Currently, the shortage of schools and classes leads to increased enrolment pressure on students in public schools.

It is visible that localities especially in some large urban, industrial, and export processing areas, are short of educational facilities and local administrations have been managing to build more schools; consequently, public schools have large size classes and admission of sixth graders and tenth graders are a headache for school managers.

For example, in Hanoi, almost every school year the number of students increases sharply. According to the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, the number of students increased excluding preschool by about 70,000 in the 2024-2025 academic year compared to the previous school year, which means Hanoi administrations should build dozens of new schools.

However, the construction of new schools often cannot keep up with the needs of learners, leading to a large proportion of students having to study in non-public schools causing intense pressure on the tenth-grade entrance exam.

In recent years, many students in Hanoi, especially in suburban areas, have tended to choose continuing education to avoid the pressure of the tenth-grade entrance exam.

Meanwhile, in this new school year, Vinh City of Nghe An Province in the Central region is facing difficulties in the tenth-grade enrollment with more than 6,000 ninth-grade students, an increase of 800 students compared to the previous school year, but only three public high schools are located in Vinh City. Therefore, each school will have to add three more public classes. In recent years, with the pressure of the tenth-grade public high school entrance exam in Vinh City, many candidates have switched to registering for high schools in neighboring districts to increase their chances of admission.

In 2023, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training proposed that the Ministry of Education and Training apply a special mechanism in enrolling students in tenth grade in public high schools in districts and some district areas bordering the inner city area. The Department suggested increasing the number of classes/schools, and the number of students/classes. Moreover, the Department asked for permission to replace land area per student with usable area per student.

In fact, large size classes due to the lack of schools and classrooms mainly occur in big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. A new urban area that grows up has a population equivalent to a ward, and each ward must have at least one public preschool or primary school. But in reality, in many places, public schools still lack much compared to the learning needs of people in the area. That's why the authority of Hoang Mai District in Hanoi had to let parents draw lucky lots to compete for a place in preschool which has caused a debate in public opinion.

Recently, the Ministry of Education and Training asked for opinions on the draft circular amending, supplementing and abolishing a number of articles of regulations on physical facility standards for preschools, primary schools, middle schools and high schools

However, it should be seen that increasing the number of classes/schools is a big difficulty for inner-city schools, which have limited areas and are difficult to expand. Therefore, amending the regulations on physical facilities standards for preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and multi-level schools should only be considered a temporary solution. The fundamental solution is that local administrations provide more land funds for the construction of more public schools to meet the learning needs of people, especially in densely populated areas or areas with industrial parks. Not all people can afford the tuition fees of non-public schools, which are much more expensive than public schools.

At the same time, it is necessary to continue to have strong policies to support the development of non-public schools to attract students from more affluent families while investing more in the vocational schools and making students and parents understand rightly about vocational education. Solutions to attract students to vocational training schools or non-public schools aim to reduce pressure on overcrowding in public schools, but must still ensure learners' rights, quality of education, and fairness in access.

Vietnam hailed for demonstrating strong commitment to gender equality in law-making

Vietnam has demonstrated a strong commitment to gender equality in its policies and laws, Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam Julien Guerrier said when attending a policy dialogue on promoting gender equality held on May 6 in Hanoi.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the EU Delegation to Vietnam and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Vietnam within the framework of a project on strengthening access to law and justice in Vietnam.

Guerrier said that Vietnam has reinforced its Constitution's provisions on ensuring gender equality in important laws such as the Law on Gender Equality, and the amended Law on Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence, together with national programmes and action plans.

He said that in recent years, Vietnam has made a lot of progress in gender equality, such as the higher proportions of female representatives in the People's Councils and the National Assembly; and the increased rate of female business owners. There have been many advances in education for girls and health care for women.

Chief representative of the UNICEF in Vietnam Rana Flowers said that Vietnam has made efforts to strengthen and support the justice and legal systems to promote gender equality for women and girls, empower women, and address discrimination against women and girls.

