News

Environment
0

Cars Are Making Vietnam’s Cities Unlivable

Opinion By Nguyen Ayi

Vietnam’s extensive use of cars has caused several traffic problems that have paved the way for traditional motorbikes and bicycles to take over the roads. Cars take up a lot of space and require wider roads, which is not possible in Vietnam’s urban areas. On the other hand, motorbikes and bicycles are narrow and agile, allowing them to navigate through traffic with ease.

The traffic congestion caused by cars leads to longer commute times and reduced productivity. Additionally, cars produce more pollution than motorbikes and bicycles, which contributes to air pollution and climate change.

Motorbikes and bicycles have been a part of Vietnamese culture for a long time, and they offer several benefits. They require less fuel, are more affordable, and are easier to maintain. Moreover, they offer a sense of community as people ride together and help each other out in times of need.

The Vietnamese government has recognized the benefits of motorbikes and bicycles and has taken measures to promote their use. For example, bicycle lanes have been introduced in some cities, and the government has offered subsidies for those who choose to use motorbikes and bicycles instead of cars.

In conclusion, cars in Vietnam are causing significant traffic problems that are detrimental to the country’s productivity and environment. Traditional motorbikes and bicycles offer a superior alternative that is more affordable, eco-friendly, and culturally significant. By promoting the use of motorbikes and bicycles, Vietnam can tackle its traffic issues and build a sustainable future.

EducationExpat VoicesNews
0

Happy Labor Day To English Teachers Being Exploited!

By Nguyen Thinh

There is a growing concern about English centers in Vietnam using part-time workers to skirt labor laws. By treating these workers as independent contractors instead of employees, these centers can avoid paying benefits and proper salaries. This not only exploits the workers but also creates an uneven playing field for those English centers that do follow labor laws and pay their employees fairly.

It is also a common practice within these centers to schedule part-time teachers with the hours many countries in Asia consider full-time teaching hours. The centers often require unpaid training hours and require daily availability.

The use of part-time workers also affects the quality of education provided by these English centers. As part-time workers, these teachers may not have the same level of commitment and investment in their students as full-time employees.

Furthermore, the high turnover rate of part-time workers can result in inconsistency and instability in the center’s curriculum and teaching methods.

English centers in Vietnam must follow labor laws and treat their workers fairly. This includes providing benefits and paying payroll taxes as required by law. Additionally, centers should invest in their employees by offering paid training and development opportunities, as well as fair wages and job security. By doing so, English centers can not only improve the quality of education they provide but also create a positive and sustainable work environment for their employees.

Currently, lacking any oversight, most English centers in Vietnam have become a Ponzi scheme for the owners, investors, and board members while the parents, students, and teachers are left behind.

News
0

Why Your Brew Is More Expensive

By Nguyen Thinh

Whether it is beer or a cafe brew, rising rents, and the desire to be upscale is driving up the costs of your regular brews.

Gone are the days of a 10k beer or coffee.

Vietnam’s craft beer scene has been rapidly growing in recent years, with new breweries and taprooms popping up all over the country. While this is an exciting development for beer enthusiasts, it has also made beer drinking more expensive.

Craft beer prices are often double or triple those of local commercial beers. This is because craft beer is typically brewed in smaller batches using higher-quality ingredients, which drives up production costs. Additionally, many craft beer bars and taprooms are located in upscale areas where rents are high, which also drives up prices.

Despite these challenges, the craft beer scene in Vietnam shows no signs of slowing down. Many people are willing to pay a premium for the unique flavors and experiences that craft beer offers. With a growing middle class and a greater appreciation for quality over quantity, craft beer has found a niche in Vietnam’s beer market.

One of the reasons why craft beer has become so popular in Vietnam is because it offers a departure from the traditional lagers and pilsners that dominate the market. Craft brewers experiment with different brewing techniques, ingredients, and flavors, resulting in a wide range of beer styles that appeal to a variety of tastes.

Craft beer also offers a more personalized experience. Many breweries and taprooms offer tours and tastings, allowing customers to learn about the brewing process and sample different beers. This creates a sense of community and loyalty among craft beer enthusiasts, who often seek out new breweries and taprooms to try.

While the rise of craft beer has made beer drinking … Read more

News
0

How to Be a Good Dog Owner In Vietnam

A Guide for Vietnam’s Neighbors and Community

by Nguyen Thinh

Dogs are an important part of many people’s lives. They offer unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. However, owning a dog comes with responsibilities, and it is important to be a good dog owner for the benefit of your dog, your neighbors, and your community. Here are some tips on how to be a responsible and caring dog owner.

1. Train your dog
Training your dog is crucial for their safety and the safety of others. Basic obedience training, such as sit, stay, come, and heel, is essential. It will help you control your dog in different situations and prevent them from running away or getting into trouble. Training also helps to build a strong bond between you and your dog.

2. Exercise your dog
Dogs need daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Take your dog for walks, play fetch or frisbee, or let them run in a dog park. Exercise will help your dog stay fit, prevent boredom, and reduce destructive behavior.

