Quarter 1/2020 Nhiều tác giả
BY LOCALS, FOR LOCALS
1-2-3/2020
PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING PROTOCOLS FOR BUSINESSES
Remove/Reduce single-use plastic items
Improve Waste Management 1. SEPARATE waste into Organic, Recyclables and Non-recyclables
NON-RECYCLABLES
RECYCLE plastic bottles, tin and can by reselling/donating to local collectors
ORGANIC
RECYCLABLES
2. COMPOST organic waste for organic farming or internal landscape
EDUCATE guests to support business' practices
Educate ENFORCE plastic reduction policy and TRAIN staff to comply with plastic reducing practices
say no
to single-use plastic items
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3. DISPOSE non-recyclables and inorganic waste for proper treatment by waste collection and treatment facilities
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By Locals, For Locals
EDITOR’S NOTE Happy New Year!
F&B FEATURES 5. The Holy Trinity … of Noodle Soups 8. The Best Burgers in Saigon - Any Way You Like ‘Em
12. Travelling, Behind Bars - An Intimate Chat with Thomas Gillgren at SHRI HCMC
TRAVEL FEATURES 16. Phu Quoc - Toward a Plastic Waste-Free Island
18. EPIZODE - Vietnam Becomes a Global Player Through Music, Dance, Art, and Sustainability
20. Fusion To Open 10 Hotels And 1,385 Hotel Rooms Across Vietnam
22. Floating with Dragons - Experiencing Cua Van Floating Village with Paradise Cruises
COMMUNITY FEATURES 26. Saigon Children: Giving the Gift of Opportunity
28. Vietnamese Traditions and Cultures
EDUCATION FEATURES 33. Tech Takes Learning to a New Level at
I trust that this festive season brought you all much love, belly-aching laughter, beautiful memories, & for those that love bubbles... copious amounts of champagne! At the start of each year I tend to find myself in a state of self reflection. Reflecting on my own identity Who am I? And who do I want to become in this new year? Now that we are at the start of 2020... the start of a new year... the start of a new decade, I wanted to reflect on the identity of Vietnam. What has the nation gone through? Where is the nation now? And what amazing goals & achievements are the growing communities of our beautiful country moving towards? In our IDENTITY issue of #iAMHCMC, discover the tranquil floating village of Cua Van (pg. 20) which has remained virtually untouched over the years despite Halong Bay’s growth as a major tourist hub. Lewis Nguyen writes about the humble bowl of noodle soup & how his Holy Trinity (pg. 5) has stood the test of time as icons of Vietnamese cuisine, never failing to evoke cherished memories of his childhood. In the fight to tackle the major issue of plastic waste that currently plagues the nation, WWF-Vietnam began the Phu Quoc - Toward a Plastic Waste-free Island Project (pg. 16), which hopes to unite local communities to work hand in hand & face the 200 tons of estimated waste generated on the island each day. Epizode (pg. 18), has successfully established Vietnam as a major player on the international electronic music festival scene, & in a similar effort to WWF-Vietnam, dedicated its latest edition towards educating contemporary minds on waste management & caring for our ecosystems. Metiseko (pg. 46), known for supporting local artisans & generations of Vietnamese tradition & talent, made their Vietnam International Fashion Week debut this year & cemented themselves as a heavyweight player within the local fashion scene, all whilst staying true to their brand identity. And in a similar light, within the modern age of mass production & manufacturing, In The Mood Saigon (pg. 44) celebrates the true craftsmanship & unparalleled quality of local artisan goods produced right here in Vietnam. I hope this issue inspires you to start the year off on the right foot and to seek opportunities to support your local communities and contribute, in a positive way, to the growing colourful identity of our beautiful country of Vietnam. Towards a better and brighter future. Happy Lunar New Year of the Rat everyone! Let’s make this year count! Live your best life. Faithfully,
Renaissance
Leroy Nguyen Content Manager
34. ISHCMC Prepares Children For Their Future Using Uniquely Human Skills
36. 5 Discipline Traps to Avoid - Mistakes even smart mothers make, and what to do instead
38. Performance Arts: A Serious Commitment at AIS
FURTHERMORE 40. Authenticity and Craftsmanship Prevails in the Modern Age of Manufacturing
42. Metiseko’s Moment 43. Building Workplace Performance 44. Through Trust 46. Quality over Quantity: KAZE Confronts Cheap Construction
HAVE FEEDBACK? CONTACT US AT LEROY@INNOVO.VN CEO Patrick Gaveau Operations Manager Thao Phan Accountants Minh Huynh Linh Huynh BD Manager Benjamin Giroux Account Executive Derick Hoang
Senior Accountant Executive Le Ngoc Khanh Linh Marketing Manager Thomas Kervennic Marketing Assistants Trinh Hang Tran Le Ngoc Tram Truong Xuan My Digital Assistant My Tran
Social Media Manager Huong Le CTO Stefan George Project Manager Tran Thanh Long Content Manager Leroy Nguyen Writers John Mark Harrell Zody Huynh
Claire McCarthy Laura Hill Karen Wise Victor Burrill Lewis Nguyen JK Hobson Rastian Gauna Production Coordinator Emma Tong Design Manager Hera Nguyen
E-NOVO CO., LTD 42/37 Hoang Dieu, District 4, HCMC | +84 28 3825 4316 | sales@innovo.vn
QUARTER I/2020 - Nhiều tác giả Thanh Niên Publishing House 64 Ba Trieu - Hanoi - Vietnam | Tel: (+84 0 24) 3 943 40 44 - 62 63 1719 Publishing Liability: Director - Editor in Chief: Le Thanh Ha | Editor: Ta Quang Huy License Info: Publishing Registration Plan No.: 4744-2019/CXBIPH/86-127/TN Publishing Permit No.: 818/QĐ-TN | Issued on 24 Dec 2019 | ISBN: 978-604-978-265-7 7,000 copies printed at HCMC Nhan Dan Newspaper Printing Co., Ltd (D20/532P, Hamlet 4, Binh Chanh District, HCMC) In xong và nộp lưu chiểu quý 1/2020 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing from the publisher.
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
by Lewis Nguyen
I always get excited when I visit Vietnam. Spending time with my family is definitely the highlight of my trips home, but gorging myself on as many Vietnamese dishes that I can during my usually short visits, comes a very close second. I was born in Ho Chi Minh City but left when I was three years old. I grew up in Sydney in the suburb of Cabramatta, affectionately known as “Vietnamatta” due to the many Vietnamese restaurants, bakeries, cafes and fabric shops that adorn the streets. Cabramatta is the largest Vietnamese community in Australia and is also sometimes referred to as ‘Little Saigon’. I was put to work in my parents’ Vietnamese restaurant from a very young age, and have been spoilt with amazing Vietnamese food growing up.
I live in London now, and it is only recently that some good Vietnamese restaurants have started emerging. I also lived in San Francisco for a couple of years, and although there are many Vietnamese restaurants there, not many are authentic or worth coming back a second time. For me, coming to Vietnam is always a treat! My favourite thing to do is to find the best street vendors that sell the dishes from my childhood that I love and constantly crave. Noodle soups in particular holds a special place in my heart and are a mainstay throughout Asia, they are light and tasty, and the broth is always prepared well in advance the evening before or super early in the morning. The best thing about noodle soups is the no-fuss satisfaction from each visit where you can literally find yourself
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slurping on your noodles mere seconds after ordering them. I am on a mission this visit. As per usual, my first priority is to tick off what I like to call “The Holy Trinity” of noodle soups : Bun Bo Hue, Banh canh gio heo, and of course Pho.
Bun Bo Hue - Spicy beef noodle soup with pork hock I’m quite often asked what my favourite dish is, and if I had to choose my ‘death-row’ meal, what would it be? My answer is always Bun Bo Hue, a deep flavoured spicy soup cooked for hours with lemongrass and shrimp paste, pork bones, beef bones and beef shank. I’m biased, but my mother really does make the best Bun Bo Hue. 5
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a squeeze of lime and a generous dollop of Thuy’s homemade satay chilli paste. The chilli paste adds an addictive kick to the dish, but be warned, it does pack quite a punch so don’t be too overconfident. We arrived at 10am and Thuy’s giant pot of stock was down to her last three servings so do make sure you come early if you can. On the 1st and 15th of the lunar calendar Thuy cooks vegan dishes only.
Banh Canh - Tapioca noodle soup with pork hock Bun Bo Hue (Lewis Nguyen)
Quan Thuy 42 Quoc Huong. Thao Dien. District 2. Open 7 days from 4:30am until they run out, usually about 10am. So come early! VND 45,000 for a fully loaded bowl with all the toppings. Nestled on the busy corner of Quoc Huong and Xuan Thuy, Quan Thuy is my first stop whenever I am in HCMC. It is big and clean and not too cramped. As you approach the vendor, the aromas of an authentic Bun Bo Hue wraps your senses like a comforting blanket. Owner, Chef Thuy, is super sweet and incredibly generous. Thuy’s Bun Bo Hue is the closest to my mother’s that I have ever tasted. The bowl arrives promptly. The waiter places a generous plate of bean sprouts, banana blossom, morning glory and holy basil, and a glass of iced tea in front of me. My eyes widen when I see the bowl of Bun Bo Hue and I am a kid in my parents’ home again. The deep earthy smell of lemongrass mixed with shrimp paste, combined with Asian basil and freshly sliced chilli kicks my taste buds into overdrive and I start salivating. My bowl is full to the brim with thick spaghetti-like rice noodles, slivers of pork hock, a baton of Vietnamese ham, and my favourite, pork knuckle. I first take a moment to smell the fragrant soup, I quickly mix everything that is in my bowl and start with a good mouthful of the broth. I went to a whisky tasting recently and 6 | iamhcmc.com
was told by the brand ambassador that you should leave the 25 year old whisky in your mouth for 10 seconds before slowly swallowing the velvety liquid. Your mouth will become dry but will immediately become moist again and all the flavours of the whisky will open up and awaken your senses. He called this the “Hallelujah moment”. Every sip of broth, and every mouthful of Thuy’s Bun Bo Hue is a “Hallelujah moment”. The noodles are silky and cooked to perfection. The Vietnamese ham has a nice density and peppery flavour, the slivers of pork hock are not overcooked and the pork knuckle is a dream. I love dipping my meats into a mixture of fresh chilli, fish sauce straight from the bottle,
Banh Canh Gio Heo (Lewis Nguyen)
A very close second to my favourite noodle soup is definitely Banh Canh Gio Heo. I remember when my siblings and I were kids, we used to help our mother prepare the pork hock for her soups, this involved hours of painstaking labour using tweezers to pick out all the hair from the trotters. Our mother would then debone the shins, tie them and cook them for the pork hock slices. The trotters would be chopped into smaller pieces and also cooked in the broth. My father then came up with the ingenious idea to use a blowtorch to burn the hair from the trotters. We were very much relieved of his time cutting discovery but did wish he had the lightbulb moment many years earlier. I cannot lie, I have a soft spot for pork hock whether it is sliced or served as the hock or knuckle itself. I love eating off the bone so
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He painstakingly weighs, toasts, and grinds his aromatics, cleans his many kilos of beef shin, and nurtures the pot for hours on end and well into the night.
Pho Bo (Lewis Nguyen)
My father simmers his Pho stock overnight to really bring out all the flavours. Sourcing the best brisket, tendon, tripe, beef balls and fresh herbs are my mother’s responsibility, as are the fresh rice noodles.
Pho Dung Corner of Street 16 and Anh Phu street. An Phu Ward. District 2. Open 7 days from 6 am to 2 pm. VND 35,000 per bowl.
biting into the hock and chewing through the gristle is heaven to me. The meat from the hock has a tough, sinewy, gelatinous texture, which may sound like an unappealing effort for many, but is absolute heaven for me. The main ingredients of the Banh Canh Gio Heo stock are pork bones and dried shrimp, my mother also adds lemongrass to hers. What I love about this soup, in addition to the pork hock, is the clarity of the broth, which allows the dried shrimp and the flavours of each ingredient to shine through. I also love the texture of the fat tapioca noodles and how they absorb all the flavour of the broth. I cannot find this dish anywhere in London and as of a few years ago the Asian supermarkets and grocery stores stopped selling the treasured Banh Canh (Tapioca noodles). I asked them why and was told that there was no demand, I was shocked and saddened. Now, whenever I visit my cousins in Paris, I always buy a few packets of fresh Banh Canh to bring home to London with me.
