First Step Vietnam Newsletter

Learning English in a Fun Way!

FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com 

097.550.8648

———————————————

News Around the World

Politics 

Friendship year highlights Vietnam-RoK relations

Vietnam-Republic of Korea (RoK) relations have grown and flourished in recent years and 2012 will represent a landmark in the 20-year diplomatic ties between the two countries.

http://english.vov.vn/Home/Friendship-year-highlights-VietnamRoK-relations/20121/134362.vov

Vietnam-China relations in the eye of a senior diplomat

VietNamNet’s Huynh Phan talked with former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan about Vietnam’s foreign affairs in 2011, the year with remarkable events in foreign relations.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/special-report/17459/vietnam-china-relations-in-the-eye-of-a-senior-diplomat.html

Cambodia steps up as ASEAN, regional mediator

As ASEAN chair in 2012, Cambodia will play its role as a neutral mediator in all regional and international issues, said Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday.

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/politics-laws/220050/cambodia-steps-up-as-asean-regional-mediator.html

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Business

Private investors not keen on support industries

Private-owned businesses pay little attention to support industries because of their small market scale and the absence of incentive policies for this field.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/world/english.vovnews.vn/Private-investors-not-keen-on-support-industries/226251.epi

Small business-steady growth

Whereas the global economic recession, a tight credit policy, and rising material prices put many companies into a spot in 2011, the Co May Private Enterprise, one of the leading rice producers in the western provinces of Vietnam, still managed to remain stable with a better-than-expected growth of 40 percent.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Business/2012/1/99521/

Vietnam average monthly wage rises to $185

The average monthly wage in Vietnam increased 19.6 percent to VND3.84 million (US$185) last year, according to the labor ministry.

http://www.thanhniennews.com/index/pages/20120125-salaries-rise-in-vietnam-income-gap-still-wide.aspx

VN-made luxury handbags enter US market

Binh Duong Province-based TBS Group has marked a turning point for the Vietnamese fashion handbag industry with the export of the first domestically-made luxury lifestyle handbag shipment to the US.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/business/vn-made-luxury-handbags-enter-us-market-1.59456

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Education

Teaching English at universities: lecturers talk, students keep quiet

Foreign language lecturers now still talk too much in teaching hours, while this should be the thing students need to do to ensure the effective teaching of foreign languages.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17881/teaching-english-at-universities–lecturers-talk–students-keep-quiet.html

The bad stories in the education sector in 2011

Bad behaviours of teachers, problematic students’ morality, and the “achievement disease” remain the big existing problems in the education sector.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20606/the-bad-stories-in-the-education-sector-in-2011-.html

How Vietnamese students spend money?

The surveys carried out within the framework of the projects on finance education for students have shown surprising things about how Vietnamese students spend money, and pointed out that parents still keep puzzled in managing their children’s spending.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/education/english.vietnamnet.vn/How-Vietnamese-students-spend-money/225447.epi

——————————————————————————————————-

Technology

Cloud computing to boom

Cloud computing technology solution providers have predicted that Viet Nam’s information technology industry will witness a sudden change in the awareness and application of the technology in the businesses sector and Government in 2012.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17493/cloud-computing-to-boom.html

Google hit by new anti-trust complaint in Europe

The French online shopping website Twenga has filed a complaint against Google at the European Commission, accusing the Internet search giant of abusing its dominant position to eliminate any competition.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/google-hit-by-new-anti-trust-complaint-in-europe.html

Vietnam ready to welcome the R&D wave

The recent moves by big foreign groups to set up research and development (R&D) centers in Vietnam may kick off a new trend which turns Vietnam into a new R&D center of the world.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17864/vietnam-ready-to-welcome-the-r-d-wave.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Beware the rich food of Tet

The Lunar New Year is coming. Tet, as the occasion is called in Vietnam, is a time for convivial family reunions and hearty feasting. It’s also a time for anybody with diabetes, heart ailments, high cholesterol or fatty liver to take extra care so that their condition is not exacerbated. A reasonable diet is always the most important advice given by doctors.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/thanhniennews.com/Beware-the-rich-food-of-Tet/225354.epi

Vinmec’s healthy hospital-hotel model

In January 2012, the leading domestic real estate developer Vingroup brought the country’s largest international private hospital into life after a record 10 month construction period.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/Vinmecs-healthy-hospitalhotel-model/9/225904.epi

11-month girl dies of suspected meningitis

An 11-month old girl from the central province of Quang Tri died from suspected meningitis on January 20. If confirmed, it will be the first case in Vietnam in 2012.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/english.vietnamnet.vn/11month-girl-dies-of-suspected-meningitis/226328.epi

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Entertainment

Interesting Video Clips

College Conspiracy

Just watch this video clip to see how people look at colleges in the US.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpZtX32sKVE

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Education Inspirational Speech for Parents by Khang Tuong Nguyen (11yrs old)

Watch this video clip to see an incredible speech by a Vietnamese boy in the US

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxlcGCGUG5o

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Chromebooks for Education

Just see how Chromebooks can facilitate education

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsdxvyyPnfI

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How to Get Anything You Want

Watch this video clip to see tips on how to achieve your goals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbkOw48xcKY&feature=related

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Jokes

Joke: There are no dogs allowed here

A man goes to a bar with his dog. He goes up to the bar and asks for a drink. The bartender says "You can’t bring that dog in here!" The guy, without missing a beat, says "This is my seeing-eye dog." "Oh man, " the bartender says, "I’m sorry, here, the first one’s on me." The man takes his drink and goes to a table near the door.

Another guy walks in the bar with a Chihuahua. The first guys sees him, stops him and says "You can’t bring that dog in here unless you tell him it’s a seeing-eye dog." The second man graciously thanks the first man and continues to the bar. He asks for a drink. The bartender says "Hey, you can’t bring that dog in here!"

The second man replies "This is my seeing-eye dog." The bartender says, "No, I don’t think so. They do not have Chiwauas as seeing-eye dogs." The man pauses for a half-second and replies "What?!?! They gave me a Chihuahua?!?"

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Useful Websites

Website: http://www.dumblittleman.com/

Each week Dumb Little Man provides a handful of tips that will save you money, increase your productivity, or simply keep you sane.

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Songs

Song: It’s My Life by Bon Jovi

It’s your life. Just lead your life the way you want…

http://www.loidich.com/ld1088-ItsMyLife-BonJovi.html

http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/It-s-My-Life-Bon-Jovi/ZWZBW7FA.html

———————————————————————————————————————————–

Thanks for reading!

Please let us know how we can improve the newsletter for you! 

