INVESTOR DEADLINE MONDAY: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Announces that The Chemours Company Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit – CC

SAN DIEGO, May 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) common stock have until this upcoming Monday, May 20, 2024 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Chemours class action lawsuit. Captioned Taylor v. The Chemours Company, No. 1:24-cv-00361 (D. Del.), the Chemours class action lawsuit charges Chemours and certain of Chemours’ top current and former executive officers with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Chemours class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-the-chemours-company-class-action-lawsuit-cc.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com. Lead plaintiff motions for the Chemours class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than May 20, 2024.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Chemours is an industrial and specialty chemical company.

The Chemours class action lawsuit alleges that defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) certain of Chemours’ senior executive officers manipulated Free Cash Flow targets as a means to maximize additional cash and stock incentive compensation applicable to executive officers pursuant to Chemours’ Annual Incentive Plans and Long-Term Incentive Plans; and (ii) Chemours’ accounting practices and procedures, including its internal control over financial reporting, were deficient.

The Chemours class action lawsuit further alleges that on February 13, 2024, Chemours “announced that it has postponed the release of its financial results and conference call related to the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.” The complaint alleges that according to Chemours, the delay was necessary “because it needs additional time to complete its year-end reporting process” and “is evaluating its internal control over financial reporting . . . with respect to maintaining effective controls related to information and communications.” On this news, the price of Chemours stock fell more than 12%, according to the complaint.

Then, on February 29, 2024, the Chemours class action lawsuit further alleges that Chemours announced it was delaying the filing of its annual report for 2023 and that its Board of Directors had “place[d] President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Newman, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Lock and Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer Camela Wisel on administrative leave . . . pending the completion of an internal review being overseen by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors with the assistance of independent outside counsel.” According to Chemours, the scope of the investigation “includes the processes for reviewing reports made to the Chemours Ethics Hotline” and Chemours’ “practices for managing working capital, including the related impact on metrics within [Chemours’] incentive plans [and] certain non-GAAP metrics” in Chemours’ financial reports, the complaint further alleges. On this news, the price of Chemours stock fell more than 31%, according to the complaint.

The Chemours class action lawsuit also alleges that on March 6, 2024 Chemours announced, among other things, that the Board’s Audit Committee concluded “that the members of senior management who were placed on administrative leave last week engaged in efforts in the fourth quarter of 2023 to delay payments to certain vendors that were originally due to be paid in the fourth quarter of 2023 until the first quarter of 2024, and to accelerate the collection of receivables into the fourth quarter of 2023 that were originally not due to be received until the first quarter of 2024.” The Audit Committee also revealed that it “found that these individuals engaged in these efforts in part to meet free cash flow targets that [Chemours] had communicated publicly, and which also would be part of a key metric for determining incentive compensation applicable to executive officers.”

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Chemours common stock during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Chemours class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Chemours class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Chemours class action lawsuit. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Chemours class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world’s leading complex class action firms representing plaintiffs in securities fraud cases. The Firm was ranked #1 on the ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report for recovering more than $1.75 billion for investors in 2022 – the third year in a row Robbins Geller topped the list. And in those three years alone, Robbins Geller recovered nearly $5.3 billion for investors, more than double the amount recovered by any other plaintiffs’ firm. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the world and the Firm’s attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

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Contact:
        Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
        J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal
        655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101
        800-449-4900
        info@rgrdlaw.com

‘7 Steps of Buddha’: Thua Thien Hue Celebrates Buddha’s Birthday with Lotus Display

Hue, with its historic Huong River and Ngu Mountain, is adorned with flags and flowers in early May to celebrate Buddha’s birthday. Tourists and locals alike gather at Nghinh Luong Dinh wharf to admire the seven enormous lotus flowers floating serenely on the river.

Each lotus flower measures 7.6 meters in diameter, nearly 4 meters in height, and weighs 300 kilograms. They are spaced 20 meters apart along the center of the river, creating a stunning visual tribute to Buddha’s first steps.

According to Buddhist scriptures, over 2,568 years ago in what is now Nepal, Prince Siddhartha (later Buddha Shakyamuni) took seven steps at birth. With each step, a lotus flower bloomed beneath his feet, signifying his noble path. The lotus has since become a symbol of Buddhism and is prominently featured in Buddhist rituals.

The seven lotus flowers on the Huong River symbolize peace and prayers for happiness for Vietnam. This annual tradition, initiated in 2008 after Vietnam’s first United Nations Vesak Celebration, has become a cherished part of Hue’s cultural and spiritual landscape.

Each lotus flower is equipped with its own generator, ensuring a steady light source and maintaining safety without disrupting waterway traffic.

The Thua Thien Hue Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has organized a series of activities to celebrate Buddha’s Birthday, continuing until May 22. These include parades, Buddha bathing ceremonies, fish releases, and visits to families who contributed to the revolution, enriching the festive atmosphere in Hue.

