Top 43 Hottest Science and Technology News Today

On December 2, the Vietnam DX Summit 2021 officially unveiled digital transformation frameworks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across 26 sectors.

As of December 2020, Vietnam had over 811,000 businesses, with SMEs making up 98.1% and contributing 45% of GDP. However, since early 2021, amidst COVID-19 waves, an average of 10,000 businesses have ceased operations monthly, most of which are SMEs. SMEs play a vital yet vulnerable role in the economy.

Digital transformation is seen as a critical solution to help SMEs survive and thrive. Yet, a survey by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (Vinasa) during the 2020 Vietnam Digital Transformation Day revealed concerning statistics: 69% of businesses did not know which partners to choose for digital transformation, 72% had no idea where to start, and 92% were uncertain about how to proceed.

Recognizing these challenges, on July 23, 2021, Vinasa established an expert council to create digital transformation frameworks for SMEs. The council comprises nearly 40 senior leaders from top technology firms specializing in digital transformation for businesses in various fields, chaired by Mr. Lữ Thành Long, Vice President of Vinasa.

Each sector's framework includes five key components: current status and development trends, digital transformation guidance, solution sets, recommendations for essential digital skills training, and evaluation criteria.

On December 2, a statement confirmed that Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has sold his stake in the media group that owns Russia's largest social network, VKontakte (VK), to a company controlled by the energy giant Gazprom.

This transaction marks the latest sign of the Russian government tightening its control over social media platforms and internet services used within the country. Sogaz Insurance, a majority shareholder of Gazprom, announced the purchase of a 45% stake in the firm that controls VK.

Previously known as Mail.ru Group, VK encompasses the Vkontakte and Odnoklassniki social networks and other online services. The transaction amount was not disclosed, according to the USM group, which Usmanov owns. VKontakte, often referred to as Russia's Facebook, boasts 97 million users.

Usmanov, who has previously invested in Facebook, appears to be focusing his efforts on mining and telecommunications. He stated that his decision to exit VK was made when the shares were at their peak.

On November 29, Gazprom Media, a subsidiary of Gazprom, launched a Russian version of TikTok, aiming to compete with the popular Chinese app.

Gazprom Media is led by Alexander Zharov, former head of Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor.

On December 2, Doosan Vina, a heavy industry company based in Vietnam, was recognized by MHIEC (Japan) as the best supplier after completing the manufacturing and delivery of Waste to Energy (WtE) boiler pressure equipment. The company played a significant role in ensuring the quality and timely delivery for the waste-to-energy power plant in Fushimi (Kyoto).

According to Doosan Vina's CEO Jeong Yong Chil, the world is increasingly focusing on green trends to tackle the escalating climate change and environmental pollution issues. Waste-to-energy systems are key in reducing environmental strain, lowering waste volume by 90-95%, saving landfill space, and minimizing water, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, all while supporting sustainable economic development. Embracing this trend, Doosan Vina is transitioning its boiler technology to support waste-to-energy plants.

Even though it was their first time producing waste-to-energy boiler technology, Doosan Vina succeeded in the Fushimi Kankyo Hozen project (signed on 4/9/2019 and completed on 25/5/2021). This project involved supplying boiler pressure components and Nicken alloy welding materials for installation in the Fushimi waste-to-energy power plant in Kyoto, Japan, for their client Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC).

In addition to the Fushimi Kankyo Hozen project, Doosan Vina is also involved in several other projects, including the Sodegaura Biomass Power Plant, which consists of 4,000 tons of boiler pressure parts, non-pressure components, and steel boiler structures, as well as other projects serving the Japanese market.

On the morning of December 2, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Farmers' Union, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, organized the 6th National Farmers' Forum with the theme: "Farmers and Agricultural Digital Transformation".

The forum, which saw the participation of government leaders, ministries, experts, research institutes, businesses, and 63 outstanding farmers from across Vietnam in 2021, was part of the series of events in the “Pride of Vietnamese Farmers” program for 2021.

During the forum, Lương Quốc Đoàn, President of the Vietnam Farmers' Union, emphasized the union's role in supporting farmers' digital transformation and participation in the digital economy. The union aims to enhance communication to raise awareness among farmers and the public about digital transformation and to build and connect digital transformation and digital economy sections on its website and social media platforms across the country. The union is also working to develop mobile applications (on App Store and Google Play) to assist farmers with digital transformation.

Additionally, the forum focused on increasing farmers' knowledge of digital transformation and promoting digital economic development in agriculture. Plans include building and transferring models that assist farmers in adopting digital transformation, and collaborating with licensed businesses and service providers (such as Viettel Pay, VNPT Pay, and Momo) to implement digital financial solutions for farmers, including cashless payments and mobile money services.

On December 2, 2021, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency, it is estimated that 7% of the global population, approximately 2.9 billion people, have never used the Internet.

While this statistic is striking, the ITU continues to observe strong growth in global Internet usage. It is estimated that the number of people engaging in online activities reached 4.9 billion in 2021, up from 4.1 billion in 2019.

This increase in Internet users is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, which left many people with no choice but to interact, work, and study online. ITU reports that this period has added 782 million new Internet users and boosted Internet connectivity by 17% compared to 2019.

Of the people who have not yet used the Internet, 96% reside in developing countries. Despite 4.9 billion people being online, ITU points out that millions of them use the Internet less frequently than those in developed countries, and many still experience slow Internet speeds compared to wealthier nations.

ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao commented: "While nearly two-thirds of the world's population now uses the Internet, much work remains to connect the remaining 2.9 billion people. The ITU will collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure infrastructure is built where it is most needed, to connect those left behind. We are determined that no one will be excluded."

