Quarter 2/2020 Nhiều tác giả
BY LOCALS, FOR LOCALS
4-5-6/2020
EDITOR’S NOTE
#iAMHCMC
By Locals, For Locals
Saigon đẹp lắm, Saigon ơi ! Saigon ơi ! Welcome to our Swan Song issue of #iAMHCMC.
BUSINESS FEATURES 4. The Golden Circle 7. The Advantage of Having a Powerful Business Network - The Business
I would love to start off by saying a big fat THANK YOU to all of you beautiful local and expat residents of Saigon. Thank you for every time you picked up a copy of our publication. Thank you for flipping through our pages and celebrating the warm, courageous, innovative, passionate, tenacious, charitable, loving people of our fine city and the country over.
Executive Network Vietnam
We have dedicated this issue to bringing you positive stories that intend to uplift your spirits, bring our community together, and inspire you to be the very best version of yourself.
F&B FEATURES
Patrick Gaveau reveals to us The Golden Circle (pg. 4), and how determining our WHY, HOW, and WHAT is crucial to finding our purpose towards leading a full and rewarding life.
9. The Best Street Food in Thao Dien 12. Gastronomique Codes of Love at
Guest writer, Lewis Nguyen, shows us some of the Best Street Food in Thao Dien (pg. 9) and shares with us how street food in Vietnam evokes loving memories of his childhood and late Grandmother.
La Villa French Restaurant
TRAVEL FEATURES 19. Falling in Love with Vietnam All Over Again at The Island Lodge
EDUCATION FEATURES 23. Prepare for Success at Renaissance International School Saigon
24. Scoring Goals On and Off the Field at Australian International School (AIS)
25. How Does Music Help Students Grow? 26. Staying Energized, Engaged & Empowered
We celebrate pioneers of the achingly chic, French way of living - Internationally renowned Chef Thierry Mounon reveals the gastronomique codes behind every facet of French fine dining at La Villa French Restaurant (pg. 13). And we highlight one of the most unique eco-lodges in Vietnam. Only 2 hours from Saigon The Island Lodge (pg. 18) is a glorious Mekong getaway that exudes Indochine romance and French passion. And our Education section covers valuable topics such as Preparing Our Children For Life After High School (pg. 23), Sports and Physical Activity (pg. 24), the emotional and cognitive rewards of Musicality and Creativity (pg. 25), and how to correctly manage Online Learning (pg. 26). It has been an absolute pleasure for us to bring you #iAMHCMC over the years and we are proud to say that this isn’t really a final goodbye. We will continue to celebrate our beautiful city of Saigon and the inspiring nation of Vietnam over at citypassguide.com and on our smartphone app #iAMHCMC, available at Google Play and the App Store. Stay positive. Stay healthy. Stay safe. And live your best life. Faithfully,
Leroy Nguyen Content Manager
HAVE FEEDBACK? CONTACT US AT PATRICK@INNOVO.VN CEO Patrick Gaveau Accountants Minh Huynh Linh Huynh Marketing Manager Nikol Bilikova Digital Assistant My Tran
Content Manager Leroy Nguyen Writers Lewis Nguyen Leroy Nguyen Laura Hill Zody Huynh Victor Burrill Patrick Gaveau
Business Coordinator Helen Nguyen Design Manager Hera Nguyen
E-NOVO CO., LTD 42/37 Hoang Dieu, District 4, HCMC | +84 28 3825 4316 | sales@innovo.vn
QUARTER II/2020 - Nhiều tác giả Thanh Niên Publishing House 64 Ba Trieu - Hanoi - Vietnam | Tel: (+84 0 24) 3 943 40 44 - 62 63 1719 Publishing Liability: Director - Editor in Chief: Le Thanh Ha | Editor: Ta Quang Huy License Info: Publishing Registration Plan No.: 4744-2019/CXBIPH/86-127/TN Publishing Permit No.: 818/QĐ-TN | Issued on 24 Dec 2019 | ISBN: 978-604-978-265-7 7,000 copies printed at HCMC Nhan Dan Newspaper Printing Co., Ltd (D20/532P, Hamlet 4, Binh Chanh District, HCMC) In xong và nộp lưu chiểu quý 2/2020 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing from the publisher.
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BUSINESS
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by Patrick Gaveau
BUSINESS
The Golden Circle Too few organisations effectively know WHY they do what they do. And by WHY I don’t mean “to make money”, that is just a result. When I ask WHY I mean…
What is your purpose? The Golden Circle is an inspiring model and concept that challenges the status quo. Developed by Simon Sinek in 2009, it has been used as a guide for anyone to vastly improve their life, leadership, corporate culture, hiring process, product development, sales, and marketing. It defines loyalty and dictates how to create enough momentum to turn an idea into a social movement. As we face turmoil, many realise how strong tides and winds can quickly affect your life or your business. Nothing fun about it. What stands between these individuals or enterprises who still strive regardless of the conditions, and those who may not, is often linked to their capacities to move forward. It is this intrinsic motivation for the cause or the belief they stand for, that can make or break them. Understanding your own purpose is an essential question to be addressed, and the sooner you do, the better. Unfortunately, most will choose not to, simply because it’s easier to follow others and the current trends. This compliant reactive posture often leads to having disappointing lives and/or failed businesses. So let’s address what we stand for together, so that you can unleash your true powers. This practice is effective, and it can transcend your life or business with increased meaning and authenticity to propel you forward and prepare you for the long run. If you look at the golden circle in more detail, you can see three circles: Why? – Describes the mission and core belief of a business, organisation, or of an 4 | iamhcmc.com
individual. It’s why the business exists or your actual reason for being. An essential start when strategizing.
“ The two most important days in
How? – Illustrates the way in which your ‘WHY’ is most often achieved. It’s how the business or person fulfills their core belief.
- Mark Twain -
What? – Describes the activities of the entity. It’s what the company or person does to fulfill their core belief. It’s an action, a belief, a product or service that you offer to others or to the market. When you have determined your WHY and clearly defined your HOWs you may have an accompanying sense that you carry an important mission that is going to leave a positive impact on this world. This is often the most powerful feeling of being alive. All masterpieces that were created in this world began with a WHY, and so should your life.
your life are the day you are born and the day you discover why. ” A strong life WHY helps you clarify your purpose out of life and helps you focus and push yourself. If you establish your life WHY correctly, it should serve you as a roadmap, helping you make your dreams and passions a reality. Your life’s WHY and HOWs are your best compass to help you live a full life. However, having only a WHY isn’t enough. If your WHY isn’t powered with specific HOWs and WHATs, as well as a strong commitment to your strategy and tactics, then your WHY is merely an illusion. When you identify your big WHY, ask yourself, “Why would you fight for it? Why you? Why do you care? Why does it matter?”
