Möevenpick Saigon condignly invites you to a night of indulgence, featuring a delicious pairing Menu created by Executive Chef PETER LESTER and his Moevenpick Kitchen Team and a selection of Wines represented by Ms. Abigail Smyth - V.P. International Sales & Marketing California Vintage Wine Estate, USA.

At 6:00pm - Wednesday, 1st October 2014
at Swimming Pool - 3rd floor
Mövenpick Hotel Saigon
253 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City

Reservation contact Ms.Thao +84 8 3844 9222,
ext: 160 or e-mail: thao.dao@moevenpick.com
Limited Seating Available, Book Early to save disappointment

Accountants urged to get involved in data design and capture

Diversity in business is hampered by a data gap, finds new research from Brunel University, commissioned by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Towards better diversity management – which summarises the full research and draws on previous work on the subject – reveals that organisations globally often lack basic information about diversity in the workforce or their marketplace. The paper urges companies to involve the finance function to identify the data gaps, and then measure, analyse and interpret the data.

Claudia Chapman, head of policy and campaigns at ACCA, comments: "The expertise of the finance team can help demonstrate the linkages between good diversity management and business performance. The finance function could help diversity managers overcome some of the hurdles to success such as the pressure for short-term business results and lack of support within the business."

The paper recommends that an effective business case for diversity should not just focus on the bottom line, but also account for shareholder value, stakeholder value, the regulatory context and the global value chain of the company's operations – which organisations are urged to think about more.

Brunel's academic experts offer four recommendations for business, regardless of the sector in which they work, saying:
• Customise the business case taking into account a wide range of stakeholders and the environment;
• Make data central to design;
• Give the finance function a central role in the design of a business case;
• Prepare the business to focus on medium-term and long-term gains to see the greatest benefit.

Nikki Walker, from diversity and inclusion (D&I) consultancy more2Gain, also argues in the paper for the involvement of finance teams in D&I activities to gain executive and management commitment, saying: "Business people focus on what they think will bring business value. Unless you can demonstrate to senior business leaders and to managers that there is value in them doing something different, why would they do it? Intellectually accepting that greater diversity would be the 'right' or 'fair' thing to do is not enough. You have to show them the opportunity or the loss and risk if they don't do it."

Bruce Jackson, ESRC's Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager, commented: "Through our partnership with ACCA we share a commitment to encouraging independent, high quality research that informs and impacts business, the third and public sectors as well as governments. This paper brings together findings from a series of high-quality independent research projects that explore the issues surrounding diversity in business and gives a number of action points for senior management and finance functions to help their businesses grow and prosper in an increasingly global context."

Claudia Chapman concludes: "There is clear value in the finance function and accounting teams being included in demonstrating how the business impact of workforce diversity can be measured. Finance can strengthen the diversity business case, enable accountability and governance, but someone needs to make the first move."

In this Alert, Grant Thornton (Vietnam) would like to update a number of policy changes, including:

1) Circular No.128/2014/TT-BTC dated 5 September 2014 of the Ministry of Finance ("MoF") providing guidance on Personal Income Tax reduction for individuals working in Economic Zones ("EZs") and Border-Gate EZs.

2) Circular No.19/2014/TT-NHNN dated 11 August 2014 of the State Bank of Vietnam ("SBV") providing guidance on foreign currency controls applicable to foreign direct investments into Vietnam.

3) Official Letter No.12495/BTC-TCT dated 6 September 2014 of the MoF guiding the PIT treatment of Hypothetical Tax, Hypothetical Housing Allowance.

4) Official Letter No.3819/TCT-CS dated 6 September 2014 of the General Department of Taxation ("GDT") providing guidance on expense deductibility for payments amounting to VND20 million or more made via credit cards of individuals dispatched for overseas business trips.

5) Official Letter No.3430/TCT-KK dated 21 August 2014 of the GDT, providing guidance on the declaration of sales invoices and decremental-adjusting invoices.

6) Official Letter No.5732/CT-TTHT dated 21 July 2014 of Ho Chi Minh Tax Department ("HCMTD") providing guidance on the tax treatment for payments of health insurance and accident insurance for employees.

To get your own copy in English, please click here.

