A representative of the HCM City Labour Confederation presents bank savings books to workers suffering from occupational accidents and diseases in District 5 on Friday, May 20. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ HCM CITY — Regular communication and training in occupational safety is vital to ensure better working conditions and health protection, reducing workplace accidents, a senior labour leader says. Phạm Chí Tâm, deputy chairman of the HCM City Labour Federation, said at a conference held in the city last Friday (May 20) that it was necessary that the work on occupational safety and health in agencies, units, and business establishments becomes a “habit.” HCM City is among localities in the country with the highest number of work-related accidents. However, it has been making progress in this regard, the conference heard. Last year, the city recorded 544 occupational accidents, down 45.9 per cent over the previous year. These resulted in 549 deaths and injuries, a year-on-year … [Read more...] about HCM City should do more to reduce occupational hazards: conference
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“To buy or not to buy a house” an important question
While there are many young workers in cities who are working hard to own a house, there are also some people who have decided to give up this dream for certain reasons. Giving up a mental burden Huynh Anh Tuan, a city dweller of Phu Huu District in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, who suffered from a sharp drop in income during the COVID -19 pandemic, decided not to pursue his dream of owning a home. When he gave up on the plan, he felt relaxed after the great pressure was gone. Tuan set a goal many years ago to own his own home before he turned 30. To that end, Tuan took on many freelance jobs after graduating from college and invested a small amount in stocks. In addition, an acquaintance promised to lend him VND500 million ($21,650) if he bought a house, which fueled his strategy over time, at least before the pandemic. Although he had such an ambitious plan, now, at the age of 28, Huynh Anh Tuan is changing his mind because of COVID -19. As a freelancer, Tuan has … [Read more...] about “To buy or not to buy a house” an important question
Energy transition critical to net zero emission achievement
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said the ministry recently finalised a draft national strategy on climate change for 2050 so as to devise a roadmap for realising Vietnam’s commitments made at the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP26), including achieving net zero emissions by 2050, reducing methane emissions, conducting energy transition, and gradually eliminating fossil fuel. This draft has been submitted to the Prime Minister. To cut net emissions down to zero, it is necessary to strongly carry out energy transition and boost low-carbon development, he said, noting that to Vietnam, apart from the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning from fossil fuel to clean and renewable energy is also meant to step up sustainable economic restructuring and grasp opportunities to improve the economy’s competitiveness and development. Vietnam views energy transition as both a chance and a challenge. It is a need to … [Read more...] about Energy transition critical to net zero emission achievement
The rise of the savvy Gen Z investor
Illustration by Trịnh Lập by An Phương The latest kids on the demographic block, Generation Z (1997 onwards), have had a lot happen in a short amount of time. This shapes their approach to life. One interesting impact of this approach can be seen in their investing habits. I recently had a chat with some of my younger friends on their financial plans and goals. The insights from the conversations were rewarding. Growing up, I was used to seeing my mother trading in gold and real estate but never in my early twenties did I consider doing the same. Not so with Gen Z. They are more sophisticated, financially, and start their investing journey very early. Anh Huy, 25, told me that he bought a small apartment and put it up for sale two months ago. “I was able to buy my first apartment with profits from trading in shares, salary from a 9-5 job and savings from my parents. I did borrow some money from the bank, but it wasn’t much. HCM City is a fast growing city and I have … [Read more...] about The rise of the savvy Gen Z investor
Cashless payment market for workers to be held in HCM City
HCM City will organise a non-cash payment discount market for local workers. The event which will take place at Saigon Hi-tech Park and Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone on June 4-12 is among the activities to mark the Vietnamese Cashless Payment Day on June 16 which was held by the State Bank of Vietnam’s Payment Department for the first time in 2019. HCM City will organise a non-cash payment discount market for local workers At the market, workers can buy many products at discounted prices. The State Bank of Vietnam will organise a bus trip that leaves Hanoi on June 19 travelling through different localities, including Vinh, Danang, Nha Trang to arrive in HCM City on July 3. At stops, people can buy goods at the vehicle by non-cash payments. A race will also be held around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi to celebrate Cashless Payment Day. Le Anh Dung, deputy head of the Payment Department said that in the coming time, the State Bank of Vietnam would carry … [Read more...] about Cashless payment market for workers to be held in HCM City
Questions foreigners ask about Vietnam
This collection of little gems comes from exchanges with expats and tourists over the years – here in Vietnam, abroad at overseas living conferences and meetings, and, best of all for candid input, coffee shops and ‘belly up to the bar sessions’ in various places around the world. Conference attendees for the most part have never visited Vietnam, so their views are distant and often skewed, with eyes glossed over and wide open like saucers as reality is revealed. Do they use money in Vietnam or is there some type of bartering system? Seasoned veterans see that question as absurd, but to the uninitiated it’s a query worthy of clarification. Vietnam is often perceived by those from developed countries as a distant and eccentric country, while reality is it would be a struggle to find more business-oriented people anywhere in the world. I reply: “Cash is king. Just pop into a bank for a glimpse at how the commercial system works here, … [Read more...] about Questions foreigners ask about Vietnam