BY LOCALS, FOR LOCALS
04-05-06/2019
500ha
SAFARI ZOO STARFISH BEACH
GANH DAU BEACH
International
At 603m
MOUNT CHUA
Vinperl Land
HOSPITAL Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Island
is Phu Quoc’s highest point Over 50% of Phu Quoc is a
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc
NATIONAL PARK
Phu Quoc Eco Lodge Resort
The economic capital is
Mango Bay Resort Rory’s Beach Bar
DUONG DONG Night Market
LONG BEACH Is the most popular beach in Phu Quoc
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc HAM NINH FISHING VILLAGE
Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island
PHU QUOC AIRPORT
Shri Beach Club
Is Vietnam’s 5th largest international airport Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc
VONG BEACH
Sailing Club
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
SAO BEACH JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa Phu Quoc Cable Car
Phu Quoc Prison
Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort
HON ROI
There are
28 islanDs
in Phu Quoc District
2 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
HON THOM
Phu Quoc Island
SPECIAL EDITION The best time to visit Phu Quoc Dry season - November to April MAX
MIN
320C
240C
Lots of sunshine and low humidity
4,041,001 is the approximate number of visitors in 2018
536,458
OF WHOM WERE INTERNATIONAL
36% This was a 36% rise from 2017 Vietnamese
International
86.7%
13.3%
Wet season - May to October MAX
MIN
30 C
22 C
0
0
Lots of rain and high humidity (~82%)
Phu Quoc is classified as a Special Economic Zone, which means visitors planning on coming to the island qualify for a 30-day Visa Exemption. Phu Quoc Island is the only destination in Vietnam that has a Visa Exemption for all nationalities.
Phu Quoc Airport is the 5th largest in Vietnam. The route between Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City is the fourth largest domestic route in Vietnam, according to CAPA Centre for Aviation.
Phu Quoc National Park takes up more than half of the northern part of the island. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2010 and covers more than 314,000 square meters of space that is carefully protected and restricted to tourists by the Vietnamese government.
Phu Quoc is surrounded by fringing reefs, which are home to a variety of tropical fish and coral life. 3
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EDITOR’S NOTE
By Locals, For Locals
TRAVEL FEATURES 6. Phu Quoc Island: A Brief History 7. The Cream of the Crop: Phu Quoc’s Best
In February, while Tet celebrations rained down on Saigon in the form of dragon dances, banh chung and li xi, the #iAMHCMC editorial team went on assignment on Phu Quoc island. What better way to ring in the Year of the Pig, we figured, than to dig deep into what makes the island one of Vietnam’s (and the world’s) most up-and-coming tourist destinations? (We might have also enjoyed some sun, sand and sunsets along the way.)
Luxury Resorts
11. Phu Quoc to 2030: Ambitious and Why Not?
12. The Hospitality Boom in Phu Quoc: Is This the Future of Vietnam?
14. The Drive to Increase CSR in Phu Quoc’s Resorts
F&B FEATURES 16. Classic Charm Meets Urban Cool: Sheraton Saigon’s Level 23
18. The Best Bars in Phu Quoc for Cocktails at
This Quarter II edition of #iAMHCMC, as well as the Phu Quoc destination page located on our newly revamped website Citypassguide.com, is dedicated to our findings. Guided by Phu Quoc team leader, and newly minted Innovo JSC Content Manager, Stuart Miller, we investigated everything that the island has to offer. From the Best Resorts on the Island (p6) to the perfect places to have a drink overlooking the ocean (p18), the Pearl Island impressed us with its newfound luxury set alongside pristine natural beauty. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself booking a flight for your next beach vacation by the time you finish reading through this Gazette. More interested in the ins and outs of what makes the hospitality industry tick? Turn to page 12 to read about the intense hospitality boom that has happened on the island over the last 5 years. Beyond 5-star resorts and boutique bungalows, Phu Quoc is also making strides with a brand new international hospital, increased flight paths at the renovated airport and the soon to open Corona Casino, which will be a major tourism draw for both foreigners and nationals alike (p11).
Sunset
20. Connections and Culture: Ingredients for a Successful Restaurant in Saigon
22. The Evolution of Fine Dining in Saigon 23. Waste Conscious Restaurants in Saigon
LEISURE FEATURES 24. Introducing This Week Section 26. Plastic Detox Mindmap 28. Eight Top Environmentally Friendly Cosmetics and Skin Care in Vietnam
Sustainability is a word that has been filling our newsfeeds lately, yet the enigma of how to make a difference on an individual level often stops people before they try. #iAMHCMC has put together a guide to help you reduce your waste without having to completely rearrange your life (p26). In addition, you’ll find numerous articles throughout the Gazette and online with the tag #CityPassGreen that are geared to sharing the environmental message with a broader audience. As tourism to the country rises and island paradises such as Phu Quoc see an increase in visitors as well as trash production, the necessity for building a greener future for Vietnam has never been more urgent than now. With a little push, we can all be Green Warriors! Sincerely yours,
30. American Viet Kieu Indentities Shift Through Repatriation in Vietnam
EDUCATION FEATURES
Molly Headley-Benkaci
32. Did We Make the Right Choice? OP-ED on Homeschooling
35. Renaissance International School Saigon:
HAVE FEEDBACK? CONTACT US AT STUART@INNOVO.VN
Vietnam’s Only Round Square School
36. Preparing Your Child for Their First Day at School at ISSP
38. ISHCMC: 25 years as an International School Pioneer in Saigon
40. Back to Basics: AIS and the Importance of Good Teachers
FURTHERMORE 42. Bursting at the Seams: Healthcare in Vietnam
44. Are You Juggling Two Versions of Yourself? 46. A Practical Guide to Business Networking 48. Global Investors Assess Vietnam’s Domestic Real Estate Market
50. Q&A
CEO Patrick Gaveau Executive Assistant Thao Dao Accountant Minh Huynh Linh Huynh BD Manager Benjamin Giroux BD Cordinator Hang Tram Anh
Account Manager Anna Hoang Marketing Manager Thomas Kervennic Marketing Assistants My Tran Nhu Tong CTO Stefan George Editor Rob van Diesum
Molly Headley-Benkaci Content Manager Stuart Miller Writers Mark Gwyther Karen Wise Brennan Lagman Angee the Diva J.K. Hobson Sivaraj Pragasm Mervin Lee
Victor Burrill Alex Gordillo Laura Nalin Traffic Coordinator Huong Pham Front Cover Øyvind Sveen Design Manager Hera Nguyen
E-NOVO CO., LTD 42/37 Hoang Dieu, District 4, HCMC | +84 28 3825 4316 | sales@innovo.vn
QUARTER II - (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: Nguyen Xuan Truong | Editor: Ta Quang Huy License Info: Publishing Registration Plan No.: 4856-2018/CXBIPH/31-210/TN Publishing Permit No.: 814/QĐ-TN | Issued on 31 Dec 2018 | ISBN: 978-604-975-125-7 7,000 copies printed at HCMC Nhan Dan Newspaper Printing Co., Ltd (D20/532P, Hamlet 4, Binh Chanh District, HCMC) 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.
4 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
5
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by Alex Gordillo
TRAVEL FEATURE
Phu Quoc is isolated from mainland Southeast Asia and from documented history. A brief look deepens our appreciation of this remarkable tourist destination. Before the 17th Century, there are few historical references and very little is known about Phu Quoc island, its inhabitants, and its history. However, historical consensus holds that the island has been inhabited for at least 2,500 years. Most of the archeological evidence—pottery, tombs, and tools that were unearthed in the north— is located in Coi Nguon Museum near Dương Đông, the island’s town centre. Phu Quoc island is also commonly known as the “Pearl Island” (“Đảo Ngọc”), due in large part to its thriving pearl farming industry. One of the main attractions of this 28-islet archipelago, nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, is its isolated nature as well as its famed 150km of coastline with more than 20 beaches. Most tourism to Phu Quoc is based around rest and relaxation. To show how in-demand the island is becoming, very recently an Indian billionaire couple chose Phu Quoc as the location for a massive wedding party that lasted a week, with more than 700 guests and over 150 performers. However, for those who love digging into a bit of history, there is plenty to learn about this mysterious destination.
An Important Jewel in the History of a Vietnamese Dynasty The appropriately named Phu Quoc island, meaning “fertile” or “thriving land,”has a rich and interesting story. Around 1680, a Chinese merchant named Mac Thien Tu had an opportunity to develop a large part of the southern coast of Cambodia. As a major part of this process, he linked Phu Quoc island as 6 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
one of seven trading centres that welcomed European commerce, especially from Portugal. One of the most iconic moments in the island’s history was when French missionary Pigneau de Behaine used the island as a base to hide future king Nguyễn Ánh, who was being hunted by Tay Son rebels. In 1782, Nguyễn Ánh consolidated his power on the island and re-entered mainland Vietnam to defeat the Tay Son rebels. Twenty years later, Nguyễn Ánh became Emperor Gia Long, the first ruler of the Nguyễn Dynasty in Vietnam.
From Cochinchina to Kien Giang In 1862, during the reign of the infamous French emperor, Napoleon III, the French entered Phu Quoc as part of the Cochinchina Campaign. By 1867, French rule was formally established in the region. This is when the famous Cay Dua Prison (Coconut Tree Prison) was established, which later became a centre of US military presence in Vietnam during the Vietnamese War in the 1960s-1970s.
Following the success of the Vietnamese resistance against the US, the country was once again united. As a result of this, there was a resolution of Phu Quoc’s most important territorial dispute and finally the island officially became a part of Kien Giang province, Vietnam.
Present and Future of Phu Quoc Island The island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2006, due to the ecological diversity of the island, and also made news for having the world’s longest oversea cable car route, a recent addition to the island’s attractions. From a shipping hub, to a remote island prison, to becoming one of Vietnam’s top resort destinations, Phu Quoc has weathered many changes. But it remains, as always, a tropical taste of paradise. For more on Phu Quoc and travel in Vietnam, go to CityPassGuide.com
by Stuart Miller & Molly Headley
TRAVEL FEATURE
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Thala spa, Nemo kids’ club, complimentary bicycles, modern fitness centre, free airport transfer, and excellent business and meeting facilities.
What’s special? Best Western Sonasea Phu Quoc’s magnificent lagoon pool is Vietnam’s longest, at 300 metres, and is the gorgeous centrepiece of the resort for you to relax and float around in true luxury.
This essential guide will help you discover some of the very best in luxury and 5-star beach destination resorts that the beautiful island of Phu Quoc has to offer. Phu Quoc has seen a rapid rise from being relatively unknown outside of Vietnam to becoming one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. Phu Quoc attracts visitors of all types. There is something for everyone on the ‘Pearl Island’. The dramatic increase in Phu Quoc’s luxury accommodation options has meant that discerning travellers are spoiled for choice when selecting a top class resort. Read on to discover some of our favourites.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc Duong Bao, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province +84 297 3546 666 reservation@bwpremier-sonaseaphuquoc.com bwpremier-sonaseaphuquoc.com
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc is one of the newest luxury beach resorts on the island. Located around 10 minutes south of the airport and overlooking a lovely beachfront along Phu Quoc’s gorgeous western coast, this thoughtfully designed resort boasts excellent options for any traveller. Enjoy accommodation from modern guestrooms and suites to three-to-five bedroom villas with their own private pools, all with quality furnishings and luxurious amenities. For families with younger children, there is a brilliant deal where two kids (under 16) can stay for free in their parents’ room, including the daily buffet breakfast. A fine variety of delicious international and Vietnamese cuisine is served at the resort’s Essence Restaurant and Oasis Pool Bar (with swim-up bar), and you mustn’t miss the stunning sunset views across the island and ocean with refreshing cocktails and delectable food at the romantic rooftop CView Sky Bar. In addition to two main pools and two kids’ pools, the resort offers fun beach activities, the tranquil Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc
Hamlet 4, Vung Bau Beach, Cua Can, Phu Quoc +84 297 3690 000 reservations.frpq@fusionresorts.com fusionresorts.com/fusionresortphuquoc This peaceful spa resort is a perfect getaway to experience the height in personalised luxury. Upon arrival, you will be assigned your very own “Fusionista”—an attentive point of contact (read: butler) for all your needs during your stay. Fusion is an all-villa resort with each villa enjoying highest quality furnishings, a private garden and its own pool for secluded relaxation. Pick from beachfront or riverside views to complete your getaway amongst nature. As an “all-spa inclusive” resort, Fusion uniquely offers guests complimentary treatments for each night’s stay at its fully equipped spa and wellness facility. The extensive spa menu helps you find the perfect route to relax and reinvigorate. Other facilities include an oceanfront infinity pool, tennis court, fun kids’ club, beach games and a multi-purpose room for meetings or weddings. Whenever your appetite calls, Fusion Resort offers outstanding culinary options. Dine in style in your villa, at the spacious Secret Garden or the seafood-inspired, ocean-facing Pezcá, or kick back with a refreshing drink at Soul Kitchen. The Beach Bar is the perfect spot for cocktails and a gorgeous sunset with the sand of Fusion’s 2.5km beach at your feet.
What’s Special? Start off your day the right way with the complimentary “Breakfast Anywhere, Anytime” service - as it sounds, no explanation needed. 7
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by Stuart Miller & Molly Headley
TRAVEL FEATURE
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc
Kem Beach, An Thoi, Phu Quoc +84 297 3779 999 mhrs.pqcjw.reservations@marriotthotels.com jwmarriottphuquocresort.com
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort Bai Truong, Duong To, Phu Quoc +84 297 3978 888 Reservations.ICPQ@ihg.com phuquoc.intercontinental.com The InterContinental brand’s reputation is splendidly maintained with this beautiful resort in western Phu Quoc. The “InterCon” is a class act throughout, from the comfort of its accommodation and high-class dining options to its excellence as a family destination and wide range of facilities. From a range of spacious rooms and suites in its resort wings, resident-style accommodation in the Sky Tower, and ocean-view villas, the InterContinental Phu Quoc invites you to live in the lap of luxury with no detail left to chance.
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
For foodies, the InterCon’s stylish venues provide fantastic choice: fresh seafood, Japanese-Viet fusion, classic Italian and beachside barbecue. Facilities feature four swimming pools (including one separate kids’ play pool), 24-hour fitness centre, large kids’ club, a range of daily activities for all, wedding ceremony planning and indoor event/ business venues. The soothing lagoon setting of the spa is perfect for re-energising your body and soul. The expansive resort benefits from superior quality decor and impressive attention to detail. There is little need to leave for anything other than exploring Phu Quoc’s attractions.
