South East Asia (SEA)

  Fajr , the first of the five daily prayers in Islam, holds a special significance for Muslims around the world. Observed before sunrise, it is a prayer that symbolizes the beginning of the day with mindfulness, peace, and discipline. On 27 September 2025 , the Fajr prayer times across key Southeast Asian countries are as follows: Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) – 5:38 AM Indonesia (Jakarta) – 4:27 AM Vietnam (Hanoi) – 4:50 AM The Fajr prayer is not only a ritual obligation but also a spiritual practice that instills patience and discipline. Waking up early to perform this prayer allows Muslims to begin their day with a sense of renewal, gratitude, and connection to Allah. Across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, millions of Muslims rise before dawn to embrace this moment of reflection. Beyond being a spiritual duty, Fajr is considered one of the most rewarding prayers, as it sets the tone for a day guided by faith and good deeds. In an increasingly fast-paced world, th...

  Vietnam is quickly emerging as the rising star of Southeast Asia’s travel scene. Once a well-kept secret among seasoned travelers, the country is now taking center stage—surpassing expectations and even outpacing some of its more traditionally favored neighbors. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and increasingly modern infrastructure, Vietnam is no longer just a stopover—it’s a destination in its own right. Thailand may still dominate the headlines, especially with the recent buzz from The White Lotus Season 3 being filmed there, but Vietnam is proving that quiet power and consistent growth can outshine even the flashiest contenders. This year, Vietnam welcomed a staggering 17.5 million international visitors, officially becoming the third most visited country in Southeast Asia. That’s no small feat—especially considering it has now overtaken Singapore, a long-time tourism heavyweight. So, what’s fueling Vietnam’s surge? For one, the country offers a ...

In a groundbreaking development, Vietnam and Indonesia have taken a significant step toward fostering deeper scientific and technological collaboration. The recent state visit of General Secretary To Lam to Indonesia has set the stage for an era of strengthened cooperation between the two ASEAN nations, with profound implications for economic and technological progress in the region. The signing of a Letter of Intent between Vietnam’s Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Manh Hung, and Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, marks a defining moment in bilateral relations. In the presence of General Secretary To Lam and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, this agreement underscores the growing recognition of science and technology as key drivers of sustainable development. This agreement is more than just a diplomatic formality—it represents a strategic alignment between two nations that share a vision for innovation-driven growth. Viet...

 Vietnam has taken a giant leap forward in its space technology ambitions with the upcoming launch of its first radar earth observation satellite, LOTUSat-1. Developed in collaboration with Japan's Sumitomo Corporation under the supervision of the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC), this project marks a significant milestone for Vietnam's burgeoning space program. The satellite, financed through a special loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is a testament to the growing technological ties between Vietnam and Japan. A New Era for Vietnam's Space Industry The successful development and soon-to-be launch of LOTUSat-1 underscore Vietnam's determination to establish itself as a key player in satellite technology. The nation has long relied on foreign satellite data for weather forecasting, disaster management, and environmental monitoring. However, with its own radar satellite in orbit, Vietnam can significantly reduce its dependence on external so...

Vietnam, a country blessed with breathtaking natural scenery and rich history, provides passengers with a spectacular experience on its gorgeous train lines. Train travel in Vietnam changes into an exciting adventure, with lush hills, quilted rice fields, and mild mists, making it a popular destination for railway aficionados throughout the world. Unforgettable Routes for Every Traveler: Hanoi’s Hidden Gem: Phung Hung Train Route: Nestled in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the Phung Hung railway track village offers a unique experience. This 2-kilometer ribbon winds through a colorful neighborhood, where cafes and eateries line the tracks. Embark on a thrilling "train hunting" adventure at night, witnessing the train pass just inches away from narrow streets, epitomizing the cultural symphony of Hanoi. Enchanting Sapa: Muong Hoa Mountainous Train: For adventure lovers, the Muong Hoa mountain railway, dubbed the "Longest Mountain Railway in Vietnam," is a must. ...