The Hanoi Department of Transport and VinBus Ecological Transport Service Co., Ltd. have officially launched the first electric bus route in Hanoi.

This morning, on December 2, leaders from the National Traffic Safety Committee and Hanoi People's Committee, along with officials from various departments, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of the E03 electric bus route, which will join the city's public transport network.

Nguyễn Mạnh Quyền, Deputy Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee, shared, "These electric bus routes, equipped with advanced technology and modern electronic ticketing systems, represent a new milestone for the capital's bus network. This is an important political mission for the city and a highlight of urban transportation in 2021, marking a turning point in the development of a green transportation system."

The first electric bus route, E03, runs through central roads, connecting the eastern and western parts of the city, with a 15-stop route including Hàm Nghi – Nguyễn Hoàng – Phạm Hùng – Khuất Duy Tiến – Trần Duy Hưng – Nguyễn Chí Thanh – Huỳnh Thúc Kháng – Thái Hà – Chùa Bộc – Phạm Ngọc Thạch – Đại Cồ Việt – Trần Khát Chân – Vĩnh Tuy Bridge – Aeon Mall Long Biên – Cổ Linh – Ocean Park Urban Area.

Facebook released a statement on December 2nd regarding its actions to combat accounts undermining the Vietnamese government.

In July 2021, Facebook removed a group of accounts from Vietnam named 'E47,' which the platform found to be organizing campaigns to report posts they disagreed with.

David Agranovich, Facebook's Head of Global Threat Disruption, explained that the company took this action to counteract specific groups like this. In an interview with Reuters, Agranovich stated, “What we found is that these accounts were targeting social activists and the Vietnamese government.”

“The attackers used their Facebook accounts to submit hundreds or thousands of reports against posts and government decisions in Vietnam through Facebook’s integrated reporting tools,” he added.

He further explained that “Many individuals used fake accounts to target others, and then reported the actual accounts as impersonators.”

Vietnam currently has around 70 million Facebook users, making it the country's primary platform for commercial activities. The user base is predominantly young, aged 18-34 (over 23 million users), with 50.7% male and 49.3% female. The majority engage with video and image posts or use Facebook Messenger for chatting with friends or conducting business transactions.

However, Facebook has also become a platform for those seeking to disrupt the state by spreading rumors and fake news.

Qualcomm has introduced a new line of Snapdragon chips, including the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 and 7c+ Gen 3, designed for ARM-based PCs, while the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 is aimed at dedicated gaming devices.

Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3: Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 is the world’s first 5nm laptop chip that delivers exceptional performance while maintaining the same power consumption as its predecessor. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 boosts performance by up to 85% and provides 60% higher performance per watt compared to x86 platforms. The new Qualcomm Adreno GPU offers a 60% improvement over the previous version. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 supports Full HD gaming at 120 frames per second and is optimized to extend battery life by up to 50% compared to other platforms.

Snapdragon 7c Gen 3: Targeting PC and Chromebook users, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 3 is built with a 6nm process, offering a 40% improvement in CPU performance and a 35% boost in graphics performance over the previous generation. The AI engine continues to enhance the user experience with a performance of 6.5 TOPS.

Snapdragon G3x Gen 1: This new processor from Qualcomm is specifically developed for dedicated mobile gaming devices.

On December 1st, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Space Center, Le Xuan Huy, reported that after 22 days in orbit, two of the nine satellites launched during the test phase of this technology still had not received a signal from the ground station. These satellites were ARICA (from Aoyama Gakuin University in Japan) and NanoDragon from Vietnam.

NanoDragon is a satellite fully researched, designed, and manufactured in Vietnam. It was successfully launched into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 560 km on November 9, 2021, from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima, Japan.

Le Xuan Huy confirmed, “Our engineers at the Vietnam Space Center are still working tirelessly to retrieve a signal from NanoDragon. We believe that the process of creating NanoDragon has provided invaluable experience and lessons for our engineers and staff at every stage of development.”

On December 1st, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies in Victoria, Australia announced the development of a new COVID-19 vaccine using mRNA technology.

Clinical trials for the vaccine are expected to begin early next year.

The vaccine is a collaboration between researchers at Monash University, IDT Pharmaceuticals, and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity. It is anticipated to help protect against future variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Professor Colin Pouton, head of the research team at Monash University, shared on November 30th that the vaccine is capable of quickly adapting its components to target new virus variants, an essential feature as new variants of SARS-CoV-2 continue to emerge.

Unlike existing vaccines, this one focuses on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein, which is responsible for allowing the virus to attach and enter cells. By targeting the RBD, the vaccine aims to enhance the immune system to prevent the virus from binding to and infecting cells.

On December 1st, during President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's official visit to the Russian Federation, T&T Group, led by businessman Do Quang Hien, signed a significant cooperation agreement with Russian partners in the healthcare sector.

In the presence of Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh and Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, T&T Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Binnopharm Group. This agreement focuses on transferring vaccine production technology and establishing a full-cycle production facility for the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in Vietnam, as well as setting up a research center and full-cycle production facilities for COVID-19 vaccines and other pharmaceutical products.

As part of the agreement, RDIF will transfer the necessary production technology and provide comprehensive support to selected partners, including all documentation, production processes, workforce training, and biological materials to ensure the vaccine meets the standards set in Russia. The standards for becoming a 'full-cycle' producer are stringent, requiring high credibility, production capacity, and financial strength, with strict review processes in place.

The Vietnam Digital Transformation Forum 2021 (Vietnam DX Summit 2021) officially opened today with the theme: 'Accelerating Digital Transformation Toward a Digital Vietnam'. The event, organized by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) in collaboration with the Institute of Software and Digital Content Industry and the Ministry of Information and Communications, is being held online from December 1st to 4th.

