Accordingly, PGBank's third-quarter 2026 financial statements show that, as of the end of September, its on-balance-sheet non-performing loans totalled nearly $77.9 million, up 78.4 per cent from the end of 2025.

The bank's NPL ratio surged to 3.93 per cent, exceeding the warning threshold set by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and significantly higher than the 2.36 per cent recorded at the end of last year. Notably, its Group 3 (substandard) and Group 4 (doubtful) loans both nearly tripled.

Rising bad debts have prompted the State Bank of Vietnam to require banks to strictly maintain credit standards. Photo: baodautu.vn

While bad debts have risen rapidly, the bank's NPL coverage ratio has declined, standing at just 30.5 per cent at the end of September, placing PGBank among the banks with the lowest NPL coverage ratios in the system.

At Techcombank, the NPL ratio has not fluctuated significantly, rising to 1.36 per cent from 1.13 per cent at the end of last year. Notably, Group 2 loans have also doubled, indicating a substantial volume of debts at risk of deteriorating into non-performing loans.

Although Techcombank is among the few banks with an NPL coverage ratio exceeding 100 per cent, the ratio has also been declining. As of September 30, its NPL coverage ratio stood at just 107 per cent, down from 128 per cent at the end of last year.

At LPBank, the volume of bad debts also increased by approximately 36.5 per cent from the end of 2025, lifting its NPL ratio to 1.87 per cent from 1.68 per cent as of December 31, 2025.

In addition to rising bad debts, the bank's special-mention loans (Group 2) increased by more than 72 per cent from the outset of the year. If borrowers fail to recover their repayment capacity, the risk of these loans migrating into worse debt categories is substantial. The NPL coverage ratio fell to 62.8 per cent from 73.9 per cent at the end of last year.

The rise in bad debts has prompted greater caution from regulators. In Official Letter No.9608/NHNN-CSTT dated October 18, the SBV called on credit institutions to lower lending rates while strictly prohibiting any relaxation of credit standards or sacrificing credit quality to expand lending.

“Particular attention should be paid to certain credit institutions with large-scale and rapidly increasing bad debts. These institutions must closely monitor and manage their credit exposures, proactively review and assess the causes of rising bad debts, and promptly implement appropriate solutions to control risks and ensure safe operations,” the letter warned.

Against a backdrop of eroding provisioning buffers across the banking system, with the system-wide NPL coverage ratio now below 80 per cent and some banks reporting ratios of just 20-30 per cent, the SBV has also called on banks to review and fully comply with legal requirements and internal regulations governing loan classification and provisioning, while improving their NPL coverage ratios.

In previous years, banks primarily dealt with bad debts by foreclosing on collateral and using risk provisions. However, the property market is now unfavourable, with poor liquidity slowing the disposal of collateral.

As a result, bad debt resolution has become increasingly reliant on risk provisions. The SBV is therefore encouraging banks to diversify their debt resolution methods, including through the debt trading market.

Vietnam's debt trading market has yet to develop in line with its potential in recent years. Although a debt trading exchange has been established, banks have not yet been able to put their debts up for sale.

Encouragingly, Decree No. 359/2026/ND-CP on the establishment, organisation, operations and financial mechanism of state-owned Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC), which takes effect on November 6, will place VAMC under a new legal framework, with an expanded role in resolving bad debts and developing the debt trading market.

Tran Trung Dung, chairman of VAMC's Members' Council, noted that compared with the previous framework, Decree 359 updates regulations governing VAMC's organisation, governance, rights and obligations, while expanding mechanisms to support credit institutions in recovering and resolving debts and collateral.

“VAMC is being steered towards a major shift from primarily resolving individual debt cases to developing the debt trading market. The focus of this process is on establishing and operating a debt trading exchange that connects investors with specialised service providers," he said

"Alongside connecting market participants, the exchange is expected to develop intermediary services such as consulting, valuation, auction and risk control. Through these efforts, VAMC aims to increase the number and value of transactions while improving the market's transaction success rate.”

VAMC is currently working with South Korean agencies and partners to develop the technology platform for the debt trading exchange. The exchange is expected to become operational in late 2027 or early 2028.

Banks post strong H1 performances on credit growth and cost cuts Banks have reported strong first-half results, fuelled by double-digit credit growth, improved asset quality, and operating efficiency, pointing to a positive outlook for the rest of the year.

From provision buffers to bad debt insights Financial statements from the second quarter show a continued decline in the non-performing loan coverage ratio, dropping to 79.82 from 80.40 per cent a year earlier.

Banks build bigger buffers as bad debt pressure returns Banks are sharply increasing loan-loss provisions as rising bad debts, weaker cash flows and mounting property market risks force lenders to prioritise financial resilience over short-term profit.

Experts offer solutions on more substantive lending cuts As banks face mounting funding costs, liquidity pressures and bad debts, experts have offered solutions to make lending rate cuts more substantive while ensuring credit reaches key growth sectors.

According to an announcement on October 30, Bao Viet (brand value up 22 per cent to $735 million) achieves a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 96/100, up from 92.8/100 in 2025, and retains its AAA+ brand strength rating.

Its performance highlights the importance of familiarity, trust, and institutional credibility in financial services. As Vietnam’s first insurer, Bao Viet enjoys an established position in the country’s insurance market and has supported major infrastructure projects spanning roads, airports, and energy. These associations reinforce their relevance beyond individual insurance products.

Vietjet (brand value up 117 per cent to $906 million) records the fastest brand value growth among ASEAN airline brands in the 2026 ranking. The airline’s performance comes as carriers across Asia-Pacific benefit from rising passenger demand and expanding international connectivity. Vietjet has broadened its international network with routes connecting Vietnam to markets including Australia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Russia.

Viettel Group (brand value up 7 per cent to $7.9 billion) remains Vietnam’s leading brand in the ASEAN ranking, despite slipping one place to fifth overall. Its position reflects its established telecommunications business and expanding role in digital infrastructure.

Viettel continues to strengthen its position through investment in telecommunications infrastructure and advanced digital technologies. By the end of 2025, it operated the country’s largest 5G network, with 30,000 base stations serving 12.6 million subscribers. Continued investment in 5G, research, and patents are extending the brand’s capabilities beyond connectivity into digital services and technology development.

Vietnamese banking brands are also building momentum across ASEAN. VPBank (brand value up 41 per cent to $995million), VietinBank (brand value up 32 per cent to $2.2 billion), and MB (brand value up 27 per cent to $2 billion) also record strong growth. Vietnam and the Philippines now account for 33 of ASEAN’s 83 ranked banking brands. Banking remains the region’s largest sector, with a combined brand value up 5 per cent to $105.9 billion.

Brand Finance’s market research shows that MB leads Vietnamese banking brands for customer trust. It ranks ahead of Techcombank (brand value up 5 per cent to $1.7 billion), Vietcombank (brand value up 7 per cent to $2.5 billion), BIDV (brand value up 11 per cent to $1.8 billion), and VietinBank, showing that customer trust is not necessarily tied to scale.

Alex Haigh, managing director of Brand Finance Asia-Pacific, said, “Growing faster than any other market in ASEAN, Vietnam’s brands are also showing that size is not the only route to leadership."

"MB ranks first for customer trust among Vietnamese banking brands, while Bao Viet is ASEAN’s strongest brand overall and Vinpearl its strongest hotel brand. That combination of rapid growth and exceptional brand strength gives Vietnamese businesses a solid foundation for competing beyond their home market,” he said.

Vinpearl (brand value up 86 per cent to $381 million) notes a BSI score of 95.4/100, the highest among hotel brands in the region. Its performance demonstrates that rapid brand value growth can coincide with strong brand perceptions. As a Vietnamese hospitality brand, Vinpearl combines accommodation and leisure experiences to serve domestic and international visitors.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese beer brands also contribute to the country’s performance. Saigon grows 37 per cent in brand value, while 333’ Export records a 52 per cent increase to $502 million. According to Brand Finance’s ASEAN 500 2026 report, the combined value of the region’s 500 most valuable brands rises 8 per cent to $315.6 billion.

Vietnam’s results demonstrate how established businesses and fast-growing challengers can create value through different routes, from expanding digital services and international networks to building customer trust and distinctive brand propositions.

Vietnam’s top 100 brands leap 11 per cent in value to $43 billion Vietnam's top 100 brands have a combined value of $43 billion in 2026, an 11 per cent increase from the previous year, according to Brand Finance.

Brands strategise to expand F&B portfolios The Vietnamese food and beverage industry is entering a strong structural regeneration cycle, where brand definition and customer experience management are becoming vital components for businesses to maintain an advantage.

F&B brands face long-term struggle A raft of food and beverage brands are shutting their doors amid a challenging economic environment.

This year’s contest continues to provide a valuable platform for students to apply their STEM knowledge and unleash their creativity. Photo: Panasonic Vietnam

Last year, the contest attracted approximately 5,000 video submissions from more than 2,300 students across 30 provinces and cities. Building on this momentum, this year’s contest promises to provide a platform for students to confidently showcase their ideas, perspectives, and practical STEM initiatives.

From November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, primary and lower secondary school students nationwide can participate individually or in teams of up to five members, accompanied by a teacher or parent. Participants are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity and apply scientific and engineering knowledge by documenting their implementation process and presenting their STEM products, projects, or activities.

