This article examines the role of social networks and informal institutions in facilitating the resettlement and socio-economic integration of Vietnamese returnees from Cambodia in the Tri An Lake region, Dong Nai Province. In the context of statelessness and the absence of legal identification, these returnees faced significant barriers in accessing official support from local authorities. Under such circumstances, kinship-based networks, fellow migrant connections, and local community ties—together with informal support mechanisms —played a pivotal role in providing essential resources such as shelter, livelihood opportunities, informal credit, and emotional support. Drawing on oral history interviews with Vietnamese returnees who have resettled around Tri An Lake since the late 1980s, the study reveals that these social connections and informal institutions helped individuals navigate initial crises and contributed significantly to their long-term stability and integration.

In the context of the robust economic and social development in Ho Chi Minh city’s suburban areas numerous job opportunities have emerged for the youth. However, choosing a suitable career to develop oneself and ensure a stable future is crucial for them. Therefore, young people need to consider multiple factors when making career decisions. Having based on qualitative and quantitative data collected from community surveys conducted between 2022 and 2023, the study aims to analyze the current situation and factors influencing career choices among youth in the suburban areas of Ho Chi Minh City. The results indicate that career choices among young people in the suburban areas of Ho Chi Minh City are highly diverse due to the influence of various factors. Notably, urban development reducing agricultural land, along with industrialization, modernization, and communication, are key factors impacting the selection and pursuit of careers in these suburban areas.