CAFFIL EMTN 2024-6 Tranche 2

Paris, 17 May 2024

Caisse Française de Financement Local has decided to issue on 22 May 2024 – Euro 250,000,000 Fixed Rate Obligations Foncières due 17 May 2039 to be assimilated upon listing and form a single series with the existing Euro 500,000,000 Fixed Rate Obligations Foncières due 17 May 2039 issued on 17 May 2024.

A Stabilisation Manager has been named in the applicable Final Terms.

The Base Prospectus dated 12 June 2023 and the supplements to the Base Prospectus dated 22 September 2023, 23 February 2024 and 10 April 2024 relating to the Euro Medium Term Notes Programme approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers are available on the website of the issuer (www.caissefrancaisedefinancementlocal.fr), at the registered office of the issuer: 112-114, avenue Emile Zola, 75015 Paris, France, and at the office of the paying agent indicated in the Base Prospectus.

The Final Terms relating to the issue will be available on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (www.bourse.lu), at the office of the issuer and at the office of the paying agent.

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COMMUNIQUE_CAFFIL EMTN 2024-6 B

KFC tops the Decision Lab Best F&B Rankings for the second year in a row

Ho Chi Minh City, April 2024: KFC (27.5) has once again claimed the ‘Best F&B Brand’ title in Vietnam, according to the Decision Lab Best F&B Rankings 2024. Highlands Coffee (25.2) and Trung Nguyên Legend (21.8) secured their runner-up and third spots, respectively.

Download the full ranking at Decision Lab’s website.

“We’re thrilled to be ranked the #1 F&B brand by Decision Lab for 2024. This reflects our commitment to quality and creating outstanding customer experiences. Thanks to our team and loyal customers, we’re excited to continue delivering the best,” Sibojyoti Chatterjee, General Director at KFC VN, commented on the ranking.

The Vietnamese F&B market is expected to boom in 2024, marked by the expansion of restaurants and coffee chains. Consumers, especially the younger generation, increasingly prioritise convenience and embrace dining out as a regular experience rather than just for special occasions. Additionally, coffee culture continues to thrive, with coffee chains becoming popular social hubs and offering a respite from daily life. The F&B scene is dynamic and adapting to the evolving preferences of Vietnamese consumers.

Decision Lab, YouGov’s exclusive partner in Vietnam, has released the Decision Lab Best F&B Rankings 2024. The rankings cover major brands in the F&B market. It reveals the top brands in terms of overall brand health and the most improved brands over the past year.

Brands are ranked based on YouGov BrandIndex’s Index Score, a measure of overall brand health calculated by taking each brand’s average Impression, Quality, Value, Satisfaction, Recommend, and Reputation score.

Download the full ranking at Decision Lab’s website.

KFC continues to top the Decision Lab Best F&B Rankings in Vietnam, scoring 27.5 points. Its Index score places it well ahead of other popular quick-service restaurants. In 2023, KFC also secured the highest Index score (28.8), and its score has fallen by 1.3 points this year.

Highlands Coffee secures its runner-up position with a score of 25.2. Trung Nguyên Legend, which achieved an Index score of 21.8, jumps to third. Phúc Long Coffee and Tea achieves an Index score of 17.9 to come in fourth. The Korean QSR chain, Lotteria, drops two spots to fifth position, scoring 17.7.

The other brands in the top 10 are The Coffee House (16.2), McDonald’s (15.3), Jollibee (15.2), Starbucks (12.5), and Pizza Hut (11.9).

Mr Thue Quist Thomasen, CEO of Decision Lab, commented on the rankings, “Decision Lab Best F&B Rankings 2024 indicates strong brand loyalty among Vietnamese consumers. Despite some changes in their scores, the top companies remain. The key takeaway here is the power of branding. Brands that want to grow sustainably must invest in high-quality products and services and brand reputation. This will help to build long-term brand engagement and customer loyalty.”

Top 5 Improvers: Trung Nguyen Legend is the most impressive climber

Download the full ranking at Decision Lab’s website.

Decision Lab released the five “most improved” brands alongside the overall rankings.

Trung Nguyên Legend and Jollibee lead the improver ranking with a score increase of 3.9 and 2.5. Highlands Coffee secured its third spot, increasing by 1.5 points. Texas Chicken and Cộng Cà Phê round up the top 5. Both increased by 1 point.

Mr Luong Binh Hai, Corporate Marketing Director at Trung Nguyên Legend, commented about the ranking, “As Vietnam’s leading coffee brand, Trung Nguyen Legend, with its great aspirations and the spirit for service, through its efforts to provide excellent cups of energetic coffee and inspiring books, has created differences and recognised as the most improved brand in Decision Lab Best F&B Rankings 2024.”

Mr Lam Hong Nguyen, General Manager at Jollibee, commented about the ranking, “Jollibee is honoured to rank among Vietnam’s top F&B brands and be recognised for our significant improvement. This achievement reflects our dedication to providing delicious, high-quality food experiences that resonate with Vietnamese consumers. We’re committed to continuous innovation and growth, and we look forward to serving Vietnam for many years to come.”

