Refreshing, visually layered and designed to evolve with every stir and sip, Mixers brings together refreshing flavors, sparkling textures and vibrant colors in drinks that feel just as good as they look. Whether it is a mid-day pick-me-up, post-work hangout or spontaneous café catch-up, Mixers is crafted to fit naturally into today's social lifestyle moments.

More notably, Mixers arrives as younger consumers increasingly embrace "sober curious" lifestyles — seeking social beverages that feel elevated, exciting and experience-led without centering around alcohol. Mixers is designed to deliver layered flavors, mood-driven experiences and a sense of occasion that fits naturally into modern social rituals.

"Today's café culture is about connection, mood and experience as much as it is about the beverage itself," said Chien Chien, Lin, Managing Director & VP Finance (APAC), The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Singapore. "Consumers today are looking for moments that feel personal, expressive and shareable, and Mixers was created for exactly that - refreshing drinks that fit naturally into the social and lifestyle moments shaping urban culture today."

Served in tall translucent cups that showcase bold gradients and layered colors, the drinks are designed to stand out both in cafés and on social feeds.

The new Mixers lineup features two distinct creations, each bringing its own personality to the experience:

1. Mango Mint Cold Brew Tea with Jelly
2. Strawberry Swedish Berries Cold Brew Tea with Strawberry Jelly

Mixers is now available at all participating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® outlets across Singapore, while stocks last. For more information, visit The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Singapore.

For more information, visit www.coffeebean.com.

"Wilton's appointment underscores our continued focus on disciplined execution, a diversified business model, and our long-term commitment to customers in one of our largest markets in Asia," said Steve Finch, President and CEO of Manulife Asia. "He brings deep and diversified expertise and strategic vision that will help to shape our continued success. Most recently in his dual role as Deputy CEO and CFO, Wilton has reinforced our market position, driven enterprise integration, strengthened management oversight, and advanced alignment on strategic and operational priorities. This appointment represents our confidence that he will continue to execute against our long-term growth priorities as CEO."

Kee joined Manulife in 2013 and has held a number of senior leadership roles across pricing, product, health and finance in Hong Kong and Macau. He previously served as Chief Product Officer and later assumed the additional role of Head of Health. In 2022, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer, and in March 2026, took on additional responsibilities as Deputy CEO, contributing significantly to the company's strategic development and market leadership in both markets.

Wilton will succeed Patrick effective as of July 1, 2026.

Moov Technologies has established itself as a leading platform for the buying, selling and management of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and parts. Moov developed the world's first interactive equipment marketplace and asset management platform, built on a modern technology stack designed to support global semiconductor manufacturing operations. Many of the world's largest semiconductor companies rely on Moov's platform to manage manufacturing assets, streamline transactions and improve visibility across equipment lifecycles.

Moov's platform supports the sourcing and sale of semiconductor fabrication, packaging, test, EMS and SMT equipment, as well as surplus, idle and scrap tools. In addition to marketplace services, the company provides logistics, de-installation, rigging, crating, refurbishment, installation and live shipment tracking capabilities for customers operating in multiple regions. Moov's platform combines digital marketplace functionality with operational services that support complex semiconductor equipment transactions from initial listing through delivery and installation.

Based in Colorado, Axion acquires and integrates semiconductor businesses into a unified operating platform designed to support the evolving infrastructure needs of the semiconductor supply chain. The company was established by semiconductor industry veterans Austin Gill, John Getchell, and Jeffrey Robbins. Together, the leadership team has over 60 years' experience founding, owning, and operating industry segment leaders and has managed billions of dollars in semiconductor equipment assets, services, and transactions across global markets.

"Moov has built an exceptional platform and business with a strong reputation across the semiconductor industry," said Austin Gill, CEO of Axion Semiconductor. "The company's technology, customer relationships and operational capabilities have established it as a trusted partner for many of the world's leading manufacturers. By bringing together Moov's platform with Axion's leadership team and long-term strategy, we believe the company is well positioned to accelerate growth and expand its role within the global semiconductor ecosystem."

"One of the strengths of the Moov platform is its ability to connect equipment owners, buyers and service providers through a more efficient and transparent process," said Jeff Robbins, COO of Axion Semiconductor. "The semiconductor industry continues to face increasing complexity around equipment sourcing, asset utilization and lifecycle management. Combining Moov's platform capabilities with Axion's operational infrastructure positions us to better support customers across the global semiconductor supply chain."

Jim O'Reilly will serve as CEO of Moov Technologies, while Jeff Kielty will continue in his role as managing director. The combined leadership team brings decades of experience across semiconductor manufacturing, equipment operations, supply chain management and technology services.

Moov Technologies will continue operating from its hubs in Austin, Texas, and New York, New York, while supporting customers across North America, Asia and Europe. The company also maintains operations in Tempe, Arizona and Taipei, Taiwan as part of Axion Semiconductor's broader platform. The acquisition will allow Moov to scale its platform and services while continuing to support the operational requirements of semiconductor manufacturers and equipment suppliers worldwide.

For more information on Axion Semiconductor, please visit www.axionsemi.co/. To learn more about Moov Technologies, please visit https://moov.co/.

The Rights Issue terms in brief

• Each existing share in AB Electrolux held on the record date entitles to two (2) subscription rights. One (1) subscription right entitles to subscription for one (1) new share, whereby subscription rights of Class A entitle to subscription of shares of Class A and subscription rights of Class B entitle to subscription of shares of Class B.
• The subscription price has been set to SEK 16.75 per Class A and Class B share, respectively.
• Following completion of the Rights Issue, Electrolux Group will raise gross proceeds of approximately SEK 9,062 million through the Rights Issue, before deduction of transaction costs.
• The record date for participation in the Rights Issue is May 29, 2026.
• The subscription period in the Rights Issue will last from and including June 2, 2026 to June 16, 2026.
• Investor AB, holding 17.94 percent of the shares and 30.43 percent of the votes in AB Electrolux (18.78 and 31.54 percent, respectively, excluding treasury shares held by AB Electrolux), has undertaken to subscribe for its pro rata share of the Rights Issue. In addition, Investor AB has undertaken to guarantee subscription of 18.78 percent of the Rights Issue. In total, Investor AB's undertaking encompasses 37.56 percent of the Rights Issue.
• Morgan Stanley and SEB (the "Joint Global Coordinators") and Deutsche Bank (the "Co-Bookrunner", together with the Joint Global Coordinators, the "Underwriters") have entered into an underwriting commitment with AB Electrolux, subject to customary conditions, covering the remaining portion of the Rights Issue. The Rights Issue is thus fully underwritten.

Background and rationale and use of proceeds of the Rights Issue

On April 23, 2026, Electrolux Group announced that it had entered into agreements with Midea Group to establish a highly complementary long-term strategic partnership in North America and a plan to improve efficiency across its organization including a focused optimization of the Group's global manufacturing footprint to further increase agility across the organization. Against the background of the strategic initiatives announced on April 23, 2026, the Board of Directors of AB Electrolux resolved on the Rights Issue. Following completion of the Rights Issue, Electrolux Group will raise gross proceeds of SEK 9,062 million, before deduction of transaction costs.

The gross proceeds will be used to finance Electrolux Group's profitable growth initiatives and strengthen the Group's balance sheet. The Group intends to allocate the gross proceeds as follows:

• SEK 1.0-1.5 billion to support the Group's long-term strategic partnership with Midea Group in Food Preservation (refrigeration) manufacturing and sales, and Fabric Care (laundry) in North America.
• SEK 2.0-2.5 billion to support the Group's plans to improve efficiency across its organization over the next two years, including targeted optimization of the global manufacturing footprint to improve capacity utilization and drive cost efficiencies in addition to staff reductions globally, across functions, in line with Electrolux Group's strategy to strengthen competitiveness and financial resilience.
• SEK 1.0 billion to support other long-term profitable growth initiatives, including product category and market expansion and increasing lifetime value offerings.
• SEK 4.0-5.0 billion to strengthen the Group's balance sheet to provide the Group with the financial flexibility and resilience needed in today's competitive and challenging market environment, while executing on the strategic initiatives and maintaining a solid investment-grade credit rating.

