VIETNAM STAR https://vietnamstar.net All about Vietnam Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:53:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://vietnamstar.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Vietnam-Star-Logo-Sq.jpg VIETNAM STAR https://vietnamstar.net 32 32 169929508 FPT Q1 Profit Beats, Global Tech Demand Rebounds https://vietnamstar.net/fpt-q1-profit-beats-global-tech-demand-rebounds/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:53:45 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/fpt-q1-profit-beats-global-tech-demand-rebounds

Vietnam’s IT leader posts solid growth as overseas contracts recover and AI-driven services gain traction

As global tech spending shows early signs of stabilization, FPT Corporation has delivered a steady first-quarter performance—offering investors a timely signal that demand for outsourcing and digital transformation services is rebounding despite ongoing macro uncertainty.

In preliminary results for Q1 2026, the Vietnamese technology giant reported revenue of VND 12.4 trillion (up 9% year-on-year) and net profit after minority interests of VND 2.5 trillion (up 14%). Pre-tax profit rose even faster at 16%, broadly in line with market expectations and reinforcing FPT’s reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most resilient tech exporters.

The company’s IT segment remained the primary growth engine, accounting for nearly 90% of total revenue and close to 60% of pre-tax profit. Overseas IT services—FPT’s core export business—grew more modestly, with revenue up 10% and profit up 6%, reflecting lingering effects from slower contract signings in mid-2025. However, a notable turnaround is emerging: newly signed orders reached VND 13.6 trillion, up 22% year-on-year, with March alone accelerating by an estimated 27%. This suggests that global clients are gradually resuming technology spending, even as geopolitical and economic risks persist.

Japan continues to anchor FPT’s international growth, with revenue from the market rising 19%, outperforming other regions. Europe posted a striking 44% surge, while the Americas saw modest growth of 4% and Asia-Pacific declined 10%, highlighting uneven recovery patterns across global markets. Meanwhile, digital transformation services—particularly in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity—generated VND 4.2 trillion in revenue, up 18%, underscoring the company’s strategic pivot toward higher-value, future-facing technologies.

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Domestically, FPT also delivered strong double-digit growth, with IT revenue rising 14% and pre-tax profit expanding fourfold. The improvement was driven by a higher contribution from software and services—segments with stronger margins—along with expanding demand from both private enterprises and the public sector. Beyond technology, FPT’s education and investment segments posted a 24% increase in pre-tax profit, supported by solid earnings from affiliated companies.

For global investors, FPT’s performance offers more than just a snapshot of one company—it reflects Vietnam’s broader emergence as a digital services hub in Southeast Asia, increasingly positioned alongside India and Eastern Europe in the global outsourcing landscape. The rebound in new orders, particularly in high-growth areas like AI and cybersecurity, suggests that the next phase of tech spending may favor agile, cost-efficient players like FPT.

The critical question now is whether this recovery can accelerate in the second half of 2026. If global enterprises continue to unlock budgets for digital transformation, FPT—and Vietnam’s tech sector more broadly—could be entering a new growth cycle that reshapes the competitive map of global IT services.

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Source: Vietnam Insider

]]> 167735 Brokerage 3.0: How GigaMoney Is Bringing the “Wall Street Desktop” to Your Phone https://vietnamstar.net/brokerage-3-0-how-gigamoney-is-bringing-the-wall-street-desktop-to-your-phone/ https://vietnamstar.net/brokerage-3-0-how-gigamoney-is-bringing-the-wall-street-desktop-to-your-phone/#respond Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:06:00 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/brokerage-3-0-how-gigamoney-is-bringing-the-wall-street-desktop-to-your-phone HONG KONG, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Over the past decade, the brokerage industry has undergone two major phases of evolution.

The first phase was the trading access era, dominated by traditional brokerages—investors executed trades through brokers, while information and research capabilities largely remained in the hands of institutions.

The second phase was the trading platform era, driven by internet brokerages. Mobile applications enabled investors to trade anytime and anywhere, while also providing aggregated services such as market data, news, and investor communities.

Yet for most investors, the core value of a securities app still lies in the "last mile" of trade execution. In reality, what often determines long-term investment outcomes is not the speed of placing an order, but the quality of the investment decision itself.

Against this backdrop, Hong Kong technology brokerage GigaMoney (TD Securities) is attempting to push the industry into a new stage—the era of the decision-system brokerage.