Truc Phuong 44, Street 4. An Phu Ward. District 2. Phone: 0919 366 396 Open 7 days from 6 am until sold out, usually about 1:30 pm. VND 50,000 for a generous bowl with added pork hock and quail egg. Truc Phung is tucked away in a quiet back street. At the front of the stall is the ubiquitous
food trolley with noodles, pork hock, large king prawns, minced pork, peppered Vietnamese ham (Cha Lua), and quail eggs on display. All of these ingredients make up Truc Phuong’s Banh Canh Gio Heo. I order mine with extra pork hock and extra quail eggs, and when the waiter brings my bowl I already have my spoon ready in hand to sip the broth. I add generous portions of chinese celery and lettuce and I take a deep whiff of the broth and can definitely smell the dried shrimp. I cannot help but smile. The soup is clear, as it should be, and the dried shrimp flavour definitely shines through. The chinese celery adds a nice crunch and a bitter yet fresh taste to the dish.
Pho Bo - Vietnamese Beef noodle soup Vietnam’s national dish is great for any time of the day. I love having a bowl of Pho Bo in the morning for breakfast, but the only place that this can be done is in Vietnam. Most Vietnamese restaurants in other countries do not really open for breakfast so Pho is relegated to lunch or dinner. Pho Bo is my father’s speciality, he has spent many years refining his recipe, adding and replacing ingredients over the years. Both my parents have spent many hours arguing over the recipe but ultimately my father has the final say in this dish. I have fond memories of him labouring over his 100 litre pot of Pho.
I always come to Pho Dung for my Pho Bo fix and always order her Pho Bo Tai Nam Bo Vien (Beef noodle soup with brisket, rare beef, and beef balls). As soon as I arrive she prepares my Pho Bo and on this occasion informs me that my parents have not eaten here in awhile. I look down into her welcoming bowl and am greeted by a dark yet clear broth which lets out wafts of aromatics. I can smell the distinct aniseed of the star anise and the sweetness of the cassia bark used to create the broth. A huge plate of Asian basil, saw leaf coriander and rice paddy herb accompanies the Pho Bo. Almost all of the customers around me are having their Pho Bo with chilli sauce and hoisin sauce but not me, I am definitely my mother’s son. Our family are split when it comes to these sauces, my mother and I do not add them, we consider ourselves purists and think the sauces overpower the delicate Pho Bo broth. But each to their own! My first mouthful of Pho Bo transports me back to the corner of the kitchen where I would sit quietly watching my father skim the impurities from his pot of Pho. The fresh noodles are delicious, as are the slivers of brisket with just enough fat on them which adds a lip smacking richness to the dish. The rice paddy herb goes well with the Asian basil and coriander and adds a welcome freshness to the Pho. As quickly as the Pho is served, it has disappeared into my happy and content belly. I blot my brow and exhale blissfully. I feel energized and ready to face the day ahead. And so completes my Holy Trinity of noodle soups. 7
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
by JK Hobson & Leroy Nguyen
The Best Burgers in Saigon
Any way you like‘Em
Foodies in Saigon are fortunate in that the city has a variety of burger options with a range of prices, qualities and overall dining experiences. You can enjoy an old-school, greasy spoon burger from what Americans would lovingly refer to as a “hole in the wall” or enjoy a delectable, fine dining style burger that will make you want to hold it with extended pinkies. There is also a range of options between these two extremes, right here in Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city.
cheeseburger options, with a selection of sides, sauces, additional toppings, and drinks to design your perfect meal.
Kid Friendly: With quality ingredients and
Favourite Dish: We think nothing beats the
is takeaway and delivery only. So if you’re looking to cater that next birthday party, poker night, or you’re inviting mates over to watch the big game, then Mad Burger is a great choice.
simplicity of a good cheeseburger. Why not add an extra slice of matured yellow cheddar for only VND 10,000? Or an extra all Australian beef patty for VND 50,000? Go crazy! We don’t judge.
Mad Burger 6/1/2 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien, District 2 Opening Hours: 11 am - 9:30 pm Price: VND125,000 for a standard hamburger At the most recent Saigon Burger Festival held in November 2019, Mad Burger took out three awards for “Best Beauty Queen”, “Most Original Burger”, and “Best Burger 2019” for their delicious creation The Smokey Black. Although the smash-hit is not available on their permanent menu, the burgers available at Mad Burger always fulfil those ‘treat yourself’ cravings. The kitchen keeps their burger menu simple and straightforward, with just hamburger, cheeseburger, and bacon 8 | iamhcmc.com
MAD Burger
simple flavours Mad Burger is perfect for kids.
Large Groups: Keep in mind, Mad Burger
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Kid Friendly: Yes, but the restaurant is small. Kids may have to perch on high stools, which is not the best for the under-five set.
Large Groups: No. But there is always the option to do take-away!
Marcel Gourmet Burger 132 Calmette, District 1 Opening Hours: 12 pm - 10 pm Price: VND160,000 for Le Classic Burger On the flip side (pun intended) of the burger spectrum in Saigon, you’ll find Marcel Gourmet Burger. Now for those of you wanting a Cliff’s notes review: It’s a GOURMET FRENCH HAMBURGER.
Chuck’s Burger
Chuck’s Burgers 71 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, District 1 196 Le Lai, Ben Thanh, District 1 Opening Hours: 10 am - 10 pm Price: VND90,000 for a standard burger Chucks has one of the most friendly, low-fi yet comfortable atmospheres you’ll find in all of Saigon. As soon as you walk in, it’s impossible not to notice the walls lined with signatures from customers all raving about the food and wishing Chuck well with his establishment. This evidence of happy customers from times past provide a unique sense of community, comfort, and warmth.
As for the burgers, they’re simple and delicious. The menu isn’t bogged down with signature burgers dreamed up by an overly ambitious chef. Conversely, it has a very do-it-yourself aesthetic. Customers make their choices of burgers and toppings utilising a user-friendly menu and dry-erase marker. There are a wide selection of free toppings as well as a number of speciality ones. The ingredients are fresh and if you make special requests the chefs are flexible enough to please the most particular of tastes.
Favourite Dish: Your best bet at Chuck’s is to use the old-school KISS method, which means “Keep It Simple, Stupid”, and enjoy Chuck’s classic hamburgers done right.
Now if you’re still reading, we’ll explain. Marcel takes an attentive, French gourmet approach to this classic culinary delight. Burgers are generally not hot-sellers amongst Vietnamese folks so the original concept sought to draw in locals who are discriminating about foreign cuisine, knowing that if locals liked them, the expats would follow suit. Marcel limits their deliveries to Districts 1 and 7 as a means of exercising quality control; they don’t want the freshness of their cuisine compromised by extended delivery times. Also, to get the best of their menu, it’s advised that you show up early and beat the lunchtime rush because the daily specials sell out quickly and once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Chuck doesn’t mess around with a bunch of bells and whistles, add-ons or elaborate signature hamburgers. He comes from an American restaurant background having worked at a successful franchise restaurant. He prides himself on his establishments’ personalised service, comfortable atmosphere, and the fact that his burgers are straight-up satisfying. At the Pasteur location, the grill is placed at the front of the restaurant so you can watch the cooks flipping burgers through the storefront window. It’s a kind of comforting transparency that often brings passersby in off of the street and turns them into long-time customers.
Marcel Gourmet Burger 9
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The French are well-known for their baking expertise. (France’s former presence in Vietnam can still be experienced in Vietnam with every bite of a banh mi.) Marcel utilizes this prowess, providing freshly-baked brioche buns on the daily. Many of the sauces are created especially for the establishment’s signature burgers and the chips are also made fresh every day. The chefs pay close attention to the delicate balance between saltiness and sweetness. The signature burgers are ambitious, while still maintaining subtlety and the portions are also decidedly modest so you won’t find yourself in a food coma after the meal! Soul Burger
Favourite Dish: We recommend trying something off the restaurant’s rotating menu. Some special items make their way onto this list (like truffle mayonnaise) so adventurous eaters will never be bored by Marcel’s selections.
Kid Friendly: Definitely. Start your kids off young appreciating things like bleu cheese on burgers and artisanal ketchup.
Large Groups: A group of six can just fit but you will need to reserve in advance.
Soul Burger 4 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh, District 1 Opening Hours: 11:30 am - 10 pm Price: VND210,000 to VND375,000 for one of their Big Show burgers
signature burgers. Bring a hearty appetite, because some of them are MASSIVE. Soul Burger does its own butchering, making char-grilled burgers from cuts of USDA beef that they pride themselves on containing what they claim to be the perfect ratios of meat and fat. Each signature burger is cleverly-named, paying homage to some of history’s great Soul Music artists.
Favourite Dishes: Some standout examples are the “Little Richard”, which is made with caramelised onion, cheddar cheese, bacon and egg or the appropriately
Nestled up a flight of stairs in an almost hidden alley across from the iconic Ben Thanh Market in D1, you’ll find Soul Burger. Of all of the hamburger joints in Saigon, Soul Burger has the strongest theme and the most ambitious burgers. Walking into the restaurant is like entering a time capsule that’s solely dedicated to preserving the memories of some of Rhythm and Blues and Soul music’s most prolific artists. Portraits of American legends like Little Richard, Ray Charles, and James “The Godfather of Soul” Brown line the walls and are even represented in the menu, which contains a decent-sized selection of 10 | iamhcmc.com
Jake’s American Barbecue
dubbed “Al Green”, which has avocado, salsa verde, and cilantro. (See what they did there? Everything on it is ALL GREEN.) The “Soul Burger” is a larger version of the “Little Richard” made with not one but TWO 200g patties. Even the heartiest of eaters will have to bring their A-game.
Kid Friendly: Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to love on Soul Burger’s menu, just don’t expect them to finish these massive burgers alone!
Large Groups: With their small terrace and easily movable tables, we think it’s
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possible to have a group gathering here if you give a good amount of notice to Soul Burger beforehand.
Jake’s American Barbecue 50 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, District 1 Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 10 pm Price: VND170,000 for a starter burger VND270,000 for the Juicy Lucy Jake’s American Barbecue looks like it was built by a homesick American expat who decided that rather than return home once a year, he would recreate a middle American bar/eatery right in the heart of Saigon. Located in the heart of the city on Pasteur St in D1, Jake’s looks and feels like a small museum dedicated to mid-western Americana. Sports jerseys, rock memorabilia and all sorts of mementoes line the walls of the restaurant, which contains a full bar as well as multiple flat-screen TVs usually tuned to sports. If there were a “Best Places to Watch a Hockey Game in Saigon” list, Jake’s would make that list as well. Jake’s culinary tribute to Americana comes in the form of a special kind of burger, the likes of which most people in the world have never had the fortune to sample. New customers at Jake’s might look at the menu and wonder “What in the WORLD is a ‘Juicy Lucy?’ By the time they leave they say “Where has this BEEN all my life? How has cheese INSIDE A BURGER not been a thing until just now?” Well, it’s been a thing in Minnesota for over five decades, originating in a Minneapolis speakeasy, according to Jake, the restaurant’s owner and founder. A Juicy Lucy is created by placing cheese inside of the hamburger patty while the burger is cooking, resulting in a delicious and hearty cheeseburger that doesn’t have its bun fused to its beef.
Favourite Dishes: Jake’s is well-known in Saigon as being one of the premier eateries for lovers of all things barbecue, but the Juicy Lucy, in particular, is something that has to be sampled and savoured for anyone on the hunt for amazing burgers.
Relish and Sons
Kid Friendly: Of course, what could possibly be more kid-friendly than throwing on a bib and getting down and dirty with some BBQ sauce?
Large Groups: Jakes American BBQ is by far the best choice on this list for a group gathering. Call in advance and they can arrange the room to fit your whole amateur rugby team.
Relish and Sons 44 Dong Du, Ben Nghe, District 1 105 - 107 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward, District 2 Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm Price: VND170,000 for a classic burger For the past three years, Relish and Sons has been a Saigon mainstay for people hankering for hamburgers. Along with Chuck’s, they were one of the first specialty burger restaurants in town. The fact that they’ve been around for so long says something. Relish and Sons’ Australian chef has been in the burger business for over 20 years and is rightfully proud of the quality of their gourmet selection. Relish and Sons has a steady selection of 15 burgers made from 100 percent Australian
grass-fed beef and has something new and innovative on the grill on a monthly basis. Some of the specialty hamburgers that were brought around for these occasions have gone on to occupy permanent spots on the menu. Ambitious offerings like the com tam burger and even the pho burger have stuck around and become favourites, especially for local folks who love hamburgers with a taste of Vietnamese authenticity. Relish and Sons also offers salads and appetizers but strives to keep the balance between expanding the menu to bring in a variety of customers and staying true to their concept, a place that offers damn good gourmet hamburgers.
Favourite Dishes: The Blue Vein - Probably the worst name for one of the best burgers with blue cheese you’re going to ever get to eat. The combination of high-quality beef, blue cheese and rocket make this one a standout favourite. Bring a healthy appetite because the portions are substantial.
Kid Friendly: Relish and Sons has a Kids Combo for VND 100,000, which consists of one mini slider, chips, onion rings or hash browns and a soda. Finish things off with a milkshake and you’ll be your kids’ hero.