Please refer to Electrolux Group's press releases dated April 23, 2026 (Partnership announcement, and Global organization and footprint optimization, and Rights Issue announcement), for more information on the background and rationale for the Right Issue and further details on the use of proceeds.

Terms and conditions of the Rights Issue

Each existing share in AB Electrolux held on the record date, May 29, 2026, entitles to two (2) subscription rights. One (1) subscription right entitles to subscription for one (1) new share, whereby subscription rights of Class A entitle to subscription of shares of Class A and subscription rights of Class B entitle to subscription of shares of Class B. Shares not subscribed for with primary preferential right shall be offered to all shareholders for subscription (subsidiary preferential right). Upon the transfer of subscription rights (representing the primary preferential right), the subsidiary preferential right will also be transferred to the new holder of the subscription right. If not all new shares are subscribed for with subscription rights (primary preferential right), new Class A and Class B shares will be allotted by the Board, up to the maximum amount of the Rights Issue, in the following order (except for such shareholders who reside in certain unauthorized jurisdictions):

Firstly, allotment shall be made to those who have subscribed for new shares with subscription rights (subsidiary preferential right), irrespective of share class subscribed for and regardless of whether they were shareholders on the record date or not. In case of oversubscription, allocation shall be made pro rata in relation to the number of subscription rights each one has exercised for subscription of shares and, if that is not possible, by drawing of lots.

Secondly, allotment shall be made to others who have applied for subscription of shares without subscription rights (the general public in Sweden and "qualified investors"). In case of oversubscription, allocation shall be made pro rata in relation to their applied interest and, if that is not possible, by drawing of lots.

Thirdly, allotment shall be made to Investor AB and the Underwriters in accordance with their respective guarantee undertakings.

The Rights Issue is expected to increase AB Electrolux share capital by a maximum of SEK 2,951,906,720, from the current SEK 1,544,601,540 to not more than SEK 4,496,508,260 through an issuance of not more than 540,992,636 new shares, of which a maximum of 16,383,608 new Class A shares and a maximum of 524,609,028 new Class B shares. After the Rights Issue, the number of shares in AB Electrolux is expected to amount to not more than 824,070,029 shares, of which not more than 24,575,412 Class A shares and 799,494,617 Class B shares.

The new shares are issued at a subscription price of SEK 16.75 per Class A and Class B share, respectively. No commission will be charged.

The record date for participation in the Rights Issue is expected to be on May 29, 2026. The subscription period is expected to run from and including June 2, 2026, up to and including June 16, 2026, or a later date as resolved by the Board of Directors.

Trading in subscription rights is expected to take place on Nasdaq Stockholm during the period from and including June 2, 2026, up to and including June 11, 2026. Trading in BTAs (Sw. betalda tecknade aktier) is expected to take place on Nasdaq Stockholm during the period from and including June 2, 2026, up to and including June 29, 2026.

Shareholders who do not participate in the Rights Issue will have their holdings diluted by up to 65.65% percent (66.67% percent excluding treasury shares held by AB Electrolux) and voting rights diluted by up to 65.86% percent, but have the possibility to compensate themselves financially for the dilution by selling their subscription rights no later than June 11, 2026.

The Rights Issue is subject to approval by the EGM to be held on May 27, 2026. The resolution on the Rights Issue will also require that the EGM resolves to amend the limits for the share capital and the number of shares in the company's articles of association.

The full terms and conditions of the Rights Issue as well as further information about Electrolux Group will be presented in the prospectus that is expected to be published on Electrolux Group's website on May 28, 2026.

Subscription and underwriting commitments

Investor AB, holding 17.94 percent of the shares and 30.43 percent of the votes in AB Electrolux (18.78 and 31.54 percent, respectively, excluding treasury shares held by AB Electrolux), has undertaken to subscribe for its pro rata share of the Rights Issue. In addition, Investor AB has undertaken to guarantee subscription of 18.78 percent of the Rights Issue. In total, Investor AB's undertaking encompasses 37.56 percent of the Rights Issue. The Swedish Securities Council (Sw. Aktiemarknadsnämnden) has - in relation to Investor AB's undertaking to subscribe for its pro rata share of the Rights Issue - granted Investor AB an exemption from the mandatory takeover bid requirement that would otherwise arise. Investor AB has also been granted such an exemption in relation to its undertaking to underwrite the Rights Issue, subject to (i) the shareholders of AB Electrolux being informed ahead of the EGM about the maximum ownership level that Investor AB may reach upon utilization of its underwriting undertaking; and (ii) the EGM's resolution to approve the Rights Issue being supported by shareholders representing at least two-thirds of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the EGM, whereby shares held and represented by Investor AB must be disregarded. Investor AB's guarantee undertaking is conditional upon said majority being received at the EGM. Morgan Stanley, SEB and Deutsche Bank have entered into a underwriting commitment with AB Electrolux, subject to customary conditions, covering the remaining portion of the Rights Issue, including shares subject to Investor AB's guarantee undertaking in the event the above-mentioned majority is not received at the EGM. The Rights Issue is thus fully underwritten.

Based on the subscription price of SEK 16.75 per share of Class A and Class B, respectively, and assuming that the Rights Issue is subscribed only to the extent covered by subscription and underwriting commitments from Investor AB and the Underwriters, Investor AB would hold approximately 30.81% percent of the shares and approximately 41.58% percent of the votes in AB Electrolux following the Rights Issue.

Lock-up undertakings

The Board members of Electrolux have undertaken not to, without the prior written consent from the Joint Global Coordinators, and with customary exceptions, sell their respective holdings of shares in AB Electrolux or otherwise enter into transactions with similar effect for a period of 180 days, starting on the date falling immediately after the last day of the subscription period in the Rights Issue (June 16, 2026).

Furthermore, Investor AB has similarly undertaken not to, without the prior written consent from the Joint Global Coordinators, and with customary exceptions, sell its holding of shares in AB Electrolux or otherwise enter into transactions with similar effect for a period ending on the date falling 180 days after announcement of the final outcome of the Rights Issue, expected on or around June 22, 2026.

In addition, the Company has undertaken not to, without the prior written consent from the Joint Global Coordinators, and with customary exceptions, issue or contract to issue shares or other securities, or directly or indirectly sell, transfer, pledge, lien, charge, grant security or an option over, or enter into any other agreement or arrangement having a similar effect for a period ending on the date falling 180 days after announcement of the final outcome of the Rights Issue, expected on or around June 22, 2026.

Prospectus

Comprehensive information regarding the Rights Issue will be included in the prospectus which is expected to be published on or around May 28, 2026.

Indicative timetable for the Rights Issue

The timetable below is preliminary and may be subject to change.

Building on the resort’s growing international recognition, including its inclusion in the 2026 Travel+Leisure Top 500 list, the expansion is expected to strengthen Ho Tram’s positioning as one of Vietnam’s leading upscale coastal destinations.

Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2028, the development within the Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort complex will introduce an additional 191 hotel suites and rooms alongside expanded wellness, fitness and dining facilities.

The project will also feature five new swimming pools spanning 2,500 square metres, including a signature rooftop pool, as the resort continues to expand its premium leisure and wellness offerings in response to growing demand for high-end travel experiences in southern Vietnam.

As part of the expansion, the initiative will introduce The Indochine Residences at Meliá Ho Tram, an exclusive collection of two- and three-bedroom residences, duplexes and penthouses developed as fully serviced, hotel-managed properties under Meliá’s hospitality standards.

The residences are expected to provide investors with access to Meliá’s hospitality services and rental programme, combining private ownership with professionally managed resort operations.

The Indochine Residences at Meliá Ho Tram features an exclusive collection of two- and three-bedroom residences, duplexes and penthouses

André P. Gerondeau, COO of Meliá Hotels International, said Vietnam continued to represent one of the group’s most strategic growth markets in Asia-Pacific, while Ho Tram is rapidly emerging as a premier leisure and lifestyle destination within the region.

