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DFFPM and POSCO E&C Sign Business Agreement for ESG-focused Upcycling+ and Eco-friendly Building Material Collaboration

Technology Convergence for Sustainable Architectural Design… Advancing the Eco-friendly Design Model

SEOUL, South Korea, April 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 9, 2025, DFFPM (CEO Cho Shin-hyung), a leading architectural design firm, signed a business agreement (MOU) with POSCO E&C to collaborate on ESG-focused Upcycling+ eco-friendly building material technology, urban planning, and SOC structure design. The signing ceremony took place at POSCO E&C’s Incheon headquarters (241 Incheon Tower-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon).

CEO Cho Shin-hyung of DFFPM
CEO Cho Shin-hyung of DFFPM

This partnership aims to develop integrated solutions that achieve carbon neutrality right from the design stage, by combining DFFPM’s expertise in urban and architectural design with POSCO E&C’s innovative eco-friendly building material technologies.

Through this agreement, the two parties have committed to:

  • Applying eco-friendly Upcycling+ building materials during the design stage.
  • Designing low-carbon structures that align with Scope 3 standards.
  • Integrating building materials and urban planning into SOC infrastructure designs.
  • Promoting quarterly technology exchanges and joint R&D initiatives.

Significantly, this collaboration is expected to revolutionize DFFPM’s design processes, fostering an environment where designers consider both environmental and technical material properties from the earliest stages of a project.

DFFPM has long adhered to the philosophy that design should transcend mere aesthetics, evolving into spatial interpretations that reflect material properties and technologies. This agreement represents a practical stepping stone toward realizing DFFPM’s core design principles.

CEO Cho Shin-hyung stated, “This agreement is an opportunity to establish a new benchmark for sustainable urban and structural design through the convergence of eco-friendly building materials and spatial design.”

A POSCO E&C representative added, “We aim to jointly develop an advanced design technology system that incorporates ESG-focused Upcycling+ building materials from the early design stages, contributing to carbon neutrality efforts.”

Since its inception, DFFPM has redefined design boundaries, extending its expertise beyond architecture to include interior design, material experimentation, and spatial philosophy. Building on this agreement, DFFPM plans to introduce sustainable design models across various fields, such as public architecture, urban regeneration, and smart cities. Additionally, it intends to intensify its architectural innovations to align with the carbon-neutral era through collaborations with domestic and international partners.

US Defense Chief Shares Sensitive Information in Second Signal Chat, Local Media Says

(FILES) US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on before a luncheon with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Cabinet Room of the White House, in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared information on forthcoming US air strikes on Yemen in a private Signal chat group that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer, the New York Times reported on April 20. AFP was not able to independently verify the Times' report, which detailed what would be the second time Hegseth has been accused of sharing sensitive military information on the commercial messaging app with unauthorized personnel. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

AFP – US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared information on forthcoming US air strikes on Yemen in a private Signal chat group that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer, the New York Times and CNN reported on 20 April.

AFP was not able to independently verify the reports, which detailed what would be the second time Hegseth has been accused of sharing sensitive military information on the commercial messaging app with unauthorized personnel.

Last month, The Atlantic magazine revealed that its editor-in-chief was inadvertently included in a Signal chat in which officials including Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz discussed the strikes, which took place on 15 March.

The revelation sparked an uproar, with US President Donald Trump’s administration facing a scandal over the accidental leak. A Pentagon Inspector-General’s probe into that leak is ongoing.

Hegseth is facing increasing criticism from within his own camp, with three former staffers penning a statement decrying their dismissals and his own former Pentagon spokesman all but calling for him to be fired on Sunday.

The Times reported that Hegseth had shared information in the second Signal group chat on the same 15 March strikes that were discussed in the accidental leak.

The information shared “included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets targeting the Houthis in Yemen,” the newspaper reported.

The outlet said that unlike the accidental leak where journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly included in the group, this group chat was created by Hegseth. The other chat was initiated by Waltz.

“It included his wife and about a dozen other people from his personal and professional inner circle in January, before his confirmation as defense secretary,” the Times’ reported, citing unnamed sources.