——————————————————————————————-

English language courses

at First Step Vietnam

For more information, please call 097.550.8648

Email: FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstStepVietnam

Address: No.21, Alley 157, Phao Dai Lang Street

Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Politics 

Friendship year highlights Vietnam-RoK relations

Vietnam-Republic of Korea (RoK) relations have grown and flourished in recent years and 2012 will represent a landmark in the 20-year diplomatic ties between the two countries.

http://english.vov.vn/Home/Friendship-year-highlights-VietnamRoK-relations/20121/134362.vov

Vietnam-China relations in the eye of a senior diplomat

VietNamNet’s Huynh Phan talked with former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan about Vietnam’s foreign affairs in 2011, the year with remarkable events in foreign relations.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/special-report/17459/vietnam-china-relations-in-the-eye-of-a-senior-diplomat.html

Cambodia steps up as ASEAN, regional mediator

As ASEAN chair in 2012, Cambodia will play its role as a neutral mediator in all regional and international issues, said Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday.

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/politics-laws/220050/cambodia-steps-up-as-asean-regional-mediator.html

——————————————————————————————————

Business

Private investors not keen on support industries

Private-owned businesses pay little attention to support industries because of their small market scale and the absence of incentive policies for this field.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/world/english.vovnews.vn/Private-investors-not-keen-on-support-industries/226251.epi

Small business-steady growth

Whereas the global economic recession, a tight credit policy, and rising material prices put many companies into a spot in 2011, the Co May Private Enterprise, one of the leading rice producers in the western provinces of Vietnam, still managed to remain stable with a better-than-expected growth of 40 percent.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Business/2012/1/99521/

Vietnam average monthly wage rises to $185

The average monthly wage in Vietnam increased 19.6 percent to VND3.84 million (US$185) last year, according to the labor ministry.

http://www.thanhniennews.com/index/pages/20120125-salaries-rise-in-vietnam-income-gap-still-wide.aspx

VN-made luxury handbags enter US market

Binh Duong Province-based TBS Group has marked a turning point for the Vietnamese fashion handbag industry with the export of the first domestically-made luxury lifestyle handbag shipment to the US.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/business/vn-made-luxury-handbags-enter-us-market-1.59456

——————————————————————————————————- 

Education

Teaching English at universities: lecturers talk, students keep quiet

Foreign language lecturers now still talk too much in teaching hours, while this should be the thing students need to do to ensure the effective teaching of foreign languages.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17881/teaching-english-at-universities–lecturers-talk–students-keep-quiet.html

The bad stories in the education sector in 2011

Bad behaviours of teachers, problematic students’ morality, and the “achievement disease” remain the big existing problems in the education sector.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20606/the-bad-stories-in-the-education-sector-in-2011-.html

How Vietnamese students spend money?

The surveys carried out within the framework of the projects on finance education for students have shown surprising things about how Vietnamese students spend money, and pointed out that parents still keep puzzled in managing their children’s spending.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/education/english.vietnamnet.vn/How-Vietnamese-students-spend-money/225447.epi

——————————————————————————————————-

Technology

Cloud computing to boom

Cloud computing technology solution providers have predicted that Viet Nam’s information technology industry will witness a sudden change in the awareness and application of the technology in the businesses sector and Government in 2012.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17493/cloud-computing-to-boom.html

Google hit by new anti-trust complaint in Europe

The French online shopping website Twenga has filed a complaint against Google at the European Commission, accusing the Internet search giant of abusing its dominant position to eliminate any competition.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/google-hit-by-new-anti-trust-complaint-in-europe.html

Vietnam ready to welcome the R&D wave

The recent moves by big foreign groups to set up research and development (R&D) centers in Vietnam may kick off a new trend which turns Vietnam into a new R&D center of the world.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17864/vietnam-ready-to-welcome-the-r-d-wave.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Beware the rich food of Tet

The Lunar New Year is coming. Tet, as the occasion is called in Vietnam, is a time for convivial family reunions and hearty feasting. It’s also a time for anybody with diabetes, heart ailments, high cholesterol or fatty liver to take extra care so that their condition is not exacerbated. A reasonable diet is always the most important advice given by doctors.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/thanhniennews.com/Beware-the-rich-food-of-Tet/225354.epi

Vinmec’s healthy hospital-hotel model

In January 2012, the leading domestic real estate developer Vingroup brought the country’s largest international private hospital into life after a record 10 month construction period.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/Vinmecs-healthy-hospitalhotel-model/9/225904.epi

11-month girl dies of suspected meningitis

An 11-month old girl from the central province of Quang Tri died from suspected meningitis on January 20. If confirmed, it will be the first case in Vietnam in 2012.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/english.vietnamnet.vn/11month-girl-dies-of-suspected-meningitis/226328.epi

——————————————————————————————————-

First Step Vietnam Newsletter

Learning English in a Fun Way!

FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com 

097.550.8648

———————————————

News Around the World

Politics 

East Sea fishing ban violates VN’s sovereignty

China’s unilateral promulgation of a ban on fishing in the East Sea violates Việt Nam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago and its sovereign and jurisdiction rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

http://news.gov.vn/Home/East-Sea-fishing-ban-violates-VNs-sovereignty/20121/13076.vgp

Vietnam-US cooperation bears fruit

US cooperation has made remarkable progress in various fields, particularly since bilateral relations were normalized, said National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung at a January 19 reception for Senator John McCain.

http://english.vov.vn/Home/VietnamUS-cooperation-bears-fruit/20121/134256.vov

Vietnam strengthens cultural diplomacy

Vietnam did a great job in 2011 organizing many events to promote its land and people. In 2012 the country will continue to use diplomacy to foster its culture.

http://english.vov.vn/Home/Vietnam-strengthens-cultural-diplomacy/20121/134190.vov

——————————————————————————————————

Business

‘Time to reform finance firms’

Financial leasing companies need to be comprehensively restructured to provide no collateral, non-bank financing for enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises unable to access bank credit, said Vietnam Financial Leasing Association general secretary Dam Duc Long.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Time-to-reform-finance-firms/20121/23744.vnplus

New initiatives sought to ride out tough times

The prospect of the domestic property market is forecast to remain glum in the new year. So local developers are finding ways to adjust their business strategies for survival.

