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In his article, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam emphasises the enduring value of Ho Chi Minh Thought in guiding Vietnam’s governance reform, innovation, national unity and sustainable development in the new era. (Illustrative image)

Ho Chi Minh Thought continues to illuminate Vietnam’s new era

Marking President Ho Chi Minh’s 136th birth anniversary (May 19), Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has published an article, emphasising the enduring value of Ho Chi Minh Thought in Vietnam’s national development journey, particularly as the country enters a new phase following the success of the 14th National Party Congress.

In his article titled “Ho Chi Minh's Light Illuminates Our Path” the top leader noted that Vietnam is facing new demand for governance reform, modernisation of the political system, administrative streamlining and more effective public service. In this context, Ho Chi Minh Thought continues to serve as the spiritual foundation and guiding compass for all achievements of the Vietnamese revolution.

He stressed that while the documents of the 14th National Party Congress define Vietnam’s development pathway for the coming years, Ho Chi Minh Thought remains the guiding light helping the country move forward with confidence, correct direction and strong trust in the people.

“The people are the root” and the drive for governance reform

One of the key themes highlighted in the article is President Ho Chi Minh’s principle that “the people are the root,” which continues to shape Vietnam’s current policies and governance reforms.

According to the leader, President Ho Chi Minh viewed the people as both the driving force of history and the ultimate purpose of the Party and State. All interests must serve the people, and all power belongs to the people. Therefore, officials and Party members must stay close to the people, understand them and act responsibly in serving them.

This principle, he argued, places clear demand on ongoing administrative reforms. Streamlining the political system is not merely about reducing bureaucracy or cutting costs, but about building a more effective, people-oriented and service-driven governance structure.

The article also emphasises that decentralization and delegation of authority must go hand in hand with accountability, while digital transformation should aim not only to modernize administration but also to create a more transparent, fair and convenient governance system for citizens and businesses.

The Party General Secretary and President stated that all reforms must ultimately be measured by public satisfaction, trust and happiness. Studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, morality and style should not remain symbolic slogans, but must be reflected through public ethics, responsibility and practical effectiveness.

Self-reliance and national aspirations in a changing world

The article devotes significant attention to Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of independence, self-reliance and national resilience in the context of today’s rapidly changing global landscape shaped by strategic competition, technological transformation and economic shifts.

The top leader remarked that President Ho Chi Minh consistently emphasised the importance of relying primarily on internal strength while also combining national strength with the strength of the times. That spirit, he said, continues to guide Vietnam’s efforts to build an independent, self-reliant and globally competitive economy capable of deep international integration without dependence.

He stressed that President Ho Chi Minh’s aspiration for Vietnam to “stand shoulder to shoulder with world powers” has now become a practical national development goal, according to VOV.

To achieve that ambition, Vietnam must strongly promote innovation, science and technology, digital transformation and productivity growth while overcoming the risks of technological and developmental lag.

The Party chief and president added that the major orientations adopted at the 14th National Party Congress, including sustainable growth, scientific and technological development, innovation, digital transformation, institutional reform and improving national governance, all represent creative applications of Ho Chi Minh Thought under new historical conditions.

Building a clean Party and strengthening national unity

Another major issue highlighted in the article is Ho Chi Minh Thought on Party building and political integrity.

According to Party General Secretary and President To Lam, President Ho Chi Minh always considered morality the foundation of revolutionary leadership and viewed close ties with the people as essential to the Party’s legitimacy and development.

In today’s context, building a clean and strong Party carries vital importance for national development, he noted.

A streamlined political system can only function effectively with officials who possess integrity, competence, responsibility and the courage to act for the common good. Modern governance, he added, must be built on discipline, transparency, integrity and accountability.

The article stresses that fighting corruption, wastefulness, bureaucracy and negative practices is not only a matter of Party building but also a development requirement.

Anti-corruption efforts help clean up the system, strengthen public trust and protect national resources, while combating wastefulness and bureaucracy ensures resources are used effectively and policies remain closely connected to reality.

The top leader also reaffirmed President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology of great national unity as a strategic source of strength for Vietnam in the new development era.

According to him, Vietnam’s future growth depends on mobilising the intelligence, creativity and contributions of all social groups, including workers, farmers, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, youth, women, ethnic minorities, religious communities and overseas Vietnamese.

Development centered on people and national prosperity

Party General Secretary and President To Lam stressed that Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts on culture and humanity continue to illuminate Vietnam’s sustainable development goals in the new era.

Development, he said, should not be measured solely by economic growth, but also by improvements in education, culture, ethics and the material and spiritual well-being of the people.

Rapid growth must go hand in hand with sustainability, while economic development must align with social progress and equity. International integration should also be accompanied by preserving national cultural identity.