Hegseth’s wife Jennifer is a journalist and former Fox News producer. The group also included his brother Phil and Tim Parlatore, both of whom serve in roles at the Pentagon.

Parlatore also continues to serve as Hegseth’s personal lawyer, the Times reported.

Responding to the report, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell accused the New York Times of being “Trump-hating media.”

“There was no classified information in any Signal chat, no matter how many ways they try to write the story,” he said, without providing further specifics.

The Pentagon did not respond to AFP requests for specific details on what was shared in the defense secretary’s Signal group chat.

 ‘Unconscionable’

Trump largely pinned the blame for the earlier leak on Waltz, but has dismissed calls to fire top officials and insisted instead on what he called the success of the raids on the Yemeni rebels.

This week, three top Pentagon officials were put on leave pending investigations into unspecified leaks in the Defense Department.

Deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick, senior advisor Dan Caldwell and Colin Carroll hit back on Sunday, releasing a statement saying Pentagon officials had “slandered our character with baseless attacks.”

“At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of ‘leaks’ to begin with,” they said in a joint statement posted on social media.

“While this experience has been unconscionable, we remain supportive of the Trump-Vance Administration’s mission to make the Pentagon great again and achieve peace through strength.”

Hours after the latest reported leak, Hegseth’s former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot published a scathing opinion piece describing “a month of total chaos at the Pentagon.”

“President Donald Trump has a strong record of holding his top officials to account. Given that, it’s hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer,” wrote Ullyot.

Democrats were quick to pounce on the latest allegations, with Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed calling for the Pentagon Inspector-General to include the latest allegations in its probe.

“If true, this incident is another troubling example of Secretary Hegseth’s reckless disregard for the laws and protocols that every other military servicemember is required to follow,” he said in a statement.


© Agence France-Presse

VinFast delivered 400 VF 3 to Indonesian dealers and customers within two months of launch


JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2025 – VinFast announces the milestone of delivering 400 VF 3 electric vehicles to Indonesian dealers and customers in just two months after its launch. This milestone not only affirms VinFast’s superior production capacity and process optimization capabilities but also demonstrates the strong appeal of the VinFast VF 3 to consumers in Indonesia and the wider region.

Just two months after its launch, VinFast has handed over 400 VF 3 electric vehicles to dealers and customers across the Indonesian market.
Just two months after its launch, VinFast has handed over 400 VF 3 electric vehicles to dealers and customers across the Indonesian market.

As the latest addition to VinFast’s diverse portfolio of all-electric vehicles in Indonesia, the VF 3 mini e-SUV is strategically positioned as a pivotal catalyst in the company’s drive towards a sustainable, green mobility transformation. Since its launch, the VF 3 has become a trend in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, thanks to its unique and robust design language, which not only inspires creativity but also empowers users to express their individuality and personal style with a sense of bold distinction.

To commemorate this impressive milestone, VinFast held a mass delivery event of 100 VF 3 vehicles at the Motomobi News Karnaval, which took place from April 19th to April 20th, 2025. Featuring some of the most modern and distinctive car models, the Motomobi News Karnaval garnered significant attention from the automotive community.

At the main area of the event, the original VF 3 model, alongside unique iterations crafted by customers themselves, became the focal point of attention. The presence of this “tiny titan” not only captivated a large number of visitors but also underscored its exceptional appeal, actively encouraging users to showcase their own distinct individuality.

During the event, the Motomobi News Karnaval organizers celebrated the most innovative customer-designed VF 3, igniting boundless inspiration within the automotive enthusiast community.

Customers receiving their vehicles praised the car’s distinctive design, standard features, and good performance within its price range, making it accessible to a broad segment of the population. These early adopters also benefited from a range of attractive incentives, including cash back programs and complimentary charging at VinFast charging stations operated by V-GREEN until March 1, 2028.

At this year’s Motomobi News Karnaval, Indonesian consumers could directly experience the VF 3, along with a range of engaging customer interaction programs and promotions.