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/features/general/21454/

Ministry further restricts luxury imports

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will further restrict the import of luxury goods this year in a move to keep the trade deficit at roughly 13 billion USD.

http://www.qdnd.vn/qdndsite/en-US/75/72/182/156/190/173661/Default.aspx

Tired of financial investments, businesses rush to sell stocks

The sharp falls of the stock prices have made businesses understand the complexity of the finance market and prompted them to sell stocks to restructure their investment portfolios.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/business/17860/tired-of-financial-investments–businesses-rush-to-sell-stocks.html

——————————————————————————————————- 

Education

Advanced maths institute makes debut

The Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics in Hanoi held its inauguration ceremony on Jan. 17.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20477/advanced-maths-institute-makes-debut.html

Rising numbers of Vietnamese study abroad

Over 100,000 Vietnamese students studied abroad in 49 countries and territories in 2011, according to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20449/rising-numbers-of-vietnamese-study-abroad.html

Soft skills now taught at universities

When declaring the standard quality of graduates, all schools mention the standards on soft skills. However, in fact, the schools have not paid attention to teach soft skills to students.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17710/soft-skills-now-taught-at-universities.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Technology

Vietnamese robot- the world’s best music gadget

A made in Vietnam robot by the TOSY Robotics Joint Stock Company has been selected as the best music gadget in the world by the Huffington Post, a US online magazine.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/vietnamese-robot–the-worlds-best-music-gadget.html

The power generator that runs by water

A water-run power generator has been invented. This is not a prestidigitation, but a scientific invention which has been registered for a patient in the US under the name of Nguyen Chanh Khe, vice president of Research and Development Center, belonging to the HCM City High-tech Park.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17840/the-power-generator-that-runs-by-water.html

Nuclear energy prioritised by Vietnam

Issues relating to nuclear energy development and global energy security were on the agenda of an international workshop in Hanoi on Jan. 17.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Nuclear-energy-prioritised-by-Vietnam/20121/23690.vnplus

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Government Inspectorate urges penalties for six drug firms

The Government Inspectorate has requested the Ministry of Public Security to apply penalties to six pharmaceutical companies for misconducts.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20466/government-inspectorate-urges-penalties-for-six-drug-firms.html

Vitamin D doesn’t ease lung disease symptoms: study

In a new study of people with moderate or severe lung disease, taking large amounts of vitamin D was not linked to any symptom relief, researchers from Belgium report.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/lifestyle/vitamin-d-doesn-t-ease-lung-disease-symptoms-study-1.58728

Adult-infant bed sharing increases risk of infant suffocation: Australian expert

Parents should be aware that sharing a bed with their baby increases the risk of infant suffocation, an Australian expert warned on Monday.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/world-news/17767/adult-infant-bed-sharing-increases-risk-of-infant-suffocation–australian-expert.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Entertainment

Interesting Video Clips

The textbook. Reinvented for iPad.

May this become another great invention by Apple? Just watch the video clip and figure it out yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJxZG2Nv4KA&feature=g-yt&context=G259b241FYAAAAAAAbAA

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How It Should Have Ended: How The Social Network Should Have Ended

Just take a look at this video clip to find out an interesting way to end the film “The Social Network”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnl-yQjGYBs&feature=fvst

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Invention of Love

Have you wonder how love was invented? Just watch this video clip and find it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTdzCAGH3lU

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Anti-Bullying

Watch this video clip to see how bad bullying is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWJut7KQhI4&feature=related

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Jokes

Joke: Who runs faster?

Two guys were walking through the jungle. All of a sudden, a tiger appeared from a distance, running toward them. One of the guys took out a pair of Nikes from his bag and started to put them on.

The other guy, with a surprised look on his face, exclaimed, "Do you think you will run faster than the tiger with those?" 
His friend replied, "I don’t have to outrun it, I just have to run faster than you."

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Useful Websites

Website: http://www.wonderhowto.com/

Wonder How To is your guide to free how to videos on the Web. Search, Browse and Discover the best how to videos across the web

———————————————————————————————————————————– 

Songs

Song: Everyday I love you by Boyzone

Let’s listen to the sweet melody of one of the best songs by Boyzone and enjoy the last days of this year.

http://www.loidich.com/ld511-EverydayILoveYou-Boyzone.html

http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Everyday-I-Love-You-Boyzone/ZWZB0Z8O.html

———————————————————————————————————————————–

Thanks for reading!

Please let us know how we can improve the newsletter for you! 

——————————————————————————————-

English language courses

at First Step Vietnam

For more information, please call 097.550.8648

Email: FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstStepVietnam

Address: No.21, Alley 157, Phao Dai Lang Street

Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Politics 

East Sea fishing ban violates VN’s sovereignty

China’s unilateral promulgation of a ban on fishing in the East Sea violates Việt Nam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago and its sovereign and jurisdiction rights over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

http://news.gov.vn/Home/East-Sea-fishing-ban-violates-VNs-sovereignty/20121/13076.vgp

Vietnam-US cooperation bears fruit

US cooperation has made remarkable progress in various fields, particularly since bilateral relations were normalized, said National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung at a January 19 reception for Senator John McCain.

http://english.vov.vn/Home/VietnamUS-cooperation-bears-fruit/20121/134256.vov

Vietnam strengthens cultural diplomacy

Vietnam did a great job in 2011 organizing many events to promote its land and people. In 2012 the country will continue to use diplomacy to foster its culture.

http://english.vov.vn/Home/Vietnam-strengthens-cultural-diplomacy/20121/134190.vov

——————————————————————————————————

Business

‘Time to reform finance firms’

Financial leasing companies need to be comprehensively restructured to provide no collateral, non-bank financing for enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises unable to access bank credit, said Vietnam Financial Leasing Association general secretary Dam Duc Long.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Time-to-reform-finance-firms/20121/23744.vnplus

New initiatives sought to ride out tough times

The prospect of the domestic property market is forecast to remain glum in the new year. So local developers are finding ways to adjust their business strategies for survival.

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/features/general/21454/

Ministry further restricts luxury imports

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will further restrict the import of luxury goods this year in a move to keep the trade deficit at roughly 13 billion USD.

http://www.qdnd.vn/qdndsite/en-US/75/72/182/156/190/173661/Default.aspx

Tired of financial investments, businesses rush to sell stocks

The sharp falls of the stock prices have made businesses understand the complexity of the finance market and prompted them to sell stocks to restructure their investment portfolios.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/business/17860/tired-of-financial-investments–businesses-rush-to-sell-stocks.html

——————————————————————————————————- 

Education

Advanced maths institute makes debut

The Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics in Hanoi held its inauguration ceremony on Jan. 17.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20477/advanced-maths-institute-makes-debut.html

Rising numbers of Vietnamese study abroad

Over 100,000 Vietnamese students studied abroad in 49 countries and territories in 2011, according to the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20449/rising-numbers-of-vietnamese-study-abroad.html

Soft skills now taught at universities

When declaring the standard quality of graduates, all schools mention the standards on soft skills. However, in fact, the schools have not paid attention to teach soft skills to students.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17710/soft-skills-now-taught-at-universities.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Technology

Vietnamese robot- the world’s best music gadget

A made in Vietnam robot by the TOSY Robotics Joint Stock Company has been selected as the best music gadget in the world by the Huffington Post, a US online magazine.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/vietnamese-robot–the-worlds-best-music-gadget.html

The power generator that runs by water

A water-run power generator has been invented. This is not a prestidigitation, but a scientific invention which has been registered for a patient in the US under the name of Nguyen Chanh Khe, vice president of Research and Development Center, belonging to the HCM City High-tech Park.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17840/the-power-generator-that-runs-by-water.html

Nuclear energy prioritised by Vietnam

Issues relating to nuclear energy development and global energy security were on the agenda of an international workshop in Hanoi on Jan. 17.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Nuclear-energy-prioritised-by-Vietnam/20121/23690.vnplus

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Government Inspectorate urges penalties for six drug firms

The Government Inspectorate has requested the Ministry of Public Security to apply penalties to six pharmaceutical companies for misconducts.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20466/government-inspectorate-urges-penalties-for-six-drug-firms.html

Vitamin D doesn’t ease lung disease symptoms: study

In a new study of people with moderate or severe lung disease, taking large amounts of vitamin D was not linked to any symptom relief, researchers from Belgium report.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/lifestyle/vitamin-d-doesn-t-ease-lung-disease-symptoms-study-1.58728

Adult-infant bed sharing increases risk of infant suffocation: Australian expert

Parents should be aware that sharing a bed with their baby increases the risk of infant suffocation, an Australian expert warned on Monday.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/world-news/17767/adult-infant-bed-sharing-increases-risk-of-infant-suffocation–australian-expert.html

——————————————————————————————————-

First Step Vietnam Newsletter

Learning English in a Fun Way!

FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com 

097.550.8648

———————————————

News Around the World

Politics 

Foreign Ministry to focus on citizen protection

Protection of citizens will continue to be one of the important tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in 2012, said MoFA spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi at the ministry’s regular meeting in Hanoi on Jan. 12.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20388/foreign-ministry-to-focus-on-citizen-protection.html

Minister asks ASEAN to beef-up co-operation

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has affirmed Viet Nam’s close coordination with Cambodia for the common success of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/politics/17619/minister-asks-asean-to-beef-up-co-operation.html

China warns U.S. to be "careful" in military refocus

China’s Ministry of Defence warned the United States on Monday to be "careful in its words and actions" after announcing a defence rethink that stresses responding to China’s rise by shoring up U.S. alliances and bases across Asia.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/international/china-warns-u-s-to-be-careful-in-military-refocus-1.57920

——————————————————————————————————

Business

M&A activity continues rising in domestic realty market

Since its slide into difficulties four years ago, the local property market has remained challenging for developers as secondary investors have left the market while homebuyers are holding a wait-and-see attitude. The Saigon Times Daily talked to Brett Ashton, managing director of Savills Vietnam, as the company released its fourth quarter report on the property market on Wednesday. Excerpts:

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/interviews/businesstalk/21369/

Governor: Vietnamese dong increases its attractiveness

The Vietnamese dong has increased its attractiveness as a result of the State Bank of Vietnam’s monetary policies, SBV Governor Nguyen Van Binh said.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/top-news/governor-vietnamese-dong-increases-its-attractiveness.html

The three economic scenarios for 2012

The National Finance Supervision Council has released the report on the economic prospect in 2012-2013, designing three economic scenarios for 2012. Of the three, the council leans towards the scenario with the GDP growth rate of 5.6-5.9 percent.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/The-three-economic-scenarios-for-2012/5/222892.epi

Building new business models toward sustainability

This is the major goal set by more than 200 chief executive officials (CEOs) from governmental agencies, ministries, local and foreign businesses and investment funds at an ongoing international forum in Hanoi.

http://qdnd.vn/qdndsite/en-US/75/72/182/156/191/172934/Default.aspx

——————————————————————————————————- 

Education

Vietnam’s higher education lacks international connection

University lecturers have recently voiced their concern that Vietnam’s education has been “staying alone” and it does not have the international connection.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20379/vietnam-s-higher-education-lacks-international-connection-.html

Local teachers of English not up to standard

Vu Minh Quang, father of a seventh grader at Trung Nhi Junior Secondary School, noticed a contradiction in his son’s English.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20328/local-teachers-of-english-not-up-to-standard-.html

MOET decision makes schools excited, students worried

Most of universities have voiced their support to the Ministry of Education and Training’s (MOET) decision to set up a new group of exam – A1 – for university enrolments. Meanwhile, students say the decision is unfair, because they do not have time to prepare for the exams.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/MOET-decision-makes-schools-excited-students-worried/8/221328.epi

——————————————————————————————————-

Technology

TOSY and Justin Bieber announce mRobo: we go hands-on, dance-off

Beethoven’s Fifth. Michelangelo’s Pietà. Plato’s Republic. Cornerstones of human civilization, to be sure, but they all pale in comparison to what we saw today at CES: TOSY’s new mRobo robot, inspired by none other than the Cultural Colossus of our time, Justin Bieber.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/tosy-and-justin-bieber-announce-mrobo-we-go-hands-on-dance-off.html

Vietnamese apps for mobile phones remain unattractive

The number of smart phones on the Vietnamese market is big enough, while the Vietnamese people are rich enough to buy any apps they want. The problem now is that they do not spend money on Vietnamese apps.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/Vietnamese-apps-for-mobile-phones-remain-unattractive/6/222474.epi

Six million new viruses attack computers

Computer viruses are on the rise in Vietnam, according to the country’s leading internet security firm BKAV.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Six-million-new-viruses-attack-computers/20121/23581.vnplus

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Scientists discover gene responsible for lung cancer

A team of Singaporean scientists have identified a gene responsible for lung cancer, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research said on Friday.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/english.vietnamnet.vn/Scientists-discover-gene-responsible-for-lung-cancer/221795.epi

Healthy diet may help children with ADHD: study

Keeping a healthy diet may help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their treatment, a new study revealed.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/english.vietnamnet.vn/Healthy-diet-may-help-children-with-ADHD-study/222073.epi

Doctors must accept emergency cases during Tet: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health sent a dispatch to all hospitals across the country on Tuesday to maintain regular hospital schedule during the Tet holidays and not to turn away emergency cases or refuse to treat a patient.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Health/2012/1/99340/

——————————————————————————————————-

Entertainment

Interesting Video Clips

Google Plus vs. Facebook

Watch this video clip to see how Google Plus is different from Facebook.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGMlBIM7VP4

—————————————————————————————————————————-

The Joy of Books

Have you imagined how books would celebrate their day? Watch this video to find out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKVcQnyEIT8&feature=g-trend&context=G21f1cbfYTAAAAAAAhAA

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Born to Learn

Do you know that people were born to learn? Watch this video to figure it out yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=falHoOEUFz0&feature=edu_spotlight

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Gone Goodbye

Watch this video clip to see how a man says goodbye to his woman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17IyGPJuH0g&feature=related

———————————————————————————————————————————–

Jokes

Joke: I Want to Buy That

A blonde goes into a nearby store and asks a clerk if she can buy the TV in the corner.

The clerk looks at her and says that he doesn’t serve blondes, so she goes back home and dyes her hair black.

The next day she returns to the store and asks the same thing, and again, the clerk said he doesn’t serve blondes.

Frustrated, the blonde goes home and dyes her hair yet again, to a shade of red.

Sure that a clerk would sell her the TV this time, she returns and asks a different clerk this time.

To her astonishment, this clerk also says that she doesn’t serve blondes.

The blonde asks the clerk, "How in the world do you know I am a blonde?"

