Vietnam news in brief - June 22

Vietnam secures UNESCO committee seat

Vietnam was re-elected to the UNESCO 2005 Convention’s Intergovernmental Committee for 2025-2029 at its 10th General Assembly in Paris.  This marks the first time a country has served two consecutive terms, highlighting Vietnam’s cultural policy leadership. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay is expected to visit Vietnam to attend the 2025 Asian Film Festival in Danang.

Global medical expo attracts 150+ companies

The 2025 Hanoi Medical Equipment Exhibition to take place from July 10 to 12 will gather 200 booths from leading Korean and Southeast Asian companies for business cooperation between Vietnam and Korea through technology transfer and trade opportunities. It will also offer insights into market trends, regulatory frameworks, and import-export potential for medical equipment between the two countries.

Vietnam Cultural Week makes debut in Korea

Pyeongtaek City, South Korea, will host the first-ever Vietnam Cultural Week on June 20–26, celebrating Vietnamese heritage with craft booths, ao dai try-ons, bamboo dancing, and traditional performances from both nations. The event aims to strengthen cultural understanding and people-to-people ties as part of the Vietnam–South Korea comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vietnam ranks high on regional tourism list

Gulf News on June 20 published a list of the top 15 Southeast Asian destinations with three Vietnamese spots on it: Ha Long Bay ranked 3rd, Hoi An 8th, and Sa Pa 15th. The UAE-based English daily praised Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural richness, which enhance the country’s tourism profile among Middle Eastern audiences and highlight its appeal on the regional travel map.

Vietnam launches first 5-star cruise from domestic port

The international 5-star cruise ship Star Voyager departed from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore for the first time, carrying 2,000 guests. This marks a milestone for Vietnam’s cruise tourism as the five-day voyage links Vietnam to global routes and opens new journeys for 2026. 

Danang lights up summer with “Enjoy Danang Festival 2025”

Danang will host the “Enjoy Danang Festival 2025” from June 19 to 23, featuring cultural, sports, and music events along its beaches and the Han River. Highlights include summer food zones, kite performances, and music shows. The festival cements Danang’s status as a top festival destination in Asia. From January to May of this year, the city welcomed 4.6 million guests, marking a 21% year-on-year increase.

Vietnam to host major Dancesport championships

From July 9 to 13, Ho Chi Minh City will host the Southeast Asian and Asian Dancesport Championships for the first time. The event will include the newly recognized Solo Female category. Over 3,000 athletes from 36 countries are expected to compete at the event that highlights Vietnam’s increasing international prominence in hosting major sports competitions.

Techcombank earns global fintech recognition

Techcombank became the first Vietnamese bank to win the “Operational Excellence” award at the 2025 Celent Model Bank Awards. The bank was recognized for its Human & Bot Collaboration Center with FPT’s Akabot. It also secured three Asia-Pacific technology awards from The Asian Banker. As Vietnam’s leading payments bank with a 15% market share, dominant bond originator with over 50% control, and largest wealth manager by assets under management (AUM), Techcombank contributes to the country’s expanding global banking leadership.