Vietnam has hit the airwaves in a new season of BBC programmes called
‘Vietnam Direct’, which is showcasing the country’s transition into a
dynamic dragon economy within Asia.
Beginning on
August 25, the series features several topics including the recovery
from the devastating effects of Agent Orange; the rise of youth culture;
the role of the workforce in Vietnam ‘s economic growth; and the
latest technologies in the country’s transport system.
Some of these topics have already received airtime in other BBC shows,
including One Square Mile, Working Lives, Fast Track and Click.
“The BBC’s unrivalled network of journalists explores the issues faced
by a country and its people – from the economic opportunities and
challenges to living life at every level of society; from its traditions
and history to future plans and innovations,” said a press release from
the BBC.
In ‘One Square Mile’, BBC reporters
travelled to Da Nang – a dynamic city in central Vietnam that is
re-inventing itself as financial and technical hub. The segment also
told the story of families who, for two generations, have lived amongst
the highest concentration of the toxic Agent Orange in the world.
The network’s business segment ‘Click’ recently featured HCM City’s
famous start-up culture, while in ‘Working Lives’, BBC journalists
stepped into the shoes of five Vietnamese workers from across the wealth
spectrum, speaking to the female CEO of dairy giant, Vinamilk; a
96-year-old teacher of the zither and recent graduates seeking hi-tech
jobs in the region.
The segment also discussed the
nature of the country’s workforce and its potential to transform one of
the fastest growing, emerging economies into a modern and industrialised
economy. Meanwhile, ‘Fast Track’ explored different aspects of
Vietnam’s history; ranging from American War bunkers buried beneath
Hanoi’s top hotel, to the fine art of making noodles in ancient Hoi An.
The network also has a number of segments exploring
the country’s habitats and wildlife with one BBC reporter staking out
famous beaches to watch sea turtles.
Vietnamese
experts believe the broadcast will give global audiences a positive look
into Vietnam ‘s social and economic development.-VNA