The clerk looks at her disgustedly and says,"That’s not a TV — it’s a microwave!"

————————————————————————————————————————————-

Useful Websites

Website: https://bubbl.us/

Brainstorm online with bubbl.us. Easily create colorful mindmaps to print or share with others. Almost no learning curve.

———————————————————————————————————————————– 

Songs

Song: Apologize by One Republic

Is it ever too late to apologize? Listen to this song and see how One Republic answers the question.

http://loidich.com/ld205-Apologize%28ft.Timbaland%29-OneRepublic.html

http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Apologize-Timbaland,OneRepublic/ZWZE09B8.html

———————————————————————————————————————————–

Thanks for reading!

Please let us know how we can improve the newsletter for you! 

——————————————————————————————-

English language courses

at First Step Vietnam

For more information, please call 097.550.8648

Email: FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstStepVietnam

Address: No.21, Alley 157, Phao Dai Lang Street

Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Politics 

Foreign Ministry to focus on citizen protection

Protection of citizens will continue to be one of the important tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in 2012, said MoFA spokesman Luong Thanh Nghi at the ministry’s regular meeting in Hanoi on Jan. 12.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20388/foreign-ministry-to-focus-on-citizen-protection.html

Minister asks ASEAN to beef-up co-operation

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has affirmed Viet Nam’s close coordination with Cambodia for the common success of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/politics/17619/minister-asks-asean-to-beef-up-co-operation.html

China warns U.S. to be "careful" in military refocus

China’s Ministry of Defence warned the United States on Monday to be "careful in its words and actions" after announcing a defence rethink that stresses responding to China’s rise by shoring up U.S. alliances and bases across Asia.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/international/china-warns-u-s-to-be-careful-in-military-refocus-1.57920

——————————————————————————————————

Business

M&A activity continues rising in domestic realty market

Since its slide into difficulties four years ago, the local property market has remained challenging for developers as secondary investors have left the market while homebuyers are holding a wait-and-see attitude. The Saigon Times Daily talked to Brett Ashton, managing director of Savills Vietnam, as the company released its fourth quarter report on the property market on Wednesday. Excerpts:

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/interviews/businesstalk/21369/

Governor: Vietnamese dong increases its attractiveness

The Vietnamese dong has increased its attractiveness as a result of the State Bank of Vietnam’s monetary policies, SBV Governor Nguyen Van Binh said.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/top-news/governor-vietnamese-dong-increases-its-attractiveness.html

The three economic scenarios for 2012

The National Finance Supervision Council has released the report on the economic prospect in 2012-2013, designing three economic scenarios for 2012. Of the three, the council leans towards the scenario with the GDP growth rate of 5.6-5.9 percent.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/The-three-economic-scenarios-for-2012/5/222892.epi

Building new business models toward sustainability

This is the major goal set by more than 200 chief executive officials (CEOs) from governmental agencies, ministries, local and foreign businesses and investment funds at an ongoing international forum in Hanoi.

http://qdnd.vn/qdndsite/en-US/75/72/182/156/191/172934/Default.aspx

——————————————————————————————————- 

Education

Vietnam’s higher education lacks international connection

University lecturers have recently voiced their concern that Vietnam’s education has been “staying alone” and it does not have the international connection.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20379/vietnam-s-higher-education-lacks-international-connection-.html

Local teachers of English not up to standard

Vu Minh Quang, father of a seventh grader at Trung Nhi Junior Secondary School, noticed a contradiction in his son’s English.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20328/local-teachers-of-english-not-up-to-standard-.html

MOET decision makes schools excited, students worried

Most of universities have voiced their support to the Ministry of Education and Training’s (MOET) decision to set up a new group of exam – A1 – for university enrolments. Meanwhile, students say the decision is unfair, because they do not have time to prepare for the exams.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/MOET-decision-makes-schools-excited-students-worried/8/221328.epi

——————————————————————————————————-

Technology

TOSY and Justin Bieber announce mRobo: we go hands-on, dance-off

Beethoven’s Fifth. Michelangelo’s Pietà. Plato’s Republic. Cornerstones of human civilization, to be sure, but they all pale in comparison to what we saw today at CES: TOSY’s new mRobo robot, inspired by none other than the Cultural Colossus of our time, Justin Bieber.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/tosy-and-justin-bieber-announce-mrobo-we-go-hands-on-dance-off.html

Vietnamese apps for mobile phones remain unattractive

The number of smart phones on the Vietnamese market is big enough, while the Vietnamese people are rich enough to buy any apps they want. The problem now is that they do not spend money on Vietnamese apps.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/Vietnamese-apps-for-mobile-phones-remain-unattractive/6/222474.epi

Six million new viruses attack computers

Computer viruses are on the rise in Vietnam, according to the country’s leading internet security firm BKAV.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Six-million-new-viruses-attack-computers/20121/23581.vnplus

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Scientists discover gene responsible for lung cancer

A team of Singaporean scientists have identified a gene responsible for lung cancer, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research said on Friday.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/english.vietnamnet.vn/Scientists-discover-gene-responsible-for-lung-cancer/221795.epi

Healthy diet may help children with ADHD: study

Keeping a healthy diet may help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their treatment, a new study revealed.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/health/english.vietnamnet.vn/Healthy-diet-may-help-children-with-ADHD-study/222073.epi

Doctors must accept emergency cases during Tet: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health sent a dispatch to all hospitals across the country on Tuesday to maintain regular hospital schedule during the Tet holidays and not to turn away emergency cases or refuse to treat a patient.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Health/2012/1/99340/

——————————————————————————————————-

First Step Vietnam Newsletter

Learning English in a Fun Way!

FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com 

097.550.8648

———————————————

News Around the World

Business

Ministry to build fund to assist enterprises

The Ministry of Planning and Investment is seeking government approval to develop a fund to assist the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to get through tough spots, a ministry official told Tuoi Tre.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/business/ministry-to-build-fund-to-assist-enterprises-1.57538

VN to further open market

Vietnam will further open its domestic services market to ASEAN companies under its commitments to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), an official said.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/business/vn-to-further-open-market-1.57368

Vietnamese products campaign needs a major boost

Although hundreds of seminars have been held to boost the “Vietnamese using Vietnamese products” campaign launched by the Party Politburo in 2009, the movement has proved to be not as effective as expected.

http://www.qdnd.vn/qdndsite/en-US/75/72/182/156/189/172124/Default.aspx

More firms inspected for transfer pricing

Vietnam’s tax authorities last year inspected 1,276 enterprises suspected of transfer pricing, or ten times as many as the inspections done in 2010.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/economy/english.thesaigontimes.vn/More-firms-inspected-for-transfer-pricing/220089.epi

——————————————————————————————————

Politics 

Two powerful ministries’ undercurrent debate not terminated

The year 2011 has ended, but the fierce debate between the two powerful Ministries of Industry and Trade, and Finance has not finished yet. Every ministry still insists on its viewpoint on the petroleum pricing.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/Two-powerful-ministries-undercurrent-debate-not-terminated/2/220640.epi

