Tuoi Tre News: A journey of growth, trust, and new beginnings

Editor's note: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam, Tuoi Tre News, the English-language edition of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, today officially launches a newly revamped website, marking a significant step forward in digital journalism. In this piece, Ray Kuschert recalls his emtional journey with the newspaper, from a new reader to a regular contributor for almost a decade.

It was a random social media message that introduced me to the amazing world of Tuoi Tre News, and here I am, more than nine years later, looking towards the future with more excitement and energy than ever. With the release of the new look, there is so much more in store for readers.

I remember it well. Social media led me to discover a few trusted and accurate news sources in Vietnam. As a new resident of Ho Chi Minh City, I needed something reliable to better understand my new home. That's how I became a follower and reader of this online English newspaper.

Little did I know that the following year, a random comment about a story would lead to a friendship, two books, three competition wins, and countless stories of my own experiences and views of Vietnam.

"I liked your comment about the story. Would you be interested in making some comments to include in our follow-up article?" the message read. I was thrilled to be able to be a part of the Ho Chi Minh City community in a very special way, so I agreed.

From that one article, over eight years of writing blossomed. But more than just bringing my Ho Chi Minh City and my Vietnam to the world, it has fostered friendships, deepened my connection to the local culture, and connected me with parts of the community I never dreamed possible.

April 2025 is a special moment in history for so many, and for me. We will celebrate 50 years since the end of the war, a period of history now firmly locked in the past. It truly is a moment to close one door and enter a new one to the future. Tuoi Tre News and Vietnam stand together to make this a special moment for everyone.

More than just writing, my experience of living adventures across Vietnam has been documented in stories that have been shared to readers all over the world.

My stories have shared rarely seen experiences of expat life and this will continue. From travels to far-reaching destinations across Vietnam like Yen Bai and Halong Bay in the north to My Tho and Tay Ninh closer to Ho Chi Minh City, I have been fortunate to chronicle my many adventures across the country.

With some changes in my career, I’m planning to contribute more to Tuoi Tre News’ Expat Life column (formerly City Diary) by embarking on a bicycle journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, I hope to keep discovering those unique, meaningful moments -- and bring readers along for the ride through Expat Life.

I think one of the most popular stories came in 2022 when I attended a friend's wedding. As I sat in the wedding hall in Ho Chi Minh City, I had an idea to share my experience, good and bad. The comments showed that expat experiences in Vietnam are unique and people learn just a little with every story.

It has also been an opportunity for me to experience the bizarre. Various food stories have filled the website over the years, but I suppose the weirdest of those was a story on pha lau. If you have never eaten it, just think of all the parts of the animal that you would never eat. Serve with noodles or bread and you have your dish. It was a lot more delicious than it sounds.

But from deep in my heart, the best thing about my time with this great team has been the opportunity to turn my English experience into Vietnamese language stories for the Vietnamese version of tuoitre.vn. Sharing my life with local communities has been an honor and a truly life-changing experience -- one I hope to continue for many years to come.

I love Vietnam and for over a decade my life has been full of 'WOW' moments. And to have Tuoi Tre News and Tuoi Tre in both English and Vietnamese there to offer me a window to share these moments makes me proud and I am honored to be a contributor to the newspaper.

A new era of Tuoi Tre News

And now, Tuoi Tre News is getting better. That friend, that trusted news source, that daily read, is growing and has embraced changes in technology and the community to create a new experience for readers.

The new platform will offer so much more than just a few stories. It will provide a portal into the culture, life, and future of Vietnam, as well as the best news for expats who choose to call this country their home.

I am proud to say I have been part of the growth of Tuoi Tre News for almost a decade, but I am even prouder to join my friends on day one of the new online experience that brings a new vision, new information, and a new format to English speakers all over the world.

A new beginning. It is just the right time. After 50 years, Vietnam is no longer defined by its past. It is defined by its people, its strength, its culture, and that is what Tuoi Tre News brings to readers.

Culture, people, strength! That is my Tuoi Tre News. It helps expats and global citizens connect more closely with the people, gain deeper insights into the culture, and stay informed with reliable, trusted news for the whole community.

While I eagerly say, "Get ready for an exciting future," I also want to thank you, the reader, for your support and for being a part of the history of this newspaper. Your loyal following sets the platform and motivation for this exciting future.

And here we are -- the first day of the future. Enjoy the new experience and the new platform. Continue to trust in the accuracy of Vietnam's top news source and stay ahead of the news, not just follow it.

Together -- that will be our Tuoi Tre News.