Before the partnership was announced, EBOOST had already established one of Vietnam's leading EV charging networks, operating more than 2,500 charging points and serving over 10,000 EV users nationwide.

The initial collaboration focused on enabling Grab's driver-partners to conveniently access EBOOST's charging network, helping reduce operating costs while accelerating the transition to electric mobility.

With Grab's backing, EBOOST will further strengthen its financial capacity to accelerate the expansion of its charging network across Vietnam and will continue to play a driving force in developing Vietnam's public charging infrastructure and supporting the country's transition to sustainable transportation.

One of the key drivers behind this strategic investment is the tangible value created by integrating EBOOST's charging platform with Grab's ecosystem. Since April, EBOOST's charging network has been directly integrated into the EV Charging feature within the Grab Driver app, enabling Grab-Car driver-partners to locate nearby stations, initiate charging sessions, and complete payments seamlessly. To date, hundreds of charging points have been successfully integrated into the system.

The partnership has already shown strong early results. More than 70 per cent of driver-partners continue using the service within the first seven days, reflecting high user engagement and recurring demand.

For EBOOST, the integration strengthens charger utilisation and recurring revenue while providing a scalable foundation for further expansion of Vietnam's EV charging infrastructure.

In the next phase, Grab and EBOOST will extend the same seamless charging experience to electric motorbike driver-partners, integrating thousands of additional charging points.

Grab's investment validates EBOOST's ability to deliver a flexible, secure, and scalable EV charging ecosystem. EBOOST's infrastructure, powered by a proprietary software platform, is designed to support both electric cars and motorbikes, enabling seamless expansion across vehicle types and use cases.

The partnership creates strategic value for both companies. For Grab, it supports the company's ambition to accelerate electric mobility adoption by providing driver-partners with convenient, cost-competitive charging access. For EBOOST, the partnership provides access to a large and growing user base, strengthens charger utilisation, and reinforces its position as a leading EV charging platform provider.

With a flexible business model, EBOOST operates charging networks across a wide range of locations – from office buildings and residential developments to public destinations and parking facilities – playing a key role in accelerating the electrification and digitalisation of transport in Vietnam.

Vietnam: a strategic investment destination for global and Chinese groups Vietnam’s prime location, young workforce, and free trade agreements are drawing Chinese investors looking to diversify amid global trade tensions.

Adani Group eyes $10 billion strategic investment in Vietnam Adani Group, one of India's leading corporations, has committed to investing $10 billion in Vietnam, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and emerging technologies.

Primary Wave makes strategic investment in Vietnam's POPS Music US-based independent music publisher Primary Wave has made a strategic investment in Vietnam's POPS Music, a leading digital entertainment company that has built one of Southeast Asia's most influential music platforms over the past two decades.

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According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's AI and Skills: What We Know So Far report, released in June, AI is changing the skills required across the labour market.

While most workers are unlikely to become AI specialists, the report says they will increasingly need digital literacy, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work alongside AI. The OECD reinforced that message in its Skills in the AI Age report, published on July 8, arguing that education systems should move beyond knowledge transfer to foster lifelong learning, adaptability and innovative thinking to meet the needs of the AI economy.

The shift is also reflected in the Vietnam STEM, AI and Robotics Championship (VSAR) 2025–2026, whose national finals brought together 2,930 students from 29 cities and provinces at the National Innovation Centre in Hanoi. Beyond technical performance, the competition encourages students to combine STEM, AI and robotics knowledge with teamwork and practical problem-solving.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Phat, head of the Faculty of Electronics at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering under Hanoi University of Science and Technology and chairman of the VSAR 2025–2026 Professional Council, many student projects demonstrated the practical application of STEM, AI and robotics. However, he cautioned that while AI has become an increasingly common learning tool, students still need stronger analytical thinking and solid foundations in mathematics and physics.

"Creative thinking, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills are the core competencies students need to develop in the AI era. These are also the capabilities that technology can hardly replace," Phat said, adding that STEM activities and AI applications should be integrated more closely into classroom teaching, practical sessions and real-world projects to help students develop technological thinking from an early age and build sustainable innovation capacity.

At the Robotics Summer Camp students can work in teams to develop an entire project - from generating ideas and building robots to managing communications, fundraising and presenting their work. Photo: Hoang Dan

According to Cao Quoc Khanh, co-founder of Cyber Champs, the same philosophy underpins the organisation's STEM programmes.

"Our goal is not simply to teach students how to programme or build robots. We hope that, after completing the programme, every participant will have the confidence to establish a robotics club or team at their own school. That is why we include communications, fundraising, project planning and team operations alongside technical training. Understanding how an entire robotics team functions is just as important as learning how to build a robot," Khanh said.

Khanh believes AI is making technical skills more accessible, while increasing the value of capabilities that remain uniquely human. "AI will increasingly take over repetitive tasks. But creativity, independent thinking and emotional intelligence remain difficult to replace. Those are the capabilities students should develop if they want to succeed in an AI-driven future," he said.

That view is shared by Pham Lam Anh, a 17-year-old student currently studying in Singapore and a programming mentor at Robotics Summer Camp 2026.

According to her, AI can help students write code or identify programming errors, but it cannot replace practical experience or strategic thinking.

"AI can be an effective programming assistant, but the most challenging aspect of robotics is not writing code. It is developing strategies, testing ideas and learning from real-world experience. Those are skills that still depend heavily on human interaction, which is why mentors continue to play an important role," she said.

She added that hands-on learning also helps students engage with STEM more effectively than classroom instruction alone. "Robotics involves many technical concepts, and relying solely on theory can make the subject difficult to approach. Practical learning enables students to understand concepts more quickly while also developing a genuine interest in STEM," she added.

The same project-based approach is increasingly being adopted by community STEM programmes across Vietnam.

Beyond policy initiatives, technology competitions are giving students greater opportunities to apply STEM knowledge in practice. Photo: Hoang Dan

Le Minh Quy, another mentor at Robotics Summer Camp 2026, said what impressed him most was not only how quickly students absorbed new knowledge, but also their curiosity and willingness to support one another.

"What surprised me most was how quickly the students learned. They were constantly asking questions, eager to understand more, and always willing to explore new ideas. Those qualities are what help young learners grow, especially at this age," he said.

Quy also highlighted the learning environment as one of the programme's strengths. Besides the mentors, he credited the supervisors for providing continuous support to every team throughout the camp.

Rather than completing isolated technical tasks, students work in teams to develop an entire project - from generating ideas and building robots to managing communications, fundraising and presenting their work. The process exposes participants to technology while helping them strengthen collaboration, time management and problem-solving skills in settings that resemble real working environments.

Parents are also placing growing importance on practical STEM experiences. For Nguyen Phuong Lan, whose child participated in a robotics summer programme, expanding access to hands-on STEM education is just as important as teaching technical knowledge.

"Opportunities to experience practical STEM education in public schools remain limited, with most activities taking place through extracurricular clubs. Families often have to look outside school if they want more structured programmes. I hope children can explore different career pathways from an early age so they have a better understanding of where their interests and strengths lie," Lan said.

Lan said that in the AI era, parents are increasingly concerned about their children's ability to continue learning rather than simply acquiring knowledge.

"The most important skill is the ability to learn independently and adapt. AI will continue to transform the way we live and work, so children need to know how to use AI effectively while continuing to think creatively and develop ideas of their own. More importantly, they need the initiative to set goals, explore, and keep learning throughout their lives," she added.

Co-organised by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Embassy of Canada to Vietnam, the forum brought together senior representatives from Canada, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, and the EU to discuss practical pathways for greater regulatory cooperation, digital trade interoperability, supply chain resilience, and investment facilitation.

Held at a time of increasing geopolitical fragmentation and evolving trade dynamics, the forum explored how middle-power economies can work together to safeguard an open, inclusive, and a rules-based international trading system.