What’s Special? INK 360 is the InterCon’s sky bar—the highest in Phu Quoc and the place to survey spectacular sunset views with exquisite craft cocktails, accompanied by sundown beats and party tunes.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Previously a 19th-century French university, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc retains a classic design alongside all the 5-star comforts and modern conveniences you could need. This majestic resort features a wide range of rooms and suites, gorgeous private pool villas, and even an incredible sevenbedroom oceanfront residence with its own infinity pool facing the sea. All accommodation types display a unique character with plush furnishings, high ceilings and bright, spacious layouts. There is a huge variety of scheduled daily activities from morning till evening for adults (bike tours, lantern-making and cookery classes) and children (dancing, painting, magic shows and treasure hunts). More laid-back travellers can take it easy at the three beautiful swimming pools or enjoy a dip in the ocean and the resort’s private beach. Experience deeper relaxation by indulging in the soothing class of the Chanterelle Spa. The resort features its very own walking street, Hoi An-style, where guests can wander among the classy selection of shops, visit the spa and dine at JW Marriott Phu Quoc’s several F&B venues - enjoy fantastic ocean views and options
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by Stuart Miller & Molly Headley
TRAVEL FEATURE
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from fresh seafood and French cuisine, to tasty tapas and signature cocktails.
What’s Special? The resort seems almost like a fairytale village, with colourful building facades and mini castlelike structures.
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc - MGallery by Sofitel Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Beach, Phu Quoc +84 (0)297 3982 988 contact@laverandaresorts.com laverandaresorts.com/ Set in a magical French colonial seaside mansion, La Veranda’s setting evokes posh garden parties and leisurely afternoons spent sipping wine and gazing at the sea from under a wide-brimmed hat. The saltwater swimming pool is surrounded by greenery and winding garden pathways and features a large children’s pool that is the perfect depth for little ones to splash in. The resort is part of AccorHotels group’s exclusive MGallery Heritage Collection. One of La Veranda’s main draws is its world-class Pepper Tree restaurant, which is rated #1 on the island and #4 in all of Vietnam by TripAdvisor. The restaurant combines the techniques of gourmet cuisine with the spirit and recipes of a traditional Vietnamese kitchen. La Veranda’s famous breakfast includes crowd favourites like the made-to-order waffle/pancake/crepe bar and fresh smoothies that change daily. Weekly F&B
Nam Nghi Phu Quoc
events spice up the evenings with special seafood beach barbecues, complimentary wine tastings and afternoon tea services.
and all-inclusive wellness packages combining health-centric food options, meditative activities and classes related to mindfulness.
Each garden or ocean-view deluxe room, suite or villa at La Veranda has a story to tell. Historically accurate paint colours, furnishings and artwork as well as personal touches added by the resort’s creator, Madame Catherine, create a personalised feeling to the rooms. Luxury service touches, such as the nightly gifts and handwritten letters at turndown, go above and beyond the typical resort experience.
Nam Nghi Phu Quoc
What’s Special? La Veranda will soon become the top destination in Vietnam for health and wellness travellers with the inclusion of its signature Wellness Sanctuary due to open in 2019. The centre will include spa treatments, day passes
Hamlet 4, Cua Can Commune, Phu Quoc +84 297 3891 234 booking@namnghiresort.com namnghiresort.com/ If you’re looking for a secluded island escape in luxury, there are few better options than Nam Nghi. Set in a private location on the northwest coast of Phu Quoc, this gorgeous resort will surround you with lush greenery, breathtaking views, natural wooden architecture and stellar service. If you prefer a spacious villa, there is the option for ocean view or a tranquil private garden view. All accommodation is tastefully designed with luxurious touches and natural materials used with sustainable design in mind. The resort is around 30 minutes’ drive from the island’s main Duong Dong town, but a free shuttle bus service is provided. In the peace and quiet of this hideaway resort, there are plenty of facilities and activities to enjoy. Sunbathe on the lovely private beach, take a dip in the ocean or the beautiful pool, go kayaking or snorkelling, use the well-equipped gym or indulge in a treatment at the restful spa.
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc - MGallery by Sofitel
When you’re hungry, Nam Nghi doesn’t disappoint with its top quality offerings, from the excellent breakfast buffet to exquisite cuisine at the fine-dining TreeHouse Restaurant. 9
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TRAVEL FEATURE
What’s Special? The resort’s very own private island offers a delightful little beach and the exclusive Rock Island Club bar—a sublime spot to take in a spectacular sunset with a refreshing cocktail.
by Stuart Miller & Molly Headley
Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island
Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort Ong Doi Cape, An Thoi, Phu Quoc +84 297 3546 666 HB2R4@accor.com premiervillage-phuquoc.com Nestled at the southeastern tip of Phu Quoc, is this 5-star pool villa resort draped over a large expanse of natural beauty, where guests, families or groups can enjoy true seclusion. Each one of the resort’s stunningly designed pool villas includes a private infinity pool, generous living areas, and elegant, modern decor with plentiful natural light from the floorto-ceiling glass doors and panels. Premier Village’s extensive facilities include numerous bright turquoise swimming pools and a white sandy beach with loungers and hammocks, kayaks and paddle boards for active guests. Beyond the pools and beach, children will be entertained by the fun kids’ club and bicycles for all the family. The resort’s spa offers a huge treatment menu for soothing relaxation. Situated on the side of an ocean view hill, it is also a great place for amazing sunset views. Whether it’s the excellent international and Vietnamese cuisine at The Market restaurant
or the fresh Mediterranean menu at Corallo, Premier Village offers delicious culinary options. Enjoy a swim and a drink at the Pool Bar or savour the self-explanatory Sunset Lounge’s location with a delightful drink.
What’s Special? If you choose a beachfront villa, be sure to take advantage of a private chef barbecue service just for your group—perfect for celebrating your special vacation in mouthwatering style.
Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To, Phu Quoc +84 297 399 0011 contact@salindaresort.com salindaresort.com/
Salinda Resort epitomises tropical luxury. The resort is enclosed in a lush landscape featuring over 100 types of trees and flowers, giving an atmosphere of an enchanted garden complete with butterflies and birds. The greenery extends to the private beach where mango trees help block strong winds during the rainy season. The best place to truly experience Salinda’s beauty is from the infinity pool, gazing out at the calm seas in true luxury. The pool is naturally treated with activated carbon and salt without unnecessary chemicals. Salinda offers a selection of deluxe rooms, suites and villas. From the private balconies, guests can take in the setting sun as the evening sky is filled with a spectacular array of colours. Premium linens, bathrobes and luxury beauty products make the experience one of pure comfort. Salinda Resort is also known for its world-class F&B options, among the island’s best. Namaste India is Salinda’s finest dining option with Chef Liladhar preparing gourmet dishes from his native New Delhi. The atmosphere is all about candlelight, jewel-toned linens and top-notch service. Casa Italiana brings authentic Italy with perfectly prepared pizzas, pasta and wine. Salinda Restaurant features stunning Hoi An silk lanterns on an open-air patio. The restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese cuisine at night and an unbelievable breakfast buffet with sparkling wine.
What’s Special? From minimum plastic to eco-friendly pesticide and a chemical-free swimming pool, Salinda leads the pack in terms of sustainability. Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort 10 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
Read more on Phu Quoc at CityPassGuide.com
TRAVEL FEATURE
by Karen Wise
#iAMHCMC
Ambitious
Phu Quoc to 2030:
and why not?
Ambitious plans to upgrade Phu Quoc by 2030 are already underway, bringing more tourists to the island. World-class facilities and attractions are making this island a mustvisit destination. The Phu Quoc Island Construction Master Plan to 2030, revised in March 2017, is undoubtedly an ambitious one with a central focus on the development of the island’s infrastructure. The plan identifies three large urban areas—Duong Dong, Phu Quoc’s main town, An Thoi and Cua Can—and seeks the support of both domestic and international investors to realise projects in world-class leisure and entertainment, transportation, telecommunications, additional power supply, and water and sewage treatment. Examples of major investments completed so far include the international airport opened in 2012 and expanded again in late 2018 and the Vinmec hospital opened in 2015. Making headlines this year was the opening of the Corona Casino, the first casino in the country where Vietnamese nationals can gamble, and most recently, the world’s longest cable car ride (8 km) connecting An Thoi town and Hon Thom Island, funded by the Sun Group, which cuts the travel time between the two locations in half.
The 150-bed Vinmec Phu Quoc International Hospital in Ganh Dau, adjacent to Vinpearl Safari and Vinpearl Land Amusement Park, brought medical facilities to the island that are on par with those available in the US, UK, Germany, Japan and Singapore. Impressively modern with a mix of foreign and Vietnamese doctors able to speak Russian, French and English as well as state of the art diagnostic equipment, Vinmec is a real boost to both residents and visitors to the island. Improvements have also been made to the island’s public health facilities. The Phu Quoc General Hospital in Duong Dong now incorporates the town’s medical clinic and has over 20 departments. The physical buildings and facilities are in need of refurbishment but the staff are dedicated and experienced. Phu Quoc General is open to foreigners and local residents. The current capacity at Phu Quoc International Airport is 4 million passengers per year, with plans for a second terminal and runway for up to 10 million. The busiest route is HCMC - Phu
Quoc, but there are also multiple flights daily for Hanoi - Phu Quoc. In 2016, TUI Airways commenced a twice-weekly direct service for the European winter season (December to March) bringing tourists from Sweden and the UK. In November 2018, Air Asia Airlines commenced flights between Kuala Lumpur and Phu Quoc. Other destinations with direct flights include Seoul, Bangkok and Guangzhou. In January 2019, representatives from the Island’s administration management board stated their intention to pursue investment capital to speed up the completion of key infrastructure projects, improve planning and tackle land disputes, compensation, site clearance and resettlement. Also in January, Vietnam News reported that 46 projects had been completed, 41 projects with a total investment value of VND101.43 billion are underway and that so far there are 31 foreign direct investment projects with a total registered capital of $293 million. Better infrastructure and world-class leisure facilities are bringing increasing numbers of visitors to Phu Quoc—tourism is booming. Discover more on Phu Quoc and travel at CityPassGuide.com 11
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by Angee the Diva
TRAVEL FEATURE
Vietnam is rapidly developing, with Phu Quoc island leading the way. The hospitality industry is booming, but what does that mean for the island and its future? All around Saigon and Vietnam, you see (and hear) the signs of change. The economy is rapidly growing and many companies are leading the way with modern buildings, innovative businesses, and international amenities. But it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. The infrastructure of Vietnam is having to work very hard to try to keep up with the rapid development. Waste disposal issues and slowly changing habits of many locals are obstacles to the success of new establishments. So how can the country adapt to growth while improving current conditions? Phu Quoc’s hospitality boom may be at the forefront of some solutions.
Accommodation for the Masses in Paradise Premier Villas Phu Quoc Phu Quoc has changed dramatically in the last decade. Expansive resorts, scenic restaurants, and trendy bars now stand where trees and sand used to be. And there are no signs of this slowing down. Pullman Phu Quoc Resort and Hotel is currently under construction. Premier Villas is in the works as well. Regent Residences Phu Quoc is set to become the first 6-star resort in Phu Quoc Island by 2020. Once complete, the Regent Residences will include 76 villas, 42 sky villas, and 120 hotel rooms, all exuding the highest standards of luxury and comfort.
The three major development investors in the area have carved out their own portions of Phu Quoc as well. CEO Group is developing the Sonasea Villa & Resort Complex in the Bai Truong area, consisting of internationally-recognized luxury hotel chains Novotel, Best Western Premier Sonasea, and Intercontinental as well as smaller hotels, villas, and hostels. The area is set to be a hub for leisure, amusement and eco-tourism. Vingroup has taken over a chunk of northern Phu Quoc Island with the Vinpearl Phu Quoc
complex. Vingroup has built an amusement park and the world’s second largest wildlife safari alongside premium accommodations in hopes of attracting foreign and domestic tourists. The south of Phu Quoc is the new home of Sun Group who opened the world’s longest oversea cable car ride in 2018. As part of the Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, the cable car connects An Thới Town and Hòn Thơm Islet. Tourists have plenty of experiences with nature and top-of-the-line luxury in the 1,000- room Sun Group resort and hotel complex. With a total of 15,000 rooms rated 3-star and above, Phu Quoc has long passed the days of accommodation shortages.
Raising Service Standards on Phu Quoc
Pullman Phu Quoc Resort 12 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
So who’s going to be staying in all those rooms? Airlines are getting in the game to shuttle new tourists to Phu Quoc. AirAsia now includes regular direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, which also connects the
by Angee the Diva
TRAVEL FEATURE
#iAMHCMC
Regent Residences Phu Quoc
island to traffic from Europe. Regular charter flights bring visitors from China and Russia. Vietjet is planning to expand to flights direct from Seoul. Additionally, all domestic airlines have increased daily direct flights to the Pearl Island. Phu Quoc International Airport is currently being expanded to meet the demands, aiding to swell the tourist population to five million annually by 2020. Transportation to get tourists to the island year round - check. Bountiful accommodations to fit a range of budgets - check. High quality staff to cater to all guests needs - well… While most foreigners living in Vietnam try to understand and accept the way things are done in Vietnam, many have been frustrated by the difference in hospitality industry standards. Especially when on holiday, people expect a carefree and enjoyable experience. Fortunately, some hotels and resorts in Phu Quoc are leading the way here as well. Phu Quoc has long had an issue with maintaining adequate staff to meet the demands of its visitors. There simply aren’t enough local Vietnamese living on the island with qualifications to serve the influx of tourists to all of the luxury hotels and resorts. But the people are coming, so how are the resorts meeting the demand?
Several resorts are partnering with vocational colleges and schools to recruit and train workers from mainland Vietnam. The resorts provide accommodation and ongoing training to help ease the transition. Additionally, a few of the resorts take it a step further by providing above average wages, better benefits packages, and more opportunities for advancement. And their efforts are evident. The staff at Fusion Resort Phu Quoc, for example, happily care for their guests with an unmatched standard of service, express high job satisfaction and enjoy familial relationships with management. This translates to higher retention rates than many of the other resorts on the island. Another facet of maintaining guest satisfaction is maintaining the pristine nature of Phu Quoc. People go to the Pearl Island to bask in the glory of nature, but it can be easily destroyed if everyone on the island isn’t mindful of preservation. To this end, over half of the island remains a protected wildlife preserve, even with growth plans for the next 20 years. Furthermore, resorts and hotels in Phu Quoc, all to varying degrees, work to reduce waste, keep the island clean, and educate the staff, local population, and guests on sustainability practices. Perhaps one of the best examples is Mango Bay Resort. The luxury villas have been integrated into the natural landscape, the coral reef has been better protected, and the staff are required to regularly
participate in clean up efforts in conjunction with local waste removal groups.
