Kindergarteners and elementary-school students in Hanoi will not go to school if the outdoor temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius. Photo: Vinh Ha / Tuoi TreRead what is in the news in Vietnam today:Politics-- The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam continued a full-day session on Thursday, chaired by Party General Secretary To Lam, President of the Presidium, focusing on personnel matters of the 14th Party Central Committee. The congress approved the list of 200 newly-elected members of the 14th Party Central Committee, including 180 official members and 20 alternate members. -- The 14th Party Central Committee will convene its first plenary session to elect the Politburo, the Party General Secretary, the Secretariat, the Central Inspection Commission, and the Chairman of the Central Inspection Commission on Friday morning. Economy-- The People’s Committee of Ca Mau Province in southern Vietnam has approved a plan to select investors to implement two wind power plant projects with a total investment of over VND4.8 trillion (US$182.7 million).

Photo: Ted TranFollowing a 0–3 defeat to China in the semifinals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup, U23 Vietnam returned to training on January 21, readying themselves for the third-place playoff against South Korea. Before the session began, head coach Kim Sang Sik gathered his players to offer words of encouragement. Coach Kim Sang Sik knows that reaching the semifinals alone is already a significant achievement. With standout performances from players like Dinh Bac and Van Khang, U23 Vietnam has proven its ability to compete at the continental level. The third-place playoff between U23 Vietnam and U23 South Korea will kick off at 10 PM on January 23.

Each winter afternoon, as the tide recedes along the shoreline of Giao Ninh commune in Ninh Binh, clusters of villagers wade into the frigid sea. The final months of the lunar year bring biting winds and water cold enough to sting the skin. “But once you start working, you sweat so much that your clothes get soaked - even in the cold wind. Each winter, residents of Giao Ninh commune brave freezing waters to collect clams from concrete blocks exposed at low tide. Collected clams are sold on-site to traders as aquaculture feed, with some workers earning over $40 in a single afternoon.

Photo: Appleinsider200MP iPhone could debut in 2028 - but don’t expect it soonRecent reports suggest Apple is considering a 200MP camera sensor for a future iPhone model, with the earliest possible launch timeline set for 2028. However, according to renowned leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple hasn’t even begun prototype testing of the 200MP sensor. According to Digital Chat Station, the iPhone 2026 camera system may feature variable aperture - an innovation that would bring the iPhone experience closer to professional photography. 200MP project still in early material testingWhile prototype development has yet to begin, sources say Apple’s 200MP camera is currently in the materials testing phase. If and when the 200MP camera arrives, Apple will likely position it as more than a numbers game.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung visits Archbishop Nguyen Nang, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam, at the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen HueSpeaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Trung emphasised that the traditional Lunar New Year holds a sacred significance for all Vietnamese people. It is a time that embodies deep emotional values and a spirit of community, transcending religious differences. Addressing religious policy, Deputy Minister Trung reaffirmed that the Party and State consistently respect and guarantee freedom of belief and religion, creating favourable conditions for religious organisations to operate in accordance with the Constitution and law. Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung visits the Executive Committee of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South).

Vietnam's recreational esports industry sees growing potential for development. Vietnam’s recreational esports sector has officially set its sights on the 2026 Asian Games (Asiad), making the continental event its top priority for the year. The country also plans to host key esports and urban dance competitions at both regional and continental levels. A report from the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association (VIRESA) highlights significant progress in domestic competition systems, achievements at international tournaments, and Vietnam’s growing presence in regional and continental esports bodies. In addition to training and participation goals, VIRESA aims to host esports and breaking events at the Southeast Asian and continental levels.

A dazzling artistic fireworks display during the full rehearsal for a special art program in Hanoi, January 21, 2026. -- At the working session on Wednesday afternoon, the 14th National Party Congress decided to shorten its working schedule by 1.5 days. Society-- Fireworks lit up the sky over My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on Wednesday night during a full rehearsal for a special art program titled ‘Under the Glorious Flag of the Party’ to celebrate the 14th National Party Congress. -- Police in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam on Wednesday afternoon, in coordination with relevant units, received 78 Vietnamese citizens handed over by the Cambodian side. Economy-- The domestic price of SJC-branded gold bars hit VND170.5 million (US$6,590) per tael for selling on Wednesday, soaring by VND4.4 million ($167) per tael against the previous session.

A unified focus on private enterpriseEchoing this view, Pham Minh Thang, CEO of ELCOM Technology and Telecommunications Corporation, emphasized that Resolution 68 identifies the private sector as a key engine of the economy. Targeting 3 million businesses by 2045The private sector is expected to grow 10–12% annually, with a greater GDP contribution and job creation. The private sector is expected to grow 10–12% annually, contributing increasingly to GDP and employment. Resolution 198 from the National Assembly has already transformed the spirit of Resolution 68 into actionable policy. He emphasized the need for strategic policies to help form medium- and large-sized pioneering enterprises.