Mary-Catherine Speirs, Director General, Trade Negotiations Bureau, Global Affairs Canada addressed a speech at the forum

The programme featured keynote addresses from Mary-Catherine Speirs, Director General, Trade Negotiations Bureau, Global Affairs Canada, and Ngo Chung Khanh, Vietnam’s deputy director general, Multilateral Trade Policy Development under MoIT, alongside three panel discussions examining the strategic case for CPTPP–EU alignment, economic security, and translating trade agreements into commercial outcomes.

According to Jim Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, at a time of growing uncertainty in the global economy, Canada and Vietnam share a strong interest in building more resilient, diversified, and sustainable trade relationships.

“This forum brings together leaders from government, business, and academia to explore practical solutions that strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities across CPTPP and European Union economies. Canada's growing trade partnership with Vietnam demonstrates the value of open, rules-based trade and strong international collaboration in building a more resilient and prosperous future,” Ambassador Nickel said.

The ambassador added that since the CPTTP entered into force between Canada and Vietnam in 2019, the bilateral trade relationship has expanded significantly.

“But the greatest opportunity many still lie ahead. The next phase of CPTTP is about more than tariff reductions. It is about expansion, strengthening supply chains, supporting digital trade, facilitating investment, and helping businesses diversify into trusted market across the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“We are also looking beyond the CPTTP itself. One of the most important developments in global trade polity today is the growing dialogue between CPTTP economies and the European Union. As economies seek to reduce fragmentation and improve on the operability between different trade frameworks, there is increasing interest in regulatory cooperation, digital governance, sustainable trade and investment facilitation,” he added.

The discussions highlighted Vietnam's unique position as one of the few economies that is party to both the CPTPP and the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), placing it at the intersection of two of the world's most ambitious trade architectures.

Participants also explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in priority areas identified through the inaugural CPTPP–EU Trade and Investment Dialogue, including digital trade, sustainable trade, investment, and resilient supply chains.

Barrett Bingley, Asia regional director of Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada said that the trade and investment flows of tomorrow will not be defined by the largest economies alone.

“It will be shaped by countries willing to work together to strengthen trust, build resilient supply chains, and uphold a rules-based trading system. By fostering dialogue across governments, business, and academia, today's forum demonstrates the growing leadership of Canada and Vietnam in advancing that vision while creating practical pathways for closer cooperation between the CPTPP and the European Union,” Bingley said.

The forum underscored the growing importance of practical collaboration between governments, businesses, and research institutions as economies seek to diversify trade relationships, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and adapt to an increasingly complex global landscape.

Throughout the day, participants exchanged perspectives on how greater interoperability between CPTPP and EU frameworks could reduce barriers for businesses while preserving high standards for digital governance, sustainability, and investment.

Ngo Chung Khanh, deputy director general, Multilateral Trade Policy Department, MoIT said that as chair of the CPTPP in 2026, Vietnam will seek to engage the business community to be more closely involved in shaping the next stage of cooperation with stronger and more regular connections among businesses, chambers of commerce, research institutions and government agencies across CPTPP and European economies.

“Policy dialogue is important. But commercial relationships are ultimately built between people and companies,” said Khanh.

As Canada and Vietnam continue to strengthen their economic partnership under the CPTPP, the forum reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing an open, resilient, and rules-based international trading system through practical cooperation and sustained dialogue.

Bilateral merchandise trade exceeded $14.2 billion in 2025, making Vietnam one of Canada’s most important trading partners in Southeast Asia. Canadian investment in Vietnam continue to grow, reflecting confidence in Vietnam’s long-term economic prospects and its role as key Indo-Pacific partners.

Experts from Canada and Vietnam discussed the strategic case for CPTPP-EU alignment

Canada's EDC and EXIM Thailand sign deal to advance bilateral trade across Asia Pacific Export Development Canada and EXIM Thailand signed a partnership agreement to pursue joint trade and investment initiatives between Canada and Thailand, with scope extending across the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Vietnam eyes greater Canadian investment as FTA talks progress Vietnam and Canada are seeking to expand cooperation in finance, investment and the green economy while expressing optimism that negotiations for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement will be concluded this year.

• Agricultural Produce;
• Apparel, Garments and Accessories;
• Beverages;
• Education;
• Fashion Accessories and Textiles;
• Footwear;
• Franchise;
• Gifts, Souvenirs and Jewellery;
• Gloves;
• Islamic Financial Services;
• Information and Communication Technology;
• Logistics;
• Machinery and Equipment;
• Packaging and Containers;
• Palm Oil Products;
• Pet Products;
• Pharmaceuticals;
• Toiletries and Cosmetics; and
• Prepared Food.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

For more information, please contact:

Aninawati Saleh

Head of Corporate Communication
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Tel (Direct) : 03 - 6207 7077 (7826)
Email : communication@matrade.gov.my

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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Located at Level 5, next to the Domestic Departure Gate at KLIA Terminal 1, the milestone café places freshly brewed coffee, hot meals and ready-to-eat favourites within easy reach of one of Malaysia's busiest transport hubs. KLIA Terminal 1 serves approximately 28 to 30 million passengers annually, with around 13,000 to 14,000 departing and arriving travellers each day. During peak operating hours, the terminal can accommodate nearly 6,800 passengers per hour, while festive travel periods see passenger volumes surge significantly.

More than just another store opening, the milestone reflects how CAFé by 7-Eleven has evolved into an integral part of Malaysians' daily routines, serving everyone from busy professionals grabbing their morning coffee to students on the go, families travelling home, and holidaymakers beginning their next adventure.

With more Malaysians seeking convenient, quality food and coffee throughout the day, CAFé by 7-Eleven has steadily expanded to meet evolving consumer lifestyles. The opening of its 1,000th outlet at KLIA marks another milestone in bringing that convenience to one of Malaysia's busiest travel gateways.

The choice of KLIA for this milestone reflects 7-Eleven Malaysia's strategy of expanding into high-traffic locations where convenience matters most. As consumer lifestyles become increasingly mobile, transport hubs have become key destinations for quick, quality food and beverage solutions, allowing CAFé by 7-Eleven to better serve travellers at every stage of their journey.

Commenting on the milestone, Wong Wai Keong, Co-CEO of 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., said the opening of the company's 1,000th CAFé by 7-Eleven represents more than a numerical milestone. It reflects how consumer expectations and lifestyles have evolved over the years.

"Today's customers expect quality coffee, fresh meals and convenience wherever they are, whether they're heading to work, commuting across town or catching a flight. Over the years, we've transformed CAFé by 7-Eleven into a destination that fits naturally into those everyday moments. Convenience today is no longer just about being nearby. It's about being exactly where customers need us most, whether that's in neighbourhoods, commercial districts or one of the country's busiest airports."

"There is no better place to celebrate this milestone than KLIA, one of Malaysia's busiest travel gateways. Millions of passengers pass through the airport every year, making it the ideal location for us to demonstrate how convenience retail can better serve today's increasingly mobile consumers. Whether they're catching an early morning flight, returning home or travelling for business, we want CAFé by 7-Eleven to be part of that journey."

As one of Malaysia's largest convenience retailers, 7-Eleven continues to evolve beyond traditional retail by expanding CAFé by 7-Eleven across neighbourhoods, commercial districts, hospitals, transport hubs and major travel gateways. Offering an expanding range of food, beverages and ready-to-enjoy meal options, the growing network reflects the company's commitment to making quality food and beverages more accessible wherever customers need them.

The KLIA outlet represents another step in that strategy, enhancing the travel experience by ensuring customers can conveniently enjoy fresh food and beverages before departure without compromising on quality or speed.

Today, with more than 2,700 stores nationwide and 1,000 CAFé by 7-Eleven outlets, the company continues to strengthen its position as Malaysia's leading convenience retailer by adapting to evolving consumer expectations through innovation, accessibility and everyday convenience.

As Malaysians continue to embrace increasingly mobile lifestyles and seek greater convenience in their daily routines, 7-Eleven Malaysia remains committed to expanding CAFé by 7-Eleven into locations where quality food and beverages are needed most. Guided by its promise of "Always There For You", the company will continue bringing greater convenience to customers wherever life takes them.