The country is improving its legal and policy systems to prevent gender-based violence against women and children, she said, noting that the organisation has seen important developments related to gender equality in Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyen Khanh Ngoc said that Vietnam's legal system and policies on gender equality have been kept improving, creating a legal basis for the development of women in all fields. However, Vietnam still has much work to do to achieve its gender equity goals.

Vietnam ranked 72nd out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum (WEF)'s Global Gender Gap Index 2023, up 11 places compared to 2022./.

Hà Nội to install electronic authentication devices at driving training centres

The Hà Nội’s Department of Transport, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security's Administrative Management of Social Order Police Department and the Department of Information and Communications, will collaborate with driving training centres to deploy electronic authentication devices in the second quarter of 2024.

This initiative aims to ensure the accurate identity of trainees and prevent fraud at driving training centres.

This is part of Project 06 on the development of data application on population, identification and electronic authentication to serve the national digital transformation in the period of 2022-2025, with a vision to 2030.

Previously, Hà Nội implemented a comprehensive online public service for issuing and renewing driver's licenses to reduce time and costs for citizens.

Nguyễn Phi Thường, Director of the city’s Department of Transport, stated that after two years of implementing Project 06, which includes applying the comprehensive online public service for issuing and renewing driver's licenses, there have been positive changes in public awareness.

Thường said the number of online submissions has significantly increased, the public service software has been regularly improved and the utilisation of the comprehensive online public service has been updated. This contributes to the transparency of administrative procedures and results, increases the online payment rate and reduces costs and travel time for citizens, while relieving pressure on the administrative departments.

A report from the department shows that in 2023, the city received and processed 14,456 driving license renewal applications using the comprehensive online public service, reaching a rate of 13.7 per cent.

In the first quarter of 2024, it received and processed 11,946 applications, achieving a rate of 59.6 per cent.

Statistics from the Việt Nam Road Administration show that Hà Nội has always been the leading locality nationwide in the task of issuing and renewing driving licenses using the comprehensive online public service.

At present, all newly issued and renewed driving licenses have been digitised and updated in the national driving license database managed by the Việt Nam Road Administration. Citizens can access and look up information at https://gplx.gov.vn, he said.

Prensa Latina spotlights facts about human rights in Vietnam

The Latin American News Agency Prensa Latina recently ran an article titled "Derechos humanos en Vietnam: hechos, más que palabras" (Human rights in Vietnam: facts, more than words), highlighting Vietnam’s achievements in promoting human rights.

In the writing, Moises Perez Mok, head of the Prensa Latina bureau in Hanoi, said Vietnam's recently released national report under the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism reflects the country’s undeniable progress thanks to its consistent promotion and protection of human rights for all.

The report provides an overview of the work in Vietnam in all aspects since the previous review, as well as the implementation of the recommendations formulated in the third UPR cycle in 2019 accepted in whole or in part by Vietnam as of January 2024. Accordingly, the country has fulfilled 209 of the recommendations it received (86.7% of the total), partially implemented 30 (12.4%), and is considering the implementation of another two at an appropriate point of time.

The report also emphasises that Vietnam is a party to seven of the nine fundamental international treaties on human rights and has ensured the compliance through well-synchronised legal and political frameworks, reaping comprehensive results.

Between 2019 and the end of November 2023, the National Assembly adopted 44 laws and other important legal documents related to human and citizen rights, which in turn support the provisions in this regard contemplated in the 2013 Constitution and the international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

The report also offers details about the guarantees enjoyed by the right to freedom of the press, free expression, as well as access to information, Prensa Latina wrote.

The article also cited the report as noting that Vietnam respects and guarantees the freedom of belief or religion, as well as of association, which are the rights established since the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) in 1945 and endorsed in the 2013 Constitution.

There are 43 organisations belonging to 16 religions in the country, with 26.7 million followers, nearly 60,000 dignitaries, and 30,000 places of worship, together with a large number of religious publications, according to the report.

