Vietnam has been named second, after India, among the countries with the most beautiful women by the online magazine Global Beauties, which ranks all entrants to beauty pageants each year

Vietnamese tycoon Trương Mỹ Lan, founder of Vạn Thịnh Phát, was sentenced to death for embezzling $12.5 billion via Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank; her sentence may be commuted to life if she repays 75% of the funds

In Quang Ngai, African swine fever outbreaks have disrupted pork supplies, a key ingredient for Tet, the celebrations for Lunar New Year; authorities are intensifying measures to control the disease and ensure enough pork is available for the holiday

The Bac Ninh festival celebrates 15 years of Quan Ho singing being recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage; known for its male-female duet style, Quan Ho is celebrated for its melodic richness and cultural importance

Media attention raised on Sùng Y Múa, a native Mong, healthcare worker, since 2005 dedicated to enhancing community welfare and health, reducing early marriages and drug abuse; her homestay revived cultural tourism and sets an example for the region