Grant Thornton (Vietnam) Ltd
Head office in Hanoi
18th Floor
Hoa Binh International Office Building
106 Hoang Quoc Viet Street
Cau Giay District, Hanoi


Vietnam Grant Thornton (Vietnam) Ltd
Office in Ho Chi Minh City
28th Floor
Saigon Trade Center
37 Ton Duc Thang Street
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam

HIGHLIGHTS
ANZ-Roy Morgan Vietnam Consumer Confidence has fallen slightly to 135.0 (down 0.5pts) in September. ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence remains clearly above the 2014 average of 132.0. This month's fall in Vietnam Consumer Confidence was primarily driven by an increasing number of respondents saying now is a 'bad time to buy' major household items.
- Despite a slight fall in overall consumer confidence, in terms of personal finances, 58% (up 2ppts) of Vietnamese expect their family will be 'better off' financially this time next year (the highest in 2014) compared to just 5% (unchanged) who expect to be 'worse off' financially (the equal lowest in 2014).
- In addition, 31% (down 1ppts) of Vietnamese said their family is now 'better off' financially than a year ago compared to 21% (unchanged) who said their family is 'worse off' financially.
- Considering the Vietnamese economy, 54% (up 3ppts) of Vietnamese expect Vietnam will have 'good times' financially during the next 12 months and just 14% (down 1ppts) expect 'bad times' financially.
- 60% of Vietnamese (unchanged) expect Vietnam will have 'good times' economically over the next five years, compared to just 7% (up 2ppts) who expect 'bad times' economically.
- About 40% (unchanged) of Vietnamese said now is a 'good time to buy' major household items compared to an increasing number of Vietnamese, 21% (up 5ppts) who said now is a 'bad time to buy' major household items.

For your information, please see attached file.

A Tour of Trapiche Vineyards at Reflections
Thursday 9th October 2014

Grapes grown on the foothills of the Andes Mountains and ripened under the Argentinian sun are the stars of a one-night wine encounter at Caravelle.
This 9th October at 7:00pm, wine enthusiasts are invited to explore the flavours of the famous Mendoza region's Trapiche Winery in a 4-course gourmet menu at Reflections.
The evening will feature the winery's acclaimed Iscay Malbec–Cabernet Franc and Iscay Merlot–Malbec, among others. This 'Taste of the Andes' by Trapiche Winery Export Director, Mr. Pablo Ananda Hynes; and priced at VND 1,480,000 net.

Reflections Restaurant – 3rd Floor
For information, please contact (84) 906 900 523 or email: eam-fb@caravellehotel.com
For reservation, please visit: www.caravellehotel.com/fb-reservation.aspx 

I. BACKGROUND
Continuing the the success of UKAV Golf Championship 2012 and 2013, UK Alumni Association Vietnam in corporation with British Council Vietnam is going to organise the annual tournament UK Alumni Golf Championship 2014 at Tam Dao golf on Sunday, 19 Oct 2014. The tournament aims to promote networking within UK alumni community as well as with alumni's partners and friends.

II. AGENDA
- 11:00 : Check-in
- 11:30 : Opening ceremony at Hole #1
- 11:45 : Divide into flights
- 12:00 : Tee-off
- 18:00 : Dinner and award ceremony
- 19:30 : Closing

Regulation (tentative): System 36

Prize system:
- 01 Best Net
- 01 Runner up
- 01 Third prize
- 01 Best Gross
- 01 Long Drive
- 04 Near Pin.

III. REGISTRATION
In order to register, please kindly send an email to tien.nguyen@britishcouncil.org. If you have any question, please feel free to contact us at 093 465 2018 (Tien)

Participant fee:
- For Tam Dao's member: member entrance fee + 700.000 VND (including dinner and organising fee)
- For non – Tam Dao member: 3.000.000 VND (including green fee, caddie fee, buggy and dinner)

We will contact you after your registration to instruct payment method.

The UK Education Exhibition 2014 will see the largest ever number of participating institutions - 73 UK universities, colleges and schools. Organised by the British Council Vietnam, the exhibition will hit Hanoi (Melia Hotel), Ho Chi Minh City (Intercontinental Hotel) and Danang (Grand Mercure Hotel) on 11, 12 and 14 October.