Its objective is not to encourage users to "trade more," but to leverage data and technology to help individual investors make more rational investment decisions.

From a "Trading Tool" to an "Investment Decision System"

In the institutional investment world, investment decisions typically rely on a complex framework of research and analysis: financial data analysis, industry supply-chain research, risk models, quantitative tools, and strict risk-management processes. For decades, these capabilities have largely existed only within the professional desktop systems used by Wall Street institutions.

GigaMoney’s core idea is to productize data and technology in order to bring this institutional-grade investment analysis framework to the mobile devices of individual investors.

The company’s founder, Ming Zhao, previously worked in investment analysis and trading at a Wall Street hedge fund. Through years of professional trading and system development, she gradually formed a disciplined investment philosophy: the essence of investing lies not in making a single correct judgment, but in building a cognitive and analytical system capable of functioning consistently across different market environments.

This philosophy is also reflected in the platform’s product design. In her view, the most critical part of investing is not the "last mile" of trade execution, but the "first mile" of research and analysis.

Three Product Capabilities: Building a Personal Investment "Decision Framework"

Guided by this philosophy, GigaMoney focuses its technology and data capabilities on the critical stage of pre-investment research and decision support.

1. Company Value Profiles: Understanding Businesses, Not Just Prices

When analyzing a company, the key question for investors is not simply "What is the stock price?" but rather where the company’s long-term value originates.

GigaMoney’s system integrates financial data, management disclosures, industry information, and supply-chain dynamics to construct a "value profile" for each company. This analytical framework aims to help investors understand a company’s business model, profit structure, and potential risks in a more systematic way, rather than relying solely on market sentiment or short-term price movements.

2. Risk Correlation Networks: Revealing Hidden Market Connections

In global capital markets, the risks of a single asset often emerge from multiple dimensions: policy shifts in key industries, supply-chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, or even seemingly unrelated market events.

By processing large volumes of cross-market data, GigaMoney attempts to construct a risk correlation network that identifies potential relationships among different markets and assets, providing investors with early signals of emerging risks. This capability is intended to help investors better understand how their investment decisions fit within the broader global market environment.

3. Decision Process Guidance: Embedding Institutional Risk Controls into Retail Trading

In institutional trading systems, risk management is often implemented through strict procedural controls. For example, before executing high-risk trades, traders are typically required to confirm key parameters such as maximum potential loss, margin requirements, and volatility sensitivity.

GigaMoney introduces a similar concept into the retail trading process. When users initiate high-risk transactions—such as selling naked options—the system prompts them to review and confirm critical risk indicators, encouraging investors to reassess their risk tolerance before proceeding.

The goal of this design is to reduce emotionally driven trading and reinforce more rational investment decisions through technology.

Bringing Wall Street Tools to Every Investor

In institutional investing, decision-making relies on sophisticated analytical tools and data systems. Individual investors, however, have historically had access to only a small fraction of these capabilities.

GigaMoney’s vision is to productize institutional-grade investment analysis capabilities through technology and data, presenting them in a more intuitive and accessible way on mobile devices.

In other words, the platform seeks to place the investment tools once confined to Wall Street desktops into every investor’s smartphone.

As technology reshapes the financial industry, the competitive logic of the brokerage sector is also evolving. From traditional brokers providing trading access, to internet brokerages offering integrated platforms and communities, the industry is entering a new phase.

The next stage of competition may no longer revolve solely around trading speed or fee structures, but rather around which platforms can genuinely enhance investors’ cognitive efficiency and decision-making capabilities.

GigaMoney’s exploration may point to a new form of brokerage—one that evolves from a trading platform into an investment decision system. And this, perhaps, is one possible interpretation of the emerging Brokerage 3.0 era.

About GigaMoney

GigaMoney Limited is a Hong Kong–based brokerage licensed and regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (Central Entity No.: AAB856).

The company leverages technology to drive financial innovation, providing intelligent and efficient one-stop financial services that support multi-asset trading across U.S. and Hong Kong markets.

Website: gigamoney.com

Risk Disclosure & Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any investment. Investing involves risks; the price of securities or products may fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decision, investors should read the relevant risk disclosures and seek independent professional advice based on their financial situation and objectives.

