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A delegation from the French Embassy pays a courtesy meeting to Dien Bien province. (Photo: VNA)

Dien Bien strengthens cooperation with France

The northwestern province of Dien Bien is seeking continued support from the French Embassy in Vietnam in promoting its potential to French individuals, organizations and investors, aiming to attract more investments and projects.

During a courtesy meeting with a delegation from the French Embassy on March 16, Le Thanh Do, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, highlighted ongoing cooperation in culture and tourism, noting positive outcomes achieved with French support, cited VNA.

In agriculture and environment, Dien Bien is implementing the Nam Ron river basin multi-disaster management project, financed by the French Development Agency (AFD). The province is also working with AFD to finalize procedures for approving a 1.39 trillion VND (54.4 million USD) project on integrated water resource management in Tuan Giao district, set to run from 2026 to 2028.

Dien Bien hopes the French Embassy will facilitate connections with experts to improve urban lighting planning and enhance preservation and exhibition techniques for large-scale military artifacts at outdoor museums, Do said, adding the province also pledges to create favorable conditions for French businesses and investors exploring opportunities in culture, tourism, and other sectors.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet reaffirmed France’s commitment to fostering cooperation and expressed confidence in the promising prospects for partnership between Dien Bien and France in the future.

Vietnam tops ASEAN in number of Heritage Parks

Vietnam is currently leading Southeast Asia in the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks, with 12 areas.

They are Hoang Lien National Park (Lao Cai and Lai Chau), Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan), Vu Quang National Park (Ha Tinh), Bai Tu Long National Park (Quang Ninh), Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (Kon Tum), Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum), Kon Ka Kinh National Park (Gia Lai), U Minh Thuong National Park (Kien Giang), Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong), Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park (Tay Ninh), Con Dao National Park (Ba Ria-Vung Tau), and Bach Ma National Park (Hue).

Vietnam targets to increase the number of ASEAN ASEAN Heritage Parks to 15 by the end of this year, according to VGP.

Ba Be National Park in the northen province of Bac Kan.

ASEAN Heritage Parks are defined as "protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region."

These areas are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN's rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative protected areas, and to generate greater collaboration among ASEAN Member States in preserving their shared natural heritage.

The ASEAN Heritage Parks play a crucial role in preserving genetic resources, ensuring the sustainable use of ecosystems, maintaining natural areas of cultural and educational value, and raising awareness about biodiversity conservation among the people of ASEAN countries.

Vietnam taps into wedding tourism for growth, promotion

In recent years, wedding tourism has emerged as a growing contributor to local economies in several regions across Vietnam. Recognizing market demand, authorities and businesses are encouraged to invest in developing this tourism segment to boost revenue while promoting destinations, especially to international travellers.

Rising market trend

Vietnam's tourism sector aims to welcome 22-23 million international arrivals and 120-130 million domestic travellers by 2025. Achieving this target requires tapping into new trends and visitor segments. Wedding tourism, although still relatively new, presents significant potential for the country's tourism economy.

According to Nguyen Quang Vinh, an expert from the Institute for Tourism Development Research, wedding tourism has become a strategic focus for many Asian countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. Nations like Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam have capitalized on their tropical beaches, vibrant cultural values and affordable event costs to attract couples seeking memorable wedding experiences.

Wedding tourism, a concept where couples travel to a destination to host or attend wedding ceremonies and related events such as proposals, engagements, pre-wedding photoshoots, honeymoons, or anniversary celebrations, is emerging as a lucrative niche in the travel industry, reported VNA.

The wedding ceremony of Kulvin Kaur and Dilip Bhawan in Da Nang city (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, with its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and affordable yet high-quality services, holds great potential for developing this sector. The country's diverse settings provide a variety of backdrops for weddings, ensuring each ceremony offers a unique ambiance and décor.

Vinh said several destinations in Vietnam have strong potential for wedding tourism growth. Popular hotspots such as Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Phan Thiet, Ninh Binh, and Quang Ninh are favored not only for their natural beauty and premium hospitality services but also for the immersive experiences they offer.