“This expansion reflects our long-term confidence in both the destination and our partnership with Tanzanite International,” Gerondeau said.

“Together, we are evolving Meliá Ho Tram beyond a traditional beachfront resort into a more holistic destination experience. The expansion will strengthen the resort’s positioning across premium leisure, wellness, gastronomy, and exceptional hospitality.”

According to the company, the expansion forms part of Meliá Ho Tram’s broader strategy to diversify its hospitality and wellness experiences for families, couples and multigenerational travellers.

The resort is continuing to enhance its family-oriented offerings through an upgraded Kids Club featuring a signature tree house and expanded indoor and outdoor activities, alongside a new football pitch expected to open in June 2026 and a dedicated outdoor recreation area for teenagers currently under development.

Meliá Ho Tram is also expanding its wellness-focused services through the introduction of an onsen experience and a wellness-inclusive package designed around mindfulness, rest and active living.

The wellness programme will include yoga, meditation, stretching sessions and nature-based experiences, alongside spa treatments, aromatherapy amenities, wellness workshops inspired by local ingredients and access to sauna and steam bath facilities.

Rooted in Meliá’s Mediterranean-inspired approach to hospitality, the resort aims to create stronger connections between guests, local culture and the natural surroundings of Ho Tram through integrated leisure and wellness experiences.

Nguyen Nam Son, chairman of Tanzanite International, said the continued partnership with Meliá Hotels International reflects the developer’s long-term commitment to Ho Tram’s tourism and hospitality market.

“This next chapter of development reflects our shared vision to create a world-class coastal destination that contributes meaningfully to the local economy and strengthens Ho Tram’s appeal among both domestic and international travellers,” Son said.

According to Son, the venture is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and approximately 500 operational roles once fully operational.

The timing of the expansion aligns with Ho Tram’s accelerating emergence on the international stage amid major infrastructure upgrades across southern Vietnam.

The upcoming Long Thanh International Airport, located around 66km from the resort, together with improving regional transport connectivity, is expected to strengthen Ho Tram’s accessibility for both domestic and international travellers seeking premium coastal experiences within convenient reach of the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Ma Heping, Co-Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tongcheng Travel, said, "In the first quarter of 2026, China's travel market continued to demonstrate robust growth, driven by structural shifts in consumer travel demand and favorable holiday policies. As a leading travel platform in China, we remained highly attuned to market dynamics and implemented effective strategies to seize emerging growth opportunities while meeting evolving user needs. During the period under review, The Group continued to deliver solid results. We proactive approach to capture opportunities arising from structural market shift. Looking ahead, the Group will remain focused on our core OTA business, strengthening our foothold in the mass market while steadily growing our outbound travel services to enhance our global footprint."

Continuously Deepening on the Mass Travel Market
Steady Growth in User Base and Improving User Value

Leveraging its exceptional operational capabilities, Tongcheng Travel has further strengthened its position in China's mass market. The Group's effective user acquisition and engagement initiatives enabled it to continuously expand its user base and improve user value. During the period under review, the Group's average MPUs amounted to 46.4 million. The APUs reached a record high of 253.9 million with 2.7% yoy growth while the twelve-month Accumulated Number of Travelers Served increased to 2,047.4 million with 4.5% yoy growth.

During the period under review, Tongcheng Travel was committed to enhancing user engagement and optimizing operational efficiency across all traffic channels. Through the long-standing partnership with Tencent, the Weixin ecosystem continued to serve as a vital traffic source, enabling the Group to establish a broad user base across China. As of March 31, 2026, over 87% of the registered users resided in non-first tier cities in China. Meanwhile, the Group rolled out a series of innovative and targeted marketing campaigns that effectively boosted user engagement and loyalty, further reinforcing its positioning as an experience-driven travel platform.

Core OTA Business Sustained High-Quality Growth
Hotel Management Business Became New Driver of Expansion

During the period under review, the Group's core OTA business experienced high-quality growth. The Group's transportation business continued to demonstrate resilience. The revenue from transportation ticketing services increased by 6.2% yoy to RMB2,124.0 million. The growth was mainly attributable to the expanding portfolio of value-added products and services which facilitate users' journeys. As for the international air ticketing business, the Group further solidified its brand recognition through competitive pricing strategies and high-quality services, achieving healthy growth in both volume and revenue. In terms of train ticketing business, the Group remained committed to prioritizing user experience and continued to optimize the algorithm-driven Huixing system, providing users with viable end-to-end travel solutions.

In 2026Q1, the Group's revenue from the accommodation business increased by 14.7% yoy o RMB1,364.5 million with room nights sold showing robust growth. Driven by the increasing demand for higher-quality accommodation options, the proportion of higher-quality hotel room nights sold on the platform continued to increase yoy during the period under review. Meanwhile, the Group implemented targeted user segmentation and tiered engagement strategies to drive purchase frequency and enhance user loyalty. As for the international accommodation business, the Group continuously expanded cooperation with global suppliers and steadily enriched its global product offerings. The Group also leveraged its domestic user base to drive cross-sale initiatives and executed precise marketing campaigns targeting high-potential users. These efforts contributed to robust growth in the international room nights sold in 2026Q1.

During the period under review, the Group's other businesses once again exhibited exceptional growth. The revenue from other businesses achieved RMB961.4 million with 59.6% yoy growth, driven by excellent performance of its hotel management business and the consolidation of Wanda Hotels and Resorts. Tongcheng Travel continuously expanded the hotel network by leveraging its comprehensive brand portfolio, competitive technological capabilities, and organizational agility. The Elong Hotel Technology platform shareholders focused on hotel brands with a proven track record of market recognition, while Wanda Hotels and Resorts accelerated its network expansion nationwide, capitalizing on strong brand equity, and end-to-end service capabilities ranging from design to operational management.

Deepening AI Technology Applications to Drive the Group's Sustainable Development

As an innovation-driven enterprise, Tongcheng Travel proactively embraces innovation to drive business transformation, viewing the AI era as a time of immense opportunity. During the period under review, the Group continued to enhance DeepTrip's capabilities and broaden its application scenarios. The Group extended DeepTrip's integration with additional transportation resources to deliver AI-driven, end-to-end travel solutions. The Group also integrated DeepTrip into its air ticketing service to address users' pre-booking inquiries and help them identify options with more competitive prices. On the other hand, the Group continued to pursue strategic collaboration with leading external AI agents to seize future growth opportunities. In customer service, the Group introduced real-time simultaneous interpretation across both online consultation and voice consultation channels, effectively eliminating language barriers and significantly enhancing the global user experience. Additionally, the Group has leveraged AI capabilities to empower the customer service team in better understanding user inquiries and delivering faster, and more accurate responses.

As a socially responsible enterprise, Tongcheng Travel has integrated social responsibility into every aspect of the daily operations. In late February, the Group established an emergency response team promptly following the outbreak of conflicts in the Middle East, to safeguard user travel and support affected users. On top of that, the Group's outstanding performance in ESG has once again received international recognition, and the Group was awarded the "Industry Mover" by S&P Global for the second consecutive year and was included in S&P Global's sustainability yearbook (China) for the fourth consecutive year.

Looking ahead, Tongcheng Travel maintains a positive outlook for both the company's performance and the broader China travel industry. The Group will remain focused on its core OTA business. In the meantime, the Group will accelerate the growth of its hotel management segment, with a strong emphasis on expanding hotel network and enhancing execution efficiency. The Group is also proactively leveraging AI technological innovations to capture new growth opportunities and improve operational efficiency. Finally, the Group remain dedicated to advancing its ESG performance and delivering sustainable, long-term value for society and all its stakeholders.

For more information, please visit the Group's website at https://www.tongchengir.com

"Despite possessing major transshipment port clusters, around 80–90 per cent of financial transactions related to these cargo flows are still being conducted in Singapore and Hong Kong," he said.