Over the past two years, digital transformation in Vietnam has made remarkable strides across nearly all sectors, both public and private. The public's awareness of digital transformation has rapidly spread. In addition to the significant catalyst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this positive shift is due to numerous promotion programs initiated by government agencies at the highest levels, specialized organizations, and the tireless efforts of businesses, particularly tech companies, which are the driving force behind the country’s nationwide digital transformation.

Nguyen Van Khoa, Chairman of VINASA, mentioned that Vietnam’s digital transformation is swiftly progressing from its initial phases to now entering the concrete implementation phase aimed at accelerating growth. Therefore, the Vietnam Digital Transformation Forum 2021 focuses on the theme 'Accelerating Digital Transformation Toward a Digital Vietnam.'

Mr. Khoa also expressed that this event is intended to become an annual forum for sharing knowledge, practical experiences, and connecting supply and demand in digital transformation, contributing to the rapid progression of Vietnam into a developed digital nation.

On the afternoon of December 1st in Hanoi, the signing ceremony occurred between the Center for Research and Application of Population and Citizen Identification Data (under the National Population Data Center, Department of Public Security, Ministry of Public Security) and strategic partners and potential customers. The goal is to maximize the value of the National Population Database, Citizen Identification (CCCD), and the electronic identification and authentication system.

During the signing ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel To Anh Dung, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Security, shared that the Government, Prime Minister, and Ministry of Public Security leadership are placing great emphasis on the national digital transformation from 2021 to 2025, with a vision extending to 2030.

The Ministry of Public Security and the Government Office are working diligently to develop and enhance the Digital Transformation Plan associated with the National Population Database, CCCD data, and the Electronic Identification and Authentication System. Therefore, the active participation of enterprises in this field alongside the Ministry of Public Security will undoubtedly ensure the successful achievement of the digital transformation goal, fully unleashing the potential of the National Population Database, CCCD, and electronic identification and authentication systems.

The collaboration includes 12 strategic partners: Gtel GTSC, Vietnam Electricity Group, HTC Group, VNAI Company, SDT Company, ECOIT Company, VNPAY, EPAY Company, ETC Company, DTS Company, CIC Data Mining and Analysis Joint Stock Company, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Information Technology and Digital Technology Center.

LG has unveiled its first audio solution designed specifically for gamers with the UltraGear GP9 speaker. This product marks the company’s first foray into the gaming audio market and fits seamlessly into their premium UltraGear gaming monitor lineup, expanding their gaming ecosystem.

The UltraGear GP9 sports a sharp, angular design and a matte black finish that channels a true gaming aesthetic. Despite its bold design, it remains easy to use and is fully compatible with the latest PCs and game controllers. The controls are conveniently placed on the top of the speaker, making it easy to adjust the microphone, volume, and sound modes. Additionally, it features customizable RGB lighting capable of displaying up to 16.8 million colors.

The manufacturer’s goal is to offer gamers a more comfortable alternative to traditional headphones, which can be uncomfortable during long sessions. To achieve this, the speaker integrates LG’s exclusive 3D gaming audio technology, which uses HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) algorithms to tailor sound based on the type of game. This provides gamers with a virtual 7.1 surround sound experience, delivering an immersive and realistic spatial experience without the need for bulky headphones.

Additionally, the speaker includes a Game Genre Optimizer with two distinct modes for customizing audio based on the type of game being played. For example, the FPS mode allows fans of first-person shooters to hear the smallest details, enabling faster reactions to approaching enemies. The RTS mode enhances realism with true-to-life spatial sound, perfect for real-time strategy, racing games, and other genres. The speaker also boasts DTS:X Headphone certification, offering an enhanced movie-watching experience with spatial sound effects.

The built-in microphone features an advanced echo-cancellation algorithm, capable of distinguishing the player’s voice from in-game sounds and surrounding noise. The GP9 can even function as a standalone sound card, allowing users to download professional EQ settings via a dedicated app and share their customized sound setups with others.

UltraGear GP9 is Hi-Res Audio certified, offering high sample rates to deliver detailed and accurate sound reproduction. Its Hi-Fi Quad DAC platform, built on the ES9038PRO chip, is typically found in high-end audio equipment.

The suggested retail price of the UltraGear GP9 is 12.9 million VND.

On November 30, 2021, the representatives from the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC) announced the suspension of the Covivac vaccine's Phase 3 clinical trial, informing the Central Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology. IVAC has not yet set a timeline for resuming the clinical research phase.

The research team explained that it has become increasingly difficult to find a sufficient number of unvaccinated individuals who meet the clinical trial criteria. As a result, the team has paused the trial to explore alternative solutions. According to the plan approved by the Ministry of Health, Phase 3 of the Covivac vaccine trial was initially expected to involve 4,000 volunteers.

Covivac, developed by IVAC starting in May 2020, has been tested in collaboration with the Central Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology since late January 2021. It is Vietnam's second COVID-19 vaccine to undergo human trials.

In addition to Covivac, Vietnam is working on COVID-19 vaccine trials with four other organizations. The Nanocovax vaccine, developed by Nanogen, is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials, and the manufacturer has applied for emergency use authorization.

The ARCT-154 vaccine, developed by Vingroup through technology transfer from the U.S., and a vaccine from Japan's Shionogi, are also in the testing phase. Vabiotech has also received technology transfer to produce the Sputnik V vaccine.

Starting on November 30, 2021, the city of Seoul began offering paid autonomous vehicle transport services. Initially, three self-driving cars were deployed in the Sangam district of Mapo. These are the first self-driving vehicles to be used commercially in South Korea. Passengers will not need a driver, as they can book rides through a smartphone app. By the end of December, the city will have six autonomous vehicles, including one bus, operating in the DMC station area, World Cup Stadium, and World Cup Park.