Large Groups: Possible for eight people or so. 11
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
by Laura Hill
Travelling, Behind Bars
An Intimate Chat with Thomas Gillgren at SHRI HCMC Sitting down with Thomas, I am keen to hear how he has made his way from Stockholm, Sweden to Saigon, but he is quick to correct me explaining that his journey to Vietnam started before he was even born. “It really started in Paris,’’ he says with a smile. “It was the late 60’s, early 70’s, and many Vietnamese students had made their way to Europe. My mother was studying in Sorbonne, and she met a young student from Vietnam.” From this meeting, a romance blossomed, and the couple stayed together for a number of years, but ultimately the pull of their two home countries was too strong. “My mother wanted to go back to Sweden, and my father always had an urge to go back to Vietnam, to support (his) country.” Thomas explains. “Ultimately, when the love (in the) relationship had changed to friendship, when I was maybe 2 or 3 years old, he did.’ However, growing up in Sweden, Thomas was never a stranger to his Vietnamese heritage. “My mother never shied from talking about Vietnam, or telling me about my father and 12 | iamhcmc.com
his beliefs,” Thomas says. “One of the reasons he came back to Vietnam was to look after his father and I know that he has always loved his country very, very much.” After he moved back to Vietnam, it was ten years before Thomas was able to meet up with his father again, but he remembers vividly the day he received a letter telling him that his father and his new family had moved to Europe and he wanted Thomas to meet his new baby sister. “When we received that letter, we were both very excited!” Thomas says of himself and his mother. “I was 12 or 13 and it was a really emotional reunion, because I had heard about him but never met him. We took the train to Brussels and we were on the platform, and then … it was like a movie!’ With commitments and careers in different countries Thomas and his father have had little opportunity to meet in person over the last 25 years, but happily, since Thomas’s arrival in Vietnam they have once again been reunited. Indeed, on more than one occasion, Thomas’ work has provided him an opportunity to learn
about his heritage and connect with family members located all around the world; a half sister in Brussels, an aunt and cousins in Hong Kong and more cousins here in Vietnam. With so much to learn about himself and his relatives, Thomas says that he knew he would always venture to Vietnam at some point, but it has been a much longer road than he ever imagined.
Starting the journey Thomas’ early life in Stockholm was spent surrounded by a large family with “loads” of cousins and aunties playing a part in his childhood. Creativity flowed through the family with many finding success as actors or artists but it was Thomas’ musician grandfather who put him on the road into the food and beverage industry. “My grandfather inspired me,” says Thomas. “From when I was a teenager, he was always bringing home things like good quality wines and spirits, and was always cooking. He was very good friends with the best chefs in Sweden.
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Private dining room at SHRI
He’s my mentor when it comes to the finer things in life”. Thomas’ glittering F&B career started working for ‘some extra money’ after he completed a period of mandatory military service in his home country. His first job was working in a restaurant and casino, starting as a croupier. However, despite his young age, Thomas quickly took on more responsibility, and started collecting the skills that have led him to where he is now. “I was actually running eight venues, as a casino manager,’ he explains “and that helped me a lot in terms of managing venues, managing a lot of staff and organisation. Also, because you have to be very quick in counting when you’re on the table, I learnt to be friends with numbers at that time, and I love numbers until today!” Few would have been surprised if the promise of a management position and a loving family had halted Thomas’ journey before it started, but the lure of the brighter lights in bigger cities eventually drew him away from Stockholm. Though he thought about moving to Vietnam
at the time, he opted for somewhere closer to home and it was a decision that landed him in exactly the right place at the right time.
I moved to London in my mid-twenties because I wanted to learn more about the bar industry, and I was there just when the whole cocktail scene exploded,” Thomas says with a smile. “I got to work with some of the best bartenders in the world and I was part of the first generation
“The word ‘mixologist’ didn’t exist! We were just ‘enthusiastic bartenders’. We were the first generation of cocktail bartenders and we started experimenting with flavours. We infused different types of flavours into spirits, which hadn’t really been done before. We started using fresh ingredients, taking inspiration from the kitchen, which hadn’t been done before. We were using different tools that we didn’t use at that time, and that exploded as well, and what happened then was a change in the whole F&B industry when it came to the approach towards beverages.” Reflecting on this period of change, Thomas suggests that he is experiencing similar things at present in Ho Chi Minh City.
of the ‘new cocktail’ era. It’s fantastic! There are so Still smiling, he explains that this was a time when there was genuine competition between the classic cocktail scene of New York and more experimental London, for the right to call their city the ‘cocktail capital’. “People say New York, but the ‘new cocktail’ era very much started in London” he says proudly.
many places opening here in Saigon,and there are things that are different here in Vietnam, flavours and tastes, that are completely different from what we grow up with in Europe… 13
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
Outdoor celebrations on the gorgeous terrace at SHRI
“... And, nowadays, people have access to what’s happening in San Francisco, what’s happening in New York, what’s happening in London, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, in a second. People get inspired by that, so it’s going so much quicker now.” Talking about social media and the instant access to information that we currently enjoy, he laughs, “When I started, it was newspapers and magazines! We had an industry magazine that everyone shared and passed around, called ‘Class’, that’s how we would find out what was going on!” Whilst London’s communication channels may be slow by today’s standard, it was undoubtedly an exciting place to be in terms of developing an F&B career. While many bartenders tend to stick to spirits and cocktails, Thomas was determined to branch out and gain as much knowledge as he could. Carrying the seed of his grandfather’s influence, he took the opportunity to develop his understanding of food and wine, leading to some incredible opportunities. “I learned a lot in London and I started being inspired by wine. Working in restaurants, 14 | iamhcmc.com
it’s limitless what you can learn, so I started being more and more interested. I was working with some of the best sommeliers in the world. Then I ended up working with some really great chefs. Looking at them, and what they created, was so inspirational to me. When you can see the passion of the people in the industry, that’s the key, because that’s where you find the success.” Thomas certainly experienced success in 2002 when he was able to work with Michelin starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, whilst opening world renowned restaurant Sketch in Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive districts. Once given the label of ‘the most expensive restaurants in the world, Sketch was just one of the high-profile venues Thomas was associated with during his time in London. However, it was not all plain sailing. Thomas experienced his share of difficulties too. “I actually opened a restaurant / bar / nightclub in London that went ‘tits up’,” he says laughing, “I lost everything, all my money, literally lost everything!” Noticing my
surprised expression at his amused response, Thomas is quick to explain.
It was maybe not so fun at the time, but I turned it around and used that experience. I had learned more and more and more about (the F&B industry), but that experience taught me that everything is attached to a cost and that has helped me greatly in my career. And what does the future have in store for Thomas? “I will stay here indefinitely” he replies with certainty. “Vietnam is the place that is happening now, I’ve not just heard it, I’ve seen it. People are coming over here, but it’s the Vietnamese people that are the key. They are so eager to learn and to be part of the world but without losing their originality! And being Vietnamese, that’s what I’m here for too. To become more Vietnamese and to honour my Vietnamese heritage.”
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by WWF Vietnam
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In engaging with the local government, the project is working with the District’s People Committee to commit the whole island to reduce single-use plastic. Over 60 teachers and school representatives from more than 30 schools have attended a two-day training on plastic waste and have begun adopting plastic-reducing practices into their schools’ policies. Two villages adjacent to the seagrass beds - Da Chong in Bai Thom commune and Bai Bon in Ham Ninh commune - are setting up a better waste management system where plastic waste is separated and better collected, reducing the chances of discharging waste directly into the ocean.
A plastic waste polluted beach on Phu Quoc Island © WWF-Viet Nam / Duong Quoc Binh Long celebrated as the “Pearl Island” of Vietnam, Phu Quoc in recent years faces a severe crisis: WASTE!
The Situation As 200 tons of waste is produced daily, the largest island in Vietnam finds itself inundated with overwhelming waste, especially plastic waste, and the consequences are overtly visible. Visit any public beach that is not managed by a private resort, one can easily spot patches of plastic bags floating among the waves, remnants of styrofoam boxes, and plastic containers beached in the sand. Stand on Nguyen Trung Truc Bridge overlooking the Duong Dong River below, one can observe a stream of assorted waste dumped by locals, waste that will follow the river current heading out to sea. Driving to the north-west of the island one has to pass the infamous open landfill dump right by the road, this has unfortunately grown into a small hill and is now covered by a temporary fence to hide it from obvious view. 16 | iamhcmc.com
This waste situation is not only impacting the tourism business on the island but also damaging precious native marine ecosystems, including the local seagrass beds, which are essential habitat for blue swimmer crabs - a valuable main source of income for many fishermen communities on the island.
Looking Forward To help protect the native environment and address plastic waste issues, WWFVietnam began the Phu Quoc - Toward a plastic waste-free island project. Sponsored by USAID and implemented by WWF-Vietnam, this project is working with many different stakeholders such as the local government, schools, local communities and businesses who are expected to cooperate with each other within a public-private partnership platform to reduce single-use plastic, and move towards a plastic waste-free island.
With technical support from WWF-Vietnam, participating businesses are exploring ways to reduce single-use plastic in their daily operations. Effective practices like removing plastic straws, using refillable dispensers for shampoo, replacing plastic packaging, using glass bottles, separating waste etc. are being implemented by many businesses. WWFVietnam hopes to facilitate a group of businesses committed to reduce single-use plastic products, in which members can advise one another and inspire interested businesses to join. WWFVietnam will also connect this group to the local government, further advocating for collaboration among different stakeholders to tackle the plastic waste issue together, and to one day abolish the 200 tons of waste that is produced by the island per day.
In Conclusion At the end of November 2019, 37 businesses in Phu Quoc had officially agreed to participate in the project. With the support from Visit Phu Quoc (visitphuquoc.info), WWF-Vietnam hopes to map out these businesses, so that any tourist who wants to help the plastic-reducing cause can support these businesses and spread the word. Please help our beautiful island, minimize your footprint by at least saying no to single-use plastic! For more information or if you would like to get involved, please contact Mr. Binh at binh.vuongtrong@wwf.org.vn
SOLID WASTE SITUATION & MANAGEMENT IN PHU QUOC ISLAND
200 tons
1 WASTE TREATMENT FACILITY
155 tons
3 OPEN WASTE DUMPSITE
is the estimated total waste generation per day
is the total waste collected per day
32.1 tons
is the average plastic waste generation
HÃ m Ninh
10.8 tons is re-collected by waste collectors
11.4 tons is discharged into the environment
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by Leroy Nguyen
TRAVEL
Vietnam Becomes a Global Player Through Music, Dance, Art, and Sustainability
EPIZODE is a unique music and art festival held annually at Vietnam’s most picturesque island getaway, Phu Quoc. The 11-day and night long festival kicks off after Christmas and ploughs straight through into the New Year. Over the last three hugely successful editions, the festival has featured some of the biggest electronic music headliners including the likes of Carl Cox, Ricardo Villalobos, and Loco Dice, alongside some of the most prolific talents from around Asia. In 2019, attendance rates doubled from previous years, with more than 10,000 people travelling from 79 countries to attend. In just three years, EPIZODE is now recognized as one of the most iconic electronic music festivals in Asia. It is also touted as one of the best New Year’s Eve music getaways that gathers ravers, industry folk and avid travellers alike in one dreamy environment equipped with an unparalleled music selection, combined with next level stage and lighting production. The festival’s main goal is to bring the latest electronic music trends to Asia, whilst also showcasing the best regional talents. Epizode aims to become the winter hub destination to be, for international party goers, connecting East and West within a crazy cool artistic setting. This year’s event took place on a larger site with chill-out and daily activity zones, a 18 | iamhcmc.com
food-court, and marketplace. A significant effort was also put into the creation of a comfortable leisure area with yoga and sports classes, group meditation classes and healing sound sessions that aimed to bring the mind and the body to a state of balance and harmony.
Eco Credentials At Epizode All over the world, festivals, both large and small, are growing increasingly conscious of their ecological footprint. In its latest edition, Epizode focused heavily on its green credentials with a list of new eco-initiatives.
“By promoting environmental awareness we are doing as much as we can to minimize the harmful impact and to strengthen the idea of a community coming together to celebrate the environment while listening to good music.” From start to finish, the team at Epizode kept strict control over what came onsite and into the festival’s ‘ecosystem’. Action was taken to limit plastic waste, and positively influence and educate the attitudes and behaviours of all staff and guests of the festival.