]]> https://vietnamstar.net/brokerage-3-0-how-gigamoney-is-bringing-the-wall-street-desktop-to-your-phone/feed/ 0 167734 Step aside Tesla, BYD: Japanese carmakers deepen their hold on India’s auto market with hybrids https://vietnamstar.net/step-aside-tesla-byd-japanese-carmakers-deepen-their-hold-on-indias-auto-market-with-hybrids/ Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:14:48 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/step-aside-tesla-byd-japanese-carmakers-deepen-their-hold-on-indias-auto-market-with-hybrids

In this article

This report is from this week’s “Inside India” newsletter, which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse — Subscribe today

Hello, this is Priyanka Salve, writing to you from Singapore.

Welcome to the latest edition of “Inside India“ — your one-stop destination for stories and developments from the world’s fastest growing large economy.

Indian consumers’ desire to shift away from gasoline-based cars should have been Tesla and BYD’s moment to shine in the world’s third-largest auto market. But legacy carmakers that have dominated the Indian market for decades have an ace up their sleeve — hybrid cars.

Enjoy!

Any thoughts on today’s newsletter? Share them with the team.

The big story

The demand for electric vehicles is surging worldwide, but Indian consumers are choosing a different ride — hybrid cars that don’t need external charging.

Hybrid cars are expected to reach 10% of total car sales in India in the financial year ending March 2027, while EVs are expected to account for 5%, according to a report by Indian research firm Care Ratings.

Cost-conscious consumers who were previously buying diesel vehicles have started shifting to hybrids, Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility with a focus on the Indian market, told CNBC.

Hybrid vehicle sales have risen nearly fourfold in the world’s third-largest auto market to 362,866 units in the financial year ending March 2026, from 98,010 units in the financial year ending March 2020, according to Care Ratings.

Meanwhile, annual sales of electric vehicles were 131,865 units in the year to March 2026, the report, based on the Indian government’s vehicle registration data, showed.

“It’s clear that hybrid cars are gaining traction [in India] faster than EVs in the passenger car segment,” Diwakar Murugan, senior automotives analyst at Omdia, said in an email to CNBC. He added it was “remarkable” that hybrids are punching above their weight, having achieved strong growth with just eight models in the market so far, compared to more than 40 EV models.

The shift away from internal combustion engine, or ICE, vehicles should have ushered global EV companies like Tesla and BYD into India, but it turns out that Japanese manufacturers, who already dominate India’s auto space, are set to deepen their grip on the market by offering hybrid cars instead of pure EVs.

Tesla has sold fewer than 400 cars while BYD has sold less than 7,000 in India since 2025, according to government data.

Even in the EV space, automakers Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors, which primarily sell ICE cars, are the leading players. That’s a stark contrast to BYD and Tesla’s global dominance: in 2025, BYD became the world’s top EV seller with 2.26 million units, while Tesla sold 1.64 million.

Rise of hybrids

In hybrids, Japan’s Toyota and Maruti Suzuki — the Indian subsidiary of Suzuki Motor — are the top manufacturers in India, with popular models including the Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Grand Vitara, said Arun Agarwal, vice president of fundamental research at Indian brokerage Kotak Securities.

These companies already dominate the broader Indian auto market, where the majority of their sales constitute ICE vehicles.

Maruti Suzuki leads auto sales with more than 1.8 million cars sold in the 12 months ended March 2026, as per data from auto industry body the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, including 20,466 strong hybrids, as per data shared by S&P Global Mobility.

Japanese-Indian joint venture Toyota Kirloskar Motors sold 366,896 cars, with 91,536 strong hybrids during the same period.

Hybrid cars come in mild and strong variants depending on their battery capacity. Unlike mild hybrids, strong hybrids can drive solely on electric power — for short distances at low speeds — resulting in better fuel efficiency.

NEW DELHI, INDIA – 2022/07/01: Press reporters seen around the vehicle during the launch. Toyota unveiled the new Urban Cruiser Hyryder at Hyatt Aerocity, Toyotas first Self-charging Strong Hybrid Electric SUV and the first of its kind, in the B SUV segment in India. (Photo by Pradeep Gaur/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

Given the increasing customer acceptance, experts said that over the next 12 months, more hybrid car launches are expected than in the last five years combined.

“Hybrids don’t require any behavioral change as consumers refuel at a petrol pump, just like they always have,” said Murugan, adding that hybrids offer better mileage without the range anxiety of EVs.

