Vietnam is among Southeast Asia's most active social media populations, with its youth spending hours scrolling every day. A 2025 study found that 73.7 percent of Vietnamese youths are active users, and among university students, usage is almost absolute. Social media is not just present in student life but rather folds itself into the rhythm of it. First-year university students, however, sit in the gap between protection and independence, which is why they require more urgent attention. A recent case study describes media literacy as the ability to judge accuracy, spot bias, and understand how the media shape society.

For over four decades, a hidden noodle stall run by Chung Thi Thao in Can Tho has drawn crowds with its unwavering dedication to a single pot of broth each day. The nameless noodle stall run by Thao is always packed. Locals fondly refer to the stall by several names - “Bun Mam 57,” “Bun Mam Cho Sat,” or most affectionately, “Bun Mam Co Lun,” a nickname inspired by the petite stature of its owner. Back then, her mother sold an assortment of dishes: chao long (pork offal porridge), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), bun mam (fermented fish noodle soup), and banh tam (thick rice noodles with coconut sauce). Thao revealed that she always sources fermented fish (mam ca) from a trusted vendor she’s relied on for years.

Earlier, in October, another student from the school, Nguyen Kieu Anh (class 12A1), also attained the same perfect score. Four students from FLSS earned perfect SAT scores of 1600. From right to left: Nguyen Minh Thu (12A3), Pham The Tuan (12A1), Ha Bao Tran (12A6), Nguyen Kieu Anh (12A1). Photo: Provided by schoolThis means that within a single semester, FLSS has produced four students with perfect SAT scores. She was accepted into the English-specialized programs of three top schools: FLSS, Hanoi University of Education High School for Gifted Students, and Chu Van An High School.

A sign bearing the university’s name is seen at the entrance of the National Economics University in Hanoi, Vietnam. Under the proposal, university names must accurately reflect an institution’s legal form, training level and accreditation, and must not imply government affiliation, national status or superior ranking without authorization. The ministry said universities would be barred from using words or phrases that suggest national or special status, including Vietnamese and English terms such as ‘quoc gia,’ ‘quoc te,’ ‘International,’ ‘National,’ ‘State,’ ‘Vietnam,’ and ‘Ho Chi Minh,’ unless approved by competent authorities. The proposal also seeks to curb misleading branding practices, including the use of foreign-language names or marketing that could cause students to confuse vocational colleges with universities or academies. The ministry cited cases in which institutions’ Vietnamese and English names differed significantly, or marketing materials used titles suggesting university or academy status despite being licensed only as vocational colleges, prompting confusion among students and parents.

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn speaks during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, December 20, 2025. Members of Vietnam’s sports delegation parade on the field during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, December 20, 2025. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi TreAthletes from participating nations parade alongside mascots during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, December 20, 2025. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi TrePerformers take part in an artistic segment titled ‘The Sound of the Whistle’ during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, December 20, 2025. Photo: Nam Tran / Tuoi Tre

Since the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line officially began operation at the end of last year, Ho Chi Minh City’s housing market has undergone a remarkable transformation. Condo values nearly double along metro routeApartment prices near Metro Line 1 stations have surged rapidly since the route became operational. Photo: Thuy ChiEven before trains started running, the anticipation surrounding Metro Line 1 had already fueled an upward trend in apartment prices. Over the past three years, several housing projects recorded price hikes ranging from 30% to 50%, with some units nearly doubling in value. From USD 210,000 to nearly USD 380,000 in five yearsMany residential projects close to Metro Line 1 have doubled in value since their initial launch.

Two young concertgoers take a wefie at the 10-hour Y-Concert, which organizers billed as the largest music event ever staged in Vietnam, in Hung Yen Province, northern Vietnam, December 20, 2025. Travel-- Vietnam on Saturday launched Visit Vietnam, a national tourism data platform aimed at providing unified data infrastructure for regulators, businesses, and travelers, organizers said. -- Vietnam’s Hue City welcomed an estimated 6.3 million visitors and generated more than VND13 trillion (US$494 million) in tourism revenue in 2025, local authorities said at the closing ceremony of the National Tourism Year on Saturday night. SEA Games-- The 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games closed on Saturday night at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium with a brief ceremony, during which the SEA Games flag was handed over to Malaysia, host of the next edition. Thailand finished top of the medal table with a record 233 gold medals, followed by Indonesia with 91 and Vietnam with 87.