In his view, all current reforms, from administrative restructuring and digital transformation to private-sector development, social welfare, health care, education and national defence, should continue to be guided by Ho Chi Minh Thought to ensure that development remains centered on people and public well-being.

Concluding the article, the Party General Secretary and State President affirmed that under the light of Ho Chi Minh Thought, Vietnam’s Party, people and armed forces will successfully implement the resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and realise the goal of building a prosperous, powerful and happy Vietnam.

President Ho Chi Minh honored in RoK on 136th birth anniversary

With Vietnam–Korea ties expanding across multiple fields, he noted that honoring President Ho Chi Minh in the RoK carries significance beyond the overseas Vietnamese. It offers a chance to raise mutual understanding, empathy, and bonds between the Vietnamese and Korean people built on shared values of peace, cooperation, and development.

The Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea (RoK) held a ceremony on May 17 to celebrate the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh and offered incense in tribute to the late leader at his memorial room and statue within the embassy's campus.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho lauded President Ho Chi Minh as a brilliant leader, national liberation hero, and great man of culture of Vietnam.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

President Ho Chi Minh devoted his whole life to the struggle for national independence, peace, and social progress, becoming a symbol of patriotism, aspiration for independence, profound humanism, and will to rise of the Vietnamese people, he said.

The diplomat also highlighted an ongoing project to honor the late leader abroad, coupled with external communications on Vietnam’s development goals and vision through 2030 and 2045. It aims to further spread the image of a peaceful, dynamic, and developing Vietnam to the world.

With Vietnam–Korea ties expanding across multiple fields, he noted that honoring President Ho Chi Minh in the RoK carries significance beyond the overseas Vietnamese. It offers a chance to raise mutual understanding, empathy, and bonds between the Vietnamese and Korean people built on shared values of peace, cooperation, and development, VNA reported.

Studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality, and lifestyle remain an important mission for officials, Party members, and overseas Vietnamese, including those living in the RoK, he affirmed.

Delegates watched a documentary on Ho Chi Minh’s life and revolutionary career, subtitled in Korean. The film retraced his arduous yet glorious revolutionary journey, giving Korean friends and young Vietnamese in the RoK a deeper understanding of his thought, morality, and exemplary life.

Vietnam could tighten local oversight of foreigners as arrivals hit record highs

The Ministry of Public Security said it would strengthen the management of foreigners living and travelling in the country, while maintaining relatively open visa and immigration policies aimed at supporting tourism, investment and economic growth.

Speaking at a conference on foreigners management matters held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 15, Deputy Minister of Public Security Lieutenant General Pham The Tung said Vietnam recorded more than 22.8 million foreign arrivals in 2025 – the highest figure on record and up around 18% from 2024.

From the beginning of 2026, more than 9 million foreign arrivals have already been recorded, an increase of 22.5% year-on-year.

Officials said Vietnam would continue implementing immigration and entry policies designed to facilitate travel and international exchanges, while also promoting tourism, trade and foreign investment, cited VNA.

Traffic police officers in Nha Trang - a beach destination popular with foreign tourists, patrol and remind foreign visitors to comply with Vietnam's traffic laws (Photo: VNA)

At the same time, the ministry warned that some foreigners had allegedly exploited more relaxed visa policies to engage in illegal activities, prompting concerns over increasingly complex law enforcement and security challenges.

Authorities did not specify which types of violations were becoming more common, though recent police announcements have involved cases linked to online fraud operations, immigration offences, public order disturbances, and foreigners overstaying or working without proper documentation.

The ministry said police units nationwide had been instructed to improve forecasting, coordination and enforcement measures related to foreigners residing in Vietnam.

Tung stressed that commune and ward police would play a larger role in managing foreigners, in line with Vietnam's push for decentralization and administrative reform.

Vietnam currently offers e-visas to citizens from all countries and territories, while visa exemption policies have also been expanded in recent years as part of efforts to revive tourism and attract international business following the pandemic.

Meet Australia 2026 to take place in HCM City next week

“Meet Australia 2026”, a high-level trade and investment promotion event aimed at strengthening economic ties between Vietnam and Australia, will take place in HCM City from May 18-20.

Organized by the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum (AABF), the event will focus on boosting cooperation in energy, digital technology, agriculture and innovation amid growing bilateral relations.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the event, AABF Chairman and organising committee head Francis Wong OAM said the event is expected to help Australian businesses better understand Vietnam, build reliable partnerships, explore long-term investment and trade opportunities, expand market access and turn business interest into concrete outcomes.

Wong described Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, driven by strong growth, reform-oriented policies, an increasingly skilled workforce and ambitions in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital transformation and infrastructure development.

