

A Hanoi native, Trinh Mai Chi, has earned a prestigious six-year residency in diagnostic and interventional radiology at Harvard Medical School's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center after graduating near the top of her class at Johns Hopkins University.
Chi, 27, began her journey a decade ago when she won a full scholarship to study biochemistry at Wellesley College. Excelling in research on leukemia, pediatric cancers, and autoimmune diseases, she graduated in the top 5% of her class in 2020. She then scored 519/528 on the MCAT—placing her in the top 3% nationwide—and secured a full scholarship to Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
At Johns Hopkins, Chi pursued both research and clinical training, publishing in major journals and earning honors in all coursework. Her studies explored dermatology, immunology, oncology, and imaging optimization, with her work on radiation in X-ray imaging receiving top recognition from the Society of Interventional Radiology.
Balancing long research hours with demanding rotations, Chi chose radiology for its blend of diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures. Despite intense competition, especially for international students, she earned her residency through strong academic performance, USMLE scores, and extensive research.
Reflecting on her path, Chi said medicine aligns with her passion for contributing meaningfully to others. As she begins residency, she remains committed to advancing scientific research while training to become a leading radiologist.
The Z Marketer Competition Season 5, organized by British University Vietnam (BUV) students, has grown into a major platform connecting students with marketing experts. This year's theme, “The Art of Seeing,” encouraged participants to approach marketing through diverse perspectives, focusing on creativity in reimagining the familiar. Nearly 200 teams with 549 students competed nationwide.
In the finale, five teams presented campaigns for Canifa S's new Gen Z collection. The winning team, “Zet zun kam kap,” impressed with their “Giu Nep – Giu Lua” campaign, which blended nostalgia and modern youth culture while promoting patriotism through everyday fashion. Their concept, “Wear What Makes Us,” resonated as authentic and integrated across online and offline channels.
The runners-up also stood out: “b4n thuok l4o o Ho T4y” with their “Dong Bao – Dong Chat” campaign, which linked brand values with national pride, and “RNB” with “Theu Net Viet – Det Chat Z,” blending traditional embroidery and Gen Z identity through community workshops and exhibitions.
Supported by experienced judges and mentors, the event offered students real-world insights and professional guidance. Participants highlighted personal growth in teamwork, creativity, and confidence.
Launched in 2019, Z Marketer has attracted over 5,000 participants and 1,000 ideas across five seasons. Beyond being a competition, it serves as a launchpad for young marketers, fostering creativity, inclusivity, and practical learning, while reflecting BUV's mission of holistic, globally oriented education.
A viral video showing a Seoul taxi driver overcharging Japanese tourists has sparked public backlash in South Korea. The incident occurred when tourists took a cab from Myeong-dong to Hongdae, a 10 km ride normally costing about 12,000 won. Instead, the driver turned off the meter and demanded 45,000 won (US$32.44), citing traffic, later lowering the fare to 40,000 won if paid in cash.
The footage, aired by Japanese broadcaster TBS, drew outrage online, with many saying such behavior harms South Korea's global image. Authorities quickly identified the driver during a citywide crackdown and fined him, though the amount was undisclosed.
Under Seoul regulations, first-time offenders face a 200,000 won fine, repeat offenders face heavier penalties including suspension, and third violations result in license cancellation. Since August 6, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been running a 100-day campaign to combat taxi scams, especially at airports and tourist hotspots.
Malaysia, ranked Asia's “most loved country” in 2024, is on track to welcome 43 million foreign visitors this year, a 13% increase from last year, driven by visa relaxations and strong tourism campaigns. By June, it had already received 21 million visitors, surpassing Thailand as Southeast Asia's most visited country.
In 2024, arrivals reached 38 million, up 31% from the previous year, boosted by Malaysia's visa-free policies, upgraded infrastructure, and targeted marketing. The government recently extended visa-free entry for Chinese tourists for five years, possibly until 2036. For 2026, the Visit Malaysia campaign aims for 47 million visitors, encouraging longer stays and higher spending.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted strategies including stronger branding, aggressive promotion, airline and travel partnerships, and improved cross-border travel. Focus areas include ecotourism, shopping tourism, and niche experiences tailored to international audiences.
Malaysia's appeal lies in its mix of beaches, cultural diversity, modern cities, and warm hospitality, earning it recognition by Insider Monkey as Asia's most loved destination.
In 1989, Vietnamese-American Alain Tan Huynh returned to a Vietnam still under embargo, with limited tourism and scarce dining options. Inspired by encouragement from government leaders and driven by love for his homeland, he pioneered Ho Chi Minh City's first high-end restaurants. With his wife, he opened Le Mekong in late 1989 despite shortages, power cuts, and heavy losses at first. By 1990, with rising foreign visitors, it became the city's premier French restaurant, even hosting General Vo Nguyen Giap.
Building on its success, Huynh co-founded Vietnam House, the first upscale Vietnamese restaurant, introducing innovations like the “buffet ganh” concept. Its reputation grew when foreign dignitaries, including former U.S. President George Bush, dined there. In 2000, he launched Pho 2000, which gained worldwide fame after U.S. President Bill Clinton's historic visit.
Over three decades, Huynh's ventures—from Le Mekong to Pho 2000—helped transform Ho Chi Minh City's culinary scene and integrate Vietnam into global gastronomy. Now retired in the U.S., he has handed management of the family's restaurants and hotels to his children. At 72, Huynh reflects that the enduring secret of his success is sincerity in service and always putting the customer first.