Under the theme ‘Water and Life’, the fourth season offers students an opportunity to explore the close relationship between water, people, and the environment, inspiring them to develop practical ideas and solutions for the responsible use, protection, and conservation of water resources.

Through the contest, Panasonic, together with its technical partners, the Centre for Education and Development (CED) and the Institute for School Design, aims to nurture creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and environmental responsibility among Vietnam’s future generations.

The launch ceremony was held at Nguyen Khuyen Primary School in Dong Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of representatives from the Institute for School Design under the Ministry of Education and Training, leading universities in the city, STEM education experts, teachers, and 800 students.

Taka Fujino, general director of Panasonic Vietnam, delivers his remarks at the launch ceremony, marking the first time the event has been held in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Panasonic Vietnam

Speaking at the event, Taka Fujino, general director of Panasonic Vietnam, said, “Education is one of the key pillars of Panasonic’s corporate social responsibility activities in Vietnam. For the first time, we launched the ‘Together We Create STEM’ contest in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a new milestone in the expansion of the programme in the southern region. We aim to broaden opportunities for hands-on learning while inspiring creativity and a sense of responsibility towards the community and the environment among young people.”

‘Together We Create STEM’ is an annual activity under the ‘Panasonic for Sustainable Schools’ initiative. Launched in 2022, the contest is organised by Panasonic Vietnam in collaboration with the CED and the Institute for School Design under the Ministry of Education and Training. The programme provides students with opportunities to explore and practise STEM through lessons and hands-on learning kits. Thus, they can identify and propose solutions to real-world social and local challenges while raising environmental awareness and understanding of global sustainable development issues.

Following the launch ceremony, experiential STEM classes under the ‘Panasonic for Sustainable Schools’ initiative were delivered to more than 2,000 students at Nguyen Khuyen Primary School in Dong Hoa Ward and Phu Nhuan Primary School in Phu Nhuan Ward.

Since its inception in April 2022, ‘Panasonic for Sustainable Schools’ has engaged over 120,000 students, along with more than 100 schools and the education community nationwide.

Panasonic honours 16 films at Kids Witness News awards Panasonic has recognised 16 exceptional student-made films in the 2025 Kids Witness News (KWN) competition, celebrating young creativity and storytelling in Hanoi.

Panasonic honoured for sustainable development and green transition Panasonic was honoured as one of the top five brands contributing to sustainable development and green transition at the Better Choice Awards 2025 Gala in Hanoi on October 3.

Panasonic to donate 1,000 flashlights to residents in Nghe An and Ha Tinh ahead of storm season Panasonic will present 1,000 flashlights to residents in Nghe An and Ha Tinh to help them prepare ahead of the storm season.

At Nong Son Power Plant (1 unit of 30 MW), a coal-fired power plant owned by Vinacomin Power Holdings, biomass fuel feeding started on September 15, and the co-firing test was conducted on October 7.

Co-firing means burning coal and plant-based materials together in the same boiler In the co-firing Test, the co-firing ratio for wood pellets exceeded the target of 20 per cent and reached 30 per cent. On the other hand, the co-firing ratio for wood chips was 5 per cent.

In Vietnam, where electric power demand is growing at an annual rate of approximately 10 per cent, about half power supply relies on coal-fired power plants.

Vietnam has declared its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and under the Power Development Plan VIII, the country intends to start co-firing biomass and other fuels at coal-fired power plants that have been in operation for 20 years or more. Co-firing with biomass fuels that can be sourced domestically contributes to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy self-sufficiency.

The co-firing test is being conducted in accordance with the MoU signed in September 2022 with Vinacomin Power, a subsidiary of Vinacomin, and the addendum to the MoU signed on June 17, 2025.

From September to November 2025, the company conducted Vietnam’s first biomass co-firing test at the Na Duong Power Plant, achieving a co-firing ratio of up to 20 per cent using wood chips. Additionally, from December 2025 to January 2026, the company conducted the second co-firing test at the Cao Ngan Power Plant, achieving a co-firing ratio of 30 per cent using wood pellets.

In July 2026, the co-firing test was selected for the FY2025 “Subsidy for the Decarbonisation of Resource-Rich Countries and Energy Transition Technologies,” administered by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The co-firing test utilises this subsidy.

erex is promoting decarbonisation initiatives, such as the construction of biomass power plants in Vietnam and Cambodia. The Japanese company believes these efforts will not only contribute to the decarbonisation of both countries but also help improve their energy self-sufficiency and create jobs.

Japan invests in biomass power plant in Yen Bai A new biomass power plant project is expected to be built on an area of about 10 hectares, with a total investment of up to $120 million at Bac Van Yen Industrial Cluster in the northern province of Yen Bai.

Japan's erex obtains subsidy for biomass co-firing project in Vietnam Japanese renewable energy firm Erex Co., Ltd. will receive a government subsidy for biomass fuel co-firing tests at coal-fired power facilities in Vietnam.

Idemitsu Kosan begins commercial operation of black pellet plant Idemitsu Green Energy Vietnam Co.,Ltd. (IGEV) has commenced commercial operations of its new plant in Gia Lai to produce black pellets (BP), a type of biomass fuel.

Andrew Staples, co-chair of the Southeast Asia 500 Summit and editorial director for Asia at Fortune (left) and Deputy Minister of Finance Le Tan Can at the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit 2026.

"Vietnam is not only welcoming manufacturing facilities but is also preparing its infrastructure and institutional framework to become a destination for data centres, AI centres, and research and development hubs operated by multinational corporations, and international financial institutions," Can said.

To realise this vision, Vietnam is focusing on developing an integrated next-generation investment ecosystem that closely connects foreign-invested enterprises with domestic businesses, while developing logistics, data, and clean energy infrastructure, as well as a high-quality workforce. At the same time, the country is seeking to harness new growth drivers from capital markets, free trade zones, and international financial centres.

“For Vietnam, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation have been identified as key drivers of growth. The economy is making a strong shift towards a development model based on productivity, quality, and higher added value, while encouraging the role of the private sector,” he said.

Can outlined different major areas of cooperation that Vietnam hopes to advance with the business community and foreign investors in the coming years.

These include joint research, development, and mastery of technologies, with priority given to areas where both sides have potential and shared advantages, such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, clean energy, and smart technologies.

He also called for the establishment of more research centres, laboratories, and technology development programmes, alongside stronger investment in Vietnam’s priority strategic sectors, including high technology, semiconductors, electronics, AI, data, digital infrastructure, modern logistics, clean energy, biotechnology, advanced materials, and high-value-added services.

At the summit, Andrew Staples, co-chair of the Southeast Asia 500 Summit and editorial director for Asia at Fortune, said that the latest Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking, which recognises the region’s largest companies by revenue, showed that the 500 companies on the list generated combined revenue of $1.9 trillion this year, up 3.4 per cent from the previous year.

However, the 72 Vietnamese companies featured in the ranking recorded a combined revenue increase of 10.5 per cent compared with last year’s list, three times the regional average.

“The continued growth and development of Vietnam’s economy is one of the reasons why we decided to host the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit here today. Vietnam is the fastest-growing economy in the region, with a population of more than 100 million and annual growth of around 8 per cent,” he said.

“The global economy is changing, creating new risks and opportunities while becoming increasingly complex and costly. Geopolitical factors, rather than efficiency and productivity alone, are now also shaping trade and investment flows. The development of the AI ecosystem and the application of this technology are both major drivers of economic growth and sources of risk and uncertainty,” he noted.

At the conference, Andrew Staples, co-chair of the Southeast Asia 500 Summit and editorial director for Asia at Fortune, said that the latest Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking, which recognises the region’s largest companies by revenue, showed that the 500 companies on the list generated combined revenue of $1.9 trillion this year, up 3.4 per cent on-year.

Meanwhile, the 72 Vietnamese companies featured in the ranking recorded a 10.5 per cent increase in combined revenue compared with last year’s list, three times the regional average.

“Vietnam’s continued economic growth and development is one of the reasons why we decided to bring the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit here today. Vietnam is the fastest-growing economy in the region, with a population of more than 100 million and annual growth of around 8 per cent,” he said.

“The global economy is changing, creating new risks and opportunities, while becoming increasingly complex and costly. Geopolitical factors, rather than efficiency and productivity alone, are now shaping trade and investment flows. The development of the AI ecosystem and the adoption of this technology are both important drivers of economic growth and sources of risk and uncertainty.”

According to the Ministry of Finance, despite volatility in the global economy and geopolitical landscape, Vietnam has demonstrated resilience and maintained positive growth momentum. In recent years, GDP growth has remained high, at 7-8 per cent, driven in large part by manufacturing and processing, services, and exports.

GDP grew by 9.01 per cent in the first nine months, providing a foundation for the country to gradually pursue its target of achieving double-digit growth during the 2026-2030 period.

Vietnam has also remained an attractive destination for FDI, with investment increasingly shifting towards high-tech industries, semiconductors, and green energy.

Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit 2026, held on the morning of November 3 in Ho Chi Minh.

Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy, vice rector of the UEB. Photo: UEB

This challenge was a central theme at the Vietnam-UK Economic Forum 2026, held in Hanoi on November 3. The event was jointly organised by the University of Economics and Business (UEB) under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the Vietnam-UK Friendship Association, and partners.