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To learn more, please visit our website at www.7eleven.com.my

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Announced on July 20, the milestone will enable Sembcorp Integrated Hubs and Sembcorp Logistics Parks to deliver future factories and warehouses designed and built to internationally recognised sustainability standards.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Volume programme allows sustainability strategies to be pre-certified at the prototype level, streamlining certification across multiple buildings compared with the conventional building-by-building approach. The prototype sets the benchmark for Sembcorp’s future ready-built facilities, with design strategies adaptable to different site conditions, operational requirements and anticipated tenant needs.

The prototype incorporates solar photovoltaic systems, energy-efficient building systems, EV-ready infrastructure, water-efficient fixtures, sustainable materials and indoor environmental quality measures. It is expected to achieve at least 25 per cent higher energy efficiency and 40 per cent lower indoor water consumption compared with LEED baseline requirements.

Lee Ark Boon, CEO of Sembcorp Development, said, "Businesses are increasingly seeking industrial facilities that can support growth while meeting evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements. The LEED Volume prototype enables us to offer ready-built facilities with recognised green building features from day one, helping customers reduce the environmental footprint of their operations and advance their decarbonisation goals."

P. Gopala Krishnan, managing director for Southeast Asia and Middle East at Green Business Certification Inc. said, “By achieving approval for Vietnam’s first LEED Volume pre-certified prototype for ready-built industrial facilities, Sembcorp is demonstrating how scalable green building solutions can accelerate decarbonisation in fast-growing markets. The LEED Volume programme is designed to help organisations replicate high-performance strategies efficiently across multiple projects, expanding access to healthier, more resource-efficient buildings at speed.”

Green Business Certification Inc. is the independent certification body that administers the LEED rating system.

Sembcorp currently has a portfolio of over one million square metres of gross floor area of ready-built industrial properties across Vietnam and is on track to achieve its 2028 target of 1.5 million sq.m.

Sembcorp powers Vietnam’s transition to low-carbon industrial future Sembcorp is at the forefront of low-carbon industrial development in Vietnam, contributing to the country's sustainability goals. Lee Ark Boon, CEO of Sembcorp Development, co-developer of the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs), spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about the company's efforts in advancing Vietnam's transition to green manufacturing and a low-carbon industrial future.

Sembcorp gets approval for AI-ready data centre in Ho Chi Minh City Sembcorp Development has received investment approval for a hyperscaled and AI-ready data centre campus in Ho Chi Minh City, through its joint venture with StarMason JSC.

Sembcorp Development gains approval for VSIP Hue On January 29, Sembcorp Development, through its Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) joint venture with Becamex IDC, has received approval to develop VSIP Hue, a 467-hectare industrial park in central Vietnam.

Among securities firms, MB Securities JSC (MBS) was the first to report its Q2 results on July 7, posting encouraging figures. The company recorded revenue of more than $47.84 million in Q2, up 51 per cent on-year, primarily driven by proprietary trading, brokerage services, and margin lending.

MBS reported after-tax profit of $12.04 million for the quarter, up 36 per cent, bringing first-half after-tax profit to $23.68 million, representing annual growth of 21 per cent.

An Binh Securities also announced its results, with Q2 after-tax profit reaching $6.35 million, more than 4.8 times higher than the same period last year. In the first six months of 2026, the firm generated $17.7 million in operating revenue and $7.20 million in after-tax profit, up 2.2 times and three times, respectively, compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, OCBS Securities also posted a sharp increase in its Q2 profit, reaching $4.4 million, more than 41 times higher compared to one year ago.

In the banking sector, several lenders have also released preliminary earnings figures. VietBank reported first-half pre-tax profit of $36.92 million, an increase of more than 79 per cent on-year. ABBank announced first-half pre-tax profit of $120.6 million, up 80 per cent from the same period in 2025.

The State Bank of Vietnam's business sentiment survey indicates that overall business conditions and pre-tax profits across the banking system continued to improve in Q2 compared with the previous quarter and remained relatively stable, although they fell short of expectations recorded in the previous survey. More than 84 per cent of credit institutions expect positive pre-tax profit growth compared with 2025, while only 10.6 per cent anticipate negative earnings growth, and 5.3 per cent expect profits to remain unchanged.

In the oil and gas sector, companies have also released preliminary business estimates ahead of their financial statements. PetroVietnam Gas Corporation estimates first-half revenue of $3 billion and after-tax profit of $320 million, fulfilling 70 per cent of its full-year profit target. Meanwhile, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical produced more than four million tonnes of products during the first half of the year and recorded after-tax profit of more than $505.4 million, seven times higher than the same period last year.

According to latest statistics from FiinTrade, as of July 17, 35 listed companies had announced their earnings, with average after-tax profit growth of 34.98 per cent on-year. The strongest performers included securities firms such as TCBS, MBS, ABS and EVS, as well as companies in the electrical equipment sector such as GEE and building materials producers such as NNC

Despite a challenging business environment, analysts generally maintain a positive outlook on earnings growth among listed companies. Forecasting overall market earnings, MBS estimates aggregate profit growth of around 15 per cent in Q2 of 2026. The sectors expected to deliver the strongest profit growth include transportation (65 per cent), industrial park real estate (58 per cent), retail (34 per cent) and oil and gas (28 per cent). Meanwhile, industries likely to experience earnings declines due to higher fuel costs include aviation (minus 61 per cent) and export-oriented businesses (minus 35 per cent).

The market concluded the first half of 2026 with macroeconomic conditions showing increasingly positive signs. Key concerns that had weighed on investor sentiment have gradually eased, including inflation risks stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the prospect of tighter monetary policy and elevated oil prices. According to analysts at Tien Phong Securities, investor sentiment is gradually shifting from a defensive stance towards optimism about the outlook for the economy and businesses.

Amendments to Securities Law aim to modernise capital market framework The Ministry of Finance is continuing to refine the draft Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Securities Law, with a view to submitting it to the 16th National Assembly’s second session, scheduled for October.

Capital channel reform critical to Vietnam's next growth phase Restructuring Vietnam's capital channels has become increasingly urgent as the country seeks to mobilise an estimated $1.54 trillion to support its double-digit growth ambitions over the next five years, delegates heard at a seminar in Hanoi.

Stock market urged to take bigger role in financing next growth phase With investment demand expected to far exceed the capacity of the state budget and bank lending, restructuring capital channels and strengthening the stock market's financing role have become essential to sustaining Vietnam's next phase of economic growth.

Reshaping capital flows to unlock Vietnam's next growth engine As Vietnam pursues double-digit economic growth, restructuring capital channels beyond bank credit, spanning the equity market, corporate bonds and institutional investors, will be essential to building a more balanced and resilient financial system.

The 48-hour hackathon wrapped up on July 19, with the L-GPT 6.7 team claiming the championship with Lawgic, an AI-powered legal analysis platform that integrates graph-based reasoning. The project received the top prize of $10,000 for its technological innovation, practical applicability, and commercial potential.

The runner-up award, worth $5,000, went to Genation team for Tangent, an AI platform that transforms users' questions into interactive visual lessons, while SenAI team secured third place and $1,000 for its real-time English-Vietnamese bilingual translation solution.

Although the competition has concluded, organisers said the next stage is only beginning, with the winning teams expected to continue refining their products, engaging with industry partners, and exploring investment opportunities to bring their solutions to market.

Tran The Hung, co-founder and CEO of the AI for Vietnam Foundation, said VAIC was designed to achieve far more than identifying promising AI technologies. The programme aims to connect businesses with Vietnam's young innovation community, enabling high-potential ideas to evolve into products capable of real-world deployment.

"The messages and achievements of VAIC 2026 do not mark the end of a journey. They are the launchpad for the next stage of development," he said.

Reflecting on the competition, he noted that after 48 hours of intensive development, most teams remained committed to their original concepts, overcame technical challenges, and delivered working products before the deadline. That perseverance, he said, was ultimately more valuable than rankings or prize money because the ability to pursue a complex problem through to completion is essential for transforming AI ideas into viable products.

Organisers hope participating teams will continue developing their projects after the award ceremony. The prototypes built during the hackathon provide only an initial foundation and require further validation, technological refinement, product development, user testing, and commercial evaluation before they can be deployed at scale.