On the Right Path In many ways, Phu Quoc feels like a sort of science experiment. Clearly, there is a demand for luxury resorts and hotels and higher standards of service in a pristine environment. And these resorts and hotels are proving that it is possible to maintain profit margins while being conscious of the sustainability of the island. Of course, there is still work to be done, but Vietnam on a whole can look to Phu Quoc as a good example of what can happen in the rest of the country. If Vietnam is to meet its goal of being an internationally recognized “developed nation” in the next five to ten years, the country has to find the balance between proper waste management, infrastructure improvement, internationally recognized service standards AND economic development. Phu Quoc is at the forefront of positive development in Vietnam and set to be the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam. Time will tell how successful Phu Quoc will continue to be, but the future looks bright for the Pearl Island. For more information about the hospitality industry in Phu Quoc and all over Vietnam, head to the travel section of Citypassguide.com 13
#iAMHCMC
TRAVEL FEATURE
by Angee the Diva & Stuart Miller
#iAMHCMC examines the actions of Phu Quoc’s resorts to drive CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) during rapid growth in the island’s hospitality industry.
As with any popular tourist destination, Phu Quoc is not short of resorts. Island-wide, a growing range of accommodation caters for every budget and holiday experience. However, with such growth come concerns about sustainability and consideration for the island’s ecosystems. Thankfully, an increasing number of resorts in Phu Quoc’s hospitality industry are showing consciousness about their effects on the environment, social landscape, and local economy.
Resorts Realise That Staff Are People Too Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is the pinnacle of relaxation and privacy for discerning travellers. The secret to their success, though, lies not in obsession with profits, but in the exceptional treatment of their employees. Staff receive a higher pay than at most resorts on Phu Quoc island and enjoy the “luxury” of two days off per week - uncommon in Asian hospitality businesses. As a result, employees enjoy a living wage and high job satisfaction. 14 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
Additionally, employees report feeling that there is a family environment at Fusion that encourages growth, collaboration, and high staff retention. The management at Fusion Resort Phu Quoc have it figured out - if you take care of the employees, they will work hard and ultimately keep guests satisfied. At Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, new staff that are not local recruits are assisted
with relocation costs and employees are provided with return flight tickets to allow them to visit their hometowns and families. Bonus allowances are offered for special life events and through company awards, and employees’ families are gifted discounted stays at the resort. Along with a comprehensive training and career plan, BWP Sonasea Phu Quoc knows these actions go a long way to keeping a happy staff, which benefits everyone.
Preserving Phu Quoc’s Natural Beauty Along the shores of Ong Lang Beach stands Mango Bay Resort, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Unfortunately, many resorts are built at the expense of the natural ecology of the island; however, Mango Bay is different. When building the resort, the architects worked hard to avoid cutting trees and clearing native vegetation. In addition, the landscape design includes only indigenous plant species. Mango Bay has also taken measures to protect the coral reef in their section of Ong Lang
by Angee the Diva & Stuart Miller
TRAVEL FEATURE
#iAMHCMC
Beach by discouraging fishing and educating guests to prevent further damage. Other resorts and businesses on Phu Quoc, and throughout Vietnam, could take note of Mango Bay Resort’s initiatives to help preserve the long term viability of the country’s beautiful natural habitat.
Hospitality in Phu Quoc: Community Involvement Smaller resorts are also doing their part to change social constructs. Phu Quoc Ecolodge is a Vietnamese-owned and operated boutique resort in Cua Can. As the name implies, environmental sustainability of Phu Quoc is a core value of the resort. They use solar panels, provide glass bottles and refill stations for drinking water, and grow herbs and vegetables on site. The rooms are still comfortable and the property is breathtaking while maintaining a low carbon footprint. Most notable, though, is the dedication to the local community of the owner, Phong Bui. He regularly works with clean up efforts in the area and, though it’s a slow process, he patiently impresses upon his neighbours the importance of reducing plastics, keeping trash out of the water, and properly disposing of waste. Additionally, he supports the local economy by providing Phu Quoc-made environmentally-conscious products at Phu Quoc Ecolodge. Change is easier when motivated by economic viability.
Plastic Reduction and the Use of Sustainable Materials It has been impossible to escape the global plastic reduction movement in recent years (for
good reason) and encouragingly, this trend is also gaining momentum with top resorts in Phu Quoc.
Accoya wood were used in the construction of Salinda Resort, showing a commitment to sustainability from day one.
Supporting this movement in Phu Quoc is the company Bamboo Step, themselves based locally, who are supplying some of the island’s top hotels and resorts with premium quality bamboo drinking straws to ease the burden of single use plastic. La Veranda, Fusion, BWP Sonasea, JW Marriott and Radisson Blu are some of Phu Quoc’s leading resorts who are playing their part by using Bamboo Step’s straws as a positive alternative to plastic ones.
It is clear that there is a lot of positive work being done at some of the excellent resorts in Phu Quoc, which gives good reason to be cautiously optimistic for the future of sustainability on the island. However, there is always much more that can be achieved and there are still plenty of challenges in the road to significant progress, since policies that are environmentally and socially responsible usually hit a resort’s bottom line, at least in the short term.
Going a step further at the plush Salinda Resort, bamboo and grass straws are used as standard in all areas. Ceramic containers for bathroom products are included in all accommodation, and carafes of filtered water are available for a small fee, in order to cut down on consumption of plastic bottles. Biodegradable and renewable materials like
If the growing trends of sustainability and environmental protection are able to gather increasing local and governmental support, then Phu Quoc will continue its rise towards becoming a genuinely sustainable tourist destination in all regards. Read more on Phu Quoc at CityPassGuide.com
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#iAMHCMC
F&B FEATURE
From Our Partners
Level 23 Signature also offers a range of modern, Western-inspired cuisine. The “Sharing is Caring” set menu is a draw with its sumptuous meal for a minimum of four people. Limited seating means guests should reserve in advance but that is part of the experience. The staff can focus on giving each guest truly excellent service, whether it’s for a romantic evening or an important business event.
Drinks at the Beach: Level 23 Wine Bar Level 23 Wine Bar, located next to the restaurant, is the perfect place for a pre or post dinner drink. Complete your experience with a Saigon selfie at the bar’s new urban beach concept. Lounge chairs are set up on sand that overlooks the stunning city views, making this the perfect place to soak up vibrant beach vibes while enjoying a frozen sunset beverage. In addition, the open-air Wine Bar is the perfect location for any event. Flexible set-ups mean the space can be arranged for a cocktail reception, small events or even a convivial team building.
Level 23 at Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is the place to go in District 1 for modern, Western grill cuisine alongside creative drinks and panoramic city views.
Classic Elegance at Level 23 Signature restaurant When you enter the Level 23 Signature restaurant on the 23rd floor of 5-star Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, the atmosphere is the first thing you’ll notice. The glittering city lights and the glow of candles on each table make Signature restaurant a dreamy destination for couples looking for romance, as well as an impressive business dinner location for special clients. Centrally located on Dong Khoi street, HCMC’s luxury shopping street in District 1, Level 23 Signature has been known as one of Saigon’s premier restaurants since it opened in 2003. A culinary destination for visitors, locals and expats alike, one might wonder what it is that keeps Signature restaurant on top in a city where restaurants appear and disappear like shooting stars? The answer is easy: excellent food and service that is guaranteed to be as consistent as the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers name itself. 16 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
It’s worth noting that here Western grill cuisine does not mean lacking in creativity. Lively Scottish Chef and Culinary Director Lorraine Sinclair crafts modern cuisine with world-class concepts. Ever heard of butter-aged beef, for example? No? One taste of this special dish at Signature restaurant, the only restaurant in town to use this technique, and you will likely realise that you’ve never had a steak this good in your life. US beef tenderloin is first wrapped in a “butter cocoon” and aged for four weeks. The butter holds in the juices, while natural enzymes break down the fibres of the meat to create remarkable tenderness as the rich butter seeps in. Once the beef has reached its flavour pinnacle, the butter is removed and the steak is grilled to perfection. The butter, filled with all the savoury juices from the meat, is melted down and served as a dipping sauce, along with sides of spring asparagus and potato gratin. Light it is not, but the extra calories are worth it for the unbelievable taste and texture. A glass of fullbodied Malbec is a perfect pairing to the meal.
Between 4 pm and 7 pm, guests can enjoy Level 23 Wine Bar’s “Happy Sunset”. As the sun sinks down over the city, you can sip on any delicious beverage for a discounted price, while a DJ spins loungy, cool beats. A perfect evening of relaxed elegance for tourists, expats and locals alike.
Contact LEVEL 23 SIGNATURE RESTAURANT Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, 88 Dong Khoi, D.1 028 3827 2828 ssht.signature@sheraton.com www.signaturesaigon.com 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
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#iAMHCMC
F&B FEATURE
by Angee the Diva & Stuart Miller
There is plenty of choice when seeking a quality bar in Phu Quoc to enjoy a classy cocktail in front of a stunning sunset. Seek out our top picks and try them for yourselves! Phu Quoc is the most talked about, rapidly rising tourist destination in Vietnam. People visit to relax amongst the natural beauty of the island and revel in the increasingly wide array of top-notch resorts, restaurants and bars. For many, good cocktails are integral to that experience. What better way to enjoy the best cocktails in Phu Quoc than with a gorgeous sunset as the backdrop? Check out our tips...
Le Jardin at La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc MGallery by Sofitel
Tran Hung Dao Street, Duong Dong Beach Laverandaresorts.com Hours: 10:30am-11:00pm Take a seat on the beach deck or lawn of Le Jardin at La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc and enjoy a front-row seat for nature’s best show: a sunset in Phu Quoc. You can try the authentic Italianstyle pizzas or other top dishes on the fresh and light menu, but of course you need a drink for the main event. As you peruse the Le Bar menu, you will find an expansive list of classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, expertly-mixed signature cocktails, and even homemade rums.
A highlight of the cocktail menu, La Veranda’s White Sangria is light and refreshing with a kick from the mango-infused vodka, a perfect choice.
Shri Phu Quoc Tran Hung Dao Street, Bà Kèo Beach, Duong To, Phu Quoc shri.vn I Hours: 8am-11pm Shri Phu Quoc is a beautiful beach club, bar and restaurant with a perfect oceanside setting on the tranquil Ba Keo beach. Shri is ideal for guests who want to relax on the beach any time from morning till night, while soaking up its breezy, laid-back ambience. As evening approaches, Shri’s DJ will select just the right background beats to set you up for an exquisite, direct sunset view from your table or sun lounger. Anyone who is familiar with Shri’s sky-high Saigon location, will know that they are experts at fusing just the right combination of food, drink and music. Shri offers a range of delightful craft cocktails that really hit a sweet spot. In particular, don’t miss the special ice-cream ‘Kem’ cocktails, which are cooling, refreshing and downright delicious. In addition to an extensive wine and beer selection, the restaurant’s Asian & Mediterranean-inspired menu provides topquality cuisine, including wonderful fresh seafood caught daily.
18 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
by Angee the Diva & Stuart Miller
F&B FEATURE
Rock Island Club is free to enjoy for guests staying at Nam Nghi resort. Non-guests can pay VND300,000 for a ticket, including the short round-trip boat ride from the resort and one food or drink item.
Fusion Beach Bar at Fusion Resort Phu Quoc Hamlet 4, Vũng Bầu Beach, Phu Quoc Fusionresortphuquoc.com Hours: 11am-7pm (the bar stops serving at 7pm, after which guests can remain to enjoy the beach)
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list of expertly-mixed cocktails, wines and fresh juices, alongside live acoustic music, top off the delightful ambience. Fusion Resort Phu Quoc won’t refuse a guest request, including in mixology. Simply ask the skilled bartenders to mix a unique concoction with your favourite spirits or flavours.
Sailing Club Phu Quoc Lô B7, Khu phức hợp, Bãi Trướng, Phú Quốc www.sailingclubphuquoc.com Hours: 10am-midnight Sailing Club Phu Quoc is an expansive, all-day beach club that provides more than a hint of luxury in everything it does. The classy design of the venue feels exclusive and spreads widely along its beautiful beachfront, featuring a full-service bar and restaurant, relaxing infinity pool with swim-up pool bar and sun loungers, and a DJ booth with dance floor for night time party vibes.
Rock Island Club at Nam Nghi Phu Quoc Duong Bao, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province namnghiresort.com/rock-island-club/ Hours: 2pm-9pm (Children under-18 are not allowed after 7pm) Rock Island Club is a unique spot on its own private, cosy island with a fully equipped bar/ clubhouse and deck that offers an outstanding and exclusive location to view a Phu Quoc sunset, situated off the lush greenery of the northwest coast. Savour a high-quality cocktail or mocktail and enjoy Asian seafood offerings if you’re feeling peckish. As the sun sets, you can take in magnificent 360-degree ocean and island views from the beach or the comfort of the bar’s terrace. The resident DJ will supply the tunes to complete this highly photogenic experience.
For the ultimate sunset in Phu Quoc, Fusion Beach Bar should be at the top of the list. Plush sofas and chairs under shady palm frond umbrellas dot the sand. Alternatively, you can choose to bask in large lounge pods on the grass to watch that golden orb sink into the horizon. Or simply grab a towel and sit directly on the white sandy beach. A tantalising
The extensive restaurant menu includes varied and high quality, delectable cuisine with influences from across Asia and Europe. Professional mixologists take pride in creating a wide range of craft cocktails, with signature selections including Afternoon Tea and Mustard G&T offerings. When the gorgeous sundown arrives, Sailing Club’s resident DJs put you at ease with atmospheric music as you sit back and relax with your cocktail, surveying the idyllic sunset views. For more on nightlife, cocktails, Phu Quoc and more, go to CityPassGuide.com 19
#iAMHCMC
F&B FEATURE
by Brennan Lagman
Some of Saigon’s F&B business owners dish up their insights about how it takes connection and culture to run a successful Saigonese restaurant.
Saigon’s food scene is as vibrant as it is dynamic. It is filled with the spirit of family and tradition that permeates the social fabric of Vietnam. Here, gathering among kin in small family kitchens, streetside cafes, and restaurants is one of the major gateways to the heart of Vietnamese culture. Accordingly, British Business Group Vietnam found fresh food to be the number one essential expenditure for Vietnamese households. As Saigon’s booming economy drives foreign investment, an expanding middle class and immigrant populations, restaurants old and new are being forced to innovate to remain connected to the hearts and stomachs of locals and foreigners alike.
