Focus: Lagging Behind Platform Economy: Indonesia has capped ride-hailing platform commissions at 8%, winning support from drivers while leaving capital markets notably silent. This is not just Indonesia’s story. It reflects a legal vacuum that Vietnam is also confronting – not only in ride-hailing apps but across the broader platform economy, which is increasingly embedded in daily life.
Inside Vietnam
Behind Slower Deposit Growth: Deposits at many banks grew modestly – and in some cases even declined – in the first quarter of 2026, despite strong credit growth.
Navigating EU Sustainability Standards: Digital product passports and recycled-content requirements are emerging as major obstacles to Vietnamese textile and garment exports to the EU market. Yet these issues receive far less attention than regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) or the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Talent Incubators For Sustainable Economy: As the push for green transition accelerates, ESG is increasingly making its way into universities rather than remaining solely a corporate concern. Through academic courses, competitions, hands-on projects and partnerships with businesses, students are being exposed to sustainability issues from an early stage. The shift is also reshaping the role of universities.
Business
Index up, Investors Remain Lukewarm: A paradox is unfolding in Vietnam’s stock market: while the VN-Index continues to surge to record highs – its figures on the electronic board striking enough to make big news headlines – the sense of exhilaration is far from universal, with many investor groups remaining reserved.
New Priorities For Growth: The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has released the country’s first-ever Business Performance Index (BPI), signaling a shift in policy priorities from improving the business climate to strengthening the growth capacity of private enterprises.
Living
Clothes Make The Man: Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups comprising more than 100 sub-groups and branches. Living across diverse ecological environments, these communities have developed rich bodies of indigenous knowledge unique to each group. The culture of weaving, embroidery and the creation of decorative motifs on women’s garments is a highlight.
From River Weed To Livelihood: Once dismissed as a nuisance choking waterways, water hyacinth in the Mekong Delta is now being turned into a source of income for local residents. From harvesting and drying to weaving, the plant is now part of a small but steady livelihood and helps keep canals clear.
Travel
Sunset Trek On Lo Voi Mountain: The Con Dao Archipelago off HCMC is often associated with turquoise waters, quiet beaches, and the tranquil beauty of an island escape. Yet beyond the coastline lies another experience for travelers seeking nature and adventure: trekking Lo Voi Mountain.
Cooling Off With Tropical Almond Ice Cream: Tropical almond seeds, locally known as hat bang, have long been considered a signature specialty of Con Dao, an archipelago off the coast of HCMC. Beyond being roasted as a popular snack, the nut has also inspired a range of local treats, including the island’s distinctive tropical almond ice cream.
