The passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol at the age of 47 marks not only the loss of a member of Thailand’s Royal Family, but also that of a respected lawyer, diplomat, and public servant whose influence extended far beyond national borders. From courtrooms and United Nations forums to initiatives championing women’s rights and social justice, she devoted her life to demonstrating that the true value of a crown lies not in privilege, but in responsibility toward humanity.

Vietnamese boxing has made its mark across the region through grit, discipline, and growing international promise. But beyond those achievements lies a larger challenge: turning the sport into a modern and sustainable industry. In this conversation with the WAJ, Dr. Pham Quang Long, President of the Vietnam Boxing Federation, shares his vision for a more professional, transparent, and commercially driven future for Vietnamese boxing.

From humble street-side phở stalls in Nam Định, phở has traveled a remarkable journey to become a cultural symbol of Vietnam in the eyes of the world. Yet preserving the “soul of phở” amid globalization requires more than culinary skill. It is a story of memory, identity, and responsibility. Culinary artisan Lê Thị Thiết reflects on her enduring efforts to preserve, standardize, and elevate “Phở Xưa Nam Định” to the international stage.