While still a relatively new concept in Vietnam, wedding tourism has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits. Wedding celebrations often involve hundreds of guests, many of whom extend their stays to explore the destination, boosting demand for accommodations, dining, shopping, and local experiences. Furthermore, when wedding guests share their photos and experiences online, they inadvertently promote Vietnam’s culture, people, and scenic beauty to a global audience.

In recent years, popular destinations such as Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan province), Con Dao island (Ba Ria - Vung Tau province), Phu Quoc island (Kien Giang province), and Ha Long (Quang Ninh province) have hosted numerous wedding events, reflecting growing interest in this market. These trends underscore Vietnam’s rich potential to become a preferred wedding tourism destination, thanks to its pristine beaches, cultural heritage sites, upscale resorts, vibrant cuisine, and warm hospitality.

For instance, in 2019, an Indian billionaire couple chose Phu Quoc as their wedding venue, hosting 700 guests in a grand celebration. Since then, Phu Quoc’s luxury resorts have continued to attract international couples seeking memorable wedding experiences. The island's consistent recognition at prestigious global tourism awards further solidifies its position as a top-tier wedding destination.

Boosting wedding tourism market

To further develop this promising market, experts suggest local authorities and tourism stakeholders should adopt tailored strategies. Understanding the preferences of international couples, such as beachside weddings in Phu Quoc, Da Nang, or Ha Long, or traditional-themed ceremonies in cultural hubs like Hoi An and Hue, will help shape attractive wedding tourism packages.

Moreover, businesses must account for cultural differences in wedding traditions to create personalized, unforgettable experiences for international couples. Expanding promotional efforts through social media and showcasing successful destination weddings in Vietnam will also enhance the country's appeal to foreign markets.

Equally important is investing in skilled personnel specializing in wedding services. Training in event planning, decoration, photography, videography, and fashion styling will elevate service quality, ensuring Vietnam's wedding tourism industry thrives.

From a business perspective, Dinh Duc Quang of APEC Mandala Wyndham Mui Ne said wedding tourists are often affluent, willing to spend generously on premium services. Their extended guest lists create additional demand for hospitality services, providing an excellent opportunity for tourism businesses to boost revenue. By offering attractive experiences to encourage extended stays, destinations can further capitalize on this lucrative market.

Tran Thi Mai Huong, an expert from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, highlighted the need to cater to the personalized nature of wedding tourism. Couples often seek distinctive elements such as unique venues, creative décor, and tailored activities. With guests frequently traveling from multiple countries, service providers must design memorable experiences that resonate with diverse cultural backgrounds, Huong noted.

PM seeks policy advice for a balanced and sustainable Vietnam-US economic ties

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting in Hanoi on March 15 with Professor Thomas Vallely, Senior Advisor for Vietnam at Columbia University’s Southeast Asia Institute.

The Government leader requested that Professor Vallely and his colleagues continue providing policy advice to support Vietnam’s goal of achieving 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit growth in the following years, while also voicing their perspectives to the US government to promote a balanced, sustainable economic relationship between the two countries.

Expressing his pleasure at meeting Professor Vallely on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations, PM Chinh congratulated him on receiving the US Presidential Medal from President Joe Biden. He also highly appreciated the professor’s contributions to bilateral cooperation, particularly in education and policy dialogue.

Chinh acknowledged the efforts of Professor Vallely and Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Hang in maintaining the Vietnam Executive Leadership Program (VELP) at Columbia University despite cuts in funding from the US government. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s desire to step up educational cooperation with the US and encouraged American universities to establish partnerships with Vietnamese institutions, including opening campuses in Vietnam, VOV reported.

PM Pham Minh Chinh receives (R) Professor Thomas Vallely, Senior Advisor for Vietnam at Columbia University’s Southeast Asia Institute.