BUSINESS
When these answers are clear, you have a powerful WHY and you become more passionate, more innovative, and more progressive in your marketing and communication. You have one more important reason for waking up in the morning. The implications of defining The Golden Circle reach far beyond what one can imagine. At a corporate level, think about the typical challenges that you often face ... Why can’t you sell more? Your product is good, your teams are motivated, and you know that people need what you propose. Why are your competitors, big and small, able to pull customers away from you? How can you inspire greater loyalty and engagement among your customers and employees? How can you achieve and sustain large amounts of success for years on end? How can you define an ideal and clear persona that can be used to reach your key target segments? Why is it so complex to formulate a clear consistent marketing strategy that sustainably
addresses what you stand for, who you truly are and what you believe? Now let’s look at some of the benefits associated with having a clear Golden Circle... When companies cannot articulate their WHY, the price, features, and quality of their product/service become the only forms of differentiation. Starting with your WHY can be a great way to justify a higher price point or overcome shortcomings. Your buyers know and believe in your mission. This helps create the framework for long-lasting and meaningful relationships that increase customer lifetime value. Purpose and values are easy to identify with and creates personal connections. Simplify your marketing copy and next time you’re writing an email, a blog post, or a landing page, start your writing with WHY. A majority of B2B decisions are made before speaking with sales. As a result, it’s critical to position yourself to stand out in order to create sales opportunities. Start clearly defining your ideal customer
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profiles and personas. Then, create messages that specifically target those companies and roles. Finally, engage their teams across all channels -- both online and offline. Millennials are quickly coming into positions where they will influence B2B buying decisions. Doing business with companies that share their values and beliefs matter most. Starting with WHY helps vendors establish trust and clearly differentiate the value in their offering. Creating trust and starting with WHY can be cornerstones for B2B businesses in 2020 and beyond. The WHY is the soul of any business or person. This is your purpose, your belief, the reason WHY you exist, WHY you’re doing what you’re doing now. Businesses and people need to understand WHY it is we do what we do. With that understanding, you can tell a compelling story to your audience of prospects and clients that will help them be driven emotionally by your message, converting them into life-long customers.
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BUSINESS
The goal is not to sell to people who need what you have, the goal is to sell to people who believe what you believe. Let’s look at some examples from the business world to learn in detail why having a powerful WHY is so important. For the past 6 years, everyday I drive my Ford Escape XL 1987. Why is it that I drive a Ford you might ask? Simple, Ford’s slogan “Go further”. They challenge their statement by building bad-ass vehicles. Vehicles that push the limits for your miles per gallon. They expertly produce the build of their product from years and years of testing. And are able to handle any on and off road experiences.
embrace it, it is exemplified within everything the company does both externally and internally.
Do you see now why knowing your Golden Circle can make such a difference?
WHY is a belief, HOW is the action you take to realize that belief and WHAT is the result of those actions. Of course for the golden circles to work, you have to be consistent in what you say and do.
On an individual level, let us consider the inspiring case of Wolgang Ameadeus Mozart for whom music was everything. His WHY could have been phrased as, “To compose outstanding classical music so that it can transcend the test of time”. He also knew HOW he wanted his own music to be composed and played: It had to be for an orchestra, preferably in an opera, a symphony or a concerto. Centuries later, his legacy remains.
Are you consistent in what you say and what you do?
Ford’s Why, How and What are:
Let’s also look at Airbnb as an example. By creating an online platform where travellers can rent a spare room from an Airbnb host, it allows people to interact in a way they previously couldn’t. People can rent anything from a couch to a castle in 8000 cities around the world, and while you’re staying in someone else’s home, you are essentially immersed in the local life.
Why: We inspire people to “Go Further”
Airbnb’s Why, How and What are:
How: We use and develop cutting edge technologies
Why: Because travelling can and should be so much more than just staying at a hotel.
What: We build vehicles that suit your needs and driving desires
How: Create an environment where guests can immerse themselves within a culture and connect with local people of various backgrounds during their travels.
As a result, Ford has some of the most robust and best selling cars and trucks out there. The company inspired leadership demonstrates their WHY in everything they do. Employees, clients, and partners 6 | iamhcmc.com
What: Provides a platform for individuals to rent out their lodging for travellers to stay.
There are few Mozarts, but we all have an intrinsic purpose to serve, something we are born with, our mission is to find it. People that inspire, leaders, and companies of all sizes think, act, and communicate from the inside out. Companies as large as Apple and Google apply these principles in every aspect of their business. Smaller companies like mine or yours should also be using these principles in everything that we do and this is where I can help you find it. We as individuals should all strive towards a life that is meaningful and full of purpose. Those interested can contact me at patrick@ innovo.vn. Together, we can clarify The Golden Circle that applies to you and/or your company.
From Our Partners
BUSINESS
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The Advantage of Having a Powerful Business Network
The Business Executive Network Vietnam
Go some years into a corporate career and you may notice that the reality of climbing the executive ladder is - the further up you go, the less direct feedback you tend to receive, and the more difficult it can become to ask for support from your peers. You might also find that there is nobody you know who has the know-how to guide you towards making the right strategic decisions and effectively run your organization. Nobody is brilliant enough to go the distance alone and this became the inspiration for Vietnam’s very own executive group, The Business Executive Network (BEN). This young organization was established in 2017 as a support system for executives leading both local and multinational companies in Ho Chi Minh City. The network operates by holding monthly functions for its members, where they meet together to discuss current topics, share their professional challenges, and even meet informally at events such as lunches and social gatherings. The majority of these meetings are held confidentially and when necessary, are professionally chaired. There are three primary reasons why members join this network...
Some come looking to build strong business relationships. Others seek peer support in managing their companies. And some come to receive insight for their own personal development. Whatever the reason, each session is designed to be relevant and applicable to all members. On top of this, it is the diverse community of ethnicity, industry, and experience that really gives BEN its unique edge. To meet BEN’s requirements of membership, applicants should be business leaders who are operating companies in Vietnam with teams of 30 or more staff. In contrast, there are some members leading teams of thousands in Vietnam alone. These requirements can be flexible however, as the group can make, and has made in the past, exceptions through internal approval. This will often happen if an applicant has a particularly strong experience in management, ambition to develop his/ her business in Vietnam, and shows good rapport with other members.
The current vision for BEN is to be the first choice for executive development and support for business leaders in Vietnam, with goals to significantly grow their number of members in 2020. With more members come more meetings, larger peer groups, and a greater, more inspiring atmosphere at leadership gatherings. The world over, there are businesses being run, and behind each business is a leader trying to make it succeed. It is not often that these leaders have a tightly knit group of fellow leaders that they can regularly meet and confide in. As part of the Ho Chi Minh City community we are always excited to see organizations like this one grow. We really look forward to seeing the Business Executive Network grow and reach new heights over the next few years. Will you come and join us on this exciting journey?
Are you interested in joining as a member of the Business Executive Network? Contact us: M: (+84) 969 645 653 E: tim.andre@businessexecutivenetwork.com W: www.businessexecutivenetwork.com
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
by Lewis Nguyen
#iAMHCMC
STREET EATS
The Best Street Food in Thao Dien I grew up in Sydney Australia within the Vietnamese community of Cabramatta. My parents owned a busy Vietnamese restaurant where my siblings and I worked from a very young age. I loved the sense of family and belonging our restaurant brought to the Vietnamese community. Most of the dishes that we served were dishes that reminded not only our parents of the food they grew up with, but they reminded our customers of their deep rooted origins too.
Vietnam. I was ushered to a small red plastic table with red plastic chairs by the owner’s young son who took my order. The son shouted my Pho order to his mother, yelled my coffee order to his sister, and went off to grab my fresh herbs. I was instantly transported back to our family restaurant and embraced the sense of family and belonging. I realised that our interactions with our customers very much mirrored that of Vietnamese street food vendors.
