VND50mil deposit for land deal collapses, buyer demands VND1 billion penalty
Notably, at the time of signing the deposit contract in early February 2019, C. had not yet been allocated the land and was not legally eligible for transfer. Under the agreement, N. paid a deposit of VND50 million (equal to the transfer price) and committed to paying taxes once notified by state authorities. Believing that C. breached the deposit contract, N. filed a lawsuit requesting the court to compel C. to transfer the land as agreed. In case of non-performance, she would have to refund the VND50 million deposit and pay a deposit penalty of VND950 million, totaling VND1 billion. According to C., the VND50 million was given by N. to her younger brother, Nguyen Van Ch., and Ch.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 01, 2026 02:02 UTC
Ample room remains open for railway industry enterprises
The Government has recently issued important guidance for the draft Scheme on the Development of Vietnam’s Railway Industry, which is being formulated under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. By 2035, domestic firms are likely to supply equipment for six metro line projects and two inter-regional railway projects. According to calculations by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, if railway network development proceeds as planned, the total market value for railway industry products and services could exceed 2.33 quadrillion VND by 2050 over the lifecycle of railway projects. Industry representatives stressed that, alongside financial incentives, early participation in major railway construction projects is essential to build a skilled workforce and ensure effective technology transfer from the outset. Without a sufficiently trained human resources base, even large-scale investment in modern equipment will not be enough to accelerate the development of Vietnam’s railway industry at the pace envisioned, experts warned./.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 01, 2026 00:08 UTC
Ninh Binh student starts from ‘average’ and ends up national valedictorian
With 16.8 scores in English, Minh scored first at the national competition for excellent students. In grade 11, Minh won first prize in English at the province-level excellent student contest and second prize in English at the national excellent student selection exam. In grade 12 he continued to win first prize at the province level and became the national top scorer in English at the national excellent student selection exam for the 2025–2026 academic year. “After attending the exams in grade 11 and achieving fairly high results, I temporarily stopped training with the excellent student team to focus on preparing for IELTS. Then, in the 2025–2026 academic year, I returned to the excellent student team and surpassed my own achievements from the previous year,” Minh said.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 01, 2026 00:07 UTC
'Happy homes’ handed over to displaced residents affected by floods
For that reason, the Quang Trung Campaign to build and repair houses for flood-affected residents in central Vietnam, completed on January 15, 2026, is a special test. It is both an “administrative order” and a “command from the heart,” from conscience and responsibility to the community. On January 16, at the review conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính stated: "The Quang Trung Campaign, though without gunfire, was a lightning fight and a lightning win, not just a victory, but a resounding victory." In that broader picture, the Quang Trung Campaign, which is a specific event in the field of social security, evokes larger meanings. Post-disaster housing must not only be “finished,” but must be “solid.”Alongside design and technology, the capacity to mobilize social resources is an important factor.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 31, 2026 22:07 UTC
Vietnam through eyes of Australian writer
The Sydney Morning Herald on January 29 published an article by Brian Johnston, an Irish travel writer now based in Australia, describing Vietnam as one of the most popular travel destinations, with the number of Australian visitors to the S-shaped country surging sharply in recent years. However, he wrote that there are still many things about this endearing nation that continue to puzzle and fascinate international travellers. According to the article, one of the first things that most impressed Johnston was Vietnam’s street food, which he described as fabulous. The Irish writer was also struck by the friendliness of the Vietnamese people. However, what truly amazed him were Vietnam’s traffic skills.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 31, 2026 17:51 UTC
PM sets digital, green priorities for private sector
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for accelerated digitalisation, greening efforts, resource optimisation, smart governance, and balanced interests among private firms while chairing the fourth session of the National Steering Committee for the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 68-NQ/TW on private sector development in Hanoi on January 31. As Vietnam sets its sights on double-digit growth and a trajectory of rapid yet sustainable development, the private sector must rise to the occasion with matching vigour, playing its pivotal role in building a strong, civilised, prosperous, and happy country that steadily advances toward socialism, he said. The PM instructed ministries, agencies, and local authorities to sustain their pursuit of the resolution, in line with the 14th National Party Congress’s and the Politburo’s resolutions, especially those concerning the private sector. Endorsing proposals to entrust major, challenging, and breakthrough tasks to private firms, including the settlement of long-stalled projects to unleash development resources, he assigned specific responsibilities to ministries and agencies. Particularly noteworthy, state budget revenue from the non-state sector in 2025 was estimated at over 497 trillion VND, or 134% of the target and 127% higher year-on-year.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 31, 2026 17:40 UTC
Foreign Minister holds phone talks with Venezuelan counterpart
He also conveyed thanks to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and PSUV Secretary General Diosdado Cabello for their separate congratulations to General Secretary To Lam on his re-election for a new term. During the call, Trung updated his counterpart on the key outcomes of the 14th Congress and stressed that Vietnam continues to closely monitor situation in Venezuela while sharing the challenges confronting its people. Vietnam seeks to further consolidate and deepen the traditional bilateral relationship, making it more substantive and effective, he said. The Venezuelan minister voiced admiration for Vietnam’s major socio-economic achievements and its growing global stature and prestige throughout the Doi Moi (renewal) process. They agreed to resume and effectively maintain bilateral cooperation mechanisms, beginning with the fourth meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee and political consultations between the two foreign ministries.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 31, 2026 17:36 UTC
More congratulatory messages sent to Party General Secretary To Lam