Hanoi
Melia Hotel – 44B Ly Thuong Kiet. Saturday, October 11, 2014, 01:00pm – 05:30pm

Ho Chi Minh City
InterContinential Hotel – Corner Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, District 1. Sunday, October 12, 2014, 01:00pm – 05:30pm

Da Nang
Le Quy Don High School
09:00am – 11:30am, Tuesday, October 14, 2014Grand Mercure Hotel
Đao Xanh, Hai Chau District
03:00pm – 06:30pm, Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Vietnamese parents and students will find information on diverse pathways to university, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Domestic programmes leading to UK-accredited degrees will also be exhibited. In addition, attendees will receive information about 99 scholarship programmes.

To register, please visit http://duhocanh.eduk.vn/. Also on this website, you can find out more about the participating institutions, exhibition sideline activities as well as details of the different scholarship programmes.

A focus on Skills will be the highlight of this year's exhibition. Living Books or Vietnamese alumni will be invited to share with future UK-bound students their valued experience in building a successful career, starting with the right choice of what to study from undergraduate levels. These alumni are those who have landed jobs with global or local organisations in Vietnam and honed a great deal of professional experience in such areas as business, communications, engineering, amongst others. Participants can meet them in person or listen to a staged talk themed "Skills for a GREAT Career," where the "living books" are joined by an expert in human resource.

Apart from this, other workshops will introduce to prospective students a world of study options in the UK, the process to apply for a student's visa and tips to achieve high in IELTS. Every participant will receive the latest edition of the Education UK Guide Book. 180 lucky participants will have a chance to register for the free IELTS mock tests in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which include the Reading and Listening modules.

Education UK Exhibition is the greatest opportunity in the year for students to explore studying in the UK. On a UK course, students will gain skills and qualifications needed for success in any career. The 2013/14 QS World University Rankings found that employers worldwide consider UK graduates among the most 'employable'. From a global survey of 27,000 graduate employers, five UK universities were ranked in the top 10. 10 per cent of the world's international students come to the UK to study at our universities.

One of the reasons employers value UK qualifications is the focus on skills for the workplace. The UK ranks second in the world for university-industry collaboration (Annual Innovation Report, BIS, 2012). Many UK courses are designed in partnership with businesses and are taught by industry professionals, so you will gain real experience for your future career.

Studying in the UK is very affordable. A research published by HSBC in 2013 reveals that the combined annual tuition fees and cost of living of the UK are significantly cheaper than those of Australia and the US.

Halloween menu: no tricks + just treats.

With Halloween fast approaching and children of all ages getting ready to carve out their pumpkins, we at the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi, are more excited to add bite to the spooky season. This October, our culinary team is awaiting your arrival with a variety of enticing and frightfully fun treats, from Bloody Eyes, Blood Orange salad to Dead Woman meatloaf and the Dark Side. Even more fascinating, a special welcome drink Scarytini is offered to whoever comes with Halloween costumes.

Your children can get into spirit with our fun Halloween-themed activities including spooky arts and crafts, puzzle and books as well as Halloween movies provided in our dedicated kids room.

The "Halloween menu: no tricks just treats" is priced at VND 530,000++ for adult. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 dine for half price, while those under the age of 6 are free.

Available only on October, 31st at the Mangosteen Restaurant located on the 2nd floor of the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi.
For more information or reservation, please call +84 43 822 2800 ext: 6201 or email us at anh.nguyen@moevenpick.com.

Mövenpick Hanoi Bordeaux Wine dinner + celebrate culinary delights.

It doesn't get much better than this culinary extravaganza at the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi on October 25th: an exclusively sumptuous four-course dinner menu designed by our Executive Chef Hiep Chu to pair with six extraordinary award-winning wines.

From France-the world's supreme wine-producing country, the renowned owner a.k.a producer of "AOC Premières Côtes de Blaye" Chateau La Rose Bellevue, Mrs.Valerie Eymas, together with our talented Executive Chef will make you discover your association with wine and food in the very intimate atmosphere of the boutique hotel.
A fun and unforgettable wine experience for only VND 895,000++ per person*.
*Price is subject to 10% tax and 5% service charge

Available on October 25th, the pre-dinner reception will commence at 6:30pm and followed by the wine dinner at 7:00pm in the Meeting Room 1&2 located on the 2nd floor of the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi.
For more information or reservation, please call +84 43 822 2800 ext: 6201 or email us at anh.nguyen@moevenpick.com.

Semi-buffet + grill heaven.