Hung added that while the championship trophy has found its winner, the lasting legacy of VAIC 2026 will be the growing community of 'AI Builders' established through the programme.

Truong Quoc Anh, director of Digital Banking at SHB, said the rapid advancement of AI, particularly generative AI, was fundamentally changing how people search for, access, and process information.

"AI has become part of almost every aspect of daily life. It is being applied across virtually every industry and is already accomplishing things that would have seemed unimaginable just three years ago. It has fundamentally transformed the way people interact with information," he said.

Anh added, while previous generations found it difficult to imagine life without Google Search, many young people today instinctively turn to AI assistants when seeking information. The shift illustrates how AI is becoming an everyday productivity tool, rather than remaining confined to research laboratories or experimental projects.

That philosophy was reflected throughout VAIC 2026, where teams worked directly on challenges proposed by businesses. The format encouraged participants to focus on practical deployment rather than simply demonstrating technical capability or conceptual ideas.

Genation team with Tangent claim the second prize at VAIC 2026

Vu Quoc Huy, director of the National Innovation Centre, praised the quality of the competing teams, saying that real business challenges enabled participants to develop solutions aligned with market demand, identify target users early, and incorporate practical applications from the design stage.

As most participants were university students, the competition also allowed them to test their knowledge in a high-pressure environment while strengthening teamwork, product development, and presentation skills.

"VAIC 2026 reflects Vietnam's broader strategy to accelerate scientific research, technological development, innovation, and strategic industries, with AI playing a central role. Rather than approaching AI primarily through theoretical study, the programme challenged young innovators to build products capable of solving concrete problems," Huy said.

NIC plans to continue supporting the strongest projects through incubation and accelerator programmes, while providing access to laboratories, innovation spaces, and product development facilities. Teams will also be connected with businesses, investors, and domestic and international partners to help validate their technologies, access industry data, refine their products, and identify commercial opportunities.

"I hope this programme will produce many more Vietnamese-made AI products, new technology companies, and talented young innovators who will continue contributing to Vietnam's journey of scientific advancement, technological innovation, and digital transformation," Huy said.

The third prize for SenAI team

Held from July 17 to 19, VAIC 2026 attracted nearly 1,500 participants from 340 teams, making it one of Vietnam's largest AI competitions. During the 48-hour hackathon, participants developed AI solutions, built functional prototypes, and refined their pitches with guidance from leading domestic and international experts and mentors.

At the final Demo Day, the top 10 teams presented and defended their solutions before a judging panel. This year's entries reflected a clear shift from research-focused projects towards market-oriented applications, addressing practical challenges faced by businesses, local authorities, and the wider economy while demonstrating strong commercial potential.

A defining feature of the event was its expert advisory board and judging panel, comprising leading AI researchers, scientists, and technology executives from Vietnam and abroad. Drawing on experience across global technology companies, research institutes, and universities, the panel provided technical feedback and strategic recommendations that helped participating teams strengthen their solutions to international standards while maintaining practical relevance.

VAIC 2026 was jointly organised by the NIC, Meta, the AI for Vietnam Foundation, FPT Corporation, and Duy Tan University, with support from international organisations, technology companies, and industry partners, including SHB.

Vietnam leads region in using AI in academia Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in the academic use of Gemini and boasts the highest vernacular adoption rate regionally.

DHL survey: AI trust gap widens in APAC e-commerce A new DHL eCommerce survey found a widening gap between AI usage and consumer trust across Asia Pacific, alongside rising demand for subscription models and growing openness to digital payment options.

Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge 2026 finals open The final round of the Vietnam AI Innovation Challenge 2026 will take place from July 17-19 at the FPT Tower in Hanoi.

The agreements were pursued to strengthen the company's smart home business foundation in northern Vietnam and to establish a framework for expanding supply in connection with local development projects. Building on its collaboration with local partner StarX Technology, Hyundai HT plans to expand the supply of its smart home solutions to large-scale real estate development projects in the Hanoi area, while further broadening business opportunities across the northern market.

First, Hyundai HT has committed to close, strategic cooperation in the smart home business with HANDICO (Hanoi Housing Development and Investment Corporation), a state-owned enterprise under the Hanoi municipal government responsible for urban development and public housing supply.

Under the agreement, Hyundai HT will supply smart home solutions along with related technologies and products, while StarX will be responsible for distribution, installation, and technical support in Hanoi and the northern region.

HANDICO will apply Hyundai HT's smart home system to pilot units and model houses to verify its usability and performance, and plans to give priority consideration to adopting the solutions in its future development projects.

Hyundai HT also signed MOUs for smart home business cooperation with local real estate developers Nam Hong Group and Van Xuan Group. Nam Hong Group agreed to review the priority adoption of Hyundai HT's smart home solutions in its ongoing residential and urban development projects. With Van Xuan Group, cooperation will proceed by jointly reviewing the application of the solutions to projects in which StarX, Hyundai HT's Vietnamese partner, handles construction and technical support.

Through these partnerships, Hyundai HT expects to build an even denser cooperation network across northern Vietnam and to see full-scale expansion of its smart home solution supply centred on major development projects. The company also plans to strengthen its capability to deliver customised smart home solutions tailored to local demand and development conditions, thereby continuing to enhance its competitiveness in the Southeast Asian market.

"This cooperation is highly meaningful in that it goes beyond simply expanding product supply – it applies Hyundai HT's smart home technology to actual projects, laying the groundwork for expanding our business model and proving our technological competitiveness," said Lee Gun-Koo, CEO of Hyundai HT. "Going forward, we will continue to expand smart home business opportunities not only across key regions of Southeast Asia but also into a wide range of other countries, while stepping up the global reach of Hyundai HT's smart home technology to further accelerate our push into the global market."

Apple, Google, Amazon eye common standard for smart home devices Amazon, Apple and Google announced plans Wednesday (Dec 18) to develop a common technology standard for smart home products, in a move aimed at enabling more connected devices to speak to each other.

CapitaLand Vietnam and Surbana Jurong partner for sustainable and smart city solutions CapitaLand Vietnam and Surbana Jurong on December 19 signed an MoU with the aim to collaborate and develop sustainable and smart city solutions for CapitaLand Vietnam’s real estate projects.

Apple teams up with BYD to produce smart home devices in Vietnam Apple Inc. is ramping up plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Vietnam in a bid to venture into the smart home market and reduce reliance on China.

Meanwhile, Thailand recorded a sharp decline in rice exports, while Vietnam faced a double challenge from India's price competition and tighter import policies in several overseas markets.

Entering 2026, the rice industry continues to operate in an intensely competitive environment.

Vietnam maintained strong rice export volumes in the first half of 2026, but export earnings declined amid intensifying global competition

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam exported approximately 5.2 million tonnes of rice in the first six months of the year, generating $2.38 billion in export revenue, up 9.9 per cent in volume but down 2.5 per cent in value from a year earlier.

The figures highlight a familiar reality for the rice industry: companies may increase sales volumes, but profitability does not necessarily improve in tandem because of lower selling prices, higher logistics and financing costs, and intense international competition.

Nevertheless, many companies are pursuing new strategies to increase value-added products.

For instance, Vietnam National Seed Group (NSC), whose two main businesses are seed production and rice exports, is expanding into markets including China and the United States while developing high-quality raw material areas to support exports to Japan.

According to the company's management, its strategy has shifted away from simply increasing output toward developing premium rice varieties, applying advanced technology and building brand recognition to enhance product value.

For 2026, Vinaseed targets revenue of $114 million, up 24 per cent from the previous year, and pre-tax profit of $12.6 million, representing growth of 14 per cent, while still factoring in weather-related risks that could affect crop yields.

Similarly, Trung An High-Tech Farming JSC (TAR) continues to pursue a strategy focused on premium-quality and low-emission rice.

The company is participating in the development of around 20,000 hectares of raw material areas in the Long Xuyen Quadrangle, while restructuring its finances by working with banks to refinance outstanding loans and divesting stakes in several subsidiaries to reduce interest expenses.