Experts told CNBC that this trend is likely to sustain, as many leading car companies in India are launching new hybrid models this year, attracting buyers looking for better fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, EV adoption in the country suffers from a lack of adequate charging infrastructure, limited access to affordable global EVs, and anxiety about resale value, Gupta said.

Hyundai and Kia, French carmaker Renault, Honda and Maruti Suzuki are all planning to launch new hybrid models for the Indian consumer, analysts said.

Meanwhile, despite a warming of ties between India and China and a trade deal between New Delhi and Washington, both Tesla and BYD await their share of the world’s third-largest auto market as they continue to face sky-high duties.

Need to know

U.S. seeks bigger energy foothold in India
The United States is stepping up efforts to sell oil and gas to India as the world’s third-largest energymarket grapples with supply disruptions from the Middle East and finds its alternatives shrinking after Washington ended waivers for Iranian and Russian crude.

India, South Korea aim to deepen ties amid geopolitical uncertainty
Trade uncertainty with the U.S. and the push to diversify away from China make India and South Korea natural partners — but their relationship has yet to translate from intent into meaningful execution.

Won’t be surprised if there’s ‘one more term’ before the U.S.-India trade agreement
Sarah Bianchi, former deputy U.S. trade representative and currently senior managing director at Evercore, said given the difficult issues involved in U.S.-India trade negotiations, there could be more change before a deal finally gets done.

Coming up

April 23: HSBC composite flash PMI for April

April 28: India’s industrial output for March

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

Source: CNBC

]]> 167732 Vietnam’s Richest Man Doubles Down on EVs: “We Will Never Make Gas Cars Again” https://vietnamstar.net/vietnams-richest-man-doubles-down-on-evs-we-will-never-make-gas-cars-again/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:37:36 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/vietnams-richest-man-doubles-down-on-evs-we-will-never-make-gas-cars-again

Vietnam’s push into electric mobility just became more definitive.

At Vingroup’s 2026 annual shareholder meeting, billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong delivered a clear message to investors and the market. VinFast will not return to gasoline vehicles under any circumstances, even as some global automakers reconsider hybrid strategies.

For international observers, this signals one of the most aggressive all electric commitments by a major emerging market automaker.

A Firm Strategic Bet on Electric Vehicles

Responding to shareholder questions about whether VinFast might produce hybrid or gasoline cars, Vuong rejected the idea outright.

Instead, the company will:

  • Continue developing new electric vehicle models
  • Focus on extending driving range to address charging concerns
  • Expand its global footprint across Asia and beyond

The stance comes at a time when parts of the global auto industry are slowing EV transitions and reintroducing hybrid options.

VinFast is taking the opposite approach.

High Growth, High Cost Transition

The company’s financials reflect the scale of its ambition.

  • 2025 revenue reached over VND 90 trillion, up 139 percent year on year
  • Net losses exceeded VND 97 trillion
  • Accumulated losses have surpassed VND 170 trillion

Despite these losses, VinFast has become the largest car brand in Vietnam, capturing around 36 percent market share.

This highlights a familiar pattern in the EV industry, where rapid expansion and heavy upfront investment often precede profitability.

Global Expansion Targets

VinFast is aiming for significant scale in 2026:

  • Deliver 300,000 electric cars globally
  • Sell between 1 and 1.5 million electric motorbikes
  • Expand into Southeast Asia and India

The company is positioning itself not just as a domestic leader, but as a regional EV player.

Flexible Battery Strategy

Rather than fully vertically integrating battery production, VinFast is adopting a hybrid approach.

The company plans to:

  • Source batteries from external suppliers
  • Partner with technology firms
  • Maintain partial in house production

This strategy is designed to reduce capital intensity while maintaining flexibility and cost competitiveness.

Beyond Cars: Building an EV Ecosystem

Its sister company Green SM, an electric ride hailing platform, has already become the market leader in Vietnam’s four wheel ride hailing segment.

  • Holds over 50 percent market share by transaction value
  • Expanding into services such as delivery and logistics
  • Preparing for a potential IPO in the near future

Together, these moves suggest a broader ecosystem play, integrating vehicles, services, and infrastructure.

Why This Matters

VinFast’s refusal to return to gasoline vehicles sets it apart from many global competitors.

For investors and industry watchers, it raises key questions:

  • Can a pure EV strategy succeed in emerging markets
  • How quickly can profitability follow scale
  • Will Vietnam become a serious player in the global EV supply chain

Bottom Line

VinFast is making a clear, high risk bet on an all electric future.

