VDIC NEWSLETTER
May 2006

Vietnam Development Information Center

 

Ground floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

Tel: (84-4) 934 6845

Fax: (84-4) 934 6847

Email: info@vdic.org.vn

Web site: www.vdic.org.vn

 

Opening hours:

Monday through Friday

8am – 12am

1pm – 6pm

CONTENTS

·        News

·        Library

·        Selected new publications for sale at VDIC (starting May 2006)

·        Distance Learning Center events in May 2006

 

News

 

Request for Proposals: Rating and information services to support sustainable and responsible investment in emerging markets, International Finance Corporation (IFC) competition

 

The International Finance Corporation has launched a competition to provide investors in emerging market equities with better research on companies’ social and environmental performance.

 

IFC’s Capturing Value programme invites research houses, rating firms, index providers, and similar organisations to compete for grants of up to $500,000. The grants will support development of new information services geared to sustainable and responsible investment in developing country firms. By making better information available, the goal is to facilitate an increase in high-quality, long-term investment in emerging markets from pension funds and other investors worldwide.

 

Enquiries should be directed to capturingvalue@ifc.org.

 

The deadline for receipt of proposals: 30 June 2006

 

http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/SFMF_RFP_EmergingMarketEquities

 

EU-Vietnam Small Projects Facility in Economic Co-operation (SPF)

 

The overall objective of the EU-Vietnam Small Projects Facility in Economic Co-operation (SPF) is to support the on-going reform process of Vietnam’s economy and systems of governance, as well as to facilitate Vietnam’s integration into the international economy. This is to be achieved inter alia through an enhanced involvement of civil society partners and of the private sector. More specifically, the SPF aims to improve the mutual understanding and joint visibility of partners by promoting civil society dialogue and facilitating interactions in the priority areas of intervention mentioned below.

 

As a means to achieving these objectives, the SPF will provide financial support to a limited number of projects under the following components and priority areas:

 

- Dialogue: Strengthening of civil society and public interest organisations as a contribution to grass-root democracy, better governance, and the respect of the rule of law

 

- Institutional: Governance, administrative reform, decentralisation

 

- Sector Issues: Integration into the regional and world economy

 

The deadline for submitting project proposals is 06 June 2006 (local time Hanoi).

 

http://www.delvnm.cec.eu.int/spf.htm

 

Announcement of Endeavour Programme 2007

Australian Education International (AEI) is an Australian Government Representation, which works with Australian education and training providers and various host governments and organisations to promote Australian education, science and training internationally. AEI Vietnam is pleased to announce the prestigious Endeavour programme 2007, which is funded by the Australian Government.

The Endeavour programme is an Australian government initiative, bringing together under the one umbrella all the Department of Education, Science and Training’s (DEST’s) international scholarships, so that high achieving students and scholars from around the world can undertake study or research in Australia. The Endeavour programme 2007 for Vietnamese citizens includes:

1. The Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards are for Asian postgraduate students or postdoctoral fellows wanting to undertake short-term (four to six months) research at an Australian higher education institution. Each award is valued at up to a AUD25,000.00. Closing date for applications is 30 May 2006.

2. The Endeavour Asia Awards are for postgraduate students to undertake a higher degree programme (Masters or PhD) in Australia or to carry out research in Australia towards a higher degree in their home country. Each award is valued at up to a AUD50,000.00. Closing date for applications is 25 July 2006.

Overview of the scholarship programs including online application lodgement process, and application form can be downloaded from the websites of Australian Department of Education, Science and Training
www.endeavour.dest.gov.au; Australian Embassy in Vietnam www.vietnam.embassy.gov.au and Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training www.edu.net.vn 

For more information about the program, please contact:

Ms. Le Thi Thu Hien,
Deputy Director (Government Relations and Projects)
Australian Education International - Vietnam (AEI Vietnam)
Australian Embassy
8 Dao Tan, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 831 7755, ext. 430; Fax: (84-4) 831 7709
Email:
hien.le@aei.gov.au

 

SEARCA Invites Applications for Graduate Scholarship in Agriculture

 

SEARCA is inviting applications from qualified Southeast Asian nationals for graduate scholarship (MS and PhD) in agriculture, social sciences, and related fields focusing on the promotion of agricultural competitiveness and natural resource management for school year 2007-2008.

 

Applicants, must not be older than 35 years old, may submit their applications directly to SEARCA or to their countries’ respective Ministry of Education with copy to SEARCA not later than 30 July 2006.