Available through the week for busy businessmen looking to leave the office behind for 30 minutes to an hour or families and friends looking for a place to enjoy lunch and dinner, the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi presents its Semi-buffet specially designed by chef Hiep Chu from September 1st. Enjoy a wide selection of appetizers and a deliciously decadent dessert buffet complimented with your choice of grilled item at the Mangosteen's open kitchen for only VND 298,000++ inclusive of a glass of wine, local beer or soft drink.

For more information please contact the Mangosteen restaurant at +84 43 822 2800, ext 6201 or email to anh.nguyen@moevenpick.com.

Night for soul + live entertainment every Friday

If you look for a unique destination to enjoy late drinks, soul music and intimate lounge experience, "Night for soul" at Lounge 83 is an ideal choice to add a sophisticated dimension to urban nightlife. Enjoy a classic cocktail and nibble on delicacies from the Lounge's revamped menu and live entertainment of Classic and Soul offered every Friday from 7.00 p.m to 9.00 pm. Lounge 83 - the most intimate Lounge in town to unwind and relax in!

Hilton Hanoi Opera and Hilton Gardenn Inn Hanoi announced the three winners of the qualifying rounds of the Hilton South East Asia F&B Masters.

The winners were:
1) Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, winner, Culinary Cup



2) Mr. Le Quang Dong, winner, Bar Cup



3) Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Lu, winner, Barista Cup



Candidates were challenged to prove themselves in live competition amongst Chefs, Baristas and Bartenders experts. Three brilliant winners were selected to attend the Hilton's South East Asia F&B Masters 2014 & 2015 aiming to develop and celebrate the food & beverage talents within South East Asia.

At Hilton Hanoi Opera, the competitions put skills, creativity and innovation to the test. Individuals had the opportunity to compete against each other and delivered inspiring performance in the kitchen with mouth-watering dishes in the high pressured environment. After many delicious taste testers by the esteemed panel of judges, the winners were officially announced.

Hilton Hanoi Opera's eight chefs participated in the Culinary Cup round. With the full passion, dedication and ability, each chef selected mystery ingredients to prepare outstanding 01 starter and 01 main course, representing the well-known Vietnamese Ba Mien restaurant and Chez Manon restaurant of the hotel. During the Bar Cup round, many individuals have been found out to be the pioneers and creators of new drink experiences, to indulge guests with pleasure. A Coffee barista is also more than just a morning coffee maker; he is also a coffee expert with a lot of passion about the product.

Peter Simson, General Manager at Hilton Hanoi Opera said: "It is a joy to see the level of dedication, effort and thought shared throughout the competition among the F&B team. At Hilton Hanoi Opera, we continue to support and develop our team members through their journeys with us and the F&B Masters is a fantastic platform to showcase their talents and capabilities."

He continued: "I'm proud of these winners of the qualifying rounds; they have proven their mettle to represent us in the semifinals in November. The upcoming competitions at country level taken in Malaysia this November & regional level in Quarter 1, 2015 would be surely intense and challenging but hugely enjoyable. I am really looking forward to F&B Masters' event with other Hilton properties in South East Asia soon!"

The British Business Group Vietnam (BBGV) is proud to announce that our 14th annual Fun Run for Charity (Fun Run) has raised 900,000,000 VND with 10,000 participants taking part on Sunday, 28 September 2014 at Tan Trao Str., Phu My Hung, Dist. 7, HCMC.

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to our sponsors: HSBC (Vietnam) Ltd; British International School, Prudential Vietnam, Rosneft, UK Auto (Land Rover), Etihad Airways, BASF Vietnam Co. LTD, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Jardine Matheson Limited, KFC Vietnam Joint Venture Company LTD, Viet Marketing Co., Ltd, Shell, Mubadala Petroleum, Caravelle Hotel, Coca Cola, Phu My Hung Corporation, SOUL Corporation, Forbes Vietnam, International SOS, The Caterers, Pizza Hut, Salinda Premium Resort and Spa, Topten, BVIS, Long Hai Security, Phu Ly Trading Service Co.,Ltd, WMC (Windsor Property Management Group Corporation), Alfresco Group, Saigon Indian, Kellogg's, Pizza Hut Vietnam, Baker and McKenzie, Damco Vietnam, Schindler, Snap Café, CBRE Vietnam, Chao Foto, Ivivu.com.; FoodPanda, Dat Viet VAC (HTV2), CityPass, Giai Tri TV, Saigoneer, The Word, Ơi Magazine metro solutions, Saigoneer, City Net Events, Forbes, Gafin, Galaxy Media (Nhip Cau Dau Tu), Angloinfo, Travetimes.

