In addition, smaller or later-born piglets may be disadvantaged when competing for their mother's milk, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies. This can slow growth, increase the risk of digestive disorders, affect weaning weight, and ultimately impact the efficiency of the entire production cycle.

According to Greenfeed, the period from birth to weaning is a critical stage during which piglets' digestive and immune systems, as well as their ability to metabolise nutrients, develop rapidly.

Photo: Greenfeed

Ensuring adequate nutrition during this period can improve feed utilisation, reduce the pressure associated with disease treatment, and support long-term farming efficiency. G.Nutri Premium was developed based on research in Nutrigenomics and Microbiome, combining prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, organic trace minerals, and acidification technology. The formulation is designed to support the establishment of beneficial gut microbiota, maintain digestive balance, and enhance nutrient absorption.

Designed to replicate the composition and characteristics of sow's milk, G.Nutri Premium provides high-quality protein, easily digestible energy, and essential nutrients for piglets from birth to weaning.

According to Greenfeed, combining targeted nutritional supplementation with improved nutrient absorption can support growth performance, improve herd uniformity, and establish a stronger foundation for subsequent stages of production.

Greenfeed has demonstrated the strong performance of G.Nutri Premium under practical farming conditions.

A study conducted on suckling piglets showed that those receiving G.Nutri Premium at the recommended dosage achieved an average weaning weight of 6.62 kg per piglet, approximately 12 per cent higher than the group that did not receive supplemental milk.

Average daily weight gain from three days of age to weaning reached 234.6g per piglet per day, approximately 17 per cent higher than the non-supplemented group. The study also recorded a 20.1 per cent reduction in the incidence of diarrhoea among piglets receiving G.Nutri Premium compared with those not receiving supplemental milk.

Positive results were also observed at Greenfeed’s customer farms. Piglets receiving G.Nutri Premium achieved an average weaning weight of 6.9kg per piglet, 8 per cent higher than the group without supplemental milk. Average daily weight gain from three days of age to weaning increased by 11 per cent, while the pre-weaning mortality rate was maintained below 2.3 per cent, lower than that of the group without supplemental milk.

Proper early-life nutrition sets the foundation for healthy piglet growth. Photo: Greenfeed

As the livestock industry moves towards higher productivity and more sustainable production, G.Nutri Premium aims to help farmers optimise growth performance, improve herd uniformity, and enhance production efficiency from the earliest stage of a piglet's life.

Greenfeed said it will continue investing in research and development of science- and farm-based nutritional solutions to improve production efficiency and promote greener, healthier, and more sustainable livestock farming.

3F Plus clean pork amazes Michelin-starred chefs During two gala nights at the international culinary event 100 Flavours on November 26 and 28, 13 Michelin-starred chefs crafted elevated fine-dining menus inspired by premium Vietnamese ingredients.

Greenfeed secures hat-trick of sustainability awards Greenfeed has strengthened its sustainability credentials with recognition from three prestigious domestic and international awards in June.

Greenfeed retains spot among best companies to work for in Asia On July 9, Greenfeed was named among ‘Best Companies to Work for in Asia’ at the HR Asia Awards 2026 for the second consecutive year.

Greenfeed Vietnam named among Best Workplaces in Asia 2026 Greenfeed is the first and only Vietnamese agriculture-food company to be recognised among the Best Workplaces in Asia 2026 in the large enterprise category by Great Place to Work.

According to a statement on September 17, the acquisition secures direct, fully traceable access to certified Meretrix clam supply and processing capacity in Vietnam, complementing Congalsa's Galician manufacturing base and its position in Southern European retail and food service channels. The deal is advised by Index Partners, an independent corporate finance advisory firm.

Congalsa is a Spanish manufacturer of frozen and precooked seafood-based products supplying retail, food service, and industrial customers under private label and its own brands.

The group operates several production facilities with a combined capacity of around 26,000 tonnes per year and more than 50,000 m³ of cold storage, and distributes across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Lenger Seafoods Vietnam is one of Vietnam's leading exporters of Meretrix clams, recognised for premium quality, supply consistency, and 100 per cent traceability. Operating since 2012 from a 5ha facility in northern Vietnam, the company serves over 50 business-to-business customers across more than 10 export markets, primarily retail chains in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. It was a subsidiary of The Lenger Seafoods Group B.V., a Dutch family-owned shellfish group with roots dating to 1925 and around 350 employees worldwide.

Global clam imports reached approximately $888 million for around 268,000 tonnes in 2023, with East Asia and Southern Europe together accounting for roughly 73 per cent of import value.

Spain is the largest single importer globally, at approximately $197 million in 2023, and EU’s consumption has remained stable at approximately 70,000 domestic European production has fallen to around 30,000 tonnes.

As the world's second-largest clam exporter, Vietnam is well positioned to serve this structural deficit, supported by preferential access under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

Bain Capital set to acquire Gong Cha Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, has agreed to acquire Gong cha Global, one of the world’s fastest-growing tea brands, from TA Associates and the company’s other shareholders.

Japan’s Nissha to exit investment in Vietnam’s USM Healthcare Nissha Co., Ltd. on September 4 announced that the company resolved to transfer all shares of USM Healthcare Medical Devices Factory JSC held by the company and its consolidated subsidiary, Nissha Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Mekong Capital completes exit from Mutosi following acquisition by Ariston Group Mekong Capital on September 9 announced the sale of its majority stake in Mutosi Group JSC, a key player in Vietnam’s residential water purification market, to Ariston Group, one of the global leaders in climate and water comfort solutions, listed on Euronext Milan.