After a month of free operation, the autonomous vehicles will begin charging fares starting January the following year. The fare for the autonomous bus is 1,200 won (1 USD) per trip, while the self-driving cars will cost less than 3,000 won (2.5 USD). The city's goal is to have over 50 self-driving vehicles in the Sangam district by 2026.

Next year, the service will expand to other areas of the city, including Gangnam and Yeouido. In April, autonomous buses will also operate along the Cheonggye Stream, and a late-night long-distance autonomous bus service will be introduced in 2023.

From now until 2026, the city plans to invest 150 billion won (126.3 million USD) to improve the necessary infrastructure, such as signal systems. On November 25, 2021, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport hosted a demonstration of the progress in developing self-driving public transport technology in Sejong city.

On November 30, 2021, online food delivery platform Uber Eats announced that it would be leaving Hong Kong by the end of the year, marking the end of a five-year battle for market share in the food delivery sector.

In an online statement, the company shared that Uber had made the "difficult decision" to shut down Uber Eats in Hong Kong, though no reasons were provided for the closure. However, Uber mentioned that it would continue to focus on its ride-sharing business in the city. Launched in 2016, Uber Eats was a late entrant to the Hong Kong food delivery market, where competitors such as Foodpanda and Deliveroo had already established strong footholds and dominated the market.

According to Measurable AI, a data analytics platform based in Hong Kong, Uber Eats had a market share of only 5%, significantly trailing behind Deliveroo with 44% and Foodpanda with 51%. Hong Kong was one of the first international cities where Uber expanded its core ride-sharing service outside the United States.

On November 30, 2021, the Department of Information and Communications issued a document regarding the implementation of mobile network coverage to support online teaching and learning throughout the province.

In the document, the department requested four telecom companies—Viettel Khanh Hoa, Khanh Hoa Telecom, MobiFone Central Network Center, and Vietnamobile Telecom Company, Da Nang branch—to focus on deploying mobile coverage solutions in rural areas without high-speed mobile networks. These solutions include expanding mobile signal infrastructure, installing 4G equipment to improve coverage, and enhancing mobile broadband quality in areas with weak or unreliable signals.

The department also recommended that local authorities in districts, towns, and cities support telecom companies by facilitating the construction of mobile signal infrastructure in underserved areas in accordance with regulations.

On November 30, 2021, a conference was held at the Department of Science and Technology in Hai Phong to review and approve the results of a city-level research project: 'Developing Production Processes and Using Nano UFB Ice to Preserve Squid on Fishing Vessels in Hai Phong.' The project was led by MSc. Pham Van Tuyen from the Institute of Marine Fisheries Research.

Nano UFB (Ultra Fine Bubble) is a technology that creates ultra-small air bubbles with nanometer-scale diameters. Water infused with these tiny bubbles is called Nano UFB water. The use of Nano UFB water in seafood preservation helps prevent the oxidation of fats from the surface to the inner parts of seafood, preventing spoilage and degradation of the fish meat.

After 24 months of research and trials (2019-2021), the research team developed two key processes: one for producing Nano UFB ice on a scale of 200 blocks per batch (25kg per block) at the Mai Chai Fishing Port ice production facility in Hai Phong, and another for preserving squid using Nano UFB ice on fishing vessels.

Based on the results of preserving squid, the research team also tested Nano UFB ice for preserving silver pomfret, achieving quality preservation for up to 15 to 18 days. The preserved fish quality was improved by 30-35% compared to the control sample, which was stored using traditional methods with regular ice as used by fishermen.

The project was highly valued by the city's scientific council for its high scientific value, innovation, and practical relevance to the fisheries sector's development goals in Hai Phong.

To discuss policies and recommendations supporting Vietnam's energy technology sector, on November 30, the Ministry of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), held the Vietnam Technology and Energy Forum 2021 in Hanoi.

Renewable energy and green technology are strategic areas that the government is encouraging for development, in line with Vietnam's climate commitments. Despite the strong growth of renewable energy projects, the development of energy technologies is still limited, which may hinder the necessary pace of growth in the coming decades.

According to the report from the Department of Technology Application and Development under the Ministry of Science and Technology, in the solar power sector, a wide range of technologies serving the entire value chain is required, starting from materials production. Overall, solar power holds significant potential but also faces numerous challenges in technology development.

However, in the long-term future, the most critical issue for solar power technology will be connecting this energy source to the grid safely and efficiently.

This challenge will be addressed through advanced power electronics, energy storage technologies, and especially the applications of information and communication technology (ICT).

The strategic bomber, named the Tupolev Tu-160M, also known as the 'White Swan,' is scheduled for its unveiling in December, according to a source from the Russian aircraft manufacturing industry on November 29, 2021. The Tu-160M is currently stored in a hangar and has already been refueled. It is expected to taxi on the runway before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Yuri Slyusar, CEO of United Aircraft Corporation of Russia, announced on July 30 that Tupolev Aircraft Company is assembling an entirely new Tu-160M bomber 'built from scratch.' He also mentioned that the company is finalizing work on a second aircraft, which will be a modified version of the older Tu-160 bomber.

The Tu-160, nicknamed the 'White Swan,' is one of the core aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces' long-range aviation division.

In contrast, the Tu-160M is designed for striking distant enemy targets using both nuclear and conventional weapons. It remains the heaviest supersonic military aircraft in the world to date.

On November 29, 2021, the Israeli government made a controversial decision to allow security technology to be used for tracking individuals potentially infected with the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

According to the vote results, Israel's Cabinet granted the Shin Bet (Israel's internal security agency) permission to use phone surveillance systems to monitor individuals in the country who may have contracted the Omicron variant, in an effort believed to be aimed at curbing the spread of this new mutation. The office of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a statement, clarifying that the technology would be used 'to identify infected cases and break the chain of transmission.'