This year, our winners were:
• First Place Male: Mr. Nguyen Van Long, finished 4km with a recorded time of 13 minute and 02 second, won 1 economy Etihad Airways ticket to Europe and 1 Tissot Watch valued at 13,380,000 VND
• First Place Female: Ms. Nguyen Thi Hiep, finished 4km with a recorded time of 16 minute 01 minutes, won 1 economy Etihad Airways ticket to Europe and watch valued at 9,140,000 VND
• Second Place Male: Mr. Nguyen Dang Khoan won a voucher for 2 nights stay at Salinda Resort (Phu Quoc) valued at USD 550
• Second Place Female: Ms Elodie Airieau won a voucher for 2 nights stay at Salinda Resort (Phu Quoc) valued at USD 550
• First male teenager (13 to 18 years): Toby Holmes won 1 Tissot Watch valued at 13,380,000 VND
• First female teenager (13 to 18 years): Bailey Miller won 1 Tissot Watch valued at 9,140,000VND.
• BBGV Photo Contest winner: Ms Ly Yen Khanh won voucher for 1 night at Salinda Resort, Phu Quoc

The photos of the event are also available on BBGV Facebook page, please click here.

Please save the date for BBGV 15th Annual Fun Run for Charity on 27th September 2015.

For further information, please contact
• Ms Hoang Anh, Email: anh.luong@bbgv.org; Mobile: (84) (0) 98 96 123 84
• Ms My Chi, Email: chi.nguyen@bbgv.org; Mobile: (84) (0) 98 82 186 23

Note to editors: About BBGV
The British Business Group Vietnam ("BBGV"), which started as a luncheon club in 1991, was first licensed in 1996, and was the first foreign Business Group to obtain formal recognition in Vietnam. The BBGV now boasts more than 450 members and prides itself on its friendliness and approachability. BBGV's objectives are to promote British business and cultural interests in Vietnam in line with the opinions of Members regarding issues of common concern. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Group is closely associated with the annual Fun Run that the Group has organised since 2000, as part of its commitment to the local community.

Inspired by the colors and themes of fashion, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake brings guests an exceptional and unique experience that blends catwalk inspiration with traditional English afternoon tea. Join other fashionistas and indulge your love for fashion with an enticing array of delicate pastries resembling your favorite catwalk designs, complemented with our special selection of premium teas.

On this special occasion, we invite Rue des Chats and Chula fashion House to bring you an exclusive fashion show with their latest colelction.

Price: VND 350,000++/Adult
Date: Saturday, October 11th 2014
Time: 15.00-17.00
Venue: Diplomat Lounge - Ground floor, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Hanoi.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call us at 04-6270-8888 or email fandb.hanoi@ihg.com 

There are 117,339 information security incidents per day in 2013, according to Global State of Information Security® Survey 2015, released by PwC, CIO and CSO magazines. The number of attacks have increased 66% yearover- year since 2009.

For more information, please see attached file.

ACCA and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece sign high level strategic partnership agreement.

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece (SOEL) have strengthened their existing alliance by recently signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement at a ceremony held in Athens.

Datin Alexandra Chin JP, Deputy President of ACCA, and Harilaos Alamanos, President of SOEL, signed the partnership papers.

The new agreement builds on the Joint Examination Scheme (JES) ACCA and SOEL have cooperated together on over the last five years, through which nearly 2000 students are studying to become professional accountants. The collaboration will also involve jointly offering existing ACCA products and services, such as the Foundation in Accountancy qualification and the development of new certificates and diplomas.

The two organisations will also look at further working developments with learning providers, regulators and employers.

Commenting on this joint commitment, Datin Alexandra Chin JP, said: "This deal cements ACCA's and SOEL's ongoing dedication to further advance the development of the accountancy profession in Greece. Skilled, talented and professionally qualified finance professionals are vital to economic stability, globally and especially within the wider European community where the new European Commission line-up has recently been announced. This is an exciting time for Greece and for Europe, a time when ACCA and SOEL are able to bring their expertise to the table to develop new policies, new research and ideas about the finance and accountancy professions in Greece."