To address this market gap, a maritime financial ecosystem is set to be launched, including a maritime financial exchange operating under a “port-to-finance” model. Under this framework, all data related to cargo, shipping contracts, electronic bills of lading, and payment flows will be standardised into financial data.

Based on these data streams, Huan added, stable cash flows generated from cargo handling and warehousing services can then be structured into infrastructure bonds, investment funds, or securitised products to attract long-term international capital, while also enabling green port projects to access environmental, social, and governance financing more easily.

"This strategic initiative aims to transform Ho Chi Minh City from a city that merely operates ports and collects cargo handling fees into a capital transshipment hub for Vietnam’s broader maritime economy. The ecosystem has already attracted participation from a number of major financial institutions and logistics corporations, including Gemadept, Saigon Port, HDBank, alongside various international enterprises," he said.

The VIFC also established the Aviation Financial Centre in February this year and has so far mobilised around $6.1 billion in committed capital from Boeing, Airbus, and several financial institutions in Dubai.

A fintech hub has also been launched with the participation of major corporations such as MoMo, NAPAS, Ant International, and Bank of China.

One of the most notable mechanisms is the regulatory sandbox, a controlled testing framework for new financial models, prioritising areas such as cross-border payments and tokenisation.

At the same time, the VIFC-HCMC is also moving towards establishing an international stock exchange and has signed cooperation agreements with Nasdaq and London Stock Exchange to develop trading systems and cross-listing mechanisms.

“Our goal is for Vietnamese enterprises to be able to raise international capital directly in Ho Chi Minh City, while domestic investors can also trade international stocks such as Google, Amazon, or Microsoft,” Huan said.

According to Dr. Can Van Luc, member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, the development of an IFC is a necessary step as Vietnam seeks additional resources to sustain high economic growth in the coming years.

To achieve growth of around 10 per cent, Vietnam will need to mobilise approximately $280 billion in total social investment capital annually. Ho Chi Minh City alone is estimated to require around $50–60 billion each year. Meanwhile, bank credit currently still accounts for more than half of the economy’s total capital supply.

“The capital market, including equities, bonds, and investment funds, currently contributes only around 14–15 per cent. This ratio needs to double in the coming years to reduce pressure on the banking system,” Luc said.

Notably, Luc highlighted tokenisation as a potential new capital mobilisation channel in the coming years.

“Under this model, large-value assets such as real estate worth VND10 billion ($384,000) could be divided into smaller ownership units, enabling multiple investors to participate,” Luc said.

However, alongside opportunities for capital mobilisation, the development of an IFC will also impose higher requirements on both businesses and the workforce.

“Working within the IFC ecosystem will require strong English proficiency, professional working standards, and a solid understanding of international legal frameworks. At the same time, enterprises will need to enhance governance capabilities and innovation capacity, particularly as the proportion of Vietnamese businesses investing in research and development for new products currently stands at only around 9 per cent, significantly lower than the global average of approximately 28 per cent,” Luc said.

According to Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association, supporting enterprises in capitalising on opportunities arising from the IFC is one of the organisation’s key priorities in the coming period.

The IFC is also expected to support small- and medium-sized enterprises in raising capital, with a targeted mobilisation scale of around $769,000 per year. However, to participate businesses will need to meet stringent requirements relating to corporate governance, financial transparency, and operational capability.

“Even if favourable mechanisms are put in place, enterprises that fail to adequately prepare or lack the capacity to participate could miss significant opportunities during the next development phase,” Hoa said.

Studies by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank estimate that Vietnam currently requires around $15–17 billion annually for climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure development projects. However, the state budget can currently meet only around 30–35 per cent of, with the remainder needed from the private sector.

Saigon Marina International Financial Centre, a VIFC-HCMC project. Photo: Le Toan

Ant International, IFC and GCash launch sustainability financing scorecard The fintech company, World Bank institution and Philippine payment platform introduced metrics enabling small business access to green capital.

VIFC in Ho Chi Minh City attracts $19 billion in commitments More than $19 billion in committed capital is awaiting regulatory approval to be disbursed into Ho Chi Minh City's International Financial Centre.

Saigon Marina IFC serves as lighthouse amid river of heritage Commemorating the anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification on April 30, the Saigon sky was illuminated by a spectacular fireworks display.

Little Caesars entry into Malaysia introduces its iconic HOT-N-READY® Classic Pepperoni Pizza and Crazy Puffs Pepperoni to a vibrant and diverse food scene, while also embracing local tastes with unique, regionally inspired menu items like the Chicken Hawaiian, 3 Cheese Edge to Edge, and Classic Veggie pizza.

"Launching in Malaysia marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow our global footprint," said Paula Vissing, President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Retail. "We're thrilled to introduce Malaysian guests to our delicious offerings made with fresh ingredients and incredible value. With Malaysia's dynamic food culture and strong sense of community, we're excited to become part of this thriving market."

Little Caesars is bringing its signature menu to Malaysia while also embracing local tastes, ensuring a balance of global favorites and flavors that resonate with the region. With a focus on freshness, bold flavor, and everyday convenience, the brand aims to become a go-to option for families, friends, and busy consumers alike.

The brand's expansion into Malaysia is led by franchisees Dato' Vincent Choo and Datin Cynthia Cheong, whose extensive industry experience and deep understanding of the local market position them well to grow the brand. As seasoned operators, they own and manage multiple QSR brands across the country, bringing a strong track record of operational excellence and market insight to Little Caesars continued growth in Malaysia.

"We're proud to introduce Little Caesars to Malaysia and share its world-famous pizza with our community," said Dato' Vincent Choo and Datin Cynthia Cheong. "We believe there is strong demand for high-quality, affordable pizza, and we're excited to bring something new and exciting to the local dining scene."

With a focus on operational excellence and guest experience, the franchise team is committed to building the Little Caesars brand across Malaysia and delivering a consistent, high-quality product to every guest.

The Malaysia launch represents another key step in Little Caesars continued international expansion, as the brand brings its signature value and flavor to more communities around the world.

For more, visit my.littlecaesars.com and follow Little Caesars Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

PM Hung highlighted New Zealand as one of Vietnam’s trusted partners, noting the country’s long-standing support in English language training, human resource development, capacity building, and official development assistance across key sectors including agriculture, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk management.

Building on political trust and effective cooperation, the Vietnamese prime minister proposed six priority directions for future collaboration.

These include strengthening political trust through increased high-level exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms, while deepening defence and security ties through greater exchanges, maritime capacity building, naval cooperation, and maritime security initiatives.

The two leaders agreed to continue boosting economic, trade, and investment cooperation and work towards the $3 billion bilateral trade target, while facilitating greater market access for each country’s key export products.

Both sides also pledged closer cooperation in implementing free trade agreements of which both countries are members, including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The two prime ministers said effective implementation of these agreements would help strengthen economic resilience and improve the ability of both countries to respond to current global uncertainties.

PM Luxon also commended Vietnam’s role as chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2026 and expressed support for the country’s successful stewardship during its tenure.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in climate change response, energy transition, and sustainable agriculture, including the promotion of low-emission farming models and renewable energy development, particularly wind and solar power.

PM Hung also proposed that New Zealand expand scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students and strengthen connections between universities and research institutions in the two countries. He further called for efforts to establish direct flights and improve connecting air routes between Vietnam and New Zealand to facilitate travel and people-to-people exchanges.

Both leaders expressed concern over recent global developments that have negatively affected regional economies, including Vietnam and New Zealand, leading to higher fuel and transport costs as well as disruptions to global supply chains.

Within the interior materials supply chain, large-scale production capacity is a crucial factor enabling businesses to keep projects on schedule and in line with international standards.

Developed by An Cuong Building Materials, a member of An Phat Holdings, the AnPro brand is gradually building its industrial-scale manufacturing base for interior materials towards stable supply for diverse types of ventures

Industrial-scale manufacturing platform ensures supply capacity

AnPro’s manufacturing system boasts two factories with a total area of 50,000 sq.m and an annual capacity of 12–12.5 million sq.m of flooring. Thanks to this scale, AnPro can meet the material demand for several projects simultaneously while maintaining consistent quality across product batches.