He said Australia now views Vietnam not only as a major trading partner but also as a strategic investment and innovation partner. However, Australian investment in Vietnam remains relatively modest, meaning Australia risks missing opportunities linked to Vietnam’s economic dynamism.

The event is expected to attract more than 350 delegates, including over 100 Australian executives as well as representatives from Government agencies, investment organizations, chambers of commerce, innovation ecosystems and Vietnam’s strategic partners.

It will feature opening sessions with the participation of senior government officials and industry leaders from both countries, investment forums and panel discussions focusing on energy transition, green technology, circular economy, infrastructure development, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, agriculture, food security, education, workforce development and supply chain connectivity.

Business networking sessions, direct meetings between Australian and Vietnamese enterprises, and visits to strategic industrial and innovation centers in Vietnam are also scheduled.

According to Wong, the initiative aims to deliver measurable and long-term outcomes by strengthening Australian businesses’ confidence in Vietnam’s market opportunities and regulatory environment.

He said the conference is set to facilitate practical business activities, including new trade partnerships, investment opportunities, technology cooperation, market entry strategies and potential memoranda of understanding between organizations.

The AABF Chairman noted that Australian companies are showing increasing interest in Vietnam, which many regard as one of ASEAN’s leading economies thanks to its resilient growth, competitive manufacturing base, young workforce, digital transformation agenda and expanding middle class, VNS reported.

AABF Chairman Francis Wong (L) and Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam. Photo: VNA/VNS

Strong interest has been seen in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, education and training, healthcare, digital technology, logistics and infrastructure.

Wong added that Australian businesses are increasingly seeking deeper investment partnerships and long-term cooperation with Vietnam, rather than focusing solely on trade.

He said the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has created an important framework for broader cooperation in clean energy, critical minerals, digital economy, food security and supply chain resilience.

According to Wong, future cooperation should place greater emphasis on co-investment, innovation partnerships, skills development, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth.

He expressed confidence that the complementary strengths of the two economies will continue to drive stronger Australia-Vietnam relations, supported by close cooperation between governments and increasingly active engagement from the private sector.

Weak cold air brings rain, Northern Vietnam cools after heatwave

After several days of intense heat, weather conditions across many parts of Vietnam, especially in the north, shifted noticeably as widespread showers and thunderstorms arrived from the evening of May 16.

According to meteorological experts, the change was mainly caused by a weak cold air mass combined with upper-level wind convergence, leading to a significant drop in temperatures and relief from the prolonged hot spell.

In Hanoi and many provinces across Northern Vietnam, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds helped temperatures fall sharply compared to previous days. Some areas recorded a decrease of 4-6°C overnight, bringing cooler and more comfortable conditions after days of extreme heat with temperatures ranging from 37-39°C.

Prior to the weather shift, Northern and Central Vietnam had experienced one of the first widespread heatwaves of the summer season. Many localities reported extremely high outdoor temperatures combined with low humidity, making conditions particularly uncomfortable in major urban areas.

The surge in electricity demand for cooling systems also caused localised power overloads in some places.

However, from the evening of May 16, weather patterns changed rapidly as strong convective cloud systems developed across the region, triggering widespread showers and thunderstorms. Rain was not limited to Northern Vietnam but also expanded into the North-central region, Central Highlands and southern provinces.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the weak cold air intrusion combined with an upper-air convergence zone was the main driver behind the rainfall event. Although much weaker than winter cold fronts, the system was still sufficient to disrupt atmospheric conditions and trigger widespread cooling.

Meteorologists forecast that thunderstorms in Northern Vietnam may continue over the next few days, particularly during the late afternoon and nighttime hours. Mountainous and midland areas could experience moderate to heavy rainfall, with isolated locations facing very heavy downpours.

Meanwhile, Central Vietnam is also expected to gradually cool as thunderstorms become more widespread in the evenings, cited VOV.

Northern Vietnam cools significantly after widespread thunderstorms caused by weak cold air and wind convergence, bringing relief from days of intense heat.

In the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam, weather conditions are forecast to remain sunny during the day with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing later in the afternoon and evening. Some urban areas may face localised flooding due to short periods of heavy rainfall.

Despite bringing relief from the heat, meteorologists continue to warn about dangerous weather phenomena associated with thunderstorms, including whirlwinds, lightning, hail and strong gusts. Northern mountainous provinces are also being warned about the risks of flashfloods and landslides if prolonged heavy rain occurs.

Mid-May is typically a seasonal transition period in Vietnam, when alternating heatwaves and strong thunderstorms frequently occur. The arrival of weak cold air during this period is not considered unusual, but it can still create significant weather fluctuations across northern and north-central Vietnam.

Current forecasts suggest that cooler conditions in the north may continue for several more days before hot weather potentially returns toward the end of May.

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