Methodology

The Decision Lab Best F&B Rankings 2024 are calculated using data collected from YouGov’s online panel in Vietnam daily from the flagship YouGov BrandIndex solution.

The brands were ranked based on YouGov BrandIndex’s Index score, which measures overall brand health calculated by taking the average of Impression, Quality, Value, Satisfaction, Recommendation and Reputation.

The Index Rankings chart shows the brands with the highest Index scores between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024.

The Index Improvers chart ranks the brands with the highest increase in Index scores, comparing 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024 with the previous 12 months.

Both scores are representative of the online population of adults 18+.

All brands must have been tracked for at least six months to be included in the rankings and for at least 18 months (as well as currently being tracked) to appear in the Improvers tables.

-End-

For further information, please contact:

Vu Phuong Linh

Marketing Associate

Decision Lab

+84 947 795 693

vpl@decisionlab.co

About Decision Lab:

Decision Lab is a company committed to driving new thinking and technology in marketing with Vietnam’s most modern market research offering. Combining Decision Lab’s thought leadership and problem-crunching capability with the industry’s strongest data solutions provides a best-in-class offering for leading innovative brands ready to transform with changing market conditions.

Decision Lab is well-known for its thought leadership in digital media and the understanding of a new generation of consumers. Collaborating with innovative multinational companies and prominent international technology leaders, it has established itself as a pioneer in the industry.

Decision Lab is the exclusive partner of YouGov in Vietnam.

Ether Could Surprise to the Upside in the Coming Months, Coinbase Says

The cryptocurrency does not have major supply-side overhangs such as token unlocks or miner sell pressure, the report said.

Ether (ETH) has underperformed the broader crypto market this year, but its long-term positioning remains strong and it has the potential to surprise to the upside, Coinbase (COIN) said in a research report on Wednesday.

The second-largest cryptocurrency by market value has risen 29% year-to-date, less than two-thirds the surge its larger rival bitcoin (BTC) which has gained 50%. The CoinDesk 20 Index (CD20), a measure of the broader crypto market, has advanced 28%.

“Ether may have the potential to surprise to the upside in the coming months,” the report said, noting that the cryptocurrency does not have “major sources of supply side overhangs” such as token unlocks or pressure created by miners’ sales.

“To the contrary, both staking and layer 2 growth have proven to be meaningful and growing sinks of ETH Liquidity,” wrote analyst David Han. “ETH’s position as the center of decentralized finance (DeFi) is also unlikely to be displaced in our view due to the widespread adoption of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and its layer 2 innovations.”

The EVM is the Ethereum blockchain’s native processing system that allows developers to create smart contracts and lets nodes interact with them. Layer 2s are separate blockchains built on top of layer 1s, or the base layer, that reduce bottlenecks with scaling and data.

Moreover, the importance of potential spot U.S. ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) cannot be understated. “We think the market may be underestimating the timing and odds of a potential approval, which leaves room for surprises to the upside,” Coinbase said

“Even if the first deadline of May 23, 2024 encounters a rejection, we think there is a high likelihood that litigation could reverse that decision,” the note said. “In the interim, we believe the structural demand drivers for ETH as well as the technological innovations within its ecosystem will enable it to continue straddling across multiple narratives.”

Korean Tourists Discover the Addictive Charm of Vietnamese Sugarcane Juice

Vietnam, a popular destination for Koreans, has seen many of its local dishes gain fame among foreign visitors. Alongside iced milk coffee, sugarcane juice has become a favorite.

Michelle, a Korean travel blogger, shared her love for sugarcane juice during her trip to Nha Trang. She described the juice as “moderately sweet, refreshing, and a quintessential Vietnamese drink.” Despite the humble appearance of the juice stalls, which often lack air conditioning and have sugarcane remnants scattered around, Michelle found the flavor worth it. A glass of fresh sugarcane juice costs around 10,000 VND (500 won).

Last summer, YouTuber Honveler visited Da Nang and highlighted the affordability of meals that include sugarcane juice, costing only 2,000 won (nearly 40,000 VND). His video garnered many comments from Koreans curious about the inexpensive yet delicious food in Da Nang.

The Korean version of Veyond even dubbed sugarcane juice “the drink for your soul” of Vietnam. Since sugarcane thrives only in hot and humid tropical climates, it’s a novelty in Korea. In Vietnam, sugarcane is a common crop, easily grown and highly productive, leading to numerous juice shops across the streets. Sugarcane juice can also be mixed with pineapple, kumquat, or even durian.

“The green color might look a bit scary, but sugarcane juice is sweet and enjoyable, perfect for the hot Vietnamese weather,” noted Veyond’s article.

Vietnamese cuisine, including sugarcane juice, has also made its way to Korea. In Tongbok market, Gyeonggi city, a bustling Vietnamese restaurant offers sugarcane and coconut juice. A video by The Food Club showcased the restaurant, prompting viewers to ask for its location.