In 2025, AnPro’s flooring output posted a 2.5-fold increase, while exporting to 20 countries, including the three new markets of Japan, the UAE, and Sweden.

AnPro’s product portfolio include SPC flooring, LVT flooring, interior wall panels, as well as accessories like trims and skirting boards. The products cater to comprehensive interior finishing that is aesthetically pleasing and of high quality for various types of projects.

The flooring accessories have recorded positive growth, underpinned by rising market demand for comprehensive finishing solutions. Notably, trim sales and consumption volumes increased approximately 2.5-fold in 2025.

In light of increasingly demanding requirements for construction timelines, especially large-scale ventures, it is vital to select materials suppliers who have the ability to ensure stable supply.

Its industrial-scale enables AnPro to maintain a continuous supply capability, meeting the demand for synchronised deployment across multiple categories within the same project.

Under its 2026 development strategy, AnPro’s total SPC flooring output from its two factories will double from 2025. At the same time, the company will expand new product lines such as LVT flooring with a view to diversifying its product portfolio and better meet market demand.

SPC and LVT flooring at An Cuong Building Materials’ manufacturing plant system

OEM/ODM capabilities

Beyond the domestic market, AnPro is extending its international reach to the export markets such as the US, the EU, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. In the US market alone – which has stringent requirements for technical standards and material consistency – the company’s total flooring volume has reached approximately 50 million sq.m.

Penetration into the highly demanding markets serves as a testament to AnPro’s manufacturing capacity, quality control, and consistency across large-scale production batches. Currently, the US accounts for approximately 80 per cent of AnPro’s export volume, followed by the EU at 17.5 per cent. Australia and New Zealand represent around 2 per cent, while Asia makes up approximately 0.5 per cent.

Flooring products undergo rigorous inspection throughout every production stage

Beyond its own brand development, AnPro also boasts manufacturing capabilities under OEM/ODM models with comprehensive interior solutions, including SPC flooring, LVT flooring, flooring accessories, and wall/ceiling cladding systems.

The company can fulfill a wide range of technical requirements, including Unilin locking systems, herringbone flooring styles, and embossed surface for SPC flooring; glue-down, self-adhesive LVT flooring, or equipped with IXPE sound insulation layer.

AnPro also develops a comprehensive range of accessories, including nose, T-shaped, height and depth, and end mouldings, as well as wave-shaped louvers, cornices, and other interior decoration materials, accompanied by documentation and display tools to support international partners in their sales activities.

According to the company’s leaders, with diverse product portfolio, customers can easily choose the suitable flooring options that suit the budgets and functions. SPC flooring is the top choice for durability with its rigid core that is waterproof and warp-resistant. Meanwhile, LVT flooring is a cost-effective solution that still ensures high aesthetics with various sharp wood and stone patterns.

These products have been selected for a wide range of projects, which reflects the flexibility of AnPro’s material solutions while creating the foundations for the company to expand supply internationally.

AnPro in interior materials high-tech push Leveraging its high-tech plastics expertise, An Phat Holdings is scaling into high-tech interior materials with AnPro, targeting global markets through durable, climate-resilient solutions and internationally certified production standards.

Plastic use drop hinges on consumers High investments in more environmentally-friendly recycling and alternative solutions for plastics and the existing habit of using single-use plastics are challenges that hinder businesses from developing circular economy solutions and promoting sustainable growth.

Danang kicks off construction of $460 million new urban area The groundbreaking ceremony for a landmark new urban area valued at $460 million took place in Son Tra district, Danang, on March 21.

Diverse Forms Needed for IP Development

As MINISO's global retail network expands, its IP portfolio now reaches consumers across over 100 countries and regions, supported by more than 8,000 stores worldwide in key cities including New York, Paris, London, and Dubai. While this network provides extensive consumer reach, deeper content and artistic expression remains essential for long‑term IP value. In response, MINISO introduces MINISO Gallery to provide structured support for emerging artists worldwide through long‑term, platform‑based collaboration.

Opening with International Artist Exhibition in a Cultural Landmark Location

Located in the heart of the Shanghai Bund, the Gallery occupies the Bund City Hall Plaza at 201 Hankou Road, a historic building recognized as an urban landmark with public cultural significance. Just a ten-minute walk from the world's first MINISO LAND, the site sits within a high traffic, culturally influential urban area, bridging public cultural space and contemporary art.

For its opening exhibition, MINISO Gallery opens with a solo exhibition by its first Global Exclusive Artist RYOL, an emerging Indonesian contemporary artist active on the international stage. Titled Life from the Corner of My Room, the exhibition will run from May 17 to August 31, presenting a selection of the artist's recent paintings, sculptures and installations that trace the artist's development from intimate, room-based creations to works exploring the interplay between childhood innocence and real-world experience.

RYOL is known for a visual language centered on wide eyed, doll-like figures. His work blends pop surrealism with anime inspired illustration, employing vivid colors and subtly surreal imagery to reflect on reality, social themes, and emotional states. In recent years, his works have been exhibited widely across multiple international contexts, establishing him as a rising voice within contemporary art. With a highly recognizable visual style and strong emotional accessibility, RYOL's work resonates with MINISO's emphasis on intuitive and expressive IPs that are able to connect with broad audiences across markets and culture.

Building Toward a World‑Class IP Operation Platform

As a leading IP operation platform, MINISO operates a dual strategy combining licensed IPs and proprietary IPs. Since 2025, the company has accelerated the incubation and long‑term operation of its own IP portfolio, introducing popular characters such as YOYO and Kumaru, while strengthening early‑stage IP creation through long‑term artist partnerships and initiatives such as the IP Genius Program. In parallel, MINISO has expanded its IP ecosystem through diversified cultural and consumer experiences, including immersive IP spaces such as MINISO LAND and MINISO FRIENDS store formats, as well as artist signings and offline experiential events, creating physical environments that support original IP incubation, audience engagement, and long-term cultural development.

As part of MINISO's broader IP strategy, MINISO Gallery serves as an upstream platform for cultural IP development, providing structured support for artist‑led creation across academic curations, global exhibitions, and value realization, beyond traditional retail formats.

At the opening ceremony, Ye Guofu, Founder and CEO of MINISO, said: "MINISO Gallery is not just a gallery, but a platform for emerging artists to reach a global audience. Building on our experience in bringing global IP to consumers, we aim to connect creators worldwide and enable more original and compelling works to be seen, appreciated, and scaled commercially. Shanghai is only the first stop — MINISO Gallery will evolve into a dynamic ecosystem that supports emerging artists' growth and fosters the interplay between artistic creation and value." MINISO plans to expand MINISO Gallery to more major art hubs, including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Paris and New York.

With RYOL's exhibition as a starting point, MINISO Gallery will continue to explore long-term, open forms of collaboration between diverse artists and IPs worldwide, as it advances towards becoming a leading global IP operation platform.

The event took place in Hanoi on May 21, organised by the Hanoi Sub-Department of Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Medicine in collaboration with Soi Dog Foundation and SBCC Vietnam Social Enterprise. More than 50 veterinary officers, staff, and pet clinics from 14 pilot wards across the city attended.

The conference was part of a project approved by Hanoi People's Committee last July, which aims to pilot a model for rabies prevention and the phased transition away from dog and cat meat trading (DCMT) in selected wards of the city. The project has two strategic objectives: to help Vietnam achieve its national target of zero human rabies deaths by 2030, and to support sustainable livelihood transitions for DCMT households, while progressively raising animal welfare standards in line with international norms.

The training was structured around three thematic modules. The first covered the legal framework and professional responsibilities, including updates to current regulations, identifying gaps in national standards on humane euthanasia, and introducing animal welfare frameworks from the World Organisation for Animal Health and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

The second module focused on practical techniques and standard operating procedures, guiding participants through the internationally recognised two-step humane euthanasia protocol and the application of the IFAW Decision-Making Algorithm.

The third module addressed veterinary staff mental health and communication skills, covering compassion fatigue, prevention of occupational trauma, and professional communication with stakeholders.

