

Vietnam plans to make English compulsory from grade 1 instead of grade 3. Deputy Minister of Education Pham Ngoc Thuong announced the proposal at HCMC's education conference on Aug. 27, saying English will initially remain optional until schools have enough teachers and facilities.
HCMC has pioneered early English learning for decades. Since 1998, it has run intensive English programs, and by 2015 all first graders in the city were required to learn the language. In 2014, an “integrated program” allowed students from grade 1 to 12 to study math and science in English with native teachers. Enrollment has since grown 50-fold to around 300,000 students. More than half of preschools in the city also introduce English, though private and independent centers lag behind due to shortages.
HCMC ranks among the top nationwide in English exam results, coming second only to Hanoi this year. Research shows children learn languages more effectively when exposed early, supporting the city's approach.
Nationally, the Politburo has called for stronger foreign language education, with the Ministry of Education setting a 2035 target for all students and university learners to study English as a second language.
Tesla's European sales slumped again in July 2025, dropping 42% year-on-year to 6,600 units, while BYD surged past it with 9,698 cars sold, up 206%. From January to July, Tesla sold 77,000 vehicles in the EU, down from 137,000 in 2024. Including the UK and EFTA, Tesla still leads BYD by under 35,000 cars, but the gap is narrowing fast.
BYD is gaining ground thanks to lower prices, hybrids (which Tesla lacks), and tech innovations such as ultra-fast charging (250 miles in 5 minutes vs Tesla's 200 miles in 15) and its “God's Eye” autonomous system offered free. Despite EU tariffs of up to 27%, BYD's affordability and broader lineup appeal to European buyers increasingly favoring hybrids over pure EVs.
Tesla's struggles stem from both structural and image issues. EV adoption in Europe has slowed due to reduced subsidies, charging infrastructure gaps, and battery concerns. Meanwhile, hybrids dominate over one-third of the new car market, while EVs hold just 15.6%.
Elon Musk's political activities have further hurt Tesla's reputation. His financial backing of Donald Trump, support for Germany's far-right AfD, and endorsement of UK's Reform party have sparked protests and soured consumer sentiment. Surveys show 60% of potential buyers are deterred from Tesla due to Musk's behavior, with over 70% of Germans and Brits viewing him unfavorably.
Tesla now ranks among Europe's worst-selling carmakers, just above Honda and Mitsubishi, underscoring how shifting consumer demand and Musk's controversial politics are eroding its foothold.
Japanese tempura chain Tenya will close its last two branches in Thailand—at Terminal 21 and Samyan Mitrtown—on Aug. 31, ending its nearly decade-long run in the country. In a farewell post, the restaurant thanked customers and expressed hope of being remembered fondly, though no reason for the closure was given.
Founded in Asakusa, Tokyo, in 1989, Tendon Tenya grew into a global chain with more than 100 outlets. It entered Thailand in 2015 under Central Restaurants Group, opening first at Central Bangna.
The announcement sparked regret from loyal customers online. Many recalled weekly visits, fond memories from student days, and even eating Tenya in Japan. For some, the restaurant held special personal meaning, with comments expressing gratitude and hope for its eventual return.
Storm Kajiki brought torrential rains that flooded Hanoi on Aug. 25–26, leaving major roads submerged and paralyzing traffic. Many residents, including parents and office workers, were unable to leave home or were forced to turn back after failed attempts to navigate waterlogged streets.
Thu Huong in An Khanh Commune abandoned her commute when traffic stalled on the expressway. In Tu Liem, nearly all children in one preschool class stayed home as parents struggled with flooded routes. Some, like Bao Quoc, attempted long detours on motorbikes and bicycles, but many vehicles broke down in knee-deep water, overwhelming repair shops.
National Highway 6 and other key roads saw water nearly a meter deep, halting traffic. Hanoi's drainage company operated all pumping stations at full capacity, but more than 40 sites remained inundated after rainfall of 150–200 mm, with Thuong Tin district recording 160 mm in eight hours.
Despite the chaos, some had no choice but to push through. Lecturer Bich Ngoc, required at her university's freshman ceremony, took her toddler to school in heavy rain. The child became soaked, and Ngoc had to borrow clothes and even request a diaper from the teacher.
While some eventually reached workplaces, many concluded it was safer to stay home than risk wading through floodwaters and costly vehicle repairs.
Con Dao National Park has introduced stricter regulations on sea turtle watching to reduce ecological impacts and improve visitor experience. The southern archipelago, known both for its ecotourism and its wartime prison history, allows turtle nesting observation from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and baby turtle releases from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. To control crowds, each nesting site can host up to 50 visitors per night in groups of about 10, while release sites permit a maximum of 100 people at a time, split into two groups of 50. Excess visitors are rescheduled to other times or locations.
The park's Ecotourism and Environmental Education Department manages registration, organizes groups, and coordinates with local tourism stations. On-duty staff must guide visitors, explain rules, and ensure respectful behavior. Regulations include paying entrance fees, avoiding littering and single-use plastics, sitting in designated areas, keeping quiet, and following instructions. Transport operators and tour guides must also coordinate with the management board and cannot provide separate commentary.
Park director Nguyen Khac Pho stated the measures are designed to preserve sea turtle populations and promote sustainable, professional ecotourism. Con Dao, located off Ho Chi Minh City, attracted nearly 400,000 visitors in the first half of 2025.
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