A Vietnamese sugarcane juice stall at Tongbok market, Pyeongtaek city, Gyeonggi province, South Korea. Photo: The Food Club

According to Yeogi Eottae, hotel bookings from Korean tourists in Vietnam tripled from June to August compared to the same period in 2023. Summer is the perfect time for tourists to enjoy Vietnamese specialties like sugarcane juice, fruit juice, and vegetable juice.

Sonatype Announces Integration with ServiceNow to Streamline Software Composition Analysis

Fulton, Md., May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sonatype, the software supply chain optimization company, announced today an integration with ServiceNow, the AI platform for business transformation, to incorporate Sonatype Lifecycle software composition analysis and open source vulnerability scans directly into existing workflows. This accelerates the response to application vulnerabilities, particularly in open source software components, enhancing security measures and remediation efforts across enterprise environments.

For customers that use both ServiceNow and Sonatype, the integration enables the seamless transfer of vulnerability scan results from Sonatype Lifecycle directly into ServiceNow’s Application Vulnerability Response (AVR), creating a unified vulnerability management experience combining SCA, SAST and DAST results from other systems. From this single plane, customers can triage based on risk and initiation of workflows for quick analysis and remediation.

“Bad actors are constantly evolving their attack methods to be quicker and more agile. It’s our job, to ensure customers have our unique open source data and malware protection, when and where they need it, to keep them one-step ahead of attackers,” said Mitchell Johnson, chief product development officer at Sonatype. “The integration with ServiceNow makes it even easier for our customers to stay ahead. It ensures that vulnerabilities are identified, tracked and remediated more efficiently, in turn reducing the risks associated with open source software vulnerabilities while saving time and money. By combining our efforts, we empower developers and security teams to collaborate more closely and respond to security risks with greater speed and precision.”

“Partnerships succeed best when we lean into our unique skills and expertise and have a clear view into the problem we’re trying to solve,” said Erica Volini, senior vice president of global partnerships at ServiceNow. “Sonatype’s Lifecycle integration extends our reach well beyond where we can go alone and represents the legacy and goals of the Now Platform. I am thrilled to see the continued innovation we will achieve together to help organizations succeed in the era of digital business.”

The newly integrated solution offers key functionalities including automated import of application vulnerabilities and predefined workflows for effective vulnerability lifecycle management. This enhances the capabilities of users within Sonatype’s customer base, allowing them to better prioritize and remediate security issues.

Key benefits for customers from this integration include:

Faster Remediation: Vulnerabilities are flagged swiftly allowing developers to address and remediate issues quickly, significantly reducing the turnaround time and associated risks.
Improved Collaboration: The integration fosters enhanced cooperation between development and security teams, ensuring vulnerabilities are addressed comprehensively and efficiently.

The free plugin, which facilitates this integration, is available to all Sonatype Lifecycle customers in the ServiceNow Store. It promises a streamlined experience that not only enhances visibility into application vulnerabilities but also ensures they are managed and remediated promptly within the ServiceNow environment.

For more information on this integration and how it can benefit your organization, please visit the ServiceNow store or Sonatype.com.

About Sonatype

Sonatype is the software supply chain optimization company. We provide the world’s best software supply chain optimization technology and intelligence, empowering enterprises to create and maintain secure, quality, and innovative software at scale. As founders of Nexus Repository and stewards of Maven Central, the world’s largest repository of Java open source software, we are software pioneers and our open source expertise is unmatched. We empower innovation with an unparalleled commitment to build faster, safer software and harness AI and data intelligence to mitigate risk, maximize efficiencies, and drive powerful software development. More than 2,000 organizations, including 70% of the Fortune 100 and 15 million software developers, rely on Sonatype to optimize their software supply chains. To learn more about Sonatype, please visit www.sonatype.com.

ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, Now Platform, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.  

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Sonatype and ServiceNow

Which airline is the most punctual in the first 4 months of the year?

In the first 4 months of 2024, Vietnamese airlines operated 87,036 flights, according to information from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

Among them, Vietnam Airlines operated 36,755 flights, VietJet Air 36,753 flights, Bamboo Airways 6,730 flights, Pacific Airlines 2,559 flights; VASCO 2,207 flights, and Vietravel 2,032 flights.

Among the flights operated by Vietnamese airlines, 20,956 flights were delayed, accounting for a rate of 24.1%. This is a relatively high rate compared to the average delay rate (taking into account all of 2023, the delay rate of Vietnamese airlines was 15.5%).

Specifically, Vietnam Airlines had 16.4% delayed flights, VietJet Air had 33.1%, Pacific Airlines had 34.2%, VASCO had 16.5%, Bamboo Airways had 18.4%, and Vietravel Airlines had 13.8% delayed flights among the total flights operated by these airlines.

Out of 66,080 flights in total, 75.9% took off on time. Among them, Vietravel Airlines had the highest on-time departure rate at 86.2%.

When Vietravel Airlines first entered the aviation market in early 2021, it often ranked low in on-time departure performance. However, since the end of 2023, the airline has gradually improved this indicator and, overall, in the first 4 months of this year, it is currently the most punctual airline in Vietnam.