Our regular visitors would always come and shout out their orders to the kitchen, and as my siblings and I ran tables they would shout out their coffee orders in the same informal way you would with your family.
As I devoured my Pho other customers would arrive, yell out their orders to no one in particular, and seat themselves. I clearly had a long way to go before I ordered like a local.
I had my very first street food experience fifteen years ago when I first returned to
There was something initially so familiar about the small red plastic table and chairs,
it took me a while but when it came to me my emotions started to suddenly play up. My Grandmother, who lived with us in Sydney, always sat on a small red table and chair, this is where she spent most of her time. I always thought it was a little strange that she would sit there for hours plucking herbs or marinading her meats. When she ate by herself she would often choose to sit at the small plastic table and not our dining table. I now know it was her way of keeping her memory of Vietnam alive. My Grandmother has passed now and every time I am in Vietnam and eat street food at a small plastic table, I well up a little thinking about my Ba Ngoai. When I visit Vietnam I always stay in Thao Dien. Thao Dien has an abundance of street food vendors and I make sure I visit as many
Com Suon Trung from Com Tam 40A // Lewis Nguyen
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
My first spoonful of pork and rice instantly transports me to my childhood. The char of the juicy pork, the fragrance of the lemongrass, the richness of the egg, and the kick of that spicy fish sauce are all absorbed by the broken rice, and the addictive burst of flavours attack my tastebuds. Every colourful ingredient perfectly compliments each other. As I eat, customers stop by on motorbikes and yell out their orders, one customer wants Com Thit Kho (Caramelised pork with boiled egg) with no cucumbers, another asks for bitter melon soup, but is sadly disappointed when he is told the soup is sold out.
Banh Cuon from Hoang and Hoa // Lewis Nguyen
of them as I can. I’m almost a local now, ordering as I walk in and seat myself. I went to my favourite Pho vendor last week and she informed me that she hadn’t seen my parents in a while. I only visit once or twice a year so I was surprised that she remembered me and knew who my parents were. What I love the most about street food is that, because it is totally devoid of the bells and whistles of a restaurant, the food shines through and is the hero of the experience. For me street food conjures fond memories of our family restaurant, our customers, and my lovely Grandmother.
Grilled pork chop with broken rice Com Tam Suon In our family restaurant (I’m talking way back during my childhood years) Com Tam Suon was one of our best sellers. The pork chops are marinated overnight with lemongrass, spring onions, fish sauce and honey. Once grilled, they are placed over broken rice and served with a homemade sweet fish sauce. Every family will have their own sweet fish sauce recipe, and their own way of marinating the pork. My parents like to add oyster sauce, honey, fresh chilli and generous amounts of lemongrass to the marinade. 10 | iamhcmc.com
The beauty of this dish is that you can add extra ingredients to make the dish even more awesome. I usually have Com Tam Bi Suon Cha Trung (Grilled pork chop, shredded pork, pork and egg terrine, and a fried egg, all over broken rice) Com Tam 40A 40a Quoc Huong. Thao Dien. 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. Then 4:00 pm until late. VND 35,000 for Com Suon Trung - pork chop and a fried egg over broken rice. As I enter the stall, marinated pork grilling by the entrance makes me salivate and lures me to savour it’s charred deliciousness. Next to the BBQ is a food trolley full of homemade goodness, shelves of caramelised fish, fried eggs, caramelised pork, grilled pork, pork and egg terrine, and a huge bowl of Mo Han (spring onion oil) greets you. Mo hanh, oh how I’ve missed you! A key ingredient of Com Tam Suon, Mo hanh is made by cooking spring onion in oil on a low heat, it adds a slightly slippery texture to the rice, and an overall nutty flavour to the dish. The vendor piles my plate with broken rice, chooses my piece of grilled pork straight from the grill, adorns the meat with the fried egg and slathers the dish with Mo hanh. I add a spoonful of their homemade minced chilli to the small bowl of sweet fish sauce provided and pour all of it onto my plate.
Steamed rice noodle rolls with pork and wood ear mushroom - Banh Cuon Banh cuon is a difficult dish to make, the steamed rice noodles need to be perfectly thin and handled with utmost care to avoid tearing, and the filling of minced pork and wood ear mushroom needs to be well balanced and plentiful. We didn’t serve this in our family restaurant, it was way too complicated and fiddly to make. My Aunty 5 however, my Mother’s Sister in law, makes the best banh cuon so we would all pack ourselves into the car and make our way to Aunty 5’s house to satisfy our banh cuon cravings. Hoang and Hoa 33 Hem 33. Thao Dien. (Corner of Quoc Huong and Duong Hem 33) 5:30 am until sold out. VND 35,000 I arrive at Hoang and Hoa’s banh cuon stall with my sister in law who is a seasoned regular. The duo greet us warmly and Hoang pulls up a few chairs and a table from out of thin air for us. Hoa sits against the wall nursing a steaming pot topped tightly with a muslin cloth. She expertly pours a layer of thin rice flour batter onto the muslin cloth, covers the pot with a lid and waits a few seconds before lifting the lid to a steaming layer of freshly cooked rice noodle. A quick flick of the wrist with her thin wooden spatula and a perfect thin circle of noodle sheet is peeled from the muslin cloth and laid out onto a plate.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
A generous spoonful of minced pork and wood ear mushroom mixture is placed onto the noodle and everything is promptly wrapped into a neat parcel. Hoa plates up our dishes without us even ordering. The banh cuon is served with two types of Vietnamese ham (there’s usually three types, but Hoa has run out of the fried version, so my advice is to get in early!), steamed bean sprouts, cucumber, fried onions, and asian basil. The sight is glorious and my eyes tell my stomach to brace itself. I pour a generous amount of Hoa’s sweet fish sauce and devour the plate, I think I take a breath only once before finishing my meal. The banh cuon has a uniform thickness throughout, the filling is well balanced, and the dish as a whole is freaking delicious. Sometimes I leave some of the noodle part where it is too thick and gelatinous, not today! We came at 9:45 am and were the last customers.
Grilled beef in betel leaf - Bo La Lot When I was little, my father and my uncle would always be in charge of tending to the
Bo La Lot at our big family barbecues. The La Lot (betel leaf) is a vibrant green leaf and once grilled releases a slightly herbaceous fragrance and peppery flavour that is absorbed by the minced beef within. The secret is to char grill the betel leaf wrapped beef parcels. Some restaurants take the easy way out and shallow fry the bo la lot, the flavour still comes across, but the intensity is nowhere near the intensity you get when the betel leaf is char grilled. I have so many memories of wrapping hundreds of these a day in our family restaurant. Our customers loved this dish, they could choose to have it in a bowl with vermicelli, Vietnamese herbs and sweet fish sauce, or they could wrap them with fresh lettuce leaves. 64 Xuan Thuy. Thao Dien. 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm VND 50,000 At the start of Xuan Thuy road my brother and I pass a corner stall that has plenty of uniformly rolled bo la lot and grilled fish in its trolley display. Beside the trolley is a smoking hot bbq waiting for orders. We’re the first customers for the evening and not quite sure
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why but we felt that the vendor wasn’t too happy to be serving customers so early. The word abrasive comes to mind. We decide to let the food do the talking and overlook this slight customer service blip. As we seat ourselves on the small red plastic chairs, the vendor sets our table with vermicelli, lettuce, Vietnamese herbs, starfruit, cucumber, and rice paper. The final condiment and definitely the highlight is the mam nem, a fermented anchovy, pineapple, and garlic dipping sauce. We watch as the vendor expertly char grills our bo la lot over smoking hot coals. Once done she drizzles them with mo han (Spring onion oil), sprinkles them with crushed roasted peanuts, and then leaves us to wrap our own rice paper rolls. I inhale the wafts of charred betel leaf, quickly wrap all the ingredients into the rice paper, dip my roll into the dipping sauce and take my first bite. My mouth waters, the deep earthy flavour of the mam nem dipping sauce, perfectly compliments the juicy betel leaf parcels, and just like that they’re all gone.