According to Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy, vice rector of the UEB, the financial system is undergoing profound transformation, with fintech, AI, big data, cloud computing, digital assets, and open finance fundamentally changing how financial services are designed, delivered, and supervised.

“Technology can reduce transaction costs, expand access to finance, improve the operational efficiency of financial institutions, and create products and services that were previously difficult to imagine,” she said.

Yet these opportunities come with emerging risks involving cybersecurity, data management, AI models, third-party technology providers, and digital assets. As financial institutions become more interconnected, disruptions can also spread more rapidly across the system.

“The question today is no longer simply how to innovate faster, but how to innovate safely and resiliently,” she said.

From digital transactions to business model transformation

One of the most significant changes is the shift from digitising individual transactions towards transforming the core business models of financial institutions. In the early stages, digital transformation largely focused on mobile banking, electronic payments, and process automation. Today, technology is increasingly being integrated into core banking activities, including data analytics, risk management, lending, and investment decisions.

AI is being used to detect fraud, assess creditworthiness, manage portfolios, and personalise financial services. Meanwhile, Open Banking and application programming interfaces are expanding connections between banks and external partners, while cloud computing enables financial institutions to scale operations more flexibly.

These developments mean that digital transformation is no longer simply a technology issue. It requires fundamental changes to business models, data architecture, workforce capabilities, and governance systems.

This also calls for a broader approach to risk management. In an increasingly digital financial system, a technology failure can quickly become an operational, liquidity, or reputational issue, potentially affecting financial stability.

A bank may have invested heavily in cybersecurity but remain vulnerable if it relies excessively on a single cloud service provider, operates with fragmented data, or lacks employees capable of responding effectively to system disruptions.

Against this backdrop, operational resilience is becoming increasingly important. Rather than focusing solely on preventing disruptions, financial institutions must ensure that critical services can continue operating, losses can be contained, and systems can recover quickly when incidents occur.

“The question is not only whether we can prevent every disruption, but also whether, when disruption happens, the system can continue delivering critical services, limit the damage, and recover quickly enough,” Thuy said.

For regulators, the challenge is to strike an appropriate balance between innovation and stability, openness and security, as well as speed and resilience.

An overly rigid regulatory framework may slow innovation, while innovation without adequate safeguards can expose consumers and the wider financial system to new risks. Regulatory sandboxes, regulatory technology, supervisory technology, and AI governance are among the tools that can help address this challenge.

Alexandra Smith, chargé d'affaires at the British Embassy in Vietnam. Photo: UEB

UK experience offers lessons for responsible innovation

Sharing the UK's experience, Alexandra Smith, chargé d'affaires at the British Embassy in Vietnam, said digital payments, AI, and other emerging technologies were creating significant opportunities to improve efficiency, widen access to financial services, and boost financial inclusion.

However, innovation must be supported by appropriate safeguards to maintain financial stability, protect consumers, and preserve market confidence.

The UK has sought to create an environment in which financial innovation can flourish while maintaining effective regulatory oversight. One example is the Financial Conduct Authority's regulatory sandbox, which allows businesses to test new financial products and services in a safe and controlled environment.

The UK also places considerable emphasis on responsible adoption of emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and operational resilience, areas in which it is keen to share its experience as Vietnam continues developing its financial ecosystem.

Smith noted that successful financial development required much more than technology, investment, and infrastructure. Strong institutions, skilled professionals, and continuous exchanges of knowledge and expertise were equally important.

Universities, she added, played a significant role in developing talent, boosting research, and identifying practical solutions to emerging challenges.

“We are not here just to share experience. We are here to learn from Vietnam, too, from Vietnam's priorities, ambitions, and the partnerships it wishes to develop,” she said and expressed hopes for expanded bilateral cooperation, particularly through joint research initiatives that could combine Vietnam's dynamism and ambitions with the UK's expertise and international connections.

Photo: UEB

Vietnamese banks face gaps between digitalisation and customer experience

Sharing findings from a study on digital transformation readiness and operational resilience across 20 Vietnamese commercial banks, Do Quang Vinh, vice chairman and deputy CEO of SHB,

presented findings from a study on digital transformation readiness and operational resilience across 20 domestic commercial banks.

The findings show that banks have made significant progress in developing digital payments. However, the deployment of digital platforms does not necessarily guarantee a stable service experience.

According to Vinh, customers do not usually distinguish whether a problem originates from an application, a payment system, or the underlying infrastructure. They simply expect services to operate instantly and continuously. Disruptions during peak hours can directly affect customers’ perceptions of service quality.

Another bottleneck lies in banks’ ability to leverage data, while technological resources remain a factor contributing to differences in digital transformation readiness among banking groups.

“Banks cannot focus solely on expanding digital transaction channels; they must also continue to optimise their underlying infrastructure. While customer-facing interfaces and services have advanced rapidly, core systems, integration capabilities, and data sharing still require investment to ensure seamless and stable operations,” Vinh said.

Alongside technology, SHB considers human resources another significant challenge. Digital transformation requires not only investment in technology but also changes in how banks train and support employees, and organise their work.

“The pace of technology deployment must go hand in hand with employees’ ability to adapt. Otherwise, continuous changes could create additional pressure and disrupt operational processes,” he added.

The initial benefits of digital transformation are more evident in process optimisation and productivity gains, while improvements in service quality, personalisation, and incident handling still require further time and investment.

Based on the research findings, Vinh said the next phase of digital transformation in banking should shift its focus from transaction digitalisation towards data utilisation, AI applications, and the integration of service ecosystems.

“Internal efficiency gains need to be translated into better customer experiences, while staff training must become an ongoing process, tailored to individual roles and the technological changes taking place in day-to-day operations,” he said.

Resilience cannot be assessed solely by the security of technological infrastructure. Data needs to be integrated, systems must be user-friendly, incident reporting and response mechanisms must be effective, and employees must be able to adapt when disruptions occur.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Yangtze River Economic Belt initiative. The festival brings culture and tourism together to draw visitors and support local economies. At the opening ceremony, organizers unveiled Jiangsu's autumn and winter lineup of cultural events, tourism activities and visitor incentives at a presentation titled "Charm of Jiangsu, Tides of the Yangtze." They also introduced curated itineraries for exploring the Yangtze River Delta's smaller cities by high-speed rail. The event highlighted activities and achievements from Suzhou's 2026 East Asian Capital of Culture program. Participants also signed agreements for cultural and tourism projects.

Thirteen village Party secretaries each brought water from the stretch of the Yangtze River flowing through their respective hometowns. Joined by guests, they used the water in a ceremony to formally open the festival—a vivid expression of the river that binds their communities together. Two exhibitions, including Art Without Borders: A Joint Exhibition of Works from Community Collaborative Art Museums, opened at the Yonglian Art Museum that day.

Held annually since 2004, the Yangtze River Culture Festival has featured more than 200 activities and reached a combined online and in-person audience of over 500 million. Under the theme "Integration, Promotion and Sharing," this year's festival features three main programs: "Exploring the Yangtze," "Celebrating Yangtze Culture" and "An Open Yangtze." Visitors can discover smaller cities on the Yangtze River Delta's high-speed rail network, take part in RV camping exchanges along the river, and explore the "Guardians of the Yangtze" market, which brings living cultural traditions, folk customs, local specialties and shopping together. Running through November 29, the festival invites visitors to explore the cultural richness of the Yangtze River basin through events and experiences across the region.

Released alongside the song, the music video goes beyond showcasing Shenzhen's cityscape to put people at the heart of the story. Through the experiences of people from all walks of life, particularly young people and those from overseas, it captures the energy and appeal of Shenzhen, the City of Miracles, and its warm welcome to the world. Running 4 minutes and 45 seconds, the video features 176 shots filmed across Shenzhen, with more than 100 residents appearing on screen. From location coordination and filming support to bringing participants together, the production was a citywide effort. More than just a music video, it became a shared expression of Shenzhen's enthusiasm as APEC host city.

From a refreshing melody to a city ready to welcome the world, Shenzhen is embracing its role as APEC host with openness and inclusiveness, extending a warm invitation to guests from near and far to gather in Shenzhen.

The latest update included several large-cap companies, such as Vingroup JSC, Vinhomes JSC, Vietcombank, Hoa Phat Group, Mobile World Investment Corporation, FPT Corporation, Viettel Global Investment JSC, SSI Securities Corporation and Vincom Retail JSC.

Accordingly, after-tax profit growth among reporting companies remained strong in the third quarter, rising 35.8 per cent on-year. Growth continued to be driven by non-financial companies, which posted a 65.5 per cent increase, while financial companies recorded growth of just 2.6 per cent.

Photo: baodautu.vn

In the banking sector, the number of reporting institutions increased to 20 out of 28 banks, representing 63.7 per cent of the sector's market capitalisation, providing a clearer picture of earnings performance.

After-tax profit growth at these banks slowed to 14.1 per cent on-year after Vietcombank, the sector's largest bank by market capitalisation, reported virtually flat after-tax profit in Q3, up just 0.2 per cent, significantly below the 64.7 per cent growth recorded in Q2.