Overall in the aviation industry, the rate of delayed flights surged in the first 4 months. This is attributed to the peak month of the Lunar New Year, when the aviation industry experiences increased passenger demand for travel, while also facing various challenges.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the two main reasons for delayed takeoffs in the first 4 months of 2024 are late aircraft arrivals (14.7%) and airline operational issues (6.4%).

Other reasons identified by aviation authorities include airport equipment and services, weather, management, flight operations, and other miscellaneous reasons.

Also, in the first 4 months, there were 281 canceled flights, accounting for a rate of 0.3%. The primary reasons for airlines having to cancel flights in February were operational and commercial reasons. The remaining reasons included technical issues, weather, and other reasons.

@Cafef

CNN talks about Vietnam’s luxury tourist trains

According to CNN, luxury train travel meets the demand for “slow living” and sustainable tourism of upscale travelers.

The Vietage by Anantara is a luxury train journey, connecting coastal tourist destinations in Vietnam. Photo: The Vietage by Anantara.

More and more affluent travelers are seeking to experience luxury train travel, enjoying scenic views from their windows and indulging in fine dining, CNN reports.

In Vietnam, the Anantara hotel group is tapping into this market. Launched in early 2020, The Vietage by Anantara, a luxury train journey lasting about 6 hours, connects Da Nang and Quy Nhon – one of the most beautiful railway routes in Vietnam.

Most recently, Anantara has also operated another 5-hour train journey, connecting Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

According to Kate Jones, Head of PR and Advertising in Vietnam for Anantara, the new train journey will travel in the opposite direction (from the South to the North towards the central coastal region) to bring travelers to more beautiful natural landscapes.

The train is equipped with high-class furniture, providing a private experience for visitors. Photo: The Vietage by Anantara.

Similar to the first route, this train route also operates on the national commercial railway system, traversing the country.

“The new route passes through more coastal areas than the old journey. Vietnam has many beautiful bays and coastlines. Some mountainous areas also have vast golden rice fields. These are the main attractions on the 5-hour journey from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon,” she told CNN.

According to Anantara representatives, the tourist train moves quite slowly with an average speed of 51.9 km/h, allowing passengers to admire the seaside scenery of Vietnam.

On the new route, passengers can enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea set, including local salted fish eggs, artisanal cheese, cold cuts, and premium tea.

Meanwhile, on the old route, passengers are served a pre-booked 3-course specialty meal. In addition, light snacks, wine, cocktails, mocktails, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are served complimentary with a 15-minute head and shoulder therapy experience.

On the journey, visitors are served many regional specialties or ordered according to taste. Photo: @labase2005, The Vietage by Anantara.

On each journey, The Vietage by Anantara is equipped with a bar counter, restroom, and 6 private spaces with two seats each. Specifically, each space is equipped with power outlets, charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and a basket containing personal hygiene items such as pillows, blankets, and other essentials.

Passengers can book online on the official website of the train journey or choose through Anantara’s accommodations such as Anantara Hoi An Resort, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, or Avani Quy Nhon Resort.

Sharing more about the train routes, Ms. Jones said that many people are shifting to rail travel instead of opting for air travel.

Train journeys allow travelers to experience landscapes in a slower and more sustainable manner, as well as to have realistic views of the destinations, enjoying sights that you certainly cannot experience at 10 km altitude.

@Znews

Railway sector increases trains and reduces ticket prices for summer

The railway sector is organizing additional train services between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while implementing various ticket price promotion policies for passengers to serve the upcoming peak travel demand in summer.

The railway industry will organize more trains to serve people’s travel during the summer. Photo: Minh Hoang

According to TTXVN, the enhanced train pairs consist of SE1/SE2, SE3/SE4, SE5/SE6, SE7/SE8, SE9/SE10, and SE11/SE12. Additionally, the Hanoi – Vinh route has the NA1/NA2 train pair. The Hanoi – Dong Hoi route has the QB1/QB2 train pair. The Hanoi – Da Nang route has two pairs of trains: SE17/SE18 and SE19/SE20.

From May 17 until August 18, 2024, customers purchasing individual tickets for the SE1/SE2, SE5/SE6, SE9/SE10, and SE11/SE12 train pairs before the departure date from 20 to 39 days will receive a 5% discount on ticket prices. If customers purchase these tickets more than 40 days in advance, they will receive a 10% discount on ticket prices. The railway sector also notes that this promotion does not apply to the four-bed cabins of the SE1/SE2 train.

The railway sector will also announce the sale of tickets for the two tourist train pairs from Hue to Da Nang: HD1/HD2 and HD3/HD4. Accordingly, the ticket price for trains running on weekdays is 180,000 VND/ticket/way, while the ticket price for Saturdays and Sundays is 210,000 VND/ticket/way.

Starting from May 15, the Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company will begin selling tickets for regular train services during the summer of 2024. The Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi route operates daily with trains SE1/SE2, SE3/SE4, SE5/SE6, SE7/SE8, and SE11/SE12. Train SE9/SE10 operates daily from May 22. Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang route will operate daily with train SE21/SE22.