Bo La Lot from 64 Xuan Thuy // Lewis Nguyen 11
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
Balut - Hot Vit Lon When I was little my parents, uncles, and aunties would always get together a few times a week and nhau (drink, eat snacks, and catch up). Our parents would supply the snacks, a mixture of nuts and finger foods like pickled onions and dry shrimps, and as kids we always looked forward to those evenings, but also dreaded them. We loved watching our relatives laugh and have fun, but we would dread being left to clean up the aftermath of their hours of drinking and eating. On occasions the adults would have Balut, boiled fertilised duck egg. Of all the family gatherings, the ones that involved Balut invoke my fondest memories. It is a simple yet delicious dish which I know is not for everyone. Kim Thao 104 Xuan Thuy. Thao Dien. 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm VND 10,000 per egg Kim Thao is a stop in Saigon that I always make sure to visit. The super popular foodie destination is always filled with customers of all ages, sitting on small plastic chairs or queuing up for takeaway balut. Be warned, on this occasion my brother and I regrettingly choose to sit right in front of the sugar cane juice machine, which constantly sprays us with cane juice and pokes him in the back on a number of occasions. Choose your seat wisely. We order four eggs each and in a matter of seconds we have our eggs, accompanied by egg holders, rau ram (Vietnamese mint), salt and pepper, pickled chilli, and lime. I’m used to having my balut with just salt and
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Hot Vit Long from Kim Thao // Lewis Nguyen
pepper so I give my brother the lime and pickled chilli. The eggs are excruciatingly hot and when held up for examination I can see the precious liquid broth through the slightly transparent shell. I quickly crack the top of the egg, I usually choose the larger part of the egg and make that the top. I sprinkle a bit of the salt and pepper onto the egg and sip the liquid. It makes for such a great broth. Once all the broth is gone I sprinkle some more salt and pepper and then eat the rich yolk and delicate
duck meat. My brother loves eating the egg white as well but it’s a little too hard for me so I usually leave that behind. The four eggs don’t last very long at all and we find ourselves ordering a couple more each and just as our parents, uncles, and aunties did back in the day, wash them down with plenty of Vietnamese beer. Balut is a delicacy which is definitely not for everyone, but for those of us who love it, Kim Thao is the place to go.
by Leroy Nguyen
FOOD & BEVERAGE
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GASTRONOMIQUE CODES OF LOVE AT
La Villa French Restaurant
Gorgeous outdoor dining at La Villa French Restaurant
The food and beverage scene in Ho Chi Minh City is booming. But with so many ‘fine dining’ options offering deconstructed reimaginings of classic dishes, and the latest efforts to fuse various cuisines, how does La Villa French Restaurant differentiate itself from the culinary pack? What do they have to offer that cannot be found elsewhere within the ever growing foodie scene of Ho Chi Minh City? Upon arriving to La Villa, located on a charming, quiet, and breezy street at the centre of District 2’s Thao Dien, I am greeted at the entrance by the gentle smile of the maître d’ who gracefully guides me past towering cast iron gates. The restaurant is set within a gorgeous white villa. As I step onto the grounds and into La Villa’s expansive outdoor seating area, with its lush array of green plants and enormous outdoor pool, the first word that comes to mind is… oasis. Renowned Chef and owner of La Villa, Thierry Mounon, helps me to understand the concept of fine dining as…
“... providing an EXTRAORDINARY experience. A standout journey from start to finish.” As the maître d’ pushes open the double french doors that lead to the main dining room, the sound of soothing jazz and piano keys falls upon my ears. Double layers of crisp white linens drape over large round tables, and crystal clear wine glasses of the highest quality have been precisely placed in mirrored unison. As I sit back into my heavy, leather cushioned chair I feel immediately at ease from the calm ambience and pristine surroundings that the restaurant offers. La Villa is a welcome escape from the turbulent energy of Ho Chi Minh City.
Patience, Passion, and Love at La Villa When dining out at any restaurant the food and drinks served really only makes up 50 MAD Burger percent of your overall experience. It takes a
team of well trained, personable, and talented Front-of-house staff to really drive home that “EXTRAORDINARY experience” and turn you into a loyal return customer. La Villa likes to regard itself as a complete hospitality school. They are passionate about training juniors within the field to bring them to the expert level of knowledge and skill that is required of them. Thierry is dedicated to supporting young and promising talents, giving them the opportunity to grow and prosper within the F&B and hospitality industries. And he takes their training very seriously. The level of training, service and background knowledge that needs to be showcased by each employee is paramount.
“Quite often we have staff with experience from 5-star hotels come to La Villa to complete their internships and they comment that the standards, pressure, and attention to detail are much higher at La Villa.” 13
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
The biggest challenge in training new staff is helping them understand, appreciate, and respect the codes of fine dining and the importance of fine dining service. Thierry explains, “There is no real reference for classic fine dining in Vietnam. We are more used to local street food than fine dining, so it’s true that it’s hard to make trainees understand why we have clients that are willing to come in and pay such a high price.” But at the end of the day, the most important thing for Thierry in screening talent is their attitude to work...
collected with each dish perfectly orchestrated to land before each guest in synchronised harmony. Phuc is well informed on every ingredient and every cooking technique that is lovingly put into each dish, and speaks of them with an excitement and passion that is infectious and leaves me eager to dig into each course.
‘Restaurant Gastronomique’ The codes of fine dining at La Villa are deep rooted in French culture…
“You need to be dedicated to this job, because it is a work of patience and love,’’ says Thierry. In order to ensure that diners have a spectacular time at any restaurant, the server must inherently love their work and display this through their service. “It is a tough industry and only passion and love will pull you through.” The passion and expertise at La Villa is evident, and the dedication to the industry that the staff at La Villa have chosen to be a part of runs deep. Restaurant Manager Phuc and some of Thierry’s skillful Back-of-house staff have been faithful to the La Villa family for over 11 years. Throughout my dining experience at La Villa, the team of servers are consistently calm and
“We don’t really use the term ‘fine dining’ in France. In French
Foie Gras Raviole Bon-bon // Leroy Nguyen
we have the term ‘restaurant gastronomique’. These are establishments that provide a complete gastronomic experience that stands worlds apart from the usual comfort food of your local bistro or brasserie. Quality is at the centre of everything!” Some of the codes of a ‘restaurant gastronomique’ include surprise canapés and amuse bouche that are off-menu, a well curated environment and sequence of service that will ensure guests are comfortable enough to spend 2-3 hours at the dinner table, and a renowned chef at the helm
Chef Thierry Mounon training his Back-of-house staff
with the talent and ability to source the best seasonal produce and create something that is always outstanding and delectable. For our amuse bouche, I am surprised to be served Gazpacho - a classic Spanish cold soup made of raw blended vegetables, and Tarama - a classic Greek meze made from salted and cured fish roe blended with olive oil, lemon juice, and bread. Both are absolutely divine, but for a restaurant that dedicates itself to celebrating everything French, and who prides itself on adhering to the codes of classic French fine dining, what are these two tasty morsels doing on my table? One may be inclined to think that French fine dining involves strict traditions and sets of rules, but it is here, at the very start of my meal, in which I delightfully discover that…
“French cuisine is actually quite open. There are a lot of rules, but at the same time creativity is allowed and expected… Fine dining is all about identity and most of the time the Chef’s identity must be inherent in each of his or her dishes. You should be able to see an identity within every aspect of your journey and experience.” 14 | iamhcmc.com
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I want more.