Regarding economic relations, PM Chinh noted that Vietnam has taken proactive measures to address US concerns, including trade imbalance issues. The government has held discussions with the US Ambassador and businesses to promote a stable, sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic partnership.

Despite facing challenges in 2024, Vietnam achieved over 7% economic growth, maintained macroeconomic stability, controlled inflation, ensured major economic balances, strengthened national defence and security, and deepened international integration. The government aims for a minimum growth rate of 8% in 2025 and double-digit growth in the coming years, striving to become a high-income developed country by 2045, which requires new approaches and innovative strategies.

PM Chinh invited Professor Vallely to provide policy recommendations for achieving these ambitious targets, revitalizing traditional growth drivers, fostering new economic momentum, advancing science and technology, accelerating digital transformation and innovation, and supporting the development of Vietnam’s private sector.

He also sought advice on mobilizing financial resources, transferring technology, training human capital, enhancing governance capacity, and refining institutional frameworks. Additionally, he urged Professor Vallely to advocate for US recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status, the removal of restrictions on high-tech exports, and the resolution of investment challenges for US businesses in Vietnam.

Professor Vallely expressed gratitude for PM Chinh’s continued support of Columbia University’s collaborative programs, particularly the establishment of Fulbright University Vietnam. He also praised the Prime Minister’s strong leadership in dealing with key issues, driving economic transformation, and fostering Vietnam’s development.

The professor acknowledged Vietnam’s commitment to science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the foundation for future growth, as demonstrated by the Politburo’s Resolution 57 issued on December 22, 2024. He also highlighted Vietnam’s strategic focus on green energy, nuclear power, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor development.

Having worked closely with Vietnam for many years, Professor Vallely reaffirmed his and Columbia University’s willingness to offer strategic policy consultations. He expressed a desire to maintain VELP and establish a structured internal dialogue to address shared priorities, including science and technology, innovation, private sector development, and Vietnam-US relations.

Female scientists making increasingly significant contributions

Through valuable scientific and practical research, female scientists have made active and considerable contributions across various fields. They are the blossoms of intellect and the light of knowledge, serving as a source of pride for the nation’s scientific community.

A young professor in psychology

Professor Dr Dang Hoang Minh, born in 1979, is currently the Head of the Faculty of Educational Sciences and the Director of the Institute for Clinical Research in Social Psychology and Education at the University of Education, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. She was the youngest professor appointed in 2023 and remains the youngest professor in the field of psychology today.

Professor Minh has a deep passion for psychology. She grew up in a family in which her parents worked in education and healthcare. In 1997, while most of her peers were choosing to study economics — a field favored for its career prospects — she decided to pursue psychology.

“My mother, a psychiatrist, once told me that the coming century would be the era of psychology because as society advances, understanding the human mind will become increasingly important. When I was in high school, we knew little about psychology, but as I entered university, I discovered how fascinating it was,” she recalled.

Specializing in clinical psychology, she focuses on researching mental disorders and psychological-behavioural issues. “When studying psychiatric illnesses, I found cases where patients exhibited physical symptoms such as stomach pain or limb paralysis, despite no apparent brain or nerve damage. These were actually due to psychological disorders — what we call psychosomatic illnesses,” she explained.

After graduating from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, she obtained her master’s degree in 2002. In 2007, she earned a PhD in psychology from Toulouse II-Le Mirail University in France, followed by postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt University in the US.

Professor Minh has held various positions, including coordinator of a master’s program in vocational psychology at France’s National Institute for Vocational Studies (L’INETOP), director of the Career Information and Psychological Application Research Center, and head of the Department of Education and Therapy at the University of Education under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

She has also served as secretary and later chairperson of the Interdisciplinary Council on Psychology and Education at the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) and as director of the Young Talent Fund for Psychology and Education at the Vietnam Association of Psychology and Education.

Her clinical psychology research follows three main directions. The first focuses on childhood and adolescent mental health, evaluating the prevalence of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and childhood trauma while developing diagnostic tools.