“During the initial production phase and continuing right through to the festival period, we claim to educate the team, local partners and the audience about the responsibility that one can take to prevent the collapse of our precious ecosystem.” Below are some of the incredible actions that were carried out in Epizode’s fight towards improving the ecosystem of Phu Quoc and building a team of proud eco-warriors... All plastic water bottles were banned from the site - Epizode, in collaboration with beWater, supplied guests with water served exclusively in aluminum cans. beWater have committed to reducing single use plastic waste by fully managing the entire life cycle of their cans, from distribution to collection & recycling to supporting crucial local causes. https://bewatertoo.com/ Plastic straws were replaced with eco-friendly wild grass straws from local partner Zero Waste Saigon. https://www.zerowastevietnam.com/ All tableware used within the food court at Epizode were made from recycled sugarcane that decomposes in just 45 days - These were
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provided by Ho Chi Minh City based company Green Domino Eco Solutions. http://green-domino.com/ This edition, Epizode launched a cup sharing system applicable to all bars - Guests received a reusable cup with a deposit of 1 token upon buying their first drink at any bar. These cups were easily exchanged for clean ones upon the purchase of a new drink. When finished drinking for the day, used cups were returned and the deposit refunded. Epizode provided separated waste collection at the festival - Three types of trash bins were provided: plastic, aluminum and mixed garbage, with a transparent system of its further recycling. Cigarette butt control - At many public events cigarette butts prove to be the most intrusive
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form of waste. At the festival, merchandise shops offered affordable pocket ashtrays to be carried by guests during their stay. Apart from pocket ashtrays the merchandise shops also offered a lot of other eco-friendly items such as reusable water bottles, bamboo straws, bamboo cups and more.
Sustainable art - The festival’s art crew was also motivated to organize their workflow in a more green way. Artists and decorators, as a first priority, considered reusable options from the second hand market before buying new equipment and materials.
Education - At the newly designed and comfortable recreational space Whale Temple, Epizode focused on reaching out to contemporary minds by delivering the ecological agenda through expert voices on lectures and trainings.
Art & Fashion At Epizode
Group cleaning events - In collaboration with Phu Quoc Clean & Green, Epizode organized two cleaning events to remove all waste from the beach. All Epizode team members and guests were invited to participate in the great cause. https://www.facebook.com/PhuQuocClean andGreen
In the latest edition, the Epizode Festival joined CONCEPT MARKET to increase its creative vibe by adding daily activities, a lifestyle & beauty zone, interactive art exhibitions, and a designer’s market. CONCEPT MARKET is an ‘International Art Fashion Community’ based in Moscow that organizes fully immersive art & fashion events and fashion shows featuring talented designers from around the globe. This year, a selection of 20 art and fashion projects were featured on the CONCEPT MARKET CRUISE 2020. Their first stop on their global tour was our beautiful country of Vietnam, at the fourth edition of Epizode. On each day of the festival, the featured designers from all over the world presented their eclectic collections made especially for the festival. Guests loved what they saw and eagerly jumped at the chance to go home with some exclusive and unique items. https://conceptm.store 19
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by Leroy Nguyen
TRAVEL
FUSION
TO OPEN 10 HOTELS AND 1,385 HOTEL ROOMS ACROSS VIETNAM The wellness-inspired hotel group will launch new brands and expand into emerging destinations
Fusion is a pioneer of wellness-inspired hotels and resorts and the only fully vertically integrated hospitality company in Southeast Asia. Blending an innovative ‘all-spa inclusive’ approach to wellness vacationing with their signature ‘breakfast anywhere, anytime’ concept, they offer welcoming, down-to-earth hospitality in outstanding holiday destinations to create unique, memorable experiences that set them apart from others. Fusion is substantially expanding its presence in Vietnam by tripling the number of properties in the ”Land of the Blue Dragon”. Over the next three years, the pioneering wellness lodging specialists will launch 10 new hotels and resorts, representing 1,385 rooms and private villas, suites, and apartments. Expanding into exciting emerging markets, the brand’s new properties will open in developing destinations that span the length of the country.
“We see a tremendous opportunity to expand Fusion’s presence in the country,” explained Peter Meyer, chief executive officer of Fusion. 20 | iamhcmc.com
“Recognising that there are so many beautiful, and largely undeveloped destinations in Vietnam.”
The Perfect Beach Getaway Fusion Suites Vung Tau, located in the weekend getaway beach destination near Saigon, is set to welcome guests from early 2020. This chic new building features 100 apartments and 71 suites, a spa with 12 double
bed treatment rooms, aerial yoga studio, rooftop infinity pool with cocktail bar, and the Suite signature Fresh Restaurant. The oceanfront Fusion Resort Quang Binh is located at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Also located in this park is Son Doong, the world’s largest cave. Fusion’s three hectare property will feature 60 private villas, each with its own gorgeous plunge pool. The resort will offer a spacious spa with treatments generously included within the nightly rate, and several
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dining options. This latest resort addition will start taking bookings in late 2020.
Culinary Adventure Maia Quy Nhon, will be the first of a new brand line. Fusion breaks ground on the property late this year, and expects to open by mid 2020. Maia will continue Fusion’s wellness ethos, but the focus will be expanded to a more immersive foodie experience. Culinary journeys will be tailored to the location, and guests will be able to choose a different program each night of their stay. Options include experiences like farmto-table & sea-to-table dining, an authentic local food tour, informative cooking classes, as well as pop-up dining options. One luxurious complimentary daily spa treatment will round out this new brand’s offering.
“Food is an integral part of any holiday adventure,” said Meyer. “Vietnamese cuisine has now
lodging needs in Vietnam’s industrial zones and developing townships. Five HIIVE hotels are slated for development over the next three years in four different locations. These include Binh Duong, north of Ho Chi Minh City; Bac Ninh, just east of Hanoi; Hai Phong, on the northern coast; and, Dong Nai, also near HCMC.
No Slowing Down
become popular worldwide. Playing to this cuisine’s popularity, we want to take guests beyond wellknown dishes like pho and banh mi, educating them on the histories of these iconic foods and other lesser known regional specialties.”
Pleasure Doing Business The completely new product of HIIVE will also be introduced in 2020. With a business traveller focus, this three-star plus line will cater to the
Fusion currently owns and manages 6 properties in Phu Quoc, Cam Ranh, Da Nang, Sai Gon and Hue. The company is expanding its portfolio with new hotels and resorts opening in Vung Tau, Quang Binh, Hoi An and Quy Nhon. Another hotel is also set to join Fusion’s growing inventory in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. Adding to their existing hotel listings, plans are now underway for another property in Vietnam’s largest city. A new Fusion accommodation option will open with 146 rooms in the heart of District 1, the city’s culinary and cultural hub.
Similarly, in the most developed beachfront destination of Da Nang, Fusion currently operates two hotels - the spa-inclusive Fusion Maia Da Nang and the Fusion Suites Da Nang. The latter is located on a major access road just across from the picturesque beach. During 2021, Da Nang will see Fusion’s latest generation resort with the opening of Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang. This luxury property of 157 hotel rooms and 85 private villas will offer comprehensive facilities & spa amenities, which will set the ultimate standard on the beach strip. With a portfolio of about 550 keys, wellnessinspired Fusion currently has four high-end spainclusive resorts and two modern apartment-style suite hotels. Their locations include the tourist destinations of Da Nang, Hue, Phu Quoc and Cam Ranh, and the country’s most important commercial center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Setting the Standard Fusion Resorts blend stylish and sophisticated accommodation options with bed-to-beach living and holistic wellness to provide a fresh take on the traditional beach vacation. Fusion Suites give urban adventurers or family explorers a place to recover in a city to discover, mixing comfort and convenience with funky, fun and informal. Fusion Originals are bold and brave, leading the way and setting trends, dedicated to the originators and pioneers who change the world by daring to be unique. Fusion Retreats are health conscious and fitness focused, rebalancing body, mind and soul in sanctuaries of holistic restoration and indulgent pampering. 21
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The Legacy of Halong Bay’s Floating Villages The silent stillness and calm of Halong Bay adds to its majesty and mystery. This stunning place of natural beauty, carved out by millions of years of erosion, now stands as a monument to the distant past; a mountain range drowning in the sea. It’s a place that has stood for longer than humans have been around to inhabit it, and as you cruise around this magical destination in Vietnam, you can’t help but wonder what this bay might have looked like thousands of years ago, before the first humans ever set sail in its pristine emerald blue waters. Halong Bay has served as a natural fortress in centuries past, when foreign invaders came by sea to what is now called Vietnam, only to be foiled by these massive limestone walls. A legendary, monolithic figure in Vietnamese legends, the great warrior Tran Hung Dao famously set spiked traps throughout the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, which activated at high tide and punctured and sank the fleet of Chinese invaders under the notoriously brutal Yuan Dynasty led by Kublai Khan. This is 22 | iamhcmc.com
by John Mark Harrell
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considered one of the greatest military feats in Vietnamese history - and one that surely spared and protected the local people from being assimilated into a foreign culture or worse, wiped out completely. Before Tran Hung Dao, there are myths and legends surrounding the formation of Halong Bay. It is said that long ago, to protect the Vietnamese people from northern invaders, a family of dragons were sent down from the heavens by the gods, descending upon the bay and spitting out jewels and jade, which then formed into a chain of impregnable rock formations. The name “Hạ Long” actually means “descending dragon,” thus linking the name of the bay to this wondrous mystical legend of its origins. Whether by dragon’s magic or the natural forces of erosion over millions of years, the solemn beauty of Halong Bay is marvelous to behold. Its instrumental role in the defense of a nation has benefited land dwellers in the north of Vietnam, but Halong Bay has also been called home by inhabitants of floating villages for thousands of years. This ancient way of life can still be seen and experienced in Halong
Bay to this day. For visitors, a visit to these floating villages is a fascinating education on a rare cultural phenomenon, and a glimpse into the storied past of this culturally rich province of Vietnam.
Ecological Concerns and Modern Solutions Though fishing villages used to be a common feature throughout Halong Bay, there are presently only four that remain. This is largely due to government mandates in the last few years that villagers relocate to the mainland, with various payouts and incentives like subsidised education and housing. With the rise of tourism in this region, environmental concerns are at the forefront as local authorities seek to preserve the natural ecosystem for generations of visitors and inhabitants of Halong Bay to come. Considering what’s best for the environment, many formerly popular tourism spots in Halong have been temporarily or indefinitely banned for visitation from Halong Bay cruises. Changing environmental conditions, as well as the increasing effects of climate change, present
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new challenges for local authorities as they seek to encourage the thriving tourism industry that brings tremendous economic benefits to the region, while preserving and protecting the pristine environment of Halong Bay upon that visitors from all over the world come to marvel at. Thankfully, allowing a few villages to remain has made it possible for local authorities to strike a balance between ecological and cultural preservation. Paradise Cruises has taken a leading stance on eliminating single-use plastic from all of its cruises in order to protect and preserve the pristine beauty of Halong Bay. This policy is beneficial not only to the environment and the marine life in this region, but to the human beings who rely on this healthy ecosystem to earn a living and maintain their unique, offshore way of life.
A Visit to Cua Van Floating Village Experiencing these floating villages is a must-do for anyone who wants a complete experience of Halong Bay. Paradise Luxury, Elegance, and
Peak 2-night itineraries all include a visit to the historic Cua Van floating village. What you’ll experience there is a blend of wonder, curiosity, and education about a way of life you might not have ever known existed. Upon disembarking from your Paradise cruise, you’ll be greeted warmly by a tourguide who
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will escort you to the Cua Van floating village museum. On the way, you might stop and look at some of the fascinating aquatic wildlife that are kept in underwater “pens” for breeding purposes. These are among the types of fish the villagers catch and breed in order to eat themselves and sell to their customers on the mainland. The Paradise Cruise crew always bring leftovers from lunch to feed the fish, who almost instantly spring to life in a short burst of feeding frenzy. Stand back if you don’t want to get splashed!
Your local guide will then share with you some historical insights on the development of the area, how it operated in years past, and how it’s changed to what it is today. You’ll see all kinds of interesting artifacts--fishing tools, household items, remnants of shrines, and other everyday items used by the villagers, some dating back hundreds of years. As you explore this museum, you can read the plaques to get more insight into the significance of these everyday items, including how and why they were used. There’s also a village map, showing you all the essential facilities in the village. There’s even a primary school for young children to learn and live at home before they move to the mainland for higher education. 23
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It’s now time to hop into a wooden paddle boat to take a tour of the actual village. This is when a local guide actually takes you out into the village, which is a series of tin-roof homes tied together with rope and kept afloat by large plastic kegs and rubber tires. This slowpaced drift through the village really gives you a chance to get a glimpse at daily life. In one home, an older couple prepare their nets for the evening and night of fishing ahead. In another, a mother tends to her young children. There are even pet dogs jumping nimbly to and fro from platform to platform, looking down at the fish in the harvesting wells with playful curiosity.
