Tourism Payments: Ho Chi Minh City is seeing a boost for international visitors as cross-border QR payments spread, letting tourists use familiar apps like WeChat Pay and scan VietQRGlobal codes—supporting a rise in arrivals and more spending beyond hotels and malls. Education Reform: Vietnam’s Deputy PM says teacher training should be limited to specialist schools, with tighter standards, revamped curricula, and admissions focused on aptitude and suitability. AI Infrastructure: US-backed study funding is set to support a planned AI data-centre campus in Ho Chi Minh City, with work on power, cooling, connectivity, and procurement rules aimed at attracting trusted technology partners. Public Finance: Vietnam’s State Treasury raised a record amount—over $1.05 billion—in a government bond auction, with strong demand for 10-year bonds as yields tick up. Sports Update: Vietnam’s Xuan Son is sidelined early by a hamstring injury ahead of the next FIFA ASEAN Cup match, while Vietnam’s teams also continue competing across the Asian Games. Safety & Crime: Authorities launched proceedings against three men detained for illegal entry from Cambodia, including alleged involvement with “Viet Tan.” Environment: Vietnam is creating a new habitat conservation area to protect Delacour’s langur, one of the world’s most endangered primates.