Development Drives Saigon’s F&B Market Vietnamese people have a long-standing entrepreneurial and service-oriented spirit that is now reaching global heights. In 2017, Vietnam ranked sixth in the Global Retail Development Index, making it one of the most promising retail markets. People are making and spending more than ever on high-quality food and beverages, and an enthusiastic, efficacious millennial generation is driving the city’s restaurant scene to innovate, trend and internationalise while staying true to its Viet roots. The city’s food obsession and the trends towards fusion are apparent everywhere you look. Joints serving Indian, Korean, Italian, French and more seem to sprout up quicker than rain clouds in October. Interestingly, even though the 20 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
Vietnamese show a strong interest in the novelty of eating popular foreign foods or frequenting foreign food brands, the market for local food is still two to three times stronger. I caught up with a few food and beverage entrepreneurs to get a closer look at what it takes for a successful mid- to large-sized restaurant to carve a name for itself in the belly of this hungry beast. The consensus is clear: success is all about connections and culture.
Human Resources Can Make or Break an F&B Venture in Saigon A successful restaurant in Saigon is like a human body: there are many working parts that must act cohesively. Asif Mehrudeen, the CEO and Creative Visionary of AHM Lifestyles, believes the sustenance of any F&B business in Saigon lies in the management and human resources provided. With 20 years of experience in the local industry as an executive chef at Park Hyatt group and F&B concept
creator and owner of major Saigon restaurants such as Sorae Japanese Restaurant, San Fu Lou Cantonese Kitchen and Di Mai Vietnamese Restaurant, Mehrudeen is well-placed to give an overview of the business. “Most [restaurant] success comes from above. You need to have strong management, ethics, philosophy—it’s not all about the money”, advised Mehrudeen. He realises how a kitchen is never a one-man show and places his team at the heart and soul of what he does. Together, they meticulously craft remarkable dining experiences. “To do that, you have to make sure to provide a great career path, speak to [staff], see how they are doing, invest in them, share opportunities with them…” “Developing strong human resources is the most important but most difficult thing for restaurants to do”, agrees Hung (Kevin) Bui. Bui is a young, enthusiastic businessman who hails from Hanoi and is the perfect representation of Vietnam’s growing demographic of young working professionals investing in and
F&B FEATURE
by Brennan Lagman
driving the local economy. With a Masters in Accounting from Texas Christian University, he works as an investment advisor while running Italiani’s Pizza, the kitchen at Indika Saigon, and an Online Pizza Pub. For Bui, strong connections with the community surrounding the company are of equal importance. As a fresh face on the scene when he opened Italiani’s Pizza on his own back in 2016, his success has also depended on communal relationships. “For new owners specifically, building a place, finding contractors, construction companies etc., is hard when you don’t know how to find reputable people. That’s why you have to build connections with other F&B entrepreneurs, the community around your location, and
especially connect with the local authorities, and the People’s Committees, so that you can get assistance when it comes to navigating regulations and licensing.”
Successful F&B Brands in Saigon Engage with the Local Culture Eating out is a prominent feature of Vietnamese culture. A study from Vietnam Briefing found that in 2017, Vietnam saw 328.6 million visits to food service outlets. With Saigon being home to the country’s largest urban population, fastest growing economy, and a growing populace of people from every country in the world, locals enjoy an effervescent and abounding foodscape. This culinary atmosphere is easy to see if you frequent the streetsides during meal hours, when everything from humble kitchens and food carts to canteens, hot pots and barbecues fill with the clamour of hungry, working locals. This is precisely why new F&B ventures in Saigon need their concept to speak to the local culture. Carlo Anzo, a Saigon F&B veteran of 20 years and owner of Pendolasco—the original authentic Italian food spot in town—says it’s important that aspiring names in the industry “be realistic. Although, you may be following your dream to open the best and most original restaurant, don’t forget the social environment.”
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“Vietnamese like a sharing environment. Serve big platters, let them help themselves. Culturally, they love to relax and enjoy, sit and sip a coffee for hours”, Mehrudeen observes. He works with local designers to create dining experiences that emulate the local food culture. Bui adds, “To be successful here, you have to know and adapt to Vietnamese customers’ needs. Even if you serve Western food, you need to adapt the ingredients to speak to locals.”
Great F&B Ventures in Saigon Have Key Ingredients Ho Chi Minh City is changing rapidly. Locals like Bui and foreigners like Muhredeen and Anzo are riding a palpable wave of excitement as the city transforms before their eyes. Rents have skyrocketed in downtown District 1 and restaurateurs have had to adapt quickly or change locations to stay afloat. Outlying districts like District 2 and Phu Nhuan have suddenly seen an influx of new dining options. Ultimately, what underlies a restaurant’s success in Saigon is a dash of human connection, a pinch of respect, and a sprinkle of partnerships with the local community and culture. Add a passion for creating memorable and meaningful dining experiences, and you’ve got an authentic Saigonese recipe for restaurant success. For more on F&B in Saigon, go to CityPassGuide. com 21
#iAMHCMC
F&B FEATURE
by Mervin Lee & Molly Headley
What is the future of fine dining in HCMC? Will the elusive Michelin star ever make its way to Vietnam? #iAMHCMC attempts to answer these questions and more.
In 2016, Nielsen Holdings estimated that Vietnam’s middle class will boom to reach a population of 44 million by 2020 and 95 million by year 2030, one of the fastest growth rates in Southeast Asia. Consequently, the desire for luxury goods has also risen starkly and this shift can be seen outside of the retail sector as well. There has been a rapid influx of F&B establishments catering to higher income individuals seeking the finer things in life, such as imported food products, wines and international service standards. Street food and “family-style” cuisine will always be a part of the local food scene in Vietnam, but now there is also a market for gastronomic eateries, foodie concepts and gourmet restaurants that adhere to European culinary arts standards. We sat down with Chef Thierry Mounon of La Villa French Restaurant to understand more about how contemporary demands for fine dining in have transformed Saigon. “[There are] definitely more choices now”, Chef Thierry said. When he opened La Villa French Restaurant in District 2 in 2010, there was not the same level of competition. Over the last several years, along with La Villa French Restaurant and Le Bordeaux, one of the founders of French fine dining in HCMC, other establishments such as 22 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
L’Escale by Thierry Drapeau, Jardin du Sens by the Pourcel brothers and Le Corto run by Chef Sakal Phoeung have helped solidify the presence of French gastronomy in Saigon. Other European establishments such as R&J Italian Lounge and Restaurant, and Asian haute cuisine options like L’Aura de Nam Ky (Vietnamese) and Sushi Rei (Japanese) have rounded out the scene. 5-star hotels such as Hotel des Arts Saigon have also contributed to the trend with culinary events at their F&B venues featuring world-class chefs.
There’s More to Fine Dining than Michelin Chef Thierry Mounon spent his formative years working at Michelin-starred restaurants in southern France, London and Bora Bora. Although other top chefs in Saigon also have worked in two or three-star kitchens, the Michelin inspectors have yet to add any restaurant in Vietnam to their hallowed list. It is quite an undertaking to get the army of Michelin food inspectors into a host country for reviews; however, it is worth noting that excellence in cuisine can be attained without an entry in the guide, especially when chefs come to Vietnam with a star already on their CV.
“Many places are run by Michelin starred chefs now. There is more choice and more competition”, Chef Thierry said. “I like competition; it keeps me warm. People go to try somewhere new and return to me later.” Customers return to La Villa, in Chef Thierry’s opinion, because of identity. “We are classic, yet sophisticated. I cook what I love from tastes moulded by my childhood in southern France. The key is in the techniques, the flavours, and innovating gastronomy without losing identity.” Chef Thierry even has a favourite hashtag to this effect: #classicforareason. In true fine dining, the codes are important— the plating, the presentation of the courses, the ambience, and the training of staff. While a gastropub concept can be distinct and excellent in its own right, it is not characterized as fine dining per se, but just like the food scene in Saigon, this definition may be expanding. Saigon, as a culinary destination, is certainly going beyond the street food experience. Soon enough, foodies may be choosing from tiny plastic stools streetside or sitting in a Michelin starred gourmet paradise. There’s room for a little bit of everything in this thriving foodtropolis. **For more about the F&B scene in HCMC turn to page 20 or head to Citypassguide.com
by Mervin Lee & Molly Headley
#iAMHCMC has joined forces with some local anti-plastic warriors to bring you a list of some of the restaurants in HCMC that are making efforts to reduce their plastic consumption. Zero Waste Saigon, a local start-up devoted to education, consultation and sustainable products, has created medals to encourage businesses to reduce their waste. The medals are given in four categories: “No Plastic Bottles”, “No Plastic Straws”, “Food Waste Management”, and “Plastic Free Delivery”. The restaurants included on the map below have been reviewed and given medals for at least one of the above categories. Learn more at www.zerowastesaigon.com Refill My Bottle is an organisation that began in Bali and now has “refill centres” available at over 750 locations in more than 9 countries. The concept is exactly as it sounds. Bring your own bottle to any of the listed refill stations and it
#CITYPASSGREEN - F&B FEATURE
will be refilled with drinking water (sometimes for free, sometimes for a small fee). We’ve listed a few stations on the map below but how can you find the one closest to you? Download the app at https://refillmybottle.com/app Our list is far from exhaustive. There are many F&B locations around the city who might also be joining the environmental
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crusade by switching to grass, glass, metal or bamboo straws; avoiding plastic bags/bottles; and finding creative solutions for waste management. This map is meant to inspire others to join the movement and help Vietnam stay beautiful for generations to come. For the latest news about more environmental initiatives in Vietnam head to Citypassguide.com
KEY WATER Refill Station Restaurants
1. Al Fresco’s 27 Dong Du, D.1 2. Jaspas 33 Dong Khoi, D.1 15 Tong Huu Dinh, D.2 3. Green Around the Corner 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, D.2 4. Noir - Dining in the Dark 180D, Hai Ba Trung, D.1 5. The Old Compass Cafe and Bar 63/11 Pasteur, D.1 6. Indika - House Of Curiosity 43 Nguyen Van Giai, D.1 7. Mekong Merchant 23 Thao Dien, D.2
8. Belgo - Belgian Craft Beer Brewery 159A Nguyen Van Thu, D.1 9. Royal Rice & Bún Bar 40 Dang Thi Nhu, D.1 10. Pendolasco 36 Tong Huu Dinh, D.2 87 Nguyen Hue, D.1 11. House of Baarbaard Alley 12 4B, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D.1 12. Saigon Princess Cruises 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D.4 13. Jake’s BBQ 50 Pasteur, D.1 14. Hotel des Arts Saigon 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D.3 15. Union Jack’s Fish & Chips 130-1 Ton That Dam, D.1
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LEISURE/ENTERTAINMENT
by Angee the Diva
Hey y’all, I’m Angee the Diva! I’m an American comedian and aspiring socialite in Saigon. I run comedy shows and unique events as the head of Saigon Funny People. I’m also a mom of two very active kids! I love Saigon and experiencing all that this busy city has to offer. After two years of event planning, running comedy shows, and having adventures with my little ones, I’ve gotten to know the hottest people and parties and best events in Ho Chi Minh City. Now, I’m teaming up with City Pass Guide as their new Entertainment Correspondent to bring the best of the best to you! Check out the #iAMHCMC page to find out more about what’s new every week on Citypassguide.com (and stay tuned for our upcoming app!) Wondering where to go on the weekend for a fun night out with friends? Looking for somewhere to spend an afternoon with your family? Whether you just want to relax, or party it up, try something new or enjoy a gourmet dinner, go to an educational activity or stretch your physical limits, look no further than the THIS WEEK section on Citypassguide.com. Each week, we will be writing about all manner of events in the Best of the Week in Saigon articles. These articles feature a handpicked selection of interesting events for food, networking, family, music, and parties. You can also find blogs about special holidays, notable artists, and interesting venues. Additionally, every month, we will be summing up the best events we personally attended in “The Month’s Hottest”, which will feature events in various categories. This is an opportunity for you to get involved too! We want to see our readers enjoying Saigon’s events and we encourage you to tag @AngeeTheDiva and #iAMHCMC in your photos for a chance to win a special prize each month. We will choose the best photos and feature them on the website. 24 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
If you just want to see a list of happenings coming up in Saigon, click the EVENTS tab. Here, you will find quick notes and links about events for food and beverage, parties, live music, wellness, workshops, and more! The tab will be updated with new and recurring events, so be sure to check back regularly so you don’t miss a thing! If you’d like to see your event listed on the events tab, please contact Angee@innovo.vn. City Pass Guide has long-established relationships with many businesses, hotels, restaurants, and venues in Saigon and Vietnam. Deals, discounts, special passes,
secret access, contests and minigames - the real VIP treatment. The best part of having a good deal is being able to pass them on to your friends. So now we want to share these special offers with our loyal readers! Check the DEALS page regularly to take advantage of our connections to all the best places in the city. You’ll never be bored in Saigon again! If you see me around the city, be sure to say, “Hey!” Snap a photo and you can get a special shout out on my Instagram page, @angeethediva. Now let’s get out there and have a blast in Ho Chi Minh City! #You’reWelcome
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LEISURE/ENVIRONMENT FEATURE - #CITYPASSGREEN
Persevere
Stay strong
Take small steps Once you start, you’ll see plastic everywhere
Cotton Hemp
Plan ahead
Be organised and prepared
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Choose plastic free fibers
Wool
How can you make it plastic free?
Fibers to avoid
Acrylic
Clean with vinegar, bicarbonate and water Metal safety razor
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Google recipes
NE
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Why we to redu plas
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CLOTHING
PLA DE
DEPL YOU
Go to stores that sell in bulk
Choose non-plastic products
Make your own deodorant, lip balm, etc
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RE A TS C C L U A D O N R SO G P R PE NIN EA L C
checklist
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LL
Willingness to share with others
S
Silk
Polyester
Plastic lasts forever
Make a list of what you need Bring containers for Bring bags
Meat Cheese Fish
Small ones for fruit and vegetables
Bags
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#CITYPASSGREEN - LEISURE/ENVIRONMENT FEATURE
#iAMHCMC
Say NO to bottled water and straws
Animals get entangled
s Plastic gets in the food chain and comes back to us
Kills animals
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FOO D
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Purchase in bulk
Hot chocolate
Freshly squeezed juice
PIN G
Plan your meals for the week
OP
Grow your own
No straws
Fruit, herbs, vegetables
Say NO to plastic...
Coffee cups
ur
Make your own soy and nut milk
Soda stream
LASTIFY UR LIFE
SH
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ASTIC ETOX
Use reusable bottles and coffee cups
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Buy milk in reusable glass bottles
Cutlery Straws
Bottles
Make your own snacks & condiments
Google is your friend
Learn to cook from scratch
Take cooking classes
Biscuits Dip
Yoghurt
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#iAMHCMC
LEISURE/SHOPPING FEATURE - #CITYPASSGREEN
by Laura Nalin
As environmentally friendly cosmetics are taking the country by storm, I decided to round up a few of my favourite local, eco-friendly products that still offer great quality.