It also highlights the progress made in education, health, care and protection of children, the fight against multidimensional poverty, and the protection of the rights of disabled persons.

Stressing economic attainments, the article said from a country suffering from chronic food shortages, today Vietnam not only guarantees food security but has also become a leading exporter of rice and many other agricultural products.

The United Nations also recognised Vietnam as one of the leading countries in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Prensa Latina cited Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as stating that Vietnam does not give up its efforts to build a socialist society characterised by having a strong, democratic, fair and civilised country, with a highly developed economy, an advanced culture deeply imbued with national identity, and people with a prosperous life, freedom and happiness and with conditions for comprehensive development./.

Measures needed to promote Dien Bien's tourism potential

A large number of visitors have flocked to the northern province of Dien Bien, especially to the special national relic site of Dien Bien Phu Battlefield, in the days leading up to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954-2024).

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dien Bien city welcomes about 5,000 visitors each day, even double on peak days as the locality is busting with celebration activities.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Thanh Do said the completion of the upgrade and expansion project of Dien Bien Airport and the reopening of direct flights to the two national largest economic hubs of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have facilitated transportation, investment attraction, and tourism development.

Tourism activities have developed rapidly in the locality, initially forming distinctive and diverse tourism products, he said.

Experts said Dien Bien’s tourism industry has many opportunities for stronger growth, becoming a key economic sector in the coming time as the locality has been emerging as an attractive tourist destination in the northwestern region and the country in general.

Dien Bien also serves as a place for educating the revolutionary tradition to younger generations, they noted.

Vice Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Hoang Hiep underlined the necessary to improve the quality and effectiveness of historical relic sites in Dien Bien, thus upholding their value for tourism development.

It requires key solutions to create breakthroughs for the tourism industry, insiders said, adding that Dien Bien must develop distinctive products and seek ways to optimise its potential and advantages in boosting sustainable tourism development./.

People tap into freshwater sources as river salinity falls

After a prolonged period of severe saltwater intrusion, the salinity levels in the main tributaries of the Mekong River have finally decreased.

The decrease in salinity means that freshwater is becoming more abundant in the river branches, allowing people to store it for daily use and production.

Nguyễn Minh Anh, a 68-year-old in Chợ Lách District, Bến Tre Province, said he had managed to fill his pond with fresh water in the past two days, enough for usage for about a week.

He said he needed such a large amount of fresh water to irrigate his seedling farm. Since the beginning of the 2024 dry season, he built the tarpaulin-covered pond to store water, but there were times the pond ran out of water due to increased river salinity.

"I pump river water into the pond whenever river salinity decreases," Anh said. "This year's dry season has been less challenging, as I don’t have to purchase fresh water like in previous years."

According to the Bến Tre Meteorological and Hydrological Station, the salinity levels in the river branches have decreased in recent days but are expected to rise again until May 8, followed by only minor fluctuations.

The station advises people living approximately 60 kilometres from the river mouth to closely monitor salinity levels when operating sluice gates and pumping fresh water from the river branches.

In Tiền Giang, the Nguyễn Tấn Thành Sluice Gate has been opened while the Xuân Hòa Sluice Gate is expected to follow suit on May 20, supplying fresh water for the Gò Công Area. 

People’s Picks Awards 2024 shows all the best in Hà Nội and HCM City

The People’s Picks Awards 2024, a community-voted prize showing the best lifestyle addresses in Hà Nội and HCM City, has opened to votes.

It features more than 50 categories under Eateries, Sips, Shopping, Services, Experiences and People & Culture. The award is nominated and voted on completely by the community, including Vietnamese and expats from the two cities.

Cydny Voice, the founder and manager of Where in Hanoi and Where in Vietnam, said: "The People's Picks Awards is the epitome of what Where In Vietnam stands for and we are so grateful to bring it back for round two.