Diplomatic sector strongly supports national development

Vietnam’s foreign affairs activities have greatly contributed to national development, taking advantage of external resources and protecting national interests and territorial integrity.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/politics/17279/diplomatic-sector-strongly-supports-national-development.html

Iran warning over US warship raises tensions, oil prices

A threat by Iran to unleash the "full force" of its navy if a US aircraft carrier is redeployed to the Gulf, and an immediate American dismissal of the warning, sent tensions and oil prices soaring on Tuesday.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20212/iran-warning-over-us-warship-raises-tensions–oil-prices.html

——————————————————————————————————- 

Technology

Top 10 science, technology events of the year

1. National fund set up for technology renovations

In August, the Prime Minister decided to establish a national fund for technology renovations, with VND1 trillion in chartered capital. As a unit of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the fund aims to finance efforts by organizations, individuals and enterprises to renovate and improve technology.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Science_Technology/2012/1/99189/

Vietnam embarks on space mission

Vietnam has embarked on a mission to conquer space with a detailed plan for a space centre and an ambitious goal to build its own miniaturised satellites by 2017.

http://nhandan.org.vn/cmlink/nhandan-online/homepage/sci-tech-environment/science-technology/vietnam-embarks-on-space-mission-1.328658

The hi-tech products which expect to be “hottest” in Vietnam in 2012

Ultrabook laptop, quad core chip tablet PC, the PCs using Windows 8 operation system, smart phones using Android 4.0 operation system, mirroless camera, smart phones using Windows Phone are believed to be the most wanted hi-tech products in Vietnam in 2012.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17337/the-hi-tech-products-which-expect-to-be–hottest–in-vietnam-in-2012.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Education

Disabled teacher has the “sound heart”

People who live near the mountainous commune of Canh Hien in Binh Dinh Province are not surprised when they see a skinny man walking on his wooden crutches on the uneven country-road. The middle-aged man is often followed by several disabled students of various ages.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20159/disabled-teacher-has-the–sound-heart-.html

State budget estimates for 2012 bigger, but schools remain unsatisfactory

The State plans to budget 5762 billion dong for the education and training development in 2012, an increase of 5.4 percent over the previous year. Nevertheless, schools still complain that with the modest budget, they would still face a lot of difficulties.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17332/state-budget-estimates-for-2012-bigger–but-schools-remain-unsatisfactory.html

U.S. publisher prints IT book by Vietnam student

American publisher Apress has published an English book by a Vietnamese student who is pursuing a Master of Information Technology program in Australia.

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/lifestyle/education/21186/

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Substandard, fake medicines continue to flood the market

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has destroyed a large amount of substandard and fake medicine in recent months in an effort to curb their circulation.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20259/substandard–fake-medicines-continue-to-flood-the-market.html

Cold, wet weather leaves many hospitalized

A large number of people in northern Vietnam, mostly babies and the elderly, have been hospitalized as a result of the sudden cold weather (below 10 degrees Celsius) accompanied by drizzling rain.

http://hanoitimes.com.vn/newsdetail.asp?NewsId=22179&CatId=49

Low-quality face masks present health dangers

“Selling gauze masks yields a profit four times the initial cost”, said T., a street vendor in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City. It costs consumers VND4,000-10,000 a piece but it costs vendors just VND1,200 at a whole sale price.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/features/low-quality-face-masks-present-health-dangers-1.57044

——————————————————————————————————-

Entertainment

Interesting Video Clips

The Evolution of TV

Are you curious about how TV has developed to this modern stage? Just watch this video clip to find out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqSlpLBV0Go&feature=related

—————————————————————————————————————————-

Slavery Today

If you think there is not slavery in this modern world, you may change your mind after watching this video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VovrDw5WSZA&feature=related

—————————————————————————————————————————–

Smile or Die

Watch this video clip to find out the reason why you need to smile more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5um8QWWRvo&feature=fvwrel

—————————————————————————————————————————–

How To Travel Cheaply

If you want to travel during the upcoming long holiday, you may want to watch this video clip carefully.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jRE3xRm8Vk

———————————————————————————————————————————–

Jokes

Joke: Remember a child

A young man was walking through a supermarket to pick up a few things when he noticed an old lady following him around. Thinking nothing of it, he ignored her and continued on. Finally he went to the checkout line, but she got in front of him.

"Pardon me," she said, "I’m sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable. It’s just that you look just like my son, who just died recently."

"I’m very sorry," replied the young man, "is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes," she said, "As I’m leaving, can you say ‘Good bye, Mother!’ ? It would make me feel so much better."

"Sure," answered the young man.

As the old woman was leaving, he called out, "Goodbye, Mother!"

As he stepped up to the checkout counter, he saw that his total was $127.50.

"How can that be?" he asked, "I only purchased a few things!"

"Your mother said that you would pay for her," said the clerk.

————————————————————————————————————————————-

Useful Websites

Website: http://www.similarsites.com/

Discover the best websites and alternatives on the web. SimilarSites.com helps you find related sites and topics similar to the ones you love.

———————————————————————————————————————————– 

Songs

Song: Put Your Record on by Corrine Bailey Rea

Let’s refresh your mind with a beautiful song by Corrine Bailey Rea.

http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Put-Your-Records-On-Corinne-Bailey-Rae/ZWZB7Z96.html

http://loidich.com/ld1472-Putyourrecordon-CorrineBaileyRea.html

———————————————————————————————————————————–

Thanks for reading!

Please let us know how we can improve the newsletter for you! 

——————————————————————————————-

English language courses

at First Step Vietnam

For more information, please call 097.550.8648

Email: FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstStepVietnam

Address: No.21, Alley 157, Phao Dai Lang Street

Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Business

Ministry to build fund to assist enterprises

The Ministry of Planning and Investment is seeking government approval to develop a fund to assist the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to get through tough spots, a ministry official told Tuoi Tre.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/business/ministry-to-build-fund-to-assist-enterprises-1.57538

VN to further open market

Vietnam will further open its domestic services market to ASEAN companies under its commitments to the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), an official said.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/business/vn-to-further-open-market-1.57368

Vietnamese products campaign needs a major boost

Although hundreds of seminars have been held to boost the “Vietnamese using Vietnamese products” campaign launched by the Party Politburo in 2009, the movement has proved to be not as effective as expected.

http://www.qdnd.vn/qdndsite/en-US/75/72/182/156/189/172124/Default.aspx

More firms inspected for transfer pricing

Vietnam’s tax authorities last year inspected 1,276 enterprises suspected of transfer pricing, or ten times as many as the inspections done in 2010.

http://en.baomoi.com/Home/economy/english.thesaigontimes.vn/More-firms-inspected-for-transfer-pricing/220089.epi