The results so far continue to highlight uneven profit growth across the banking sector, with many banks still facing pressure from credit risk provisioning expenses.

The most significant change in this latest update came from the real estate sector, where after-tax profits at 69 out of 127 companies surged 237.3 per cent on-year in Q3.

Vinhomes alone reported Q3 after-tax profit reaching $920 million, up 419 per cent from a year earlier, driven by revenue from property handovers and recognition from major projects such as Vinhomes Green Paradise, Global Gate Halong and Ocean Park 2-3.

Another emerging bright spot was basic resources, where the sector's aggregate after-tax profit increased 157.4 per cent from Q3 of last year. Steel major Hoa Phat Group reported Q3 after-tax profit of $330.6 million, up 106 per cent, while revenue rose 70 per cent. Its nine-month profit had already exceeded its full-year target.

Retail also emerged as one of the sectors with the highest reporting coverage, with 17 out of 27 companies having disclosed their results, representing 95.2 per cent of the sector's market capitalisation.

Their after-tax profits rose 89.6 per cent. Fresh momentum came from Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG), whose Q3 after-tax profit increased 97.4 per cent on-year, while FPT Retail posted growth of more than 110 per cent.

MWG grocery retail chain Bach Hoa Xanh continued to improve operational efficiency and returned a profit in Q3, helping lift consolidated after-tax profit to a new high.

In contrast, IT companies, which now account for nearly 90 per cent of the sector's market capitalisation, recorded a 6.9 per cent decline on-year in after-tax profit. FPT, the dominant company in terms of sector market capitalisation, reported a Q3 after-tax profit decrease of approximately 5.9 per cent.

FiinGroup noted that share price movements indicate that the market had already priced in part of the earnings outlook ahead of companies' official announcements.

Over the past month, several sectors with positive Q3 earnings results bucked the broader market's downward trend and continued to gain, notably basic resources, up 6.1 per cent, primarily driven by Steel, followed by real estate, up 1.1 per cent, and retail, up 0.3 per cent.

This trend suggests that capital flows had shifted early into certain sectors with improving earnings prospects, although the extent to which these expectations had been priced in varied across sectors.

FTSE Russell CEO confident in Vietnam's emerging market shift During a meeting with Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan on the sidelines of the conference marking Vietnam's inclusion in the FTSE Russell Global Equity Index Series, FTSE Russell CEO Fiona Bassett expressed confidence in Vietnam's transition.

JICA congratulates Vietnam on FTSE Russell market upgrade The Japan International Cooperation Agency has congratulated Vietnam on its reclassification from Frontier Market to Secondary Emerging Market status by FTSE Russell.

Transparency and disclosure key to sustaining Vietnam's market upgrade Stronger disclosure standards, greater corporate transparency, and proactive investor engagement are essential to attracting long-term capital and sustaining investor confidence following Vietnam's stock market upgrade.

Vietnam's stock market upgrade puts focus on corporate governance Vietnam's stock market upgrade is raising expectations for corporate transparency and governance, with Singapore's experience offering valuable insights into strengthening independent directors and enhancing investor confidence.

AMÉRYS Hotel Phu Quoc is invested in by Les Sens - Phu Quoc Hotel Services Joint Stock Company under Khoi Nguyen Investment Holdings (KNI Group), with a total capital of over 600 billion VND. The hotel is managed and operated by Private Palace Vietnam Co., Ltd., a member of Private Palace Hotels & Resorts Group (Germany).

AMÉRYS Phu Quoc stands 7 stories tall with a capacity of 113 rooms, offering a full range of room categories from Superior to Presidential. Featuring a unique "Ocean Warmth" architectural concept, the building was designed by Raymond Architectural Design Office—a renowned Japanese firm with over 100 years of experience in the architectural design industry. The hotel is positioned as a high-end property, specifically dedicated to multi-generational families.

Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of KNI Group, shared: "With our motto 'Designed for Togetherness', we bring this vision to life by creating sophisticated multi-generational spaces at AMÉRYS Hotel Phu Quoc. Here, every family member can find their own joy while remaining fully connected, enhancing both mental and physical well-being to continue their happy journey together in life. We are confident that guests will be highly satisfied with the excellent services provided here by Private Palace Hotels, a deeply experienced operator."

According to Karim Klaa, General Manager of AMÉRYS Hotel Phu Quoc, the "Designed for Togetherness" philosophy is heavily invested in to satisfy the needs of various age groups within the family, specifically:

• Accommodation Architecture: Diversified room layouts, ranging from cozy spaces for small families (parents and children) to large, flexibly connected suites that perfectly accommodate multi-generational families (including grandparents).
• Specialized Care for Each Generation:
  • Children: The indoor Azuria Kid Club is fully air-conditioned and stands as the largest in this segment with an area of 500m². It offers a rich, creative schedule of activities that adapts flexibly to the seasons, allowing children to freely explore. In particular, summer camp programs are expected to be held in collaboration with Ardingly College Vietnam (ACVN), a boarding school originally from the UK, bringing holistic body-mind-soul experiences to children's vacations in Phu Quoc.
  • Parents and Grandparents: A Spa Center featuring massage therapy, yoga, and various types of saunas—including hot/cold sauna, steam bath, and Ganban hot stone sauna—along with a gym, a live music tea room, and a sports bar.
  • Exclusively for Seniors: In collaboration with Genki House—a Japanese-standard healthcare model within the same ecosystem—the hotel strives to provide specialized traditional medicine treatments, health cultivation (Qigong/Taichi), and intensive physical rehabilitation, allowing grandparents to enjoy a healthy and relaxing retreat.

"AMÉRYS features a private beach just a 5-minute electric buggy from the hotel. The hotel has also invested in two well-equipped restaurants with rich and distinctive culinary menus. Togetherness at AMÉRYS comes from respecting the private world of each generation so that when gathering for meals or shared moments of relaxation, the entire family creates invaluable memories on Pearl Island—an island famous for its pearl farming industry and stunning natural landscapes," Karim Klaa added.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of AMÉRYS Hotel Phu Quoc, Daniel Hutter, General Manager of Private Palace Hotels Group for the German region, stated: "On behalf of Private Palace Hotels Group in Europe and Asia, I am deeply honored to attend today's event. Some time ago, this place was just a vision on paper. Now, it has become a vibrant, lively structure ready to welcome travelers from all over the world. I could not be prouder."

"We would like to extend our deepest, most sincere gratitude to KNI Group. You have not just built a piece of real estate; you have created a space where beautiful memories will be cherished for many years to come," said Daniel Hutter. "Our promise is simple: to deliver genuine hospitality, excellent service, and memorable moments. Today is not the finish line; it is just the opening chapter of our story. With the companionship of KNI Group and the enthusiasm of our staff, I firmly believe that the most wonderful chapters of AMÉRYS Hotel Phu Quoc still lie ahead," Daniel Hutter emphasized.

Regarding nature, Phu Quoc is blessed with a year-round mild climate, fine white sand beaches, warm waters that are safe for children, and a lush primary forest ecosystem. This provides an ideal natural therapeutic environment for the elderly to relax and stimulates curiosity and exploration in young children. Phu Quoc is conveniently located in the heart of Southeast Asia, attracting an increasing number of domestic flights and connections from international hubs (Singapore, Malaysia, Bangkok, etc.). The visa-free policy for international visitors to the Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone makes it easy to attract tourists from around the globe to AMÉRYS Hotel Phu Quoc.

Website: https://ameryshotel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameryshotels

The event heard that a major ambitious growth target requires more state budget revenues and fiscal discipline

“State budget revenues must be underpinned by economic development and production and business activities. As businesses grow, tax revenue will also increase. Therefore, to help achieve Vietnam’s 10 per cent economic growth target, the tax sector must strengthen its engagement with businesses and support them throughout their development,” he said.

Another notable achievement highlighted by Thanh at the event was Vietnam’s removal from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes in October. According to Thanh, the result was achieved through the government’s decisive direction and coordination between the MoF and relevant agencies.

Thanh said that several mechanisms were currently being implemented, including spontaneous exchange of information, exchange of information upon request, and country-by-country reporting. A delegation from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is scheduled to visit Vietnam in November to work on this issue.

“Businesses operating in Vietnam are responsible for cooperating with the authorities in declaring beneficial ownership information in accordance with regulations. This is an important basis for the authorities to verify compliance, prevent tax evasion, and address capital and profit shifting that does not comply with applicable regulations,” stated Thanh.

Strengthening tax information exchange will also help Vietnam integrate more deeply into the global tax administration system while enhancing the transparency of its business environment. “This, in turn, will help Vietnam build greater confidence among investment funds, governments, and international financial institutions, supporting the attraction of investment capital in the coming years,” Thanh added.

Hoang Thuy Duong, partner and head of Tax for Vietnam & Cambodia at KPMG in Vietnam, said that achieving current growth targets required Vietnam to take a realistic view of the global economic environment. Nevertheless, Vietnam’s economy had demonstrated considerable resilience, sustaining export growth and attracting positive foreign inflows.

“An ambitious growth target requires state budget revenue to increase accordingly while maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring that resources are allocated in a balanced manner to support development. Vietnam still has fiscal space to invest in infrastructure, ranging from seaports and airports to expressways, thereby strengthening production capacity, export performance, and services development,” he said.