 

http://web.searca.org/page.asp?id=1&subcat=5&pageid=4

 

Spring 2006 session of UNPAN Free Online Training courses - "E-government - What a government leader should know"

 

The Spring 2006 session of UNPAN Online Training courses on "E-government -What a government leader should know" is now open to registration. This course is designed for individuals who have been, are, and/or will be involved in e-government initiatives at the country level.

 

Course contents:

 

  • Part 1. Introductory: background knowledge on ICT development and e-government-related basic concepts
  • Part 2. Tactical: describing the fundamental infrastructure that is required for the success of e-government development
  • Part 3. Strategic: discussing high-level concerns on e-government sustainable development.

 

Notes/Comments: Easy Internet access is critical for this online training; active participation in the "live" discussion and experiences sharing are encouraged. A certificate will be issued upon completion of each part of the course for successful students.

 

Registration: Registration for the courses will continue until 1 June 2006 and subscribers have to complete the courses by 1 July 2006. Please follow the link provided for registration.

 

http://unpan3.un.org/tlm40/Login.aspx

 

A Library in your Letterbox: The GDN/BLDS Document Delivery Service

 

Accessing the latest development knowledge is a key challenge for many researchers in developing and transition countries. Recognising these challenges, the Global Development Network and the British Library of Development Studies (BLDS) have teamed up to bring you theGDN/BLDS Document Delivery service to meet the information needs of research institutes in the South.   

 

The GDN/BLDS Document Delivery Service allows you to search the huge BLDS online catalogue of development related resources from your desktop, then request copies of articles you and your research colleagues need at the click of a button.  

 

A 'real-life' BLDS librarian will receive your request, then photocopy or scan the article or book chapter you need and will send it to you via post or email.  

 

The costs of delivering the documents are covered by GDN so you there are no costs to you.

 

This service is provided only to research institutes in developing and transition countries and can be accessed by GDNet Organization Contacts.

 

http://www.gdnet.org/middle.php?oid=26

 

GDN/BLDS Document Delivery Service is now available at VDIC. If you want to request materials using this service please contact VDIC librarian at nvu2@worldbank.org, tel 934 6600, ext. 709.

 

Toolkit: Proposal Writing and Fundraising

 

This toolkit provides tips and practical suggestions for applying for funding and proposal writing. It is based on interviews with experienced research fundraisers. Obtaining funding for your research is a difficult achievement, so we hope this guide will help give your proposal the best possible chance of success.

 

http://www.gdnet.org/middle.php?oid=363

 

Free Internet class: Searching for Development Information on the World Bank’s Web Site

 

In May 24, from 10am to 11:30am, the VDIC offers a free class on how to search the World Bank’s web site to find information on development issues. The small, interactive class lasts for approximately one hour. Everyone is welcome - please visit the VDIC to sign up at the front desk, or send an email to nvu2@worldbank.org with your name, organisation, and telephone number.

 

The class size is limited to 15 people, allowing ample time for interaction and hands-on practice of the skills learnt. So please register soon.

 

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Library

 

Exhibition on “World No Tobacco Day” 31 May – Tobacco: Deadly in any form or disguise

 

Tobacco addiction is a global epidemic that is increasingly ravaging countries and regions that can least afford its toll of disability, disease, lost productivity and death. It is crucial to empower people and organizations with knowledge about the different tobacco products and their many forms and disguise in order to implement more effectively control tobacco and improve global health.

 

World No Tobacco Day 2006 exhibition helps raise awareness about the deadly dangers of all FORMS and DISGUISE of tobacco: cigarettes, pipes, bidies, kreteks, clove cigarettes, snus, snuff, smokeless, cigars…; mild, light, low tar, full flavour, fruit flavoured, chocolate flavoured, natural, additive-free, organic cigarettes, PREPS (Potentially Reduced-Exposure Products), harm-reduced… All of these products and practices are deadly and addictive and thus the absence of truthful information deprives even well intended people the ability to make healthy choices. The truth about tobacco can empower people to improve their own health, as well as the health of their families, friends, and others in their community.

 

Selected materials relating to this topic were also exhibited for more information.