Even so, Trung An's earnings target remains modest. In 2026, the company aims to generate consolidated revenue of $140 million and after-tax profit of just $480,000, reflecting the structurally thin profit margins typical of the industry.

Despite stronger export performance, rice stocks have remained largely subdued on the stock market.

Currently, only ticker NSC continues to trade above par value, while TAR, LTG, AGM and FCS are all trading below par.

Ticker LTG of Loc Troi Group JSC has been placed under warning status and is subject to trading restrictions after the company failed to publish its audited financial statements for 2024 and 2025.

Valuations also remain depressed. TAR is trading at a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of around 0.21 times, while LTG has a P/B ratio of 0.24 times and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 2.87 times. NSC is trading at a P/B ratio of 0.82 times and a P/E ratio of 5.66 times.

However, low valuations alone have not been sufficient to attract investors, who remain concerned about earnings prospects and the financial health of the companies.

Beyond the prolonged losses at An Giang Import-Export JSC (ticker AGM), Loc Troi Group has become a prime example of the challenges facing the industry. Once one of Vietnam's leading rice exporters, the company has endured two years of financial, debt and corporate governance difficulties.

At its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on May 11, the management said the company was implementing a restructuring programme, working with two lenders TPBank and MB to restructure outstanding loans, while securing a credit facility of around $60 million to supplement working capital.

Loc Troi aims to complete its audited financial statements in the third quarter of 2026 after appointing a new external auditor.

Meanwhile, Trung An is also addressing outstanding legal issues while restructuring its operations and capital structure.

The company believes its recovery prospects will improve in 2026, supported by its premium rice export business.

However, the management acknowledged that the restructuring process will require more time before its benefits are reflected in financial results.

Even companies with relatively stable operations continue to demonstrate the industry's structurally thin margins.

Ho Chi Minh City Food JSC generated revenue of more than $13.1 million in 2025, but reported after-tax profit of only about $9,200.

For 2026, the company targets revenue of nearly $15.6 million, while its after-tax profit target is only $8,200. exchange rate fluctuations, interest rates, funding costs and credit policies are expected to remain key factors affecting business performance.

According to analysts, rice stocks are highly cyclical, with performance heavily influenced by global agricultural commodity prices, export policies, weather conditions and climate change. At the same time, the industry's thin profit margins make it difficult for companies to deliver substantial earnings growth even when export volumes are strong.

Over the longer term, the sector's growth prospects lie in the development of premium-quality rice, low-emission rice and stronger brand positioning in high-value export markets.

However, for rice stocks to become more attractive, investors will need to see meaningful improvements in profitability, cash flow and corporate governance, rather than relying solely on export volume growth.

Rice stocks not a cause for concern Despite growing complexities of disease and salt intrusion, Vietnam has enough rice for both exports and domestic consumption.

10 companies honoured for efforts to expand sustainable rice farming The Netherlands Development Organisation SNV in Vietnam, on May 19, organised the Award Ceremony for the Summer–Autumn Season of 2025 to recognise 10 companies demonstrating outstanding performance in partnering with smallholder farmers on sustainable rice farming practices.

Vietnam rice exports to recover on high-quality demand Following a decline at the beginning of the year, Vietnam's rice exports are expected to recover thanks to increased import demand and a consumer trend favouring high-quality rice.

Rize raises $31 million to accelerate sustainable rice farming in Vietnam and Southeast Asia On July 16, Rize, Southeast Asia's leading sustainable rice platform, announced the close of a $31 million Series B funding round, comprising $20 million in equity and $11 million in debt financing.

Regasified liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Cai Mep Terminal is now flowing through the fully owned pipeline to the 900 MW Phu My 2.1 and 2.1E power plants, operated by Vietnam Electricity's (EVN) Power Generation Corporation 3 (EVNGENCO3), supporting the commissioning of the new Cai Mep – Phu My gas pipeline and gas distribution station.

Deliveries are being made under a gas sale agreement between Cai Mep Terminal and EVNGENCO3 covering the commissioning and reliability-testing phases of the new pipeline infrastructure.

The milestone establishes the Cai Mep Terminal as Vietnam's first private terminal to deliver regasified LNG into the Phu My power complex. The move marks a critical step in Vietnam's LNG-to-power strategy and in strengthening fuel-supply security across southern Vietnam.

With three million tonnes per annum of import capacity, expandable to six million tonnes per annum, Cai Mep Terminal is one of only two operational LNG import terminals in Vietnam.

The milestone follows AG&P LNG's acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in Cai Mep Terminal in late April, after initially announcing the acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in 2024.

The terminal is connected to the nearby Phu My Industrial Park in Ho Chi Minh City and has pipeline connectivity to Vietnam’s largest power generation complex, Phu My, with a gas-fired capacity of 3.9 GW.

Strategically located near the Mekong River Delta, the terminal features three onshore tanks with a total LNG storage capacity of 220,000 cu.m, LNG breakbulk capability to reload LNG into smaller vessels, and 14 bays for CNG and LNG truck loading.

Cai Mep LNG Terminal to start commercial operations in September 2024 AG&P LNG, a subsidiary of Nebula Energy, along with its partner, Hai Linh Co., Ltd., a prominent petroleum product import terminal and trader, have announced the start of the commissioning of Cai Mep LNG Terminal.

PVChem and Messer SE & Co. KGaA to build $37 million industrial gas plant PetroVietnam Chemical and Services Corporation (PVChem), a member of Petrovietnam, and Germany's Messer SE & Co. KGaA have signed a joint venture agreement to establish Cai Mep Industrial Gases Co., Ltd.

Cai Mep Ha Port project wins approval with $1.95bn investment A major port investment has been approved as part of efforts to strengthen Vietnam’s logistics and maritime infrastructure.

People's Daily reporters recently visited Yiwu to meet foreign entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses and settled down in the city. They shared stories of growing alongside Yiwu and becoming part of its remarkable transformation.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without Yiwu," said Senegalese businessman Sourakhata Tirera, a sentiment he often expresses. He first came to Yiwu in 2003 to source hardware products and was immediately impressed by the Yiwu International Trade Market. He noted, "If you can't find something here, it's probably because you haven't searched carefully enough."

In 2007, Tirera opened a foreign trade agency in Yiwu. In 2012, leveraging Yiwu's comprehensive foreign trade pilot reform project, he established a wholly foreign-owned trading company. Today, his company ships 200 to 300 containers every month, dealing in more than 1,000 product categories and providing one-stop sourcing services for clients across Africa.

"Everyone is fascinated by Yiwu because it's a place full of opportunities. Things that once seemed impossible can become reality here," Tirera told People's Daily after he finished receiving a trade delegation from Gabon.

Yemeni businessman Maged Mohammed Ali Al-Huraibi came to Yiwu alone in 2008 to pursue his entrepreneurial dream and founded a cosmetics trading company. In 2024, Yiwu launched a one-stop entrepreneurship service for foreign talent, offering factory leasing, policy consultation, and talent recruitment. Seizing the opportunity, Al-Huraibi invested in a cosmetics factory early that year, successfully transitioning from trader to manufacturer.

"Yiwu made my entrepreneurial dream come true. Now I want to bring cosmetics made in Yiwu to even more countries and regions around the world," Al-Huraibi said.

Yiwu's success is not simply about gathering products. More importantly, it comes from the city's ability to create what the market needs -- pioneering new approaches where none exist and forging new paths through continuous exploration.

Nepalese businessman Khadka Raj Kumar first came to Yiwu in 2002. In 2011, Yiwu pioneered a dual-track system for representative offices and foreign-invested business entities, addressing challenges related to residency, employment and business operations for foreign entrepreneurs. The following year, Kumar established his own trading company in Yiwu and later bought a home there.

In 2013, Yiwu established China's first people's mediation committee dedicated to foreign-related disputes, inviting foreign businesspeople to serve as mediation processes. Kumar has served in this role since 2017 and has participated in resolving more than 150 foreign-related disputes.

"In Yiwu, we're not outsiders -- we're part of the local community," he said.

