Vietnam news in brief - November 6

Speed chess games in Hanoi draw record number of players

About 2,000 players took part in an open speed chess tournament in Hanoi on November 5, the largest event of its kind ever organized in Vietnam. The players came from 130 teams representing clubs and localities across the country, and about 80 referees were present to supervise the matches.

The tournament aimed to select top players to compete in international games. According to the International Chess Federation, about 300-600 million people worldwide play chess, including hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese.

Joint innovation center opened in Hanoi

Inside the recently opened Innovation Hub at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. Photo courtesy of RMIT University

Vietnam National University - Hanoi (VNU) and RMIT University jointly opened an innovation hub at VNU's campus in Hanoi's Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park last weekend to provide a collaborative laboratory and workspace for the advancement of technology and scientific research in Vietnam.

Covering nearly 1,000 square meters and equipped with modern facilities, the hub will connect leading scientific minds and strengthen innovation collaboration between universities and businesses from Vietnam and Australia. It is expected to help businesses access scientific and technological solutions in key emerging areas such as new materials, semiconductor technology, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

US$1.5 billion pledged for National Innovation Center in 3 years

The National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hanoi's Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park is expected to attract $1.5 billion in investment from 41 venture funds in three years, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said at the government's press conference last weekend.

The center opened on October 28, marking a significant milestone in its journey to become a regional and international hub for innovation, contributing to the transformation of Vietnam's economy.

Vietnam-Czech charity house celebrates 10th anniversary

On November 5, the Vietnam-Czech House charity organization held its third congress to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The house was founded in 2013 to help orphans, people with disabilities, and the elderly in both countries.

In 10 years of operation, the Vietnam-Czech House has brought joy to many people and helped them reintegrate into society. The house has raised EUR270,000 (nearly $290,000) to help needy people in both countries.

European warnings on Vietnamese exports down 15% 

The European Union issued 55 warnings on Vietnamese farm exports in January-October, down 15% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (SPS Vietnam). Vegetables received the most warnings (23 issues), followed by aquatic products (19) and processed food (13).

Surplus of chemical substances was the main cause of warnings with 58%.