Against the backdrop of the implementation of numerous new tax laws, Duong noted that tax administration would become increasingly stringent, including through broader and more effective tax coverage and measures to ensure fairness among businesses and individuals.

“Businesses therefore need to pay greater attention to tax compliance, related-party transactions, and associated obligations,” said Duong. “In particular, digitalisation in tax compliance and administration is a strategic step that aligns with international trends. The application of technology and AI will transform tax declaration and payment processes, as well as tax audits and inspections.”

Nguyen Thu Huong, partner, head of Tax Dispute Resolution & Controversy at KPMG in Vietnam, said the tax sector was taking decisive steps to integrate digital transformation into tax administration. Addressing businesses’ concerns about tax audits and inspections, Huong said their primary objective was to improve compliance.

“Businesses should therefore avoid focusing solely on preparing for a specific tax inspection. Instead, they should conduct regular tax health checks to identify errors that can be corrected promptly, rather than waiting until an inspection decision is issued before taking remedial action,” said Huong.

When issues are unclear, businesses should proactively engage with the tax authorities and seek guidance before more serious complications arise.

“Rather than simply filing tax returns, submitting reports, and waiting for the authorities to conduct audits or inspections, businesses should take a proactive approach to compiling data, reconciling figures, analysing risks, and identifying anomalies so that they can make timely adjustments, mitigate risks, and strengthen compliance,” she added.

Also at the event, Le Thi Kieu Nga, partner and head of Tax Advisory at KPMG in Vietnam, said that of the approximately 1,500 businesses in Vietnam subject to the global minimum tax (GMT), around 200 businesses and projects had incurred top-up tax liabilities.

“If a business does not pay the top-up tax in Vietnam, the tax may be collected in the jurisdiction where its parent company or intermediate parent company is located. As a result, the business would still be subject to the minimum effective tax rate of 15 per cent,” stated Nga.

“This reduces the effectiveness of traditional corporate income tax incentives for multinational groups subject to the GMT. If a company’s effective tax rate is already below the 15 per cent threshold, the benefits of tax incentives may no longer be retained entirely by the business, as the shortfall could instead be collected as top-up tax in another jurisdiction,” she said.

Tran Thi Thuy Ha

Partner, Global Transfer Pricing Services KPMG in Vietnam

Businesses must ensure that related-party transactions comply with the arm’s-length principle, as transfer pricing documentation alone may not be sufficient to withstand scrutiny by tax authorities. This requires a robust analysis of pricing methods, supported by reliable data and evidence that reflects the functions performed, assets used, risks assumed, and economic circumstances of the parties involved.

These requirements also extend to country-by-country reporting. Multinational enterprise groups with consolidated global revenue of at least $836 million may fall within the reporting framework, while businesses should review whether notification obligations apply when reports are filed overseas. At the same time, changes to the rules governing data sources for transfer pricing analysis make the selection of appropriate comparables increasingly important.

Profitability must also be assessed in context. Industry profit indicators published by tax authorities do not mean that all businesses in the same sector must achieve identical margins. Differences in business models, risk profiles, and market conditions can lead to different results, which companies should be prepared to substantiate with relevant evidence.

To manage these risks, businesses may consider mechanisms that provide greater certainty or help resolve disputes. Advance pricing agreements can establish an agreed approach to pricing for covered related-party transactions, while the mutual agreement procedure can help address disputes between tax authorities and cases of double taxation under applicable tax treaties. Businesses should review regulatory changes, reassess their transfer pricing risks, and strengthen supporting documentation, while considering whether agreement mechanisms suit their circumstances.

Tran Van Trung

Partner, Tax Advisory; Head, Power Sector, KPMG in Vietnam

Recent changes to Vietnam’s tax framework require businesses to reassess their eligibility for corporate income tax incentives, particularly those available to qualifying high-tech enterprises and research and development centres. Depending on the applicable conditions, preferential tax rates and extended incentive periods may be available, making it important for companies to review the relevant criteria rather than rely solely on incentives they have previously applied.

Beyond tax incentives, the treatment of capital transfers is another area requiring careful consideration, particularly in cross-border transactions involving multinational groups. Determining the portion of income attributable to Vietnam can be complex when a transaction takes place overseas and the group operates across several jurisdictions.

Asset-based allocation may be relevant in some cases, but it may not fully reflect the value of businesses whose operations depend heavily on services or intangible assets. These challenges can also arise in internal group restructuring, where businesses need to establish the appropriate transfer value and assess differences between transaction prices and book values.

For cross-border transactions, businesses must also consider whether relief is available under double taxation agreements. Such relief is not automatic: companies must satisfy the relevant conditions and provide adequate supporting documentation. Careful assessment of the transaction structure and the applicable treaty provisions is therefore important when determining the tax implications of a capital transfer.

Taken together, these issues underline the need for businesses to review their tax positions before implementing transactions or recognising expenses. Maintaining complete documentation, assessing potential liabilities early, and engaging with tax authorities where appropriate can help clarify uncertainties and reduce the risk of disputes during tax audits and finalisation.

Congregations across the Philippines also held watch parties in local meetinghouses, allowing more youth and young adults to participate.

"Dedicate" follows seven young adults from Brazil, France, Ghana, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and the United States as they explore the Salt Lake Temple during its renovation. After being closed for renovations in 2019, the historic temple will open for public tours April 5 through October 1, 2027, as part of a global celebration.

In each "Dedicate" episode, the young adults meet Church leaders and seek answers to questions about faith, purpose and spiritual identity. Through personal experiences and candid conversations, the series explores how temples help strengthen individuals and families through Jesus Christ.

Emie Alvez of Manila, a participant in the series, talked about her experience and answered questions from the audience. In her bio for "Dedicate," she shared that young adults her age are drawn to the temple.

"My generation deeply loves the temple. Amid uncertainty, it reminds us that God's promises are sure," she said.

Many around the world have also been drawn to this series to learn more about temples. This week, the series surpassed 2 million views on YouTube alone.

Alvez hopes that anyone who watches will see God's love for them reflected in the experiences shared in "Dedicate."

"What I've learned is Jesus Christ's love is endless," she shares in Episode 5. "I knew that before, but I feel it more deeply now."

After the event, James Ejercito, a young adult from Quezon, said, "One of the best things I have learned and realized more as I watched 'Dedicate' is how much God loves us. His plan for us is to be one and be united with Him."

"After watching 'Dedicate', it made me think more deeply about the temple," Althea Pallasigue of Pasig said. "Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love us so much. We are so blessed because there are a lot of temples around us that will strengthen us."

During the event, Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong of the Philippines Area Presidency invited the rising generation to dedicate and rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ as they prepare to make and keep special promises in the temple.

"Dedicate your life to Him, if you have fallen short––and all of us have––then rededicate yourselves. If you fall short again, rededicate. We just need to stand up one more time than the times we fall," he said.

A Global Celebration

Watching and sharing "Dedicate" is one of the many ways that anyone can participate in the global Salt Lake Temple Celebration.

"As we invite the world to the Salt Lake Temple Celebration beginning in April 2027, our hearts turn to those who may not be able to attend with us in person. One way we hope 'all nations shall flow unto' this house of the Lord is through 'Dedicate,'" said Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

"Let [this series] be something that you experience, that you enjoy, that builds your faith in Jesus Christ."

Episode 5 was released at 8 a.m. MST on November 1, 2026. The sixth and final episode will be released in spring 2027 as part of the ongoing Salt Lake Temple Celebration.

Ways to Watch

The series is available on the following platforms:

• The Church's YouTube channel.
• The Church's website through Gospel Library Online.
• The Gospel Library app.
• BYUtv.
• Local watch parties. Members are encouraged to host a watch party with their ward or stake or simply gather family and friends to watch episodes together.

Standing Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha (second, left). Photo: ITPC

"Ho Chi Minh City's appeal lies in its position as an economic hub, its large consumer market, dynamic business community, and well-developed financial and trade services," Ha said.

"Following its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the city now has an integrated development space encompassing finance, services, innovation, modern industry, and deep-water seaports," he added.

In the first 10 months, Ho Chi Minh City attracted more than $19 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), exceeding its full-year target by around 74 per cent.

The city currently has more than 22,000 valid FDI projects with total registered capital of more than $157.4 billion.

"The Law on Urban Development, which took effect on October 1, establishes a legal framework with various policies for Ho Chi Minh City and other special-class cities. Together with the International Financial Centre and the Free Trade Zone, these frameworks aim to create a clear, consistent, and predictable regulatory environment," Ha said.

He added that the city targets double-digit growth and aims to become Asia’s economic, financial, and services hub by 2045.

“Priority sectors include strategic infrastructure, high technology, finance, logistics, and green energy. We seek to attract capital, technology, governance standards, and human resources, while strengthening connections between international businesses and domestic enterprises, universities, and research institutes,” he said.

Dr. Andrew Staples, editorial director of Fortune Asia. Photo: ITPC

Dr. Andrew Staples, editorial director of Fortune Asia, presented an overview of the regional economy through the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking, launched three years ago.

He said that in the latest edition, based on 2025 financial data, companies on the 2026 list generated total revenue of $1.88 trillion, up 3.4 per cent on-year, and total profits of $150 billion, equivalent to a net profit margin of 8 per cent.

