Vietnam News Today (Feb. 11): Vietnam, Japan Hold 11th Defense Policy Dialogue
	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 12): Vietnam-Russia Friendship Overcomes Test of Time

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Bui Hoang Phuong speaks at the Southeast Asia Business Forum, organised by the French Ministry of Foreign Trade on February 12. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaffirms commitment to AI development cooperation

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Bui Hoang Phuong led a Vietnamese delegation to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris from February 10-11, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to AI application to socio-economic development and international collaboration in this field.

Co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit brought together leaders from nearly 60 countries and territories, along with international organisations, major technology firms such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, and leading AI experts.

Discussions at the event focused on five key areas: public interest, employment, investment, ethics, and regulation. A significant outcome of the summit was the signing of the Paris AI Declaration by 60 nations, calling for promoting AI governance around the globe to ensure transparency, fairness, and sustainability during the development of this technology.

The Deputy Minister’s participation underscored Vietnam’s strong commitment to integrating AI into economic and social development. The summit also provided Vietnam with opportunities to explore partnerships with international partners, stay updated on global AI trends, and refine its policies for effective AI application in critical sectors such as health care, education, and the digital economy.

This was also a chance for the country to demonstrate its active role in the international AI community, working towards a sustainable and humanistic AI future, cited VNA.

On the sidelines of the summit, Phuong attended the 3rd Southeast Asia Business Forum, organised by the French Ministry of Foreign Trade on February 12.

There, he highlighted Vietnam’s special advantages such as political stability, leaders' strong determination in boosting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, a favorable geographical location that makes it a gateway to ASEAN, and the long-standing relations with France, which help to not only foster ties with France but also strengthen connections between ASEAN countries and the European nation.

The Deputy Minister expressed his hope for increased French investments in Vietnam and the ASEAN region at large.

Phuong also had a meeting with Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister for Foreign Trade and Overseas French Affairs, who reaffirmed France’s support for Vietnam’s high technology development and emphasized that President Emmanuel Macron’s planned visit to Vietnam in 2025 will provide a good occasion for both sides to realise such commitments.

The host official noted that the visit is expected to herald a new phase in bilateral ties and further promote cooperation projects in various fields, particularly digital transformation, AI, innovation, and sustainable technology.

Phuong emphasized that Vietnam is actively developing a AI-related legal framework, and that both state-owned and private enterprises are interested in this area, promising many opportunities for Vietnam – France cooperation.

Both sides agreed that now is the ideal time to strengthen collaboration in the AI and semiconductor sectors.

As part of his visit, Phuong also toured Vietnam’s exhibition booth at the AI Action Summit and met with officials at the Vietnamese Embassy in France.

Tropical depression forms over East Sea as northern Vietnam braces for cold spell

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) on February 12 reported that a low-pressure area in the central East Sea had intensified into a tropical depression.

As of 7 a.m., its center was located northwest of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, with maximum winds of level 6 (39-49 km/h) and gusts of level 8, moving slowly northwestward at around 5 km/h.

In the next 48 to 72 hours, the tropical depression is expected to continue moving northwestward at a slow pace and gradually weaken. Meteorological authorities have warned of strong showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds of level 8 over the western central East Sea, the southwestern northern East Sea, and the offshore waters from Phu Yen to Ninh Thuan, with waves reaching 2 - 3.5 meters.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged coastal provinces from Binh Dinh to Kien Giang to closely monitor the situation, notify fishermen to take precautions, and be prepared for rescue operations if needed, according to VOV.

A tropical depression forms in the East Sea (Image source: NCHMF)

Meanwhile, a cold spell is moving southward and is expected to affect northeastern Vietnam, north-central Vietnam, and parts of the northwest by the night of February 12 and early February 13. From tomorrow, northern and north-central Vietnam will experience chilly weather, with mountainous areas facing severe cold conditions. Hanoi’s lowest temperatures are expected to range between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius.

The cold air combined with an upper-level westerly trough will bring light rain to northeastern and north-central Vietnam. At sea, strong northeasterly winds of level 5-6, with gusts of level 7-8, will affect the Gulf of Tonkin, while the northern East Sea, including the waters around the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago, will see waves of 2 - 4.5 meters.

Da Nang remains ideal destination for MICE events in Asia

From February 11 to 13, Da Nang welcomed 226 MICE guests from Bota-P World, a Thai company specializing in health products. Organised by Visit Indochina, the group savored an ideal mix of leisure and experiential activities, proving why Da Nang is winning hearts worldwide.

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including top-tier accommodation facilities, seamless transport, and premium tourism services, Da Nang has become the ultimate destination for large-scale events, whether they are global, regional or national.

The proof lies in the lineup of events already scheduled for this month. First up is the Tamil Business Conference set for February 21–22. This event will bring together 300 international delegates from over 30 countries, fostering cross-border partnerships and boosting trade throughout Asia, reported VNA.

A MICE group at Da Nang international airport (Photo: VNA)

From February 26–28, Da Nang will also see the CTM Asia Conference and All Stars Awards 2025, a highlight in the MICE calendar. Hosted by Corporate Travel Management (CTM), this gathering will draw around 70 industry experts and professionals specializing in leisure and wellness tourism from Asia and further afield. High-ranking officials and industry leaders will also gather here, further solidifying Da Nang’s reputation as a must-visit MICE hotspot.