 

Selected resources on Tobacco from VDIC library

 

338.17371 TOB. Tobacco Control Policy : Strategies Successes Setbacks. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2003. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000094946_03052404023181

 

362.296 GYT. The 2003 GYTS in Vietnam: a preliminary report on youth tobacco use. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2003. Fulltext http://www.wpro.who.int/NR/rdonlyres/D24A22BD-13C0-4D5B-ADA0-B26F5CA1EDFA/0/VietNam.pdf

 

362.296 WOM. Samet, Jonathan M. Women and the tobacco epidemic : challanges for the 21st century. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2001. Full text http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2001/WHO_NMH_TFI_01.1.pdf

 

363.4 WB. Curbing the epidemic - governments and the economics of tobacco control. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank, 1999-05-31. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000011823_20050810090258

 

363.4 WB. Ngan chan mot nan dich : chinh phu va khia canh kinh te cua kiem soat thuoc la = Curbing the epidemic : government and the economics of tobacco control. Washington, D.C.: Ngan Hang The Gioi, 1999

 

De Beyer, Joy. Privatization in the tobacco industry : issues and good practice guidelines to ensure economic benefits and safeguard public health. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2005-06-01. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000160016_20050711141012

 

de Beyer, Joy. Tobacco Control Policy: strategies successes and setbacks. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank, 2003-05-31. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000094946_03052404023181

 

de Walque, Damien. Education, information, and smoking decisions : evidence from smoking histories, 1940-2000. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2004-07-01. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000112742_20040721180236

 

Djutaharta, Triasih. The impact of passive smoking at home on respiratory diseases: results from the Indonesia 2001 national survey data. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2005-06-01. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000090341_20050822151208

 

Guindon, G. Emmanuel. Past, current and future trends in tobacco use. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2003-03-01. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000265513_20040607175222

 

Kyaing, Nyo Nyo. Study on poverty alleviation and tobacco control in Myanmar. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2005-09-01. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000160016_20051021165929

 

Sarntisart, Isra. An economic analysis of tobacco control in Thailand. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 2003-10-01. Full text http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDS_IBank_Servlet?pcont=details&eid=000265513_20040601172459

 

Upcoming display for June 2006 “World Environment Day” 5th June – call for materials for display

 

VDIC is preparing for the June display on “World Environment Day”. If you have any resources on this topic (books, posters, URLs, seminars/workshop information etc.) or any ideas relating to this topic, please share with us.

Vietnam Development Information Center

Ground floor, 63 Ly Thai To, Hanoi

Tel: (84-4) 934 6845 | Fax: (84-4) 934 6847

Email: info@vdic.org.vn

 

We are grateful for your cooperation and support.

 

Highlights from the new additions to VDIC library in April 2006

 

320.6 PUB. Public policy research and training in Vietnam = Nghien cuu va dao tao chinh sach cong tai Viet Nam. Hanoi: ABDI, 2005

Full text http://www.adbi.org/files/2005.12.book.policy.research.vietnam.pdf

 

REF 330.95 ECO. Economic and social survey of Asia and the Pacific 2006: energizing the global economy. New York: United Nations, 2006

Full text http://www.unescap.org/pdd/publications/survey2006/index.asp

 

REF 330.9597 SOC. Statistical Publishing House. Socio-economic statistical data of 671 districts, towns and cities under the authority of provinces in Vietnam = Tu lieu kinh te - xa hoi 671 huyen, quan, thi xa thanh pho thuoc tinh Viet Nam. Hanoi, Vietnam: Statistical Publishing House, 2006

 

330.9597 VIE. Central Institute for Economic Management. Kinh te Viet Nam 2005 [Vietnam's economy in 2005]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban ly luan chinh tri, 2005

 

332.673 THU. Thuc day doanh nghiep Viet Nam dau tu truc tiep ra nuoc ngoai [Encouraging Vietnam enterprise to invest abroad]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban tai chinh, 2006

 

338.4791 KET. Tong cuc thong ke. Ket qua dieu tra chi tieu cua khach du lich nam 2005 [Result of tourism expenditure survey in 2005]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban thong ke, 2005

 

338.61 TRI. Trinh, Thi Hoa Mai. Kinh te tu nhan Viet Nam trong tien trinh hoi nhap [Private sector in Vietnam in the integration process]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban the gioi, 2005

 

REF 338.7 KET. Tong cuc thong ke. Ket qua dieu tra cac co so san xuat kinh doanh ca the phi nong nghiep 2003-2004 [Result of survey on non-agricultural individual manufacturing and business enterprises 2003-2004]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Tong cuc thong ke, 2006

 

382.92 TRA. Tran, Van Chu. Doanh nghiep Viet Nam voi thi truong Hoa Ky [Vietnam enterprises with United States market]. Hanoi, Vietnam: Nha xuat ban The gioi, 2006

 

384 GLO. World Bank. Information and communications for development: global trends and policies. Washington D.C: World Bank, 2006

 

614.422724 DIS. Jamison, Dean T. Disease control priorities in developing countries. Washington, DC: The World Bank, 2006.