Vietnamese companies on the list stood out, generating combined revenue of close to $178 billion and achieving growth of 10.5 per cent, three times the Southeast Asian average and the second-fastest rate in the ranking, after Cambodia.

“Notably, the 72 Vietnamese companies on this year’s ranking, accounted for approximately one-quarter of the total revenue growth recorded by this year’s Fortune Southeast Asia 500, even though their initial revenue base represented less than 10 per cent of the list’s total revenue,” he said.

Pham Quang Nhat, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, said the city was focusing on attracting investment into priority sectors, including high technology, strategic infrastructure, logistics, finance, and other high value-added industries.

“The city believes investment promotion must go hand in hand with supporting businesses throughout the implementation process. Issues beyond the centre’s authority will be consolidated and referred to the relevant agencies for consideration, helping improve coordination and resolution efficiency,” Nhat said.

According to Nhat, investment flows are currently concentrated in high technology, digital infrastructure, and logistics.

Nhat said that Ho Chi Minh City’s investment incentive framework is structured around three tiers: nationwide incentives for priority sectors, the city’s specific incentive mechanisms, and incentives available in special institutional zones.

“These three tiers of incentives can be combined depending on the sector, scale, and location of each project, in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said.

Travis Mitchell, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, said Ho Chi Minh City was facing a historic opportunity to attract a new wave of US investment, thanks to its expanded development space, talented workforce, and dynamic business environment.

“The United States is Vietnam’s largest export market, with bilateral trade exceeding $215 billion in 2025, up 39 per cent on-year, Vietnam’s exports to the US reached more than $153 billion, accounting for 32 per cent of the country’s total exports,” Mitchell said.

He described Ho Chi Minh City as a strategic gateway connecting Vietnamese businesses with the US market with three strategic areas with significant potential for cooperation: semiconductors and high technology, energy, and healthcare.

Commenting on the shift of leading US semiconductor and technology corporations such as Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm towards Vietnam, Mitchell said the country is no longer viewed simply as a low-cost manufacturing destination.

"Businesses are increasingly recognising the country's potential to become an innovation hub and undertake higher value-added activities," he added.

Alongside changes in global supply chains, he said the city's key advantage lies in its pool of highly skilled technical talent.

"For Ho Chi Minh City, the opportunity lies in building on its existing strengths in manufacturing and engineering to move further into chip design, research and development, and advanced technologies," he stressed.

More than $13 billion in projects approved at AEF 2026 On the morning of October 28, as part of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, Ho Chi Minh City announced 12 projects that had received in-principle investment approval and/or investment registration certificates, with total investment of approximately $13.58 billion.

UK-Vietnam Business Forum focuses on high-value economy by 2045 The 2026 UK-Vietnam Business Forum took place in Ho Chi Minh City, focused on building a high-income, high-value economy by 2045.

Where Tech Meets Art: Intelligent Venue Upgrade

Michael Ma, Vice President of Huawei and President of Huawei's ICT Product Portfolio Mgmt & Solutions Dept, highlighted Huawei's end-to-end engagement in the Longgang International Arts Center project, from physical construction to digital and intelligent space enablement. Huawei has consistently integrated innovative ICTs with the venue's business scenarios, collaborating with partners to prioritize intelligent construction, premium experience, smart operations, and green, low-carbon practices. This approach has positioned the Center as a world-class cultural venue with advanced digital and intelligent capabilities. Looking ahead, Huawei will continue investing in foundational technologies and driving the integration of innovative ICTs with artistic environments, empowering cultural venues to elevate their services and operations.

At the event, the Longgang International Arts Center Global Intelligent Venue Showcase was launched, and the Digital Art Gallery (D+) officially opened, with representatives from the government, Huawei, and the Center in attendance to mark the occasion.

Exploring the Intelligent Venue: E2E Digital and Intelligent Transformation Across Construction, Management, and Operations

Wu Zhaohui, CTO of Longgang International Arts Center, shared their frontline venue operations experience in a speech titled "New Art Landmark, New Operations Practices." He highlighted that Shenzhen's cultural venues are rapidly evolving toward higher quality and greater diversity. Positioned as a new tech-art landmark in the Greater Bay Area, the D+ pursues a unique approach that combines deep artistic engagement, a strong technology foundation, and smart operations. Built on Longgang International Arts Center's advanced digital and intelligent infrastructure, the venue uses data to drive operations across consumer-focused (C-end) scenarios, business (B-end) collaboration, and government (G-end) public services. This strategy fosters a sustainable ecosystem and establishes a new model for smart art spaces.

Eric He, CEO of Huawei Campus Team, delivered a keynote on how technology is reshaping art spaces. He described architecture as frozen art and emphasized that digital and intelligent transformation—from design blueprints to venue agents—is key to making buildings smart and spaces dynamic. Huawei supports the entire venue lifecycle spanning construction, management, and operations with its 10 Gbps campus network and digital platform. These "dual hubs" have helped Longgang International Arts Center achieve six advantages: intelligent construction, efficient operations, green and low-carbon practices, immersive spectating experiences, personalized services, and user operations. Looking ahead, Huawei plans to collaborate with industry partners to develop scenario-based applications, integrate regional industries, establish standards through alliances, and drive innovation-led transformation, shaping intelligent spaces and a better future together.

A third-party comprehensive assessment rated Longgang International Arts Center as "excellent" for its digital and intelligent performance in smart energy-saving and carbon reduction, achieving the highest energy efficiency class. Zhang Xiang, Deputy General Manager of Potin-tech (Beijing) Technology under CAICT, presented the results, and Weng Yizhao, CEO of Shenzhen Zhuoyue Culture Development, accepted the certificate on behalf of the venue.

Tian Ding, Senior Vice President of HMN Tech, stated that the company is dedicated to creating richer smart scenario experiences for Longgang International Arts Center and other campuses, supporting venue campuses in achieving robust operations and ongoing innovation.

Attendees toured the venue's Intelligent Operation Center (IOC), enjoyed the DomeArt Gallery's light show, and explored the "Great Beauty of China" exhibition in the Flight Hall as well as the "Boundless Realm" exhibit in the CAVE, fully immersing themselves in this intelligent venue.

Moving forward, as OpenHarmony and AI continue to evolve, more cultural landmarks like Longgang International Arts Center will transcend time and space, sharing the fusion of technology and artistry with wider audiences and shaping a brighter future together.

For Hung Yen – a province lying in the heart of the Red River delta, some 60km southeast of Hanoi – these requirements are becoming more pressing as its industrial base expands and demand for investment resources increases.

Improving the business environment is therefore not simply an administrative task, but an important condition for sustaining growth and attracting higher-quality investment.

Photo: Tat Dat

This direction is reflected in Decision No.1875/QD-UBND dated June 15, issued by Hung Yen People’s Committee, approving a scheme to improve the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index), Satisfaction Index of Public Administrative Services (SIPAS) and Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index for the 2026-2030 period.

The province aims to rank among the country’s top 10 localities in these indices by 2030, while building a professional, modern and transparent administration that places citizens and businesses at the centre of public service delivery.

However, the 2026 PAR Index self-assessment indicates that further advancements are needed. According to Report No.770/BC-SNV dated October 23, issued by the Department of Home Affairs, Hung Yen had provisionally scored 61.8 out of 68 points as of September 30, with 17 criteria and sub-criteria had yet to achieve their maximum scores.

In response, Hung Yen People’s Committee has directed departments and agencies to review underperforming criteria, implement corrective measures and complete supporting documentation for the official year-end assessment. The province aims to place its 2026 PAR Index and SIPAS among the country’s top 10.

Specific targets have also been established for the fourth quarter of 2026. The province aims to prevent any additional overdue administrative procedure files, while ensuring that all feedback and petitions within its jurisdiction are addressed, answered and publicly reported.

It also plans to provide fully online public services for all eligible administrative procedures and raise the proportion of fully online applications to at least 80 per cent.

At least 85 per cent of administrative procedures involving financial obligations are expected to support online payments, with online transactions accounting for at least 70 per cent of all transactions subject to fees and charges.

Meanwhile, the rate of fully electronic processing of documents and work files has reached 94.1 per cent. The province is continuing to improve data infrastructure and connectivity, while bringing shared information systems into operation.

The results recorded in the first nine months of 2026 highlight the continued expansion of Hung Yen’s economy and the growing importance of improving the investment environment.

Industrial Park No.5 in Hung Yen province. Photo: Quynh Nga

According to the provincial statistics office, Hung Yen’s regional GDP reached approximately $8.75 billion in the first nine months of 2026, representing an on-year growth of 11.2 per cent. This exceeded the growth scenario of 11.1 per cent and ranked seventh among 34 provinces and cities.

Industry and construction expanded by 14.8 per cent, remaining the largest contributor to overall economic growth.

At current prices, regional GDP was estimated at $10.36 billion. Industry and construction accounted for around 55.6 per cent of the economic structure, with industry alone representing nearly 45.2 per cent, highlighting the sector’s central role in the provincial economy.

Investment attraction also maintained positive momentum. In the first nine months of 2026, the province enticed approximately $2.72 billion in domestic investment and nearly $1.8 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI).