As Yiwu's sixth-generation marketplace, the Yiwu Global Digital Trade Center marks the city's transition from traditional trade to a digital trade ecosystem.

Pakistani businessman Sheikh Jamil, who has operated in Yiwu for 21 years, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. According to him, more and more business is now conducted online. With the help of AI, he can quickly generate product solutions tailored to different market demands. "I can do business with the whole world without leaving my office," he said.

Yemeni businessman Hasan Mohammed entered Yiwu's cosmetics business as a distributor a decade ago. In 2018, he registered his own cosmetics brand in Saudi Arabia. With its products registered in Saudi Arabia, manufactured in China and sold worldwide, his business model delivers both high-quality products and a strong competitive edge.

"Yiwu is more like an ecosystem where ideas can quickly become reality. It offers not only opportunities, but also the potential for continuous growth," said Mohammed.

For Brazilian businesswoman Ana Garcia, Yiwu's transformation from "Made in Yiwu" to "Created in Yiwu" has been fueled by broad support in branding, digital innovation and global expansion. She founded a business consultancy that helps overseas clients identify market opportunities and sourcing needs, connect with qualified suppliers, and manage every step of the supply chain -- from product selection and quality inspection to logistics and customs clearance.

Yiwu belongs not only to China, but also to the world. Together with entrepreneurs from around the globe, the city will continue turning the impossible into the possible, further burnishing its reputation as the "world's supermarket" and ensuring that products created in Yiwu benefit people in more countries.

Optimized for battery-powered CGM devices, the TMR1370 features a maximum supply current of only 50nA, with approximately 30nA typical at a 3V supply. When combined with the magnetic wake-up mechanism widely adopted in CGM devices, the TMR1370 enables more than two years of standby operation, helping extend product shelf life while preserving battery capacity for continuous glucose monitoring after activation.

The TMR1370's exceptional power efficiency is enabled by MDT's proprietary TMR technology platform, which combines advanced magnetic sensor design, optimized device architecture, and proprietary wafer process technology to achieve high magnetic sensitivity together with ultra-low power consumption. Complementing MDT's existing X-axis and Z-axis CGM magnetic switch portfolio, the TMR1370 gives system designers greater flexibility to optimize sensor orientation and mechanical layout for a wide variety of CGM architectures while enabling easy migration from previous-generation devices.

Key Features

• Enables more than two years of standby operation in battery-powered CGM devices.
• 50nA maximum supply current, approximately 30nA typical at 3V.
• Wide 1.8V to 4.0V operating-voltage range.
• Maximum operating point below 40 Gauss for reliable magnetic wake-up detection.
• X-axis magnetic sensing optimized for compact CGM designs.
• Miniature DFN5L package (1.6×1.6×0.5mm) for thinner and lighter wearable medical devices.
• Complements MDT's proven X-axis and Z-axis CGM magnetic switch portfolio for flexible system design and simplified migration.

Samples of the TMR1370 are available through DigiKey and MDT's online store at www.tmr-sensors.com. For volume pricing, delivery information, and technical specifications, contact MDT Global Sales at sales@dowayusa.com.

For more information about MDT please visit http://www.multidimensiontech.com.

(Emdoor booth: X1B-804)

With decades of experience across cloud, edge, device, and wearable form factors, Emdoor has established one of the industry's most comprehensive intelligent hardware portfolios. Yet the company recognized a critical gap: while individual devices grow smarter, they often operate in isolation.

Ailyn is Emdoor's answer to this challenge. Introduced on the WAIC Magic Box stage, Ailyn serves as a unified intelligence layer that orchestrates storage, computing power, AI models, and data across PCs, NAS systems, computing boxes, and IoT devices. The result is a scalable, centrally managed intelligence platform that delivers seamless cross-device collaboration, data privacy, and AI capabilities that improve with use.

At its core, Ailyn follows a device-first, multi-device connected philosophy. By prioritizing on-device model deployment, it reduces costs while preserving privacy, minimizing latency, and enabling offline functionality. Key capabilities include unified data access, uninterrupted task handoff between devices, intelligent multi-model routing, and dynamic compute scaling — plus built-in features for knowledge accumulation, skill expansion, persona customization, and automated task execution.

Four Scenarios, One Intelligent Ecosystem

The enterprise lineup features high-performance AI workstations, AI servers, AI NAS, Mini PCs, and motherboards. Workstations support up to 96-core processors and four double-width GPUs with integrated BMC remote management. AI servers run dual Intel Xeon scalable processors with up to eight mainstream AI accelerators. The single-GPU workstation series offers dual-platform compatibility with both Intel and AMD, featuring a PCIe 5.0 ×16 slot and up to 128GB DDR5 memory. Available in two form factors — a 23.9L tower chassis and a 15.3L compact chassis with tempered glass side panel — it delivers balanced performance for both creative workloads and local AI inference. The AI NAS unifies storage and AI computing power in one device, with192GB of octa-channel LPDDR5X memory to support local large model deployment. Ailyn unifies these resources into a private computing backbone, intelligently offloading heavy workloads so users get instant on-device responsiveness with datacenter-grade power on demand.

For individual users, the showcase includes Mini PCs, AI PCs, AI tablets, and multimodal wearables. The AP16, powered by Intel's 3rd Generation Core™ Ultra processor, delivers 180 TOPS of AI performance with sustained 54W output — capable of running large models locally. Multimodal wearable solutions built on Qualcomm and BES chips offer faster time-to-market for brand partners. Within the Ailyn ecosystem, PCs handle heavy computing while wearables provide continuous environmental awareness, each device strengthening the whole.

Industrial visitors will find AI BOX units, rugged AI notebooks, handheld terminals, and industrial PCs. AI BOX devices come preloaded with industry-specific models for production line visual inspection. Rugged notebooks deliver reliable performance for mobile field operations. Industrial PCs feature industrial-grade architecture for 24/7 uptime. Through Ailyn, these connected devices break down traditional data silos, enabling intelligent resource orchestration and a closed-loop perception-decision-execution system that accelerates industrial digital transformation.

At the center of the home scenario are AI tablets and home NAS, connected to a full-house AIoT network. The NAS acts as the family's private data and computing hub, while the tablet serves as the primary interface for senior health reminders and children's learning support. Ailyn weaves these devices into a cohesive system covering family memories, health care, companionship, and home security — bringing intelligence into daily life without intruding on it.

The launch of Ailyn marks a significant evolution for Emdoor — shifting from a hardware manufacturer to a builder of intelligent infrastructure. It represents the convergence of the company's deep hardware heritage and its AI innovation roadmap. Moving forward, Emdoor will continue investing in edge AI technology and expanding the Ailyn ecosystem alongside partners, bringing distributed intelligence from the showroom into everyday life.

Website: http://www.emdoordigi.com/

According to IDC, KEENON ranked first worldwide in commercial service robot shipments in 2025, while maintaining its leadership in the global delivery robot market. IDC also sees the industry moving toward a more diversified, multi-form future, where different robot types are deployed according to the needs of specific tasks and environments. KEENON first propose such strategy and WAIC showcase brings that trend to life.

At the booth, the newly introduced hotel laundry scenario demonstrates this approach most clearly. Humanoid robots complete operational tasks such as loading and operating washing machines, retrieving clean laundry, and folding garments, while the DINERBOT T9 supports the wider delivery workflow. Together, they show how humanoid and specialized robots can divide responsibilities and collaborate within a real hotel operation.

Beyond the hotel workflow, KEENON applies the same role-based approach to food and retail service. Drawing on years of customer insight from restaurants and stores, XMAN-R1 takes on front-of-house tasks that combine interaction with object handling—from preparing drinks with NOWWA Coffee to responding to customer requests in dessert and retail settings. Rather than presenting isolated demonstrations, these scenarios show how KEENON is extending proven commercial service workflows into new humanoid capabilities, with every task performed autonomously and without teleoperation.

Through its "general-purpose humanoid + specialized service robot" strategy, KEENON is building a practical path for embodied intelligence: humanoids take on flexible operation and interaction tasks, while specialized robots continue to handle high-frequency delivery and cleaning. At WAIC 2026, KEENON is showing not just more robot forms, but a more complete model for commercial deployment.