 

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Selected new publications for sale at VDIC (starting May 2006)

 

Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries (2nd Edition)

 

Edited by Dean T. Jamison, Joel G. Breman, Anthony R. Measham, and others -- [English] -- 1452 pages --

Published April 2006 by Oxford University Press, World Bank -- ISBN: 0-8213-6179-1

VDIC Price:  $33

 

Based on careful analysis of burden of disease and the costs of interventions, this second edition of Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd edition highlights achievable priorities; measures progress toward providing efficient, equitable care; promotes cost-effective interventions to targeted populations; and encourages integrated efforts to optimize health.

 

Nearly 500 experts - scientists, epidemiologists, health economists, academicians, and public health practitioners - from around the world contributed to the data sources and methodologies, and identified challenges and priorities, resulting in this integrated, comprehensive reference volume on the state of health in developing countries.

 

Priorities in Health

 

Edited by Dean T. Jamison, Joel G. Breman, Anthony R. Measham, and others -- [English] --  212 pages -- Published April 2006 -- ISBN 0-8213-6260-7

VDIC Price: $4

 

This companion guide to Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd edition speeds the diffusion of life-saving knowledge by distilling the contents of the larger volume into an easily read format.

 

Policy makers, practitioners, academics, and other interested readers will get an overview of the messages and analysis in Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2nd edition; be alerted to the scope of major diseases; learn strategies to improve policies and choices to implement cost-effective interventions; and locate chapters of immediate interest.

 

Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors

 

Edited by Alan D. Lopez, Colin D. Mathers, Majid Ezzati, and others -- [English] -- 552 pages -- Published April 2006 -- ISBN:  0-8213-6262-3

VDIC Price:  $18

 

This volume is a single up-to-date source on the entire global epidemiology of diseases, injuries and risk factors with a comprehensive statement of methods and a complete presentation of results. It includes refined methods to assess data, ensure epidemiological consistency, and summarize the disease burden. Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors examines the comparative importance of diseases, injuries, and risk factors; it incorporates a range of new data sources to develop consistent estimates of incidence, prevalence, severity and duration, and mortality for 136 major diseases and injuries.

 

Drawing from more than 8,500 data sources that include epidemiological studies, disease registers, and notifications systems, Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors incorporates information from more than 10,000 datasets relating to population health and mortality, representing one of the largest syntheses of global information on population health to date.

 

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Distance Learning Center events in May 2006

 

To have a schedule of events at the Distance Learning Center in 2006, please visit:  http://duyviet.net/vdic/index.php?op=learning&id=0&language=english

 

May 15 - 16: Vietnam: Trade Policy and WTO Accession: A Training of Trainers Course

This is part of a 7-day training-of- trainers course on trade policy and WTO accession in Hanoi. The sessions on May 15 & 16 focus on other trade arrangements and recent development in WTO, the implications of WTO accession for Vietnam and experience from other countries.

 

May 16: The Second Learning Programme on Understanding Poverty from A Holistic View  - Session 2: Generating and Interpreting Data and Information on Poverty 

ASEAN member countries will, via this session, share experiences and learn from each other on what methodologies work and what don’t in generating accurate data and information on poverty and in interpreting the available data and what are the lessons learnt they obtained from the process.

 

May 16 - 19: China in-country GDLN course on Services Trade as a New Engine of Growth

This 4-day distance learning course on trade and growth aims to raise awareness on the importance of openness in developing the service sector, thereby promote a more balanced pattern of growth in China. The course targets regional growth centers/provincial capitals of China and will be delivered in Chinese language.

 

June 15 - August 15: Pre-MBA blended learning course - Call for registrations

This course is a blend of self study via the Internet and 4 session lectures via video conference, the duration of which is 2 months. Learners will develop essential management skills in four key business areas i.e. (i) accounting, (ii) finance, (iii) marketing and (iv) strategy. Those who meet the course requirements will be given a certificate jointly by KDI, VDIC and the Global Development Learning Network in East Asia and the Pacific. The cost is VND 2,000,000. Further information and registration form can be obtained at: http://duyviet.net/vdic/index.php?op=addition&id=286&language=english

 

 

For further information and updates on distance learning activities in May, please contact the Development Learning Assistant at nnguyen2@worldbank.org, tel.: 934 6600, ext. 706.

 

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Thank you for reading this edition of the VDIC Newsletter.

As always, we're here to serve your development and distance learning needs. Please visit us!

 

If you would like to contribute, change your subscription details or no longer wish to receive this newsletter,

please send an email to info@vdic.org.vn.

Vietnam Development Information Center
Ground Floor, 63 Ly Thai To Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: (84-4) 934-6845 | Fax: (84-4) 934-6847
Web site: http://www.vdic.org.vn/
Email: info@vdic.org.vn

We appreciate any comments or suggestions.