After several attempts to “step back,” I was fortunate enough to squeeze into the packed schedule of Meritorious Physician, Level-II Specialist Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Director of the Phu Vang Medical Center, to hear the deeply heartfelt reflections of a physician who has spent over 30 years carrying out his mission of saving lives.

Many journeys back to old Hue begin with seemingly small details. For me, it was a visit to An Thu garden house in Gia Hoi old quarter - a contemplative Hue residence nestled behind lush green trees. Mr. Vo Chanh Tien, the current caretaker, led me through the rooms while sharing the house's history and stories of generations tied to the garden and the rhythm of the old Gia Hoi. But what made me linger the longest was actually… beneath my feet.

Having traveled through many of the world’s leading technology hubs, Albert Antoine still retains his Hue accent and a deep-seated concern for his homeland. Returning from the world of data and artificial intelligence (AI), he brings with him a different perspective on how his hometown needs to move faster, deeper, and more sustainably.

Hue is a land once at the heart of the nation’s political power, culture, and scholarship; yet, today’s Hue is not merely looking back to the past. The city is quietly preparing for a major transformation, aiming to become Asia’s leading smart coastal heritage city by 2045.

The humanitarian “zero-cost surgery” programs at hospitals have supported many children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is a deeply humane journey, made possible by teams of doctors and medical staff together with compassionate volunteers across the country, all sharing the hope of bringing joy and happiness to these children.

In Greek mythology, the supreme god Zeus transformed himself into a bull to seduce the beautiful princess Europa. When she mounted his back, the bull carried her across the sea to the island of Crete, where she gave birth to great kings, seen as an allegory for the birth of European civilization. The continent of Europe was therefore named after her – Europa, later known by the common name Europe.

The “Compassionate Bus” program, which brings students with disadvantaged backgrounds home for Tet, has become a humanitarian activity of member institutions of Hue University, giving young people the opportunity to reunite with their families during the spring holidays.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse, when streets are awash in the golden hues of apricot blossoms, young people once again eagerly enter the season of photo hunting. From the Imperial Citadel, ancient pagodas, and Dong Ba Market to cafes decorated in spring colors, every street corner and every space become a backdrop for capturing beautiful moments. Tet photos not only mark the transition between the old year and the new, but also reflect the vibrant, youthful rhythm of life in the heart of the Ancient Capital.

By securing a place in the Quarterly Round of Road to Mount Olympia Season 26, Hoang Anh Minh, a student of Class 11/4 at Nguyen Hue High School (Hue City), not only brought pride to his school but also spread the spirit of academic excellence of Hue students on the national intellectual stage.

On the first day back to work after the 2026 New Year holiday, Hue residents were greeted with encouraging news: during the holiday period, the city was estimated to have welcomed around 85,000 visitors, a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.