With more than 100,000 service robots deployed worldwide across over 70 countries and regions, KEENON has been recognized by global renown brands across various sectors and widely deployed at major brands like Burger King, Buffalo Wild Wings, Hilton, BMW, Lego etc. From 10 to 20+ robots operating in single venues like Hotel Around Pyeongchang to a mixed fleet of 8 robots across 6 types at facilities like Shangri-La's Trader Hotel, making it world-first intelligent hotel with both humanoid and service robot, KEENON delivers proven multi-robot efficiency.

Full Product Matrix on Display: Demonstrating Multi-Scenario Capabilities

Pudu's comprehensive presentation at WAIC 2026 showcased its complete technical and product layout, spanning service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, and general embodied intelligence.

The PUDU D5 quadruped robot demonstrates advanced terrain adaptability and autonomous navigation across an on-site obstacle course mimicking sand, gravel, steps, and slopes, simulating autonomous inspections in complex environments such as power substations and industrial parks. Additionally, the D5 performed high-speed "drifting" demonstrations at the booth, reaching peak speeds of up to 5 m/s and showcasing industry-leading mobility and responsiveness.

Making its global offline public debut, the PUDU D7 engaged visitors with several immersive and interactive live experiences. Attendees posed for photos with the D7, instantly receiving unique snapshots taken directly from a "robotics perspective." The robot also demonstrated advanced multi-robot coordination by autonomously walking and guiding the PUDU D5 quadruped around the booth while seamlessly avoiding pedestrian traffic, vividly illustrating collaborative workflows between different robotic form factors.

Pudu Robotics Product Portfolio at WAIC 2026

Pudu is also exhibiting its mature commercial robotics portfolio, including the BellaBot service delivery robot, the PUDU T300 industrial delivery robot, and the PUDU MT1 Max and PUDU CC1 Pro commercial cleaning robots. Together, these products highlight Pudu's proven deployments across hospitality, retail, F&B, manufacturing, warehousing, and other industries.

Winning the "Most Investor-Attractive Enterprise" Award Amid Sustained Capital Traction

The "Most Investor-Attractive Enterprise" award from 36Kr arrives alongside sustained backing from major global institutional investors. In April 2026, Pudu Robotics completed a new financing round of nearly USD 150 million, bringing its valuation to more than USD 1.5 billion. This brings Pudu's cumulative funding to more than USD 300 million.

This strong capital interest is supported by concrete commercial performance. According to the "2025 Global Embodied Intelligence and Commercial Service Robotics Independent Market Research Report" released by Frost & Sullivan, Pudu Robotics accounts for 25% and 23% of the global commercial service robotics market in terms of revenue and shipments respectively, ranking No. 1 worldwide in both categories. Furthermore, Pudu Robotics has maintained a year-over-year revenue growth rate exceeding 100%, with international markets accounting for more than 80% of total revenue for consecutive years. While the broader Embodied AI industry remains in early exploratory phases, Pudu has approached a positive EBITDA, achieving large-scale commercial viability ahead of the market.

From Product Export to Ecosystem Integration: A Blueprint for Global Expansion

According to the Research Report on Chinese Enterprises' Overseas Expansion from 2025 to 2026 published by the 36Kr Research Institute, Pudu Robotics was featured as a primary benchmark case study for Embodied AI. The report attributes Pudu's international success to its systematic combination of technological innovation, product capabilities, and localized global operation. Analysts noted that Pudu has successfully transitioned from exporting products to exporting global brand equity and integrated robotics ecosystems, establishing a core reference blueprint for hard-tech global expansion.

By deploying versatile product forms that span specialized, semi-humanoid, and humanoid forms, Pudu Robotics continues to focus on integrating Embodied AI directly into real-world environments—transforming Physical AI from a technical concept into a practical productivity partner.

The accreditations highlight Black Lake's latest progress in bringing AI into critical manufacturing decision-making workflows and deploying industrial AI capabilities on the shop floor around the world.

This year's conference attracted over 1,100 exhibiting companies and showcased more than 3,000 exhibits, setting a new record for exhibition scale. The conference delivered a clear signal: as artificial intelligence becomes a common priority across global industries, attention is moving beyond model capabilities toward practical applications in real-world operating environments.

Manufacturing provides a particularly demanding test for this transition. Factory operations are governed by multiple constraints, including process specifications, equipment capabilities, material availability, production capacity, delivery schedules and quality requirements. Therefore, AI has to do so much more than simply comprehend information input. It must make reliable judgments within clearly defined business rules and operational constraints.

Black Lake has focused on industrial digitalization and industrial AI for years, developing and deploying AI applications in a range of factory environments.

At WAIC 2026, the company is presenting industrial AI agents covering order splitting and process planning, quotation and pricing, procurement, production scheduling, quality inspection, and order tracking. These applications are designed to move AI beyond an auxiliary role and into critical manufacturing decision-making workflows.

Traditional industrial software is primarily responsible for data recording, digital workflows, and worker coordination. However, critical decisions such as how to split an order, determine pricing, schedule production, and assess quality risks still depend heavily on the experience of engineers and frontline workers.

Industrial AI agents are intended to convert fragmented industrial knowledge and production experience into decision-making capabilities that can be invoked, reused and continuously refined by software systems.

Order decomposition and process planning are representative examples. After receiving an engineering drawing, a factory typically relies on experienced engineers to identify components, materials and dimensions, define the required manufacturing processes and technical specifications, and establish a basis for subsequent quotation and quality inspection.

The process is highly dependent on individual expertise and represents one of the first critical decision points after an order is received.

Black Lake Technologies' CAD-to-Process Agent can understand product drawings and, taking into account the factory's equipment capabilities, process requirements, and production practices, rapidly generate process steps along with the corresponding technical requirements. Drawing analysis that once took hours can now be completed in approximately one minute, achieving an accuracy rate of over 95% in real deployment and providing engineers with stable, efficient decision support. Currently, the industrial agents developed by the company cover core processes including design, scheduling, production, and quality inspection, and have entered the stage of large-scale deployment.

Founded in 2016, Black Lake serves nearly 40,000 factories worldwide. Its customers span more than 30 industries, including food and beverage, automotive components and equipment manufacturing.

By working across factory order management, production and fulfillment workflows, Black Lake has accumulated the technical capabilities and industry knowledge required to support decision-making in complex industrial environments.

In April 2026, Black Lake completed a Series D funding round of nearly RMB 1 billion. The company said the proceeds would primarily be used to accelerate the deployment of its industrial AI products and support its international expansion.

AI-related products are becoming a new source of growth for the company. In a recent interview, Black Lake founder and CEO Zhou Yuxiang said that the company had recorded significant growth in AI-related revenue since the beginning of 2026. He also said that manufacturing customers were taking less time to make purchasing decisions for industrial AI agents.

Zhou expects AI adoption among Chinese factories to increase substantially over the next three to four years.

Unlike consumer-facing AI, which is primarily associated with content generation and personal productivity, industrial AI agents can directly affect production costs, capacity utilization, delivery performance, and product quality. Their commercial value therefore depends largely on whether they can perform specific tasks reliably in complex production environments.

During WAIC 2026, Black Lake was named to the Top 30 shortlist for the 2026 Super AI Leader (SAIL) Award. The SAIL Award is one of WAIC's major awards and recognizes achievements in technological breakthroughs, application innovation, and industrial value.

Black Lake was also selected as a Trusted Partner under UNIDO's Global Call for Trusted Partners for Industrial AI in the Global South.

The Global Call was launched under the guidance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, and in connection with the work of UNIDO AIM Global and its Shanghai-based Centre of Excellence.

The initiative aims to build a curated pool of leading partners to co-develop scalable industrial AI solutions and public goods for the Global South.

For Black Lake, the two accreditations underscore the growing importance of reliability, explainability, and scalability in the evaluation of industrial AI, in addition to the capabilities of AI models.

Global expansion will be a major priority in the company's next phase of development. Black Lake is currently focusing on Southeast Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, adapting its industrial AI agents to the industrial structures, production processes and management requirements of different markets.