"This is a technical procedure and an exercise of public service responsibility and administrative standards in urban management," said Ngo Dinh Loat, deputy director of Hanoi Sub-Department of Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Medicine. "When frontline veterinary staff are fully equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle animals humanely and in compliance with regulations, state management agencies will have a solid foundation for effective disease control, public health protection, and the progressive alignment of the capital's urban governance with international standards."

Faizan Jalil, senior manager at Soi Dog Foundation, said, "Humane euthanasia is the minimum standard that any responsible veterinary system must aspire to. Experience from implementation across Southeast Asian countries demonstrates that when frontline veterinary workers receive systematic training in animal welfare, disease control capacity –particularly for rabies – improves markedly. This training conference shows that Vietnam is ready to change, and Soi Dog Foundation is proud to be a partner on that journey."

Bui Thi Duyen, director of SBCC Vietnam Social Enterprise

Bui Thi Duyen, director of SBCC Vietnam Social Enterprise – the unit responsible for behaviour change communication strategy and direct implementation of project activities – said, "Behavioural change does not begin with regulations; it begins with the awareness and intrinsic motivation of those who carry them out. This conference equips participants with technical skills and builds the foundation for frontline veterinary staff to deeply understand the responsibility and science behind each procedure – while also being protected in terms of mental health throughout their practice. This is precisely the core mechanism that behaviour change communication aims for: when practitioners act correctly because they understand and believe, that change becomes truly sustainable and capable of spreading within the community."

Tran Thi Nguyen, a veterinary officer from Ha Dong ward and a conference participant, said, "This scientific and humane protocol helps us handle real-world situations with greater precision and confidence. The programme's focus on practitioners' psychological wellbeing is an essential and deeply humanistic approach that helps us sustain our motivation and resilience over the long term."

Following the conference, the organising partners will continue to support each ward veterinary station in developing internal standard operating procedures, monitoring the application of knowledge in field practice, and researching a concrete legal framework for humane euthanasia within urban veterinary management in Vietnam.

The pilot model across 14 wards in Hanoi is expected to serve as a reference for other cities and provinces nationwide as they develop animal welfare standards and control of zoonotic diseases.

Hanoi strengthens rabies control and supports transition of dog and cat meat trade A training conference was held in Hanoi on October 28 to discuss how to strengthen rabies control and facilitate the transition of the dog and cat meat trade.

Hanoi transition: four dog cat meat traders proactively exit the trade for sustainable careers following training A training initiative is helping dog and cat meat traders in Hanoi transition to more sustainable livelihoods.

Conference highlights animal welfare ambitions stemming from dog and cat meat trade The third training conference on a phased transition from dog and cat meat trading and slaughter to a more civilised livelihood took place in Hanoi on May 19.

These payouts follow a separate parametric drought policy arranged by Willis in 2024 to support Vietnamese coffee growers. The new high-rainfall policy expands the scope of parametric protection available to farmers, building on the earlier programme’s success.

In late 2025, Willis placed the high-rainfall parametric solution with Bao Minh Insurance Corporation to protect coffee farmers against yield losses caused by excessive rainfall during the critical harvest period.

The policy uses NASA satellite data to monitor rainfall levels across three areas of Gia Lai province – West Ia Grai, East Ia Grai, and North Chu Prong. If rainfall exceeds predefined thresholds, payouts are triggered automatically, allowing farmers to receive compensation quickly without lengthy claims procedures or on-site loss assessments.

Willis’ parametric solution responded exactly when needed. The 2025/26 policy coincided with Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused some of the worst flooding of modern times in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Rainfall exceeded 1.7m in some parts of the central highlands, with Gia Lai being one of the areas badly affected. This decimated livelihoods, with some coffee farms completely submerged.

Nathan Pereira, analyst of Alternative Risk Transfer Solutions at Willis, said, “This programme delivers tailored and timely financial protection to vulnerable coffee farmers, while strengthening trust in insurance and improving understanding of how effective risk solutions can support their livelihoods.”

Risk capacity to support the payouts was provided by the Natural Disaster Fund (NDF), a public-private partnership managed by Global Parametrics, a subsidiary of CelsiusPro Group, specialising in parametric protection against climate and natural disaster risks. The NDF is funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Germany’s development bank KfW.

The high-rainfall programme formed part of an initiative supported by the InsuResilience Solutions Fund , delivered in partnership with Willis, ECOM Agroindustrial Corporation, Bao Minh Insurance Corporation, the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture in Vietnam, and the University of Southern Queensland in Australia.

Nguyen Thi Mai, sustainability project assistant at ECOM Agroindustrial Corp. Ltd, said the payout highlighted the value of innovative agricultural risk solutions, showing how such initiatives can provide tangible support to farmers facing extreme weather conditions. She said the collaboration reflected a broader effort to help farmers manage climate risks while supporting a more resilient and sustainable supply chain.

The benefits are already being felt at farm level. Truong Hong Thanh, a coffee farmer in Gia Lai province, purchased weather insurance after attending a training session in September 2025. After receiving compensation for weather-related damage that helped restore his garden, he said he now plans to continue using the insurance and encourage relatives and fellow farmers to participate as well.

Coffee sector shifts to deep processing as export markets demand more Increasing pressure from key export markets is driving Vietnamese coffee businesses to shift from exporting raw coffee to deep processing, aiming to enhance value and improve their position in the global supply chain.

JBIC provides $120 million green financing for energy transition in Vietnam On April 20, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation signed a general agreement to provide a credit line with BIDV, amounting to up to $200 million, of which JBIC’s portion is $120 million.

$250 million deal targets women-owned SMEs, sustainable agriculture The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and BIDV have signed a $250 million syndicated finance package to support sustainable agriculture and expand access to finance for women-owned businesses.

The first zero carbon manufacturing (scopes 1&2) of Saint-Gobain

The transformation of the plant is the result of a deliberate shift in how energy is sourced and used.

The project, completed in December 2025, included the replacement of the plant’s diesel-fired boiler with a biomass boiler, powered by sustainably sourced agricultural residues from local farms such as wood chips, rice husks and ground bark. It now operates entirely on renewable electricity covered by International Renewable Energy Certificates. As a result, the facility has eliminated its scope 1 and scope 2 CO2 emissions.

Nguyen Truong Hai, CEO of Saint-Gobain Vietnam told VIR, “With 11 Saint-Gobain factories and related brands in Vietnam, this factory is one of the places that also inspires and motivates other factories. You will also see that having a green factory like this is not too difficult if we change our approach, rather than expecting a factory to incur huge costs just to achieve that designation.”

Growing trend

The Saint-Gobain facility is among a growing number of green buildings in Vietnam, reflecting rising interest from the market and stakeholders in green construction.

By the end of 2025, Vietnam had 780 green building certified projects, with a total floor area of ​​over 18.6 million sq.m. In 2025 alone, 196 buildings received green certification, with a total floor area of ​​4.4 million sq.m, representing a 20 per cent increase in number and a 15 per cent increase in floor area compared to 2024.

Vietnam is facing a rapidly increasing volume of construction solid waste, accounting for approximately 10-12 per cent of total urban waste, or around 60,000 tonnes per day, and even reaching 20-25 per cent in major cities.

At present, construction is among the industries generating the highest carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the total. Therefore, greening the construction industry is considered one of the key priorities for Vietnam, alongside digital transformation.

Pham Van Hung, director of DURAflex plant in Quang Tri, explained that compared to other factories producing similar products within the system, the first distinguishing feature of the zero carbon factory lies in its use of on-site biomass fuel such as bark, twigs, and agricultural by-products. This reduces waste and generates additional income for local people, while protecting the environment.

The second difference is the use of renewable energy sources, which provides greater value for businesses, including environmental benefits and long-term operational efficiency.

Thirdly, the factory is switching to using electric equipment and vehicles, such as forklifts, cranes, and other internal equipment. This helps reduce energy consumption and simultaneously reduce direct emissions during operation.