The province recorded 52 newly registered foreign-invested projects with total registered capital touching $713.7 million, while 74 existing projects registered additional capital of over $1 billion. The substantial volume of additional investment reflects continued expansion demand among foreign investors already operating in the province.

The expanding investment base is placing greater demands on the quality of business support throughout project implementation. Hung Yen is paying close attention to reviewing the progress of projects that have received investment policy approval, those registering additional capital, and projects currently under investment promotion.

Hung Yen’s industrial park network provides serviced industrial land and synchronised infrastructure. Photo: Quynh Nga

The province is also working to resolve obstacles relating to planning, land, site clearance, infrastructure and investment procedures, while seeking to renew investment promotion and investor support activities to increase total investment attraction in 2026 compared with the previous year.

Alongside the Provincial Competitiveness Index and PAR Index, improvements in the Provincial Green Index are also being linked to selective investment attraction, stronger environmental management, and support for businesses transitioning towards greener production.

The Department and District Competitiveness Index provides an additional mechanism for assessing the governance quality of individual departments and localities from the business perspective. It helps identify administrative bottlenecks, cumbersome procedures, and prolonged processing times, providing a basis for targeted improvements.

Infrastructure development and public investment disbursement are another priority in strengthening the province’s investment appeal.

As of September 30, the total public investment plan, following a 5 per cent saving from local budget resources, stood at approximately $2.26 billion, of which about $2.24 billion had been allocated.

Disbursement approximated $1.13 billion, of which disbursement from the 2026 capital plan alone amounted to nearly $1.05 billion, equivalent to 60.3 per cent of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister.

These coordinated efforts will help strengthen business confidence, attract strategic investors, improve the quality of investment inflows, and underpin the province’s sustainable growth ambitions for 2026-2030.

Molex opens its expanded manufacturing facility in Hung Yen Global electronics and connectivity solutions provider Molex has completed the initial building phase of its expanded manufacturing plant in Hung Yen, strengthening its high-tech manufacturing footprint in Vietnam as its second site in the country.

Hung Yen’s regional GDP beats expectations Hung Yen’s regional GDP grew 11.2 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, exceeding the 11.1 per cent growth scenario, with industry remaining the key growth driver, supported by construction and investment.

Hung Yen unveils adjusted master plan with three economic zones Hung Yen's adjusted provincial master plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, establishes a development framework of three economic zones, two corridors, and seven development axes, providing a basis for reorganising economic space and mobilising resources in the new phase.

Hung Yen boosts infrastructure to tap coastal growth potential Hung Yen is expanding its coastal economic space through transport infrastructure, seaport development, and logistics planning. Better connectivity between production hubs, industrial zones, and cargo networks will be key to unlocking new growth potential.

All five artists speak English at a native level, connecting with fans through their personalities and humor.

Blending pop, anime-inspired fantasy and pet companions, the group opens a multiverse where music connects different worlds. HYPEVERSE invites young fans to see their differences as strengths and believe in the future they can create.

The studio says U.S. fans find its videos fun and entertaining. Comments include "on replay for days now!!" and "I love the song and can't wait to see more of the group's success!"

Released October 7 through Universal Music Korea, the pre-debut single "Weirdo" celebrates individuality and the freedom to love what you love.

HYPEVERSE earned the Next Icon award as "Most Anticipated Virtual Idol of 2027" in the topceleV News Awards 2026, presented by Korea's No. 1 virtual entertainment media outlet.

Top K-pop producers, world-class virtual production and advanced AI technology bring its expanding universe to life.

"We want to create content that inspires young people to stay hopeful and creative in the age of AI." — Simon Shin, founder of Philandart Studio

Watch: https://youtu.be/QN9EsXNnKkw

The launch comes as unmanaged AI use draws closer scrutiny. A 2026 industry study of data breaches found that incidents involving shadow AI, meaning AI tools used by employees without IT approval, accounted for 43% of all breaches, up from 20% in 2025. Among organizations reporting an AI-related security incident, 92% lacked adequate AI access controls.

Enterprises can usually see who uses AI and how much. Leadership still lacks answers on whether that use is sanctioned, whether it reaches real work, and what it produces.

For every enterprise, the AI Adoption Index lets leaders:

• Map: See how AI is used across teams, from AI-Aware to AI-First.
• Measure: Identify which teams are behind on adoption.
• Mitigate: Detect shadow AI and keep a permanent audit trail.

Usage analytics stop at activity. Governance and security tools control approval and spend but cannot show whether AI changes how work gets done, and a separate set of tools tracks output shipped. The AI Adoption Index brings all three views together in one place, across every AI tool and every team.

"ProHance is envisioning to solve a critical problem of assessing AI's impact on the workforce by helping leaders understand how to reskill and reshape their workforce with AI by measuring actual impact of AI and humans together," said Ankur Dhingra, CEO, ProHance. "AI Adoption Index shows leaders who is using what, how deeply, at what cost, and where AI is running without approval, measured from the work itself, so they can decide where to act."

The Index follows ProHance's launch of its outcome measurement layer for Outsourcing Performance Management (OPM), which gives enterprises independent evidence of what their outsourced and contingent teams deliver. Across both launches, ProHance is focused on driving visibility for enterprises, so that AI-ready organizations can improve outcomes from their people and their AI together.

Under the initiative, a three-year program will be implemented from 2027 to 2029. It will focus on attracting and developing Bahraini talent, particularly fresh graduates and new entrants to the labor market, for roles across audit, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions. The hub also aims to equip Bahraini talent with the practical experience and skills required for future professions, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, cybersecurity, sustainability, and financial services. This will help meet the needs of clients in Bahrain and across the wider region for specialized talent in high-growth sectors, while enhancing the competitiveness of Bahraini professionals and reinforcing Bahrain's position as a hub for talent and high-value professional services.

Commenting on the initiative, Her Excellency Ms. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), said: "At Tamkeen, we remain committed to directing our support towards initiatives that create sustainable employment opportunities for Bahrainis in sectors with strong growth potential and significant economic impact. This MoU with EY that aims to establish an EY Talent Hub in the Kingdom of Bahrain supports the development of Bahraini talent by equipping them with the advanced skills and practical experience required for future professions, while benefiting from the company's global expertise and best practices. This comes as part of our ongoing efforts to support Bahrainis in accessing quality, high-value employment opportunities and enabling their career growth and progression in line with evolving labor market needs, ultimately contributing to strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy."

Nader Rahimi, EY MENA Assurance Partner, said: "As new technologies reshape business and the skills needed to succeed, investing in talent must keep pace. This initiative with Tamkeen, with the support of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, is about equipping Bahraini professionals with the practical experience, capabilities, and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. By developing skills across areas such as AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and sustainability, we aim to prepare the next generation not only to adapt to change, but to lead through it. Our ambition is to empower the decision makers of the future with the knowledge and experience to create long-term value for their communities, local businesses, and the wider regional economy."

EY brings together capabilities across audit, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions, combining professional expertise with experience in areas such as technology and transformation to develop talent and support organizations navigating an evolving business environment.

This initiative forms part of Tamkeen's ongoing efforts to support the creation of quality employment opportunities for Bahrainis and empower private sector enterprises to invest in national talent, in line with national priorities for building a sustainable, innovation- and knowledge-driven economy.

The initiative also aligns with Tamkeen's strategic priorities for 2026, which focus on supporting initiatives with significant economic impact, enhancing private sector competitiveness, aligning skills with labor market needs, and adopting innovative approaches to stimulate the growth and expansion of startups, contributing to sustainable economic development in the Kingdom.

The acquisition combines BMO's global investment banking and distribution capabilities with Euroz Hartleys' deep Australian expertise in equities research, institutional sales and trading, equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic advisory. The combined platform connects clients more directly with capital, investors and opportunities across Australia, North America and Europe.

BMO has operated in Australia since 2004 with an office in Melbourne. The addition of the Euroz Hartleys capital markets team in Perth significantly expands BMO's Australian capabilities and establishes a broader platform serving corporate and institutional clients.

BMO has been recognized as the world's best Metals & Mining Investment Bank by Global Finance Magazine for 17 consecutive years.

The total represents the aggregate value of new mandates awarded to SICO across its Asset Management, Wealth Management, and Investment Banking businesses, spanning a diverse range of asset classes, predominantly in public markets, with the remainder in private markets. This includes approximately USD 1.4 billion in new inflows and investments into public and private funds and portfolios managed by SICO, in addition to more than USD 200 million in transactions and mandates across public and private markets and alternative investment products.

Commenting on the announcement, Najla Al Shirawi, Group CEO of SICO, said: "The USD 1.6 billion in new mandates awarded to SICO by institutional and individual investors across Asset Management, Wealth Management, and Investment Banking reflects their confidence in our capabilities, the strength of our client relationships across the region, and our ability to meet their diverse investment needs. We remain focused on connecting capital with opportunity, expanding our investment capabilities, and delivering long-term value for our clients."

Looking ahead, Al Shirawi added: "Dynamic markets reinforce the importance of innovation, disciplined execution, and client-focused solutions. Our ability to anticipate evolving investor needs and identify emerging opportunities will remain central to our growth and regional leadership. We also commend the Bahrain Economic Development Board for bringing together regional and international investors through Gateway Gulf, and the Central Bank of Bahrain for its continued commitment to strengthening the Kingdom's position as a leading financial and investment hub."