By ruling out any return to gasoline vehicles, Pham Nhat Vuong is signaling long term commitment over short term flexibility. The outcome will shape not only the company’s trajectory, but also Vietnam’s position in the global auto industry.

Source: Vietnam Insider

]]> 167716 Vietnam Plans $8 Billion “Smart, Green” Mega Airport Aiming for Global Top 10 Status https://vietnamstar.net/vietnam-plans-8-billion-smart-green-mega-airport-aiming-for-global-top-10-status/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:27:34 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/vietnam-plans-8-billion-smart-green-mega-airport-aiming-for-global-top-10-status

Vietnam is preparing to develop one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects to date, a nearly $8 billion “smart and green” international airport designed to meet top tier global standards.

The proposed Gia Binh International Airport is expected to redefine how airports are built and operated in Vietnam, with a focus on sustainability, technology, and passenger experience. If completed as planned, it aims to rank among the world’s top 10 five star airports.

A Next Generation Airport Concept

Unlike traditional airport expansions, Gia Binh is being designed as a fully integrated aviation ecosystem.

Key features include:

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  • Total investment of about VND 196 trillion, roughly $8 billion
  • Land area of nearly 1,900 hectares
  • ICAO 4F standard, capable of handling the largest wide body aircraft
  • Four runways designed for independent operations

The project is positioned not just as an airport, but as a long term aviation hub for northern Vietnam.

Capacity and Scale

The scale of the project reflects Vietnam’s rapidly growing air travel demand.

Planned capacity includes:

  • 30 million passengers per year by 2030
  • 50 million passengers per year by 2050
  • Cargo handling capacity of up to 2.5 million tons annually

The airport will also include a major aircraft maintenance and overhaul center, positioning it as a regional hub for aviation services in Asia Pacific.

Built as a “Green and Smart” System

A defining feature of Gia Binh is its integrated design approach.

The airport will combine:

  • Smart technologies for operations and passenger flow
  • Sustainable infrastructure aligned with environmental goals
  • Multi modal transport connections linking road, rail, and urban transit
  • Commercial, logistics, and service zones within a unified masterplan

The goal is to create a seamless travel experience while reducing environmental impact.

Strategic Role for Northern Vietnam

The project is expected to play a critical role in reshaping the region’s infrastructure landscape.

  • It will help ease congestion at Noi Bai Airport, which is nearing capacity
  • It will support economic growth in the greater Hanoi region
  • It is planned as a dual use facility, serving both civilian and strategic purposes

Notably, the airport is also expected to support major international events, including APEC 2027.

Why This Matters

Vietnam’s aviation sector is entering a new phase of expansion, driven by:

  • Rapid growth in passenger demand
  • Increasing international connectivity
  • Rising importance of logistics and cargo transport

Large scale projects like Gia Binh signal a shift toward long term, high capacity infrastructure planning rather than incremental upgrades.

Bottom Line

Gia Binh International Airport represents a bold attempt to position Vietnam among the world’s leading aviation hubs.

If executed successfully, it will not only expand capacity but also redefine standards for sustainability, technology, and passenger experience in the region.

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Source: Vietnam Insider

]]> 167718 South Korea Signals Strong Investment Interest in Vietnam’s Tech and Infrastructure Sectors https://vietnamstar.net/south-korea-signals-strong-investment-interest-in-vietnams-tech-and-infrastructure-sectors/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:14:51 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/south-korea-signals-strong-investment-interest-in-vietnams-tech-and-infrastructure-sectors

South Korea is doubling down on Vietnam as a strategic investment destination, with senior officials highlighting a new wave of interest from major Korean corporations in high value industries.

The message, delivered during high level talks in Hanoi, points to a clear shift in the bilateral relationship. Vietnam is no longer seen only as a manufacturing base. It is increasingly viewed as a partner in advanced technology, innovation, and long term industrial development.

Where Korean Investors Are Looking

According to South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung Hoon, large Korean firms are actively evaluating opportunities across several priority sectors in Vietnam.

Key areas of interest include:

  • Semiconductor manufacturing
  • High tech electronics production
  • Artificial intelligence and software development
  • Big data and digital infrastructure
  • Biotechnology
  • Smart city development
  • Large scale infrastructure projects

These sectors align closely with Vietnam’s national development strategy, which aims to move up the value chain and reduce reliance on low cost manufacturing.