Almost immediately, you’ll start to feel a connection to this place, as you begin piecing a picture together in your mind of what day-to-day life must be like in these floating villages. As you wander back outside, depending on the type of day, you may see a small cargo boat cruising through the water. Once a day, a boat from the mainland delivers vegetables, snacks, and fresh water for the villagers, and transports their seafood back to the mainland to be sold. It’s the daily rhythm of life here in Cua Van. Your tourguide will also mention that the villagers here have no electricity. They subsist only on their communication with the mainland via day cargo ships, as well as generators to light their boats for night fishing (mainly to catch squid). Can you imagine, living on the water most
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of your life, with no electricity? No internet? No television? It’s difficult for most people to imagine such an isolated way of life, yet you’ll see that the people in these villages are as friendly and sociable as anyone else you might meet. Their strong sense of camaraderie and community is evident here. You’ll most likely encounter a group of men and women enjoying some fresh seafood and beer, sitting in plastic chairs on the deck after a long day of work, chatting and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a similar picture to what you’d see anywhere else in Vietnam--a communal meal, good friends and family cracking jokes and catching up with each other, and of course a hearty round of Vietnamese cheers (một, hai, ba, DZỒ!)
A Glimpse into the World of the Floating Village
You can see shrines, makeshift living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. All the components for a comfortable life are there, in the midst of what most outsiders would consider to be an extreme environment. But for the villagers of Cua Van, this is just another day. Villagers here endure backbreaking labour and essentially work non-stop to make a living, however the selling price for seafood on the mainland is actually quite lucrative, and land dwellers generally consider these floating villagers to be better off. Beyond the floating buildings, the school, the police station, and the visitors’ welcome center, a stunning massive backdrop of lush, verdant limestone karst formations envelop this small fishing village of only a few hundred residents, acting as protection from the elements, and perhaps protection from invaders long ago. All things considered, the breathtaking views and vivid turquoise waters are surely part of what makes the floating village lifestyle worth waking up to every morning.
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CHARITY
Imagine the scene. A new mother reaches out and takes her baby, just a few minutes old, in her arms. She looks down on the tiny face and is overwhelmed with emotion. A flood of hopes and dreams, worries and fears sweep over her. Her life, as she knew it, is gone. In the blink of an eye, her life is no longer her own. She now focuses on the tiny bundle in her arms. ‘How will I keep you safe?’ she wonders, ‘how will I keep you healthy?’ ‘How will I keep you happy?’ she asks, ‘not only right now, but for forever and always?’ If you are a parent, or have ever thought about being one, the gravity of these questions can be overwhelming to say the least. Imagine then, that upon leaving the hospital, you have no choice but to return to a tiny single roomed house, made from cement and roofed with corrugated tin. Food is hard to come by as you live in a small rural village, and maternity leave is not only a foreign concept but is an impossibility. Your $25 a month salary is essential for your survival, and now, for your baby’s.
A Fate that is Sealed? Whilst in Ho Chi Minh City, it is easy to forget that the fight against poverty is one that many Vietnamese face on a daily basis. As the 26 | iamhcmc.com
by Laura Hill
city booms and living standards rise, the plight of those in rural provinces seems a million miles away. Statistics from WorldBank suggest that, throughout Vietnam, around 12% of households live on less than $1 a day. In some of the poorer provinces, this equates to 25% of households. These areas often lack job opportunities outside of the farming industry, and with such low salaries, families struggle to make ends meet. Obtaining a good level of education is regularly sacrificed as young people are required to work, so that they can contribute to covering the costs of running the household.
Even for those families that don’t require their children to work, finding the fees for school can be as good as impossible. The bills for school fees, uniforms, books and stationery usually arrive all at the same time and require paying as a lump sum. Without the option to spread the cost, many children are simply unable to attend classes. Without completing their education, career prospects are extremely limited for the residents of Vietnam’s poorest provinces. Familial responsibilities and isolation from the wealthier regions, where salaries tend to be higher, prevent
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people from seeking a job elsewhere. Trapped by circumstance and geography, it seems that from the moment their mother first holds them in her arms, the destiny of these babies is sealed.
Breaking the Cycle The aim for Saigon Children is to change the destiny of as many children as possible. For almost three decades, their goal has been to remove the barriers that stop disadvantaged children receiving a quality education. Whether that means building a school where there isn’t one, assisting with school fees where money is scarce, or providing vocational training to help land a first job, the projects run by Saigon Children have transformed the lives of tens of thousands of young people throughout Vietnam. Speaking with Ms Angelique Masse Nguyen, Head of Fundraising and Communication, I ask first about Saigon Children’s School Building programme. The programme has been a life changing influence for almost 40,000 students and innumerable numbers of people within their communities. From Tra Vinh on Vietnam’s southern coast all the way up to Tuyen Quang close to the Chinese border, the project’s value has proven to be priceless. “If you imagine children and teachers learning in a ruined classroom with dirty water up to their knees, you are imagining one of the schools which will be replaced by our school building programme” Ms Nguyen explains...
“... In remote, rural areas, where access to a proper educational environment is difficult, our programme turns unsuitable and unsafe classrooms into safe, bright, clean, and friendly learning environments.” The result of this is not only that children and teachers find school more pleasant but more people in the village see the benefits of education, meaning that the advantages of staying in school become more widely known.
“We want children who are disadvantaged to have a
truly memorable childhood at school and have a strong motivation to follow higher education in the future.” Of course, progressing into higher education is not always a possibility for young people in the rural provinces. It simply is not affordable. Many youngsters find themselves working for very low pay in exploitative conditions, and as Ms Nguyen says sadly…
“It is impossible for them to break out of the cycle that their families are in if they do not get high-quality work-related training.” Luckily, Saigon Children also helps young people to avoid getting trapped in the cycle by providing short term, vocational training and individual support via their Getting Ready to Work programme. “What we were seeing in these young people was no job orientation, no work-place skills, no hope and no confidence. Under such conditions, they had few options,” says Miss Nguyen. “With our programme each young person will decide which job they want to follow, and each young person receives one-to-one support, to help identify the right training, the right course and the right provider. Then, we monitor them until they complete the course and are successful in work.”
The programme has proven extremely successful, and graduates have found employment in a variety of industries and roles that offer more opportunity for progression than would have been possible otherwise. From cooks and bakers, to motorbike mechanics and beauty technicians, Saigon Children has helped innumerable young people step out of the cycle of poverty into which they were born.
There is Always More to be Done Being a long-standing member of Ho Chi Minh City’s philanthropic community, Saigon Children is well known and well supported. But with UNICEF reporting that almost 5.5 million children in Vietnam live in situations of deprivation, support for and promotion of Saigon Children’s work is still as essential as ever. If changing the destiny of an innocent child is something you’d like to do, there are many ways that you can make a difference. As Ms Nguyen says, “Anyone can help, and it’s very easy!” From a simple donation or sponsorship of a young person, to working up a sweat with one of Saigon Children’s charity challenge events, or simply sharing a post with the hashtags #allshewants or #saigonchildren, there really is something that everyone can do to help a mother’s dreams for her baby come true. Visit www.saigonchildren.com for more information about fundraising and volunteering opportunities. 27
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by Rastian Gauna
COMMUNITY
As individuals, we are all unique. As people of our nation, of this planet, we are all connected and similar in so many ways.
Vietnam’s cultural history - at times colourful and sometimes dark - contributes to the way its people think and act at present. For each and every country there will always be something different or maybe even “weird” about the people and their ways, especially if you are someone who is looking from outside the box.
culture, the only way to really appreciate and understand this beautiful nation is by taking a peek at its cultural background and the traditions they practice.
Travelling the world allows us to open up our minds and see the different personalities and sets of values different nations uphold. These traits and beliefs are all connected to generations of tradition and upbringing.
Vietnamese people are known to be laid back, easy-going people who spend a lot of time in coffee shops and are privileged enough to enjoy a marvellous array of food at an endless choice of authentic Vietnamese street food stalls. They are known to love beer and are very welcoming to foreigners and other nations. In fact, they treat their friends like family and they have very strong familial connections.
Although time has changed the way Vietnamese people live, and the mixture of influences from other countries is evident in its modern 28 | iamhcmc.com
What are Vietnamese people known for?
What is Vietnamese culture like? Although heavily influenced by the Chinese, you will also see a lot of things influenced by the French, both in its architecture and its food. In general, the culture is conservative and very respectful of their elders. Experience is valued over gender or race. Their respect for the community and how they give importance to family, regardless of decree, are also unmatched. Vietnamese culture is said to be originally matriarchal and this is still evident to this day, with many households taken care of by the women of the family. Because of Chinese influence, it is now very much a patriarchal society where the man
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takes the lead and provides for the needs of the family. They also practice ancestor veneration and worship, as well as manual labour for their religious beliefs which is a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Ceremonies are often held to honour deceased relatives long after they have passed because they believe that when one dies, their spirit lives on. Resilience is one good way to describe Vietnamese people as they were able to maintain their identity despite all of the war and suffering. Vietnamese families stick together and believe in fiercely supporting one another in trying times. Vietnamese people are known for being incredibly resourceful and are able to adapt to the ever changing environment around them despite poverty and personal circumstances.
What are some Vietnamese traditions? Although you will see a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism - and now a large wave of Catholicism in the country - Vietnam’s belief system is still very much interconnected to folk tales and locals will often be seen making offerings to gods, goddesses and ancestors for guidance.
Many Vietnamese people are spiritual in their beliefs and actions. They believe in burning joss paper and sending ghost money and property to their deceased family members for them to use in the afterlife as the spirit world is commonly considered to be of great importance. Many other superstitious beliefs that people still practice to this day promise luck and good fortune towards marriage, pregnancy, income, the list goes on.
Trivia: Did you know that duck fetus eggs are strategically eaten to bring good luck? Those that have found good fortune will eat an even number of eggs to support their good luck, whilst those that are experiencing bad luck will eat an odd number of eggs in an attempt to turn things around for the better. Martial arts are also highly regarded as they were traditionally used as a defence from foreign invaders. Although Vietnamese martial arts are heavily influenced by the Chinese, they have developed their own form known as Vovinam, which is famous for the “flying scissors” kick.
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Martial arts demonstrations can now only usually be seen performed during Tet (Lunar New Year) and other festivals in temples or during street performances.
How do Vietnamese celebrate holidays? If there’s one thing that’s really big in Vietnam, it’s the holiday called Tet Nguyen Dan, the Vietnamese New Year. It is the most important festival for the Vietnamese people and it is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar. Tet normally occurs sometime between late January or early February, and the specific date varies depending on the lunar year. In the streets, you will see a lot of red lights and banners that read “Chuc Mung Nam Moi” or Happy New Year in almost all establishments and homes. You will also notice a flood of traditional holiday favourites like candied fruits and jams, fresh fruits, cone-shaped kumquat bushes, flowers, traditional cakes, and peach trees, which are all considered symbols of a prosperous life and good fortune. 29
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Although this is technically a three-day celebration, all the activities and festivities are extended up to 7 to 9 days. The entire week is a public holiday for the nation and many Vietnamese citizens will use the time to travel back to their hometowns and respective provinces to be with family. Families gather to splurge on food and drink, attend various social events and parties, and participate in the traditional paying of respect to ancestors and elders. Businesses and offices close; visit the city centre and more often than not, the usual bustling networks of streets and bumper-to-bumper traffic are replaced by what seems like more of a ghost town.
What are Vietnamese Etiquette and Customs in Vietnam? As far as personal space and respect goes, touching someone’s head is a big no no. This is the most sacred part of the body and should be respected. Standing with your hands on your hips, having your arms on your chest, and pointing with your finger can be read as very offensive. Remember to use both your hands when passing and receiving anything and use your entire hand (not just the offensive lone finger) when pointing to something or someone. If you have been invited to a Vietnamese home, bringing gifts is highly encouraged. Fruits, sweets, flowers, or incense wrapped in colourful paper are the usual and safe gifts to give, but remember not to give yellow flowers, chrysanthemums, or anything coloured black as these are considered symbolic items used for certain occasions usually related to ancestral worship or remembering the dead. Whiskey is usually given as gifts within business or corporate settings. When entering a home, remember to leave your shoes at the door and take off your hat, especially when in the presence of an elder. Vietnamese usually shake hands upon meeting but if they do not offer their hands to you, slightly bow you head and nod as a sign of respect, again, especially for the elders. Vietnamese people love having family and friends together, so don’t be surprised if the entire extended clan is present in the house. They also love food, and families bond over 30 | iamhcmc.com
preparing, cooking, and eating meals together. But before you get too excited, there are a few things to remember before digging in. The older person should always sit first. You will be shown where to sit so wait for the signal.
when eating something with soup as it is bad table manners to eat off a bowl resting on the table. Rest your chopsticks on top of your rice bowl once you’re done eating and when offered tea, do not refuse. This is a ritual form of hospitality.