XPENG achieved a new monthly record with total deliveries of 50,237 vehicles in October, up 22% month-over-month and 20% year-over-year. Overseas deliveries also reached an all-time monthly high of 13,326 units, up 166% year-over-year.

In October 2026, the XPENG L05 was officially launched in the Chinese mainland, with deliveries set to begin on November 1, 2026.

On October 26, 2026, XPENG obtained a demonstration operation license to conduct Level 4 Robotaxi services in Guangzhou. The approval enables XPENG Robotaxi to advance from technology validation to real-world operational and business model validation, marking a key milestone toward the commercialization of XPENG's Physical AI technologies.

In October, XPENG achieved MSCI's highest ESG AAA rating for the fourth consecutive year.

XPENG's electric vehicles delivered from January to October 2026 are expected to reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by more than 5.77 million tons compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 95.43 million young trees over 10 years.

For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

The announcement, made at Gateway Gulf 2026 in Bahrain, highlights Investcorp's global investment momentum and its continued commitment to the Kingdom, where it was founded in 1982.

Between January and September 2026, Investcorp raised US$4.8 billion from its global investor base, deployed US$3.7 billion in new investments and recorded US$2.6 billion in exits across its investment businesses. As of September 2026, Investcorp's total assets under management stood at US$65.2 billion.

During the same period, Investcorp achieved significant fundraising milestones across its North America Private Equity and Strategic Capital platforms, securing more than US$2.3 billion in aggregate commitments.

Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp, said: "Investcorp was founded in Bahrain more than four decades ago, and the Kingdom remains central to our global growth and ambitions. Our continued momentum reflects the strength of our international platform and the confidence of our investors and partners. As we look ahead, we remain committed to connecting global capital with alternative investment opportunities, embracing innovation and contributing to Bahrain's position as a leading international financial center."

Key Investment and Innovation Highlights

Investcorp continued to expand its international investment activities during 2026, with significant transactions and milestones across its businesses:

• North American Private Equity: Invested in Berger Financial Group, a leading US wealth management platform.
• US Real Estate: Announced approximately US$800 million in industrial real estate transactions, including acquisitions and exits, alongside a US$200 million acquisition of senior living and multifamily properties across key US markets.
• Private Equity India: Acquired 20Cube 3PL Solutions, a digital-first contract logistics business, to support its expansion and build a pan-India logistics platform.
• Private Equity Europe: Invested in Smart Managed Solutions in the UK, and established a new software engineering growth platform with NetRom Software and Trivium Solutions, focused on AI-enabled software development. Investcorp also acquired a majority stake in Connectif, a Spanish provider of AI-powered marketing automation solutions.
• Private Equity GCC: Acquired a strategic stake in Metra, a regional IT distribution platform, and joined a consortium to acquire Reda Gulf Holding, a leading Saudi-based provider of fire protection, safety, security, and hazard-control solutions.
• Digital Innovation: Investcorp Wealth, launched in 2024 and developed by the firm's Bahrain-based teams, has digitally enabled more than US$620 million in capital raising from clients since its launch, demonstrating its international reach and the important role of Investcorp's Bahrain-based teams in its digital wealth management capabilities.
• Artificial Intelligence: Launched an AI Investment Framework to identify AI-driven investment opportunities, enhance portfolio performance and support long-term value creation.

These achievements reflect Investcorp's ability to connect investors with opportunities across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Investcorp's participation in Gateway Gulf 2026 reinforces its longstanding commitment to Bahrain and the Kingdom's role as a gateway for global capital and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, held on 1–2 November 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), the invitation-only forum gathered over 200 global ministerial and senior government officials, visionary chief executives, and investors in Bahrain to explore high-value investment opportunities and partnerships across the Gulf.

The four newly-awarded Golden Licenses comprise the following projects:

• Reinforcing its commitment to its MENA hub in Bahrain, DHL will establish its first and only regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Bahrain International Airport, supporting its growing fleet and expanding capacity for global operations from the Kingdom.
• Three major aviation ventures led by Capital A, the parent company of AirAsia, are set to enhance connectivity with the Far East and Europe, expand air cargo capacity through phased freight growth, and advance in-country aircraft MRO capabilities, further reinforcing Bahrain's position as a regional aviation hub.
• A landmark waterfront development in Amwaj by Meliá, in partnership with Infracorp, will feature a five-star hotel and Meliá-branded residences, further elevating Bahrain's premium tourism and lifestyle offering.
• Digital City Bahrain will establish a next-generation hub for ICT, innovation, and education, supported by world-class infrastructure and designed to attract cluster technology companies, accelerate sector growth, and further advance Bahrain's digital ecosystem.

At the heart of Bahrain's investment environment is the Team Bahrain approach, a distinctive model of public-private partnership that brings government and business together to create the conditions for investment and enterprise to thrive. Bahrain EDB plays a central role in this ecosystem, serving as a bridge between investors and government and helping translate opportunity into long-term growth. This collaborative approach is underpinned by Bahrain's continued investment in digital transformation, progressive regulation, and future-ready talent, alongside a diversified economy in which non-oil activity accounts for around 86% of GDP, providing a resilient foundation for sustainable growth.

A Star-Studded Opening Celebration

The festival kicked off with fan-favorite duo Namtan Tipnaree and Film Rachanun, who brought their charm and creativity to the celebration, featuring a special charity art auction of their artworks. All proceeds will benefit the Kamlangjai Project, supporting opportunities and new beginnings for inmates and former inmates. The excitement continued with a special mini concert by Billkin Putthipong, followed by electrifying music from DJ ROOTS and PATRA B, making it a night to remember.

And the excitement doesn't stop there. Here are 5 reasons to experience this year's spectacular flower festival.

1. Six Floral Worlds, Endless Photo Opportunities

Explore six picture-perfect floral worlds across Floors G–5: WHITE VIBE, featuring elegant white blooms and a 3.8-metre giant vase; SWEET BREEZE, with ballet-inspired floral displays; GOOD MOOD, a pastel meadow with 31 adorable sheep sculptures; THE HIDDEN WONDER OF TREE ROOTS, an imaginative nature-inspired installation; HANG HANG, showcasing vibrant hanging floral art; and KEEP SMILING, a playful meadow with charming dog sculptures. Every floor offers a picture-perfect moment!

2. Discover Art & Flowers by Japanese Artist YUTA OKUDA

Experience a stunning Art & Flower Installation by YUTA OKUDA, featuring colourful handcrafted flowers made from corn husks, at the connecting tunnel between Central Chidlom and Central Embassy. Continue your creative journey with "A Canvas to Carry: Tote Bag Painting Workshop" on Floor 5 at Central Embassy.

3. Get Creative with DIY Workshops & AI Beauty Experiences

Enjoy hands-on activities including Blooming Keychain, Flower Patch on Tote, Malai Bar & Styling (traditional Thai floral garlands reimagined as fashion accessories), Resin Mobile Case, Hammered Flower Art and Perfume Atelier workshops.

Discover CENTRAL SKIN AI, offering AI-powered skin analysis in approximately five minutes, along with complimentary skincare samples at Beauty Galerie, Floor G. Step into a 3D floral world at Samsung Flower Galaxy Studio, and join the Flower Stamp Rally across eight locations for a THB 100 dining voucher, limited to 100 redemptions.

4. Taste Exclusive Floral Menus from 10 Popular Restaurants

Discover floral-inspired dishes and drinks from Weng, Shichi, Mozza by Cocotte, Ăn Cơm Ăn Cá, The Rolling Pinn, Greyhound, Pash Juices, Taproom, Aeb Zaab Songprapa and Lofter. Don't miss Blossom Bedazzling and the Blooming Wall at Lofter, Floor 6, plus traditional Thai floral-inspired desserts at Eathai, Central Embassy.

5. Shop Exclusive Collections & Enjoy Over THB 8 Million in Rewards

Enjoy up to 30% off new arrivals, plus Only at Central, Limited Edition and New Drop collections from brands including Estée Lauder, La Mer, Mardi Mercredi, SEIKO, adidas and Pandora. Get combined shopping privileges of up to 32% and discover exciting rewards.

At Central Chidlom, spend THB 5,000 in a single receipt to enter the CENTRAL WONDERS BLOOM MYSTERY BOX, featuring over 3,000 prizes. Fitness lovers can join RUN FOR REWARDS for a THB 400 shopping discount coupon upon presenting proof of a 5 km or 10 km run. Additional privileges await international visitors and The 1 Expat members.

One Destination, Endless Reasons to Visit. From art and creativity to dining and shopping, experience a world of Good Mood & Good Vibes in the heart of Bangkok.

Central Chidlom, Bangkok
29 October – 2 November 2026

Activities, promotions and privileges are subject to terms and conditions. Selected workshops require qualifying purchases.

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

• Global pedagogical thinking, led by educators from Reggio Children and informed by the educational experience of Reggio Emilia.
• Regional best-practice exchange, with educators from Singapore and across the region presenting enquiries grounded in their own cultural and educational contexts.
• Immersive professional learning, including atelier experiences and school visits, connecting educational philosophy with everyday practice.

• Full speech by Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming (below release).
• Conference photos

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