Harilaos Alamanos, President of SOEL said: "I am delighted to renew SOEL's partnership with the ACCA. The Joint Examination Scheme established in 2009 is a cornerstone of SOEL's consistent effort to provide high-quality professional education and training to new as well as to already practicing Certified Public Accountants.

"At a time of renewal for the Greek economy and society as a whole, it is of crucial importance that Greek financial professionals are capable of meeting the challenges arising from this process of adjustment. The immediate future will be marked by a process of business consolidation, merger and acquisition, privatization, and the ongoing stabilization of the Greek and European banking systems.

"All these processes will require the highest degree of professional competence and probity on the part of Certified Public Accountants, who must, if they are to meet success, be trained in accordance with prevailing international standards. The Supervisory Council of SOEL and I believe that through the extension of SOEL's collaboration with the ACCA, and the expansion of the ambit of this partnership through the development of additional educational products will assist in the creation of professionals of the highest calibre, able to meet these challenges.

"With the conclusion of this agreement, SOEL and the ACCA can look to the future with confidence, working towards the continual improvement of the educational services offered."

In this issue

New Annual Transfer Pricing (TP) Disclosure Form 03-7/TNDN

Increased TP disclosure requirements aligned to Contemporaneous TP documentation under Circular 66

The Ministry of Finance has now released the revised annual Transfer Pricing Disclosure form. This applies for the 2014 and subsequent tax year.

There is additional emphasis on annual benchmarking and an increase audit focus on additional industry sectors. It was also disclosed that 557 taxpayers were subject to TP adjustment after TP audits in 2014.

The conclusion is that more focus needs to be given by taxpayers to TP compliance.

For more information, please see attached file.

A MICHELIN STAR JOURNEY, THE WAY IT SHOULD BE EXPERIENCED.
On 18th October, InterContinental Asiana Saigon and the youngest Italian Michelin-starred chef Matteo Metullio will come together to bring you a night of Italian gastronomy at Basilico restaurant.

Experience all the pleasures of Northern Italian culinary art with an exquisite 6-course menu, featuring the highest quality ingredients and meticulous preparation.

One dinner set menu is priced at VND 2,200,000++ per person
• Space is limited and advance booking is required
• Price is subject to 10% VAT and 5% service charge.
Terms and conditions apply.

BASILICO - LOBBY LEVEL
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA SAIGON RESIDENCES

THERE'S NO GREATER LUXURY THAN A LITTLE TIME ALONE.

There's no better way to revitalise your mind and body than our "Beautiful Package" at Spa InterContinental.

Starting with a herbal tea to warm up your body, our therapist will then softly remove dead skin cells, freshen up and moisturize your skin with the combination of sweet orange peel and fresh milk. Followed by a relaxing and tension release body massage with our signature 100% natural products to provide you with the best and most relaxing results.

Alternatively, you are invited to select one of our special treatments with a fresh natural mask that will leave you with a youthful and radiant complexion.

Priced at 1.390.000 VND ++ per person for 90 minutes treatment.

SPA INTERCONTINENTAL - 3rd FLOOR

SOME PARTS OF THE WEEK SIMPLY DESERVE TO BE MORE INDULGENT THAN OTHERS.

Sunday is the perfect day for family indulgence and InterContinental Asiana Saigon is the ideal setting for getting the most from your Sunday.

Priced at 1.298.000 VND++ per person including free flow of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, cocktails, house-wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

12:00pm – 3:00pm every Sunday

MARKET 39 - LOBBY LEVEL

The VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education was officially launched on 2 October 2014 at the University of Danang, laying a foundation for the future Vietnam-UK University.

Joining the opening ceremony were the newly-appointed British Ambassador to Vietnam, Giles Lever, and Professor Bui Van Ga, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Education and Training. Also present was Professor Dame Julia King, UK Low Carbon Business Ambassador and Vice-Chancellor of Aston University.

A.Professor, Dr Tran Van Nam, Director of the University of Danang and Cherry Gough, Country Director of the British Council in Vietnam represented key stakeholders in the Vietnam-UK University project.

The establishment of the VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (the VN-UK Institute) is a milestone following the historic Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the Vietnam-UK University, signed in London in January 2013. The signing was witnessed by Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam on his official UK visit.

For more information, please see attached Press Release.