In a remarkable show of diplomatic appreciation, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, bestowed the prestigious Order of Independence, First Class, on His Excellency Nguyen Manh Tuan, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam . His Excellency Ahmed bin Ali Mohammed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, bestows the honor on Ambassador Manh Tuan in recognition of his outstanding services while serving as Vietnamese Ambassador to the UAE . During the award ceremony at the General Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi, His Excellency expressed the UAE's commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam across various domains. He lauded Ambassador Manh Tuan for his instrumental role in consolidating bilateral relations, extending warm wishes for his continued success. This recognition highlights the UAE's dedication to fostering international partnerships and acknowledging the pivotal role played by diplomatic envoys in enhancing global c...

  In a significant move, Vietnam has openly expressed its support for the Philippines amidst the escalating maritime tensions with China over the South China Sea . Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Le Thi Thu Hang, highlighted that Vietnam "respects and supports" the Philippines' stance on the South China Sea issue, emphasizing shared concerns and views on the matter. The backdrop of this support is the intensifying confrontations between the Philippines and China, particularly in the West Philippine Sea and the Whitsun Reef. The Philippines has raised concerns about Chinese vessels in these areas, accusing China of violating sovereignty and maritime rights, and posing a threat to peace and stability in the region. Vietnam's endorsement of the Philippines' position adds a new layer to the complex dynamics of territorial claims in the South China Sea. As a nation with overlapping claims, Vietnam has been actively monitoring the situation and consistentl...

The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the UAE Ministry of Economy are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. The recent meeting, which featured a warm welcome to UAE's Minister of State for Foreign commercial Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Hà Nội, demonstrated the continuous commitment to enhance Việt Nam-UAE economic and commercial cooperation. Minister Nguyễn Hồng Diên of MoIT praised both countries' joint efforts, highlighting progress made in numerous sectors since the start of CEPA negotiations. The conversations not only recognized achievements, but also addressed opposing viewpoints, demonstrating a commitment to resolve critical challenges. In terms of bilateral cooperation, Minister Diên asked the UAE to enhance business delegation exchanges and coordinate trade development efforts. Furthermore, he invited UAE enterprises to invest in Vietnam, citing areas of mutual interest. The agreeme...

The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) has embarked on negotiations with Vietnam and India in a bid to alleviate rice prices nationwide. With lower export quotations received from Vietnam, the Philippines aims to replicate this success in its dealings with India. Domingo Panganiban, Senior Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture, revealed that Vietnamese exporters have presented rice prices that are $30 to $40 lower than those offered to Filipino private traders. Additionally, collaborative efforts with the Government of India are underway to permit rice exports to the Philippines on humanitarian grounds. Panganiban believes that this initiative will facilitate more favorable terms for an additional 300,000 to 500,000 metric tons of rice importation projected for 2023. The intended outcome of these negotiations is a twofold benefit: a reduction in prices and the reinforcement of the Philippines' national rice inventory. Remarkably, even without importation, this ...

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has placed significant emphasis on the impending marine cooperation pact between the Philippines and Vietnam, highlighting its potential to address the ongoing challenges in the South China Sea and bolster regional stability . During a meeting with departing Vietnamese Ambassador Hoay Huy Chung, President Marcos stressed the critical importance of enhancing marine cooperation between the two nations. He expressed optimism regarding the positive impact this agreement could have on the prevailing concerns in the South China Sea . President Marcos underscored the agreement as a cornerstone of their relationship, stating, "Now that we are going to start discussions on the agreement that we have between the Philippines and Vietnam, I think it is a very, very important part of our relationship, and it will bring an element of stability to the problems that we are seeing right now in the South China Sea." The for...

  Rumors for  BLACKPINK's Vietnam Concert YG Entertainment, the renowned South Korean entertainment agency , has refuted claims regarding the alleged leaked set list for BLACKPINK’s upcoming Vietnam concert. The agency confirmed that the circulating set list is false and assured fans that the concert will proceed as planned, following normal tour procedures. BLACKPINK’s concert in Vietnam marks a significant milestone as the first K-pop girl group to hold a stadium tour in the country. YG Entertainment, a prominent multinational entertainment agency based in South Korea, has recently addressed rumors surrounding the set list for BLACKPINK ’s highly anticipated Vietnam concert. The agency clarified that the set list circulating online is false and affirmed that the concert will proceed as usual, adhering to the normal tour procedures. Earlier, a media outlet had reported the leaked set list for BLACKPINK’s ‘Born Pink’ concert tour in Vietnam, leading to disappointment among n...