The Vietnam Association of the Elderly, the Ministry of Health, and the Military Bank launch the program “Bright Eyes for the Elderly” for the 2025–2028 period. (photo: VGP/ Duc Tuan)

 

B: Many listeners said they appreciate how VOV keeps them updated on Vietnam’s leadership visits to different countries, helping them understand more about Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen international cooperation and its growing role globally.

A: Vincentiu Gheorghe from Romania highlighted the significance of Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Finland. He said the trip marks an important step in consolidating the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two countries. It also underscores Vietnam’s active role in fostering ties between Finland, the Nordic region, ASEAN, and the European Union.

B: Sharing a similar admiration for Vietnam’s development path, José Ignacio Cos Lezama of Spain wrote: “I was particularly impressed that Vietnam is making historic progress in innovation. This is the result of the people’s tireless efforts and their belief that these endeavors will bring comprehensive development in the near future. Five or ten years is not long when the goal is already in sight.”

A: Viley of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, praised Vietnam’s social policies: “I am very impressed with Vietnam’s campaign to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses. This is a clear demonstration of the country’s policy to associate economic development with social equity and progress, in line with the Party and government’s commitment that ‘no one is left behind.”

B: Thank you very much for your feedback. We always look forward to hearing your opinions and stories, which inspire us to keep improving our programs.

A: This week, Fenny Luna of Indonesia asks: “What are the major celebrations in Vietnam in October?”

B: That’s an interesting question! In Vietnam, October is a month filled with meaningful celebrations that highlight care, gratitude, and community spirit.

A: It begins with the International Day for the Elderly on October 1. The celebration was widely observed to express respect and appreciation for older generations through cultural performances, free health check-ups, and visits to elderly homes.

B: According to the National Population Database, Vietnam has more than 16 million elderly people, accounting for over 16% of the population. More than 1 million of them participate in community work in villages, hamlets, and residential groups, and over 9 million continue to work. They constitute Vietnam’s “silver-haired economy in the new era.”

A: October 13 is observed as Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day to honor the contributions of entrepreneurs and businesspeople to national growth. It’s an occasion to celebrate successful business models, encourage innovation and creativity startups, and promote social corporate responsibly.

B: Then comes Vietnam Farmers’ Day on October 14, a special day to recognize the hard work of farmers who play a crucial role in ensuring food security and maintaining the strength of our agricultural sector.

A: At a ceremony in Hanoi marking the 95th anniversary of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union, 63 farmers received the title of “Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer” and 32 scientists were honored as “Scientists for Farmers.”

B: And we can’t forget October 20, Vietnam Women’s Day. Originally marking the founding of the Vietnam Women’s Union, it’s now one of the most cherished days of the year. People express love and appreciation through flowers, gifts, and heartfelt messages to mothers, wives, sisters, and colleagues.

A: So as you can see, October in Vietnam is a month that beautifully reflects kindness, respect, and gratitude toward different members of society. Now before continuing to read the feedback from other listeners, enjoy the song Phoenix Wings in praise of the Vietnamese women, portraying them as strong, graceful, and resilient like the mythical phoenix.

B: That was Phoenix Wings by singer Tung Duong, featuring rapper Double 2T and Tu Dua. The song honors women’s beauty, independence, and inspiring role in modern society.

A: In an email to VOVWorld this week, Safia Setu of Bangladesh reported tuning in to VOV5 on October 21 on the frequency of 7220 kHz with a SINPO of all 3s using a Grundig receiver. He was interested in VOV’s views and commentary on the “Current Affairs” titled “Global Economy Faces Risk of Slowdown.”

B: From Pakistan, Amir Jameel, President of the VOV Online Visitors Club, reported tuning in to the VOV’s English Service on October 20, from 16:00 to 16:30 UTC on the frequency 7220 kHz. He described the signal as strong and steady, with an overall good rating at 4.

A: Najimuddin of India, sent a reception report for the program on October 19, from 16:00 to 16:30 UTC on the frequency 7220 kHz. He listened using a Grundig YB 80 receiver with a telescopic rod antenna, reporting a moderate signal with a SINPO rating of 44343.

B: Chris Malboeuf of Canada tuned in to our program on October 13 on the frequency 11885 kHz. He noted that the signal was barely audible, affected by extreme propagation conditions and high noise levels, with a SINPO rating of 15111.

A: Thank you to all our listeners for your reception reports. Your feedback is very helpful for us to monitor and improve VOV’s broadcast quality around the world.

B: This week, Chanthima of Laos shared his interest in joining the Ha Long Heritage Marathon 2025 event.

A: The Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon is internationally certified by World Athletics and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), which means international participants from any country are welcome and the event meets global marathon standards.

B: This is an annual event that takes place along the breathtaking coastline of Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. This year the event is scheduled for November 23 and the organizers are opening registration now at halongmarathon.com.
A: The marathon offers a variety of distances, from a 5 km fun run up to the full 42.195 km marathon, so both amateur runners and elite athletes can join.

B: And who can register? Any eligible runner: a minimum age of 18 years for the full marathon, 16 years for the half, and younger runners can enter the 10 km or 5 km races. It’s not just a race, it’s a full experience: running through scenic coastal roads, enjoying the fresh air of Hạ Long Bay, and exploring the city and local attractions.

A: If you’re thinking of joining, it’s best to register now. There are promotional pricing tiers, for example the fees start at 350,000 VND or 13.3 USD for the 5 km distance and foreign runners and groups are strongly encouraged, according to information on the organizer’s website.

B. So whether you’re an experienced marathoner or just want a fun run with an unforgettable backdrop, the Ha Long Bay Heritage Marathon offers a chance to combine sport and travel in one of Vietnam’s most beautiful settings.

A: That’s it for this week’s Letter Box. Keep writing, keep listening and, until next time.