Journalists in Vietnam

Can Party Members Engaging in Business Distort the Market?

Reporting style, Interpretive: Analytical and critical, foregrounding concerns about cronyism, conflicts of interest, and market distortion while presenting some counterarguments.

Political context, Centre-left: Critically examines one-party rule, political patronage, and insufficient checks and balances, while also presenting the party's stated rationale for the regulation.

Vietnam's Communist Party Regulation 224, issued in October 2026, broadens the circumstances in which party members—including some senior officials—may invest and conduct business, while retaining internal party oversight and restrictions for certain roles. The report contrasts it with the more restrictive 2006 Regulation 15 and examines concerns that officials' access to policy information and political connections could give affiliated businesses unfair advantages in contracts, land, credit, and administrative processes. Experts disagree on whether the rule itself enables cronyism, but warn that weak independent oversight, conflicts of interest, and preferential treatment could distort competition and disadvantage smaller firms and investors without political ties. The article also places the policy in the context of Vietnam's socialist-market system, cites Hungary's alleged public-asset transfers as a cautionary example, and revisits ideological objections that party members cannot simultaneously serve as revolutionary cadres and capitalist business owners.

Authorities Are Quietly Ending Live Broadcasts of National Assembly Sessions

Reporting style, Interpretive: Critical, rights-focused reporting argues that limited live coverage undermines public oversight and participation.

Political context, Centre-left: Emphasizes transparency, public participation, and accountability while criticizing restrictions by the ruling authorities.

Vietnam’s National Assembly is holding a major legislative session, but state broadcasters VTV and VOV are providing little live coverage beyond the opening, amid rules that limit which sessions may be broadcast. RFA reports that citizens therefore depend on edited media accounts to learn about deliberations and proposed laws. A legal expert and residents interviewed by RFA argue that restricted access weakens constitutional principles of open proceedings and public oversight, while some fear public backlash is a motive for withholding coverage. The article also notes that the Communist Party’s 14th National Congress was held behind closed doors, reinforcing concerns about transparency in major national decisions.

Vingroup: Vietnam’s conglomerate with the world at its feet

The article discusses the rise of Vingroup, Vietnam's largest private company, and its ambitious project to create VinFast, the country's first national car brand. Vingroup, led by Vietnam's richest man Pham Nhat Vuong, has expanded from real estate into various sectors, including retail, education, healthcare, and technology. The conglomerate's rapid growth and integration into Vietnamese life raise questions about its influence and the potential risks of overextension. The article also explores the relationship between private companies like Vingroup and the Vietnamese government, highlighting concerns about the lack of checks and balances in a single-party state. Instances of critics facing police intervention and the disappearance of negative news reports suggest a troubling dynamic between the company, the state, and freedom of expression. The article provides a comprehensive look at Vingroup's impact on Vietnam's economy, society, and governance.

How Vietnam Brought Science and Agricultural Markets Closer Together

The World Bank's Autonomous Higher Education Project (SAHEP) in Vietnam is helping to enhance the connection between university research and market needs, particularly in agriculture. The Hanoi University of Science and Technology and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture are key participants. A focus area is the development of high-value, climate-resilient agricultural products like honey. Despite Vietnam being a significant honey exporter, domestic consumers prefer imported honey, and quality issues have been raised due to practices like adulteration. Associate Professor Pham Hong Thai is leading efforts to improve honey quality through techniques like double brood boxes and a beekeeping monitoring system that tracks various metrics and helps beekeepers get better prices. With SAHEP's support, VNUA aims to further enhance honey quality and market value through advanced research and diagnostics.

Illuminated Faces

Reporting style, Balanced: The article contains a mix of personal experiences and factual information about the music industry.

Roma Tsepelev shares his journey from childhood influences to becoming a musician, highlighting key moments like attending an Underworld concert and participating in the Red Bull Music Academy. He discusses his music style, favorite bands, and the impact of personal relationships on his work. His experiences at cultural events like 'Пикник Афиши' and collaborations with theater director Boris Pavlovich are also explored. The narrative reflects on the balance between electronic music and theater compositions, emphasizing the importance of family and personal growth in his artistic evolution.

Thai Cat Beats 120 Rivals to Win International Cat Queen 2025

Reporting style, Factual: Predominantly factual reporting based on competition results and organizer and participant comments.

Saturday Hayden, a British Longhair cat from Thailand owned by Sureepat Chaising, won the 2025 WCF International Jubilee Cat Show in Ho Chi Minh City after defeating 120 rivals. Held from November 1–2, the event attracted more than 100 cats from several countries and judged contestants on appearance, body shape, weight, temperament and socialization. The show featured rare breeds and the internet-famous Siamese cat Naomi. Organizers said the annual competition promotes international exchange, responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, with part of its proceeds supporting groups caring for stray cats and dogs.

Party members carrying out special missions in the skies

Reporting style, Informative: Predominantly factual reporting, with strongly positive and patriotic descriptions of the regiment and its personnel.

The 927th Air Regiment of Vietnam’s Air Defense-Air Force Service is highlighted for its 53-year history, strong party and political work, combat readiness, flight training and safety record. Its pilots and party members have participated in live-fire exercises, international defense exchanges, national defense exhibitions and commemorative flyovers. The regiment hosted training for Su-30MK2, Yak-130 and L-39NG aircraft ahead of Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebrations, where its pilots conducted formation flights and flare displays over Hanoi, demonstrating the Vietnamese Air Force’s ability to operate modern aircraft and fulfill high-profile national defense missions.