Nothing Instant, Always From Scratch Another ‘restaurant gastronomique’ code which Thierry strictly abides by when creating his menu at La Villa is the nonnegotiable necessity to cook everything from scratch. Unfortunately in this modern industrial age, Thierry is witness to an increasing number of establishments, both in France and Vietnam, who cut corners and source pre-cooked product that is mass produced and sent out to restaurants looking to save on time and labour costs. Over recent years, Thierry has seen a trend in modern kitchens where no cooking is actually involved. Younger generations are not willing to spend twelve plus hours tending to a pot over a stove. They have no notion of holding pride or value in what they create and serve to guests.
La Villa’s Pâté en Croûte / Leroy Nguyen
Thierry hails from the south of France, and within the communities that reside in Thierry’s hometown Gazpacho and Tarama have in fact been eaten for hundreds of years. Commonly known as a region largely comprised of immigrants Thierry grew up surrounded by many cultures and a truly unique form of French cuisine that celebrates everything in this world that is good.
“I remember the neighbours of my grandmother were Italian. Every two weeks we would go and eat pasta at their place.” And it is the pasta course that hands down has me swooning. The Foie Gras Raviole Bon-bon with foie gras sauce and duck jus is culinary
alchemy at its very finest. A single, plump dumpling sits at the centre of a generous pool of luscious, velvety foie gras sauce. Drizzles of deep brown duck jus are laced throughout. A solid slice of foie gras is hidden within the delicate handmade pasta and upon my first mouthful I am rendered speechless. The inherent taste of foie gras melts upon my tongue, fills my mouth, and lingers ever so smoothly on my palate. It is all at once rich and buttery, but delicate. The experience of savouring this delicacy, imported directly from France, can be described as soft, but bold and full flavoured. The dish is most definitely luxurious, but never overbearing. Upon wiping my plate clean I am grateful for the Italian neighbours of Thierry’s childhood, and I can only think of three words…
In an age where many restaurants are essentially moving towards serving minute meals that are not so much unlike your frozen dinners from the freezer section, La Villa stays true to their identity. They stay true to dedicating unwavering patience and love in all that they source and produce. They stay true to providing an EXTRAORDINARY experience to all of their guests. And they stay true to Thierry’s ultimate code of quality being at the centre of EVERYTHING at La Villa. A perfect example of La Villa’s stance on patience, love, and quality is the Pâté en Croûte which takes Thierry and his expert kitchen team two entire days to create. Layers of pidgeon, duck, veal sweetbreads, guinea fowl, and pork are painstakingly layered, encased, and cooked within an evenly browned handmade pastry crust. A thick slice of the Pâté en Croûte reveals a beautifully marbled cross section. The rich and gamey pastry is perfectly balanced, served alongside petit cornichons and generous quenelles of homemade fig jam and seeded French mustard. Delicate micro herbs and edible flowers are elegantly placed to complete Thierry’s masterpiece. 15
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
Fresh juices pressed daily at La Villa
La Villa Never Disappoints It is this extreme attention to detail and unwavering effort to fulfill each and every step to a tee that continues to raise La Villa leagues above the rest. No where else in Ho Chi Minh City are you able to find the same quality of French cuisine or the same standard of service that keeps adoring fans return time and time again. Despite all the complexities, the layers of flavours and textures that each of Thierry’s show stopping creations hold, and despite the endless hours, days, and nights behind each perfect lunch and dinner service, the overall philosophy that drives Thierry and his work at La Villa is quite simple. He explains in a touching memory from his childhood… “You know I have no rules. Growing up, my mother always said to me, when you want to buy a gift, you should buy something that you would like to have yourself. And I behave the same way for my food, my menu, and my guests... Something I am craving for, that I cannot find in another restaurant, something that I love… I put it on the menu and I gift it to the customer.”
Contact La Villa French Restaurant
From left to right: Pastry Chef Truong Hoang Huy; Sommelier Phan Tai Ton; Junior Sous Chef Tran Minh Duc; Restaurant Manager Nguyen Thi Phuc; Sous Chef Tran Ngoc Thuan; Co-founder & Customer Relations Tina Pham; Chef Thierry Mounon
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14 Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, HCMC To make a reservation at La Villa, click here. Opening Times Lunch: 11:45 am - 4:00 pm (Last order 1:30 pm) Dinner: 6:30 pm - late (Last order 9:30 pm) Open Monday - Saturday (Closed Sundays)
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by Leroy Nguyen
TRAVEL
Falling in Love
WITH VIETNAM ALL OVER AGAIN AT THE ISLAND LODGE
I have lived in Saigon for a little over a year now. And in that time I have seen all the main attractions. From the majestic limestone Karsts of Ha Long Bay, and the romantic charms of Hoi An Old Town, to the instagram haven of Da Lat, and the heavenly beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. These are all amazing destinations and I do highly recommend to see all of them, but at times it can seem as if the rest of the world has the same idea, and are scrambling to visit these popular locales also. For a truly exclusive, tranquil, and rejuvenating getaway many seem to overlook the grand Mekong Delta. Only a 2 hour drive from Saigon just over the Rach Mieu Bridge and tucked away on the edge of Unicorn Island in the sleepy town of My Tho, you’ll find one of the most unique eco lodges in Vietnam. The Island Lodge is a charismatic and inviting Mekong hotel with all the charm and personalised service to match any of the best boutique hotels in Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is usually reserved as a day trip for locals and tourists alike, only to 18 | iamhcmc.com
return home exhausted from a jam packed schedule and the usually steamy weather. I’m not interested in this type of go-go-go nonstop travel. In an area with so much to see and with so many secret charms to discover The Island Lodge is the perfect overnight escape from Saigon. Whether you’re craving a quick getaway during the week or want to plan the perfect weekend away somewhere near Saigon, a stay at The Island Lodge is a convenient choice that goes above and beyond all expectations.