The US government’s countervailing tariffs on Vietnamese wood products have posed significant challenges for exporters. Yet, Vietnam’s wood industry is demonstrating notable resilience, with businesses actively adapting and charting new directions. Data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that wood and wood products alone account for about $15.5 billion, reaffirming Vietnam’s lead in Southeast Asia and its position as Asia’s second-largest wood exporter. From zero to $400 million in four yearsA standout example is Huynh Le Dai Thang, Director of Nghia Son Wood Company. Currently, only about 10–15% of Vietnamese wood businesses have the capacity to develop their own designs.

According to the nomination dossier, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is the individual proposed to receive this prestigious national title. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao. 477 to the Prime Minister, recommending that the President confer the title of Hero of Labor on Thao under his designated authority. The collected feedback will serve as the basis for the Central Emulation and Commendation Council to review and decide. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is widely regarded as one of Vietnam’s most prominent business leaders, recognized for her significant contributions to private sector development and the aviation industry.

Fresh leaks are painting a clearer picture of Samsung’s upcoming flagship - the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Galaxy S26 Ultra to ship exclusively with Snapdragon chipGalaxy S25 Ultra model. Photo: PhoneArenaAccording to an FCC-related listing, the Galaxy S26 Ultra will likely feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip across all markets. Instead of separate protruding lenses, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to have a true “camera island,” creating a more cohesive and modern design. Galaxy AI features exclusive to the UltraA recent leak suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra will come with new and more advanced Galaxy AI features, not found on the regular S26 or S26 Plus.

At the 33rd SEA Games, Vietnam’s chess team celebrated a perfect day as both Grandmaster Truong Son and Woman Grandmaster Thao Nguyen delivered gold medals for the national squad. Meanwhile, Thao Nguyen partnered with Vo Thi Kim Phung (with reserve Bach Ngoc Thuy Duong) to edge past Indonesia 1.5–0.5 in the women’s rapid chess pairs final. Thao Nguyen secured a swift win playing white, while Kim Phung held her ground in a grueling 160-move draw. This marks the fourth time the couple has competed together at the SEA Games. They first made history at SEA Games 31 on home soil, becoming the first married couple in Vietnamese sports to win gold at the same event.

After completing all required formalities, the Red River Scenic Boulevard Investment Project was officially launched on December 20 by a consortium of developers including Dai Quang Minh, Van Phu, MIK Group, THACO, T&T Group, and Hoa Phat. Subproject 3: Underground metro lineThis 42km underground metro will run parallel to the right bank of the Red River, covering nine wards and communes. Subproject 4: Resettlement urban areasArchitectural rendering of the Red River Scenic Boulevard Investment ProjectThe Red River Scenic Boulevard, a future symbol of Hanoi’s identity and sustainable growthThis component focuses on high-rise resettlement apartments, located within the project's boundaries to ensure on-site relocation and urban renewal. A symbol of sustainable urban developmentThis scenic boulevard project aligns with Hanoi’s master plan, particularly the Red River Zoning Plan, and reinforces the capital’s vision for sustainable, high-quality urban development. It promises to build a new identity for the capital along the Red River, integrating green space, culture, and economy - laying the foundation for the city’s sustainable future.

SEA Games 33 Final Medal StandingsSEA Games 33 final medal table reflects Thailand’s dominance and Vietnam’s strong third-place finish. Thailand firmly asserted its status as Southeast Asia’s sports powerhouse with a record-breaking 233 gold medals, outpacing all rivals both in golds and overall count. With 87 gold medals, Vietnam ended in third place overall. With strategic investment and continued focus on athlete development, Vietnam is well-positioned to challenge for higher standings in future SEA Games. SEA Games 32 Final Medal Standings

According to the decision, Nguyen Hoa Binh, Standing Deputy Prime Minister, will serve as Chairman of the Executive Council. Other members include high-ranking officials from key ministries: Nguyen Thanh Tinh, Deputy Minister of Justice; Nguyen Manh Khuong, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs; Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade; and Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment. Strategic coordination between HCMC and Da NangDa Nang has been selected as one of two cities to host Vietnam’s international financial centers. Advisory council of domestic and international expertsTo strengthen its capacity, the Executive Council will establish an Advisory Council composed of highly regarded financial and legal experts from both Vietnam and abroad. The Executive Council is expected to regularly monitor, direct, and ensure effective construction, operation, and growth of the international financial centers.

Passengers will be able to ride Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line for free on January 1, 2026. Photo: Tuoi TreCheck out the latest news from Vietnam today:Politics-- The 14th Vietnam-U.S. Political, Security, and Defense Dialogue was held in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang and Senior Bureau Official for Political-Military Affairs Fleet White, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Society-- Passengers will be able to ride Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line for free on January 1, 2026, as part of a New Year celebration approved by the city authorities. -- Police in Ho Chi Minh City are investigating after a headless male body was found floating on the Saigon River on Friday afternoon.