——————————————————————————————————

Politics 

Two powerful ministries’ undercurrent debate not terminated

The year 2011 has ended, but the fierce debate between the two powerful Ministries of Industry and Trade, and Finance has not finished yet. Every ministry still insists on its viewpoint on the petroleum pricing.

http://en.baomoi.com/Info/Two-powerful-ministries-undercurrent-debate-not-terminated/2/220640.epi

Diplomatic sector strongly supports national development

Vietnam’s foreign affairs activities have greatly contributed to national development, taking advantage of external resources and protecting national interests and territorial integrity.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/politics/17279/diplomatic-sector-strongly-supports-national-development.html

Iran warning over US warship raises tensions, oil prices

A threat by Iran to unleash the "full force" of its navy if a US aircraft carrier is redeployed to the Gulf, and an immediate American dismissal of the warning, sent tensions and oil prices soaring on Tuesday.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20212/iran-warning-over-us-warship-raises-tensions–oil-prices.html

——————————————————————————————————- 

Technology

Top 10 science, technology events of the year

1. National fund set up for technology renovations

In August, the Prime Minister decided to establish a national fund for technology renovations, with VND1 trillion in chartered capital. As a unit of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the fund aims to finance efforts by organizations, individuals and enterprises to renovate and improve technology.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Science_Technology/2012/1/99189/

Vietnam embarks on space mission

Vietnam has embarked on a mission to conquer space with a detailed plan for a space centre and an ambitious goal to build its own miniaturised satellites by 2017.

http://nhandan.org.vn/cmlink/nhandan-online/homepage/sci-tech-environment/science-technology/vietnam-embarks-on-space-mission-1.328658

The hi-tech products which expect to be “hottest” in Vietnam in 2012

Ultrabook laptop, quad core chip tablet PC, the PCs using Windows 8 operation system, smart phones using Android 4.0 operation system, mirroless camera, smart phones using Windows Phone are believed to be the most wanted hi-tech products in Vietnam in 2012.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17337/the-hi-tech-products-which-expect-to-be–hottest–in-vietnam-in-2012.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Education

Disabled teacher has the “sound heart”

People who live near the mountainous commune of Canh Hien in Binh Dinh Province are not surprised when they see a skinny man walking on his wooden crutches on the uneven country-road. The middle-aged man is often followed by several disabled students of various ages.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/020/20159/disabled-teacher-has-the–sound-heart-.html

State budget estimates for 2012 bigger, but schools remain unsatisfactory

The State plans to budget 5762 billion dong for the education and training development in 2012, an increase of 5.4 percent over the previous year. Nevertheless, schools still complain that with the modest budget, they would still face a lot of difficulties.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17332/state-budget-estimates-for-2012-bigger–but-schools-remain-unsatisfactory.html

U.S. publisher prints IT book by Vietnam student

American publisher Apress has published an English book by a Vietnamese student who is pursuing a Master of Information Technology program in Australia.

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/lifestyle/education/21186/

——————————————————————————————————-

Health

Substandard, fake medicines continue to flood the market

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has destroyed a large amount of substandard and fake medicine in recent months in an effort to curb their circulation.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20259/substandard–fake-medicines-continue-to-flood-the-market.html

Cold, wet weather leaves many hospitalized

A large number of people in northern Vietnam, mostly babies and the elderly, have been hospitalized as a result of the sudden cold weather (below 10 degrees Celsius) accompanied by drizzling rain.

http://hanoitimes.com.vn/newsdetail.asp?NewsId=22179&CatId=49

Low-quality face masks present health dangers

“Selling gauze masks yields a profit four times the initial cost”, said T., a street vendor in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City. It costs consumers VND4,000-10,000 a piece but it costs vendors just VND1,200 at a whole sale price.

http://tuoitrenews.vn/cmlink/tuoitrenews/features/low-quality-face-masks-present-health-dangers-1.57044

——————————————————————————————————-

First Step Vietnam Newsletter

Learning English in a Fun Way!

FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com 

097.550.8648

———————————————

News Around the World

Business

Advertising cost cap still cause for concern

Local lawyers and enterprises keep showing disagreement with the regulation on limiting advertising expenses to 10% of total input costs, whereas the Ministry of Finance still defends this regulation.

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/business/other/21150/

Vietnam moves towards cashless society

Cash payments will make up less than 11 percent of all transactions in Viet Nam by the end of 2015, down from the current 14 percent, according to a Government plan approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung earlier this week.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Vietnam-moves-towards-cashless-society/201112/23298.vnplus

Think big to get ahead

Firms are mulling plans to enlarge business scales in 2012.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/business/think-big-to-get-ahead.html

Investment funds complain it’s difficult to find places to pour money

Vietnam proves to be a large market for investors to seek their opportunities. However, investment funds now complain that it’s difficult to find reasonable projects to inject money in.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/business/17029/investment-funds-complain-it-s-difficult-to-find-places-to-pour-money.html

——————————————————————————————————

Politics 

Vietnam benefits from UN forums

Through its participation in international forums, like the United Nations, Vietnam has gained useful experience and material support for its national development.

http://talkvietnam.com/2011/12/vietnam-benefits-forums/

N. Korea starts mass farewell to late leader: TASS

North Korea Wednesday began the funeral of late leader Kim Jong-Il, Russian media reported from a snowy Pyongyang, as the grieving communist state bolstered his son’s status as "great successor".

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20088/n–korea-starts-mass-farewell-to-late-leader–tass.html

Infrastructure priority, says Party committee

The 4th meeting of the Party Central Committee opened in the capital city yesterday with Party building and infrastructure works high on the agenda.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/National/2011/12/99103/

——————————————————————————————————- 

Technology

The most 10 outstanding ICT events in 2011

The EVN Telecom commercial affair, the new law which does not allow VNPT to own two mobile networks at the same time have been cited as the most outstanding ICT events in 2011 by the Vietnam ICT Press Club.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/special-report/17162/the-most-10-outstanding-ict-events-in-2011.html

Top priority given to nuclear safety

Vietnam gives top priority to ensuring safety and security in the use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes, said Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Dinh Tien.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17049/top-priority-given-to-nuclear-safety.html

IT firms hit roadblocks

The year 2011 was a tough one for information technology firms.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/it-firms-hit-roadblocks.html

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Education

Schools rushing to open “high quality training programs”

A lot of schools in big cities have opened high quality training programs which exist together with the normal training programs. Of course, the high quality programs require high tuitions.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/16940/schools-rushing-to-open–high-quality-training-programs-.html

National programme to improve English skills

Nguyen Hong Quyen, a graduate of the accountancy faculty at the HCM City University of Economics, says she has lost many opportunities to get a good job because of her low English proficiency.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17118/national-programme-to-improve-english-skills.html

Vietnamese scientist’s work published on world leading journal

Dr. Pham Cao Thanh Tung from South Korea’s Sogang University is the first Vietnamese whose research work is published on the American Science AAAs journal.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20072/vietnamese-scientist-s-work-published-on-world-leading-journal-.html

