Kiss Bridge – a new iconic destination in Vietnam


_: Just as Golden Bridge in Da Nang stole the hearts of the world in 2018, the newly opened Kiss Bridge on Phu Quoc Island is expected to become another phenomenon for global travelers.

On December 22, 2023, Sun Group officially unveiled Kiss Bridge in Sunset Town on Phu Quoc Island. With its innovative design and stunning location in south Phu Quoc, this enchanting structure is anticipated to emulate Golden Bridge in Sun World Ba Na Hills, Da Nang as a modern man-made wonder and iconic destination.

Crafted by Italian architect Marco Casamonti, the design of Kiss Bridge took inspiration from ‘The Creation of Adam’, the classical fresco created by Michelangelo for the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and ‘The Legend of Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu’, a Vietnamese folk tale about two young lovers who are separated by the Jade Emperor but permitted to meet once a year on the O Thuoc Bridge.

This new architectural wonder spans a distance of 800 meters with two separate walkways coming from opposite directions. In the middle th
ere is a 30 cm gap, a distance which can be easily crossed with an embrace, a handshake, or… even a kiss.

The precise point gap has also been calculated to capture a spectacular sight – every January 1, the setting sun gracefully descends right between the bridge’s two arches, creating a charming scene, making it one of the world’s most stunning sunset spots.

Speaking at the Inauguration Ceremony, Mr. Huynh Quang Hung, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Phu Quoc, said: ‘The Kiss Bridge is a true masterpiece, blending unique artistry and exceptional construction. It adds an iconic touch to Phu Quoc, complementing the island’s natural beauty. We envision that the Kiss Bridge will put Phu Quoc on the global map, attracting travelers who wish to witness this exceptional architectural marvel firsthand, much like the awe-inspiring impact that the Golden Bridge has had on Vietnamese tourism.’

The bridge was constructed using cantilevers, which are supported by a tilted pylon at a 65-degree angle on one end whi
le the other end extends out into space, reaching a distance of 25 meters. The combined weight of the cantilevered structure on either side is a staggering 400 tonnes, equivalent to the compression force of 40 buses. Suspended between the blue of the sea and the sky with two inclined pillars, Kiss Bridge has achieved something unprecedented – a pedestrian bridge that runs over the waves lapping onto one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It is undoubtedly a truly distinctive icon that will draw many visitors to Phu Quoc. The bridge is a stunning sight both from a distance and close up. Indeed, its tips are composed with ultra-clear glass, offering an exceptional 96% transparency. This lends the glass an almost ‘invisible’ quality. As twilight thickens over the island, a LED lighting system also brightly illuminates the bridge, casting a soft glow through the structure and evoking a fairytale beauty.

Opening just in time for the festive season, Kiss Bridge seamlessly syncs with a collection of new structu
res and attractions crafted by Sun Group at Sunset Bay, including the multimedia technology art show, developed with a total investment exceeding VND 3,400 billion, called ‘Kiss of the Sea’ which is performed every evening. What’s more every show throughout the year culminates with a mesmerizing seven-minute fireworks display. Besides the bridge and dazzling stage show, on December 21 Sun Group also unveiled the VUI-Fest Bazaar, an exciting beachside night market as well as La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, a stunning new five-star accommodation in Sunset Town, Phu Quoc. Altogether, these attractive developments promise to transform the ‘Pearl Island’ into a vibrant year-round hotspot for global travelers./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

President issues order on promulgation of newly-adopted laws


Hanoi: The Presidential Office on December 25 held a press conference to announce the President’s order on the promulgation of the laws approved by the 15th National Assembly at its recent sixth session.

They are the Law on Citizen Identification, the Law on Forces Participating in the Protection of Security and Order at the Grassroots Level, the Law on the Management and Protection of National Defence Works and Military Zones, the Law on Telecommunications, the Law on Water Resources, the Housing Law, and the Law on Real Estate Business.

Of them, the Law on Citizen Identification, the Law on Forces Participating in the Protection of Security and Order at the Grassroots Level, the Law on Telecommunications, and the Law on Water Resources will come into force from July 1, 2024. The others will take effect from January 1, 2025.

Notably, the 2023 Law on Citizen Identification expanded the subjects as compared with its 2014 version, targeting Vietnamese citizens, relevant agencies, organisations and individua
ls, as well as people of the Vietnamese origin living in the country with their nationality remaining unknown.

Meanwhile, the amended Housing Law aims to institutionalise the policies of the Party and the State on housing development for the people, especially low-income earners, and the poor.

The Law on Real Estate Business aims to ensure the stable, healthy, transparent, sustainable development of the domestic property market, as well as the harmonious management of the land use right, labour and real estate markets.

The 15th NA’s sixth session took place from October 23 to November 29./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

President issues order on promulgation of newly-adopted laws


Hanoi: The Presidential Office on December 25 held a press conference to announce the President’s order on the promulgation of the laws approved by the 15th National Assembly at its recent sixth session.

