Hanoi: Future Blue Innovation Competition for high school students launched

The Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (Hanoi HCYU), VinFast, and AngelHack, a global hackathon organisation, launched the Future Blue Innovation Competition 2021 for high school students on March 10.
Hanoi (VNA) - The Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union(Hanoi HCYU), VinFast, and AngelHack, a global hackathon organisation, launchedthe Future Blue Innovation Competition 2021 for high school students on March10.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at the Hanoi - Amsterdam High School forthe Gifted, Tran Quang Hung, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi HCYU, said the FutureBlue Innovation Competition provides a playground for students from some 200high schools in the capital.

The challenge is to create a product, service, or communicationscampaign to a “blue”planet of ocean, mountain, forest, air, technology and future, Hungsaid, adding that entries should focus on eight areas: plastic waste reductionand treatment; carbon emission reductions; sustainable agriculture; renewableenergy; tackling air, land and water pollution; biodiversity preservation;climate change; and vehicles of the future.

It aims to offer an opportunity for local students to accelerateinnovation and seek initiatives in environmental protection.

The competition will run until May 9. Participants are requested toregister and submit their entries at http://www.futureblueinnovation.vn/ before April 20. Entries are then shortlisted for the final round, to be heldsometime in May, where candidates will present and defend their projects infront of a judging panel.

One first, one second, and two third prizes will be awarded, alongsidetwo honourable mentions.

It forms part of activities to celebrate the 90th anniversary of theHCYU (March 26)./.
VNA

See more

Students in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho are honoured for their outstanding performance in startup activities. (Photo: VNA)

Education ministry targets five digital technology incubators at universities

A key target under the new plan is the establishment of five digital technology incubators, or Deeptech Hubs, at universities and research institutes with strong potential. The education ministry also plans to launch a training programme for 1,000 outstanding technology entrepreneurs and develop criteria for selecting and supporting startup ecosystems within educational institutions.

At the equipment handover ceremony for the Narcotics Targeting Centre of Vietnam Customs. (Photo: cand.com.vn)

Vietnam Customs expands capacity to tackle cross-border narcotics crime

Established in November 2025, the NTC comprises six officers from the Anti-Smuggling Investigation Sub-Department specialising in surveillance, intelligence collection and information analysis. The centre is tasked with strengthening customs capacity in risk assessment and drug crime targeting, helping authorities detect and prevent illicit cross-border trafficking of narcotics and other dangerous substances at an early stage.

Representatives of the Club of Cambodian Journalists and the Vietnam Journalists Association at the working session in Hanoi on May 12 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Cambodian journalists strengthen cooperation

The Vietnam Journalists Association and the Club of Cambodian Journalists agreed to enhance coordination and information sharing between media agencies, exchange experience in professional training and technology application in journalism, and regularly organise training programmes for reporters and editors.

Ca Mau province has consistently attached importance to developing human resources and investing in infrastructure in ethnic minority areas. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam steps up implementation of ethnic affairs strategy through 2030

To accelerate the implementation of the the Ethnic Affairs Strategy by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, the Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and local authorities to continue thoroughly carrying out the Party and State’s policies on ethnic affairs, enhancing the effectiveness of State management and strengthening oversight of policy implementation.

Officials from the Market Surveillance Department of Da Nang conduct inspections at business establishments in Hai Chau ward. (Photo: VNA)

No “blind spots” in crackdown on smuggling, counterfeit goods

In the Jan-April period, authorities nationwide uncovered and handled nearly 44,000 cases related to smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, while initiating 1,464 criminal cases involving 2,277 suspects, according to the National Steering Committee for Combating Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods (National Steering Committee 389).

A delegation of 60 exemplary overseas Vietnamese from 20 countries and territories offers incense to commemorate the Hung Kings. (Photo: VNA)

Overseas Vietnamese community contributes to national unity, development

According to Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Nguyen Trung Kien, many overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs have achieved success in developed economies, gaining experience in corporate governance, advanced technologies, and international-standard operations.

A market surveillance team carries out an unannounced inspection at a fashion business in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi steps up crackdown on counterfeit goods, IP infringements

The agency has set a target of increasing the number of handled cases by at least 20% compared to the same period last year between May 7 and 30. Inspection and monitoring activities will continue beyond May 30 on a regular, focused and systematic basis across the city.

Construction of Tran Hung Dao bridge, one of seven bridges spanning the Red River, launched in 2025, alongside Hong Ha, Me So, Tu Lien, Ngoc Hoi, Van Phuc and Thuong Cat bridges (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Beyond rhetoric, urban reconstruction moves ahead

Transport infrastructure development is a key task in the capital’s major development strategies, closely linked with the Hanoi Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision and the implementation of the revised Capital Law. A series of major projects, including ring roads, urban railways, national railways and regional economic connectivity projects such as the Red River Landscape Boulevard Axis, are being implemented to enhance connectivity, promote the growth of Hanoi and the country, and lay the foundation for urban reconstruction in a modern, synchronised and sustainable direction.

 Dong Nai – aspiration to rise in new era

Dong Nai – aspiration to rise in new era

Following its merger and status elevation to Vietnam’s seventh centrally-run city starting April 30, 2026, Dong Nai is entering a pivotal phase to reposition its role and standing within a broader development landscape. More than an administrative upgrade, the move—coupled with strategic projects such as Long Thanh International Airport—is opening new space for the southern locality to make socio-economic breakthroughs, strengthen regional connectivity and reshape its development model toward services, tourism and innovation.