Within the past year, it seems that more and more consumers throughout Vietnam have become interested in spending a little extra on eco-friendly products. A number of restaurants throughout Ho Chi Minh City are now providing metal or bamboo straws and stores are hawking reusable goods. People are collectively beginning to care more and more about the environment, and skincare is included in this movement.
Maggie Shen, is an Australian genius who not only sources the products from the fertile Mekong Delta region, but has made sure that the product stays thick and creamy despite the tropical heat. How cool is that? The ‘jungle to jar’ products have gained a cult following for a reason. The products come carefully packaged in all-natural fabric; I recently purchased her lavendar coconut oil as well as the lip balm. Take my money, Coconut Religion.
As the demand for sustainable consumption continues to rise, so too does the public’s desire for environmentally friendly cosmetics. Several Korean outlets throughout town such as Innisfree and Skin Food offer them, but more interestingly, plenty of local companies are making their way into the market, too.
The Herbal Cup facebook.com/theherbalcup
Typically, sustainable beauty products are often clustered together under the umbrella of being “green,” or “organic,” but the products on this list go above and beyond. Each of these companies source their formulas sustainably, use all-natural ingredients and offer eco-friendly packaging. For those of you interested in buying some environmentally friendly cosmetics and skincare in Vietnam, look no further: here’s a list of some of my favourite brands as well as ones I’m keen on trying.
Coconut Religion www.coconutreligion.com This brand instantly made a name for itself in both the expat and local communities in record time. It’s been in operation for just a few months, but this travel-friendly, certified organic, raw coldpressed coconut oil has become a staple in every recent market and event and also has a killer social media presence. The Coconut Religion founder, 28 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
The Queen Manufacturing & Trading Cosmetics I attended a workshop at The Hive in District 2 that promoted eco-friendly products last year, in which I and several other attendees created our own organic lipsticks using beeswax, organic argan oil, Vitamin E, coconut oil and natural pigments. I’ve been a fan of lipstick for most of my life, but I’ve become turned off at the thought of animal testing. I wear my lipstick daily; it’s not as thick as standard brands, but I enjoy that. While I’m not sure this brand has taken off quite yet throughout town, I stand behind the quality and thought that goes into the process to create such environmentally friendly cosmetics.
I haven’t tried any of these products, but this company has certainly been on my radar. One of the interesting things about this company is that it provides a free consultation to decide which of its products are most suitable for your skin. Each of the environmentally friendly skincare confections include organic ingredients such as gac fruit oil, centella, tomato, sesame and the ever-popular tea tree leaves. Consumers have the option of a number of creations such as scrubs, masks, lipsticks, cleansing gels and body lotions. Everything is locally sourced, so there will be no regrets after purchase.
#CITYPASSGREEN - LEISURE/SHOPPING FEATURE
by L aura Nalin
Stone Hill www. stonehill.vn Another local brand making a name for itself is Stone Hill, an innovative business that produces natural products from Vietnamese cocoa plants. The company sources all of its cocoa from its own farm in the Dong Nai Province, all of which is grown to standard and helps make the Stone Hill soaps and skincare products head and shoulders above less sustainable options. I have a jar of Stone Hill’s cocoa butter, and I swear by it, as it’s one of the only products that makes my chronically dry skin feel silky smooth. In addition to my favourite product, Stone Hill also offers cocoa-based scrubs, scented body butter, hand cream and a handful of scented soaps. Definitely check this one out if your skin needs some nourishment!
cosmetics and skincare company in Vietnam. Although she simply sold scented soaps at the start, Quynh now offers masks, scrubs, essential oils, cream oils and pomade as well.
The Organik Shop www.organik.vn Located in the heart of District 2, on the busy Thao Dien Street, sits this store, which is known for carrying some of the highest quality, environmentally friendly cosmetics and skincare in Vietnam. Not only that, but it’s a one-stop-shop for those of you who are also keen on revamping your entire lifestyle into a more sustainable, ecofriendly, non-toxic one; there are plenty of food, household and skincare items available.
Herpas A Banker’s Secret facebook.com/abankersecret Have you ever read stories about people who were living traditional lifestyles, working in high-income positions and who ended up quitting their job to follow their passion? That’s precisely what Quynh, the founder of A Banker’s Secret did. Before catalysing the concept of A Banker’s Secret, Quynh was working as, well, you guessed it: a banker. She spent her free time creating handmade scented soaps for her loved ones, and soon realised that was what she would rather be doing full-time. She quit her job in 2012, and has embarked on an exciting journey since, turning her labour of love into a thriving environmentally friendly
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I think it’s safe to say that many people across the globe would agree that grandmothers encompass some sort of mystical wisdom. Interestingly, this company was derived from that notion. Over a decade ago, Christine Ho was talking to her grandmother when she realised the matriarch of her family had some pretty interesting beauty secrets up her sleeve. Ho’s grandmother provided some ancient Vietnamese beauty tips that were passed down from the Hue royal lineage; some of the holistic recommendations include household ingredients, such as eggs and turmeric, as natural exfoliants. Each of Skinna’s products cater to varying skin types and conditions. Items sold include lipstick, serums, creams, cleansing products, sheet masks and body wash, making Skinna one of the most prosperous environmentally friendly cosmetics and skincare providers in Vietnam!
facebook.com/herpas.herbal The plant-based products created by owner Ha Truc Le were originally intended to encourage Vietnamese consumers to purchase locally-made products. Truc’s concoctions are formulated through her extensive knowledge of natural healing properties, which is what makes Herpas such an interesting, environmentally friendly cosmetics and skincare line. Her lotions, scrubs and oils are intended to lock in moisture and reduce the effects of ageing, ideal for the amount of toxic chemicals our skin is exposed to in daily life here.
Skinna www.theskinna.com
For more information on beauty, cosmetics, and shopping in Ho Chi Minh City, head to CityPassGuide.com 29
A #iAMHCMC
merican
LEISURE/ENVIRONMENT FEATURE
by J.K. Hobson
VIET KIEU IDENTITIES
Shift Through Repatriation in Vietnam
Vietnamese-Americans, children of refugees from the American War, are increasingly finding themselves repatriating to their ancestral homelands for brighter futures.
More than ever, in places like the US, the UK and the EU, immigration is a hot-button topic. Whether this influx of immigration is welcomed with open arms or met with derision, there is an intuitive understanding by most as to why these immigrants and asylum-seekers look to transition from their homelands to new territories in search of greener pastures. It’s a no-brainer, as the countries they gravitate towards have better economies and generally higher standards of living. While it is true that most Vietnamese migration moves outward and overseas from Vietnam to the West, there is a significant population of foreign-born of Vietnamese descent who are repatriating to the homeland of their ancestors. What drives Vietnamese-American millennials to return to Vietnam to live, and what effects 30 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
do these migrations have on their identities, and Vietnam as a developing economy?
What Does it Mean to Be “Viet Kieu”? The term “Viet Kieu”, which literally translates as “Vietnamese sojourner” originally had a derogatory connotation, but these days the phrase is more benignly used to distinguish people of Vietnamese descent who live in the diaspora. Since 2004, the term has also indicated a legal status, as the communist government at that time officially declared “Viet Kieu” living abroad as being a vital part of the Vietnamese community. In 2007, the “Viet Kieu” status became more highly elevated when the government began
making exemptions for members of the diaspora who could prove that they were of Vietnamese descent. Presently overseas Vietnamese or “Viet Kieu” benefit from tax breaks, loosened restrictions on business licences and property ownership, in addition to having the ability to bring to the country foreign spouses and progeny.
Vietnamese-Americans Changing Society and Economy in Vietnam The reestablishment of these connections, including repatriation by VietnameseAmericans, has from the onset had a considerable impact across the country. Remittances have always played an integral role in Vietnam’s economy. In 2017, the US$13.8 billion in
by J.K. Hobson
remittances it received accounted for 6.7% of the economy, with Ho Chi Minh city receiving a US$5.2 billion share. Overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs have played a significant role in reshaping the cultural as well as the economic landscape. As Peter Cuong Franklin, chef-owner at the new-school restaurant ănăn explained to Vice Magazine, “Viet Kieus are making great contributions in the creative fields such as food, art, literature, music and fashion. They bring an international perspective and help to connect Vietnam with the rest of the world.”
Family and Reasons for the Return ‘Home’ For many Vietnamese American millennials, repatriation is a step towards bridging complicated and deep familial chasms following their parents move to the US after the Vietnamese resistance. Chrissa Nguyen, 29, is a Vietnamese American makeup artist with her own business that does creative party makeup and costuming for special events, and is a live performer. She spoke with #iAMHCMC about her experiences living in the state of North Dakota, and her migration to Vietnam, her parents’ homeland. “I always knew I’d come back to Vietnam. The area I lived in was very white, but my parents raised me in a very Vietnamese household, studying the language, and eating almost exclusively Vietnamese food. When I was young I didn’t fit in. I always knew I wanted to come back to Vietnam.” When asked about how her family felt about her decision to repatriate to Vietnam, she explained, “They were really unhappy, because I think as is with a lot of Vietnamese there’s a lot of trauma from war and what life was like after the war. Now they see that I’m happy here, so they’ve totally come to terms with it and accepted it. I don’t know if they’ll ever visit me here. I don’t really have hopes for that. I think they realise that I’m a lot happier here than I ever was in the US and that’s what matters to them now”. Christina Bui, 26, a Vietnamese American woman from Virginia, USA, and project coordinator for the non-profit organisation Pacific Links Foundation, has been a resident of Vietnam since 2015. Like Nguyen, she was met with resistance when expressing her desire to move to Vietnam to her parents. Her mother
LEISURE/ENVIRONMENT FEATURE
and father both emigrated to the United States, after Vietnam’s successful resistance, in 1975 and 1986 respectively. “They hated it at first. I encountered very strong pushback especially from my mom, who was vehemently against it (which was understandable given the trauma my family had experienced). After talking to my boss on the phone (for three hours, no less) and meeting her in person, my mom became a bit more ‘OK’ with me going. (Also because she thought I’d only be gone for a year! Little did any of us know…)”.
Opportunities Abound Vietnamese Americans often find more job opportunities and enjoy a higher level of status in Vietnam than they do back in the United States. Many of them are bilingual, but speak English with a native accent, which both makes them valuable in the job market and gives them a lot of social mobility. Some also express that they feel a greater amount of freedom in Vietnam than they even did in the states. ‘Yeah, I pretty much do whatever I want! It’s really great, because coming from New York City which was my home for over ten years, I feel pretty New York in a way. But here, I feel so much more free, and so much more able to freely express myself can I get a New York. I did creative stuff in New York, but not like the stuff I’m doing here. It was hard to think of myself as artistic or anything before I came here. Coming from
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America, and especially New York, you get a lot of “Oh, this country is the best! There’s nowhere better than New York. New York is the best! You have the best of everything here!” I was attaching myself to that. I almost wondered how I could be cool outside of New York. I realized after a while that, although I love New York, I was never happy there.”
Identity Through Repatriation For many Vietnamese American millennials, coming to Vietnam helps them to achieve a deeper sense of self, having straddled both Vietnamese and Western identities. Nguyen says, “It was difficult when I first came because growing up the way that I did, in between two cultures. Not being white, I couldn’t really identify with being American. Coming here I thought that because I grew up in a really Vietnamese household that I understood and knew Vietnamese culture. I had to let go of everything that I thought I knew about Vietnamese culture, and also part of my identity. Like, ‘Oh, I’m not actually Vietnamese’. That was something I had to reset in my mind, but it was actually quite freeing to let go of these identity markers. I’m not Vietnamese, I’m not even American. I’m not any of these labels that people assigned to you because of how you look or how you speak.” Bui echoes Nguyen’s sentiment: “I think I’m more certain of my dual identity now— neither completely American nor completely Vietnamese. At times I feel ‘too American’ for Vietnamese people, and ‘too Vietnamese’ for Americans, but I’ve grown to be more comfortable with those labels. And, of course, it becomes a point of pride to be lauded by my Vietnamese coworkers that I’ve become ‘real Vietnam-Vietnamese’, since it does say something about my assimilation here.” Nguyen reflects on her consistent excitement about living in Saigon, “It hits me every day. I’ll be in traffic and see some sign in Vietnamese or I’ll see a guy welding something wearing sunglasses and think, ‘Oh, my god. I live here!’” Discover more great features on living in Vietnam visit CityPassGuide.com 31
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by Patrick Gaveau
EDUCATION FEATURE
Did We Make the Right Choice?
Op-Ed on Homeschooling
Financially, our overall education-related costs have dropped substantially from US$18,000+ annually to less than US$11,000 for both children. The bulk of the expense relates to the fact that we employ a private teacher for two hours a day, five days a week, but this is money well spent as it saves our time and nerves too! In terms of the girls’ feelings, Alizée often
reminds us that she misses her friends and the social activities. And yes, that’s a factor. We compensate for this by sending them to regular group activities, including English lessons, Zumba, boxing and yoga. In terms of academics, Alizée says that “the work intensity increased substantially”, and Sofia commented that “with home-schooling, I have to concentrate on learning faster because we cover all the subjects and homework in three hours daily instead of six-plus!”
The Bottomline
Patrick Gaveau, CEO of Innovo JSC, weighs in on his thoughts on homeschooling his two daughters in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Close to six months ago, my wife and I made a choice that would completely change the way we lived. We decided to homeschool our daughters, Alizée (aged 10) and Sofia (aged 8). Why? You may ask when there are so many excellent schools in HCMC? It’s simple. Creativity and personal potential are things that we want to prioritise in our family, and we felt that the independent educational journey of our daughters would be easier to obtain in a private environment. We did not come to this choice lightly, but we felt it would be worth trying out this experiment to see what might come out of it. In addition, we were curious to see whether a homeschooling curriculum would be more cost-efficient.
How did we go about switching to homeschooling? We chose the Hattemer program, an elite French system established in 1886, and available by correspondence since the 1940s. The system is rigorous and the girls are tested weekly. Hattemer sends regular reports so that we are 32 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
able to track their performance in literature, math, geography and history. This means we can fix things as soon as issues arise.
We are happy with our choice. Our ambition is for our children to be truly creative and to reach their full potential, something that, in our opinion, is easier in a personalised environment. Homeschooling, in our case, is a cost-effective way of achieving this. Let’s see how we feel 10 years from today!
My wife and I are fortunate that our children can study together in our respective offices (only 500m apart). At mine, they have a dedicated room in which to study every morning with Christophe, a Ph.D. teacher. Christophe has been key to the successful transition since my wife and I are both high-level professionals lacking time to teach the children ourselves.