The Ho Chi Minh City – Quy Nhon route has train SE30. The train operates on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday weekly from May 29. Train SE29 from Quy Nhon to Ho Chi Minh City will run on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, starting from May 30.

Other routes from Ho Chi Minh City include the daily Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang route with trains SNT1/SNT2. Additionally, train SNT4 from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang will run on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday weekly from May 29. Train SNT5 from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City will run on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday weekly from May 30. The Ho Chi Minh City – Phan Thiet route operates daily with trains SPT1/SPT2. The Nha Trang – Da Nang route has train SE42/41 running daily, starting from May 24.

@SGtiepthi

Four Vietnamese delicacies among Asia’s best minced meat dishes

Bun cha, a signature dish of Hanoi, and meatball banh mi are among the Vietnamese dishes included in TasteAtlas’ list of the top 61 minced meat dishes in Asia.

Additionally, other Vietnamese dishes honored to be on this list by the renowned culinary website include beef in betel leaves and grilled minced pork skewers.

Bun cha is ranked 17th on the list. Originating from Hanoi, this dish consists of grilled pork patties served with fish sauce, along with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs.

International attention towards bun cha soared in 2016 when it was the dish shared by television host Anthony Bourdain and former President Barack Obama on the show “Parts Unknown.”

Bun cha is increasingly known and favored by many foreign tourists. Photo: True Delicious

In early December 2023, Michelin inspectors also released a list of the top 5 must-try dishes for tourists in Vietnam, with bun cha notably featured.

Beef in betel leaves holds the 27th position. Traditionally, this fragrant grilled beef dish is served with vermicelli, rice paper, raw vegetables, and dipping sauce.

Grilled minced pork skewers, known as nem lui, claim the 28th spot. Ground pork is wrapped around lemongrass skewers, brushed with oil, then grilled until golden and fragrant. Typically, nem lui is served with herbs and rice paper, rolled up like spring rolls, and accompanied by a dipping sauce of sweet and sour peanut sauce.

The final Vietnamese dish to make the list is meatball banh mi, ranking 46th. The meatball filling is usually made from minced pork cooked in tomato sauce. When served, the meatballs are stuffed into the baguette, accompanied by sauce, coriander, pickled radish, carrots, and sliced chili.

Adana kebap from Turkey tops the list of the best-minced meat dishes in Asia. It’s made by mixing minced lamb and tail fat with spicy red pepper and grilling on metal skewers.

Following closely are keema from India, a minced meat curry made from minced lamb or goat, and chapli kabab from Pakistan, a spicy meat patty made from minced beef or lamb.

@Vietnamnet

CME Looks to Take On Binance and Coinbase, Could Launch Spot Bitcoin Trading: Report

The CME is already the top bitcoin futures exchange by open interest, while the offshore, non-regulated Binance dominates the spot market.

Futures powerhouse Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) plans to offer spot bitcoin trading to clients as demand for the product mounts among market participants, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

CME is already the top bitcoin futures exchange by open interest, while offshore, non-regulated Binance dominates the spot market.

The exchange has held discussions with traders who want to trade bitcoin on a regulated marketplace, the FT reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the talks.

CME’s spot trading business could be run through the EBS currency trading venue in Switzerland, the report added.

The exchange did not want to comment on the report.

The spot market will complement the CME’s existing standard and micro futures contracts, which are widely considered a proxy for institutional activity, and help the exchange become more dominant in the crypto market. The CME is already the top bitcoin futures exchange by open interest, while the offshore, non-regulated Binance dominates the spot market. Coinbase (COIN), the only U.S. traded crypto exchange, is No. 3 by daily trading volume.

The availability of the spot market means traders can now set up complex multi-leg strategies involving spot and futures markets in one regulated place. Carry traders are known to short CME futures against long spot market positions on other exchanges or in spot ETFs.

“Crypto exchanges might lose some business with the potential debut of a bitcoin spot market on the CME, a global derivatives giant, as the present bull run is particularly driven by institutions, who prefer to trade on regulated avenues,” Markus Thielen, founder of 10x Research, said.

Proposal to Create Garden Islands in the Saigon River Connecting to Thu Thiem

The proposal comes from a collaboration between the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE Global) and the Paris Regional Planning Institute (L’Institut Paris Region – IPR), as part of their comprehensive Saigon River corridor development study.

The consortium’s research identifies diverse territories and environments along the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, suggesting a division into four subdivisions to leverage each region’s unique characteristics. The proposed floating islands would be part of the 4th subdivision, located in the core area between District 1 and Thu Thiem.

These garden islands are envisioned as “stopover” points, connected by pedestrian bridges that the city plans to build. This concept aims to bridge the 250-meter width of the Saigon River in this area, creating a sense of connectivity similar to well-planned rivers like the Seine in France or Singapore’s rivers.