“In the face of ongoing fluctuations in energy supply, biomass steam energy solutions provide businesses with a reliable and sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels” said Hai.

“This demand is driving building material manufacturers, design firms, and developers to focus on green criteria. And this is no longer just a plus; it will gradually become a mandatory requirement. As we begin to inventory and measure greenhouse gas emissions, new designs and demand will certainly increase.”

Future solutions

According to experts, to green the construction industry, it must start by greening building materials. Green materials will contribute to the advantages of green building certification. Secondly, Vietnamese customers are increasingly concerned not only with construction quality, but also with the greener, more sustainable, and environmentally responsible aspects of a building.

“I believe that the Vietnamese government's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is a serious commitment, implemented consistently across all levels of government and agencies. Vietnam is entering a new era of growth: GDP growth and rapid urbanisation. The current urbanisation rate is just over 30 per cent, and it will increase significantly in the near future. The demand for building new cities, expressways, and metro lines will create a demand for construction materials,” Hai said.

Saint-Gobain Vietnam’s achievement demonstrates the group’s commitment to decarbonising construction and industry, supporting the Vietnamese market’s demand for sustainable, high-performance building solutions. The DURAflex fiber cement board plant in Quang Tri positions it as a model for zero carbon manufacturing in Asia.

Saint-Gobain DURAflex fibre cement board plant in Quang Tri has switched to using electric equipment and vehicles

To accelerate the trend, experts said that it requires the concerted efforts of all agencies, businesses, and policymakers.

Dr. Van Viet Thien An, head of Building Materials at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, said, “Utilising construction and demolition waste is an important solution. However, the process still faces many obstacles, such as inconsistent recycled material quality, lack of waste sorting at source, high processing and transportation costs, and inconsistent standards and regulations.”

He explained that the market still prefers traditional materials, while production technology remains limited and effective economic support mechanisms are lacking. In addition, coordination among stakeholders remains insufficient.

“In the context of climate change, the development of green building materials is an inevitable trend. To encourage green materials usage, it is necessary to improve standards and incentive policies, including taxes and usage requirements, while also applying economic tools such as resource and carbon taxes to limit the use of traditional materials,” he said.

In a move to facilitate market development and contribute to the country’s carbon neutrality target by 2050, the Ministry of Construction (MoC) is continuing to finalise relevant legal documents, including a draft decree and a circular on managing the quality of construction material products and goods.

Ke Van Ke, deputy director of the MoC's Department of Science, Technology, Environment and Building Materials, said, “A notable point in the draft decree is the direction towards building a management and development framework for construction materials linked to green transformation, digital transformation, the circular economy, resource and energy conservation, emission reduction, and improved state management effectiveness.”

Tran Ba Viet, vice president of the Vietnam Concrete Association, told VIR, “The goal of achieving net-zero commitments by 2050 remains a major challenge because Vietnam is still at an early stage and the transition requires huge costs. Meanwhile, international funding commitments remain far from sufficient.”

He recommended that issuing standards should be the top priority. “Only with standards can other regulations be properly implemented. The workload is enormous, so a systematic and substantive approach is needed,” he said.

The round was co-led by Lightrock and TRIREC via the Accelerate7 platform, with continued support from existing investors Clime Capital and UOB Venture Management.

This milestone marks an important step in Stride’s mission to make clean energy ownership more accessible for Vietnamese households and small businesses through affordable payment plans and complimentary insurance.

Since its Series A in 2025, Stride has nearly tripled its project portfolio and expanded nationwide through a network of more than 75 verified engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners, becoming Vietnam’s largest residential and MSME solar platform.

With this new funding, the startup will continue to scale its platform across Vietnam and new markets, strengthen digital and quality assurance systems, expand access to rooftop solar and battery solutions, and help 200,000 more people benefit from clean energy by 2030.

In a LinkedIn post, Andrew Fairthorne, co-founder and CEO at Stride, said, "What makes me especially proud is how far the team has come since our Series A in 2025. In a relatively short period, we have nearly tripled our project portfolio, expanded nationwide through over 75 EPC partners, and helped our customers transition to cleaner and more reliable energy solutions."

"Vietnam is entering a critical phase in its energy transition, with rapidly growing power demand and increasing pressure on the grid. We believe distributed solar and battery solutions will play an important role in building a more resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy future," he said.

Stride secures $2 Million in seed funding In a significant show of support for Stride, a solar cleantech platform based in Vietnam, Clime Capital and Touchstone Partners have participated in a seed funding round that raised $2 million.

Solar firm Stride secures investment Clime Capital, UOB Venture Management, and Touchstone Partners, announced on March 24 that they have completed a Series A equity investment in solar cleantech provider Stride.

SmartSolar brings total funding to $3.15 million with European financing On March 17, Vietnam-based rooftop solar startup SmartSolar closes a debt financing round, bringing total funding to $3.15 million in combined equity and debt as it scales financing for small and medium-sized businesses struggling with rising electricity costs.

Combined net interest income at 28 listed banks reached $6.03 billion, up 17 per cent on-year. This continued to be the largest contributor to bank profits and a strong indication that credit growth is reclaiming its role as the banking sector’s primary growth engine.

A total of 23 out of 28 listed banks recorded growth in this category, reflecting a broad-based recovery rather than one concentrated among major lenders.

Credit remains the banking system’s largest source of profit

The figures suggest that the credit picture is improving not only for state-owned banks but also for joint-stock banks, which are benefiting from recovering capital demand across the economy.

Major state lender Vietcombank remained the leader in terms of net interest income, posting $706 million, up 29 per cent on-year. Meanwhile, NCB drew attention with the strongest increase in the system, surging 57 per cent to $31.7 million, while BVB reported a 55 per cent rise to $31.4 million.

According to Le Hoai An, founder of Integrated Financial Solutions JSC and a certified banking analyst, net interest income remains the key profit pillar as Vietnam’s banking system is still heavily dependent on lending activities. When capital demand rebounds, bank profits tend to respond almost immediately.

An said that funding costs had become more stable, easing pressure on banks’ cost of capital and creating room for improvements in net interest margins. At the same time, recovering credit demand from manufacturing, trading and infrastructure companies, as well as retail and consumer lending segments, have played an important role in restoring growth momentum for net interest income.

“Although reducing dependence on credit is a necessary long-term direction, in the short term, lending remains the banking system’s largest profit driver. When credit growth recovers, profits improve almost immediately,” he said.

While credit continues as the sector’s ‘main pillar’, services emerged as the most notable bright spot among non-interest income streams in Q1.

Total service income at 28 banks reached $829 million, soaring 43 per cent on-year. As many as 20 banks posted growth in this segment, with several even reporting multiple-fold increases.

VIB delivered the strongest performance, with service income rising more than fivefold, followed by SHB at 3.9 times, NCB at 3.7 times, PGBank at 3.2 times, and ABBANK at 2.5 times.

Growth was largely driven by more effective monetisation of digital banking platforms, payment card fees, personal financial services, wealth management and bancassurance products.

After years of heavy investment in digital transformation, several banks are beginning to see clearer returns from fee-based income streams.

In contrast to the strong performance of services, investment securities business was no longer a ‘fertile ground’ in the quarter as financial markets experienced sharp volatility.

Several banks that had posted large gains in the same period last year, including MBB, SSB, VIB and PGB, reported losses from these operations this year.

The development reflects the reality that income from securities investments remains highly dependent on market movements and cannot yet be considered a sustainable profit foundation.

Still, several notable exceptions emerged. STB posted a profit of $3 million from investment securities, compared with only $40,000 a year earlier. LPB recorded profits of $3 million, while NAB and CTG also achieved multiple-fold growth.

Similarly, foreign exchange trading came under significant pressure as exchange rates fluctuated sharply during the period.

Total income from forex operations at 28 banks fell 11 per cent to $248 million, with many lenders shifting from profit to losses.

Exchange-rate volatility not only affected foreign currency trading activities but also increased pressure on funding costs, foreign exchange position management and market interest-rate expectations. Only a handful of banks, including OCB, LPB, SSB and VAB, managed to maintain positive growth in this segment.