Wang Yi visits Hanoi: 'The three-horse race'

The intense competition between China, Japan, and the United States for influence in Southeast Asia and globally is highlighted by the strategic moves and reactions of Vietnam. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Vietnam on September 10-12, 2021, is seen as a counterbalance to recent US 'shuttle diplomacy.' The visit coincides with Japan's Defense Minister's trip to Vietnam, emphasizing the regional security dynamics. China's assertive actions, including military exercises and vaccine diplomacy, are contrasted with Japan's supportive defense cooperation and the US's growing security partnership with Vietnam. The article suggests that Vietnam should pursue a transparent and balanced relationship with all major powers for its benefit.

The 'Strange yet Familiar' Story Surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris's Visit to Vietnam

Reporting style, Balanced: Contains subjective statements and analysis

Political context, Centre: The text criticizes the Vietnamese government's diplomatic approach, suggesting a lack of transparency and potential subservience to China, which may align with a more pro-democratic, pro-transparency viewpoint.

Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Vietnam was marked by a series of 'strange yet familiar' events, including a last-minute meeting between the Vietnamese Prime Minister and a Chinese envoy just hours before Harris's arrival, and the Vietnamese government's seemingly deliberate downplaying of Harris's visit compared to the warm reception she received in Singapore. The article also touches on the Vietnamese public's skepticism towards Chinese vaccines and the Chinese consulate's controversial social media post. It highlights the discrepancy between Vietnam's public diplomatic statements and its actions, particularly in relation to the United States and China, and suggests that the U.S. is seeking a stronger strategic partnership with Vietnam, which the Vietnamese leadership has not openly embraced.

Unconventional Wisdom for Business Success

Reporting style, Interpretive: Highly opinionated business advice grounded in examples and the author's experience.

Founders should resist the pressure to move quickly and instead identify urgent, underserved customer needs before developing products. The article argues that true differentiation comes from challenging category assumptions, refusing to settle for “good enough,” and continuing research and development until a solution is genuinely industry-defining. Dyson’s vacuum-cleaner innovation is presented as an example, while the author’s bedding business illustrates how customer feedback and repeated product refinement can reveal market gaps. Brands that follow the sequence of distinctive perspective, product, and scale can redefine categories rather than merely compete within them.

Unconventional Wisdom For Building A Successful Business

Reporting style, Interpretive: Primarily advisory and persuasive, presenting the author's business philosophy and recommendations, supported by examples from Dyson and Rest.

Andy Nguyen argues that successful companies are built by challenging category conventions rather than simply moving faster. He recommends slowing down initially to identify underserved customers and urgent problems, then refusing to launch until a product offers a genuinely differentiated solution. Using Dyson's extensive vacuum-development process and Rest's focus on hot sleepers and cooling bedding, he emphasizes iterative research, customer feedback and close collaboration with manufacturers. In his view, a clear point of view should come before product development and scale, because merely improving existing offerings creates a product while making alternatives feel inadequate creates a new category.

You Can Now Subscribe to VICE Magazine

Reporting style, Interpretive: Promotional copy uses enthusiastic language to encourage subscriptions.

VICE Magazine has returned to print after a seven-year hiatus, with four issues planned each year. A print-and-digital subscription costs $70 annually and includes the magazine, exclusive documentaries, and members-only articles; digital-only access costs $20 per year or $2 per month. New subscribers will receive the fall 2026 issue, as the summer issue has sold out.

Meet China’s '100 Percent Self-Sustainable Man'

Reporting style, Balanced: The article contains a mix of factual reporting and subjective statements, particularly regarding Yao's personal beliefs and practices.

Yao Jizhong, dubbed 'China's 100-percent self-sustainable man,' has dedicated his life to minimizing his environmental impact. Born in Anhui province, Yao was inspired by worsening desertification to adopt a lifestyle free from chemicals and excessive consumption. Now based in Xingshou Town near Beijing, he produces and sells eco-friendly food products while advocating for reduced consumption. Despite China's industrial pollution, Yao believes individual consumption choices drive production practices. His efforts align with broader environmental education initiatives in China, supported by government policies under President Xi Jinping.

F&I Profit Participation: Are Dealers Missing Profits?

Reporting style, Balanced: Primarily practical advice, with a mildly persuasive framing encouraging dealers to review their programs.

Rob Messer of Austin Consulting Group says dealers may be overlooking profits in their F&I participation programs because they do not fully understand fees, reserves, loss ratios and investment income. Reviewing agreements, comparing providers and checking whether paid-for services such as training are being delivered can expose costs and opportunities. Messer recommends monitoring statements monthly, conducting deeper quarterly evaluations and completing a comprehensive review every three to five years.

How to Increase Collision Parts Sales: 5 Moves for Dealership Parts Departments

Reporting style, Interpretive: Sponsored, advisory business content recommends specific sales practices and OEConnection products, though it presents practical claims and steps.

Dealership parts departments are losing collision-parts sales as repairable claims shrink, online competitors gain traction, and staffing challenges persist. The sponsored article recommends five steps: enable online ordering, access the full repair estimate to identify parts sourced elsewhere, maintain regular outreach to repair shops, make dealership management system data actionable, and coach parts staff as salespeople. It identifies visibility into the complete estimate as the most important starting point and promotes OEConnection offerings including CollisionLink, TraxCollision, PSXLink, OEC eMarketing, and OEC Performance Coaching.