Are we happy with our decision? The short answer is “absolutely”. We spend more time with our girls, they are able to concentrate better, sleep more, have developed independent opinions, and we are able to target their individual needs and ultimate goals. Alizée has also grown in self-confidence, and my wife and I have more flexibility in our respective schedules. Both girls are currently A-grade students.
ECOLE BOULE & BILLES BINH THANH 183A Dien Bien Phu St., Binh Thanh D., HCMC (028) 35 14 70 41 091 909 89 17 (Thierry Fernandez) binhthanh@bouleetbilles.net
ECOLE BOULE & BILLES THAO DIEN 38 street 10, Thao Dien ward, D2, HCMC (028) 37 44 26 40 090 613 70 51 (Yen Thu Fernandez) thaodien@bouleetbilles.net
www.bouleetbilles.net
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#iAMHCMC
by Mervin Lee
EDUCATION FEATURE
Learning Vietnamese is not an easy task, even when you’re living in Ho Chi Minh City. #iAMHCMC shares tips for learning this intense language.
More often than not, a foreigner attempting to speak anything more than simple food-related words and phrases in Vietnamese receives blank stares and utter confusion in response. Why is it so universally agreed that Vietnamese is an excrutiating pain to master? Pronunciation? Grammar? Vocabulary? A huge inventory of vowels, consonants and six distinct tones? Plenty of tonal language speakers, including Chinese people, struggle to learn Vietnamese.
Vietnamese Phonology and Regional Differences To begin with, several Vietnamese sounds have no corresponding relatives in the English language or any other Indo-European language. Point 1: Stop attempting to pronounce Vietnamese consonants as English consonants. Vietnamese consonants such as ‘t’, ‘tr’ and ‘ng’ require some practice. A common guide to pronouncing the Vietnamese ‘t’ involves saying the English ‘t’ without aspiration (without a strong burst of breath). Ms Hoa Nguyen from Tieng Viet Oi shared a strategy for pronouncing the infamous consonant ‘Ng’: “Imagine you’re pronouncing the word ‘belonging’ and remove the ‘belo-’ gradually”. Point 2: Stop attempting to pronounce Vietnamese vowels as English vowels. ‘Sửa chữa’ means repair while ‘sữa chua’ means ‘yoghurt’. Not only do the tones differ, the vowels ‘ư’ and ‘u’, which you may have missed, are distinctly different. Most expats probably know that ‘bún’ means rice vermicelli but it’ll help if you pronounce the vowel as ‘oo’ instead of ‘ah’. Here’s a basic example: ‘ua’ in Vietnamese is often mispronounced by foreigners as a diphthong comprising ‘oo’ and ‘ah’, but it’s pronounced similar to a diphthong comprising ‘oo’ and ‘uh’. 34 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
Vowel length is also critical. The vowel pairs ‘a’ and ‘ă’ are usually rendered as ‘ah’ but differ in the voiced duration compared to the succeeding final consonant. For example, ‘cắt’ means cut and ‘cát’ means sand. ‘Cắt’ would sound like a short high tone due to the vowel length whereas ‘cát’ would experience a more noticeable rise in pitch since the vowel length permits it. Point 3: Dialectal differences are not the end of the world Native speakers insist that Northern and Southern ‘accents’ (or dialects) are mutually intelligible. I was unconvinced when daily experiences led me to recognise constant misunderstandings between native speakers of different dialects. The Central varieties are considered even more alien. A simple example: The phrase used to call for the bill, ‘tính tiền’. In the North, it’s pronounced similarly to ‘ting tee-uhn’. Most Southern speakers would say ‘tuhn ting’. Most words ending with ‘n’ in the Southern accent render the ‘n’ as -ng instead of -n. The final consonant ‘nh’ is rendered as ‘-ing’ in Northern speech. ‘nh’ also reduces the length
of preceding vowels and more than often changes the vowels slightly.
Some of the Best Places to Learn Vietnamese in Saigon For some, learning a foreign language involves picking it up naturally on the streets. But to understand the benefits a dedicated language centre with professional teachers and that addresses the common issues that students typically face in their learning journey, check the following: Tieng Viet Oi www.tiengvietoi.com Learning Vietnamese with Annie www.facebook.com/LearnVietnamese WithAnnie/ Vietnamese Language Studies www.facebook.com/vlstudies/ Vietnamese Speaking Club https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 1141127672570835/ This is an excerpt. Read the full article at CityPassGuide.com
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EDUCATION FEATURE
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As Vietnam’s only Round Square school, Renaissance International School Saigon focuses not only on academic excellence, but also on developing informed citizens.
The role of a school is not just to educate, but also to instil lifelong values that extend beyond the classroom, such as personal development and social responsibility. Renaissance International School Saigon is part of Round Square, an educational ideology and international school network, where students are encouraged to participate in creative and community service activities to provide them with a well-rounded education.
What is Round Square? Round Square is an international organisation of schools that follow the teaching methods of renowned German educator Kurt Hahn and related IDEALS - Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service. The concept was first conceived in 1966 and there are now around 180 member schools. Established in 2007, Renaissance International School Saigon, located in Saigon’s District 7, caters to students from ages 2 to 18 years old. The only Round Square school in Vietnam, Renaissance is also a member of FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) and is fully CIS (Council of International Schools) accredited. Renaissance International School Saigon provides a dynamic international and Britishbased curriculum with an additional focus on language learning with students exposed to a second language - Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese or French - from Year 2. As one of the top medium sized international schools in the country, Renaissance focuses on a family-friendly and welcoming environment with a strong focus on developing a close-knit and supportive community as well as academic excellence.
Saigon’s Educational Renaissance With about 60 classrooms, relatively small class sizes of 18 to 25 students and a low teacher-to-student ratio of 1:9, students have
the opportunity to learn productively and effectively, with more than adequate levels of attention provided by the teachers. Staffed by highly-qualified teachers recruited mainly from the United Kingdom, the school has consistently achieved exceptional results in IB Exams, with an IBDP average of 35 points in 2018. Beyond the classroom, students have a variety of after school clubs to choose from and, keeping in line with its social responsibility vision, the school raised over USD12,600 for charity in 2018. The school’s mission is to inspire excellence through international education, so that students achieve lifelong success, happiness and respect for all. Students from ages two to four will be involved in the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, where the focus is on foundation studies to prepare them for the key stages that follow.
From ages five to thirteen, students will undergo nine years under the National Curriculum of England, before transitioning into the IGCSE curriculum when they are 14 and 15. Subsequently, their final two years in the school will see the students tackle the highly regarded IB Diploma Programme, which puts them on the path towards top quality colleges and universities around the world. The school is currently accepting applications for its Summer School 2019 as well as enrolment for the 2019-2020 academic year. For more information, visit the school’s website or feel free to contact the friendly Admissions staff for details about early bird offers and scholarships available.
Contact 74 Nguyen Thi Thap,Binh Thuan Ward, Dist. 7, HCMC www.renaissance.edu.vn/ admissions@renaissance.edu.vn 028 377 331 71
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EDUCATION FEATURE
From Our Partners
Preparing for the first day of school can be anxiety-provoking for both parents and children. International School Saigon Pearl has tips for how to do it! First days can be rough. Adults can become anxiety-ridden when trying something for the first time, even when they possess the sagacity that tells them “don’t panic”. Children on the other hand are still developing this wisdom and can feel trepidation about their first day at school. Sensing this, parents can also become filled with worry for their children as they struggle with the reality of having their child leave home for what might be the first time ever, even if just for a few hours. For all of these reasons, it is important that parents not only prepare their children, but prepare themselves for the inevitable rite of passage of a child’s first day at school. Rae Lang, Deputy Head of International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), which is the only early years and elementary school in Vietnam that is fully accredited by both CIS & NEASC, has outlined a course of action that parents can take to best prepare their young ones for this transition, with tips for preparing children for their learning journey.
Positive Language Plays a Role Often, parents’ concerns about their children starting school have more to do with bigger picture issues, such as the school’s curriculum, the teachers’ qualifications, the safety of their children or simply their child’s happiness and ability to adapt. While these questions and concerns are important, parents also need to consider other key matters. 36 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
Children’s education begins from the time they are born. Parents are a child’s first teachers. The way children think and feel about school will be influenced by the actions and experiences parents provide during their early upbringing. It is for this reason that parents need to take on a positive and enthusiastic attitude about the transition from a child being reared at home to entering into the school system. Parents can focus on talking positively to their children about their experiences at school. Seeing the positive attitudes of their friends, older siblings, and other relatives who attend school also offers a clear advantage in that they are able to have these kinds of encouraging conversations. Books can help to quell children’s anxiety about school. Reading books about the first day at school is a great way to help reduce the anxiety as well as to help your child understand it is okay to feel this way. It also opens the door to discussions about how your child may be feeling so that parents can reassure their child.
Early Steps for Success Having your child attend Early Years education is one way to support your child’s learning journey. Look for a school that focuses on physical, social and emotional developmental milestones, and provides opportunities for your child to engage with others. These developmental milestones will support them in kindergarten as well as their future educational journey. “Children who are exposed to an engaging environment where there are plenty of opportunities for social activities, rich oral language, time for exploration and interactive experiences such as taking visits to parks, outdoor playgrounds or zoos, will be ready for kindergarten. This may be in the home environment or an Early Years schooling environment”, Lang advised.
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EDUCATION FEATURE
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Parents can also take actions at home to build the kind of attitudes in their children that will make them successful, life-long learners. At home, parents can encourage independence and responsibility by allowing the child to eat by themselves, dress themselves, pack their own bag, make their own bed, or be responsible for tidying up their room. These actions are key to not only building a child’s sense of order, but are also integral to developing children’s overall character. Lang said, “At ISSP, a child is given many opportunities to build their character. Opportunities are infused into the curriculum to develop the soft skills of friendship, perseverance, resilience, leadership, responsibility and cooperation”.
Acknowledge Apprehension to Overcome it Children’s apprehension about their first day at school should not be downplayed. Rather, it is important to validate children’s unease. Children should be encouraged not to ignore these feelings but to explore them. Parents who avoid talking about their child’s first day of school can do more harm than good. The old geometry rule says, “The quickest way between points is a straight line”. Kids must be taught at an early age that many experiences that seem frightening at first are also doorways to future victories when faced fearlessly and with a sense of purpose. For a child, whose entire life had been spent under the watchful eye and supervision of its parents, the first day can be accompanied
by feelings of uncertainty, and most of all insecurity. Lang said, “The best way to prepare your child is to reassure them and talk to them about what the first day may be like. Reassure them that you will be there to pick them up when the school day is over, even go to the school prior to the start day and show them where you will wait for them”.
Bestow your child with the understanding that they’re not being abandoned, they’re just off on their own solo adventure! The first of many!
Children’s minds can be put at ease by letting them know ahead of time what their schedule will be like at school. Give them a timeline and tell them when their school day will begin and end. You can also bring your child to the school ahead of time before his or her classes actually start and introduce them to the teacher.
The decompression process after a child’s first day at school is an important one, and has much to do with their attitude about returning in the days following. Lang said, “When your child arrives home, ask them how their day went. ‘What was something funny that happened at school?’ ‘Was there something you found difficult to learn, and how can we make it easier for you to understand it?’” From these questions, you will be able to fathom how your child is feeling about school.
How to Know if Your Child is Happy at School
Be aware of any signs that will let you know if your child is having troubles at school. Lang said, “All children are different and express themselves differently. As a parent, you know your child and will be able to notice anything unusual, or slightly out of character. It is important to keep an open line of communication with your teacher”.
Contact 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh D., HCMC +84 (28) 2222 7788 admissions@issp.edu.vn www.issp.edu.vn
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From Our Partners
EDUCATION FEATURE
ISHCMC is celebrating 25 years of innovating education as Saigon’s first international school. Discover what makes ISHCMC so special with Head of School Adrian Watts. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. “People are not that willing to use that Einstein quote against education”, states Adrian Watts, Head of School at ISHCMC (International School Ho Chi Minh City). “But it is insane”, Watts continues, “to keep doing the same tests and expecting a different result at the end of it - a great deal of people are starting to get frustrated with this, including employers and universities around the world.” There is a clear determination from Watts and ISHCMC not to exacerbate the welldocumented negative impact of traditional educational norms that are long outdated in this modern, constantly evolving era. To celebrate 25 years as a pioneer of international education in Saigon and Vietnam, #iAMHCMC sat down with Watts to find out where the school’s success lies and the exciting developments happening now and in the future. What do you think ISHCMC’s greatest achievements have been in its first 25 years? To begin with, being the first international school in Ho Chi Minh City was a very brave move, because there were basically no other examples to learn from in Saigon or the whole country. So there were significant challenges, such as establishing this new educational system with the local authorities and integrating Vietnamese students into the school. At that time, this wasn’t generally seen as an acceptable thing to happen, and as well as the bravery needed to set up the school, it also shows the forward-thinking nature of local Vietnamese during that period to allow it to happen. By 1998, ISHCMC had brought in international accreditation and was the first school in Saigon to have students pursuing the IB (International Baccalaureate) route, from primary years onwards. Again, this was leading the way by bringing in accreditors from outside Vietnam to establish ISHCMC as a recognised international school. These were landmark moments to open up the whole market for international schools in Saigon and Vietnam, and shows that ISHCMC 38 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
has always been a pioneer that takes education into the future. What have been the biggest changes for ISHCMC until now and moving forward into the next 25 years? Firstly, the school didn’t have fantastic facilities in the early days, especially compared to now, and this is still evolving for us. For a number of years, either side of moving from District 3 to District 2, there were many incremental additions to the facilities that ISHCMC offered; however, the real revolution has started more recently. The two major examples of that revolution have been the continuing refurbishment of our primary campus and, in January 2018, we opened a brand new, innovatively designed campus for our secondary programs. The effects of this revolution can really be seen in our innovative learning environments,
where the real transformation has taken place in terms of the relationship between the students and their coaches and mentors. The situation has changed from the teacher simply transmitting knowledge to the students, to educators becoming facilitators who allow knowledge to be discovered and accumulated by the students themselves. So, we have developed an inquiry-based pedagogy driven not so much by pure content, but more so by the concepts and contexts around that content. By learning in this way, we have found that students have become much more independent, as they are encouraged to find their passions, to research, and to actually learn the skills of learning, rather than just using memorisation. As a result, ISHCMC students can talk confidently about how they have learned, not just what they have learned, which in turn helps them learn much more effectively.