Although manufacturing operations vary across countries and regions, manufacturers share similar concerns about efficiency, quality, delivery reliability and production flexibility.

Black Lake is transforming industrial AI capabilities that have been validated in complex factory environments into configurable and deployable products. Through these products, the company aims to work with manufacturers worldwide to explore more efficient, flexible and intelligent approaches to production.

Based on accommodation searches made by South Korean solo travelers during the first five months of the year, Seoul emerged as the most in-demand domestic destination. Jeju, Busan, Incheon, and Gangneung completed the top five.

Regional Government Initiatives Spark Growing Domestic Solo Travel Interest

Among them, Gangneung continues to attract travelers seeking a relaxing escape by the sea. Located just two hours from Seoul by KTX, the coastal city offers a wide range of experiences, from scenic beaches and lifestyle complexes to trendy cafes, restaurants, and picturesque photo spots. In response to the growing number of independent visitors, many local eateries also provide single-serving options, allowing travelers to enjoy the region's culinary offerings with greater convenience.

Meanwhile, Donghae recorded the fastest growth among domestic destinations, with accommodation search volume from solo travelers increasing by 28% year-on-year. The city's efforts to enhance the experience for independent visitors and promote regional tourism, including its "Solo Traveler-Friendly Business Certification Program", are likely contributing factors behind the rising interest.

Japan Remains Overseas Solo-travel Favorite; Jakarta Emerges as Rising Star

Looking beyond South Korea, Japan dominated the overseas rankings. Tokyo ranked first, followed by Osaka and Fukuoka, as favorites among South Korean solo travelers. Their proximity to South Korea, reputation for safety, and efficient public transportation networks make them particularly attractive for those traveling alone. Solo travelers also have their eyes on Southeast Asia, with Jakarta and Da Nang rounding out the top five.

Jakarta stood out with the highest increase in interest, recording a more than 30x rise in accommodation searches. The Indonesian capital has gained attention following the launch of a new flight route in April, alongside special promotional fares, and as a destination where various K-pop idol concerts and fan meet-ups are held. Popular artists like ATEEZ, aespa, EXO, and NCT WISH, among others, held concerts in Jakarta in the first half of this year. In addition, the city is gaining recognition for its diverse offerings, including historical attractions, island-hopping opportunities, shopping, and local cuisine, all available at relatively affordable prices given the weakening rupiah.

As for travel timing, March emerged as the most popular month for solo travel during the first five months of the year, followed by January, April, February, and May. The popularity of March may be attributed to the arrival of spring, when mild weather and blooming flowers, as well as diverse festivals and events create ideal conditions for both domestic and international trips.

Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda shared, "More travelers are expressing interest in solo journeys, drawn by the convenience, flexibility, and opportunity to recharge on their own terms. Agoda's 2026 Travel Outlook Report also found that nearly one in four respondents plan to travel solo this year. Agoda is committed to supporting all types of travelers, including solo adventurers, by offering great value across flights, accommodations, and activities, helping them experience more for less."

With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda ensures solo travelers can seamlessly combine their bookings in one convenient platform throughout their journey. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect summer getaway.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Singtel excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to anticipate evolving enterprise requirements while consistently translating long-term vision into measurable customer outcomes. Through platforms such as Singtel CUBΣ (CUBE) and its multidomestic IoT connectivity architecture, the company continues to unify networking, cybersecurity, automation, and AI-driven intelligence into integrated solutions that address the growing complexity of hybrid, multicloud, and connected environments. "Singtel has established itself as a benchmark for enterprise digital infrastructure by converging connectivity, cybersecurity, network intelligence, and IoT orchestration into a unified, customer-centric ecosystem. Its disciplined execution, platform-led innovation, and commitment to simplifying complex enterprise environments continue to strengthen operational resilience and deliver sustained value for organizations across the region," said Kenny Yeo, Director at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term strategy focused on digital innovation, intelligent infrastructure, and customer-centric transformation, Singtel has moved well-beyond traditional telecommunications to a trusted technology partner for enterprises navigating increasingly connected and data-driven environments. Its strategic investments in AI-enabled operations, cloud-native platforms, secure connectivity, and ecosystem partnerships enable organizations to modernize critical infrastructure while maintaining the flexibility to support future business growth.

The company's strategic agility and sustained investment in integrated digital platforms have enabled it to scale innovative services across local, regional, and global enterprise environments. Innovation remains central to Singtel's approach through solutions including the CUBΣ connected intelligence platform, multidomestic IoT connectivity powered by eSIM orchestration, managed cybersecurity services, AI-driven network automation, and network-as-a-service capabilities. These solutions simplify network and security management, strengthen cyber resilience, improve operational visibility, and provide enterprises with scalable, secure, and high-performing connectivity across cloud, edge, IoT, and hybrid infrastructures.

By streamlining service delivery through intelligent automation, centralized orchestration, proactive monitoring, and flexible managed and co-managed service models, Singtel continues to help organizations reduce operational complexity while improving service reliability and business agility. Its ability to integrate best-of-breed technologies in a unified operational framework, combined with strong regional network ownership and localized expertise, enables customers to confidently scale digital initiatives while maintaining security, governance, and operational excellence.

Frost & Sullivan commends Singtel for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and customer value across multiple technology domains. By combining intelligent networking, secure digital infrastructure, AI-enabled operations, and cross-border IoT capabilities in an integrated platform strategy, the company is shaping the future of enterprise connectivity while helping organizations build resilient, future-ready digital ecosystems.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents its Company of the Year and Customer Value Leadership recognitions to organizations that demonstrate outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, competitive positioning, and business performance. These recognitions honor forward-thinking companies that continuously raise industry standards through innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

The MFDS approved a product license modification for the therapy, which was first conditionally approved in the country in 2014. The update keeps Neuronata-R® on the market.

CorestemChemon said it is now working to resume manufacturing so patients can keep receiving the therapy, while also building a research footprint in the United States that could support broader access over time.

What the updated approval means for patients

In the ALSUMMIT (NCT04745299) Phase 3 trial, Neuronata-R® did not reach statistical significance across the full study population. In the subgroup of slow progressors, however, the therapy met its primary endpoint, the Combined Assessment of Function and Survival (CAFS), and a secondary endpoint, the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), alongside consistent improvement in slow vital capacity (SVC).

In the same subgroup, treatment lowered neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of axonal damage released when neurons are injured. NfL is gaining acceptance as a key biomarker in ALS and is increasingly recognized as a basis for regulatory decisions on disease-modifying therapies.

Building a U.S. research base

CorestemChemon has also been establishing a presence in the United States through the regenerative medicine research community. In late 2025, it became the first South Korean company to join an innovation engine supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) — the Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine, anchored by the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM).

Joining the engine gives the company access to WFIRM's research infrastructure and network, and it has consolidated its U.S. operations in North Carolina to anchor that work.

On the regulatory front, CorestemChemon said it is pursuing a Type C meeting with the FDA, with the goal of filing a Biologics License Application (BLA) for U.S. approval next year.

Full-scale production of Neuronata-R® is expected to be up and running early next year, when treatment is set to resume. From that point, patients from outside South Korea will also be able to travel to the country to receive the therapy.

CorestemChemon has framed the MFDS decision as a step toward keeping a cell-based option available for the patients most likely to benefit, and toward extending that option to patients beyond South Korea over time.

How Neuronata-R works

Neuronata-R® uses autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), grown in the lab from the patient's own bone marrow and delivered by intrathecal injection.

Rather than replacing motor neurons, the MSCs are thought to act through the factors they secrete. These include anti-inflammatory factors — TGF-β1, IL-4 and IL-10, which help dampen the neuroinflammation that contributes to motor neuron loss — and neuroprotective factors such as VEGF, BDNF and IGF, which support neuronal survival. Together, these factors are proposed to slow the death of motor neurons.

To date, the therapy has been given to more than 400 patients in South Korea, building a body of real-world experience and safety data. It holds Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), granted in 2018, and from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), granted in 2019.