Meals are typically served family-style and you will be fed until you are full, so don’t be surprised if you see mountains of dishes served in front of you. Try to finish everything on your plate as it is rude to leave your meal unfinished.
Trivia: Did you know that flipping
The common Vietnamese way of eating is with chopsticks and a flat spoon. Place your chopsticks on the table or a chopstick rest when taking a break to drink or speak but NEVER stick your chopsticks into your bowl standing up as this resembles incense for the dead. Remember to hold your bowl close to your face, especially
the fish on the dish is a big nono in Vietnam? It is considered unlucky as it is seen as a fisherman’s boat flipping over.
What are the characteristics of Vietnamese? Vietnamese people are generally very forgiving
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so don’t worry too much if you were unable to keep up with all the local etiquette and customs. If they can welcome Westerners with open arms back into their country despite the nation’s historical background, they can understand if you’ve made small mistakes. Vietnamese people are also brave entrepreneurs and are very industrious and hardworking. As people, they are known to be friendly, energetic, sentimental, and practical. Friendship means so much more than you think. Befriend a local and you will quickly discover that they are genuine and care deeply about your family, career and health. Integrity is also something of great value to the Vietnamese. Have you ever heard of the expression ”saving face” or ”losing face” before? The face is a concept that reflects a person’s reputation, dignity, and prestige. In certain situations, this is the reason why a person acts or reacts in a certain way. Women in Vietnam have very high value in society so they take pride in themselves. They are very motherly and positive but can also make a 180 degree turn to protect their children and their family. They treasure family above all so don’t be surprised if your Vietnamese girlfriend or wife offers everything she owns to help her family. They also like to talk rather bluntly and straight forward, so you can forget beating around the bush. Asking personal questions is also very common practice, so if you don’t feel comfortable answering them, just smile and don’t take offense. Vietnamese men tend to be very protective and
dutiful when it comes to their families and are known to be highly intelligent and resourceful when it comes to providing for the family and helping them to survive. Vietnamese men are also known to be rather gallant. Most Vietnamese men won’t let you pay for a meal or drink regardless of your gender. When it comes to love, Vietnamese men are often very romantic and sincere. If you start a serious relationship with a local Vietnamese, expect to feel married to the entire family. It is not uncommon for extended families to live in the same home. Uncles and aunties, grandparents, cousins, even second cousins can live under the same roof and it is very common to have three generations living in the same house, depending on their financial status and family setup. This isn’t the case for
every single family but Vietnamese kids don’t really leave the nest until they’re ready to put up their own family, as they are expected to put their family’s interests first. Their family is their central support system which means that not everyone is comfortable or excited to live independent lives. And even if they do not live in the same household, most Vietnamese will still remain loyal to their family no matter what. Parents and siblings along with other family members will always approach those who are more financially able. Extending help to family members in need is more like a responsibility than a favour, especially if your partner is the eldest among the siblings. It can be as simple as needing a bit of money to cover utility bills and as heavy as paying for a sibling’s education. And this doesn’t only go as far as monetary concerns, this can also go as far as asking you to do things for them, depending on your skillset. If this is something that is uncommon in your country, and you’re not so open with the idea of financing or doing unpaid work for the extended family, be prepared for a huge discussion not just with your partner but with the entire clan. Time might have changed so many things in Vietnam, especially in Saigon. But despite the openness to change, and the past experiences of the country, many of the traditions and character traits remain evident within the present day Vietnamese community. Nationality does not define who the Vietnamese are as people but the fierce Vietnamese virtue; the values, culture, and pride that is instilled in them contributes largely to their individuality. 31
Source: ISSP 32 | iamhcmc.com
From Our Partners
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Tech Takes Learning
to a New Level at Renaissance Balancing the use of technology for educational purposes with a child’s ability to think and research independently can be like walking a tightrope. For years, Renaissance International School Saigon has honed in on one of the most consequential aspects of modern education: the incorporation of 21st century technology into the curriculum and the classroom.
Student access to the appropriate use of technology is an integral skill in education. ...says Peter Gittins, Head of School. “But it must be used as a tool to supplement learning, not the main driver of it.”
Collaborative Classrooms with Modern Solutions So how do teachers at Renaissance ensure their students think and work independently, without just powering on their devices and shutting off their creativity? “We’ve been using the design thinking process and various ‘Visible Thinking’ routines in library classes to encourage students to collaborate and talk to each other,” says Kerry Gittins, Head of Library. “Then they incorporate the technology to help them carry out the relevant research and develop their presentations.” Using modern tools to organize class materials can also be an effective way to incorporate technology in a way that actually redefines what is possible in the learning process. “We use Office 365, and within that we use teams,” Says Francis Burlingham, Head of Science and Technology. “Across secondary, every class has its own team within it for every subject. This forms the basis for our virtual learning environment.” The Office 365 suite allows teachers at
Renaissance to encourage creativity and collaboration in fundamentally new ways. “It can do so much more than traditional pen and paper,” says Francis.
And that’s the point: it’s not about simple substitution with technology, it’s about redefinition— redefining the way we teach, and allowing us to carry out activities that would be inconceivable with just a paper and pen. Technology is also used at Renaissance to reinforce learning across multiple subjects and disciplines. “For example, year 4 are learning about ancient Egypt,” Says Conor McGukin, Computer Science teacher. “On Minecraft they can actually build ancient Egypt, they can set it up and play around it, and they can design a virtual museum. It’s more interactive than a Powerpoint. It’s not used as a game, but they still see it as a game and it engages them in their learning.”
A Commitment to Raising Digital Citizens Just as critical to the functional ability to use technology, however, is the ability to do so conscientiously. Now more than ever, children are exposed to a wealth of information and resources, but are also able to communicate in online forums with strangers halfway across the world. “We believe it’s of utmost importance to educate students in the appropriate use of technology,” says Peter Gittins. “This includes digital citizenship, referencing materials, safe sites, cyberbullying issues, and of course child protection issues.” Students at Renaissance can expect a cuttingedge, dynamic and highly customised educational experience that not only prepares them for the digital world, but teaches them to be good citizens both online, and off.
Contact Renaissance International School Saigon 74 Nguyen Thi Thap, District 7, HCMC www.renaissance.edu.vn admissions@renaissance.edu.vn (028) 37733 171 33
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From Our Partners
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ISHCMC
Prepares Children For Their Future Using Uniquely Human Skills
It is important to triangulate data points and use new ways to think about Uniquely Human Skills (UHS); however, at the same time we need to support teachers’ own growth in UHS because we are asking them to teach these skills. UHS are needed but not always recognized as equally important as the grade-driven education system. Many students leaving international schools here in Vietnam, as well as schools across the globe, struggle in university not because of the demanding nature of the work but because of the multitude of UHS. They would highly benefit from UHS if they could use them effectively in the challenging aspects of the wider world. 34 | iamhcmc.com
Leaving comfortable and mostly supportive environments such as schools, and going into a far less regulated university or workplace setting, can result in complications if those UHS are not in place or at least practiced. Currently, International School Ho Chi Minh City’s (ISHCMC) model has many teachers offering workshop style sessions to students on the “untaught curriculum”, and many teachers gravitate towards these UHS, without necessarily naming them. ISHCMC educators use opportunities such as these to explore and unpack UHS without it seemingly being a prescribed lesson on emotional wellbeing. Gratitude holds a good wide measure of a variety of different UHS. Some of these include physical
well-being, decreased stress levels, lower levels of depression and anxiety, lowered feelings of resentment and envy, and an increased ability to build good relationships and community (through an increase in positive emotions). It is like having a general emotional test. McCullough’s (2002) GQ-6 scale is what we use at ISHCMC. It is widely used and has good research behind it. (Self reporting is ineffective but similarly robust external assessments have yet to be developed which is a problem.) Emotional Intelligence or Social-Emotional Learning is another robust measure. The best tests are expensive, but we are testing some measures used to assess perseverance, classroom effort, social intelligence, self-efficacy,
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and ideally also peer and explicit self-report and reflection. Furthermore, these methods need to be done as models of authentic assessment — rather than off the corner of already full desks and designed as another make work project to be done to satisfy Heads of Schools and Boards. In addition, these assessments must be explicitly linked to informed interventions. These might be interventions done with students by a thirdparty or they might be interventions done by trained teachers within the school. We cannot, however, continue to let “just anyone” teach UHS to students. Rather, we need to work carefully with our teachers and coaches to model their behaviours and leverage ways to support the students’ journey. These behaviours must be made explicit in order to develop teachers to become experts in UHS, and teachers must be supported through professional development. We need to have educators in the front of the room leveraging the language of UHS, marking the behaviour, and demonstrating it for the students and for this work to be embedded in teacher training, and evaluation. If we are willing to take the time to assess these skills, we must also take the time to train teachers in them, and deploy interventions with students.
self-management, mindset, and emotional intelligence. With these questions, we seek to determine a baseline for ISHCMC students from which to identify priorities for future interventions. Metacognitive ability tells us how well students are able to reflect on their own learning. Although there is much controversy in the literature regarding the ages at which students can engage in this sort of reflection, we chose to survey widely across age ranges to determine the edges of our population at ISHCMC. In doing this assessment, we chose to use the Metacognitive Assessment Inventory (Schraw & Dennison, 1994).
We advocate for triangulation of measures in order to offer a multidimensional view of our students’ UHS. Given the sensitivity of the topic — in some ways we are assessing the personhood of the child — these measures need to be evidence-based and psychometrically assessed for validity and reliability. We can’t just rely on teacher opinion about a student’s ability to feel gratitude or engage in compassion. To do these assessments well, we also require different assessors. There are issues with selfreport measure that any first year graduate student will recognize; however, these are also perhaps the only way that we can do widespread, reliable assessments. Good assessments need to include different teachers, parents, coaches,
Finally, we need support from the teachers, parents, Heads, and Board so that each stakeholder group knows why the school is doing this work, and what the potential outcome of the assessment and interventions will be. Too many educational institutes are assessing UHS in order to say that they are but without strategic plans or full understanding of the point of the assessment. This scattershot method results in overwhelmed and suspicious teachers who aren’t willing to commit to another unknown assessment, and we have teachers who are deeply biased against UHS and explicit assessment. The World Economic Forum recently added UHS to their desiderata for 2020 graduates but we rarely discuss the immediate outcomes in gains in UHS for our students. These skills are not just going to make our students competitive for future jobs; they are going to make them into great humans right now. The cascade of skills emerging from increased UHS immediately helps our students become socially competent, emotionally stable, intellectually responsive and community aware little humans. 35
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by Claire McCarthy
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unworkable, like saying “You have to stay in your room this afternoon” when he has errands to run and needs to bring the kids with him. The punishment should fit the crime, not your frustration level. And it needs to be something feasible, that doesn’t overly affect siblings who’ve done nothing wrong. A friend taught me a great trick. If one of the kids is doing something they shouldn’t - being mean to a sibling, for example - I say, “There will be consequences.” (It’s particularly good to use in public, because while it may strike fear into your kids, it sounds pretty benign.) Over the years, it’s been shortened to “Consequences!” with the appropriate firm-but-not-yelling voice, furrowed brow, and I’m-totally-serious gaze. If the misbehaving child doesn’t stop, there are consequences, but I have a moment to think about them. Sometimes I’ll ask, “What do you think your consequences should be?” It’s interesting how often kids come up with a fair punishment (e.g., apologizing and letting the wronged sibling play with his favourite toy for the rest of the day).
3. Under-doing it After 17 years of being a mother and a paediatrician, I’ve been able to learn a lot about discipline from my own experiences, as well as from other parents. While there are all sorts of possible blunders here are five biggies that most of us are guilty of - and ways to avoid these common mistakes...
1. Thinking that One-Style-Fits-All This one’s not surprising: The bookstores are teeming with manuals, each touting an expert’s best method. Friends and family love to tell you what worked for them and there is definitely something appealing about the simplicity of a oneapproach-fits-all strategy. But some children freak out when you speak to them sharply, while others are unaffected. Some learn the first time you tell them something; others need so much repetition, you despair of their ever learning. Some listen right away; others need time to scream it out before you can talk to them. And it’s not just temperament; it’s age and development. The job of a toddler is to push limits, to do crazy stuff that you’ve told them time and time again not to do. The job of a tween (roughly ages 8-14, who 36 | iamhcmc.com
are “between” childhood and the teenage years) is to start asserting their independence from you, in sometimes obnoxious ways. And neither one is going to listen to a big lecture. A toddler is going to need simple, direct, quick discipline. A tween is most likely to respond to a punishment that removes her from her peers. But despite your best efforts, both the toddler and the tween are likely to keep doing the same “bad” thing for a while. Understanding where they are in life is key to picking the right approach to discipline, and preventing desperation (yours).