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In this era of high-tech, could you speak to how ISHCMC has adopted technology to benefit its students? We now have technology everywhere across both campuses. From grades 3 and upwards, ISHCMC students are linked with a oneto-one digital program and, below that, they still have almost constant access to technology in an environment where everything is wireless. Furthermore, we are not just referring to digital systems. We are implementing technology in the areas of food, design, the arts, and sustainability - and it’s all available from a young age. For example, we have started gardens, designed and managed by the students, where they learn about different plant and food types and even grow ingredients to be used by our kitchens. In ISHCMC’s design labs, we have 3D printers and other cutting edge equipment, so that students can create their own inventions and display models to show how they would work. Another technological initiative has been experimenting with plastic shredders, with the goal to eventually collect plastic for recycling and convert it to feed into the 3D printers, thereby re-using plastic to create new products. Again, this is all student-led and provides them with fantastic skills for the future.
EDUCATION FEATURE
To briefly touch on a different side of technology, we are very aware of the potential risks to students, especially around online information and communication. We work very hard at ISHCMC to encourage our students to think about the ethics and morals surrounding digital citizenship, as well as issues like privacy and the threat of big data to our personal freedoms. This is definitely a real challenge, but we are helping to overcome that through student empowerment and individualised learning programs, which encourage students to be independent, creative individuals. What is the greatest challenge that ISHCMC faces today and in the future? In my mind, it is about breaking the shackles of a 150-year old educational system, one that relies on over-testing and rote learning, and that is still in place all over the world. It was created for post-industrial society that ended over 100 years ago, but the same methods have continued since and are increasingly letting students down who belong to a totally different era. So, our challenge is disrupting traditional education and transforming it to meet the requirements of a modern citizen of
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the world - this is especially interesting with our students consisting of over 50 different nationalities. The other part of that challenge is to communicate the need for that transformation to parents, for whom it can sometimes be a surprise to discover our non-traditional methods. However, when they see our model in practice with their own children, they become very supportive. When I’m walking around the school with parents, I ask them to let me know if they see anything that’s familiar from their own memories of education - if they do, we need to transform even further! In fact, our students love our innovative methods from the very start, because it empowers them to choose their own personalised learning pathways, from age 2 to 18, that are best suited to their passions and abilities. That is what we are ultimately about at ISHCMC - to energise, engage, and empower - and this will continue to be our focus for the next 25 years.
Contact Primary Campus: 28 Vo Truong Toan St., D2, HCMC Secondary Campus: 01 Xuan Thuy St., D2, HCMC +84 (28) 3898 9100 admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn www.ishcmc.com
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From Our Partners
EDUCATION FEATURE
Australian International School, located in District 2 in HCMC, believes that the single most important thing a school can do is put the right teacher in front of students. Close your eyes and take a trip down memory lane. Think back to the most memorable teachers you’ve ever had and you’ll likely think of those who left an emotional imprint on you—be it positive or negative. As the popular adage holds: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel”. This rings true for the teaching methods at Australian International School in Ho Chi Minh City. According to Principal Dr Roderick Crouch or, as people call him, “ Dr Rod”, “The most important thing a school can do is put the right teachers in front of students”. Many of AIS’ more than 100 teachers come from Australia and New Zealand, more than 30% hold Master’s degrees, all are properly accredited. AIS is intent on bringing talented teachers into the classroom and into the lives of their students. Their Australian standardised approach to education means treating each person as an individual and providing well-rounded opportunities in and out of the classroom.
Treating Students as Individuals at AIS When it comes to teacher recruitment, Dr Rod explains, “We look for people who understand children and know how to adapt their teaching for the circumstances they are in”. One of the questions he asks teachers seeking employment at the school is (applicants, take note) “whether they have been a teacher for 10 years” or “whether they have taught one year ten times”. In other words, do they use the same approach with every student or do they have the ability to adapt to various students’ needs? He believes that teachers don’t just teach content, they teach people. Adding that, “you 40 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
have to support students and you have to find the different ways that they learn and, therefore, what makes them ‘tick’. How can you motivate them and inspire them?”
Mr Ben Armstrong, a former maths and science teacher who is now Deputy Principal of Secondary School, has used this teaching method during his seven years at the school.
Ramya Balbon, a final-year student who was born in the Philippines and speaks two languages, agrees with Dr Rod. According to Balbon, “a teacher is someone who is able to evoke a student’s passion and curiosity about the world”.
Preparing students for university life means giving them access to well-rounded opportunities. Although AIS lauds impressive state-of-the-art facilities in sports, science, and design, he tells us that it comes down to the quality of the teaching. “Each one of our teachers got into education for the love it”.
The Gifter Education Approach Prepares Students for the Real World This is exactly the approach used by Mrs Beth Wills, one of the newest teachers at the school. A “gifter”, she says, is “someone who allows you to discover knowledge for yourself”. Mrs Wills was recruited recently from New Zealand. Inspired by her mother to become a teacher, she has now spent more than 16 years in this profession. She describes her teaching philosophy using the words of Benjamin Franklin: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”. Seung Yoon Jung, who was born in South Korea, speaks two languages and plans on studying Anthropology, said she values teachers who “care not only for their students’ academic successes but also the students’ success in their lives and growth as people.”
Ais Scholarships Up To 50% Of The Annual Tuition Fee The Australian International School (AIS) encourages academic excellence across all curriculum areas and is committed to nurturing each student’s individual academic talents. AIS is pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for new students entering Years 7 – 12 for the 2019-2020 Academic Year. These scholarships are from 10% to 50% of the annual tuition fee, and are awarded for up to seven years, provided the student maintains an exemplary academic and behavioural record. Don’t hesitate to contact us: 19006940 www.aisvietnam.com/admission/scholarships enrolments@aisvietnam.com to find out more!
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by Sivaraj Pragasm
HEALTH
Bursting at the Seams: in Vietnam
From overcrowded hospitals to overworked doctors. Vietnam’s healthcare industry has been squeezed tight but things are set to change for the better in the near future Is the quality of healthcare in Vietnam any good? The short answer is yes. It’s not at its best, but it’s certainly improving.
Dealing With the Numbers As in any developing country, major cities grow rapidly, and so do their populations. This results in a strain on the infrastructure and especially healthcare facilities. According to Business Monitor International, healthcare expenditure in Vietnam was US$16.1 billion in 2017, making up about 7.5% of the country’s GDP. This figure is expected to hit US$20 billion by the end of this decade. Overcrowding in hospitals, shortage of medical staff and obsolete equipment and intensive 42 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
care units have been some of the problems that the healthcare sector has been dealing with. To prove the lack of confidence in their own system, Vietnamese patients have spent close to US$2 billion seeking medical treatments abroad, according to data released by Export. gov. But that is set to change. Healthcare services in Vietnam are improving year on year.
The Structure of Healthcare in Vietnam Vietnam’s healthcare works on a decentralised system where provinces, districts and communes have autonomy to implement their own healthcare policies: Central level: Under the management of the
Ministry of Health, this level consists of the government healthcare sector, together with hospitals, research institutions and universities. Central-affiliated province/city: A collection of hospitals and medical centres, medical colleges, nursing and pharmacy programmes. District level: District health centres mostly offering medical and preventative services such as vaccinations. Commune level: Primary healthcare services at a community level. Vietnam’s healthcare network actually has a sizeable number of hospitals. As of 2017, there are about 1,160 public hospitals, at branch, provincial and national levels. However, 75% of these hospitals were built more than 20 years ago. There are also about 185 private hospitals scattered across various cities, bringing the total number of beds to over 200,000, or an average of 22 beds per 10,000 people.
by Sivaraj Pragasm
Vietnam has one of the best beds-to-inhabitants ratio compared to its neighbours, falling only behind Singapore which has an average of 27 to 10,000. However, this glosses over another important factor: the occupancy rate.
Bursting at the Seams Vietnamese hospitals have been exceeding the 80% threshold occupancy rate set by the World Health Organisation. The worst hit are its national-level hospitals in the major cities, which have hit occupancy rates far exceeding 100%. Although the reasons can be pinned on population numbers and/or inefficiency, another reason is simply down to the general mindset towards the system. Patients living in rural areas would rather take a 50km journey to a national-level hospital in the city than to a smaller hospital within their province as they feel the quality of care would be much better. With a shortage of doctors and nurses, many of them are overworked and endure stressful conditions and relatively low wages. According to Dr. Tran Quoc Khanh, Resident Doctor at Vinmec Hanoi and Spine Surgeon at Viet Doc Friendship Hospital, the number of patients he has seen in his hospitals could be higher than in many other parts of the world. “Did you know we had about 67,000 surgeries in Viet Duc Friendship Hospital in 2018 alone?
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Not many hospitals around the world have reached that amount”, he said.
beds, with at least eight physicians and two pharmacists, for every 10,000 people.
One of the critical resources all hospitals need is blood. “No matter how good the doctors are, how advanced technology is, or how welltrained the medical staff is, if there’s not enough blood, we will never be able to keep the patient alive”. Demand for blood has always been high.
The total number of hospital beds has increased from 209,485 in 2011 to 254,885 in 2016. The government has highlighted the growing demand for beds by also increasing the share of private beds to 20% of the total by 2020 by building new private hospitals through public-private partnerships.
Public hospitals in Vietnam rely largely on a state budget. Even though the budget has increased in recent years, it’s still struggling to keep up with modern-day demands.
Besides strengthening the industry through domestic production, Vietnam is also embarking on foreign investments of up to 100% in healthcare establishments, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and medical training units.
Other factors affecting the confidence in Vietnam’s healthcare sector are the shortage of medical equipment for critical care, as well as the ready availability of pharmacies, which has turned out to be a double-edged sword: patients who start relying on self-medication for small ailments to save a trip to the hospital. As reported before, the practice has created powerful, new antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Vietnam Plans its Way Forward In 2014, Vietnam issued Decision 68, a national strategy to develop the country’s pharmaceutical industry by 2020. The plan is to gradually replace imported medicines with domestically produced ones, keeping medicines available and affordable. Decision 68 also covers public health, preventative medicine and primary care systems. The target by 2020 is to have 25 hospital
These include hospitals, polyclinics and specialised clinics; homecare and nursing services; emergency evacuation services; and all activities related to pharmaceutical production and medical devices from manufacturing, testing and storage. Only distribution is not covered in this plan. Investors can also set up a vocational training unit or even a university for medical training and educational purposes, either privately or through public-private partnerships.
Taking Technology into the Future The government has begun piloting new systems which could integrate healthcare with the internet. One of the new systems is a Swedishbased single electronic medical record, which communicates with a Microsoft-developed, cloud-based patient information system. Another system consists of wireless medical device packs, the size of a small suitcase. These packs include devices for measuring blood pressure, blood glucose, a 12-channel ECG, stethoscopes, thermometers, dermoscopes and other rapid tests. The tele-assessment apps in these packs communicate directly with clinicians in urban hospitals, are saved to a single electronic medical record, and process pre-analysis work for clinicians to make assessments. While it’s still not clear if these goals will be achieved, what is certain is that there is a huge potential for businesses and investments, which could propel Vietnam’s healthcare sector to be among the continent’s best. For more on healthcare in Saigon and Vietnam, head to CityPassGuide.com 43
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DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
by Sivaraj Pragasm
In addition to their real selves, some people have created an alternative version of themselves online. What are their reasons and can it transcend reality?
When Vietnam’s national Under-23 football team went on its fairytale run, reaching the finals of the Asian Under-23 football championships for the first time in history in 2018, expats living in Vietnam viewed an unforgettable display of the pride Vietnamese have towards their country. Social media was also abuzz with comments and praise all around. It was a great time to be in Vietnam, even if you weren’t Vietnamese.
Lost in Translation Online However, on a certain thread in a Facebook group, an American expat English teacher by the name of Daniel Hauer, who fronts a very popular YouTube channel with over one million subscribers, and who has more than 100,000 followers, made an offhand comment in reply to a fan who had boldly proclaimed that he would tattoo the Vietnamese flag on his body if his country were to win the tournament. 44 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
The only problem with Daniel’s comment was that he chose to correlate a welldecorated former military general with a body modification process that involved the genitals. In other words, he committed one of the biggest cardinal sins in Vietnam— insulting a historical figure, even though it was only meant to be a joke. The festivities momentarily came to a screeching halt as Daniel, who had been living in Hanoi for years with his family, suddenly found himself dealing with the wrath of the Vietnamese. He had his contracts voided by the schools he was teaching at; there were calls to boycott his channel; his family was thrust into the spotlight and he found himself in front of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) having to explain what he had just done with the prospect of a huge fine. However, this leads to a question. If he had just been a regular nobody, would the reactions towards his act have been equally as intense? If
he was still unemployed, would it affect future employment opportunities?
How Online Personas are Viewed in Vietnam Over the years, there have been foreigners and even locals who have learned that Vietnam is concerned with different content issues than in other countries. However, the press coverage, as well as online debates over their deeds, did not quite reach the levels that Daniel faced. One of the reasons behind this could have been due to his online persona and its wide reach. Social media has allowed people to create an alternative persona that may not necessarily coincide with their real lives. Although Daniel’s online persona was an extension of his career, some others do it purely out of seeking attention; some feel it is an easier way to make friends or new contacts and some do it purely to escape from a harsher reality.
by Sivaraj Pragasm
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
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How an Online Persona Can Heal 22-year old Ngoc Hong Nguyen, a student and part-time content creator, had a tough time as a teenager. She battled depression, an abusive relationship and bullying in school. Although she did remarkably well academically, often finishing in the top-ten among her cohort, she felt a lack of appreciation from her parents. Her depression got further compounded after a traffic accident left her partially paralysed for almost half a year. As a result, she started gaining weight, her grades suffered and she started entertaining suicidal thoughts. But the straw that broke the camel’s back was a comment by her ex: “Nobody is going date you unless you go for surgery to fix your ugly body and face.” Instead of letting those incidents kick her down, she decided to prove her detractors wrong. She studied even harder and managed to get into a university, went for a nose job, lost weight, took up boxing, discovered and honed her talent in make-up and decided to start her own Instagram account where she would post makeover pictures and videos of herself and started blogging. She was so good at it that even her own friends could not recognise her post-makeover looks. “I started a transformation on Instagram aimed to inspire others that they can also pull off a Hannah Montana in their lives. Before achieving happiness, it is normal to suffer.” She said.
However, it wasn’t an easy beginning, as she had to deal with comments labelling her as fake or even poking fun at her looks. “At first, it made me cry because it felt like no matter what I did, people would still think I was full of it. But I also received messages from girls saying that I was a reflection of them and that it helped them face society. This changed everything.” She added. Ngoc eventually focused on creating even more content with the sole purpose of inspiring girls to challenge their own imperfections.
Why Your Online Persona is Important in Vietnam Although Ngoc and Daniel are drastically different from each other, they share one thing in common - a strong influence online.