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Health

Diet patterns may keep brain from shrinking: study

People with diets high in several vitamins or in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients, according to a new study published on Wednesday in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/world-news/17148/diet-patterns-may-keep-brain-from-shrinking–study.html

Chinese dairy products flooding into Vietnam, raising worries

China sourced dairy products have once again raised worries among consumers after the Chinese Quality Inspection Directorate discovered the content of aflatoxin M1, a cancer causing substance, in the products of Mengniu was higher by 140 percent than the allowed level.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/business/17160/chinese-dairy-products-flooding-into-vietnam–raising-worries.html

Health fund gets additional $71mil

Viet Nam Social Insurance Agency funds will be boosted by VND1.5 trillion (US$71million) to subsidise examination and treatment fees for those using health insurance cards, according to a Government’s newly-signed decision.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/society/17145/health-fund-gets-additional–71mil.html

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Entertainment

Interesting Video Clips

Art in motion

Watch this video clip to see several amazing portraits of the celebrities and the passion for art of this artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqXtQ5tLhLE&feature=g-sptl&cid=inp-hs-otr

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Incredible Illusions & Science.

Watch this video clip to see the incredible illusion and science in 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLU3sTbNKW0&feature=g-sci&context=G2fd5c97CIAAAAAAABAA

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The power of smiling

Watch this video clip to see the hidden power of smiling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9cGdRNMdQQ&feature=g-edu&context=G2783b1eCUAAAAAABGAA

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Funny Greetings for New Year 2012

This is the greetings from us to you for this new year. Wish you all the best!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v7lBSn9IQg&feature=relmfu

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Jokes

Joke: Lecture Tour with A Difference

 On New Year’s Eve, Daniel was in no shape to drive, so he sensibly left his van in the car park and walked home. As he was wobbling along, he was stopped by a policeman. ‘What are you doing out here at four o’clock in the morning?’ asked the police officer.

‘I’m on my way to a lecture,’ answered Roger.

‘And who on earth, in their right mind, is going to give a lecture at this time on New Year’s Eve?’ enquired the constable sarcastically.

‘My wife,’ slurred Daniel grimly.

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Useful Websites

Website: http://www.oddee.com/

A blog with over 5 million visits a month, it features the odd, strange and bizarre things of our world. Be amazed!

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Songs

Song: Happy New Year by ABBA

Let’s listen to one of the most popular songs of all time by ABBA and welcome the new year.

http://loidich.com/ld53-HappyNewYear-ABBA.html

http://mp3.zing.vn/bai-hat/Happy-New-Year-ABBA/ZWZ9C69E.html

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Thanks for reading!

Please let us know how we can improve the newsletter for you! 

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English language courses

at First Step Vietnam

For more information, please call 097.550.8648

Email: FirstStepVietnam@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstStepVietnam

Address: No.21, Alley 157, Phao Dai Lang Street

Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Business

Advertising cost cap still cause for concern

Local lawyers and enterprises keep showing disagreement with the regulation on limiting advertising expenses to 10% of total input costs, whereas the Ministry of Finance still defends this regulation.

http://english.thesaigontimes.vn/Home/business/other/21150/

Vietnam moves towards cashless society

Cash payments will make up less than 11 percent of all transactions in Viet Nam by the end of 2015, down from the current 14 percent, according to a Government plan approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung earlier this week.

http://en.vietnamplus.vn/Home/Vietnam-moves-towards-cashless-society/201112/23298.vnplus

Think big to get ahead

Firms are mulling plans to enlarge business scales in 2012.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/business/think-big-to-get-ahead.html

Investment funds complain it’s difficult to find places to pour money

Vietnam proves to be a large market for investors to seek their opportunities. However, investment funds now complain that it’s difficult to find reasonable projects to inject money in.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/business/17029/investment-funds-complain-it-s-difficult-to-find-places-to-pour-money.html

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Politics 

Vietnam benefits from UN forums

Through its participation in international forums, like the United Nations, Vietnam has gained useful experience and material support for its national development.

http://talkvietnam.com/2011/12/vietnam-benefits-forums/

N. Korea starts mass farewell to late leader: TASS

North Korea Wednesday began the funeral of late leader Kim Jong-Il, Russian media reported from a snowy Pyongyang, as the grieving communist state bolstered his son’s status as "great successor".

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20088/n–korea-starts-mass-farewell-to-late-leader–tass.html

Infrastructure priority, says Party committee

The 4th meeting of the Party Central Committee opened in the capital city yesterday with Party building and infrastructure works high on the agenda.

http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/National/2011/12/99103/

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Technology

The most 10 outstanding ICT events in 2011

The EVN Telecom commercial affair, the new law which does not allow VNPT to own two mobile networks at the same time have been cited as the most outstanding ICT events in 2011 by the Vietnam ICT Press Club.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/special-report/17162/the-most-10-outstanding-ict-events-in-2011.html

Top priority given to nuclear safety

Vietnam gives top priority to ensuring safety and security in the use of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes, said Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Dinh Tien.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/science-technology/17049/top-priority-given-to-nuclear-safety.html

IT firms hit roadblocks

The year 2011 was a tough one for information technology firms.

http://www.vir.com.vn/news/tech/it-firms-hit-roadblocks.html

——————————————————————————————————-

Education

Schools rushing to open “high quality training programs”

A lot of schools in big cities have opened high quality training programs which exist together with the normal training programs. Of course, the high quality programs require high tuitions.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/16940/schools-rushing-to-open–high-quality-training-programs-.html

National programme to improve English skills

Nguyen Hong Quyen, a graduate of the accountancy faculty at the HCM City University of Economics, says she has lost many opportunities to get a good job because of her low English proficiency.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/education/17118/national-programme-to-improve-english-skills.html

Vietnamese scientist’s work published on world leading journal

Dr. Pham Cao Thanh Tung from South Korea’s Sogang University is the first Vietnamese whose research work is published on the American Science AAAs journal.

http://www.dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/20072/vietnamese-scientist-s-work-published-on-world-leading-journal-.html

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Health

Diet patterns may keep brain from shrinking: study

People with diets high in several vitamins or in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients, according to a new study published on Wednesday in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/world-news/17148/diet-patterns-may-keep-brain-from-shrinking–study.html

Chinese dairy products flooding into Vietnam, raising worries

China sourced dairy products have once again raised worries among consumers after the Chinese Quality Inspection Directorate discovered the content of aflatoxin M1, a cancer causing substance, in the products of Mengniu was higher by 140 percent than the allowed level.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/business/17160/chinese-dairy-products-flooding-into-vietnam–raising-worries.html

Health fund gets additional $71mil

Viet Nam Social Insurance Agency funds will be boosted by VND1.5 trillion (US$71million) to subsidise examination and treatment fees for those using health insurance cards, according to a Government’s newly-signed decision.

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/en/society/17145/health-fund-gets-additional–71mil.html

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