To stay ahead, Da Nang is rolling out the red carpet for even more MICE travellers with initiatives like consultation services, cultural performances, exclusive souvenirs, and media support for events. By teaming up with local businesses, the city ensures competitive rates and enhanced services, making every visit smoother, richer, and more memorable.

The fact that Da Nang has been chosen as a venue for multiple high-profile events so early in 2025 showed its growing prestige in the MICE sector. Not only does this reinforce its status as a premier MICE hub in Asia, but also elevates its global tourism profile, paving the way for new business collaborations and regional tourism growth.

Vietnam steps up cooperation in cultural industry development

Vietnam views culture as a fundamental pillar of society, serving both as a driving force and as a key goal of national development.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO made the statement at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, held in Paris on February 11.

In the digital era, as technology and artificial intelligence advance rapidly, Vietnam seeks to enhance collaboration in developing and managing creative cultural products and services in the digital space. The country aims to ensure that these efforts align with its sustainable development goals while fostering innovation and effective governance in the cultural sector, she noted.

The ambassador highlighted Vietnam’s key cultural achievements in 2024, including progress in strengthening the legal framework for cultural development, increasing investment, and prioritizing human resource development, VOV reported.

Vietnamese delegates attends the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005 Convention).

She said that the National Assembly has granted in-principle approval for a national target program on cultural development for the 2025-2035 period, with a total budget of VND122.25 trillion (US$5 billion). Additionally, in 2024, the Prime Minister issued Directive No. 30 on developing cultural industries, and Vietnam is set to launch a national strategy for cultural industry growth through 2030, with a vision toward 2045.

These initiatives, she said, will serve as new drivers for Vietnam’s cultural industries.

Reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to the 2005 Convention, the ambassador expressed the country’s desire for continued international cooperation in enhancing mechanisms and policies for cultural and creative industries. The nation also aims to integrate cultural development and creativity into national and international development programs while building a national data system for the cultural sector.

The four-day session brought together Ministers of Culture, Ambassadors to UNESCO, representatives of National Commissions for UNESCO, national focal points for the 2005 Convention, and organizations working in the cultural field.

This annual meeting focused on discussing and agreeing on measures to further the Convention’s implementation. Vietnam participated as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 UNESCO Convention for the 2021-2025 term, which comprises 24 member states.

Vietnam builds on ASEAN Cup glory to chase 2027 Asian Cup dream

Fresh off a historic ASEAN Cup win, Vietnam is gearing up for the final qualifying round of the 2027 Asian Cup, with confidence at an all-time high.

Vietnam’s triumph at the 2024 ASEAN Cup (AFF Cup) has provided a strong foundation for the team’s quest to secure a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Historic wins against Thailand: A turning point

For the first time in history, Vietnam defeated arch-rival Thailand twice in a row. The Golden Star Warriors’ victories were even more significant as they came in the finals of Southeast Asia’s biggest football tournament.

In the first leg, Vietnam secured a 2-1 win, with Nguyen Xuan Son scoring both goals. The second leg saw Thailand fall 2-3 at home, leaving them with little to say except complaints about refereeing decisions.

Vietnam faced a major setback when Xuan Son suffered a serious injury in the 32nd minute, with the match tied 1-1 at the time. However, despite playing in a hostile atmosphere in Thailand, coach Kim Sang Sik’s players held their ground, showing resilience and determination to claim the championship.

Beyond tactical brilliance, Vietnam showcased unwavering spirit, with players fighting until the last minute. Thailand’s Supachok even sparked controversy with a questionable goal, adding further drama to the hard-fought contest, VNN reported.

Vietnam celebrates a historic double victory over Thailand in the 2024 ASEAN Cup finals. (Photo: S.N)

Vietnam’s two consecutive victories over Thailand were not just about reclaiming the ASEAN Cup crown but also building confidence for the road ahead, particularly in their campaign for the 2027 Asian Cup finals.

Asian Cup 2027 qualification: Vietnam’s path forward

Vietnam is placed in Group F of the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, alongside Laos, Nepal, and Malaysia. Among these, Malaysia poses the biggest challenge as the main competitor for the only direct qualification spot.

Malaysia has recently naturalized several Dutch-born players, strengthening their squad significantly. However, their actual strength remains to be tested over time. For Vietnam, the key will be thorough preparation and maintaining their momentum from the ASEAN Cup victory.

While Vietnam enters the qualifiers without Xuan Son and Ho Tan Tai (out for eight months), and possibly Van Toan, the team has gained valuable assets in terms of tactics, squad depth, and fighting spirit.

Coach Kim Sang Sik has made it clear: winning the ASEAN Cup was just the beginning. His long-term vision extends beyond Asian Cup qualification to an even bigger dream - reaching the FIFA World Cup.

However, the South Korean strategist remains realistic and methodical, shaping a serious and ambitious roadmap for Vietnam’s continued rise in international football.

Vietnam News Today (Feb. 9): Vietnam, RoK Discuss Measures to Boost Bilateral Trade Vietnam News Today (Feb. 9): Vietnam, RoK discuss measures to boost bilateral trade; Vietnam’s tourism recovery leads Southeast Asia in 2024; Vietnam strongly committed to ...

Vietnam News Today (Feb. 10): Vietnam Hopes to Enhance Comprehensive Partnership With UAE Vietnam News Today (Feb. 10): Vietnam hopes to enhance comprehensive partnership with UAE; Temperatures plunge as strong cold grips across northern localities; Vietnam showcases products ...