Mironov expressed his belief that the Party chief would lead Vietnam in achieving its goal of building a prosperous socialist state. Mironov affirmed that General Secretary Lam has made major contributions to strengthening the Russia–Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership, and noted his hope that the A Just Russia – For Truth party and the CPV would maintain their effective cooperation in the time ahead. Extending congratulations to General Secretary Lam and the 14th National Party Congress, Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong noted confidence that Vietnam will continue to prosper in the new era under the General Secretary’s steadfast leadership. He said he is confident that General Secretary Lam’s re-election would provide a solid foundation for high-ranking leaders of both countries to continue implementing reached agreements, thereby further deepening bilateral cooperation. The President expressed his hope to meet General Secretary Lam in Vietnam at an early date.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 31, 2026 17:30 UTC
French students in Vietnam experience wrapping ‘banh chung’
French and Vietnamese students at the International Institute of UEL under the University of Economics and Law, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City experience wrapping banh chung (square sticky rice cakes). The banh chung wrapping activity drew both French and Vietnamese students as they could learn how to fold leaves, add fillings and tie the cakes under the direct guidance of artisan Nguyen Thi Binh. After the instructional session, the groups entered a friendly banh chung wrapping competition, creating a lively atmosphere with laughter, cheers and distinctive creative touches from international students. A French student (L) learns to wrap banh chung. Artisan Nguyen Thi Binh instructs students how to wrap banh chung.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 31, 2026 11:31 UTC
iPhone 18 Pro Max may get DSLR-style telephoto boost
A concept iPhone 18 Pro Max. In theory, a built-in teleconverter on the iPhone 18 Pro Max would achieve a similar effect -offering users better zoom performance without relying on digital magnification, which often compromises image quality. Earlier rumors have already pointed to the iPhone 18 Pro Max adopting a variable aperture system, enhancing light control and depth-of-field effects. With Android flagships raising the bar on long-range photography, Apple may no longer be able to lean solely on software enhancements and computational photography. Whether or not the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the device to carry this breakthrough, Apple’s camera roadmap seems poised for significant evolution.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 31, 2026 09:13 UTC
Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — January 31
French and Vietnamese students in Ho Chi Minh City experience wrapping banh chung (square sticky rice cakes). Ho Chi Minh City-- The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training has written to the municipal Department of Food Safety, requesting comprehensive oversight of the school meal supply chain. -- The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has given a nod to the Cai Mep Ha general and container port project and has authorized three investors to carry out the project. -- A jogger was bitten and left bleeding by a wild monkey while running along Vi Ba Road leading up to Lon (Big) Mountain in Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning. -- The 10th National Sports Festival 2026 will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai and Dong Thap Provinces from November 14 to December 12, with the southern metropolis serving as the main host of the event.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 31, 2026 07:19 UTC
Galaxy S26 reveals first real upgrade, but is it enough?
After months of underwhelming leaks and speculation, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 is finally making headlines for something positive. Leaks now suggest that the Galaxy S26 base model will offer 256GB of storage -double that of the Galaxy S25, which launched at 128GB for $799 in the US. In an unusual twist, just weeks before the anticipated Unpacked event, real-life images of the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra have yet to surface -suggesting Samsung may still be finalizing key hardware and design elements. A thinner profile or slightly lighter body, reminiscent of the “Galaxy S25 Edge,” won’t be enough to shift momentum. If Galaxy S26 launches without more standout features, it risks being remembered not as a bold evolution, but as a missed opportunity.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 31, 2026 06:13 UTC
Vietnam positioned as EU’s strategic anchor in ASEAN: ambassador
European Council President António Costa expressed hope that metro users would clearly feel the significance of the Vietnam-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. Photo: Pham HaiAnnounced on January 29 in Hanoi during President of the European Council António Costa’s visit, this upgrade marks the EU’s first comprehensive strategic partnership with a country in Southeast Asia. Alongside the EU’s strategic partnership with ASEAN, the elevation of EU-Vietnam relations underlines the strong focus on partnership that the EU and its 27 member states place on this region. As a member state of the European Union, Sweden views this upgrade as a clear expression of the EU’s long-term commitment to Vietnam. The EU sees Vietnam not only as a key partner, but as a strategic anchor in ASEAN, with the EU now Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner, third-largest export market and fifth-largest import source, and Vietnam the EU’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 31, 2026 05:29 UTC
Ho Chi Minh City launches comprehensive review of school meals over safety concerns
Quality of school meals remains a constant concern for parents. Photo: AIAn Phuoc Thang SG Trading Co Ltd, known as Sago Food, which supplies about 10,000 meals daily to kindergarten, elementary and lower secondary students in Ho Chi Minh City, has come under scrutiny over suspected use of unsafe food products. A day later, the Department of Education and Training requested schools to coordinate with the Food Safety Department and other relevant agencies to carry out thorough, on-site inspections and strengthen monitoring of school meal providers. On-site monitoring of school meals, not just paperwork reviewsIn a directive on school lunch programs, the department said educational institutions that organize on-campus meals, also known as semi-boarding meals, must strictly carry out a comprehensive review and submit full reports on the organization and provision of school meals. In addition, the department required schools to proactively develop contingency plans and organize alternative arrangements for managing semi-boarding meals during the suspension period, ensuring absolute safety for students.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 31, 2026 04:54 UTC
Vietnam property market set for supply rebound, limiting price upside: VinaCapital
New housing supply in recent years has met less than half of actual demand, the firm said. Unlike a typical property cycle where prices and supply rise in tandem, Vietnam saw prices surge after years of constrained supply, while new project launches lagged behind. Primary market prices could see a mild correction in 2026 after last year’s sharp gains. VinaCapital said the infrastructure push and legal reforms would mainly support supply expansion and improve market absorption, rather than spark another rapid price rally. The firm noted Vietnam’s property market differs from China’s pre-2020 downturn, citing low vacancy rates and tighter credit controls.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 31, 2026 03:54 UTC