Star wars legacy of the force books

“Sky of Knowledge” book festival is an opportunity to honor the value of books, affirming book’s position in enhancing people’s knowledge, experience, thinking and education.

Taking place from April 15-17 at the Hanoi Library, Hanoi’s book festival features various activities including an artistic book installation, talk shows about book and reading culture; knowledge competitions on Hanoi’s history and culture, the National Assembly of Vietnam through the periods and National Assembly elections; a painting competition themed “Hanoi: city for Peace”; and exploring the newly launched space of “Dream plus library”, among others.

The book festival aims at praising reading movement in the community, especially children. Photo: Minh An.

Especially, an exhibition commemorating the 110th anniversary of Uncle Ho’s departure to find the national salvation way (1911-2021) with 600 valuable documents will also be held.

Speaking at the opening of the book festival, Deputy Director of Hanoi Library Vuong Thi Ly emphasized: “This is an opportunity to honor the value of books, affirm book’s position in the socio-economic development the nation. It is also a chance for people to praise and honour the writers and those who are working in the field of book publishing, collection and archieve.”

This book festival aims at praising reading movement in the community, raising awareness of the people about the great significance and importance of reading culture as an inevitable way for social development since it enhances people’s knowledge, experience, thinking and education.

The closing ceremony was attended by Sen. Lt. Gen. Tran Quang Phuong, Deputy Director of the General Department of Politics and Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor Tran Van Thuat.

Reportedly, all competitors have heightened their sense of responsibility and completed their tests with absolute safety.

The competition aimed to improve understanding of politics, regulations of labor hygiene and safety, and professionalism for trade union cadres and members at defense agencies and units.

Speaking at the event, General Phuong spoke highly of the participants’ efforts, and said that such a competition will significantly contribute to building a good force of military mechanics, enhancing the military’s strength and meeting the task requirements in the current context.

The organizing panel handed over 8 first, 12 second, 24 third, and 56 consolation prizes to outstanding competitors. On the occasion, the Military Women Board presented gifts to three female competitors in the competition.

Translated by Trung Thanh

Attending the event hosted by the chapter were Senior Colonel Mac Duc Trong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VNDPKO), Phan Thi Thanh Huong, Secretary of the Vietnam Youth Union’s Ho Chi Minh City chapter, and Senior Colonel Nguyen Van Tuan, Head of the Department of Politics of Military Hospital 175 under the Ministry of National Defense.

During the exchange, the participants recalled stories highlighting the role of Uncle Ho’s soldiers and the contributions of the military medical force of the Vietnam People’s Army to the UN peacekeeping operations. These contributions help realize the Party and State’s foreign policies, and raise the prestige and position of Vietnam in general and of the Vietnam People’s Army in particular in the international arena.

The Vietnamese peacekeepers also recalled their unforgettable memories and impressions when they performed their tasks as ambassadors of peace in people-to-people diplomacy.

An exhibition showcasing Vietnamese peacekeepers’ activities in South Sudan, a presentation of  200 national flags, 200 bandannas, and 200 “I love my Fatherland” badges from the chapter to the Level 2 Field Hospital (L2FH) Rotation 3 also took place on this occasion as part of the exchange.

The chapter and the L2FH Rotation 3 virtually signed a cooperation agreement under which they will periodically organize exchanges and dialogues, host a virtual exchange program themed “Youth and aspirations to rise”, and build a green space at the L2FH Rotation 3 in South Sudan.

They will also coordinate to implement international voluntary projects in South Sudan related to healthcare, social skills, cultural exchanges, online refresher courses on international youth affairs, and launch a painting contest under the theme “Love for peace”.

The exchange aroused municipal youths’ patriotism and pride of Vietnamese troops and military doctors and featured the role of Vietnamese youth in participating in UN peacekeeping operations.

Translated by Mai Huong

Citi Vietnam’s mobile-first strategy empowers customers to do the majority of their banking needs remotely

Citi was also named Digital Bank of the Year in the Asia-Pacific as well as Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Bahrain, and the UAE in The Asset’s Triple A Digital Awards 2021.

Separately, in the magazine’s Triple A Sustainable Capital Markets Regional Awards, Citi was named Best Bank in the Asia-Pacific.

“These awards represent exceptional recognition of our team’s focus on delivering solutions across the Asia-Pacific through a time of challenge. We thank our clients for the trust they place in us every day, and we are excited about continuing to support and grow with them,” said Peter Babej, CEO, Citi Asia-Pacific.

The Digital Awards 2021 logo

In Vietnam, Citi’s mobile-first strategy empowers the customers to do the majority of their banking needs remotely. In Vietnam, the customers all but one have opted for e-Statements, and more than 60 per cent of them are active using Citi Mobile App and Citibank Online.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Citi’s award-winning online banking platform for corporate and institutional clients – Citi Direct BE – has enabled clients to continue with their core banking activities.

In consumer banking, during the COVID-19 period, Citi partnered with the biggest e-commerce sites in Vietnam to bring more discounts for customers. Citi cardholders could also use their points to pay directly for several transactions. Citi is proud to be the only bank in Vietnam that offered such digital features to cardholders. In April 2021, it is also the first bank in the market to launch some prominent features on mobile application including Citi Pay with Points, Cash Rebate, Booking Installment Plans.

“Our global mission is to ‘Be the Best’ for our clients and this is the cornerstone of our digital product development roadmap for both corporate and individual clients,” said Thuy Lai, Citi Vietnam interim country officer.

The government closed borders and canceled all international flights in March last year, allowing in only certain categories of people including foreign diplomats and specialists and with stringent conditions.

The government has set a GDP growth target of 6.5 percent for 2021.