3. Socialize your dog
Socialization is important for dogs to learn how to interact with other dogs and people. Introduce your dog to different environments, people, and animals. Start with short and positive interactions and gradually increase the duration and complexity of the interactions. Socialization will help your dog feel more comfortable and confident in different situations and prevent aggression.

4. Provide proper nutrition and healthcare
Feed your dog a balanced and appropriate diet according to their age, size, and activity level. Give them plenty of fresh water and avoid feeding them table scraps or unhealthy treats. Take your dog to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

5. Pick Read more

News
0

Why Vietnam Is Safe Compared To USA

Opinion by Nguyen Ayi

Gun violence is a major problem in the United States, with an average of 100 deaths per day due to firearms. In contrast, Vietnam has extremely strict gun laws and a low rate of gun-related deaths. The question is, why is there such a difference between the two countries?

It’s important to understand the cultural differences between the US and Vietnam. The US has a strong culture of individualism and the right to bear arms, whereas Vietnam has a collectivist culture and a strong emphasis on community safety.

Secondly, the availability of guns plays a major role. In the US, it’s relatively easy to obtain a gun, even for those with a history of mental illness or criminal activity. In Vietnam, however, it’s extremely difficult to obtain a gun legally, with only law enforcement officials and military personnel being allowed to carry firearms.

The role of government policy cannot be ignored. In the US, there is significant resistance to gun control measures due to the Second Amendment of the Constitution. In Vietnam, the government has taken a strong stance on gun control and has implemented strict laws to prevent the illegal possession of firearms.

Overall, the difference in gun violence rates between the US and Vietnam can be attributed to a combination of cultural differences, gun availability, and government policy. While there are certainly lessons that can be learned from Vietnam’s approach to gun control, it’s clear that significant changes are needed in the US to address the epidemic of gun violence.

Tech
0

The Rise of Data Centers in Vietnam

By Nguyen Ayi

As Vietnam’s economy continues to grow, so does the demand for data centers. With the rise of e-commerce, social media, and cloud services, the need for reliable and secure data storage and management has become increasingly vital. In this article, we will explore the growth of data centers in Vietnam and their impact on the country’s digital transformation.

Vietnam’s Digital Transformation Journey

Vietnam has made significant progress in its digital transformation journey, with the government aiming to create a digital economy worth $43 billion by 2025. This ambitious goal has been fueled by the country’s young and tech-savvy population, which has embraced new technologies at a rapid pace. Vietnam’s internet penetration rate has reached 70%, and the country has over 60 million smartphone users.

However, this rapid digitalization has also brought new challenges, including the need for robust and secure data storage and management. Vietnam’s data center market is still in its early stages, but it is growing rapidly to meet this challenge.

The Growth of Data Centers in Vietnam

Vietnam’s data center market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% between 2020-2025, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets. This growth is driven by the country’s expanding digital economy and increasing demand for cloud services.

Several international companies, such as Digital Realty, NTT Communications, and FPT Telecom, have already established data centers in Vietnam. In addition, local players such as Viettel IDC, VNG Cloud, and CMC Telecom are also expanding their data center offerings.

The Benefits of Data Centers in Vietnam

Data centers are essential for Vietnam’s digital transformation journey, as they provide secure and reliable storage and management of digital assets. In addition, data centers also offer several other benefits, including:

1. Improved Connectivity: Data centers enable faster and … Read more

NewsOpinion
0

Dog Track Finds Support In State-Sanctioned Gambling And Animal Abuse

Opinion by Joe Fotalattee

Vung Tau dog racing track is shutting down, but unfortunately, plans to reopen are in the works and 400 dogs are currently being exploited.

State-Sanctioned Gambling And Animal Abuse

While voters in the USA have nearly eliminated all dog racing with ballot initiatives, three states still allow the draconian sport: West Virginia, Arkansas, and Iowa. Vietnam is willing to be associated with such progressive states.

Due to the license expiration, Lam Son Dog Racecourse in Vung Tau City, which had a total investment of USD 5 million, will close on March 10.

On March 6, Sports and Entertainment Services Joint Stock Company (investor) announced it will relocate equipment at the Lam Son stadium racetrack. While it waits for the contract to be settled, the Ba Ria City Center will continue to raise and train close to 400 Greyhound dogs. A new dog racing track in Lam Dong is being built by the investor.

Two sessions per week were held at the Lam Son dog racetrack, and admission was 90,000 to 180,000 VND per person. The investor has staged nearly 1,500 races for 23 years, bringing in over 315 million spectators who purchased tickets to the stadium to watch and wager. According to the investor, they have already lost 205 billion VND and contributed more than 45 billion VND to the local economy.

The land will be planned with a sporting function after the Lam Son racetrack is relocated, according to the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Department of Culture and Sports.

The Green Park-Sports, which includes a 10,000-seat yard and the Sports Complex, is located on Cau Chay Street. The Department of Culture and Sports is proposing to move the dog racing school there. (Vung Tau City, Ward 11 and 12). VnExpress reported this location is ideal for … Read more