Society

Under the plan, AI clusters will be developed under a model that combines centralised physical spaces with digital network linkages.

Customs officers at Noi Bai International Airport seized 12.3 kilogrammes of suspected gold from four passengers arriving from Taiwan on March 3, with the case transferred to police for investigation.

Vietnam has issued a high-level maritime security alert after eight cargo vessels carrying about 160 Vietnamese seafarers were reported operating near conflict hotspots in the Middle East.

Obesity is rising rapidly in Vietnam, with nearly 20 million people overweight or obese, raising mounting health, economic and social concerns, experts warned on March 4.

A VND 1.032 trillion (about USD 41 million) upgrade of Lien Khuong International Airport in Lam Dong Province began on March 4 and is scheduled for completion by late August.

A nearly two-metre oarfish weighing about 10 kilogrammes washed ashore in Danang on Wednesday, attracting crowds of residents who stopped to watch and take photographs.

Conscription ceremonies began nationwide on March 4 as tens of thousands of young people started their military service in a three day recruitment drive.

The number of suspected food poisoning cases linked to banh mi sold in Vung Tau Ward in Ho Chi Minh City has increased to 54, health authorities said.

Four local youths were killed when two motorbikes collided on National Highway 4B in Lang Son Province late on March 3, authorities said.

Skywatchers worldwide, including in Vietnam, observed a total lunar eclipse known as a blood moon on the 15th day of the first lunar month, corresponding to March 3, 2026.

A fishing boat overturned near Nhat Le estuary in Quang Tri Province on March 4, leaving one young fisherman dead despite rescue efforts.

Maely Praud, 18, plans to return to Vietnam this year with her French family in the hope of tracing her birth mother and reconnecting with her roots.

Vietnam calls upon all parties involved to strictly adhere to international law, the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

Ho Chi Minh City aims to start construction of the Ring Road 4 project on May 19, in line with directives from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to accelerate key national transport schemes.

Thousands flocked to Tay Ho Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi at midday on March 3, the first full moon of the lunar year, to offer incense and pray for peace and good fortune.

Six Vietnamese flagged ships are currently operating in the Middle East and have been instructed to closely monitor maritime security updates and comply with warnings amid escalating tensions.

Vietnam Airlines said on March 3 it had rerouted flights between Vietnam and Europe to avoid airspace affected by escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Crowds packed shops on Hang Hom Street and at Hang Be Market in Hanoi early on March 3, the 15th day of the first lunar month, queuing to buy offerings for the first full moon ritual.

Vietnam will stage its 2026 military handover ceremonies on March 4 and 5 at recruitment points across provinces and centrally run cities.