The second explores mental health literacy among different demographic groups, analysing public awareness and attitudes toward mental health and designing educational programs. The third involves developing and implementing school-based mental health interventions and therapeutic programs.

So far, Professor Minh has supervised four PhD candidates who successfully defended their dissertations. She has completed two research projects funded by Vietnam National University, three national-level projects, and five international studies. She has published 90 scientific papers, including 23 in prestigious international journals, and has authored 18 books with reputable publishers.

As a researcher, educator, and therapist, she is deeply concerned about mental health issues in modern society. “In Vietnam, around 20-25% of the population has mental health problems, and 50% of these cases involve young people. Many of these issues emerge early, from around the ages of 13-14,” she noted.

Professor Minh is particularly passionate about mental health education, counselling, and care in schools. She and her colleagues are conducting various projects that combine therapy with raising public awareness. “School counsellors are now present, but in many public schools, these roles are still taken on by teachers who lack specialised training,” she pointed out.

In the medical sector, since 2023, clinical psychology has been officially recognised by the Ministry of Health as a licensed profession. “This ensures a stable and well-defined career path for students pursuing clinical psychology. It marks a good start for professional training, and in recent years, more students have shown interest in studying psychology,” she added.

Passion for developing biomedical materials

With a strong passion for scientific research, Dr Le Thi Phuong, Deputy Head of the Biopharmaceutical Materials Department at the Institute of Applied Materials Science at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, has made significant achievements after more than 12 years in the field of materials science. She holds one international patent and two national patents, cited NDO.

Dr Le Thi Phuong (center) and her research team attend the World Biomaterials Conference - WBC 2024 in the Republic of Korea.

At 37 years old, she is among the young female scientists leading research on biomedical materials, particularly in cancer treatment applications.

After graduating in Chemical Engineering from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Phuong joined the Institute of Applied Materials Science, where she nurtured her love for research. This later led her to pursue a PhD at Ajou University in the Republic of Korea (RoK), where she spent 10 years conducting research.

Reflecting on her time in RoK, she recalled facing numerous challenges, but her perseverance paid off, earning her scientific publications and patents. In early 2022, she returned to Vietnam to continue her research journey at the Institute of Applied Materials Science.

One of her most notable projects involves developing a dual-mode cancer treatment system that combines gas therapy and metabolic starvation to enhance treatment effectiveness. This system integrates three key components: glucose oxidase (GOx), functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles, and tannic acid.

Dr Phuong emphasized that the material’s unique strength lies in its multi-modal attack: it starves tumours by depleting glucose while simultaneously providing gas therapy by releasing nitric oxide (NO). This approach offers superior cancer cell elimination while minimising side effects compared to conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

In terms of application, this material is undergoing in vivo testing, with findings published in prestigious international journals. The research not only introduces a “green” treatment model with minimal side effects but also promises a safe and effective solution for future cancer patients.

Another major research direction for Dr Phuong involves developing hydrogel systems that incorporate bioactive compounds with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and scar-preventing properties for wound healing.

She noted that while this research is not entirely new globally or in Vietnam, it holds high practical value, particularly in developing countries. “This approach enables at-home wound care without requiring hospital visits or highly skilled medical staff, thus reducing the burden on the healthcare system,” she explained.

With more than 40 scientific publications in international journals, along with a specialised textbook for undergraduate and graduate education, Dr Phuong has made crucial contributions to the challenging field of materials science. She has received the Golden Globe Science and Technology Award (2022) and was named one of Vietnam’s Top 10 Promising Young Faces in Science (2022).

As a visiting lecturer at several universities and research institutes, including Ton Duc Thang University, Tra Vinh University, Lac Hong University, and the Academy of Science and Technology, she continues to inspire students. “Young people must keep their passion alive while remaining grounded in reality. Work hard, keep innovating, and don’t be discouraged by failures — success will come at the right time,” she advised.

For Dr Phuong, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and affirm her place in the scientific world.

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