For generations of residents, living and working in Ho Chi Minh City has been a source of pride.
Every morning at 3 a.m., 90-year-old Nguyen Thi Ngang, who lives in Phu An ward, carries baskets of banh mi nearly three kilometers to the corner of Nguyen Chi Thanh and Le Chi Dan street. Her customers include lottery ticket vendors, ride-hailing drivers, and factory workers. Although her sandwiches cost only 30 cents a piece, they’re generously filled with meat, meatballs, and cucumber.
Nguyen Thi Ngang said: "There are people struggling through extremely difficult times. I often think about them and feel sorry for them. I don't have much money to help, so I choose to sell my bread at very low prices instead. Seeing people enjoy a filling meal makes me happy. I do it out of compassion and expect nothing in return."
Over the past five decades, Ho Chi Minh City's transformation has been measured not only by economic growth but by its culture of generosity and social solidarity. Lu Nguyen Xuan Vu, Chairman of the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association and CEO of Xuan Nguyen Group, says today's entrepreneurs are "soldiers on the economic front" who have a responsibility to give back to community.
He said: "Businesspeople should not only create value for their companies but also share their success with the community, helping disadvantaged people through compassion and mutual support. This spirit has long been upheld by the Saigon Entrepreneurs Association through charitable activities, social welfare programs, and livelihood support for people in remote areas."
Ho Chi Minh City is aiming to become a modern, civilized, compassionate metropolis with a stronger regional and global standing. Its transformation is reflected in an expanding road network, modern infrastructure, a dynamic economy, and a steadily improving quality of life.
Pham Binh An, Deputy Director of the Institute for Development Studies, unveiled a plan to propose a citywide Local Happiness Index tailored to the characteristics of each district and ward.
Mr. An said: "Ho Chi Minh City is implementing an ambitious plan to rank among the world's 100 most livable cities. At the ward and commune level, we aim to establish a Happiness Index that reflects residents' own assessment. This will ensure that people's voices are heard, measured, and translated into better policies more responsive to their needs."
Ho Chi Minh City’s mission is to become a truly livable city. Meanwhile, its residents’ affection for, and confidence in, the city continues to grow stronger each year.
