Spectacular fireworks light up HCM City to mark 50 years of National Reunification

Fireworks light up the night skies in HCM City to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. - Photo: VNA/VNS
HCM CITY: At exactly 9pm on Wednesday (April 30), brilliant fireworks lit up the skyline of HCM City, greeted by cheers and applause from thousands of residents.
The city hosted high-altitude firework displays at two locations: the Saigon River Tunnel area in Thu Duc City and Ben Duoc Temple in Cu Chi District.
For fifteen minutes, the skies sparkled with an awe-inspiring showcase of pyrotechnics.
The event formed part of a wider programme of cultural and sporting activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).
Excited spectators captured the dazzling spectacle, many sharing a deep sense of pride and joy as they marked the historic milestone.
Onlookers enjoy a 3D Mapping projection of the symbol of 50 years of Southern Liberation and National Reunification in the city. - Photo: VNA/VNS
Phan Suong Tuyet Mai, a resident of Binh Chanh District, said she had watched fireworks in the city many times, yet the experience still felt new.
'Nothing brings more joy than hearing fireworks on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification,' she said.
Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, from the northern province of Thai Binh, said: 'This is my first time seeing fireworks in HCM City. I wanted to enjoy every moment of the commemorative occasion with my family.'
Foreign visitors also joined in the festivities, with the displays leaving a lasting impression on international friends.
German tourist Anna Stimkker said she had read about the April 30 holiday and learned that it is a time to celebrate the anniversary.
She thoroughly enjoyed watching the cultural events and remarked on how wonderful it was to see people coming together to celebrate with such enthusiasm.
In addition to the two main firework sites, lower-altitude fireworks were launched at 28 other locations across the city's districts.
A drone light show was also held at 9.20pm.
Earlier in the evening, at 7pm, Nguyen Hue pedestrian street in District 1 hosted a mass dance performance titled Vu dieu khan ran (The Dance of the Checkered Scarf), featuring more than 400 artists.
The event paid tribute to the image of southern Vietnamese soldiers and created a vibrant street art atmosphere rich in local culture.
The spectacular firework show in HCM city. - Photo: VNA/VNS
At 7pm, a mounted parade by the mobile police cavalry unit marched along Nguyen Hue Street from Ton Duc Thang Street to the Lotus Fountain, wowing spectators with their ceremonial presence and well-trained horses.
Crowds also enjoyed a 3D mapping display projected onto the façade of the People's Committee headquarters of the city.
The visual showcase blended light and music to depict HCM City's dynamic development and the nation's historical journey in a captivating experience.
Beyond the city centre, local stages and theatres contributed to the holiday spirit with a wide variety of performances from April 30 to May 1.
The Idecaf Drama Theatre will stage 'Le Chi Vien! Bi mat vuon Le Chi' (Le Chi Vien! The Secret of Le Chi garden) on the evening of May 1 at Thanh Nien Theatre.
At the same time, The Gioi Tre Stage will debut the play 'Co dao lai hat' (The Actress sings again).
Other highlights include 'Ngu quy tuong phung' (Five fortunes reunited) at Thien Dang Theatre on Wednesday, '13 Duc thay - Duc thay 13' (The 13 Masters – Master 13) today, 'Mat Doi mat' (Face to face) at the Nho Stage Drama Theatre on Wednesday, 'Cay but than' (The Magic Brush) and the drama 'Dong chi'(Comrade) today. - Vietnam News/ANN