Why Vietnam Is Attracting Attention

Vietnam’s appeal to Korean investors is driven by several structural advantages:

  • A young and increasingly skilled workforce
  • Competitive production costs
  • Strategic location within regional supply chains
  • Strong government support for technology driven growth

Officials from both countries emphasized that human capital will be a central pillar of future cooperation, particularly in emerging fields such as AI and semiconductors.

From Policy to Projects

A key example is the Vietnam Korea Institute of Science and Technology, which has been highlighted as a model for:

  • Joint research and innovation
  • Technology transfer
  • Workforce training in advanced industries

South Korea has pledged continued support for expanding this platform, with the goal of linking research institutions more closely to private sector investment.

Expanding Beyond Industry

Cooperation is also widening into other areas:

  • Agriculture and food technology
  • Education and workforce development
  • Official development assistance projects

This reflects a more comprehensive partnership that goes beyond traditional trade and investment.

Strategic Context

The discussions took place during a state level visit by South Korea’s president, underlining the importance both governments place on the relationship.

Vietnam and South Korea already maintain a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The latest developments suggest an effort to deepen that framework with a stronger focus on technology and innovation.

Bottom Line

South Korean companies are increasingly targeting Vietnam’s next generation industries, not just its factories.

For investors, this signals growing confidence in Vietnam’s transition toward a higher value, technology driven economy.

Source: Vietnam Insider

]]> 167720 Vietnam’s Richest Man to Launch $2.2 Billion Mega Project in Ho Chi Minh City https://vietnamstar.net/vietnams-richest-man-to-launch-2-2-billion-mega-project-in-ho-chi-minh-city/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:09:10 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/vietnams-richest-man-to-launch-2-2-billion-mega-project-in-ho-chi-minh-city

Vietnam is set to break ground on a $2.2 billion mega project in Ho Chi Minh City, led by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, as part of a broader wave of major infrastructure and real estate launches tied to a national milestone.

The project, scheduled to begin construction around April 30, marks one of the most significant urban developments currently planned in the country’s largest and wealthiest city.

A Mega Urban Project With Education at Its Core

At the center of the announcement is the Berjaya International University Urban Area, a large scale mixed use development spanning nearly 880 hectares in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.

Key features include:

  • Total investment of حوالي VND 59 trillion, equivalent to about $2.2 billion
  • Planned population of approximately 135,000 residents
  • Capacity for around 60,000 students

The project is designed as a hybrid urban and education hub, combining residential zones with academic and research infrastructure.

What Will Be Built

  • Low rise villas and townhouses
  • Mid rise and high rise apartment complexes
  • Social housing and resettlement units
  • Educational institutions and research facilities
  • Hospitals, commercial centers, and public services

The goal is to create a self contained district that reduces pressure on the city center while supporting long term economic growth.

Strategic Importance for Ho Chi Minh City

The development aligns with broader urban planning priorities:

  • Expanding growth toward outer districts
  • Reducing congestion in central areas
  • Building knowledge and innovation clusters
  • Creating jobs and attracting investment

Officials view the project as a future anchor for an education and research corridor in northern Ho Chi Minh City.

Ownership and Investment Structure

The project is being developed by Berjaya Vietnam International University Urban Development JSC, a subsidiary now largely controlled by Vinhomes, the real estate arm of Vingroup.

The project’s ownership has evolved over time:

  • Originally backed by Malaysia’s Berjaya Group
  • Majority stake later transferred to Vietnamese investors
  • Currently dominated by Vinhomes with a controlling interest

This reflects a broader trend of domestic firms taking the lead in large scale urban development projects.

Part of a Larger Investment Wave

The groundbreaking is one of four major projects approved to launch during the April 30 holiday period, with a combined investment of roughly VND 142 trillion.

This coordinated rollout signals strong momentum in Vietnam’s real estate and infrastructure sectors, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bottom Line

The $2.2 billion project is more than a real estate development. It represents a shift toward integrated urban planning centered on education, innovation, and long term sustainability.

For investors and observers, it highlights how Vietnam’s largest city is positioning itself for the next phase of growth, with large scale, mixed use developments playing a central role.