However, Shin Bet will only be authorized to track the phones of those who have been confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant, and the surveillance will not be applied broadly as it was during previous COVID-19 outbreaks.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Gideon Sa’ar, who voted against this strict measure, still emphasized that it is 'necessary to ensure the safety of the public.'

On November 29, 2021, a Moscow court in Russia imposed a fine of 3 million rubles (approximately $400,386 USD) on the tech giant Google (a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.) for violating Russian regulations regarding online content provision.

The violation was related to Google's failure to remove content deemed illegal under Russian law. Back in October, Russia threatened to fine Google 1% of its revenue in the country for repeatedly failing to remove banned content from its search engine and YouTube platform.

As of now, Google has not commented on the fine. Last month, the company disclosed that it had already paid over 32 million rubles in fines.

This year, Russia has also imposed penalties on several American tech companies. Since March, Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has slowed down Twitter's access speed, stating that restrictions will not be lifted until all illegal content is removed from the platform.

On the afternoon of November 29, 2021, Russia announced that it would continue to slow down Twitter's mobile connection speed until the platform removes all content deemed illegal by Russian authorities. This statement came from Roskomnadzor, Russia's media regulator, as the government intensified its scrutiny of major tech companies.

In recent months, Russian authorities have implemented stricter measures to control big tech firms, including fines for content regulation violations and demands that foreign companies have official representation in Russia. Additionally, firms are required to store the personal data of Russian citizens within the country.

Twitter's connection speed has been reduced in Russia since March of this year.

According to Roskomnadzor, the throttling is a penalty for posts on Twitter that contained content related to child pornography, drug abuse, and incitement of suicide among minors. Twitter has denied these accusations, arguing that it does not facilitate illegal activities.

So far this year, Russia has fined Twitter a total of 38.4 million rubles (approximately $511,900 USD). Roskomnadzor stated that while Twitter has ignored requests to remove illegal posts since 2014, it has removed over 90% of such content from its platform.

On November 29, 2021, robot manufacturer Promobot announced it is seeking a model face for its next humanoid robot, which will serve as a staff member in hotels, shopping malls, and airports starting in 2023. The company is offering a reward of $200,000, equivalent to more than 4.5 billion VND, to brave volunteers willing to permanently transfer the rights to their facial image.

According to the Daily Mail, Promobot, based in New York, is known for creating eerily realistic humanoid robots. Its products are currently in use across 43 countries, filling various roles such as administrators, consultants, and guides.

"We are developing technologies in facial recognition, voice synthesis, autonomous navigation, artificial intelligence, and other areas related to robotics. Our clients are planning large-scale projects and to execute them, they need the rights to a robot's face to avoid legal issues," said a Promobot representative.

This robot will be licensed by a U.S. company and will be deployed in public locations across North America and the Middle East beginning in 2023. The only requirement for volunteers is that they must have a friendly and approachable face; there are no restrictions on gender or age.

On the afternoon of November 28, 2021, Honda revealed its plans for developing next-generation safety technology. The goal of this initiative is to cut global traffic-related fatalities by half by 2030.

The first step involves artificial intelligence (AI) and is being designed to monitor both the road and the driver. To understand the root causes of driving errors, Honda is using fMRI technology to study drivers' brain activity and analyze risk-taking behaviors. From this, the company has developed 'Smart Driver Assistance Technology,' which uses sensors and cameras from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to monitor both the road and the driver. The system will detect driving risks and determine optimal driving behavior in real-time, providing tailored assistance based on the driver’s cognitive state and traffic conditions.

The automaker also plans to develop next-generation ADAS technology to ensure the driver remains as focused as possible, preventing distractions. This system will control seat belts, use 3D sound to alert the driver to risks, and employ vibration in the seat and biofeedback to address driver fatigue and drowsiness.

Honda stated that they will focus on developing the foundational technology for these applications in the early 2020s, with the practical implementations expected in the second half of the decade. The Japanese automaker aims to reduce human error, which causes 90% of traffic accidents.

On November 28, 2021, a launch event for social media platforms focused on market management and the opening of a gallery to identify authentic versus counterfeit goods took place in Hanoi in observance of the Anti-Counterfeit Day on November 29.

In an effort to enhance the fight against counterfeit and fake goods, the Market Management Magazine (under the General Department of Market Management) has developed and published content on popular social media platforms such as Tiktok, YouTube, and Facebook. These platforms will share and exchange information about market management activities.

On Tiktok, the magazine will manage two accounts named 'Thật Giả Review' and 'Quản lý thị trường news.' The 'Quản lý thị trường news' account will provide regular updates on inspections and control measures by market management forces across the country. Additionally, the 'Thật Giả Review' account will offer valuable tips on recognizing authentic versus counterfeit products currently in the market.

Alongside the Tiktok channel, updates on all inspection activities and violations detected by the market management forces will be posted on the YouTube channel and the 'Tạp chí Quản lý thị trường' Facebook fanpage, ensuring fast and effective information dissemination to consumers.

Since launching, these platforms have attracted significant user interaction and are highly regarded for the quality of the information shared.

On November 28, 2021, representatives from domestic internet service providers announced that the fault on segment S3 of the APG (Asia Pacific Gateway) international submarine cable line was fully resolved as of 1:00 PM. The transmission channel on this line has been restored to normal.

The successful repair of the APG submarine cable line allows all international internet traffic to Hong Kong (China) and Japan to return to normal after nearly a month of disruption.