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Star

3 hours ago

• The Star

Music streaming service Deezer adds AI song tags in fight against fraud

LONDON: Music streaming service Deezer said Friday that it will start flagging albums with AI-generated songs, part of its fight against streaming fraudsters. Deezer, based in Paris, is grappling with a surge in music on its platform created using artificial intelligence tools it says are being wielded to earn royalties fraudulently. The app will display an on-screen label warning about "AI-generated content" and notify listeners that some tracks on an album were created with song generators. Deezer is a small player in music streaming, which is dominated by Spotify, Amazon and Apple, but the company said AI-generated music is an "industry-wide issue.' It's committed to "safeguarding the rights of artists and songwriters at a time where copyright law is being put into question in favor of training AI models," CEO Alexis Lanternier said in a press release. Deezer's move underscores the disruption caused by generative AI systems, which are trained on the contents of the internet including text, images and audio available online. AI companies are facing a slew of lawsuits challenging their practice of scraping the web for such training data without paying for it. According to an AI song detection tool that Deezer rolled out this year, 18% of songs uploaded to its platform each day, or about 20,000 tracks, are now completely AI-generated. Just three months earlier, that number was 10%, Lanternier said in a recent interview. AI has many benefits but it also "creates a lot of questions" for the music industry, Lanternier told The Associated Press. Using AI to make music is fine as long as there's an artist behind it but the problem arises when anyone, or even a bot, can use it to make music, he said. Music fraudsters "create tons of songs. They upload, they try to get on playlists or recommendations, and as a result they gather royalties,' he said. Musicians can't upload music directly to Deezer or rival platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. Music labels or digital distribution platforms can do it for artists they have contracts with, while anyone else can use a "self service' distribution company. Fully AI-generated music still accounts for only about 0.5% of total streams on Deezer. But the company said it's "evident" that fraud is "the primary purpose" for these songs because it suspects that as many as seven in 10 listens of an AI song are done by streaming "farms" or bots, instead of humans. Any AI songs used for "stream manipulation' will be cut off from royalty payments, Deezer said. AI has been a hot topic in the music industry, with debates swirling around its creative possibilities as well as concerns about its legality. Two of the most popular AI song generators, Suno and Udio, are being sued by record companies for copyright infringement, and face allegations they exploited recorded works of artists from Chuck Berry to Mariah Carey. Gema, a German royalty-collection group, is suing Suno in a similar case filed in Munich, accusing the service of generating songs that are "confusingly similar' to original versions by artists it represents, including "Forever Young' by Alphaville, "Daddy Cool' by Boney M and Lou Bega's "Mambo No. 5.' Major record labels are reportedly negotiating with Suno and Udio for compensation, according to news reports earlier this month. To detect songs for tagging, Lanternier says Deezer uses the same generators used to create songs to analyse their output. "We identify patterns because the song creates such a complex signal. There is lots of information in the song,' Lanternier said. The AI music generators seem to be unable to produce songs without subtle but recognisable patterns, which change constantly. "So you have to update your tool every day," Lanternier said. "So we keep generating songs to learn, to teach our algorithm. So we're fighting AI with AI.' Fraudsters can earn big money through streaming. Lanternier pointed to a criminal case last year in the US, which authorities said was the first ever involving artificially inflated music streaming. Prosecutors charged a man with wire fraud conspiracy, accusing him of generating hundreds of thousands of AI songs and using bots to automatically stream them billions of times, earning at least US$10mil (RM42.8mil). – AP