2. Over-doing it My husband does this a lot. He metes out punishments that are either more reflective of his mood than the crime or thoroughly
We’ve all been there. Little Jake is throwing sand at everybody within reach from the sandbox, and the responsible (I’m using the word loosely) grown-up is saying, distractedly, “You’re going to get into trouble if you don’t stop doing that.” And little Jake keeps right on heaving sand because he clearly knows his mother isn’t going to stop him. Sometimes these types of kids are punished, but they’re not bothered by it. For a punishment to work well, I explain to parents, it needs to be something your child doesn’t want to have happen again. In our house, taking away favourite toys (the length of time varies with the gravity of the offense), sending the kids to their rooms (our variation on a time-out), or losing screen time (computer and/or TV) generally works. So does “No play-dates for X period of time” and, for the teenagers, “You’re grounded!”
4. Being Inconsistent Once you’ve said no to something, like “No throwing sand,” you have to continue saying
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no. You can’t give in sometimes (“Well, okay, you’re having fun and nobody seems to mind getting it in their eyes”). Kids get confused and pick up quickly on the fact that they have, well, latitude. Since you don’t want to say no to everything, pick your battles and decide what’s really important to you. In my case, I’m not so concerned about neatness, but I won’t tolerate meanness, lying, or anything violent or dangerous. Once you’ve decided on your rules, set them clearly and stick to them. The other part of this is follow-through. If you take away your child’s TV privileges for the day and
then give in while you’re making dinner because you don’t want him underfoot, he’ll figure out pretty soon that there’s a good chance he may not get punished if he decides to break the rules.
5. Always focusing on the negative When you’ve got a kid who has trouble with rules, it can make for a really difficult relationship when all you seem to do is reprimand. The solution is to catch your child being good. If she goes a solid 15 minutes without picking on her sister, she should get kudos. Even if it’s only
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five minutes, try your best to notice it. You’ll be surprised how effective this can be. It’s human nature to like praise, and to want to please the people we love. This can work for you in other ways, too. As you enter a store, instead of saying, “If you don’t behave, I’ll be really angry and won’t get you a treat,” try saying, “We have to get the shopping done, and I need help. If everyone is good and helps me, we’ll stop for ice cream on the way home.” Think about it. Which would you rather hear? It’s not a bad idea, actually, to ask yourself variations on that question often. What would you rather hear? How would this make you feel? Granted, you’re a grown-up, and would probably need to be told only once not to bite. But asking yourself questions reminds you that your kids aren’t just crazy beasts put on this earth to make you insane (although it feels that way sometimes) and that discipline isn’t just about keeping order. Discipline is about keeping our children safe and helping them grow up to be kind, successful, happy adults. This article was kindly provided by our friends at SmartKids. For more informative articles on Childcare visit www.smartkidsinfo.com
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From Our Partners
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Performance Arts: A SERIOUS COMMITMENT AT AIS
When it comes to performance arts the Australian International School (AIS) is shooting for the stars. Alongside its strong academic credentials is a commitment to the arts. Principal Dr. Roderick Crouch, himself a passionate fan of the arts, argues that participation in the performance arts leads to greater engagement in learning. Not only that but they also offer “a shared activity with a common purpose transcending cultural boundaries and building confidence”.
Investment in Resources and Partnerships is Key Since 2016 AIS have invested heavily in skills, equipment and facilities. The school boasts a team of dedicated international teachers who motivate the students to achieve self confidence and express their individuality through performance arts. Each year AIS aims to raise the bar for itself. This year AIS has joined the Inspired educational group (who have performance arts as one of their three pillars), and partnered with Asia Music and Performance Arts Education (AMPA) to start a dance program while in 2020 AIS will benefit from Inspired’s partnership with Berklee College, Boston. The school is among one of the few in the country offering a full band programme - the scarcity and cost of musical instruments in Vietnam excludes most others. Each child in year 7 – 10 has the opportunity, at no extra cost, to learn a musical instrument and is encouraged to join the concert band. Secondary music teacher Mr Colin Burstow, a professional session musician for many years, stresses the importance of offering opportunities to try not only different instruments but also different styles. Burstow is keen to get all students involved in music 38 | iamhcmc.com
regardless of ability. Since joining AIS he has been impressed by the work ethic and positive learning attitude and feels fully supported. He adds “the environment at AIS allows me to do my job without restrictions and this shows. For a small department we are able to produce performances of an exceptional standard”.
Opportunities are there for the taking None of this would be possible without the students. One such student is Young Jin Cho (Eric). Eric has eagerly grabbed the opportunities on offer. After only three years of learning the trombone he took part in an international orchestral performance at Carnegie Hall. Inspired to take things further Eric set up his own group ‘Cho’s Trombones’ developing leadership skills as he leads the juniors. Eric also conducted the live orchestra in the school’s recent production of The Adam’s Family. When asked how he finds the time given his IB workload he replies...
...music relaxes me and gives me energy to tackle my studies. . In addition to music, dance plays a large role in school life at AIS. With support from AMPA in the form of expert dance teachers AIS has added a dance option to the year 7 - 10 curriculum. The inter-house competitions for years 11 and 12 are hugely popular. The opening of a performance arts center to include a dance studio later this year is a further example of AIS’ long term commitment. One can’t help but feel that, in this increasingly isolating online world in which we live, we could all benefit from opportunities to connect and freely express ourselves. How many of us wish we were a child at AIS!
Contact Australian International School OPEN DAY. Saturday 7th March 2020 | 9am - 11am | All campuses. Attend the AIS open day and receive special benefits such as 100% waived Application Fees, and 10% off Acceptance Fees. enrolments@aisvietnam.com 19006940
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SHOPPING
by Zody Huynh
your door to be greeted by the countryside of Vietnam—it’s refreshing.
Something old, something new, something borrowed… Founders, Florence and Valentin, were both born and raised in France with Vietnamese ethnic roots, but made the physical and spiritual leap to gain a better spiritual awareness and understanding of their Vietnamese culture and heritage. Both founders are no strangers to fashion design and décor, which made this an easy partnership marrying an eye for design and hunger for quality craftsmanship together. Florence has been in the fashion industry from a very early age working with high-end American and French sport and streetwear brands in Paris before she co-founded the brand, Anna Moï, the first French-Vietnamese Ethnic-Chic concept store in the center of Paris back in the 90’s. Valentin is no stranger to sourcing and retail, and has worked very closely with artisans to produce fine handcrafted home line and decoration items for export to retailers in Europe, USA, Australia and also well-known designers.
When I first heard about In The Mood - Saigon and how it was a home and lifestyle store that stays true to its Vietnamese roots, I was a bit apprehensive. After all, it was located in Thảo Điền, the expat hub of Saigon. Let me be clear that nothing is inherently wrong with Thảo Điền. It’s great if you’re looking for a quaint, relaxed area away from the honking of motorbikes or your local “bắp xào đây!” man biking his cart along to that fabulous, but far too loud jingle on rotation. It’s especially great if you have a family and prefer a more spacious living area. …But, how ‘Vietnamese’ could this place actually be? Rarely am I surprised, but when I am, it’s in the best kind of way. From the products to the people, it was refreshing to see In The Mood 40 | iamhcmc.com
- Saigon reconnect to what’s been lost in the mayhem of mass-produced, quick, shoddy goods commonly found in places like Ben Thanh Market. No, In The Mood - Saigon is something truly unique that is made for locals and expats alike, by locals and expats. A part of The Snap Café, a rustic, stylish space housing a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and a café, In The Mood - Saigon’s storefront truly makes an impression on you as you first enter and, like its products, it’s something that lasts long after you’ve left. It’s calm. It’s quiet. It embodies the feeling of escape after having been in the city for too long and needing to get away to remind you why you’re in Vietnam in the first place. It’s how you’ve experienced sunrise upon waking up and stepping outside
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The partners were friends and residents of Saigon long before they were partners and, after having lived here for quite some time, they shared a common notion that things weren’t as it once was. “Our philosophy is to offer aesthetical and innovative decoration, clothing and accessories for Asian trendy homes and urban lifestyle,” the partners shared.
Good Things Take Time While some things in front of us are far better than the things we’ve left behind, true craftsmanship is not one of them. Finding goods for a bargain price are always nice, but these goods rarely last. Quite frankly, consumers are always left wanting more. In the haze of mass-produced handicrafts and goods, quality has dwindled. Craftsmanship fundamentally implies that handcrafted goods are special and made with proper care, time, and attention in the hands of local artisans. However, with the rise in mass-production of fast goods all of what makes craftsmanship special is essentially left at the door and in the hands of machinery. High-quality goods were traded out for everyone to enjoy, but locals and expats. Most high-quality handicrafts were getting exported to foreign, international markets. It left the founders recognizing a gap in the market for a sustainable, yet ambitious, fashion-forward retail business rooted in the Vietnam-sourced goods. Thus, it became very clear that, with their Vietnamese-French hearts and spirits, In The Mood - Saigon was bound to happen.
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Transparency and Authenticity Matters Many foreign companies will contractually bind local artisans to misappropriate and resell their goods, which pigeonholes artisans from the acknowledgement they deserve. In The Mood - Saigon respects the spirit of true craftsmanship by building a brand around partnership and collaboration. The founders were committed to bringing consumers back to the heart of what’s special about this place we call home with a refined approach in lifestyle and home décor taking a contemporary French approach while maintaining the essence of Vietnamese traditions and the skills of local artisans.
The Place You Never Knew You Needed When friends and family come to visit for the first time, I always hesitate on recommending places commonly featured on blogs, ahem, Ben Thanh Market. Is that how you really want to remember Vietnam in all its beauty? No, you tell them to go to In The Mood - Saigon to pick up this incredibly unique cinnamon box. I know what you’re thinking, but no, it’s not a box with cinnamon in it. The wooden box is made with cinnamon bark, which gently infuses this aromatic spiced fragrance into whatever you put inside like salt or sugar.
And for me, while I love my landlord dearly, that multi-colored, floral printed bedding that was generously offered, no longer has a place in my home. In The Mood - Saigon offers 100% eco-friendly, locally sourced and designed satin cotton bedding. It feels just as good as it looks as their designs feature local artisans who pay homage to different eras of Vietnam. I wish I’d known about In The Mood - Saigon sooner. Perhaps that’s the beauty of living in Vietnam. Something that was conceptualized only a few months ago can quickly become real, right in your own neighbourhood. Nothing feels quite as special as knowing whatever you are purchasing is ethically sourced and made, but also authentic to the people who have created it.
Contact IN THE MOOD – SAIGON 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien Ward, District 2 +84 096 877 3862 inthemoodsaigonstore
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From Our Partner
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Metiseko’s Moment
wooden platform heels, hand-carved by artisans from the carpentry village of Kim Bong just south of Hoi An. Metiseko also collaborated with a distinguished Vietnamese family who create traditional costumes for the Vietnamese Opera. The collaboration produced the elaborate headpieces that made an impact on the runway with their height, volume, movement, and drama. A French designer based in Hoi An who specializes in embroidery and embellishment was also called upon to create a series of delicate sequined fans that models slowly sauntered down the runway with, as well as silktassel belts and standout costume jewellery neckpieces comprised of large brass panels. By supporting local artisans and celebrating generations of Vietnamese tradition and talent, Metiseko were able to create elevated editorial looks that completely represent the brand from head to toe, transporting the sartorial crowd into the Metiseko universe. By participating in Vietnam International Fashion Week Metiseko confirmed themselves as an established RTW brand in Vietnam. Validating themselves as a heavyweight player within the industry.
At the 10th Vietnam International Fashion Week in Hanoi Metiseko made their runway debut and firmly planted their artisanal heels as a major player in Vietnam’s fashion scene.