"Our focus has always been on supporting small businesses and uniting the community. This campaign is our way of amplifying everyone’s voice in an enjoyable experience that spans two months.

"It’s a real joy to see how it brings people together and businesses boost their marketing efforts for this event. We’re pouring a lot of effort into this and hope everyone appreciates what we’re trying to achieve – we aim to make this an annual highlight that continues to inspire and uplift year after year."

Dana Bradley, the partner and director of Where in HCMC community, told Việt Nam News: "I enjoy being part of this campaign because I learn about businesses I’ve never heard of that will actively make my life better and easier. It takes a village to crowdsource and share this type and volume of information. It’s a solution for time-crunched consumers who want to connect with like-minded businesses, and it’s a way for businesses to connect with people who want to find them."

Where in Vietnam, founded and run by Vietnamese and expats living here, aims to become the number one lifestyle hub and community connector for the citizens in Việt Nam and other cities in Southeast Asia. They have a massive community, earning them nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram.

Their content features reviews on food and beverage, shops and services, as well as summaries of events and experiences coming through their account and a monthly newsletter.

They also designed a Hà Nội and HCM City starter pack for expats who plan to relocate here and a Việt Nam’s visitor pack for travellers.

The People's Picks Awards 2023, organised for the first time last year, had over 3,000 votes and 176 businesses that the community from Hà Nội and HCM City recommended.

The voting round will end on May 12. The award announcement and guide launch are scheduled for May 27. The community can vote via https://whereinvietnam.com/ 

AFD–funded lighting system in Dien Bien inaugurated

A lighting system for Muong Thanh bridge of the northwestern province of Dien Bien funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) was inaugurated on May 5, as part of activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign.

As part of activities in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, the project was handed over to the Dien Bien province Relics Management Board for management and operation.

The system was designed by the Public Lighting Department of Lyon cit

The highlight of the lighting system is designed based on the unique structure of the bridge, applying a special colour blending technique, creating intriguing effects for viewers.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Minh Phu said the project contributes to creating a distinctive highlight for Dien Bien Phu, thus attracting tourists to Dien Bien.

He suggested the AFD continue its support to ensure the sustainable and smooth operation of the system./.

Telefilm 2024 expo set for June

The Vietnam International Exhibition on Film and Television Technology (Telefilm) 2024 is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City from June 6-8.

The annual event presents an opportunity for domestic and foreign film producers to access new technologies, learn of the latest trends in TV, and seek partners.

It is expected to see the participation of more than 300 enterprises in the industry from 25 countries and territories.

Telefilm 2024 will feature activities in a wide range of categories, from screenplays, entertainment, music, and sports to technology programmes, virtual reality, and games.

Seminars on radio and TV in the digital era, future TV technology trends, and business-to-business matching programmes will be held on the sidelines of the expo./.

Hai Phong organises intangible cultural heritage performances

Performances of intangible cultural heritage recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) entertained the audience in Hai Phong city on May 5 evening.

The northern city and several other localities have two UNESCO-recognised heritage, namely Ca tru (ceremonial singing) and Practices related to Vietnamese beliefs in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms.

The programme aimed to raise the public’s responsibility to preserve and spread heritage values, and educate them on patriotism and pride in cultural traditions of the nation in general and Hai Phong in particular.

It was also an opportunity to praise and recognise contributions of artisans and artists.

Inscribed in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, Ca tru is a complex form of sung poetry found in the north of Vietnam using lyrics written in traditional Vietnamese poetic forms.

It has 56 different musical forms or melodies, each of which is called “the cach”. Folk artists transmit the music and poems that comprise Ca tru pieces by oral and technical transmission, formerly, within their family line, but now to anyone who wishes to learn.

Meanwhile, the practices in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms (heaven, water, and mountains and forests), inscribed in 2016 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, aim to meet spiritual needs and everyday wishes of Vietnamese people.