Rakyat Post

3 days ago

• Rakyat Post

[Watch] [Photos] When 1664 Met CLOT: A Weekend That Redefined Cool In KL

Subscribe to our FREE There's something magical about watching a brand partnership come to life exactly as it should. Last weekend, 1664 and CLOT's Bon Appétit-lah celebration at TRX's Raintree Plaza was one of those rare moments where everything just clicked – and the nearly 6,800 people who showed up seemed to feel it too. Walking into the plaza, you immediately knew this wasn't going to be another forgettable brand event. The massive circular LED installation hung suspended above the crowd like a beacon, casting that signature 1664 blue glow across faces that were genuinely lit up with excitement. Against KL's glittering skyline, it felt like the city had gained a new landmark, even if just for the weekend. When Production Meets Purpose What was striking at first wasn't just the scale, though the photos certainly capture the impressive setup; it was how naturally everything flowed together. The stage didn't dominate the space; it invited people in while the branding felt intentional rather than overwhelming, creating this cohesive world where French elegance met street culture authenticity. You could see it in how people moved through the space. Groups of friends discovering new corners, couples finding perfect photo spots that didn't feel forced, and strangers bonding over shared appreciation for the limited-edition pieces. The crowd itself became part of the experience, with each person contributing to the energy rather than merely consuming it. A Collaboration That Actually Made Sense CLOT's influence was everywhere, but never in a way that felt heavy-handed. The streetwear aesthetic naturally flowed through the evening – vintage caps catching the stage lights, oversized silhouettes creating interesting shadows, and that effortless style that both brands understand so well. The merchandise area buzzed with genuine interest throughout both nights. People weren't just grabbing freebies; they were examining pieces, discussing the design details, appreciating the thoughtful way two distinct brand languages had been merged into something fresh. Those ceramic tumblers? They became instant conversation starters, beautiful enough that you'd actually want to use them at home. Throughout both nights, 1664 and 1664 Brut flowed freely – served both in bottles and on draft – ensuring that the French brewing heritage remained at the heart of every toast, every conversation, and every moment of connection that made this collaboration so memorable. Two Nights, Two Different Energies Friday evening with the German DJ duo The crowd built organically, conversations flowing as easily as the beer, everyone settling into the weekend's rhythm. You can see it in the photos – relaxed smiles, natural poses, people genuinely enjoying themselves without trying too hard. Saturday brought a different intensity altogether. When Taiwanese singer It was festival energy contained within the heart of KL's business district. Beyond the Beer The East-meets-French food concept proved that attention to detail extends beyond the main event. From luxurious shrimp ramen topped with vibrant orange roe to artisanal sandwiches featuring fresh cucumber, pickled radish, and premium cuts on perfectly golden brioche – every dish told the story of two cultures meeting in delicious harmony. Watching people genuinely excited about fusion dishes, taking time to savour flavours rather than just grabbing whatever was available, reinforced that this was about creating a complete cultural experience. Every element supported the others – the food complemented the drinks, the music enhanced the atmosphere, and the merchandise felt like natural extensions of the evening rather than afterthoughts. Olga Pulyaeva, Marketing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, said the response to Bon Appétit-lah this year has been phenomenal. Our collaboration with CLOT brought a fresh dimension to how people experience beer culture in Malaysia, blending French brewing heritage with street-smart edge in ways that resonated deeply with our audience. The Story Continues The 1664 Blue Hour is now making its way to 30 outlets nationwide through June and July, bringing pieces of the weekend's magic to a wider audience. Those coveted CLOT collaboration pieces and ceramic tumblers are still available with 1664 purchases – tangible reminders of a weekend when everything came together perfectly. This collaboration shows what's possible when brands stop playing it safe and start creating genuine cultural moments. 1664 and CLOT didn't just throw a party – they crafted an experience that people will remember, talk about, and want to be part of again. All activities for non-Muslims aged 21 and above. Celebrate responsibly – the memories are worth remembering clearly. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.