While the scandal surrounding Daniel showed the negative repercussions of making a mistake online and how it can affect his real life, Ngoc’s case was the opposite. She had been using her online persona as an escape from her harsh reality, as well as a means to inspire others. “I now understand why people react negatively towards me. It’s because they want what I have but aren’t confident enough to do the same. One reason could be that they aren’t brave enough to face society and the many rumours and untruths that will come with it. However, I don’t think that way. I write my own story and I have the power to give it a happy ending.” She added. Creating an online persona may not necessarily reflect who you are offline, but it will certainly provide a window to who you are to prospective employers doing a background check on you. Just like how Daniel Hauer lost his contracts after his mistake, there have been many instances of job candidates falling down the pecking order after a quick Google search revealed undesirable social media posts from years gone by. In this day and age where information about you is freely available online, and where political-correctness is turning into a frequent buzzword, it will take more than a glossy LinkedIn profile and a well-curated Facebook page, YouTube channel or Instagram profile to impress potential employers. You will also have to ensure that any remarks or photos that you post are not likely to offend the wider world or the past may literally come back to haunt you. For more insights on Vietnam, head over to CityPassGuide.com 45
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BUSINESS
by Victor Burrill
Networking is a powerful tool for professionals as a lifeline for any business in Vietnam. Victor Burrill, Chairman of The Business Executive Network, shows us how to do it.
Let’s Get Started - What is Networking? Networking is simply the process of interactions for establishing, building and maintaining relationships for personal and business purposes. Networking will help you develop and improve your skill set, stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your personal growth and support your career and business development. Keep in mind that networking doesn’t begin or end at an event, such as at a chamber of commerce or professional association. Networking can be done anywhere: at a bookstore, over lunch or during a conference. 46 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
It can continue long after the initial contact was made and, in the best cases, it will branch out into other opportunities to grow your professional community. Before you get out there for some live, face-toface interaction, it’s a good idea to get into the right mindset. One way is by developing an elevator pitch: a short description of what you do, who you work with and the value you offer to your customers or clients. The goal is to be able to deliver this ‘pitch’ in 60 seconds or less in a conversational way. Professional relationship development expert Keith Ferrazzi recommends creating a relationship action plan for every professional goal that you have. Make a list of people who can be instrumental in helping you achieve a goal, even individuals you don’t know but do admire, and reach out to them. Ferrazzi also suggests writing down why each person is
important, and how you would categorise the strength of your relationship on a scale of zero to five. This will help you develop a strategy to pursue your goals—and home in on getting help from the right people.
Connection is Essential “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou, Poet Before you go out armed with business cards and an elevator pitch, be careful not to mistake networking for a face-to-face coldcalling opportunity. You are more likely to be successful if the people you want to influence know you, like you, respect you and trust you. An immediate sales pitch will not build that type of relationship. Successful networking aims for quality connections, not quantity. Instead of casting
BUSINESS
by Victor Burrill
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a wide net, direct it toward cultivating deep personal connections with the people you actually want to collaborate with. Figure out what you and the other person have in common—for example, whether you went to the same school or love the same sports. It’s also helpful to know what others are truly interested in, from charities they support to any awards they’ve received. This shows your sincere interest in the other person as an individual, and also helps you understand how you can be of service. If you can offer something specifically geared to what’s important to them, they’ll be more open to connecting with you. Always be real, humble and vulnerable. I’m the Chairman and Chief Connecting Officer of the Business Executive Network in Vietnam. We have a membership of CEOs, Country Managers or Senior Directors. It is not easy to impress these people with professional accomplishments. Instead, I recommend keeping it real and genuine, being open and authentic, I even recommend ‘boasting’ about your weaknesses; this draws people to you quicker and wins sincere admiration and trust.
Put Others’ Needs Ahead Of Your Own “The successful networkers I know, the ones receiving tons of referrals and feeling truly happy about themselves, continually put the other person’s needs ahead of their own.” - Bob Burg, author of The Go-Giver One of the biggest networking mistakes people make is asking for too much too soon. One cardinal key of successful networking is ‘give before you can get’. “I can’t emphasise this enough: if you want to form a relationship with another person, you first need to show them how they’ll benefit”, says Keith Ferrazzi. As it is when you bring a small gift to a dinner party, it is a good idea to offer a potential partner a token of generosity. The gesture can be as simple as forwarding a relevant article or providing an introduction to someone who can
further the person’s own interests. It’s helpful to think of networking like a bank account: you have to make deposits before making a withdrawal.
yourself on the corporate ladder. But it’s also smart to connect with savvy junior people in your industry, because they might end up being portals of intel.
Value The Strength Of Diversity
Keep Your Connection Alive
“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” - Bill Nye We tend to hang out with people similar to ourselves. But leveraging a diverse group of skills, knowledge and personalities is key to growing a strong network. Seek relationships with totally different people who can introduce you to brand-new social clusters. Not only will you gain access to potentially influential individuals whom you’d otherwise might never meet, but it will help you stand out from the pack. Someone I know became a member of an organisation of women business owners. They allow men to join, so he asked a female friend to sponsor him at a meeting. Everyone remembered him because he was one of two or three guys there and ended up getting a lot of business out of it. One way to diversify is to ‘network down’. Most people concentrate on ‘networking up’, building a rapport with someone higher than
“Great ideas often come from small talks around a drink” - unknown After making new connections, too many people fail to maintain or leverage this new relationship. It’s most effective to send a friendly, sincere email to your new contacts as soon after meeting them as possible, noting things that were discussed when you met. To maintain or build on your relationships you should ‘connect’ on a regular basis. I suggest scheduling some time aside each day to these important relationships. The frequency and depth of your interactions depends on the strength of the relationship. For casual connections, the occasional retweet or Facebook comment might suffice. For deeper ones, think along the lines of a thoughtful email or meet up over a drink. Finally, good luck and remember that it’s not about who you know, it’s about who knows you. Read more on business in Vietnam at CityPassGuide.com 47
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REAL ESTATE FEATURE
by CBRE
The World Bank has projected that Vietnam’s GDP will expand by 6.8 percent in 2018. Global investors are racing to enter this dynamic real estate market. When discussing the most dynamic emerging markets globally, it’s hard to lose sight of Vietnam. Driving its strong economic growth is an expanding middle class with thickening wallets. Rapid urbanisation supported by a young, growing and educated population all bode well for an economy with one of the world’s fastest growing GDP rates. With robust growth momentum, the World Bank has projected that Vietnam’s GDP will expand by 6.8% in 2018. Understandably, this has fueled the appetites of global investors looking to make their mark in Vietnam’s burgeoning domestic real estate market.
2018, much of the appeal Vietnam currently holds sits, ironically, in its auspicious future. Since 2015, the bulk of big-ticket M&A transactions we’ve seen have been championed by those investing in property development sites, followed by hotels, apartments and offices. This is a testament to the fact that those pouring money into Vietnam are in it for the long run.
Home to Asia’s best-performing stock market in 2017 and the second largest retail market in
Over the last three years, foreign investment in Vietnam’s real estate market has been
48 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
Year-on-Year Increase in Foreign Investment in Vietnam
increasing year-on-year. In particular, developers from Singapore, Japan and Korea have favoured development sites in downtown areas and within close proximity to future Metro Line stations. Local developers usually enter into joint venture agreements with foreign developers on the premise of optimizing decision-making in site sourcing and project management.
Can Supply Equal Demand in Ho Chi Minh? Running alongside the strong demand for commercial sites is the relative shortage of supply, which is especially prevalent in the market for prime retail and office spaces in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Grade A rents in Ho Chi Minh City have increased from
REAL ESTATE FEATURE
by CBRE
about US$35 per square metre per month (psm/month) in Q2 2016 to US$43 psm/ month in Q2 2018, which translates to a healthy 23% growth. Similar office rental growth has been observed in Hanoi over the past two years. In the office market, an increasing presence of international firms has resulted in developing areas absorbing the overflow of occupants. But, progress in office construction has been pleasing and the second half of 2018 brought a significant amount of Grade A office supply onto the market. Another area generating solid demand is the residential sector, and this segment of the market stands to inject further momentum in the economy – to illustrate, the largest IPO this year was that of a luxury residential developer in which Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC recently acquired a stake. Investors from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan have shown much enthusiasm in the serviced apartment and condominium markets, together representing 75% of total buyers in the buy-to-let market. As a whole, foreign buyers accounted for 50% of all successful residential deals. What this tells us is that foreign investors are not merely entering Vietnam to set up operations, they are committed to keeping their money here. This could explain the 15% rise in prime residential prices in Ho Chi Minh City over the past two years. Thanks to governmental efforts to ease restrictions on foreign holding of public
companies, the future just got brighter. This allows the composition of the economic landscape to diversify and encourages foreign ownership of commercial assets, thereby creating additional demand for real estate and increasing the rate at which Vietnam outpaces its fellow “BB” rated peers in economic growth.
Is This Growth in Vietnam Sustainable? Given the parallels we can draw between the Vietnamese and Chinese stories, you might begin to speculate how sustainable demand and overall economic activity are. A differentiating factor Vietnam boasts is the relatively equal dispersion of wealth compared to other developing nations. And, to understand why else investors would be inclined to stay in Vietnam, we need to think in reverse. With a government that has publicly expressed the need to improve productivity and lower transaction and logistics costs, businesses are better equipped in attracting investors, not only to individual companies and projects, but to the wider market. As concerns about credit tightening and geopolitical uncertainties remain, it’s easy to see why there may be some speed bumps in the short term. But, escalating trade tensions between the US and China have prompted companies to shift production to Southeast Asia in a bid to circumvent levies. Vietnam, which is a major exporter of apparel and electronics,
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has benefitted from this shift of low-cost manufacturing away from China. Further, as the 2015 real estate market recovery shows, the occasional market correction is good news in the long run. And, we only need to look at the largest transactions this year – for major office, residential and retail sites, all backed by foreign capital, to gauge the fervor foreign investors have in Asia’s rising star. Like this article? Read more articles by CBRE in the Blog section on CityPassGuide.com
© 2017, CBRE, Group Inc. CBRE Limited confirms that information contained herein, including projections, has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. While we do not doubt their accuracy, we have not verified them and make no guarantee, warranty or representation about them. It is your responsibility to confirm independently their accuracy and completeness. This information is presented exclusively for use by CBRE clients and professionals and all rights to the material are reserved and cannot be reproduced without prior written permission of CBRE.
About CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2017 revenue). The company has more than 80,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through approximately 450 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
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& QA #iAMHCMC
Q&A
by City Pass Guide
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What important details should be included in an employment contract in Vietnam? Before the official start of work, the employer and employee must directly enter into a written employment contract. For temporary work of less than three months, an oral employment contract is allowed. Work contracts are very straightforward in Vietnam and generally do not differ too much from their Western counterparts. Nonetheless, as some stipulations may differ from your contract in the West, you may want to turn your attention to: Salary: If you are paid in Vietnamese Đồng, ask if there is an option to be paid in a different currency. This is important if you would like to take your hard-earned money out of the country;
Are employees entitled to overtime in Vietnam?
Probationary period: By law, the employer is only required to pay 85% of the full salary expectation during this period;
Overtime arrangements require the consent of both parties and/or need to be outlined in the employer’s internal labour rules.
Working hours: Normal working hours may not exceed eight hours a day or 48 hours a week. However, working hours cannot exceed 10 hours a day in case the employer schedules the company’s working hours on a weekly instead of a daily basis;
Employers must compensate employees for any overtime worked. The amount of overtime cannot exceed 50% of regular working hours a day, 30 hours a month or 200 hours a year. Special cases can bump up the yearly hours to 300.
Health insurance: By law, employers in Vietnam must offer health insurance to all employees. Some companies offer more comprehensive packages in line with international standards;
For a weekly working regime, combined regular and overtime hours cannot exceed 12 hours a day. Women in their seventh month of pregnancy or later, or women who have babies 12 months old or younger, are forbidden from working overtime.
Note that local companies must have employment contracts in both Vietnamese and English. 50 | iamhcmc.com/gazette
• At least 150% of the agreed-upon salary on regular working days • 200% for working on weekly days off
The rates for overtime compensation as required by the Labour Code are:
• 300% for working on public holidays and leave days with full pay
Q&A
by City Pass Guide
#iAMHCMC
An employee working at night must be paid an additional minimum of 30% of their regular salary. Along with this, any employee working overtime at night must be paid an additional 20% of their salary in addition to the rates described above for work conducted in the daytime.
What are the maximum amount of hours that employee can be required to work per week in Vietnam? According to Vietnam’s labour law, the maximum number of working hours shall not exceed eight hours a day (based on six working days) or 48 hours a week. Working hours may be distributed on an hourly, daily or weekly basis subject to the employer’s requirements. For jobs on the list of extremely heavy, toxic or dangerous working conditions as specified by the competent authorities, regular working hours mustn’t exceed six hours a day. Nighttime working hours run from 10 pm to 6 am of the subsequent day. Further, overtime cannot exceed 50% of regular working hours a day, 30 hours a month or 200 hours a year. Special cases can bump up the yearly hours to 300. For a weekly working regime, combined regular and overtime hours cannot exceed 12 hours a day.
What are your rights as an employee in Vietnam? The current Labour Code went into effect on 1 May 2013 and introduced several changes that concerned labour subleasing, maternity leave, work permit duration and revised work hours,
amongst others. In general, the laws tends to favour employee rights and has made it harder for employers to terminate employment. We highlight some of the relevant changes below, though this is not a complete list:
Maternity leave is increased to six months from the original four.
A probationary period does not exceed 30 days of employment with a position requiring vocational and professional level qualifications; 60 days of employment with a position requiring a college level qualification or above; and six days for all other cases.
What is the role of business chambers in Vietnam?
The wage for the probationary period is at least 85% of the wage scale rate of that position. The maximum validity of a work permit for a foreign employee is reduced from 36 months to 24 months. The annual Lunar Tết holidays will increase to five days from the original four.
The current labour code is now under review and changes are expected.
Business chambers in the city have long been a great tool for those in the business community to network with industry leaders. Memberships to different chambers vary depending on the respective chamber’s eligibility requirements. However, most events are open to the public and anyone can attend if they pay the entrance fee. Just remember to bring plenty of business cards. While most events are informal and usually held after work hours, each chamber has a couple of formal events where a suit and tie are highly recommended. Many chamber members participate in working groups with the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF), which gives the Vietnamese government valuable input about policies for various sectors of business. Chambers are also a great resource for new arrivals who might need help in adjusting to the Vietnamese business environment. For existing members, the chambers can assist in supporting activities of which the members are a part. For more information about Working in Saigon, go to the iAMHCMC tab on CityPassGuide.com or ask your specific question on our Q & A forum. 51
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