This repair process was completed earlier than the scheduled date of November 29. Additionally, the AAE-1 (Asia Africa Europe 1) submarine cable line has also had its capacity fully restored, which is great news for both service providers and internet users in Vietnam.

Currently, only the AAG (Asia America Gateway) submarine cable line is under repair, with completion expected by December 15, 2021.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University (USA) have developed a blood glucose monitoring device that tracks glucose levels through sweat. This is the world’s first non-invasive, wearable glucose monitoring device.

Currently, non-invasive glucose monitors are not available for sale in the US, so diabetes patients must either draw blood samples or use subcutaneous sensors to measure their blood sugar levels. Thanks to this new device, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring could soon become the standard.

The research team, led by Professor Huanyu Larry Cheng from the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics at Penn State, has published details about a low-cost, non-invasive sensor capable of detecting glucose in sweat through sensors and biosynthetic electronics.

The team first developed the device using laser-induced graphene (LIG), a material consisting of layers of atomic-thick carbon with various shapes. With its high conductivity and rapid fabrication time of just a few seconds, LIG seems to be the ideal framework for the sensor.

The UK-based company Xtend Design has revealed the concept of Luniaq, a new electric vehicle designed for the Moon, inspired by Skoda's Enyaq, during the Czech Space Week. Luniaq is equipped with transparent aluminum windows and airless tires, ideal for navigating the rugged lunar terrain. The lead designer behind Luniaq, Tomas Rousek, is a space architect who previously worked at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

The Luniaq can carry up to four astronauts and features both autonomous and remote-controlled driving capabilities. The vehicle includes two side hatches that can connect with lunar base modules. Additionally, the rear compartment allows astronauts to change into their spacesuits, preventing dangerous lunar dust from entering the cabin.

Power for the vehicle is stored in a solid-state battery that can be charged via solar panels on the roof. These panels can unfurl into a fan-like shape, allowing charging while the vehicle is stationary or moving at low speeds. The roof also includes a cooling system for daytime use and an antenna for communication with lunar bases, Earth, space stations, and satellites.

While it's uncertain whether Luniaq will ever be mass-produced, the vehicle represents humanity's ambition to explore celestial bodies beyond Earth. "We hope to inspire people with our ongoing technological advancements and our vision of living and driving on other planets in the future," Rousek shared.

On the afternoon of November 27, 2021, an update was provided regarding the repair progress of international submarine cable routes used by Vietnam. A representative from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Vietnam announced that the Asia Africa Europe 1 (AAE-1) submarine cable had returned to stable operation after the issue in segment S1H.4 was fixed.

Previously, on November 20, the cable operator had dispatched a repair vessel to address a fault in segment S1H.3 of the AAE-1 cable, temporarily restoring services. The AAE-1 cable had been down due to two faults on the S1H branch, which connects Cambodia and Thailand, cutting off all internet traffic from Vietnam to the international network.

The restoration of the AAE-1 cable’s full capacity somewhat alleviates the pressure on telecom providers in ensuring quality international internet service for users. This is especially important as, in recent days, not only AAE-1 but also two other submarine cables—Asia Pacific Gateway (APG) and Asia America Gateway (AAG)—experienced service interruptions.

The AAG cable encountered an issue on branch S1I, which connects Vietnam to Hong Kong (China), on October 22, causing a total disruption of internet traffic. The repair work is scheduled, with an expected completion date of December 15.

On November 27, 2021, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple's first augmented reality (AR) glasses are likely to be released in Q4 of 2022. Previously, Kuo had predicted that the AR wearable would be launched in the following year, but now he has provided more details on the timeline and some key specifications.

According to Kuo, the device will be powered by two processors: one with "computational power equivalent to the M1 chip" and another lower-end chip for handling signals from various sensors. Kuo suggests that the device will include "at least 6-8 optical modules" to continuously deliver video images viewed through the AR glasses. Additionally, it is expected to feature two ultra-small 4K OLED displays, supplied by Sony.

According to Kuo's sources, with "Mac-like processing power," this wearable device will be capable of functioning independently—without needing a Mac computer for data processing—and its ability to run a wide range of applications will set it apart from competing devices.

Just days after fining Apple and Amazon a combined $230 million for violating antitrust laws, Italy imposed another penalty on Apple and Google on November 27, 2021. The Italian Competition Authority stated that both companies had violated the Consumer Code.

Specifically, the government stated: "The antitrust authority has confirmed that both companies engaged in activities violating the Consumer Code," and noted that one company collected incomplete information while the other collected and used consumer data for commercial purposes.

"Google relies on its economic activities to provide a variety of internet-connected products and services... it also relies on user profiles made possible by their data. On the other hand, Apple collects, profiles, and uses user data for commercial purposes through its devices and services."

"Thus, even without transferring data to third parties, Apple directly derives economic value from advertising activities that boost the sales of its own products or third-party products via the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books."

The fine of $11.2 million is the maximum allowable under Italy's Consumer Code for such actions. Previously, Apple had been fined a similar amount in 2020 for misleading consumers regarding the water resistance of the iPhone.

According to Neowin on November 27, 2021, the first 3D printed prosthetic eye functions as a realistic biological sample device, offering several advantages over traditional acrylic prosthetic eyes. It provides a more accurate representation with real depth and sharper pupil clarity.

Unlike traditional acrylic prosthetic eyes, which require an invasive molding technique using an empty eye socket, the 3D printing method involves scanning the eye. Traditional acrylic procedures can be difficult, sometimes requiring general anesthesia for children, but the non-invasive nature of 3D printing avoids the need for anesthesia.

Another significant advantage of 3D printing is the efficiency and speed of production. While traditional acrylic prosthetic eyes can take up to six weeks to complete due to hand-painting, a 3D printed eye can be finished in just 2 to 3 weeks, with the ophthalmologist handling the final polishing and fitting.

