Telling stories beyond words

Physical theater, a dynamic blend of movement and narrative, remains an emerging art form in Vietnam, largely unfamiliar to local audiences. Yet, one man has dedicated himself to bridging that gap. John Andrew Cunnington, a British director who has been living in Vietnam for almost nine years, is quietly pioneering efforts to bring this evocative performance style into the spotlight. Speaking to The Saigon Times, he reflects on his journey, the challenges of nurturing a nascent art form, and the personal stories that drive his passion.

Advancing toward safer future

Spreading Indian music

Having spent seven years in Saigon, Keith Beber has emerged as a vibrant force in Vietnam’s music scene, introducing a fresh wave of Indian music. Through his expertise with Indian musical instruments, Beber offers a captivating blend of traditional sounds with a contemporary twist. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Beber shares his journey and his mission to cultivate a deep appreciation for Indian music in Vietnam.

Finding new calling

Six years ago, an 18-year-old man set foot in Vietnam for the first time. What began as a simple travel experience soon turned into an inspiration to write about the country. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Liam Greenwell, a U.S. citizen, shares his journey exploring Vietnam and its people before embarking on a new chapter in his life—a PhD program in anthropology.

Preserving French architecture in Vietnam

French architecture in Vietnam is a meticulously preserved and protected legacy. The success of these preservation efforts relies heavily on the dedication of those who guard this heritage, particularly those with expertise to maintain and develop these treasures. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Ho Thieu Tri, the restorer of the Hanoi Opera House, and Michel Regembal, one of the architects behind the Stade de France, discuss their efforts to revitalize French architecture in Vietnam.

Tuning in new land

It is often said that music connects people, and this could not be truer for Omar El Gendy, an expatriate singer who has called Vietnam home for the past five years. Each morning, he starts his day with a cup of coffee, accompanied by the slow-tempo melodies of Vietnamese Bolero, a routine that has become second nature to him. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Gendy shares his journey of discovering opportunities to raise his voice in this new land, Vietnam.

Tuning in new land

Promoting sustainable investments

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices have become a crucial avenue for businesses to enhance their profitability, reputation, and competitiveness. ESG investments have taken center stage in this pursuit. However, the issue of “greenwashing,” or the deceptive use of green initiatives, has emerged, creating conflicts of interest and ultimately leading to greater disappointment. In a conversation with The Saigon Times, Dr. Seng Kiong Kok, head of Department – Undergraduate Business Programs at RMIT University Vietnam, provides insights into this pressing issue.

Changing the lives of animals

Exploring the world by running around the house is a common sight for cats and dogs. However, for our furry friends facing mobility issues, life takes on a profound challenge. Speaking to The Saigon Times, Oscar Fernando Ruiz Bonilla, founder of Forever WheelChair, shares his journey to manufacture mobility solutions for disabled and pet animals in the most heartwarming way possible.

A teaching journey in Vietnam

The English language has emerged as the most coveted second language in Vietnam, sparking a surge in the demand for learning the language in recent years. Consequently, there has been a notable influx of foreigners arriving in the country to teach English. Shedding light on this phenomenon, David Larson, a U.S. national with over 13 years of experience residing and teaching English in Vietnam, shares insights gleaned from his extensive experience.