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The World’s Best Cities ranking has unveiled the list of the top 100 best cities globally for 2024, with Hanoi securing the 96th position and standing as the only representative from Vietnam.

Experts said that Hanoi offers many activities and attractions, from urban landmarks to chaotic wet markets for bargain hunters, awe-inspiring heritage structures, and a vibrant nightlife that holds its own charm.

Hanoi offers many activities and attractions, from urban landmarks to chaotic wet markets for bargain hunters, awe-inspiring heritage structures, and a vibrant nightlife that holds its own charm (Photo: SGTT)

The World’s Best Cities ranking introduced Hanoi as a political nucleus and the historic heart of Vietnam, according to the VnExpress news site. 

London, the capital of the UK, secures the top spot on the list thanks to its rich history, cultural significance, exceptional hotels, and delightful dining options. The ranking criteria are based on three major factors: livability, lovability, and prosperity.

The World’s Best Cities is an annual list compiled since 2015 by Resonance. Evaluated by Bloomberg as the “most comprehensive global city ranking,” it owes its credibility to data gathered through extensive surveys.

Van Gogh interactive art exhibition to be launched in HCMC

Enthusiasts of the renowned artist Van Gogh will get closer to his famous works through the multi-sensory interactive art exhibition held at Gigamall Shopping Center in Thu Duc, HCMC.

The exhibition will be open from 9 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., starting from December 9, 2023. According to the Cong Luan news site, visitors will have 120 minutes to explore the works each time.

With an expansive area of up to 3,800 square meters, the Van Gogh interactive art exhibition at Gigamall will display over 900 masterpieces to serve visitors.

In addition to the exhibition space, the event will feature various immersive experiences catering to visitors’ needs, including Vincent’s Restaurant for culinary delights and an area showcasing souvenir products adorned with Van Gogh’s artworks.

The Van Gogh interactive art exhibition has been organized in many countries, including Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.

Free vegetarian buffets for the poor

In October 2022, Bui Hoai Phuong, 29, opened Than Thien Restaurant serving vegetarian buffets in Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province. Earning profits after one year, he began to serve free vegetarian buffets to those in need on the 16th day of every lunar month.

On that day, 15-20 different vegetarian dishes and three big pots of hot cooked rice were offered to diners like every other day. Young people and office workers, who are regular customers of the restaurant, were surprised at the free meals. However, other diners who are lottery ticket sellers, motorbike taxi drivers, workers, and even students, were well aware of the free vegetarian buffet day offered to them by the young owner of the restaurant once a month.

Gratis vegetarian dishes and rice were served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During that time, guests could have buffet at the restaurant, or they could bring home vegetarian meals contained in boxes at will. Phuong told tuoitre.vn that after four days in four months, his restaurant had served about 700 free servings per day, adding that he would offer two days of gratis vegetarian buffets a month in the coming time.

Vietnamese professor wins Canada’s research funding

Duong Quang Trung, 44, full professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, and visiting professor at Queen’s University Belfast, the UK, has been named one of the 34 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) and granted a fund worth CA$8 million (US$5.92 million) from the Canadian Government for his research on new generation wireless technology.

The Canadian Government’s CERC program this year, announced on November 16, granted 34 researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics funding worth CA$4-8 million each. Total research funding amounted to CA$248 million for eight years.

Prof. Duong Quang Trung is a native of Hoi An City (Quang Nam Province). He graduated as a Bachelor of Engineering at the HCMC University of Technology (2002), got a master’s degree in engineering in South Korea (2005), and a Ph.D. in telecommunications in Sweden (2012). In 2013, Trung was appointed professor at Queen’s University Belfast, one of the top 24 universities in the UK.

Prof. Trung is the only one in the UK to receive both prestigious awards from the Royal Academy of Engineering – Research Fellowship in 2016, and Research Chair in 2020. He also received the Newton Prize for outstanding research from the UK Government in 2017, according to vnexpress.net.

(The Saigon Times)