According to senior banking expert Nguyen Tri Hieu, despite positive profit signals in Q1, exchange-rate pressure and funding costs in the second half of the year could make it more difficult to sustain the growth momentum seen earlier in the year.

“If global interest rates remain elevated, particularly if the US Federal Reserve delays rate cuts, pressure on exchange rates and domestic liquidity will increase. In that case, banks’ net interest margins could continue to face pressure, while profits from market-related businesses such as foreign exchange and securities trading may also struggle to maintain stability,” he said.

The biggest challenge facing banks in the forthcoming period is not only how to generate higher profits, but also how to achieve sustainable growth. That can only come from a more balanced income structure, in which credit continues to play a central role, but is no longer the sole pillar supporting the entire profit base.

Understanding bank profit trends and cost structures Credit growth has been sluggish in the first six months compared to the State Bank of Vietnam’s target, and there was a strong correlation between credit growth and bank profitability.

Mixed fortunes for profit in banks in 2024 Bank profit in the first half of this year has been a mixed mag amid a still challenging business environment.

Banks take cautious 2026 profit stance amid rising risks Banks are setting cautious 2026 profit targets while ramping up provisioning to strengthen risk buffers, signalling a strategic shift from short-term growth to long-term resilience amid mounting market uncertainties.

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

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

• Content generation: Automatically creates menu pages, product listings, and marketing materials
• Intelligent conversation: Guides customers through product recommendations, conversion, and order placement in a natural, sales-driven interaction
• In-conversation payments: Completes transactions directly within the chat interface
• Customer management: Builds and continuously refines consumer profiles using CRM data
• Ecosystem integration: Connects with external tools including WhatsApp, Telegram, Google, and delivery services

Across the merchant journey, Fynix AI shop extends into use cases spanning store setup, customer acquisition, membership management, appointment booking, review management, and delivery platform integration.

In a customer re-engagement scenario, for instance, Fynix AI shop can automatically analyse purchase cycles, preferences, and dormancy patterns across the customer base, and provide campaign recommendations to the merchant. Once approved, the Agent generates the relevant vouchers and delivers personalized content to customers via the merchant app, Telegram, or other channels — tracking performance throughout.

In practice, merchants no longer need to manually review data, write copy, or repeatedly devise marketing strategies from scratch. Nor do they need to configure complex rules or adjust system parameters in the CRM backend. A single natural language instruction sets the entire workflow in motion — freeing merchants to focus on higher-level business decisions.

This reflects a deeper transformation that AI is bringing to the commercial world. Digitalization gave businesses better information. AI Agents are now giving them the ability to take action.

Whoever can genuinely help merchants get things done will be best positioned to own the next platform layer.

In that light, Fynix AI shop is more than a new product launch. It is an early attempt to define what enterprise services could look like in the years ahead — and a signal of where the industry is heading.

In fast-growing emerging markets like Southeast Asia, where digitalization among small and mid-sized merchants is still in its early stages, AI Agents may have the opportunity to leapfrog the traditional SaaS development curve and move directly into an era of intelligent operations.

For Yeahka, this also marks a meaningful evolution in its overseas strategy — from exporting payments capabilities alone, to delivering an integrated ecosystem spanning payments, data, and AI.

As AI takes an increasingly active role in business operations, the value chain of the enterprise services industry is being fundamentally redefined.

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

• An agentic AI copilot for a leading investment company
• A secure, internally hosted AI knowledge assistant for a specialised financial institution
• An AI-powered lead management system for a regional telecommunications provider
• A multi-agent vulnerability management solution for a leading security and integrated services company

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

More on https://temus.com/.

• Up to 31% improvement in customer experience quality scores
• Up to 30% lift in sales conversions
• Up to 20% improvement in resource forecasting accuracy
• Up to 15% gains in workforce efficiency

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

For more information: www.tp.com.

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

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

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

Fully supported by Hang Seng Bank and organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Leadership Institute, the second cohort of the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme (the \"Programme\") brought together over 400 secondary and tertiary students to tackle pressing social challenges across three themes: Environment & Sustainable Development, Elderly & Wellness, and Arts & Culture. Over five months, participants completed nearly 14,000 hours of training, mentorship, and field exposure. Guided by more than 75 social leaders and advisors, they developed close to 90 proposals grounded in real-world insights and community needs.

From these, nine finalist teams advanced to the final pitching round held at the Penthouse of Hang Seng Bank Headquarters, presenting their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges, school representatives and fellow students. The award presentation was held on the same day and officiated by the Guest of Honour, Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs. He was joined by Ms Luanne Lim, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, and Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG. More than 240 teachers, students and parents attended to show their support.

Clarence Leung, BBS, JP, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, highlighted the growing role of technology in addressing social challenges and encouraged young people to seize emerging opportunities. \"We should continuously aim at improving our country\'s living standards,\" he said. Leung also highlighted this alignment with the first \"Hong Kong Five-Year Plan\" designed to complement the national 15th Five‑Year Plan, and stressed that efforts are being made \"to improve community and public welfare, thereby opening up vast opportunities for youth participation.\"

Ms Luanne Lim, Executive Director and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, said, \"This is the second consecutive year Hang Seng has supported the Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme. We\'re pleased to see that across two cohorts, the Programme has attracted over 800 students and received more than 170 creative proposals. Starting from the community, students have turned what they learned into real action, proposing creative solutions and building prototypes to respond to community needs. Their performance is truly encouraging. We hope the Programme not only inspires young people\'s passion for social innovation but also encourages them to keep exploring and putting ideas into practice, bringing more positive impact to the community.\"

Ms Hsu Siu-man, Executive Director of HKFYG, emphasised that the programme is designed not as a one-off competition, but as a catalyst for long-term engagement. \"We are encouraged to see young people drawing inspiration not from textbooks, but from curiosity and empathy,\" she said. \"Last year\'s winning team \'Fruitful\' has already turned its idea into a social enterprise, with members continuing to deepen their expertise. This is what the programme stands for, a launchpad for those who want to make a lasting difference.\"

In the Junior Secondary Division, Christian & Missionary Alliance Sun Kei Secondary School won with \"Onederful,\" an eco-friendly packaging solution made from upcycled rice husks and coffee grounds. Developed by Tang Cheuk-wing, Law Mon-in, Har Lok-hin, Chan Ching-yan, Lee Hoi-kiu and Hung Tsz-hei, the team went through more than ten rounds of testing and hope that their biodegradable material will reduce landfill waste generated by e-commerce packaging.

The Senior Secondary Division Grand Award, which also won the \"My Favourite Team\" Award, went to S.K.H. St. Simon\'s Lui Ming Choi Secondary School for \"River Lord,\" a nature-based water purification system designed to address long-standing odour issues in the Tuen Mun River. Team members Wang Ming-fang, Cai Yu-yin, Gao Yan-yee, Yam Wing-yu and Chan Hoi-ning devised their idea by using zeolite to support naturally occurring nitrifying bacteria. The system converts ammonia into odourless nitrate, which is then absorbed by eel grass, a native plant that also releases oxygen into the water. The team\'s low-cost, scalable approach offers a practical pathway to improving urban water systems, with plans for field trials underway.

The Tertiary Division Grand Award went to a cross-university team from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong. Team members Lam Sze-ming, Leung Pui-ying, Yeung Tsz-ting, Chan Wai-chuen, Ho Tsz-yung and Chan Pak-yee observed that many newly arrived students were unconfident in speaking Cantonese, so they designed a Cantonese card game named \"CantoMore\" to enable these students to \"learn through play\" and build their confidence. It is hoped that this initiative will be adopted by local secondary schools in the future to help more students integrate into the community.

Each winning team will receive HK$20,000 and the opportunity to participate in a career immersion experience provided by Hang Seng Bank. On the event day, the audience also voted for the \"My Favourite Team\" Award, with the winning team receiving HK$2,000.

Seek Our Ways Ideation Programme List of Winning Teams

Grand Award Winners by Division

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