Additionally, the research team proposes a multifunctional complex with modern buildings in the 4th subdivision, highlighting the development of Ho Chi Minh City. The Khanh Hoi port area in District 4 is earmarked to become a creative cultural cluster with vibrant public spaces.

The Tan Thuan area in District 7 is proposed to be transformed into a center for green technology innovation and sustainable urban development. The confluence of the Saigon River through District 7 and Nha Be is suggested to preserve natural spaces and create scenic landscapes for tourists.

3D image of green garden islands in the middle of the river. (Photo: Consulted by the Association)

The consortium also recommends that these islands be either fixed or floating, positioned near the shore where the current is slow to minimize navigation impacts. The islands could feature entertainment activities such as music bars, coffee shops, floating restaurants, and swimming pools, enhancing the river crossing experience and creating appealing tourist and entertainment spots for the city center.

Ho Chi Minh City is currently updating its general planning for 2040, with a vision extending to 2060, in which the Saigon River is a central element.

Coinbase to Target Australia’s Self-Managed Pension Funds: Bloomberg

“We are working on an offering to service those clients really well on a one-off basis — to have them trade with us and stay with us,” a Coinbase official said.

Coinbase is developing a service that will specifically target Australia’ self-managed pensions sector, the exchange’s Asia-Pacific Managing Director John O’Loghlen told Bloomberg.

Crypto’s relationship with the pensions sector and retirees isn’t exactly new. Self-managed funds in Australia have increasingly held crypto since March 2019. According to the latest data from the Australian Taxation Office, nearly A$1 billion ($664 million) is allocated to crypto. That’s a steep increase from only $131.5 million (197 million AU) in December 2019. Thousands of Australians who used self-managed pension funds to bet on cryptocurrencies have even lost millions of dollars, Reuters reported in March 2023.

“Self-managed super funds might just make a single allocation, set it and forget it,” O’Loghlen told Bloomberg. We are working on an offering to service those clients really well on a one-off basis—to have them trade with us and stay with us.”

Crypto interest in the self-managed pensions sector may be driven by the recent momentum the crypto sector has gained after spot-ETF approvals in the U.S. and the likelihood that Australia, too, could see similar approvals this year.

“We don’t see this as cannibalizing the ETF players, but more a rising tide and a big enough interest for someone to come in through their own self-managed portal,” said O’Loghlen.

The Triumph of Generosity Over Self-Interest

In contemporary times, the distinction between charity and philanthropy is often misunderstood. Charity involves direct, immediate aid to those in need, such as providing food or financial help to address urgent societal issues. In contrast, philanthropy is characterized by a long-term, sustainable approach, investing in education and healthcare to foster community development. The question arises: what defines a saint without miracles, and of what is a saint’s halo composed?

During the 1820s, American entrepreneurs began to engage in philanthropy, notably supporting private educational institutions and hospitals. George Peabody (1795–1869), the founder of JPMorgan Chase, is recognized as the pioneer of modern philanthropy. As a financier in Baltimore and London, he initiated the funding of libraries and museums in the United States and housing for the impoverished in London during the 1860s. His philanthropic endeavors set an example for industrial magnates like Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), John D. Rockefeller Sr. (1839-1937), and Henry Ford (1863-1947).

In 1866, Queen Victoria (1819-1901) sent a letter to Peabody, commending his philanthropic efforts through the Peabody Donation Fund to enhance the living conditions of London’s destitute. The Queen’s letter, a rare acknowledgment, especially for a non-British citizen, conveyed her appreciation and admiration, expressing her wish to personally thank him. This gesture underscored the significance of benevolence and international collaboration in social welfare, setting a benchmark for global philanthropic initiatives.

However, the most sacred legacy of that era emerged from the humble heart of Mother Maria Francesca “Frances Xavier” Cabrini (1850-1917), an Italian-American Catholic nun. She established the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC), a religious order that significantly supported Italian immigrants in America.

Mother Cabrini was born prematurely into a large family in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Lombardy, Italy, on July 15, 1850, and faced health challenges from birth. Despite nearly drowning as a child, which led to a lifelong fear of water, she bravely crossed the Atlantic 27 times to fulfill her divine mission.

After the death of her parents in 1870, Cabrini became the headmistress of the House of Providence orphanage in Codogno, where she educated and gathered a small group of women. She took her religious vows in 1877, adopting the name Xavier in honor of Francis Xavier, the co-founder of the Jesuits and patron saint of missionaries. Like Francis Xavier, she aspired to be a missionary in Asia.

From a young age, Cabrini was inspired by missionaries recounting their experiences of spreading the Gospel in the East. Although her poor health and gender led to rejections from existing religious orders, a local bishop recognized her passion and encouraged her to establish her own religious community.

In November 1880, Cabrini and six companions founded the MSC in Lodi, Lombardy. She authored the convent’s Rules and Constitution and served as its superior general until her demise. The sisters cared for orphans and abandoned children, opened day schools for funding, taught sewing classes, and sold elaborate embroidery. Within five years, the institute had established seven homes, a school, and a free kindergarten. Subsequent missions included a boarding school for girls in Milan, among others. Over seven years, Cabrini’s leadership led to the creation of seven institutions, all managed by nuns she trained. Her charitable works eventually drew the attention of Giovanni Scalabrini, the Bishop of Piacenza, and Pope Leo XIII.