The Mother Goddesses include Lieu Hanh (a nymph who descended to earth, lived as a human and became a Buddhist nun) referred to as the Mother of the World, and other spirits considered legendary heroes. The traditional practice involves daily worship and participation in ceremonies and rituals like the spirit possession ritual and festivals./.

Vietnam wins three gold medals at Hong Kong Athletics Championship

Vietnamese athletes bagged three gold and two bronze medals at the Hong Kong Athletics Championship which took place from May 4-5 at the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, Hong Kong (China).

Specifically, Nguyen Thi Oanh took one gold in the women's 3,000m steeplechase event in a time of 10 minutes and 15.84 seconds, a gap of nearly three minutes to the nearest rival Chan Wing Tung of the hosts, and another gold in the 5,000m event in a time of 16 minutes and 23.17 seconds.

Meanwhile, Bui Thi Loan won the third gold for Vietnam in the women's triple jump event with a 13.07 metres result.

Earlier, Loan claimed one bronze in the women's long jump with a 6.01 metres result, while Bui Thi Nguyen clocked 13.68 seconds to win a bronze medal in the women’s 100m hurdles.

The Vietnamese team took part in the championships with four athletes. Besides the three medal winners, the remaining athlete, Hoang Thanh Giang finished fourth in the long jump event with a 5.92 metres result./.

Da Nang unveils MICE tourism promotion policy

Da Nang has continued to apply incentive policies in a bid to attract MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourists, aiming to turn the coastal city into the leading destination for MICE tourism in Southeast Asia, according to the Da Nang municipal Department of Tourism.

The city is providing assistance in welcoming guests, presenting souvenirs, and giving consultancy for organising MICE events, as well as honouring travel firms that bring MICE guests to Da Nang.

In particular, the coastal city will provide support for surveying and arranging events for a group of 500 visitors or more.

Nguyen Thi Hoai An, deputy director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, emphasised that the central city has drawn up a plan aimed at expanding its MICE tourism policy by launching communication campaigns, increasing advertisements via LED screens, and arranging displacement motorbikes for groups of over 350 guests each.

She went on to reveal that the city also intends to organise a promotional programme in Hong Kong (China) and get involved in a MICE tourism networking event in Singapore.

Last year Da Nang’s MICE tourism programme attracted 163 groups of tourists with 45,344 domestic and international visitors.

Over the past four months the city welcomed 42 domestic and international MICE delegations with more than 12,600 visitors.

Painting contest about Vietnam attracts Hungarian students

A painting contest themed “Vietnam today in children’s eyes” for students at more than 50 schools across Hungary is being held in order to introduce Vietnam to young Hungarian people.

The event is taking place as part of a series of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Union in Hungary, the 70th anniversary of the resounding Dien Bien Phu Victory over French colonialism, and 49 years since South Liberation and National Reunification Day.

So far, the contest has received a total of 364 entries from Hungarian students, as well as foreign and overseas Vietnamese students who are living and studying in the European country.

The best works will be selected by the jury for a display at the awards ceremony to take place in Budapest on May 25.

Vietnam to protect human rights achievements at UNHCR

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet will lead a Vietnamese delegation to engage in a dialogue session on human rights of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on May 7.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will review the country’s National Report under the UNHRC’s fourth cycle of the UPR mechanism.

The delegation will comprise representatives of the Government Office, ministries in charge of foreign affairs, public security, justice, social affairs, information and communications, and investment, along with representatives of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and National Assembly Committee for Ethnic Minorities.

During the Geneva review, the Vietnamese delegation will comprehensively address assurances regarding human rights in the country since the previous UPR review, update policies and legislation related to human rights, and provide information on socio-economic development achievements and human rights promotion taking place in the country.

Furthermore, the delegation will provide updates on progress made in implementing recommendations which Vietnam has accepted in the third cycle, as well as its priorities and commitments moving forward.