Mr. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, stated: “The fact that VF 3 vehicles are now on Indonesian roads just two months after its launch is a powerful testament to VinFast’s implementation capabilities, commitment, and determination to provide Indonesian consumers with green, intelligent, and affordable mobility solutions. The VF 3’s presence in Indonesia not only marks a significant step in VinFast’s journey to conquer the market but also inspires the creation of a sustainable future and ignites a spirit of innovation among Indonesia’s modern and dynamic youth.

The VF 3 is designed to be well-balanced, fully meeting the urban mobility needs of consumers with a range of 215 km on a single full charge. Regarding the exterior, in addition to the four standard exterior colors: black, white, red, and gray, the VinFast VF 3 also offers four premium options: yellow with a white roof, green with a white roof, blue with a white roof, and pink with a white roof. Regarding the interior, the VinFast VF 3 features a large 10-inch touchscreen entertainment display, along with a gear selector behind the steering wheel similar to those found in luxury cars, providing a convenient and impressive experience for users.

With a price of IDR 230,130,000 (On-The-Road price in Jakarta), the VF 3 comes with an attractive warranty policy of up to 7 years or 160,000 km for the vehicle (whichever comes first) and 8 years unlimited mileage for the battery. VinFast is also offering an appealing promotion for the first 1,000 customers who purchase VinFast VF 3, with the opportunity to receive a cashback of up to IDR 37,850,000 and other valuable benefits.

With a commitment to rapidly deliver high-quality vehicles at inclusive prices, complemented by exceptional after-sales policy, VinFast is actively expanding its dealership and service center network across Indonesia. Customers can explore, experience, and purchase VinFast cars at 21 authorized dealerships, and 11 partner stores operated by Amarta, which are expected to commence operations in 2025. VinFast aims to establish 500 authorized service workshops throughout Indonesia this year.

VinFast is also building a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem through collaborations with strategic partners such as the all-electric taxi company GSM and the global charging station development company V-GREEN. VinFast car owners can currently charge for free at charging stations operated by V-GREEN. The company aims to develop 30,000 VinFast charging ports in Indonesia by the end of 2025, thereby enhancing the consumer experience and driving the green transportation revolution.

Hashtag: #VinFast

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone.

VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia. Learn more at

Wildberries launches sales in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2025 – Wildberries, a leading e-commerce platform in Eurasia, has launched sales and deliveries in Tajikistan via its online marketplace. This marks the fourth country where Wildberries operates in Central Asia and the ninth country in its overall footprint.

Customers in Tajikistan, which has a population of over 10 million, can now access the full assortment available on the Wildberries marketplace and place orders via the website Wildberries.tj or through the mobile app. Wildberries’ wide product assortment spans more than 8 million SKUs across various categories, including clothing, health and beauty products, household goods and items for children.

“We see enormous potential for the development of e-commerce in Tajikistan,” said Tatyana Kim, Founder and CEO of Wildberries. “The country and its economy are growing rapidly, and e-commerce plays a vital role in this progress. Importantly, our nations have long shared warm and friendly relations, and Wildberries is already a familiar name to many people in Tajikistan.”

“Today, together with our local partner, DC Market, we are pleased to officially announce our entry into the Tajik market,” she added. “Our primary objective is to ensure a high standard of service and provide customers with access to a wide range of products at affordable prices.”

In the first phase, Wildberries will offer delivery services at two partner-operated pick-up points in the capital city of Dushanbe and one pick-up point in Khujand, Tajikistan’s second-largest city. The average delivery time will be 10-14 days.

Wildberries’ pick-up point model boosts customer convenience by giving them the flexibility to pick up deliveries at a time of their choosing, try on clothing and review other ordered items, and return items on the spot.Hashtag: #Wildberries #Ecommerce #Tech

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Wildberries

Established in 2004 in Russia, Wildberries is a leading e-commerce platform operating in Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, while also partnering with sellers in China. Wildberries provides a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to support customers and sellers, along with a developed logistics network spanning more than 130 facilities and 70,000 pick-up points across its markets. As of 2025, Wildberries serves over 79 million customers and processes more than 20 million orders per day.

Nexteer Debuts Driveline Innovations, Expands Portfolio

Optimizes Premium Ride via Lightweighting, NVH, Durability, Efficiency

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nexteer Automotive debuts three Driveline technologies engineered to meet the unique demands of EVs, as well as premium driving experiences across all propulsion types. These next-generation Driveline solutions emphasize long-term durability, optimized NVH performance and efficient, lightweight designs — helping automakers deliver quiet, responsive and premium driving experiences. Technologies include optimized Face Spline Axle, 8-Ball Joint and Premium Double Offset Joint. Additionally, Nexteer expands its Cross-Glide Joint portfolio of size variants.

  • Face Spline Axle Technology Delivers Quiet Refinement & Easy Vehicle Integration: Nexteer’s patented Face Spline Axle integrates seamlessly with Face Spline Hubs in the market, eliminates start-click noise and, in some cases, supports overall mass reduction — contributing to a premium driving experience
  • 8-Ball Joint Achieves Over 10 Percent Mass Reduction Via Design and Structural Optimization: Compared to 6-Ball Joints with same strength
  • Premium Double Offset (DO) Joint Enhances Smooth Acceleration and Quiet Comfort: DO Joint with new manufacturing process for the outer race ball track and sphere diameter improves dimensional accuracy and consistency, enabling smoother acceleration and enhanced NVH under high-torque and large-angle conditions
  • Expanded Cross-Glide Joint Sizes: A premium solution for rear applications; provides the highest power-density solution, including low mass, more compact, low lash, enhanced load-to-stroke efficiency and better NVH performance — ultimately delivering a smoother, quieter and more responsive driving experience

Delivering Real-World Value

Nexteer’s latest Driveline solutions are compatible with all propulsion types — including internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. While effective across the board, these innovations are especially impactful in EVs, which demand higher torque handling, more refined NVH performance and lightweighting strategies to extend range and efficiency. The quiet nature of EVs also amplifies the importance of precision engineering to reduce perceptible vibration and sound.

Nexteer’s Driveline technologies are validated globally and bring measurable benefits for both OEMs and drivers/passengers.

  • High Durability: Engineered to handle elevated torque and regenerative braking loads with robust materials and designs built for long-term reliability
  • NVH Optimization: Smooth, quiet operation enhances the driving experience — particularly in quiet EV cabins
  • Efficient, Lightweight Design: Reduced mass supports better energy efficiency, improved handling and simplified integration across vehicle platforms
  • Packaging Versatility: Suitable for front-, rear- and all-wheel drive applications in a wide variety of vehicle segments and across all propulsion types, including mixed-propulsion platforms

“EVs introduce new challenges for driveline systems including higher torque loads, packaging constraints, and customer expectations for quiet and refined driving,” said Robin Milavec, President, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Board Director, Nexteer Automotive. “Our latest Driveline innovations are engineered to meet these demands with precision, durability and versatility, drawing from our decades of global Driveline experience. The end result is a premium driving experience that can apply to all vehicle propulsion systems from ICE to Hybrid to EV.” 

Built on Vehicle-Level Expertise

Nexteer’s Driveline technologies are part of a broader motion control portfolio backed by deep vehicle-level engineering knowledge. The company’s global footprint, state-of-the-art manufacturing and focus on application-specific innovation make it a trusted partner to automakers with wide-ranging propulsion strategies. 

Nexteer will showcase its Driveline advancements at its exhibit during the 2025 Auto Shanghai April 23May 2 (1.2H 1BF007), alongside its broader portfolio of motion control systems, including Electro-Mechanical Braking, Rear-Wheel Steering, Steer-by-Wire, Software Solutions and more.

ABOUT NEXTEER AUTOMOTIVE

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316) is a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our innovative portfolio supports “motion-by-wire” chassis control, including electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering systems, steering columns and intermediate shafts, driveline systems, software solutions and brake-by-wire. The company solves motion control challenges across all megatrends – including electrification, software/connectivity, ADAS/automated driving and shared mobility – for more than 60 customers around the world including BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China including BYD, Xiaomi, ChangAn, Li Auto, Chery, Great Wall, Geely, Xpeng and others. www.nexteer.com 

Link to Nexteer Media Center & Link to DL Press Kit 

2025 Golden Pin Salon Returns to Bangkok on April 26, Highlighting Cross-Cultural Dialogue Between Thai and Taiwanese Designers

TAIPEI, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 “Design Perspectives x Golden Pin Salon” returns to Bangkok on April 26, co-hosted with Thailand’s leading design magazine art4d and executed by the Taiwan Design Research Institute. This event spotlights cross-cultural dialogue between Thai and Taiwanese designers, exploring how design bridges tradition, innovation, and social change.

The speaker lineup of Bangkok event (from the left to right): Karjvit Rirermvanich, Yossapon Boonsom, Borden Tseng (Taiwan), Doonyapol Srichan, Manita Songserm, and Brian Liu (Taiwan).
The speaker lineup of Bangkok event (from the left to right): Karjvit Rirermvanich, Yossapon Boonsom, Borden Tseng (Taiwan), Doonyapol Srichan, Manita Songserm, and Brian Liu (Taiwan).

The first session of the salon, “Hidden Codes – The Language of Space, Form and Nature,” investigates the invisible systems and underlying logic that shape our environments. Thai architect Karjvit Rirermvanich, founder of Physicalist, will share his “architect-maker” approach, which blends design, construction, and craftsmanship. Yossapon Boonsom, founding director of landscape architecture firm Shma and co-founder of non-profit organizations Friends of the River (FOR) and we!park, will explore how design can spark urban transformation through green infrastructure. Representing Taiwan, Borden Tseng, director of Q-LAB Architects, will present his studio’s projects that integrate cultural narratives into public infrastructure, including the award-winning Chudong Parking Structure inspired by the Hakka paper umbrella.

The second session, “Cultural Codes – The Language of Design in Asia,” focuses on how design reflects and reinterprets cultural heritage and contemporary life. Thai designer Doonyapol Srichan, founder of PDM BRAND, will discuss how his work blends everyday functionality with modern aesthetics and Thai craftsmanship, reimagining household objects through a cultural lens. Thai graphic designer Manita Songserm will reflect on her experimental typography and distinctive visual language, including her poster for the exhibition Crossover II: The Nature of Relationships, which won the Best of the 2024 Golden Pin Design Award. From Taiwan, Brian Liu, co-founder of Local Remote, will share his studio’s interdisciplinary branding and visual design projects. The studio’s portfolio includes key visuals for the 2022 Taiwan Design Expo and visual identity design for the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA).

Established by Taiwan’s Golden Pin Design Award in 2015, the “Design Perspectives x Golden Pin Salon” invites past winners and leading designers to share ideas and experiences. Over the past nine years, it has toured 21 Asian cities—including Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau—featuring more than 100 renowned design experts.

The 2025 “Design Perspectives x Golden Pin Salon” in Bangkok will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 12:00 to 19:00 (GMT+7) at the AUA Language Center. The event is free to attend, with simultaneous Thai interpretation and a livestream available for remote participants. Registration: Session 1 and Session 2

Global Times: Practitioners’ Insights: A light rail in Hanoi weaves China-Vietnam cordiality, highlighting commitment to pursuing friendship with neighbors

BEIJING, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “At present, China’s relations with its neighboring countries are at their best in modern times, and are also entering a critical phase of deep linkage between the regional landscape and the world changes” – the recent Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries held in Beijing made such a profound judgment. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from April 14 to 18, highlighting the guiding role of head-of-state diplomacy in neighborhood relations. In the first volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, President Xi emphasized that China’s basic policy of diplomacy with neighboring countries is characterized by “amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.”

In the third installment of the “Decoding the Book of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China series, the Global Times continues to invite Chinese and international scholars, translators of the work, practitioners of its concepts, and overseas readers to share their insights, understandings and reflections on the ideas of China’s neighborhood diplomacy, which emphasizes amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, China’s advocacy for building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries as well as its vision of creating a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home.

This is the third story of the “Practitioners’ Insights” column, which tells the story of Duong Thanh Hung, a Vietnamese driver of the Hanoi Light Rail Line 2A and the Chinese company that undertook the construction of this line, to shed light on how a light rail strengthens the friendship between China and Vietnam.

“What we pursue is the wellbeing of both the Chinese people and the people of all other countries,” Xi Jinping, Chinese president and general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized in “China’s Diplomacy Must Befit Its Major-Country Status” of the second volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China. In Vietnam’s Hanoi, a light rail line constructed by a Chinese company has transformed the lives of locals, demonstrating China’s commitment to pursuing shared wellbeing with people in neighboring countries.

Chinese kung fu under brimmed hat

On the streets of Hanoi, the motorcycles are rumbling; above the hustle and bustle, an “iron dragon” shuttles along the elevated tracks in the city. The two are intertwined, forming the unique transportation network of this city. The Hanoi Light Rail Line 2A in Vietnam, or Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line, is a main line in the urban rail network of Hanoi. About 13 kilometers long with 12 stations, the line uses Chinese technology and standards. Constructed by China Railway Sixth Group Viet Nam Co., Ltd, the line commenced operations in November 2021. As Vietnam’s first urban light rail, it stands as a testament to the deepening friendship between Chinese and Vietnamese people.

At the starting station of the Hanoi Light Rail, Global Times reporters met Duong Thanh Hung. As one of the first light rail drivers in Vietnam, Duong Thanh Hung is tall and clad in a crisp black uniform, a brimmed hat, a bright red tie, and spotless leather shoes. He is energetic – that’s the first impression of the reporters.

Duong Thanh Hung guided the reporters into the driver’s cabin, a small space filled with various instruments and buttons, and introduced, “This is the core area of the main control console…the sprinkler, the electric horn. Over there, those are the high acceleration and reset buttons.” With his hand on the joystick in the center of the command console, Duong Thanh Hung said “This is the main controller, just like the steering wheel of a train.” His adeptness was evident throughout the demonstration.

In 2014, Duong Thanh Hung encountered an important opportunity in his life. The Hanoi Metro Company was selecting the first batch of drivers for the Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line. He applied and was selected as one of 37 trainees. That year, 28-year-old Duong Thanh Hung went to Beijing for training.

The one-year intensive training on the Batong Line of Beijing Subway became unforgettable memory for him. “What struck me the most was the morning and evening rush hours – I never thought that the subway could carry so many passengers!”

Upon arrival in China, there were language difficulty and culture shock, making Duong Thanh Hung even more grateful for his Chinese mentor, who provided meticulous help and patiently answered his questions on daily life as well as the training.

The training had two parts: theory and operation. In theory classes, the teacher gave lectures and there were exams afterward. After passing the exams, the trainees entered operation phase, where one mentor instructed one trainee. 

“Zhang Yuelan, that is the name of my mentor,” Duong Thanh Hung immediately responded when asked whether he still remembered the name of his Chinese mentor after a decade. “A teacher for one day should be treated like a father for life. Receiving selfless teaching in a foreign country, I have always remembered this profound relationship.”

Although the train was parked at the station, Duong Thanh Hung’s eyes were closely fixed on the front during the conversation, maintaining vigilance at all times. His left hand rested near the walkie-talkie, and his right hand on the joystick – the mark left by his 10 years of experience, and it also stems from the teachings of his Chinese mentor on the concept of “responsibility.”

“We need to help neighbors in times of crisis, treat them as equals, visit them frequently, and take actions that will win us support and friendship,” Xi wrote on China’s neighborhood diplomacy in the first volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China.

Duong Thanh Hung is one of countless Vietnamese people who are hardworking, humble, carrying a dream of building a better future for their country. With the advancement of ChinaVietnam practical cooperation, more and more people like him are able to realize their dreams. According to Wang Hongwei, head of marketing department at China Railway Sixth Group Viet Nam Co., Ltd, more than 600 personnel from the Vietnamese operating company have been sent to China for training, including drivers, train attendants, and station maintainers.

The fast and efficient ‘Chinese dragon’

As of April 1, 2025, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line has transported approximately 35 million passengers. Among three subway lines opened in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, it has the shortest construction time, the lowest investment cost per kilometer, and the highest operational stability.

Deng Yan, a native of Central China’s Hunan Province, witnessed the entire process of laying the track for this subway line. Deng joined the light rail project department in 2015 as an assistant translator, responsible for coordinating on-site construction scheduling, communicating with Vietnamese owners, supervision teams, and local residents, and handling various issues.

What impressed Deng most was when they were erecting girders and building bridges. From mid-2015, the construction of the light rail entered a “tough battle” mode. “We began work after 10 pm and kept working until 5 am the next morning. Every night when I looked up, there were stars. It might sound romantic, but in reality, it was a ‘high-intensity’ challenge – the schedule was tight, the task was heavy, and it felt like a war,” Deng recalled.

From initial preparations to the erection of the last girder, Deng and his team worked for over a year. In October 2016, more than 800 girders were erected, and the entire line was completed. “At that moment, it was more than a sigh of relief for everyone.”

“Erecting girders is like assembling building blocks. It requires a high level of technical expertise and involves considerable risks,” Deng explained. Factors such as thermal expansion and contraction due to the weather, height differences, gradients, and flatness, if only one parameter fails to meet the standard, it could potentially lead to a series of subsequent safety hazards. “Our construction error range is controlled within the millimeter level. If the girders are not properly erected, all the subsequent work will be in vain.”

On November 6, 2021, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line officially began operation. At the beginning of the construction, the project was once faced with some criticism from Western media. “Watching the train running in Hanoi like a giant dragon, I am so proud of our country and Chinese company. All the hard work over the years was truly worthwhile,” Deng said.

“After the line was opened, the rumors collapsed on their own. On social media, Vietnamese netizens began comparing the three light rail lines built by China, Japan, and France: What was the cost per kilometer, how long the construction took, and so on. After all three lines were opened, the Vietnamese people can tell clearly who offers a lower price, which line has better performance, and who treats them with sincerity – they have a fair judgment in their hearts.”

‘Teach people how to fish’

According to Wang Hongwei, from the project’s approval to its delivery, they supported the Hanoi Railways Company Limited in every detail to ensure the smooth operation of the light rail. In addition to delivering equipment, the Chinese side also imparted a complete set of technologies and management models, demonstrating the true spirit of “teaching people how to fish.”

“We even planted trees and ensure they grow in the park area. Even though the project was delivered long ago, they still often come to us for help,” Wang said, jokingly comparing himself to a “24-hour after-sales service provider.”

“After the Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line was launched, people from the lines built by France and Japan also came to learn from us. Many of the Vietnamese drivers who were trained in China now hold leadership positions or serve as trainers on the other two lines. The concept of ‘teaching people how to fish’ lives on.”

At the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries held on April 8-9, 2025, Xi highlighted that China’s vast territory and long borders make its neighborhood a vital foundation for achieving development and prosperity, a key front for safeguarding national security, a priority area in managing overall diplomacy, and a crucial link in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

This light rail in Hanoi has significantly improved the lives of Hanoi residents. The most practical change is the convenience of travel – it took more than one or even two hours to travel the approximately 13-kilometer journey during the morning and evening rush hours, but now it only takes 20 minutes. Many residents have purchased monthly passes, and the commuting time from the suburbs to the city center has been cut by more than half.

Nguyen Thanh Ha, a Vietnamese employee who has been working for China Railway Sixth Group Viet Nam Co., Ltd for 10 years, said that with the light rail, the surrounding commercial and residential areas saw rapid development, and the living standards of her family have improved accordingly. “We can get various services and goods more conveniently, and it has also brought more job opportunities.”

Reporters observed that many people on the light rail were traveling with family. Different from the “commuter trains” for office workers, there were many children aged four or five years old, and their laughter lit up the carriage.

On the train, reporters met 73-year-old Vietnamese man, who called himself Dat, and his wife, who were chatting with friends and heading downtown for a leisurely outing. “Before the light rail, we rarely went to the downtown for fun because the transportation was really inconvenient,” Dat said. “It’s too dangerous for the elderly to ride a motorcycle. Thanks to the Chinese company for helping build the Hanoi light rail, which allows everyone to travel with peace of mind.”

Construction of the Lao CaiHanoiHai Phong railway project linking Vietnam’s northern regions to Southwest China’s Yunnan Province will begin by the end of 2025, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Just like what Xi said in the second volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the connectivity endeavor are compatible and mutually reinforcing. If the Belt and the Road are likened to the two wings of a soaring Asia, then connectivity represents its arteries and veins.

Wang told the Global Times that the construction of the Lao CaiHanoiHaiphong railway will accelerate integration between China’s BRI and Vietnam’s Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, and meet the demand for high-quality, fast, convenient and safe transportation. “As we often say, this is not just about building a railway; it is about paving the road of friendship between the two countries.”

This article first appeared in Global Times: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332498.shtml 

Golden Pin Salon to Conclude 2025 Asia Tour in Kuala Lumpur on April 28-29, Highlighting Creativity and Cultural Heritage in the Age of AI

TAIPEI, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The final stop of the 2025 Design Perspectives x Golden Pin Salon Asia Tour will take place in Kuala Lumpur on April 28–29. Co-organized once again with Tsubaki Studio and executed by the Taiwan Design Research Institute, this year’s KL event brings together creative voices from Taiwan and Malaysia for a two-day exchange on design, creativity, and cultural dialogue.

The speaker lineup of KL event (from the left to right): Ar. Rien Tan, IDr. Lai Siew Hong, Borden Tseng (Taiwan), Magdalene Wong, Fariz Hanapiah, and Brian Liu (Taiwan).
The speaker lineup of KL event (from the left to right): Ar. Rien Tan, IDr. Lai Siew Hong, Borden Tseng (Taiwan), Magdalene Wong, Fariz Hanapiah, and Brian Liu (Taiwan).

Under the theme “Human-Centred Futures: Design at the Confluence of Technological Advancements and Tradition,” the salon explores design at the intersection of technological advancement and tradition, showcasing how designers can create meaningful innovations that honour cultural heritage while embracing future possibilities.

Session 1, “Something Old and Something New: Giving Places New Life,” highlights approaches to revitalizing spaces. Malaysian Speakers include Ar. Rien Tan of TKCA Architects, known for socially driven projects like the award-winning Skyblox Co-Living Housing, and IDr. Lai Siew Hong of Blu Water Studio, a hospitality design veteran whose narrative-rich interiors have earned global recognition.

Session 2, “From Inner Worlds to Visual Art: Translating Imagination into Digital Assets,” explores how imagination translates into digital creativity. Malaysian Speakers include graphic designer Magdalene Wong, who blends aesthetics with advocacy in works addressing sustainability and social issues, and Fariz Hanapiah of Experiential Design Team (EDT), whose immersive XR and metaverse projects integrate art, tech, and wellness.

From Taiwan, Borden Tseng of Q-LAB brings a cultural architecture perspective, with award-winning work like the Chudong Ren’ai Parking Structure. Brian Liu of Local Remote draws on international experience—from Nike to Google—to create integrated branding and spatial strategies for institutions including the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA).

Established by Taiwan’s Golden Pin Design Award in 2015, the “Design Perspectives x Golden Pin Salon” invites past winners and leading designers to share ideas and experiences. Over the past nine years, it has toured 21 Asian cities—including Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and Macau—featuring more than 100 renowned design experts.

The “Design Perspectives x Golden Pin Salon Kuala Lumpur 2025” will be held over two evenings: April 28 at the PAM Centre and April 29 at The Toffee, both from 19:00 to 21:00 (GMT+8). Admission is free with registration available at Session 1 (https://bit.ly/3GeVeMR) and Session 2 (https://bit.ly/3Gd7zRO). A livestream will also be provided—follow the Golden Pin Design Award on Facebook for the latest updates.