnam Today presents you special coverage from the forum, featuring exclusive interviews, expert insights, in-depth discussions and the key conversations shaping ASEAN's future.
Over to Europe, cautious sentiment has arisen towards artificial intelligence. Users need to be notified when interacting with artificial intelligence; images, audio, or video generated by AI must also have identifying marks. These are requirements clarified by the European Commission in its new guidance on AI transparency, before most of the regulations of the AI Act come into effect on 2 August.
Education ministers from ASEAN and partner countries are meeting in Singapore to set the region's education priorities for the next five years.
The 14th Party Central Committee continued its third plenum on 21 July, chaired by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.
The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting has opened in Manila, Philippines, addressing a volatile global landscape. Under the theme "Navigating the Future Together," leaders are focusing on the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, navigating major-power competition, and discussing strategic security issues from Myanmar to the East Sea. Marking 50 years of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, ASEAN continues to reinforce its central role for regional stability.
The 124-member rescue team returned safely after completing search, rescue and humanitarian operations in Venezuela. Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng attended a ceremony honouring Việt Nam's military and public security rescue team.
A ceremony was held at the National Convention Centre on Saturday, 11 July, to mark the Traditional Day of the Heroic People's Public Security Force. Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm delivered a keynote address celebrating this special milestone - 80 years of the Heroic People's Public Security Force.
In the remote border areas of Laos, a small medical clinic has been making a big difference for nearly 20 years. Built by the Hà Tĩnh Border Guard Command, the joint military–civilian clinic provides essential healthcare to local communities where access to medical services remains limited.
On 9 July, Brigade 171 of Naval Region 2 marked the 60th anniversary of its establishment and received the First-Class Fatherland Protection Order. The event honoured six decades of the unit's service and recognised the contributions of generations of officers and sailors to the development of the Việt Nam People's Navy.
Cybersecurity is becoming one of the European Union's new priorities in the management and development of artificial intelligence. The European Commission has just announced the Action Plan on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence. It aims to strengthen the protection of digital infrastructure, essential services, and Europe's technological self-reliance in the new phase.
Excavation work has begun at Lê Thị Riêng Park as part of a search for the remains of fallen soldiers believed to be buried there.
On 22 July, an international conference on commercial vehicles and industrial equipment in Hanoi brought together global manufacturers and policymakers to deepen industrial partnerships and explore new opportunities for investment and technology cooperation.
The explosion of cross-border e-commerce is creating increasing pressure on the European Union customs system. The number of imported goods increased rapidly, while the inspection rate dropped to a very low level, increasing the risk of unsafe and substandard goods entering the market.
Việt Nam’s economy posted strong growth in the first half of this year. Registered foreign direct investment (FDI) reached 34.65 billion USD in the first half of 2026, up 61% year on year.
Viet Nam’s industrial parks are gradually going greener, but proving their environmental performance remains difficult. Gaps in data sharing between developers and tenants are now driving efforts to build more reliable systems for measuring environmental performance.
Vietnam is seen as an attractive destination for DeepTech investment. But one big question remains. How can Vietnam keep investors interested in DeepTech companies long enough for real products to reach consumers.
China will allocate additional quotas for overseas investments by eligible institutional investors. The move comes after Beijing launched a crackdown on illegal cross-border securities activities in late May, 2026.
Traditional food is not only part of Cambodia’s cultural identity. The country is also developing it into commercially valuable products to expand markets for local agricultural produce, create more livelihoods and make its tourism industry more attractive.
The UK government has passed legislation to nationalise British Steel, previously owned by China’s Jingye Group. The decision came after Jingye moved to shut down the company’s blast furnaces. China, in response to this announcement, has opposed the move.
To secure its energy future and reduce reliance on imported oil and gas, the European Union is accelerating its shift towards electrification. The bloc aims to double electricity use across transport, industry and daily life by 2040, a strategic move that will require significant investment in power grids and more competitive electricity prices.
The World Bank has released its 2026 income classification based on countries' 2025 Gross National Income, or GNI, per capita. Under this latest classification, Việt Nam is one of six economies worldwide to move into a higher income category.
At Explora Science Quy Nhon, hands-on experiences in science, technology and creativity gave young participants a new perspective on the role of knowledge in Vietnam's development.
Beyond building homes, Vietnamese authorities are fostering a desire to learn and creating renewed hope for students. With modern facilities, the schools are giving students the chance to pursue their dreams as a new school year begins.
V-Pop is preparing for one of its biggest international showcases yet. The-V-Beyond concert will make its first international stop on 21 November at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California, bringing together around 30 Vietnamese artists in a landmark effort to introduce Vietnamese music to global audiences.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable of generating realistic images, voices and even personalities, questions about identity in AI-generated content have received more attention than ever.
Just weeks after devastating flash floods swept through Lai Chau Province, recovery efforts are entering a new phase. Military personnel are racing against time to build 24 resettlement homes for families who lost everything. As survivors begin to rebuild their lives, each new home offers not only shelter, but also hope for a fresh start.
One year into the nationwide rollout of the two-tier local administration model, rural communities across the country are seeing real, practical benefits on the ground. Local officials in Thai Nguyen province are delivering faster public services and vital infrastructure directly to mountain hamlets.
More than 500 evacuees are currently sheltering at Pac Ta Secondary School in Lai Chau after flash floods swept through the region. Local authorities are working around the clock to provide evacuees with safe accommodation, hot meals, and 24/7 medical care.
In Lao Cai, the intensive campaign "500 days and nights of collecting DNA samples of fallen soldiers' relatives" is also being urgently implemented. Mobile teams are travelling across mountainous terrain to turn biological data into a final chance to bring the martyrs home with their family.
Emergency cleanup crews have restored traffic flow on key routes in Muong Than Commune, Lai Chau Province, following devastating flash floods that left seven dead and one missing. While main roads are now passable, authorities are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution as floodwaters, mud, and debris continue to pose hazards along affected roadways.
Across Asia, many countries are facing the challenges of ageing populations, but nowhere is the trend more pronounced than in Japan. The number of single-person households made up of people aged 65 and over in Japan has surpassed 9.3 million - the highest level since records began in 1986. The figure is another stark warning of the country’s deepening demographic crisis.
Now we'd like to turn your attention to something that's very special to every Vietnamese. Almost every Vietnamese grows up with the ancient legend of the battle between the Mountain God and the Water God.
A new early-morning experience is giving visitors the chance to observe the daily routine of a fishing community as part of the Enjoy Da Nang Festival 2026. From watching fishermen bring in their catch to exploring a fish market that forms directly on the beach, the activity offers a closer look at the livelihoods and coastal culture behind the city's tourism image.
The 2026 Enjoy Da Nang Festival officially kicks off on 23 July with a wide range of activities. However, ahead of the opening ceremony, one of its first attractions is already welcoming visitors. A rural-style food market is bringing together some of Central Vietnam's best-known specialities, offering an early taste of the festival's culinary and cultural experiences.
Commemorating the 79th War Invalids and Martyrs' Day, a special film week has officially opened at the National Cinema Centre in Hanoi, featuring free public screenings across nearly 200 commercial cinemas nationwide. Showcasing six iconic revolutionary films, the event offers audiences a powerful opportunity to revisit the nation's heroic history and appreciate the value of peace.
Originally from Hà Nội 's famous Chuôn Ngọ craft village, a couple brought the centuries-old art of mother-of-pearl inlay down south to Cần Thơ in the Mekong Delta, transforming ordinary seashells into extraordinary works of art, and keeping a priceless heritage alive.
More than 100 young overseas Vietnamese from 32 countries gathered at Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary as part of Vietnam Summer Camp 2026, exploring the ancient Champa civilisation and the cultural layers that have shaped Việt Nam's identity. Under the theme "Heritage Journey, Rooted Together", the visit offered participants a chance to reconnect with their roots - not just where they come from, but the history that defines who they are.
Recently, Hoi An became the only Vietnamese destination named among the world's best cities of 2026 in a Travel + Leisure readers' survey. Much of Hội An's appeal lies in the warmth and hospitality of its local people. This is also the spirit behind the "Da Nang SMILE" tourism culture standards, which seek to build a welcoming destination through the way each resident interacts with visitors.
For many young overseas Vietnamese, their mother tongue is a vital link to their cultural roots and heritage. At the Vietnamese Language Exchange Competition during Việt Nam Summer Camp 2026, participants showcased their love for the language through creative and multicultural performances. The event highlighted how the younger generation is preserving their cultural identity and staying deeply connected to their homeland, no matter where they live.
Paper packaging is usually thrown away once it's used. But in the hands of a Japanese artist, it is transformed into remarkable works of art. In Hà Nội, the exhibition "Package Craft – The Evolution of an Empty Box" is offering visitors a fresh perspective on recycling and creativity through everyday materials.
Vietnamese boy group UPRIZE has officially released their debut album and music video, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the group's career. For the group's dedicated fans, the real highlight was the chance to meet UPRIZE in person. The band's first-ever fan meeting brought together enthusiastic supporters from across the country.
Smart technologies and sustainable solutions are taking centre stage in Hồ Chí Minh City as Smart Green Living Week 2026 opens, bringing together businesses, innovators and consumers to explore the latest products and ideas for greener urban living.
As Japan braces for another summer of extreme heat, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is encouraging staff to swap business suits for lighter clothing. Officials say the "Tokyo Cool Biz" campaign is helping employees stay comfortable while reducing energy use.
Long Sơn Commune in Hồ Chí Minh City is best known for its oyster farms, a traditional livelihood that has supported local families for generations. Today, the community is building on that heritage through experiential tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to explore floating oyster farms, learn about the farming process, and experience daily life on the water.
For many parents, a home-cooked meal is more than just food. In Hà Nội, one mother is turning everyday ingredients into colourful works of art, making mealtimes more exciting while encouraging her children to eat better.
Every day, thousands of single-use plastic items become waste shortly after being used. To help change this habit, Cần Thơ City is carrying out the "Green Ngã Bảy Say No to Single-Use Plastic" campaign.
Việt Nam welcomed nearly 12.3 million international visitors in the first six months of the year, up nearly 15% from the same period last year. The figure also means the country has already achieved almost half of its 2026 target of attracting 25 million international arrivals. Growth continues to be driven by key source markets such as China and South Korea.
In Hồ Chí Minh City, an artist born in 1961 has set several national and world records with an unusual painting technique. Find out more about his journey with the art of reverse glass painting in this story.
Alongside Hồ Chí Minh City's 50-year journey of growth and transformation, the Sài Gòn River has evolved as well. Once known primarily as a vital trade route, the river is taking on a new role as one of Hồ Chí Minh City's most distinctive tourism attractions.
"Collective action transforms lives" In Vĩnh Long, local women have created a community savings fund, each contributing just under US$8 a month. Over the years, these regular contributions have been used to help many families overcome hardship, build financial stability, and create better opportunities for the future.
For the first time, a reality show capturing sea turtles, birds, coral reefs, and ocean life in Côn Đảo National Park will be on air continuously at 12:30PM to 14:30PM (GMT+7) for 6 days from 25 to 30 June on VTV Go and VTV's digital platforms. Many stories and behind-the-scenes insights were shared at a recent press conference about the show.