

Vietnam has become a fast‑growing source of international students, with nearly 40,000 study visas issued in 2024 for the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.—a 20% rise from five years ago. Over 150,000 Vietnamese are studying abroad, a figure ApplyBoard projects will keep climbing thanks to Vietnam's strong academic culture, expanding middle class, and solid English skills.
The U.S. remains the top draw, granting 18,500 visas in 2024 (up 27% year‑on‑year), making Vietnam the sixth‑largest source of international students and fourth for F‑1 visas. About 63% of Vietnamese students in the U.S. enroll in undergraduate programs, a trend expected to continue.
Australia saw Vietnam become its third‑largest source of new students in 2023–24, with over 35,000 enrolled, though new VET caps may cut 2025 visas to around 7,000. Canada recorded a 16% rise in Vietnamese study permits from 2022 to 2024 and expects another 14% increase in 2025, with nearly half for primary and secondary levels. U.K. numbers remain stable at 2,000–3,500 visas annually, with about 2,100 projected for 2025.
ApplyBoard highlights Vietnam as a reliable, high‑potential market amid volatility in larger sending countries.
Yantai Penglai International Airport's Terminal 2 in China and Kansai International Airport's Terminal 1 in Japan have been recognized among the world's six most beautiful airports for 2025 by the Prix Versailles awards, which honor operational, ecological, and aesthetic excellence with an emphasis on sustainable design.
Yantai Penglai's Terminal 2, located in Shandong Province, topped the list. Covering 167,000 m², it draws inspiration from Yantai's coastal scenery and Kunyu Mountain, with a sweeping, undulating roof and an E‑shaped layout that improves passenger flow while preserving the terrain. The terminal's use of natural materials and abundant daylight creates a calm travel environment.
Kansai International's Terminal 1 in Osaka placed fourth. Designed by Renzo Piano on an artificial island, its aerodynamic structure and recent renovations expanded capacity by 25% and refreshed interiors with Japanese‑inspired natural finishes. A smart queue system enhances efficiency.
Other honorees include terminals in Marseille and Réunion (France) and in Portland and San Francisco (U.S.).
Nguyen Cong Tri, a trailblazing Vietnamese fashion designer celebrated worldwide, has been arrested in Ho Chi Minh City for “facilitating the illegal use of narcotic substances.” Police said they raided his apartment in Tan Hung Ward on June 23 and found him using drugs.
Tri, 47, is renowned for elevating Vietnamese fashion globally over a 25‑year career. He launched his namesake label in 2002, creating luxurious eveningwear from Vietnamese fabrics like silk and organza. His breakthrough came when Rihanna wore his “Em Hoa” collection, leading to international acclaim and collaborations with stars such as Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Adele, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Zendaya, and Zhang Ziyi.
Born in Da Nang and trained in industrial fine arts, Tri's designs often reflect the strength of Vietnamese women, as seen in early collections like “Green Leaves.” He became the first Vietnamese member of the Asian Couture Federation in 2014 and showcased at Tokyo and New York Fashion Weeks, earning praise for artistry and technical mastery.
Despite his arrest, Tri remains regarded as a pioneer who brought Vietnamese craftsmanship to global fashion's forefront.
Eight Southeast Asian cities made Yanolja Research's list of the world's 50 most attractive tourism cities, including Vietnam's Da Nang, Hanoi, and Nha Trang. Other regional representatives are Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia, Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Singapore.
The Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index evaluates 191 cities based on social media data and tourist feedback, analyzing positive and negative mentions tied to tourism-related terms in 14 languages.
Bangkok is highlighted for its nightlife, street food, and temples like the Grand Palace, while Chiang Mai stands out for culture, mountain scenery, and festivals. Nha Trang and Da Nang are noted for long beaches, luxury resorts, and religious landmarks, while Hanoi offers rich heritage. Singapore earns praise for its modern infrastructure and cleanliness. Jakarta is recognized for colonial architecture and historic temples, and Bali remains a top beach destination.
Globally, Osaka ranked first, followed by Paris and Kyoto.
Flooding triggered by Storm Wipha and heavy upstream rains has inundated thousands of homes in Nghe An Province, Vietnam, especially in border areas near Laos. Water levels in some places reached over 2 meters, submerging houses in Muong Xen, Tuong Duong, and Con Cuong communes. Hundreds of families were isolated as transportation routes were cut off; many residents moved to higher ground or upper floors, and authorities organized evacuations to schools and community centers.
Damage is extensive: in one boarding school, floodwaters destroyed electronics, rice supplies, and key documents. Hoa Binh Market was under more than 2 meters of water, while debris and damaged goods clogged submerged roads. The Ban Ve Hydroelectric Reservoir saw inflows peaking at 12,800 m³/s, forcing increased water discharge to protect its structure.
One person remains missing in Nam Can, and 161 houses plus multiple commune offices have been damaged. Landslides affected 45 road sections. Authorities warn more heavy rainfall—up to 300 mm in some areas—could cause further floods, flash floods, and landslides across northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An.
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