In September of 1887, Mother Cabrini sought the Pope’s blessing to start a mission in China. However, he directed her instead to the United States to aid the influx of impoverished Italian immigrants, advising her, “Not to the East but to the West.” Consequently, in 1889, she and six fellow nuns embarked on a journey to America, departing from Codogno by train and reaching Le Havre to board the Bourgogne ship, alongside 1,500 immigrants, destined for New York City.

The sisters endured second-class travel, chronicling the tumultuous voyage marked by relentless seasickness and observing the even harsher conditions of third-class passengers, likening their quarters to “no better than a stable.” Despite their own discomfort, they devoted their time to assisting the less fortunate aboard. The voyage was fraught with icy conditions and perilous storms, lasting 12 days before they arrived in New York to welcoming weather and clear skies, marking the commencement of Mother Cabrini’s mission in the New World.

In the 1890s, the substantial Italian community in New Orleans faced discrimination and hostility, resulting in violence and the murder of several Italians. Mother Cabrini and her nuns were summoned to intervene. They found that yellow fever had orphaned many Italian children, prompting them to establish an orphanage to protect the young ones from the epidemic. They embraced these challenges with genuine altruism.

Mother Cabrini and her six companions began their ministry in New York’s slums, supporting their first orphanage by soliciting donations in the impoverished Little Italy. They set up a modest, underfunded hospital for destitute Italians. Mother Cabrini advocated for the humane treatment and improved living conditions for immigrant orphans, particularly those from Italy in the Five Points area, despite not speaking English. Initially, New York was unprepared for their arrival, and the nuns spent their first night in a squalid room within an Italian ghetto. They soon realized they lacked the necessary funds for sustenance, leading them to seek assistance from Archbishop Michael Corrigan (1839-1902), who initially suggested Mother Cabrini return to Italy. However, moved by her unwavering resolve to stay and assist, he offered his support. The film “Gangs of New York” by Martin Scorsese provides context to the Italian experience in New York, 25 years prior to Mother Cabrini’s arrival. Her mission included educating all immigrants, especially children, and despite relying on modest donations, her resourceful nature helped navigate numerous challenges.

By July 1891, Archbishop Corrigan, acknowledging her contributions, invited her to manage a hospital for Italian immigrants. With assistance from Countess Mary di Cesnola and her daughters, the facility reopened as Columbus Hospital on East 19th Street, later known as Cabrini Medical Center. The hospital served all, regardless of their ability to pay, with doctors offering their services pro bono. Mother Cabrini’s achievements in New York led her to Chicago, which faced similar immigration issues. The city’s burgeoning but impoverished Italian community was in dire need of educational, healthcare, and spiritual support.

Mother Cabrini and her fellow nuns quickly gained recognition for their compassion towards the poor Italian immigrants, providing education, healthcare, and spiritual care across major settlements from New York to the West Coast. The growing demand for their services prompted Italian ecclesiastical leaders to urge Cabrini to broaden her mission across the nation. By 1895, she was active in various American cities and even established a school in Nicaragua. Her dynamic and visionary leadership drew many women to her congregation, significantly expanding its global reach. Over the next 28 years, she tirelessly founded schools, hospitals, orphanages, and novitiates in cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. Renowned for her business savvy in securing resources and fundraising, Mother Cabrini showed remarkable resilience and was actively involved in construction efforts, inspiring a spirit of perseverance among her followers. In 1909, she became a U.S. citizen, solidifying her impact on American social and philanthropic work.

Throughout her lifetime, Mother Cabrini founded 67 missions in major cities around the world, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and as far as Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Her work primarily focused on aiding the sick and poor, a precursor to the expansion of governmental social services. Her enduring legacy enabled her followers to realize her dream of establishing a mission in China by 1926, nine years posthumously. In 1928, Cardinal George Mundelein recognized two miracles attributed to her, leading to her beatification by Pope Pius XI in 1938. She was canonized in 1946 by Pope Pius XII, becoming the first American citizen to achieve sainthood. In 1950, in homage to her unwavering commitment to immigrants, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was proclaimed the Universal Patroness.

The philanthropic footprint left by Saint Cabrini illustrates that selflessness can triumph over self-interest, resulting in one of the world’s most expansive and impactful charitable networks, surpassing even the Rockefeller and Carnegie foundations. Her hands-on, compassionate approach to aiding immigrants and the underprivileged showcased an empathy unmatched by mere policy-driven initiatives. Mother Cabrini’s work met the immediate needs of those she served, proving that the true measure of philanthropy lies in its deep and lasting humanitarian impact. Her “empire of altruism” stands as a powerful symbol of the impact that devoted, selfless service can have within the sphere of global philanthropy. The sacred heart is akin to angelic wings, and the halo that adorns the humble saint shines brightly.