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The success of the team at Pwn2Own Toronto was not a coincidence – it was the result of over a decade of planning by Viettel’s leaders to strengthen the information security industry in Southeast Asia. VCS’s entry into the international cybersecurity arena began in 2011, when its first group started focusing on finding vulnerabilities in network security. “As a company responsible for operating critical information infrastructures, Viettel has always considered cybersecurity as a crucial part of our strategy,” said Nguyen Son Hai, the current director of VCS and a member of the original team. “In the realm of cybersecurity, humans are the most important factor. Even with the latest devices, end users are still at a high risk of cyberattacks. Similarly, Viettel Group’s key infrastructures, such as telecommunications and internet networks, are constantly targeted by the world’s most notorious hackers.” Featured in this provided photo are some of the accomplished members of Vi...

During a visit to Auckland, New Zealand a few years ago, I was awe-struck by the cleanliness and serenity of the city. As I strolled through the immaculate streets, I couldn’t help but notice the absence of noise and chaos. It was like stepping into paradise. However, as the clock struck 7:00 pm, the streets became deserted. Only a handful of shops and restaurants remained open, and it took me a good 30 minutes to find a place to grab a beer. Auckland seemed to transform into a ghost town at night.  On the other hand, my first encounter with Ho Chi Minh City was an overwhelming assault on the senses. The city was teeming with vibrancy and energy, from the hustle and bustle of daytime traffic to the lively atmosphere that continued well into the night. Ho Chi Minh City knows how to have a good time like no other city in the world.  But here’s the thing about Ho Chi Minh City—it’s hot. The scorching heat is a trademark of the city, and it comes bundled with the rainy season th...

The boring goalless showdown extended Vietnam’s unbeaten streak at the tournament to five consecutive games, but also marked the 2008 and 2018 winners’ second blank game, after a similar 0-0 draw against Singapore in the group phase. Vietnam had a tough game while Indonesia could not utilize their home advantage. After the first ten tepid minutes when the ball was mainly kept in the midfield, Indonesia had more attacks than Vietnam and put the visitors under immense pressure through to the half-time mark. Had it not been for Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Van Lam’s excellence, Indonesia might have got the opening goal. However, the hosts failed to convert their relevant chances. Vietnam’s possession of 56 percent resulted in nothing but four goalless finishes. The inclusion of Nguyen Hoang Duc, Nguyen Quang Hai, and Nguyen Tien Linh also turned out to be ineffective as all of these goal hopefuls made various mistakes. While a more compelling second half was highly anticipated, bot...

Vialli, who enjoyed a stellar career with Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea and earned 59 caps for Italy, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. He was given the all-clear a year later only for the illness to return. “I know that I probably will not die of old age, I hope to live as long as possible, but I feel much more fragile than before,” Vialli said in a Netflix documentary aired in March 2022. He described cancer as “a travel companion” that he hoped would eventually leave him in peace, after testing his mettle. “Illness can teach a lot about who you are, and can push you to go beyond the superficial way in which we live,” he said. Vialli was however forced to step aside from his role as head of a delegation with the Italian national team last month, saying he needed to focus on overcoming a new phase of his disease. Working with the Italy squad, Vialli had been reunited with national coach Roberto Mancini, a lifelong friend and strike partner when they both played for ...

Central Vietnam is known for its well-preserved historical sites, smiling locals, and soothing natural beauty. The central coast will beckon you with the promise of enriching experiences and sun-kissed days by the beach. Stroll down the narrow streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, where timber frame shophouses still appear the way they did centuries ago, and the streets are aglow in colorful lanterns each night. Or acquaint yourself with the final days of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue, where royal citadels, tombs, and temples are sprinkled along the tranquil Perfume River. In between, modern Danang City offers a taste of some of Vietnam’s most luxurious resorts and top golf courses — as well as one of the country’s best beaches. And a few hours away, Phong Nha’s spectacular caves are the latest frontier for nature enthusiasts. Da Nang Photo: Yeu Da Nang Da Nang has always been one of the best–known destinations in Central Vietnam. With the peacefulness and closeness of the cit...

The opening days and closing days coincide with the 28th day of the 12th lunar month and the 5th day of the first lunar month, respectively. The municipal Department of Information and Communications on Thursday announced a plan to organize the book festival, which will be themed “Ho Chi Minh City – Xuan an vui, xuan thinh vuong” (happy and prosperous new year). The Lunar New Year book festival is an annual cultural event held by the city to improve local reading habits and create an entertainment space for locals and tourists during the holiday. The book festival this year will take place on a section from Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street to the Quach Thi Trang Roundabout on Le Loi Street, widely considered one of the most beautiful streets in the metropolis. The book street will be divided into three areas with over 20 participating units. A section from Nguyen Hue Promenade leading to Pasteur Street will be used to exhibit documents, photos, and public...

‘Dong,’ or arrowroot (Phrynium placentarium), leaves are often used for wrapping various Vietnamese dishes, most popularly ‘banh chung’ – a square, glutinous rice cake filled with mung beans and pork which is considered an indispensable part of the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday. Trang Cat Village is famous in the northern region for its 600-year history of growing and harvesting ‘dong’ leaves. Each and every ‘dong’ plant in Trang Cat is carefully grown to ensure quality and color, according to Chu Thi Thanh, a ‘dong’ leaf farmer in the village. Harvesting ‘dong’ leaves is difficult work that often requires entire households to chip in, especially on large farms like Thanh’s 720 square-meter plantation. Nguyen Van Tu arranges ‘dong’ leaves after harvesting in Trang Cat Village, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre After being harvested, ‘dong’ leaves are sorted by size, soaked in water, and neatly stacked, according to Thanh. The leaves a...

Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a 2-1/2 year deal estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($210.94 million). He was greeted by a sea of yellow and blue at Al Nassr’s home ground Mrsool Park, where thousands of fans turned up to witness his unveiling. After addressing a news conference, Ronaldo was seen meeting with his new team mates in the dressing room. He then made his way onto the pitch, fully kitted out in the club’s colours. The gathered fans loudly chanted his name as he walked around the 25,000-seater stadium signing footballs and firing them into the stands, before he was joined by his family. “Me and my family, we want to say thank you to all of you for this support and your welcome,” an emotional Ronaldo said after being handed a microphone. “We’re going to give our best. Thank you everybody.” Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club h...