They are the Law on Citizen Identification, the Law on Forces Participating in the Protection of Security and Order at the Grassroots Level, the Law on the Management and Protection of National Defence Works and Military Zones, the Law on Telecommunications, the Law on Water Resources, the Housing Law, and the Law on Real Estate Business.

Of them, the Law on Citizen Identification, the Law on Forces Participating in the Protection of Security and Order at the Grassroots Level, the Law on Telecommunications, and the Law on Water Resources will come into force from July 1, 2024. The others will take effect from January 1, 2025.

Notably, the 2023 Law on Citizen Identification expanded the subjects as compared with its 2014 version, targeting Vietnamese citizens, relevant agencies, organisations and individua
ls, as well as people of the Vietnamese origin living in the country with their nationality remaining unknown.

Meanwhile, the amended Housing Law aims to institutionalise the policies of the Party and the State on housing development for the people, especially low-income earners, and the poor.

The Law on Real Estate Business aims to ensure the stable, healthy, transparent, sustainable development of the domestic property market, as well as the harmonious management of the land use right, labour and real estate markets.

The 15th NA’s sixth session took place from October 23 to November 29./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

Party chief chairs Central Military Commission’s review conference


Hanoi: Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, chaired the commission’s eighth session in Hanoi on December 25 to review the fulfillment of military, national defence and Party building tasks in 2023 and roll out tasks for 2024.

In his conclusion, Trong commended the implementation of political tasks by the commission, the Ministry of National Defence, and the entire military so far this year.

The Party chief requested that the commission continues to effectively perform its strategic advisory role and implement the resolution of the 13th Party Central Committee’s 8th session on the national defence strategy in the new situation, in alignment with other military and defence strategies and resolutions on socio-economic development strategies, ensuring security-defence in the country’s six economic regions.

He stressed that the commission has to enhance its strategic forecast capacity, and continue to advise the Party and the State in the promulga
tion of policies and legal documents on military and defence meeting the requirements in the new situation.

Trong suggested the commission launch cohesive and effective measures to enhance the overall quality and combat strength of the military, play a core role in building the national defence, and overhauling the organisation of military forces towards elite, streamlined and strong military in 2025.

He emphasised the need to continue expanding and improving the effectiveness of international integration and defence diplomacy, contributing to establishing a strategic balance in relations with partners, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for the country’s development, and preventing risks of war and conflict. The military should continue to actively and responsibly participate in peacekeeping missions of the United Nations, humanitarian activities, search and rescue operations, and disaster and war consequence relief, he noted.

The leader also called for increased exchange of experiences and mut
ual learning between the Vietnamese military and its foreign peers, as well as the successful organisation of the second Vietnam international defence exhibition in December 2024.

It is necessary to care for the material and spiritual lives of officers and soldiers, especially those serving in remote, border, and island areas, as well as to continue with the search for and repatriation of the remains of fallen soldiers, he said./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

HCM City hosts 2nd Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Buddhist Summit


HCM City: The second Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Buddhist Summit opened in Ho Chi Minh City on December 25.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon said that for centuries, the Mekong River has played its role as a lifeline, not only for the land but also for the common spirit of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. However, the river is currently facing many challenges related to environmental degradation, climate change, poverty, and social inequality that threaten the fabric of life, he stressed, calling for the Buddhist Sanghas and communities to work together to create positive changes.

Most Venerable Vong Kim Sorn, chairman of the secretariat of Cambodia’s supreme patriarch council, also called for increased Buddhist cooperation and connectivity among the three countries.

He proposed three pillars of education, culture, and humanitarianism as the foundation to create new connections, nurture compassion, and honour the linkage between
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism traditions.

Most Venerable Maha Bounma Simmaphom, President of the Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of Laos, shared measures to create new connections in education, culture and humanitarianism.

During the three-day event, participants are expected to exchange views on the role of Buddhism in promoting peace, harmony and environmental protection in the region.

A prayer for the world’s peace will be held at the end of the summit./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

HCM City hosts 2nd Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Buddhist Summit


HCM City: The second Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Buddhist Summit opened in Ho Chi Minh City on December 25.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon said that for centuries, the Mekong River has played its role as a lifeline, not only for the land but also for the common spirit of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. However, the river is currently facing many challenges related to environmental degradation, climate change, poverty, and social inequality that threaten the fabric of life, he stressed, calling for the Buddhist Sanghas and communities to work together to create positive changes.

Most Venerable Vong Kim Sorn, chairman of the secretariat of Cambodia’s supreme patriarch council, also called for increased Buddhist cooperation and connectivity among the three countries.

He proposed three pillars of education, culture, and humanitarianism as the foundation to create new connections, nurture compassion, and honour the linkage between
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism traditions.

Most Venerable Maha Bounma Simmaphom, President of the Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of Laos, shared measures to create new connections in education, culture and humanitarianism.

During the three-day event, participants are expected to exchange views on the role of Buddhism in promoting peace, harmony and environmental protection in the region.

A prayer for the world’s peace will be held at the end of the summit./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency