Apple poised to redefine foldables with rumored iPhone Fold
The inside display of iPhone Fold mimics the iPad layout, measuring 7.8 inches. Photo: Front Page TechnologyApple is making bold moves in the foldable phone space with what may be called the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra, according to new leaks and reports. If Apple succeeds in delivering a crease-free foldable screen, it could immediately redefine industry standards - something the entire sector has struggled to achieve for years. Insiders project that the iPhone Fold (or Ultra) will start between $2,000 and $2,500 USD - putting it squarely in the luxury tech category, not just as a smartphone but as a statement piece. Some speculate that Apple might avoid the “Fold” branding altogether, opting instead for the name “iPhone Ultra” to emphasize its premium positioning.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 31, 2025 03:56 UTC
Vietnam’s exports soar, electronics surpass $100 billion milestone
Foreign-invested enterprises contributed significantly to Vietnam’s total export turnover in 2025. Among them, eight groups surpassed the $10 billion mark, contributing a combined $319 billion USD - accounting for 68% of total national exports. Electronics and computer parts now make up 22.5% of Vietnam’s total exports, retaining their spot as the country’s top export category for 2025. Textile and garment exports hit $39.29 billion, growing 6.1%, while footwear reached $23.97 billion, up 4.8%. The roadmap includes launching a national export branding system and rolling out the “Go Global” initiative, which identifies and supports industry-leading enterprises to spearhead Vietnam’s global trade presence.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 31, 2025 03:51 UTC
Vietnam to establish legal framework for Mobile Money services
Mobile Money services see strong adoption in rural areas. As of late September 2025, Vietnam’s Mobile Money services had processed over 290 million transactions, with a total value of approximately 8.511 trillion VND (around 350 million USD). Draft decree on Mobile Money submitted to the governmentOn April 15, 2025, the Vietnamese government issued Resolution No. 87/NQ-CP to extend the pilot implementation of Mobile Money - allowing telecommunications accounts to be used for small-value payments - until December 31, 2025. The SBV was also tasked with drafting a full legal decree on Mobile Money services in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 31, 2025 03:31 UTC
Ho Chi Minh City tourism revenue nears $11bn in 2025
Nguyen Trung Khanh, head of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, speaks at a year-end conference organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism to review 2025 performance and outline key tasks for 2026, Ho Chi Minh City, December 30, 2025. Nguyen Van Dung, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, shares views on building high-quality, sustainable tourism at a year-end conference organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism to review 2025 performance and outline key tasks for 2026, Ho Chi Minh City, December 30, 2025. Photo: Bong Mai / Tuoi TreAgainst that backdrop, Ho Chi Minh City continued to assert its role as the country’s leading tourism hub and growth engine. Gross regional domestic product growth exceeded eight percent, reinforcing Ho Chi Minh City’s position as the nation’s economic locomotive. In the year to come, Ho Chi Minh City has set a state budget revenue target of about VND803.6 trillion ($30.5 billion).
Source:Tuoitre News
December 31, 2025 03:29 UTC
After 'turbulence,' seafood exports to China hit record $2.3 billion
However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected Vietnam's seafood export activities. The General Department of Customs then reported that seafood exports to China (including Hong Kong) fell from $1.37 billion in 2020 to $1.14 billion in 2021. In 2022, seafood exports to the market of more than one billion people recovered strongly, reaching $1.57 billion, a historical record at the time. This trend has contributed significantly to the surge in lobster exports and to Vietnam’s overall seafood exports to this market. If these regulations are strictly enforced, leading to longer inspection times or higher costs, lobster exports could be affected immediately.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 31, 2025 03:05 UTC
Vietnam sets seafood export record with $2.3 billion to China in 2025
Photo: Hoang GiamAfter a period of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam's seafood exports to China have rebounded dramatically, setting historical records. China has now overtaken Japan and the United States to become Vietnam's top seafood export market. For many years, China - Vietnam’s neighbor - has been among the top three key destinations for Vietnamese seafood. Despite the downturn, China remained one of the top three markets for Vietnamese seafood, behind only the US and Japan. If these regulations are enforced rigorously, longer inspection times and increased costs could immediately affect Vietnam’s lobster exports.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 31, 2025 02:25 UTC
High costs of voluntary classes: parents struggle with school-fee lists
At the secondary school, fees are minimized to the lowest possible level. Integrated and enhanced programs are organized on a voluntary basis, where parents and students have the right to choose whether to participate. On the "HCMC Education" page, hundreds of parents shared details of the monthly fees they must pay for their children. This parent noted that monthly integrated programs include: life skills VND70,000, STEM education VND90,000, and foreign language with foreigners VND195,000. From this reality, many parents argue that although students are exempt from tuition by law, the actual total monthly cost remains high due to excessive fees from integrated programs.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 31, 2025 02:05 UTC
Vietnam’s tax revenue surpasses forecast by over 30% in 2025
A leap in tax administrationA notable trend in 2025 was the revenue concentration in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Hoang HaA large portion of the revenue surplus in 2025 stems from improved tax management and a broader tax base. Tax revenue from e-commerce, the digital economy, and cross-border services is emerging from the shadows. Real estate: The biggest, most volatile contributorAmong the drivers of the 2025 revenue boom, real estate stands out as both the biggest contributor and the most cyclical. Twin economic engines, rising concentration riskAnother key takeaway from 2025 is the regional concentration of tax revenue.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 31, 2025 01:10 UTC
Hanoi rethinks urban governance through data and digital citizens
Hanoi has thus anchored digital transformation in administrative reform and organizational restructuring. For Hanoi, digital transformation means not digitizing outdated systems but building a new model of governance from the ground up. When everyone moves in the same direction, digital transformation becomes a collective mission rather than a tech-sector task. Over the past year, Hanoi has expanded data systems across many sectors, enabling citizens to access information more easily. Only then will digital transformation truly benefit citizens and businesses.”In summary, Hanoi’s digital transition is not a sprint but a journey - one of persistence, adaptability, and coordination.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 30, 2025 22:04 UTC
Cuc Phuong’s secret summit offers five-hour trek to sky-high serenity
May Bac Peak is the highest point in Cuc Phuong at 648 meters. The main entrance is in Cuc Phuong commune, Ninh Binh province. Over the past decades, Cuc Phuong has become a top eco-tourism destination in northern Vietnam, attracting visitors with its diverse wildlife, majestic landscapes, and opportunities for scientific exploration and adventure. Once atop May Bac, visitors can check in at the highest point, take panoramic photos, and marvel at a landscape blanketed in fog and floating mist. According to Cuc Phuong Park representatives, the May Bac trek is suitable for visitors who are physically fit and have basic hiking experience.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 30, 2025 11:06 UTC
No Face ID on iPhone Fold? Apple explores a familiar Plan B
Face ID has been a signature biometric feature of Apple’s premium devices for years, offering fast unlocking, strong security, and seamless user experience. But with the foldable iPhone, Apple is said to be exploring alternatives. This implementation removes the need for Face ID or an under-display sensor while still providing a quick, familiar unlocking method. iPhone Fold may mark a new chapterMany analysts believe the foldable iPhone will still become a global sensation upon release. Though it may lack Face ID - a feature that has defined the iPhone for nearly a decade - the foldable iPhone still carries the DNA of a strategic, game-changing product.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 30, 2025 10:41 UTC
Wage reforms, tax cuts, and healthcare pay rises take effect in 2026
These include increases in regional minimum wages, reductions in personal income tax, and revised compensation schemes for healthcare workers and teachers. Healthcare workers engaged directly and regularly in high-risk specialties such as psychiatry, forensic medicine, emergency care, or pathology will receive a 100% professional allowance. No personal income tax for earners of up to USD 680/monthThe amended Law on Personal Income Tax, which takes effect on July 1, 2026, introduces significant adjustments to relieve the tax burden on tens of millions of salary and wage earners. The standard deduction for taxpayers rises from VND 11 million to VND 15.5 million/month (USD 435 to USD 613), or USD 7,356/year. With the new deduction levels, a single taxpayer earning up to USD 680/month (after mandatory insurance contributions) will be exempt from personal income tax beginning in 2026.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 30, 2025 10:06 UTC
New traffic laws in Vietnam reshape driver behavior in 2025
For instance, running a red light could cost car drivers between USD 740 and USD 820. Driving in the wrong direction or reversing on expressways could result in fines of USD 1,240 to USD 1,660. Since its implementation, Decree 168 has led to a notable decline in traffic violations, according to authorities. Driver license point deduction system introducedFor the first time nationwide, a point-based penalty system is now in place. Every driver's license is granted 12 points per year.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 30, 2025 09:31 UTC
10 education achievements that shaped Vietnam’s schooling in 2025
Free tuition and strategic investments in education systemAlongside Resolution 71, the Politburo introduced numerous strategic measures to reform and expand education. Breakthroughs in education legislation and governanceIn 2025, the Ministry of Education and Training passed or proposed 99 legal documents - including laws, resolutions, and circulars - marking an unprecedented push for institutional reform. Four major education laws were passed by the National Assembly: the Law on Teachers, amendments to the Law on Education, the Law on Higher Education, and the Law on Vocational Education. Online training was held for 50,000 local education leaders and school principals. Digital transformation of the education systemIn 2025, the national education database integrated 24.55 million student records.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 30, 2025 08:06 UTC
Ancient palace foundations unveiled at Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Excavation site at Kinh Thien Palace, revealing deep foundation layers over 3 meters thick. The conference unveiled new discoveries that clarify the historical depth, spatial scale, and architectural layout of one of the most sacred spaces in the ancient Thang Long Citadel. Based on these permissions, the Thang Long Heritage Center and the Institute of Archaeology, under directives from the Hanoi People’s Committee and Decision No. Archaeologists also uncovered two water drainage channels and 26 out of 64 column bases from the Long Thien Palace, built during the Nguyen dynasty (19th century). The excavation also clarified the construction scale and method used for the Kinh Thien Palace.
Source:VietNamNet News
December 30, 2025 07:30 UTC