Vietnam has many times asserted that it stands ready to participate in dialogues with other countries, even discussions on disagreements in the spirit of cooperation, equality, and construction, in order to increase mutual understanding and share valuable experiences when it comes to protecting and promoting human rights. 

At a recent press briefing held in Hanoi to announce the Vietnamese national report under the UNHCR’s fourth cycle of the UPR mechanism, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet unveiled that the country has fulfilled 209 out of a total of 241 recommendations accepted in the third cycle, partially met 30 others, and was working on two others.

The country has made great efforts in ensuring human rights, especially in perfecting the legal system on human rights and fulfilling obligations under international treaties on human rights of which the country is a member, he affirmed.

The report has been made seriously, transparently, and comprehensively, with contributions coming from central and local agencies and through rounds of consultation with partner countries, international organisations, socio-political organisations, professional organisations, non-governmental organisations, and research institutes, as well as many individuals both at home and abroad.

Currently Vietnam is serving as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023 - 2025 term for the second time. It is also preparing to run for re-election for the 2026 - 2028 term.

Four fishing vessels capsize, 11 people go missing in Quang Binh

A person has been reported dead and 11 others missing after four fishing vessels capsized in fishing grounds off Quang Binh province’s coast due to strong winds, according to the Quang Binh provincial Fisheries Agency.

Fishing vessel QB 92669-TS with 7 crewmembers on board sank on May 2. Only one person was rescued by another fishing vessel nearby, and the remaining six were missing, reported leaders of the agency.

One day later, fishing vessel QB 93712-TS also sank after it lost contact on May 1. All seven crewmembers on board the vessel were rescued by a fishing vessel, but the captain lost his life unfortunately.

On May 3, fishing vessel QB 98614 - TS lost contact with the mainland. There was no information about all five crewmembers on board the vessel.

Also on May 3, fishing vessel 98768 –TS sank, and all five crewmembers were rescued. The rescued fishermen were in stable health condition.

All the four fishing vessels capsized due to strong winds, according to initial reports.

Relevant forces are continuing search of the missing.

Fishing, tourism threaten Nha Trang coral recovery efforts

The rising number of people visiting and fishing in Hon Chong Beach has threatened the recovery of the beautiful coral reefs in Nha Trang City.

Local Thanh Thao said the coral reefs in Hon Chong had recovered very well during the Covid-19 pandemic when tourism was suspended. However, water sports activities in the area during the recent Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day holiday caused damage to the reefs.

"The falling tide between 4-6 pm also attracted many to the coral reefs and local people to catch snails and fish," Thao said. "This is the time when the coral reefs are most damaged."

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board has asked fishermen and visitors to protect the coral reefs in Hon Chong Beach. The area has also banned boat rowing and fishing.

Hon Chong Beach is among a few sea areas in Nha Trang, with a wide variety of coral reefs and marine life.

Some 62 varieties of coral are growing across 4.80 hectares with a coverage of 32.40 percent.

The Nha Trang Bay Management Board wants to install cameras and warning signs and patrol the area's coral reefs.

Airports serve nearly 1.8 million passengers during Reunification Day-May Day holidays

Airports nationwide served nearly 1.8 million passengers in the peak travelling period during the National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) holidays, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

Specifically, from April 26 to May 1, airports under the management of the ACV served 11,039 flights, including 4,118 international ones, up 17.19% year on year. The flights carried nearly 1.8 million passengers, including more than 667,000 foreigners, a rise of 31.6% over the same period last year.

Notably, in the reviewed period, the amount of goods transported through airports also increased both domestically and internationally, reaching 7,331 tonnes and 13,964 tonnes, up 18.81% and 7.61%, respectively.

Measures to strengthen security at the two major airports of Noi Bai in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City were applied, ensuring absolute safety and security for passengers, the ACV said, adding that information technology was optimised.

Meanwhile, the pilot electronic toll collection (ETC) system has operated smoothly at a number of airports, helping to deal with congestions, it said./.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes