ASEAN Youth Leadership & Cultural Forum 2025

Are you ready to represent Vietnam in a dynamic regional platform? The ASEAN Youth Leadership & Cultural Forum 2025 is calling on motivated students to strengthen community bonds and promote intercultural understanding across Southeast Asia. This prestigious initiative provides (1) __________ opportunities for young leaders with essential skills for diplomacy, cultural preservation, and sustainable development within the ASEAN Community. The forum will be hosted in Hanoi (2) __________ August 12th to August 15th, welcoming delegates from all ten ASEAN member states. Participants will collaborate (3) __________ peers through policy-simulation workshops, traditional arts showcases, and community-driven innovation challenges designed to foster unity and regional pride. Eligible students are encouraged (4) __________ in leadership dialogues, cultural immersion activities, and mentorship sessions led by regional experts. Take this opportunity to (5) __________ a youth network dedicated to solidarity, innovation, and cultural diversity. Apply today and become a voice for cooperation, resilience, and regional (6) __________. Together, we shape a brighter future for ASEAN.

Parent-Teen Communication Workshop 2025

All Grade 11 students and their parents are invited to the Parent-Teen Communication Workshop 2025 organised by the Student Support Centre. The workshop will be held on October 8, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the School Hall, aiming to improve mutual understanding, reduce conflicts, and strengthen family relationships. Participants will engage in role-play sessions, technology-use discussions, and collaborative activities. Each student and parent pair is expected (7) __________ an interactive questionnaire before the event to help facilitators customise the programme. Registration closes on September 25. Don’t miss this chance to (8) __________ meaningful dialogue and build stronger connections across generations. The workshop further aims to cultivate deeper parental (9) __________ of teen perspectives and the challenges of modern digital life.

Global warming has emerged as a critical global challenge, threatening natural ecosystems and human societies alike. It refers to the persistent rise in the planet’s average temperature, primarily driven by human-induced factors such as industrial emissions, large-scale deforestation, and dependence on fossil fuels. Consequently, enormous quantities of greenhouse gases (15)_______ into the atmosphere every year, intensifying the greenhouse effect and accelerating climate instability. Clear evidence of global warming can be observed worldwide. From rapidly shrinking polar ice sheets to unprecedented heatwaves and increasingly destructive storms, the impacts are becoming more severe and widespread. Many experts warn that vulnerable coastal communities may soon be forced to relocate, placing immense pressure on resources, infrastructure, and global migration systems. Therefore, it is essential (16)______ whether current climate mitigation strategies are sufficiently effective to slow down this alarming trend. Governments, environmental advocates, and international organizations are making concerted efforts to raise public consciousness about the urgency of climate action. Educational initiatives, scientific documentaries, and community-based sustainability programs have become vital tools. For instance, youth-led campaigns frequently engage in tree-planting drives and marine-cleanup activities, (17)______ more citizens to participate in environmental protection. Despite ongoing initiatives, scientists argue that the current pace of action is inadequate. Leading climate experts recommend that governments (18)_______. Moreover, promoting green education and equipping the younger generation with sustainable skills are necessary steps in long-term climate resilience. Environmental specialists also suggest that every individual should adopt greener habits such as reducing plastic use and conserving water. Only through collective commitment and persistent effort can humanity safeguard the planet and secure a habitable future for generations to come. In summary, the fight against climate change requires urgent attention, strategic planning, and active participation. If society delays meaningful action, (19)______.

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent. Scientists are still trying to understand (20) ________ it can adapt so rapidly to new environments and hosts. It contains genetic material, either DNA or RNA, (21) _______ by a protein shell called a capsid. Some viruses also possess an outer lipid envelope that helps them enter host cells more easily. Viruses are extremely diverse and can infect (22) ________ categories of living things, including animals, plants, fungi, and even bacteria. Once inside a host, a virus hijacks the cell’s machinery to produce new viral particles. These new viruses then burst out of the cell, often destroying it, and continue to spread. Although some viruses cause mild or no symptoms, others can (23) ________ to life-threatening illnesses such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and Ebola. Vaccination programs and antiviral treatments are crucial in controlling their spread. Their presence in the environment is far more (24) ________ than many people realize, influencing ecosystems and even human evolution. Epidemiologists study how infections spread among organisms, populations and communities to design effective prevention strategies. Health experts frequently (25) ________ people to maintain personal hygiene, strengthen immunity, and lead a balanced lifestyle to reduce the risk of infection.

When you are faced with social bullying, your first instinct may be to isolate yourself and withdraw from all social situations, online and face to face. This is a natural emotion as you are trying to protect yourself from harm. Emotionally, your (20) ________ and confidence might be taking a knock and you may be experiencing anxiety and depression which can have a serious (21) ________ your emotional and mental health and well-being. Another emotion you may feel is anger and this may develop into aggressive behaviour. The anger and frustration can feel destructive so getting help is important. All of these emotions are parts of a process, it is a journey that you go through to help you understand (22) ________ you feel and react to the situation. It is important to try and talk to an adult you trust, such as your parents, a teacher or a relative perhaps. Seeking (23) ________ can help you gain the strength you need (24) ________ the bullying stopped and protect your (25) ________ in the long term.

[I] As urban populations continue to grow rapidly across the globe, cities are under increasing pressure to address complex societal challenges. At the same time, governments face the need to reduce public spending while still maintaining efficient services and improving quality of life. [II]. These combined pressures have driven strong interest in the concept of smart cities. [III] According to the United Nations, the number of megacities—urban areas with more than 10 million residents—is projected to rise from 33 in 2018 to 43 by 2030. Although urbanization can stimulate economic growth through the concentration of people and industries, it also brings significant risks, including traffic congestion, pollution, and strain on public infrastructure. [IV]

Recent years have seen rising expectations for smarter and more sustainable urban management. The global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for cities to operate more efficiently and rely more heavily on digital innovation. Between 2020 and 2024, the smart-city industry—including sectors such as energy, healthcare, and public security—is forecast to expand at a remarkable annual rate of 23%, reaching an estimated value of approximately $2.1 trillion. This rapid growth highlights the increasing importance of technology in solving urban problems and shaping the future of cities.

Among the many emerging technologies, blockchain has drawn special attention for its potential role in supporting smart-city systems. Blockchain technology allows participants to share data securely and transparently without relying on a central authority, which is especially useful in large urban environments with multiple stakeholders such as government agencies, schools, hospitals, and transportation providers. For instance, Smart Dubai, a leading initiative aimed at creating one of the world’s smartest and most citizen-friendly cities, is developing blockchain solutions across numerous fields. One project focuses on simplifying school enrollment procedures for students moving between emirates, demonstrating how digital systems can reduce paperwork and streamline public services. However, for smart cities to be truly effective, they cannot operate as isolated digital islands. Instead, collaboration and information sharing between cities are essential to maximize efficiency and improve the quality of services for citizens. Recognizing this, several governments around the world have begun exploring frameworks for interoperability. In Japan, for example, the Cabinet Office released a reference architecture for smart cities in 2020, emphasizing the need for cross-city coordination as one of the core principles of future urban development.

In conclusion, smart cities represent a powerful response to the challenges created by rapid urbanization. By integrating technologies such as blockchain, cities can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver better public services. Yet the success of these initiatives depends not only on advanced technology but also on cooperation between cities to ensure connected and sustainable development. As more nations adopt smart-city strategies, collaboration, innovation, and long-term planning will be key to building smarter, greener, and more livable urban environments for future generations.

Smart Cities: Building a Better Tomorrow!

Smart Cities use advanced technology to create safer, cleaner, and more efficient places to live. By using the Internet of Things (IoT), cities can set (1) __________ smart systems that save energy, reduce waste, and protect the environment. What Is a Smart City? A smart city combines technology, community (2) __________, and good planning to improve everyday life. It (3) ________ on using resources carefully and making sure everyone enjoys a high quality of life. Why Are Smart Cities Important? With (4) __________ and increasing environmental challenges, smart cities offer practical, forward-thinking solutions to make cities cleaner and safer for everyone. How Does IoT Help? IoT connects sensors and devices to monitor air quality, water use, and traffic. This helps cities manage energy better, control water supply, and improve waste collection (5) _______ alerting workers when bins need (6) ________. Smart Cities are not just ideas—they are happening now! Join the movement for smarter, greener, and healthier cities.

