

Nguyen Manh Duong, 22, a chemistry-specialized student from Hanoi, pivoted to artificial intelligence during his studies at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and quickly excelled. Graduating with highest honors and a 3.94/4 GPA, he surpassed the achievements of most peers—only about 7–8% of HUST students graduate with distinction.
Before officially obtaining his bachelor's diploma, Duong secured admission to the PhD program in computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, ranked fifth in the U.S. for computer science, along with a full scholarship valued at US$370,000 over five years.
Initially unsure about research, Duong sought out opportunities at HUST's AIoT Lab under Associate Professor Nguyen Phi Le. Though challenging at first, he adapted and published seven papers, including one at the prestigious International Conference on Computer Vision. His research centered on federated learning and medical AI.
Duong's success was built on persistence, curiosity, and a deep desire to understand concepts rather than just earn grades. He maintained high academic performance, engaged in extracurricular activities, and gained industry experience before realizing research was his true path.
His achievements led to strong recommendations and eventual acceptance into Illinois, where he continues to collaborate with HUST labs while pursuing broader knowledge abroad. His story reflects resilience, adaptability, and the rising potential of Vietnamese talent in AI.
Phu Quoc Island, ranked Asia's second most beautiful island last year by Condé Nast Traveler readers, welcomed 6.5 million visitors from January to September, already surpassing the 5.9 million arrivals in 2023. Foreign arrivals rose sharply to 1.2 million, a 65% increase year-on-year, while tourism revenues reached VND51 trillion (US$1.9 billion), according to the provincial tourism department.
The island enters its peak season from October to May, characterized by sunny weather and calm seas. Its tourism outlook is further boosted with the launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, owned by Sun Group, which will begin operations on November 1. The airline will initially operate multiple daily flights on key routes, including Hanoi–HCMC, Hanoi–Phu Quoc, HCMC–Phu Quoc, and Hanoi–Da Nang.
Known for pristine beaches, luxury resorts, entertainment hubs, and historic temples, Vietnam's largest island has gained increasing global recognition. It recently ranked third on Travel + Leisure's list of the top 10 Asia-Pacific islands, following Bali and Koh Samui. Previously, it was voted Asia's second most beautiful island by Condé Nast Traveler readers, just behind Bali.
Phu Quoc's rapid growth and rising reputation highlight its emergence as one of the region's leading tourist destinations.
Bali police are reopening their investigation into the death of 23-year-old Australian tourist Byron Haddow, who drowned in a villa plunge pool in North Kuta in May, after his family discovered his body was repatriated without his heart. The family said they only learned about the missing organ days before the funeral in Australia, raising fears of foul play.
Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ariasandy confirmed that authorities will coordinate with the Australian Federal Police to interview three Australians who had been staying with Haddow but left Bali soon after the incident. Haddow's body was returned to Australia four weeks later, where a second autopsy revealed the missing heart.
The Australian Consulate-General in Bali has relayed the family's concerns to local hospital officials. However, forensic doctor Nola Margaret Gunawan, who performed the initial autopsy, denied misconduct, stating the heart was removed and kept for forensic testing.
Indonesia, particularly Bali, remains a top destination for Australian travelers, but the case has intensified scrutiny of local medical and investigative practices.
Storm Ragasa weakened more quickly than expected after moving mainly over land in China, lowering the risk of severe impacts in Vietnam. By 10 a.m. Thursday, it had become a tropical depression with winds of 50–61 kph, located 40 km east of Mong Cai Town, Quang Ninh Province. Authorities banned vessels at sea in Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, and Nghe An, while schools closed in parts of Mong Cai and Hai Phong. Airlines also adjusted flights in Thanh Hoa, Hai Phong, and Da Nang.
The depression is forecast to bring 80–180 mm of rain to northern and north-central provinces, with some areas exceeding 300 mm. Ragasa, the ninth storm in the East Sea this year, was the world's strongest typhoon of 2025, reaching 221 kph winds—making it the most powerful storm in the region in 70 years. It caused devastation in Taiwan, breaching a reservoir, sweeping away bridges, flooding towns, and leaving 17 dead and 17 missing. In the Philippines, at least 10 people died, including seven fishermen, with others still missing.
Meanwhile, Typhoon Bualoi has rapidly strengthened after forming east of the Philippines and is forecast to enter the East Sea on Friday night, potentially intensifying further.
Typhoon Bualoi has rapidly intensified just a day after forming and is projected to enter the East Sea (South China Sea) on Friday night, becoming the 10th storm to affect Vietnam this year. As of Thursday morning, it was east of the Philippines with winds of 133 kph, expected to strengthen further while crossing the Philippines before reaching Vietnam's central coast. Forecasts suggest winds could peak around 162 kph near Vietnam's north-central region.
Meanwhile, Storm Ragasa is weakening after hitting China's Guangdong Province and the Leizhou Peninsula. By Thursday morning, it was 40 km off Quang Ninh's Mong Cai Town, bringing winds of 61–74 kph and heavy rains. Ragasa is set to make landfall near Mong Cai by noon, weaken into a tropical depression by late afternoon, and dissipate into a low-pressure area by early Friday. Hanoi and provinces from northern Vietnam down to Thanh Hoa and Nghe An are expected to see heavy rains.
Experts warn that the East Sea could face four to five more tropical cyclones by year's end, with two to three directly striking Vietnam, mainly the central region. The greatest risks ahead remain heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides.
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