Source: Vietnam Insider

]]> 167726 Deadly “Exorcism” in Southern Vietnam Ends in Prison Sentences https://vietnamstar.net/deadly-exorcism-in-southern-vietnam-ends-in-prison-sentences/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:07:00 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/deadly-exorcism-in-southern-vietnam-ends-in-prison-sentences

A shocking case in southern Vietnam has ended with prison sentences for five individuals after a violent “exorcism” ritual led to the deaths of a father and his young son.

The trial, held in Tay Ninh province, underscores the severe legal consequences of actions driven by superstition when they result in loss of life.

What Happened

According to court findings, the incident began with a belief that a deceased relative had “possessed” a family member.

Acting on this belief, a group of relatives organized a ritual intended to “expel spirits.” The situation escalated into prolonged violence.

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  • Victims were restrained and covered with blankets
  • Liquids were forced into their mouths
  • Burning incense was applied to their bodies
  • Repeated physical assaults were carried out over many hours

The abuse continued through the night and into the following day.

Both victims later died from a combination of suffocation, multiple injuries, burns, and trauma.

Court Verdict

The provincial court sentenced five defendants to prison terms ranging from 7 to 10 years on charges of murder.

One defendant received an additional sentence due to prior drug related offenses.

Two individuals identified as central instigators were not held criminally responsible after being diagnosed with severe mental illness.

The defendants’ families provided financial compensation to the victims’ relatives as part of civil liability.

Wider Impact

The case also affected multiple others present during the ritual.

Several individuals required hospitalization after being forced to participate for extended periods without food, rest, or communication.

Authorities described the actions as extremely dangerous, emphasizing that belief based practices cannot justify violence or harm.

Legal and Social Context

Vietnamese law treats acts that result in death with strict penalties, regardless of motive.

This case highlights:

  • The risks associated with unregulated spiritual practices
  • The potential for group dynamics to escalate harmful behavior
  • The importance of public awareness around mental health and superstition

It also reflects broader efforts by authorities to address harmful practices rooted in misinformation or belief systems.

Bottom Line

What began as a misguided attempt at a spiritual ritual ended in tragedy and criminal conviction.

The case serves as a stark reminder that actions driven by belief still carry full legal responsibility when they cross into violence.

Discover more from Vietnam Insider

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Source: Vietnam Insider

]]> 167728 Iran says it has seized two ships in Strait of Hormuz after U.S. extends ceasefire https://vietnamstar.net/iran-says-it-has-seized-two-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-after-u-s-extends-ceasefire/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:25:53 +0000 https://vietnamstar.net/iran-says-it-has-seized-two-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-after-u-s-extends-ceasefire

In this article

USS Abraham Lincoln conducts U.S. blockade operations related to the Strait of Hormuz on April 16, 2026.
Handout | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Iran’s navy on Wednesday said it had seized two container ships in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, shortly after the U.S. extended the ceasefire and as diplomats seek to bring the countries together for peace talks.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy said in a statement that it had seized the ships for what it claimed were maritime violations and transferred them to Iranian shores, according to state media. CNBC could not independently verify the claim.

The announcement came after U.K. maritime authorities said two ships had been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported a third vessel had also been targeted by the country’s military.

International benchmark Brent crude futures with June delivery traded 0.5% higher at $99.03 per barrel, paring gains after briefly surpassing $100. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with June delivery, meanwhile, traded up 0.5% at $90.13.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO, center said a vessel reported being fired upon about eight nautical miles off the coast of Iran at 8:38 London time (3:38 a.m. ET).

The crew were reported to be safe and accounted for and the vessel did not sustain any damage, the UKMTO said, which also warned of “high levels of activity” in the Strait of Hormuz area.

The incident followed an earlier report of an attack that took place roughly 15 miles northeast of Oman at 5:47 a.m. London time.

The UKMTO said a container ship was approached by an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat. The IRGC ship was said to have fired upon the ship, causing “heavy damage” to the bridge. All crew were reported safe.

The attacks come shortly after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for Iran’s leaders to submit a “unified proposal” to end the war.

This came after reports that Vice President JD Vance’s trip to Pakistan for a second round of peace talks with Iranian officials had been put on hold, and after the Iranian state news outlet Tasnim reported that negotiators from Tehran would not attend further talks.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime corridor that connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Roughly 20% of global oil and gas typically passes through it. Attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf in recent weeks have ratcheted up fears of a prolonged economic shock.

— CNBC’s Dan Mangan and Kevin Breuninger both contributed to this report.

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Source: CNBC

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