School Announcement: Join the "Clean Up Our Community" Day!

Our school is excited to invite all students to (7)_______ "Clean Up Our Community" Day. What Students Should Bring:

Reusable gloves

Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes

Water bottle (refill stations will be available)

Enthusiasm (sự nhiệt tình) to make a (8)_______ change! We are proud (9)________our students the opportunity to take action in preserving our environment.

(15) ________ to reduce abdominal fat by helping your body burn calories, maintain muscle, and manage weight. Visceral fat, which gathers around the belly, can be dangerous to health. Research from 2021 shows (16) _______. Adding walking to your daily routine can improve both your body shape and overall well-being. The key benefit of walking is that it increases calorie burn, which is necessary for losing belly fat. (17) __________ . Studies indicate that walking burns about 107 calories per mile, although this number varies based on factors like body weight, pace, and gender. (18) _________ is essential for effective weight loss. In addition to calorie burning, walking preserves lean muscle mass, which plays an important role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Since muscle tissue burns more calories than fat, protecting muscle helps your body keep burning calories even at rest, reducing fat buildup. Experts recommend (19) _________ at a moderate intensity most days, such as brisk walking at up to 4.5 miles per hour. Incorporating simple habits like taking the stairs or parking farther away can also increase daily activity levels and support fat loss.

Recognizing the role of the youth in art, culture, and nation building, the ASEAN-COCI Sub-Committee on Culture had been implementing several projects (20) _______ their creative skills and provide them an opportunity to be exposed to, understand and (21) _________ other ASEAN cultures. These include ASEAN Painting Workshops and Exhibits, an ASEAN Youth Music Workshop, and ASEAN Creative Writing Workshops. In 1994, during the ASEAN Visual Art Education Symposium and Workshop (22) _______was held in Manila, Philippines, the ASEAN Art Educators proposed to integrate the best features of these projects into an art camp. The ASEAN Youth Cultural Friendship Program, later named ASEAN Youth Camp (AYC), has successfully (23) ________ the awareness of the young participants about the history, arts, and culture of the region and (24) _________ to the development of future ASEAN artists and culture leaders. The first cycle of the ASEAN Youth Camp ran from 1998 to 2013 and gathered (25) ________ from the 10 AMS. Other representatives from China, South Korea, and Japan were also invited to take part in some of the camps.

Global warming refers to the increase in the planet’s overall average temperature in recent decades. Natural processes have always affected Earth’s temperature and climate, but more recently, the planet’s temperature and climate have changed at a higher pace than nature alone can explain. These rapid changes are due to human activities and the widespread use of fossil fuels for energy.

Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels causes what is known as the “greenhouse effect” in Earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse effect happens when the sun’s rays penetrate the atmosphere, and the Earth’s surface reflects that heat. Some of the gases in the atmosphere then trap heat over Earth. Gases emitted by the burning of fossil fuels are very good at trapping heat and preventing it from leaving the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor. The excess heat in the atmosphere has caused the planet’s average global temperature to rise over time, otherwise known as global warming.

The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the mid-18th century, led to the rise in greenhouse gas emissions from Europe and the United States. The invention of the coal-fired steam engine introduced coal as a major source of energy. Soon it was heating homes and fueling machines in factories.

Since that time, the burning of fossil fuels has steadily increased. Today, many countries around the world use fossil fuels to generate energy for electricity, heat, and transportation. Emissions of greenhouse gases have skyrocketed in the last 100 years, and especially since the 1980s. This has accelerated the rise in Earth’s temperature.

[I] Global warming has presented humans with another issue: climate change. [II] Global warming refers to Earth’s rising average temperature, while climate change refers to changes in weather patterns and growing seasons around the world. [III] Global warming causes climate change, which poses a serious threat to life on Earth. [IV]

Humans are feeling the impact of global warming around the world as climate change brings intense droughts, wildfires, and extreme storms with heavier rainfall. Higher temperatures are altering (sửa đổi) ecosystems, forcing animals to migrate to cooler places to survive. Scientists predict that, if nothing is done to lower global temperatures, many species will go extinct.