3D printed prosthetic eyes are already making a significant impact on improving the lives of people with eye loss across the world.

On November 27, 2021, a virtual land plot in the game Axie Infinity was sold for a record-breaking 550 Ethereum, which is approximately $2.4 million. The plot is located in the Genesis area, which the developers of Axie Infinity describe as extraordinarily rare.

Axie Infinity is set in a universe filled with creatures called axies. Players control their axie army to battle against others for rewards. They can also breed axies to create new characters or own virtual land within the game.

The Genesis region lies at the heart of Luciana, the homeland of the Axie creatures. This area includes a total of 90,601 land plots, with over 17,000 owners so far. The Genesis area, where the multi-million-dollar land was sold, is considered prime “golden land,” with only 220 plots in total.

These plots are sold as NFTs, making them not only valuable for entertainment but also for economic and social reasons as they can yield future resources. This is why virtual land in Axie Infinity is so expensive. Previously, in February 2021, nine land plots in Axie Infinity sold for over 888 Ethereum (around $1.5 million at the time, or close to $4 million by today's value).

Axie Infinity is a blockchain-based game developed by Sky Mavis, a game studio with a large team of Vietnamese developers. The game has become a global sensation, starting the “play-to-earn” trend in the cryptocurrency gaming world. In addition to its attractive graphics and engaging gameplay, Axie Infinity allows players to trade, buy, and sell characters, converting in-game rewards into real money via blockchain technology. Now, players can also earn money by speculating on virtual land or buying these plots to gain long-term profits through the resources they contain.

On November 25-26, 2021, the Techmart Biotechnology event in Ho Chi Minh City was held online at www.techmart.techport.vn, offering the opportunity to transfer over 200 technologies and devices from both domestic and international sources. Visitors interested in exploring these technologies can access the exhibition platform via computer or mobile devices, where they can interact with different exhibition areas.

The virtual exhibition hall allows visitors to explore various sections such as the exhibition area, the seminar zone, and the expert consultation area. Attendees can engage with the organizers, interact with businesses at their booths, view the exhibition map, and watch technology introduction videos. With participation from more than 60 research institutes, universities, enterprises, and startups in Ho Chi Minh City, Techmart focuses on showcasing highly applicable biotechnology technologies across various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, food processing, and environmental protection.

Some of the key technologies presented at this edition of Techmart include solutions for environmental management, agricultural production, food manufacturing, and applications in the pharmaceutical sector.

Alongside the exhibitions and consultations, Techmart will also feature technology workshops aimed at supporting businesses, organizations, and individuals interested in promoting and showcasing their technologies and devices at the event, as well as exploring topics related to potential customers.

On the afternoon of November 26, 2021, the Radio Frequency Department (Ministry of Information & Communications) organized an online seminar on harmonizing frequency bands for 5G in ASEAN countries. The event attracted experts from leading global mobile communications organizations such as GSMA, Erion, Huawei, NSN, Nokia, Axiata, Windsor Place Consulting, and regulatory bodies from ASEAN countries, along with various units of the Ministry of Information & Communications.

Currently, ASEAN countries are in the process of issuing licenses for 5G frequency bands. Harmonizing these frequencies for 5G and other services is a crucial task to minimize cross-border interference and ensure optimal spectrum utilization. The GHz frequency band plays a pivotal role in the development of 5G, with many countries already issuing licenses for 5G deployment, as the ecosystem of 5G devices continues to mature.

According to Mr. Nguyễn Đức Trung, Director of the Radio Frequency Department, 5G could accelerate the development of digital infrastructure and support the digital transformation process. Vietnam and other ASEAN nations are either testing 5G or launching commercial 5G services. ASEAN countries are working to allocate spectrum for 5G services. However, the region faces challenges in frequency planning for 5G. Mr. Trung also mentioned that Vietnam and other countries have experimented with sharing the GHz band for both satellite and mobile services, while preparing additional frequencies for 5G.

On November 26, 2021, the Ministry of Information & Communications (MIC) in collaboration with the Quảng Ninh Provincial People's Committee held a seminar on "Made in Vietnam" enterprises and products.

The seminar focused on analyzing the digital transformation issues and the rapid development of the digital economy and society. These are becoming global trends and are seen as the foundation for creating new economic sectors, generating new values, and changing the way we live, work, study, and entertain.

Digital transformation is more of a revolution in policy and institutions than in technology. It represents a fundamental shift in the mindset toward the development of digital technologies for enterprises and local governments.

This seminar provided an opportunity for digital technology companies to clarify the "Made in Vietnam" concept, aiming to solve national challenges while contributing to the country’s digital transformation. The event also served as a platform for tech enterprises, local governments, experts, and policymakers to share research, insights, trends, and strategies to help foster the growth of "Made in Vietnam" digital tech companies. Additionally, the seminar aimed to spread the spirit, mindset, and actions of digital transformation to various levels of government, industries, and localities, which will play a crucial role in the success of the country's digital transformation efforts.

At the August Unpacked event, Samsung unveiled two foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. In October, the company introduced new color options for the Z Flip3. Following the schedule, the next generation of the Galaxy S series (tentatively called Galaxy S22) is expected to be launched at the next Unpacked event in early 2022. According to CNET, the Galaxy S21 was praised for its strong performance and well-balanced features at a reasonable price.

Several reliable leakers have shared information about the upcoming Galaxy S22 (26/11/2021). These rumors suggest that Samsung could unveil the Galaxy S22 at the Unpacked event on February 8, 2022. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 FE is expected to debut in a separate event on January 4, 2022.