Fri 10 Oct 2014, 7 pm
Summit Lounge & Le Panorama
Sofitel Plaza Hanoi

On 10th October 1954, Hanoi was brightened with national flags, flowers and banners to welcome Vietnamese People's Army taking over the capital. This was a glorious milestone marking a new period in the country's history, opening a new era of freedom and happiness.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Hanoi Liberation Day, Sofitel Plaza Hanoi will take you on a memorable journey with a grand celebration.

Marvel at the unrivalled panoramic views of Hanoi when the sky is lit up with the spectacular display of fireworks. Take a sip of your favorite drink while enjoying the inspiring performances by our live band in the graceful ambience. All is set to bring guests an everlasting memory on this special occasion.

Located on the 20th floor of Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, Summit Lounge endows guests with a cozy atmosphere and a mesmerizing vista of the picturesque lakes. Meanwhile, Le Panorama at 19th floor brings a genuine experience of sophistication and luxury.

Ticket price:
At Summit Lounge: VND350,000++/adult
Families with children are invited to the party at Le Panorama: VND350,000++/adult, VND250,000++/children

Summit Lounge – 20th Floor
Le Panorama – 19th Floor
Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, 1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (0)4 3823 8888, ext. 3001
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sofitelplazahanoi 

The Moevenpick Hotel Saigon, managed by Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts is bringing the flavors of Italy to Cafe Saigon through the month of October. The Italian month will also show case a new style of interactive buffet, featuring live cooking stations.

Chef Peter Lester, is invoking the traditional cuisines and coastline of Italy, and presenting the most popular dishes and delicacies, with an emphasis on the gifts from the sea. Our guests will be treated to a new experience, as our talented culinary team are introducing a new style of service where guests are invited to be a part of the cooking process. With delicious recommendations from the chefs, guests will be able to choose from a wide array of ingredients to a cooking style of their choice. These include the freshest prawns, oysters, varieties of fish and premium cut meats, along with tempting antipasti, salads, pastas pizza and desserts. We are also serving 10 delicious new ice cream flavors, and Italian coffees.

The Italian Seafood buffet will be served at Café Saigon from 6pm to 9pm daily, accompanied with wines, beers and soft drinks at VND 950,000++ per person.
CayDa Café is also going Italian for the month of October, with Italian desserts, cakes pastries and coffees.

For further information or reservations, please contact +84 8 3844 9222

In recognition for its great contribution to the development of Vietnam's tourism

InterContinental Hotel Nha Trang, the latest modern luxury beachfront hotel in Nha Trang was celebrated with an honourable award at The Guide Awards 2014 event. This demonstrate the industry-wide recognition of InterContinenal brand for the dedication to Vietnam's tourism market and its exceptional performance.

Amid fierce competition, the hotel and its team stood out and were named as one of the leading business in the market segment by winning in the following category:

InterContinental Nha Trang
The Newest Expression of International-standard Luxury in Nha Trang

Initiated by The Guide magazine under the Vietnam Economic Times, The Guide Awards' purpose is to promote the local tourism sector, honour individuals and businesses contributing to the development of Vietnam's tourism industry and to encourage high quality tourism products and services. Winners of the annual The Guide Awards are first nominated by readers of The Guide magazine and subsequently selected by the executive board of the magazine in consultation with representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as well as experts from the travel, hospitality, food and beverage and retail sectors. In order to receive the award, the hotel needs to meet strict criteria including high quality for facilities and services, contributions to the sustainable development and natural landscape preservation.

"Today, IHG and its InterContinental brand has marked an astonishing movement in Vietnam with the latest luxury appearance in Nha Trang. Under the acknowledgement of our peers and industry colleagues, it is a remarkable honor to have had the team's diligent works and devotion rewarded with this prestigious award. This encouragement has driven us to strive to achieve even greater results for our commitment to excellent guest satisfaction and loyalty at the heart of the brand's core value over the coming years. We are thrilled to be able to recognize the credit of teams and individual's dedication who tirelessly perform above and beyond for a better 'Great Hotels Guests Love" said Mr. Pascal Caubo, General Manager of InterContinental Nha Trang.

The State Bank of Vietnam("SBV") has issued Circular 25/2014/TT-NHNN dated 15 September 2014 regulating the registration of foreign loans.

Circular 25 replaces in part Circular 09/2004/TT-NHNN dated 21 December 2004 on foreign loans and Circular 25/2011/TT-NHNN dated 31 August 2011 on administrative procedures in the foreign exchange sector. Circular 25 will take effect from 1 November 2014.

For more information, please see attached file.