An Eco Friendly Tropical Hideaway Upon reaching Unicorn Island and leaving the main highway, an intricate network of narrow roads lined with lush green grass, overhanging trees, and brightly coloured flowers instantly transports me to a foreign land that is worlds apart from bustling Saigon. The grounds are so remotely located that the only way to access the main entrance
is via golf buggy. The Island Lodge is hidden behind tall, perfectly manicured hedges and upon pushing open the heavy wooden doors I am blessed by a secret sanctuary that is so completely unexpected. Quiet smiles of warm local staff welcome me and I am ushered to a seat and encouraged to sip on freshly pressed juice whilst savouring gourmet hors d’oeuvres throughout the entire check in process. I have only just stepped foot inside and already I feel as if I am being treated like royalty. My luggage is kindly brought up to my room and the rooms do not disappoint. Eight Mekong River View rooms are perfectly suited to accommodate couples or solo travellers. Amply sized with giant beds, custom made locally sourced furniture, whimsical mosquito nets, and handsome ensuite showers all in accents of bamboo, wood, rope, and woven straw makes it feel as if I am staying in a gorgeous and luxe Balinese bungalow. The highlight of the room? The generous private
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bubbly beauty who instantly energizes me with her effervescent attitude. An hour of simple stretches, light cardio, core training, and breathing exercises gets the blood pumping and gives me the tenacity to face the rest of the day’s exciting adventures. Miss Ly is very responsive and is happy to amp things up or tone things down in terms of intensity and makes sure to enforce the necessary time out to admire the captivating sunrise and sneak in a few cheeky holiday snaps.
terrace with heart tugging views of the Mekong River. Sinking into the deep terrace seating and staring out onto the fishing boats as they slowly drift by, this really does feel like a true escape, and I forget that I am mere moments away from Saigon. Four additional Garden View rooms are privately located away from the rest of the living quarters and are ideal for families or larger groups. Bathrooms come complete with lavish his and her sinks and deep stone baths accommodating for those that love to soak their stresses away, or who have children that need bathing. Cots are also available upon request. A personalized note on my bed has me beaming as I read of how The Island Lodge is admirably adopting eco-friendly actions towards a brighter future for our planet. 100% pure and natural toiletry products are provided in refillable handmade earthenware pots to help reduce the use of single use plastics, and two glass bottles of purified water are refilled daily in an effort to do
the least possible damage to the environment. Mini Bar fridges have been skipped entirely to greatly reduce energy waste, and even the coffee pods provided in each room are 100% compostable.
Get the Blood Pumping and Experience the Real Mekong Delta After a deep and heavenly sleep, wake up bright and early and start your day off right with Muscular Awakening along the Mekong River. A 6:30 am call time is usually a big ‘NO’ for me, but as soon as I exit my room I have no regrets. The sky is an exquisite mix of pale French blue and creamy peach, and the central garden of densely packed coconut trees and frangipanis makes my senses sing. This is going to be a good day. I am greeted at the edge of the quiet river by my local instructor Miss Ly, a bright and
The Island Lodge also offers a list of incredible bicycle tours that are not to be missed. For me, these tours are the main drawcard of the lodge and truly provide an immersive, ‘off the beaten track’, authentic local experience of real Mekong Delta living. Choose your style of bike, Classic, Mountain Bike, or Electric, and take a scenic boat ride down the Mekong River to Ben Tre province. From here follow your friendly tour guide and sit down to a Vietnamese breakfast in a bustling street market, visit a fish farm and learn of the laborious 2 year process from sociable and talkative local farmers, or visit a cacao farm and dive deep into the familiar and intoxicating aromas of coco as you follow the entire process from cultivation, harvesting, fermentation, and drying. Ben Tre province is also known as the ‘Coconut Kingdom’ and a memorable bicycle ride to one of the local coconut farms has me literally dodging low hanging pomelo fruits and overgrown tree branches. The wildness of it all, the narrow unbeaten paths, the laughter that ensues from riding through nature’s untamed obstacle course, this is exactly the kind of invigorating experience that my soul has been pining for, these are the memories that I will remember and laugh about decades from now, this is an adventure
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by Leroy Nguyen
TRAVEL
that is so unique from other destinations I have visited and stayed at. I have fallen in love with Vietnam all over again.
East Meets West at the Culinary Table Michel and Francoise, a delightful French couple with a reserved demeanour and an infectious passion for laughter, opened The Island Lodge five years ago. Decades ago Michel’s grandparents were in fact based in Ha Long for work, and his own father was born right here in Vietnam. Having grown up in Alsace himself, Michel recalls fond memories of his grandmother teaching his mother the secrets to making the perfect Pho and demonstrations of how to correctly use chopsticks. This colourful family heritage is particularly evident at Le Comptoir de Marthe et Edouard, a brasserie style restaurant affectionately named after Michel’s grandparents. Here, local chefs provide an extensive menu of authentic French and Vietnamese signatures to please any palate, any time of day. For breakfast guests are generously offered an all you can eat a-la-carte menu. Start your day with a local specialty, Hu Tieu from My Tho, a flavoursome noodle soup generously filled with thin rice noodles, slivers of pork, and juicy prawns, or a hot toasted Croque
Monsieur alongside a basket of French breads, pastries, and jams all expertly made in-house, and an assortment of vibrant tropical Vietnamese fruits. From the lunch and dinner menu my personal favourite is the Avocado Tartare with Crab Meat, which is all at once fresh, bright, creamy, and light. The delicate richness of the avocado and quail egg compliments the dominant sweet crab meat that has me reminiscing of the abundant seafood markets and summertime in Lyon. The signature Quiche Lorraine comes highly recommended and indeed hits the spot. The large slice is
thin and served hot, but don’t let it’s simple appearance fool you, the lashings of melted French cheese and rich buttery handmade tart pastry makes this dish definitely ‘good for the soul’. Fully live out the summer holiday vibes and sip on French rosé or order a refreshing ice cold glass of Apple and Ginger Organic Craft Cider proudly made in Saigon. I wander around the restaurant space and find precious vintage photographs of the Scour family from 1937 swimming in Ha Long Bay, as well as framed passports and educational transcripts that date back to 1949. Michel’s adoration of his family and love for his heritage rings clear and The Island Lodge is a celebration of everything French and Vietnamese.
Relax, Recharge, Rejuvenate For a lodge that houses only 12 rooms, the grounds are truly expansive. The enormous residence and limited occupancy means that my every need and want is well attended to and my stay feels incredibly exclusive. This getaway has been a great way for me to switch off from my everyday city life and the perfect opportunity to slow down and focus on me. In this fast paced digital age it is so important to take the time out to reset your frame of mind, away from the pressures of work and deadlines. 20 | iamhcmc.com
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Despite the gorgeous well appointed rooms, the divine menu of French and Vietnamese delights, the spectacular vantage of Mekong River, and offshore adventures into local villages, the greatest feature of The Island Lodge for me is the staff. All locally appointed, the service at The Island Lodge is faultless, quiet spoken, happy, and genuine. I can sense that the staff at The Island Lodge are all happy to be working there, from the receptionist who gladly shows me around the grounds as we talk of his past travels to Australia, to the personable massage therapist who politely enquires of how I find living in Saigon, the yoga instructor who loves to talk of her passion for photography, and the energetic gardener who remembers my name and is eager to strike up conversation every morning, The Island Lodge holds many charms. Charms that will surely have me coming back. Charms that make me fall in love with Vietnam all over again. If you’re not so actively inclined, then there really is no need to leave the lodge grounds at all. Everything you need is right here. The Island Lodge Spa is ready to knead and stretch out every knot you may have, and if your reflection in the mirror is looking rather dull of late, expert therapists will leave your skin glowing and quenched with all natural pure cosmetics in uplifting exotic aromas of cinnamon and star anise. In the centre of the lush gardens sits Le 10° 19’44”, a tropical bar that focuses on Michel’s other passion… rhum. I saunter over post massage, past the regal koi fish pond and towards the enchanting hut that sits centre stage. During Happy Hour the bar offers a Buy-1-get-1 deal that is too good to resist. The Ti Punch in particular, regarded as the national drink of Martinique (of which Michel’s partner Francoise calls home), is an addictive mix of Martinique
Rhum, sugarcane syrup, and lime juice that is dangerously easy to down and will have you licking your lips whilst fast ordering the next round. My favourite area of the lodge? The grand infinity pool with ample sunbed seating is the perfect spot to laze the day away with a good book, but is best savoured during my favourite time of day… sunset. After an eventful day full of physical activity and local adventures I dip myself into the gorgeous pool, look out onto the Mekong River and exhale. The Island Lodge offers total serenity, with only the trill of cicadas and the chirping of swallows floating into twilight. The clear evening sky is an alluring dance of mauve and fairy floss pink that darkens into tones of aubergine as night falls. I have never seen a sunset quite like this in Vietnam. It takes my breath away and I will remember this moment forever.