The Star

10-06-2025

• The Star

Soccer- Burgeoning 'Baller League' offers zany remix of Beautiful Game

LONDON (Reuters) -An enthusiastic announcer rallies the crowd inside London's Copper Box Arena for a noisy five-second countdown to Santan FC vs MVPs United, the former managed by rapper Dave, the latter by popular player Alisha Lehmann and TV host Maya Jama. Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg tosses the ball in the air to begin a 30-minute, six-a-side game but before he can take his position on the side, MVPs score in six seconds: the quickest goal yet in the fledgling Baller League UK. Twelve minutes later, it is time for a twist - the "Plus One" rule reduces the teams to one-versus-one plus goalkeepers with the rest allowed back after next goals. Social media-focused soccer tournaments like the German-founded Baller League and Spanish-origin Kings League have sprung up in Europe and elsewhere to offer young consumers a cheaper, crazier and shorter version of traditional 90-minute soccer. Some older fans scoff at these formats as a gimmicky distortion of what Brazilian great Pelecalled "The Beautiful Game", and predict they will quickly fade. But for now, ex-professionals, online influencers and entertainment figures are piling in. Viewing figures are soaring and investment is mounting into what supporters see as a back-to-roots, playground-style version of the sport. "The way they play the game is the way that kids on the street play it all over the world," EQT Ventures' Partner Ashley Lundstrom told Reuters. 'The ecosystem of fans is so open-minded to a new sport, a new style of sport.' Her company led an investment round for Baller League that raised $25 million in early December 2024. 'SOCIALS BLOWING UP' The UK league, in its inaugural season, has drawn a multitude of personalities including some who could not quite make it in mainstream professional football. "It's so close to being what I've always wanted with being a pro footballer and just having that recognition of, okay, this kid can play," said midfielder Harry Cain, 27, who plays for Yanited managed by YouTuber and Twitch streamer Angryginge. "My socials (were) absolutely blowing up from friends, family. 'Can't believe we just watched you on Sky Sports'." Cain, who produces soccer content for 1 million-plus TikTok followers, said one of his highs was scoring in front of former England international and Baller League UK coach John Terry. The Baller League expanded to the UK this year, with 12 teams, after its founding in Germany in 2023 where games were livestreamed from an old plane hangar in the city of Cologne. The Kings League, established by former Spanish player Gerard Pique, has a growing fanbase, with 80% of its 30 million social media followers under 34. Founded in 2022, the seven-a-side Kings League has expanded to Italy, France, Germany, Brazil and the Americas. "Investors also see that we have a disruptive, creative new product, that is solving perhaps the biggest problem in sports: attracting and retaining the attention of young audiences," Kings League CEO Djamel Agaoua told Reuters. "The increasing competition for audience attention means that it's harder and harder to get younger fans to watch a 90-minute live game." The Kings League raised $60 million in its last funding round last year and is in partnership with Surj Sports Investment, the sports arm of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, to launch Kings League MENA (Middle East and North Africa). With the majority of Saudis under 30, the synergy is obvious. As pay-TV fees increase, the young are increasingly watching sport for free on platforms like YouTube, Kick and Twitch. According to a Deloitte study, about 90% of Generation Z and Millennials consume sport via social media. On the day Santan FC played MVPs United, matchday 8 drew more than 900,000 viewers on YouTube. 'I don't think it's as simple as the older generation watches sports over linear channels and the younger generation does it over social channels,' said Pete Giorgio, global and U.S. sports leader for Deloitte. "Both generations are moving towards a mode where they do not consume sports monolithically." OLD CLUBS TAKING NOTE European clubs have taken note, trying to work with new leagues rather than treat them as rivals. In Italy, Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo has cast it as a 'cross-marketing" opportunity. Juventus, for example, offer facilities to Zebras FC, a Kings League Italy side led by content creator and Juventus fan Luca Campolunghi. Zebras had 2.5 million engagements across social platforms in its first season. "Collaborating with content creators helps us speak a native digital language that truly resonates with younger audiences,' Juventus' head of brand Gianmarco Pino told Reuters. In France, Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille have teamed up to help Kings League France club Wolf Pack FC, founded by former Olympique de Marseille player Adil Rami. However, one football insider in a major European league told Reuters he thought the proliferation of new mini-leagues may prove too much, with one likely to dominate eventually. With the Baller League UK reaching its season finale on Thursday and the Kings World Cup Clubs culminating in Paris on Saturday, the hype is reaching fever-pitch. But not all are convinced. "I just don't think it's particularly entertaining," said a 30-year-old Englishman who supports Premier League team Arsenal and tried the Baller League on YouTube. "Beyond an influencer or a former footballer's team winning, there's no emotional investment in any of these teams which makes it difficult for us to care," he said. (Reporting by Streisand Neto;Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)