The latest news of the day, continuously updated 24h. From official news sources such as CNN, BBC, VOA, Inside Science,...

Founded in 2005, ISHCMC-American Academy (ISHCMC-AA) is a leading international school in Ho Chi Minh City, accredited by CIS and NEASC, and the only local institution authorized to offer the College Board's AP Capstone Diploma. The program equips students with advanced skills in critical thinking, writing, and presentations, with high AP scores granting university credits in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

The school boasts experienced international faculty—70% with master's degrees or higher—and a multicultural environment that fosters global communication, collaboration, and leadership. Students participate in leadership roles, sports, and event planning, while receiving personalized guidance from academic advisors and college counselors.

Academically, ISHCMC-AA outperforms global benchmarks: in 2024, students achieved 35 perfect AP scores, an 80% pass rate (vs. 60% globally), and 100% success in several AP subjects. Math scores exceed U.S. and global averages, and students typically advance 2–3 English grade levels annually.

Graduates have gained admission to 38 of the top 100 U.S. universities and leading institutions in Canada and Australia, including UCLA, NYU, University of Toronto, and University of Sydney. The Class of 2025 received 611 university offers, over $44.4 million in scholarships, and all were admitted to at least one of their top three choices.

A DAAD survey of over 20,000 students at 130 German universities found that 64% of international students want to stay and work in Germany after graduation, with 49%—especially in economics, engineering, and computer science—hoping to start their own businesses. DAAD president Joybrato Mukherjee said this trend is a major opportunity amid Germany's skilled labor shortage, projected to reach 768,000 by 2028. In 2024, Germany issued a record 200,000 professional visas, boosted by its fast-track “Opportunity Card.”

Indian students have seen the biggest gains, with STEM employment rising over 600% since 2012. However, only one-third feel prepared for the German job market, citing needs for stronger career services, networking access, and language training. Mukherjee urged targeted university programs and dedicated staff to better equip students for integration into the workforce.

Thailand has been named the world's cheapest travel destination for American tourists, with average daily spending at US$81.87, according to The Forex Complex. The U.K. firm assessed average tourism costs, local inflation, and currency changes against the U.S. dollar across 19 popular destinations. A weakened Thai baht has boosted affordability for U.S. travelers. Common expenses reviewed included accommodation, transport, and meals.

Iceland ranked as the most expensive destination for 2025 at over US$400 per day, followed by Australia and Mexico. Thailand welcomed over 19 million foreign visitors in the first seven months of this year, down 6% from last year. It remains popular for its low costs and variety of travel experiences.

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet, a well-known Japanese barbecue and hotpot buffet, will close its only Singapore outlet at Jem on Aug. 30 after nine years of operation. The restaurant announced the decision on Instagram, thanking customers for their loyalty and reminding them to use all vouchers and membership perks before the final day, as unused benefits will be forfeited. No reason for the closure was given, though the brand will continue operating in Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

The move comes amid a wave of F&B closures in Singapore, from hawker stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, driven by rising operational costs and reduced consumer spending. Government data shows food and beverage business closures have risen to an average of 307 per month in 2025, up from 254 in 2024 and around 230 in both 2023 and 2022.

Hong Hanh's story is a mix of meticulous preparation, crushing disappointment, and determined recovery.

She spent six months planning her July 13 wedding in Hai Phong City, importing decorations from China, commissioning six gowns and traditional dresses, and arranging 15 ceremonial trays — a total cost of nearly VND 200 million (US$7,600). Everything seemed perfect until she received the nearly 2,000 wedding photos, which she found deeply disappointing.

After the photographer admitted fault and refunded her, Hanh decided to recreate the wedding for a second photoshoot on July 26. This time, a wedding center lent her a hall, 10 close friends attended, and she repeated all the rituals — vows, wine sharing, and ring exchange — in her six outfits. Though expensive, she finally got the beautiful images she wanted.

Her social media posts of the new photos drew warm reactions from friends, family, and strangers. While some had advised her to focus on the marriage rather than the pictures, she explained that photos are irreplaceable records of emotion and memory.

Marriage counselor Le Khanh noted that while bad wedding photos can be upsetting, they should be viewed as a minor mishap in the larger context of marriage. Photographer Tran Quoc Huy advised couples to always sign contracts to protect their interests.

Hanh herself admitted that in focusing so much on decorations and dresses, she neglected the importance of choosing the right photographer — a mistake that led to “version two” of her wedding.