The Island Lodge 390 Thoi Binh Hamlet, Thoi Son Village. My Tho City. Tien Giang Province. Vietnam. For reservations, email The Island Lodge directly: reservation@theislandlodge.com.vn The Island Lodge offers guests a Privilege Transport service. A private, no-fuss, safe, door-to-door transport option with wi-fi. 7, 16, and 29 seater options will have you and your group travelling comfortably and in style straight to the lush grounds of The Island Lodge. The Privilege Transport service is available for guests anywhere within the Mekong Delta area and covers as far north as Da Lat. Contact The Island Lodge for further information: contact@ theislandlodge.com.vn
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Prepare for Success at
RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL saigon Miss Holland agrees, “When they are in university, students will be part of different societies, or clubs. Employers are looking for people who can manage demands of the job and life at the same time. So, we always try to encourage our students to continue with the things that they enjoy, at the same time as dealing with the pressure of studies and assessments.”
The Next Step
Do you remember what it was like to be in highschool? The very thought of having to face the real world upon graduating can be truly daunting. But the pressure of preparing for adulthood and decisions towards future career paths shouldn’t have to be the sole weight of the student to bear. We spoke with Renaissance International School Saigon in District 7 for their expert opinion on how parents and children can work together to reach their goals.
It’s Good to Talk The first step towards success is communication between parents and students, says Kathryn Holland, KS4 Leader and English teacher at Renaissance. “We encourage students to use a variety of study methods,” she says. “Different methods of study enhance memory and recall during exams, but for parents it can be worrying as sometimes it looks like their child may not be doing much.” Her advice is simple...
scenarios for them to apply knowledge to, parents help children develop critical thinking skills, which we know are critical not only in exams such as, IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate, but also to use later in life.”
Maintain Balance
“Our goal at Renaissance is to help students to develop a number of options for their future,” says Sue Morrell – Stewart, College Counsellor. “We want students to reach for the stars, but we also encourage them to be realistic. We want to make sure that if things don’t go as well as students would hope, they still have a range of options available to them.” She suggests parents can help with this process by encouraging children to fully explore career paths that they may not be aware of. “There are so many different jobs out there” she says, “If you’re interested in health sciences you don’t have to be a doctor. General Practitioners and Podiatrists require similar skills and will always have a job, but the academic requirements are different.”
“As adults, we know about work – life balance, but at that age, children feel extremely guilty about not studying,” says Miss Alexander.
Asked for a final word of advice to anyone who may still be worrying about school assessments or future exams, Ms Morrell – Stewart is clear. “Exams and school assessments are a very important part of a young person’s life but the IB exam also teaches students to become well rounded people, it is invaluable for students to realise that it’s not only academic results that determine their future success. If students are able to find their own passion, they are more likely to be successful in the long run.”
don’t need to stress that they are
“ They need to know it’s ok to
Contact
not taking their studies seriously. “
have an outlet for stress, it’s ok
“ If your child is doing something creative and there’s no textbook in front of them, ask them to explain what they are doing. That way, you
Sarah Alexander, Head of KS5 and IB coordinator agrees and suggests that parents actively get involved with revision. “By asking ‘can you explain that to me’ and giving different
Providing students with the tools to manage pressure is a major consideration for staff at Renaissance, stressing the importance for students to maintain a balanced lifestyle, especially during their final high school years.
to go out and kick a football. All of the research shows that you need this to be successful. ”
Renaissance International School Saigon 74 Nguyen Thi Thap Street, Binh Thuan Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Web: https://www.renaissance.edu.vn/ Email: admissions@renaissance.edu.vn Phone: 0283 7733 171
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EDUCATION
SCORING GOALS ON AND OFF THE FIELD AT
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (AIS) sports teams, but like many others, I wanted to get that trophy…
“...No one likes to lose, but if I lose, I now take it as a motivation to strive towards the next level. I just love seeing myself and others improving and competing with each other.”
It’s difficult for our children to incorporate a healthy, balanced lifestyle in Saigon when excessive use of technology seems to dominate every part of their lives. Whether you’ve just set up residence in Saigon or you’ve lived here for years, at some point, you realize you seldom see children playing in the front yard or at the park simply because the infrastructure and housing of Saigon doesn’t allow for it. Public space is overrun by motorbikes, cars and busses regardless of it being on the roads or on the sidewalks.
“Our mission is to give a well-balanced, well-rounded education where students are as comfortable holding sporting equipment as they might be holding a musical instrument,” Dr. Roderick Crouch, Executive Principal of Australian International School (AIS) shares. AIS developed their youth sports program to actively address the gap in physical activity and sports programs offered in Saigon. AIS’ athletic department comprises 10 full-time PE, Sports, and swim instructors who are certified lifeguards, 30 sports coaches, and 24 | iamhcmc.com
outside staff, all of which have sporting backgrounds and some who have even trained in national squads. In addition to a strong swimming program, students are able to participate in football, netball, track and field, basketball, badminton, table tennis, touch rugby, volleyball, and tennis. Many students train and participate in the Saigon International School Athletic Conferences (SISAC), where they’ve competed and won several titles including badminton and basketball. In addition, students who qualify are able to travel internationally going head to head against other schools within the Australian International School Association (AISA) games. Last year, AIS sent 44 athletes to Malaysia to compete in a 3-day tournament. Through a holistic approach to sports, students and their parents notice the positive social, mental, and physical benefits. Ji Soo Kim, a year 13 student aspiring to study abroad in the US next year, proudly claims, “I enjoy the competitiveness and the development. While there are friendly matches between international schools, there is also the biggest competition, SISAC, where all schools compete to be the champion every year. If there were only friendly matches, I wouldn’t have been this dedicated in these
AIS has been changing the way youth in Vietnam spend their time outside of the classroom by delivering a comprehensive, skillbased sports program, modeled after Australia’s approach to youth sports.