The room dims to pitch black and the hum of conversation dwindles out to heavy silence. The twang of a traditional Vietnamese zither fills the room and a woman’s gentle singing falls upon the crowd. Deep, steady drum beats join the chorus as the lights draw up, and supermodel of the moment, Nguyễn Quỳnh Anh, confidently stomps onto the runway in silk-tasseled bluesuede ankle boots. A slinky silk maxi dress in allover white and blue floral print is reminiscent of porcelain fine china. The sensual flow of her feminine dress, complete with thigh-high split, is offset by the masculinity of a clean-cut, cropped bolero jacket in solid navy. Her intense stare is amplified by precise cat-eye winged liner in a deep shade of crimson, and sharp, bold brows that could cut through ice... ...Metiseko has arrived. For the 10th edition of Vietnam International Fashion Week, it was expected that everyone involved would be pulling out all the stops. 42 | iamhcmc.com
But in a sea of jaw dropping red carpet looks worthy of a museum Metiseko with it’s clean, easy, ready-to-wear garments, was a welcome breath of fresh air. The biggest obstacle for Metiseko in the lead up to the show? How to stand up to the rest of the outstanding designer talent and not look out of place while presenting a collection of wearable everyday looks. To answer the challenge, Metiseko turned to what their brand identity roots itself heavily in… supporting the true artisans of Vietnam. Since starting Metiseko as a school project in 2010, Erwan Perzo has focused on building an ethical brand providing high-end RTW collections that - from initial concept through to final product in store - are proudly designed, developed, sourced, and produced in Vietnam, for Vietnam. The team worked closely with Fashion 4 Freedom to create three pairs of their iconic
As the models take to the runway for their final walk, the steady gait of Metiseko’s army of strong women picks up speed. They step harder. Faster. The trill of saxophones and fastpaced strums of electric guitars is reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack. Two months of sweat, tears and dedicated teamwork has produced a runway show that is a true celebration of Vietnam, a celebration that builds to a climax of flaming reds and deep blues... ...Metiseko has arrived. WHERE TO SHOP FOR METISEKO IN VIETNAM: SILK BOUTIQUES 101 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 140 Tran Phu, Minh An, Hoi An ORGANIC COTTON BOUTIQUES 157 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 142 Tran Phu, Minh An, Hoi An SNAP CAFE BOUTIQUE 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, district 2, Ho Chi Minh City TANMY DESIGN CORNER 61 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi VICTORIA CORNER Victoria beach resort & spa, Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An www.metiseko.com
by Victor Burrill
BUSINESS
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One way you may consider building performance in your team is through building trust. Teams and organizations that operate with high trust significantly outperform those who do not cultivate trust at the core of their culture. A Watson Wyatt study showed that high-trust companies outperformed low-trust companies in total return to shareholders — by 286%! In his book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni says that the first of the five dysfunctions is the absence of trust among team members. Essentially, he says, this stems from their unwillingness to be vulnerable within the group. Team members who are not genuinely open with one another about their mistakes and weaknesses make it impossible to build a foundation for trust.
What can you do to build trust in the workplace? “Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different.’’ - Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo CEO -
It is firmly believed by many that trust isn’t a quality you either have or you don’t, it’s a learnable skill that is developed with practice.
You cannot prevent a major catastrophe but you can build an organization that is battle-ready, that has high morale, that knows how to behave and that trusts itself. One where people trust one another. In military training, the first rule is to instill soldiers with trust in their officers because without trust, they won’t fight.
- Peter Drucker -
Stephen M. R. Covey in his book The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything explains the first step towards building trust is self-trust (trusting yourself) or credibility. As the writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “Self trust is the essence of heroism.” Credibility is about developing the integrity, intent, capabilities, and results that make you believable, both to yourself and to others. Essentially, it boils down to two simple questions... 43
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BUSINESS
of people around the world trust in FedEx to deliver them goods overnight. But have you considered that your trust in them is a major part of why they’re so fast at delivering in the first place? Since many people trust in FedEx to deliver the next day, they must move hundreds of thousands of packages and orders each day – as people buy, and they buy fast. The speed with which FedEx receives incoming orders at scale is what endows it with the flow of financial capital it needs to not only pay for overnight drivers or book special air freight services, but also create systems that will lower the average cost and time per delivery. Since 9/11 the average airport security checks take 90 minutes, as opposed to approximately Question 1. “Do I trust myself?” Question 2. “Am I someone others can trust?” Research shows that many of us don’t follow through with the goals we set and don’t keep the promises and commitments we make to ourselves. For example, almost half of the western world set New Year’s resolutions, research shows that only 8 percent actually keep them. By doing this time after time the result will be repeated failure to make and keep commitments to ourselves which erodes our self-confidence and we lose trust in our ability to make and keep commitments. Thus, we fail to project the personal strength of character that inspires trust. We may try to borrow strength from position or association. But it’s not real. It’s not ours… and people know it. And whether we realize or not, that impacts the bottom line. Although we all know it intuitively, research validates that a person’s self-confidence will affect his or her performance. This is one reason why Jack Welch of GE claimed that “building self-confidence in others is a huge part of leadership.” The lack of Self Trust also undermines our ability to trust others. In the words of Cardinal de Retz, “A man who doesn’t trust himself can never really trust anyone else.” The good news in all of this is that when we do make and keep a commitment to ourselves or set and achieve a meaningful goal, we build credibility and self-confidence within ourselves. The more we do it, the more confidence we 44 | iamhcmc.com
have that we can achieve our goals, and are more likely to set new ones. The more we accomplish our goals, the more we trust ourselves. Consider which ones of the following High Trust Behaviors would you like to change the most and why? 1. Straight Talking 2. Demonstrate Respect 3. Communicate with Transparency 4. Right Wrongs 5. Show Loyalty 6. Deliver on Promises and Achieve Results 7. Get Better 8. Confront Reality 9. Clarify Expectations 10. Practice Accountability 11. Listen First 12. Keep Commitments 13. Extend Trust
Trust increases speed and thus lowers costs in businesses. The result from the 41 Country Study of Paul Zak and Stephen Knack also shows “In all cases, the countries with the highest trust levels have the highest per capita incomes and GDPs. Because trust reduces the cost of transactions, high-trust societies exhibit better economic performance than low-trust societies.” High trust also increases speed and thus lowers costs in businesses and organisations too. A lot
BUSINESS
30 minutes before. The trust in airplane passengers has gone, making the whole process of checking each passenger slower, and leads to an increased cost for personnel and machinery.
Building Trust with The Emotional Bank Account An Emotional Bank Account is a metaphor describing the amount of trust that has been built up in any relationship. It represents how safe you feel with or around another person. Much like the idea of having a savings accounts flood with cash or real estate investments with large equity balances – which are all great things – there is another type of account that probably affects your life much more significantly. This account is measured by your trust. It is an emotional bank account and we are regularly making deposits into it and take withdrawals when we need to. A deposit represents someone doing a caring act for us or making us feel safe and accepted. A withdrawal will be somebody showing us malice, bad intent or aggression and represents us losing trust in that person. We make similar kinds of deposits and withdrawals in our relationships at work into our Emotional Bank Accounts. When the balance is high, so is the resulting level of trust,
and so is your ability to achieve the results that you are measured by. When the balance is low, trust is low, the quality of your work will decrease and suffer, and ultimately your work relationships can suffer also. To build a strong, healthy balance with the people with whom you work, follow these important points:
1
Never deposit to withdraw. While there are similarities between a traditional bank account and an Emotional Bank Account, you should never accumulate a high emotional balance in order to make planned withdrawals later. I know a colleague who kept a box of thank you notes in his office because he had developed an unhealthy habit of using them to build a reservoir of goodwill before dumping a big project on someone. This approach is exactly how not to utilize the Emotional Bank Account as your attempts to show good intent will be seen through quickly and will not be well received.
2
Know the other person’s currency. Like trying to deposit British Pounds into a Chinese bank account, you are sure to raise eyebrows and cause confusion. Understand how to change your tones and words to communicate with certain people and make an effort to ‘speak their language’. If done correctly this will instantly gain you their trust. Take
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time to learn what the important people in your workplace (aka your boss, your cubicle mate, your best clients) consider a deposit.
3
Communicate your own currency. You cannot expect people to read your mind. In the fast-paced world of work, it can cost you plenty if you do. Clarify and communicate your expectations before, during, and after every project. Doing so sets everyone up for success as showing trust in them builds rapport and understanding.
4
Small and consistent deposits over time are more powerful than occasional, large deposits. Relationships grow in security and trust when they are built with frequent, meaningful contributions rather than an occasional grand gesture. This stockpile can be invaluable when the unintentional but inevitable “you-know-what” hits the fan, and you need to draw from the deep well of deposits to turn a sticky situation around.
5
Right wrongs. A piece of Eastern wisdom says, “if you’re going to bow, bow low”. In other words, when you mess up, make a sincere apology. There is nothing more meaningful than admitting a mistake without making excuses for it. This shows humility and vulnerability, and will build strong trust. 45
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REAL ESTATE
by John Mark Harrell
This attitude and mindset toward development makes it very difficult for interior design professionals at KAZE to take on new projects with the full extent of their expertise. “Consultants are used more as tools and not valued for their consultancy,” Fong-Chan says. Developers most often seek the cheapest and most cost-effective solutions, rather than the smartest solutions that will save them and their end users from trouble further down the road. Interior design firms like KAZE, unfortunately, are often sought out merely to “rubber stamp” the process the developer has already determined in advance. With little to no thought given to environmental concerns and sustainability, this is a growing concern for many professionals who work with local developers.
Foreign developers in Vietnam prioritise profits and quick turnaround, but the future depends on the next generation demanding high quality and sustainability.
One of the secret “perks” to living in Ho Chi Minh City is that, for most residents, an alarm clock isn’t necessary. Every morning at around 7:00 am, 7 days a week, construction crews diligently start their work, ostensibly eager to do as much as possible before the sweltering heat of midday. The shrill shouting of workers and the rumbling of jackhammers drilling into concrete is the near-constant soundtrack of one of Southeast Asia’s most rapidly-developing urban hubs.
fastest-growing, with steady increases in foreign investment, tourism, and GDP predicted well into the next decade.
In the past decade, HCMC has seen some dramatic new developments radically transform the city’s skyline, from modern urban developments in the Phu My Hung ward of District 7, to the Vinhomes mega-complex and Landmark 81, which is currently Southeast Asia’s tallest skyscraper. Relatively loose zoning restrictions have allowed massive developments, for better or worse, to break ground just about anywhere that space allows in this growing metropolis.
Big investment buyers come
Vietnam’s economy is one of the world’s 46 | iamhcmc.com
Is Growth Outpacing Sustainability? According to Danish architect Fong-Chan Paw Zeuthen, founder of KAZE Interior Design Studio in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2...
to Vietnam to invest in a development project and flip them for a 20% yield… So the local real estate market is getting watered down with cheap, quick projects that turn a high profit margin regardless of actual build quality.
Part of the problem stems from the young development market in Vietnam interacting with larger development conglomerates investing from afar. “Locals often don’t have lots of experience,” Fong-Chan says. “And [foreign developers] don’t have experience working with locals. Some developers have no idea what they’re doing— they’re first time developers.” Newer technological advancements and sustainable building practices are eschewed in favour of more old-fashioned techniques that are cheaper and produce faster results. But those results aren’t always pretty; seeing cracks on the walls of brand new buildings in Vietnam is a common phenomenon, largely due to the construction materials, like bricks and mortar, not given enough time to dry out and “settle” before completing the construction process. Building materials are most often chosen based on how cheap they are—not whether their production or use is environmentallyfriendly. Not only can they be damaging to the environment, however, they can actually be hazardous to human health as well. White asbestos is still widely-used in construction
REAL ESTATE
projects throughout Vietnam, and it wasn’t until 2018 that the government unveiled a roadmap to eliminate its use entirely by 2023. One only has to look to the development of other huge metropolises throughout Asia to see similar patterns from their earlier stages of development. The infamous high-rise apartments in Hong Kong, for example, are exemplary of cheap, quick construction methods with little concern for end users and low-quality materials that degrade quickly overtime and increase long-term costs.
In many cases we’re creating
Beyond the developments themselves, these new high-rises often put a strain on local infrastructure. As the city eliminates green spaces due to the influx of traffic brought about by huge new housing developments, unseen problems are just beginning to come to light. In its current state, no water treatment or sewage system can support the number of new high rises being built at such a dizzying rate. For a city already struggling with pollution and increased flooding due to climate change, all these new developments could place even more pressure on an already overloaded system.
Hope for the Future
really bad living environments,” Fong-Chan says. “We’re not learning from mistakes that the other big cities have made.
So what does this mean for the future of Vietnam? It’s a complex problem that developing countries all over the world struggle with as investors respond to market demands.
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Ultimately, the demand for quality is missing,” Fong-Chan points out. “Developers are not saving the environment or costs for the end user. They’re just looking for a quick turnover. Because of inefficient building materials and lack of energy-saving methods, it is most often the end users who are footing a higher monthly bill as a result. If foreign investors are only fixated on short-term returns, many of these new developments will actually cost property owners and business owners more money further down the line. The challenge, therefore, is to increase consumer demand for buildings that are not just fashionable and functional now, but whose design and quality will stand the test of time. As the younger generation becomes more conscious of the environment and their own health, through growing global interconnectedness and education, there remains hope for the future. Increasingly, we should be asking: should big foreign corporations not take some responsibility for the host country they are building in and making money off of? Shouldn’t we demand that they bring more innovative, advanced, sustainable solutions, instead of just exploiting the environment for a quick profit?
KAZE is in the industry, questioning the direction we’re going as a community,” Fong-Chan says. “We are always pushing to create new sustainable communities with new developments. It is in these developments that the tremendous opportunity lies to build something that exists in harmony with the environment and promotes human health and happiness - not just for a quick return now, but for the benefit and economic well-being of Vietnam for generations to come. 47
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