Samsung typically releases the Galaxy S series in February or March, but the Galaxy S21 was introduced in January 2021. If the company sticks to the 12-month cycle, the Galaxy S22 could be launched at the CES 2022 in Las Vegas in January. However, Samsung might delay the release until February or March. With the pandemic situation under control, the company may opt to hold an in-person event, gathering media from around the world. Like previous generations, the Galaxy S22 lineup will likely consist of multiple variants with different price points and configurations. According to CNET’s prediction, the product lineup will include the standard S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra, similar to recent models.

On November 26, 2021, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha held an online meeting with Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Huawei's continued commitment to supporting Thailand’s digital transformation and recovery from the pandemic. He also expressed a desire to enhance cooperation with technology corporations to accelerate the ‘Thailand 4.0’ strategy and develop digital talent.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed strategies to strengthen Thailand's digital competitiveness and build a foundation for ICT talent in the country.

Prime Minister Prayut highlighted the crucial role of ICT technology and digital innovations in supporting Thailand's sustainable economic recovery. He also stated, “Huawei has made significant contributions in the fight against the pandemic and Thailand's digital transformation. In the future, Thailand hopes to broaden its collaboration with Huawei across various sectors, including the digital economy, 5G smart hospitals, cloud computing, digital electricity, smart logistics, and data centers.”

In response, Ren Zhengfei expressed his gratitude and congratulated Thailand on its achievements in implementing 5G. He expressed strong confidence in Thailand’s successful digital transformation and talent development. Huawei’s local workforce will work closely with clients and partners in Thailand, contributing to the nation’s economy and society with technological solutions.

The ongoing Covid-19 crisis has led to a wide range of social and economic challenges. According to the General Statistics Office, the third quarter saw an additional 15.4 million people affected by the pandemic, bringing the total to over 28.2 million individuals impacted by job losses, furloughs, and reductions in working hours and income.

Against this backdrop, FPT Techday 2021 will take place virtually at 8:30 AM on December 3, under the theme 'Rebuilding and Thriving in the Green Normal.' During the event, FPT will showcase its 'Green Smart City' exhibition, which highlights the latest technological solutions, services, and products developed by the company.

Attendees will have the chance to experience the 'Green Normal' – a world where government, organizations, businesses, and individuals continue to operate while coexisting with the pandemic. Technology will serve as the backbone of this new world, enhancing operations across all sectors through smart connectivity, proactive management, flexible responses, and a focus on safety.

The 'Smart Green City' exhibition will be divided into six key areas: Green Government, Green Business, Green Logistics, Green Healthcare, Green Education, and Green Living. These areas will operate seamlessly with the integration of core technologies such as AI, Cloud, Big Data, and Blockchain.

Additionally, businesses will find valuable insights to overcome pandemic-related challenges through a plenary session, 10 specialized workshops, and 1:1 digital transformation consultations with FPT's leading experts. FPT will also introduce solutions to help companies rebuild and thrive in the new normal, including solutions for disease control, flexible operations, and enhanced trust. Register at Techday2021.fpt.com.vn.

On December 2, the Prime Minister approved the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Digitization Program for 2021–2030.

The program aims to create a national digital database of cultural heritage, leveraging unified digital technology for storage, management, research, preservation, promotion, and sustainable tourism development, ensuring integration with the e-Government framework and the Digital Knowledge System of Vietnam.

The initiative will also accelerate digital transformation and ensure seamless sharing of cultural heritage data, offering accessible services to the public at all times and places. A major goal is the digitization of 100% of UNESCO-recognized tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as all special national monuments, to be incorporated into digital platforms.

Moreover, the program seeks to digitize 100% of national treasures and cultural heritage elements in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List and make them available on digital platforms. Prioritization will be given to digitizing monuments and artifacts based on societal needs. Additionally, all professionals in the cultural heritage sector will undergo training and re-skilling in digital transformation.

To achieve these objectives by 2030, responsible agencies will focus on seven key tasks, including: improving policies and legal regulations, building digital platforms and storage standards, developing and curating digital data on cultural heritage, managing and utilizing the national cultural heritage database, ensuring cybersecurity, enhancing human resources, and fostering international cooperation.

On the afternoon of December 2, 2021, the Vietnam Medical Equipment Association (VMEA) and Philips Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for training cooperation during the 2022-2025 period at both ends of the Hanoi and Saigon bridges.

Attending the signing ceremony were Mr. Nguyen Xuan Binh, President of VMEA; Mr. Ha Dac Bien, Vice President and Secretary-General of VMEA. Philips Vietnam was represented by Mr. Hugo Luik, Director of Asia-Pacific Services. The signing was conducted online between the two locations, Hanoi and Saigon.

Since 2016, VMEA has been tasked by the Ministry of Health with developing and implementing a training program for medical equipment technology. Continuously, the association has organized numerous training sessions on the use, operation, and maintenance of medical equipment, achieving practical and effective results. Prior to this, VMEA had collaborated with Philips Vietnam on training initiatives for the 2020-2021 period.

Right after the signing of the MOU for the 2022-2025 training period, the VMEA held an opening ceremony for a 4-day course in December 2021, aimed at 280 trainees from hospitals and healthcare institutions across the country to conduct in-depth studies on the use, operation, and maintenance of CT Scanners, MRIs, and Angiography systems.

Mr. Hugo Luik, representing Philips, pledged that the company would always support VMEA in training and providing the best customer service. He emphasized that Philips not only supplies the best equipment but also offers timely technical support. "We are all in the same boat, so let's collaborate to achieve our common goal of serving customers 24/7. Over the next four years, from 2022 to 2025, we will work closely together through innovative, meaningful programs. We recognize that technical support services will become increasingly critical, especially as healthcare technology undergoes digital transformation."