“The focus isn’t only on what goes on in the classroom, it’s the experience, independence, maximizing opportunity, skill development, and exposure to different cultures while meeting with like minded students around the world,” Matt Washer, Athletic Director emphasized. Playing sports, participating on sports teams, and competing at the local and international level promote diversification of students’ skill sets showing more independence and confidence in classrooms, in their home, and ultimately preparing them for university and life abroad. For the 2020-2021 Academic Year, AIS is pleased to offer a limited number of Academic Scholarships for new students entering Years 7 – 12. These scholarships are up to 50% of the annual tuition fee, and are awarded for up to seven years, provided the student maintains an exemplary academic and behavioural record. Please visit: https://www.aisvietnam.com/ admission/scholarships/ or email enrolments@ aisvietnam.com for more information.
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How Does Music Help Students Grow? Students at International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) are provided with in-depth music education that helps them develop important social, emotional, and cognitive brain connections. Helping them to successfully hit important developmental milestones as they grow.
Why is music education in school so important? Exposure to music from early childhood onwards helps children to speak more clearly, develop a larger vocabulary, and strengthen social and emotional skills. Ms. Jennifer Shine, Music and Performing Arts specialist at the International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) shares …
“ The creative process gives students opportunities to develop confidence that they then carry into other areas of their lives. These opportunities are built around self-expression, community connection, and perseverance. In turn, students achieve greater academic success, with skills that transfer easily between subjects. ” Most preschoolers love listening or singing along to music. Studies show that parents and teachers who create a rich musical environment do not only entertain their kids but also help them to develop essential music skills. “In our EY Music program students develop an awareness of rhythm, phrasing, tempo, movement, and other elements of musicality. It’s an incredible joy to see children play and discover the music within themselves!” said Mr. June.
Learning music the ISSP way At ISSP, the importance of music goes way
beyond academic achievements. It encompasses all the facets of child development and lays the foundation upon which future music careers are built. Music sparks all areas of child development: language, social and emotional, intellectual, motor, and at the same time imparts the skills for school readiness. While early music education helps a child’s body and mind work together, dancing to the music helps to build motor skills and the overall coordination of the body. Students are exposed to a wide array of music, from Classical, Modern, Rock, Jazz, Folk, and Pop, to Global music that sheds light upon other cultures and traditions. By facilitating deep listening of other musical genres, students will develop a greater understanding of the world, its diverse community, and their place within it. From EY through Grade 5, a wide variety of pitched and unpitched instruments are used to explore rhythm, pitch, tempo, melody, timbre, and harmony. The general music program uses drums from around the world alongside a plethora of percussion instruments, and students are lucky enough to have access to an electric drum kit, electric guitar, and bass that provide electronic sound exploration. Students explore pitch and melody during keyboard and xylophone lessons, and are taught to tune and play the ukulele in Grades 4 and 5.
After school programs are also offered to further develop ukulele and piano skills for all ages. Additionally, students in upper levels can join choir and develop listening and singing skills in a supportive and creative community. Ms. Jennifer fondly reflects upon the rewarding benefits of Music Education at ISSP ...
“ In a world that is rapidly moving away from direct human connection, I’m proud of the Music and Performing Arts program at ISSP. I’m even more proud of our students who remind us daily to push the limits of creativity. Their curious, bold and joyful exploration of music and performance gives me hope for our future. ”
Contact International School Saigon Pearl 92 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, HCMC, Vietnam Telephone: +84 (028) 2222 7788 / 99 Email: admissions@issp.edu.vn
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From Our Partners
EDUCATION
STAYING ENERGIZED, ENGAGED & EMPOWERED ISHCMC’s Wellbeing Guide: a helpful resource for the community
Invest in Learning
Online learning can feel challenging, different, and way out of our comfort zone (parents we hear you). However, if we really invest together in online learning we can continue to ensure the whole community is Energized, Engaged, and Empowered! Remember • Check your schedule each day • Be organized with your time: Use a planner or diary • Be organized with your stuff: File and name your work clearly (parents can help with this) • Keep asking for help: From teachers, friends, and family • Look, act and respond to feedback We hope this online guide will help provide a few simple yet powerful strategies that will help everyone manage to keep the learning exciting, meaningful and of course fun.
Screentime
Screentime is an inevitable part of life for us all... especially so these last few weeks. We use our devices for school work, careers, socialising, entertainment and much more. To ensure that screentime is a healthy part of our life we have to balance its use with other important activities. Considering these important elements could help you create the balance needed for optimum wellbeing: • Set rules and boundaries around screen time use (how, when, where it will be used) • Take regular breaks from the screen and spend time engaging face-toface with friends and family • Whole family unplugged time is a great idea • Be sure to invest in other hobbies and physical activities • Avoid using devices before sleep Like anything in life, balance really is the key to wellbeing.
Health and fitness
Online learning is a fantastic opportunity to exercise our brains, but don’t forget to also look after your body. Staying active and having a balanced lifestyle will help you focus, keep your energy up, and be the best you can when learning. It will also of course, play a big part in your physical and mental wellbeing. Some simple strategies that will have a really positive impact on your life include: • Sleep at regular times. Avoiding caffeine and screen time before bed will help you sleep better • Eat a healthy and balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy • Drink the recommended amount of water every day so you don’t become dehydrated • Get at least 60 minutes of physical exercise a day. This could include walking, swimming or playing your favourite sport
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Contact with Family and Friends
Spending time with family and friends is the best thing you can all be doing when (online) school is out. Social interactions and positive experiences have been proven to help wellbeing. Real benefits of having contact with family and friends are: • • • •
Increased wellbeing Pleasant memories Opportunities to be active Chances to strengthen relationships or build new ones
Take note: Don’t spend too much time with the same people as this can be a bit too intense. Remember to stay active, socialize, and have as much fun and connection in between (online) classes.
Mindfulness
Practicing self kindness is particularly important at this time, and mindfulness is an opportunity to give yourself a moment of self care and space to notice what it is that you are thinking and feeling. Developing a daily practice can really help you: • • • • •
Develop focus and productivity Improve sense of patience Increase compassion for others Heighten body awareness Reduce stress and anxiety
A seated or lying practice for about 5 minutes each day in a quiet and comfortable place is all that you need.
Culture of Care
In the face of challenge and adversity we really do find out Who We Are. We can see it as something negative and bad, or as an opportunity to grow and flourish. We are all learning even more right now about: • • • •
The world and our place in the world Ourselves as kids, as students Ourselves as parents Ourselves as teachers
And we are doing this together. One thing is certain amongst all this uncertainty: if we keep communicating with each other, keep supporting each other, then we will be stronger as individuals, as families, as a community. YOUR Resources: • Your family • Your friends • Your teachers
• This guide • Your knowledge and skills
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WE LOVE HO CHI MINH CITY WE PROMOTE & EMPOWER OUR CITY
ARTICLE
What’s new in Saigon
FOOD
DRINK
ATTACTION
OUR NEW APP IS READY Activities Secret Saigon In 3 Days If You’re AHehind the Culinary Art of Food Culture Snob
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John Mark Harrell
For the well-travelled culture... 29
The Perfect Hangover Cure at Latest Recipe Leroy Nguyen
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Attractions
The Reunification Palace, Stepping Back In Time Sivaraj Pragasm
By the first half of the 1970s...
WHAT’S NEW IN SAIGON LATEST DEALS & EVENTS
Hanoi Gastronomy & Vietnamese Water Puppetry at Dau Homemade
Ivoire Brings Edible Art to Saigon
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