A landmark year for the Buddhist SanghaDeputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung speaks at the annual council meeting of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen HueThe year 2025 held particular significance as the Sangha prepared for its 10th National Buddhist Congress and celebrated the 45th anniversary of its founding. It also served to promote the image of the Vietnamese nation and people, offering a vivid testament to the consistent policies of the Party and State in ensuring freedom of belief and religion,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung said. With this momentum, the Sangha enters 2026 with confidence and determination, striving to successfully organize the 10th National Buddhist Congress and affirm its spiritual and civic contributions to the country. On the same day, Deputy Minister Trung visited and extended New Year wishes to Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and representatives of the Minh Ly Dao Tam Tong Mieu religious organization.

“The Mekong Delta does not stand alone in its struggle,” said Raïssa Marteaux, Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. Mekong Delta: Vital but vulnerableIn his presentation at the forum, Associate Professor Van Pham Dang Tri, director of the Mekong Institute at Can Tho University, also noted that the Mekong Delta is a vital yet increasingly vulnerable landscape. Associate Professor Van Pham Dang Tri, director of the Mekong Institute at Can Tho University, presents an overview of the Mekong Delta at the event. Prins pointed out that regions with clay soil, such as the Netherlands and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, face unique difficulties because clay reacts to salt much differently than sandy soil does. Céline van Maaren, head of Dutch salinity innovation mission to Vietnam, speaks to wrap up the business forum.

Vietnam’s National Competition Commission has issued an administrative penalty of VND810 million (approximately US$32,000) against VNG Corporation, the company behind the popular social media platform Zalo, for violating consumer rights and mishandling personal data. VNG Corporation, the operator of Zalo, has been fined VND810 million for violating regulations on user consent, data transparency, and consumer protection. Authorities noted another major issue: Zalo’s lack of visible, accessible policy communication tailored to vulnerable consumers, which is mandated under Vietnam’s consumer protection framework. The National Competition Commission has ordered VNG to cease these violations and thoroughly review and revise its policies to align with legal standards on consumer data protection. At the time, the Commission summoned VNG for a working session to investigate compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law, which officially came into force on January 1, 2026.

Delegates discuss Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress documents during the afternoon session on January 21, 2026. Photo: Vietnam News AgencyAmbassadors from Russia, Laos, Cuba, Venezuela, and Palestine sent congratulatory messages and praised Vietnam’s vision and new development directions as the congress is taking place in Hanoi. He underscored the symbolic significance of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam coinciding with the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, reflecting the special solidarity and shared aspirations of the two nations on their path toward socialism. The ambassadors agreed that the congress’ decisions will inspire Vietnam’s ongoing development story and contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world. Delegates voted on Wednesday afternoon to shorten the congress by 1.5 days, meaning that the major political event will wrap up on Friday.

After a sobering 0–3 semifinal loss to China, Vietnam faces another East Asian heavyweight: South Korea. The cracks in South Korea’s armorU23 South Korea boasts impressive fundamentals. Despite registering 48 shots - nearly identical to Vietnam’s 49 - they’ve failed to score in three out of five matches. South Korea remains a tactically structured, physically imposing team. Vietnam has shown, especially in earlier matches, that it can absorb pressure and strike with pace.

A wastewater pumping station feeds into a treatment tank at The Pearl Hoi An in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. The current Da Nang City was formed by merging the former Da Nang City and neighboring Quang Nam Province on July 1, 2025, as part of the major administrative restructuring in which Vietnam’s total number of provinces and cities was reduced to 34 from 63. During this period, The Pearl Hoi An underwent organizational and personnel changes, which delayed the process, he elaborated. A wastewater treatment facility at The Pearl Hoi An in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. The Pearl Hoi An is a large-scale resort located along the Hoi An-Da Nang coastline and was officially recognized as a five-star property in 2024.

People ride motorbikes while being bundled up against the cold in northern Vietnam. Photo: Chi Tue / Tuoi TreTemperatures across much of northern Vietnam fell sharply early on Thursday, dropping by four to 10 degrees Celsius compared with previous days. Severe cold is affecting northern Vietnam and north-central Thanh Hoa Province, with particularly harsh conditions in mountainous areas. Forecasters said the cold air mass would continue to cover the northern region on Thursday. Temperatures in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa are expected to drop further on Thursday night and Friday morning compared to Thursday morning.