The 8,000 square metre centre will serve Norway and the wider Nordic region, providing battery services, training local technicians and supporting circular economy efforts across the region.

Norway is one of the world's most advanced EV markets. In August, battery electric vehicles made up 98.7% of new passenger car registrations, and electric buses accounted for more than 60% of bus and coach registrations. As this fleet grows and ages, demand for battery diagnostics, repair and life extension is rising. The Norway Centre is built to meet it.

Full-lifecycle battery services

• Drawing on CATL's R&D and manufacturing expertise, NING SERVICE covers the full battery lifecycle: testing, maintenance, repair, insurance, second life and recycling. Its services span transport, energy storage and robotics.
• NING SERVICE is helping shift the aftermarket from replacing batteries to repairing them, and has cut turnaround for complex repairs from 72 to 48 hours.
• Its deep repair capability covers 76.8% of EV models and applies CATL's production-line quality standards. The Intelligent Eagle Eye System, used in more than 150 repair facilities, provides full traceability and quality control.
• The centre will also serve as a brand experience space and sales agent for emerging electric applications, including vessels, eVTOL aircraft and robotics. NING SERVICE already manages agency sales for CATL's ecosystem partners, such as AutoFlight and Galbot.

Circularity and local skills

CATL launched the Global Energy Circularity Commitment (GECC) in strategic partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. In line with its vision, NING SERVICE is building an aftermarket ecosystem that keeps batteries in use for longer and returns their materials into new batteries.

"In a circular economy, batteries stay in use at their highest value for as long as possible, and their materials are recovered to make new ones. Inspection, maintenance and repair services are an important part of making that happen at scale," said Miranda Schnitger, Climate Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

The centre will create skilled green jobs and become NING SERVICE's main training hub in the Nordics. Drawing on a training network across 39 European countries and a team of 14 experienced instructors, it will offer courses certified by CATL and practical training for local technicians. NING SERVICE also plans to work more closely with Norwegian universities and technical institutions to build local expertise.

Bringing service closer to customers

CATL is expanding its local presence worldwide through local infrastructure and ecosystem partnerships. The Norway Centre will be a key hub in NING SERVICE's European network, bringing high-quality service closer to customers in line with its promise to be "Your Nearby New Energy Service Expert."

"CATL brings technology, industry expertise and a trusted brand. Combined with YES-EU's local knowledge and service capabilities, we can build a stronger battery service ecosystem across the Nordics and support the long-term growth of Europe's EV market," said Benedikt G. Gudmundsson, Founder and Chairman of YES-EU Group.

"Customers are at the heart of everything we do at NING SERVICE. Working closely with our local partners, we will provide reliable battery lifecycle services that meet the needs of Norway's EV market and support its continued electrification," said Bruce Li, President of Quality Systems, Aftermarket Business Division, CATL.

NING SERVICE operates 1,394 service locations across 85 countries and regions. It aims to reach 100 countries and regions by 2027 and 10,000 service locations by 2030.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation, with a focus on strengthening communication and education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and support the development of students nationwide.

It will also contribute to the education sector’s priorities in school health, environmental education, and the comprehensive development of learners. The programme me will mobilise resources from across society and promote public–private partnership, in close alignment with the School Health Programme for 2026–2035, broadly aligned with government policy.

Through these efforts, the cooperation is expected to enhance resources for education and health promotion, while supporting the development of healthy, supportive, and sustainable learning environments for students across Vietnam.

Moreover, 2026 marks the third year of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between Vietnam and Japan, adding significance to the continued implementation of a Japanese-origin educational initiative in Vietnam.

Initiated by Suntory Group in Japan in 2004 and introduced in Vietnam in 2015, “Mizuiku – I Love Clean Water” has provided a strong foundation for this cooperation. Over the years, the initiative has evolved beyond its initial focus on water conservation and environmental sanitation to embrace broader areas aligned with the education sector’s emerging priorities, strengthening its contribution to sustainable education and the development of students in Vietnam.

Building on the achievements of 2023–2025, the two parties have agreed to continue the programme me by retaining initiatives that have achievements, while introducing new approaches and expanding its scope to respond to the evolving needs of pupils and students

The 2026–2029 phase will focus not only on expanding the programme me’s reach, but also on enhancing its practical relevance and depth of impact, enabling learners to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and sense of responsibility needed to care for their health, protect the environment, and contribute to their communities.

The programme me will continue to promote education and communication on water conservation, water protection, access to clean water, school sanitation, and environmental protection, with the aim of reaching approximately 1.8 million primary school pupils.

Educational content on water conservation and school sanitation will be appropriately integrated into academic subjects and extracurricular activities, while being adapted to the needs and circumstances of primary school pupils. The programme me will also strengthen the capacity of education administrators and teachers to guide water-saving and water-protection practices within schools. In addition, approximately 50 water filtration systems and sanitation improvement projects are expected to be supported in disadvantaged areas, helping improve pupils’ access to clean water and better sanitation conditions.

The new phase will expand into nature-based experiential learning, physical education, sports, and healthy lifestyle development. These activities will provide learners with more opportunities to translate knowledge into practice, while fostering positive health habits, environmental awareness, and a stronger sense of responsibility towards their communities.

The programme is also expected to support sports and physical activity initiatives that encourage pupils and students to stay active and encourage healthier lifestyles. It will also support the upgrading or provision of equipment and facilities for physical activities at five to ten universities each year, contributing to more supportive environments for physical activity and student wellbeing.

Hoang Duc Minh, director general of the Department of Student Affairs under the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), welcomed Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam’s continued contribution to mobilising social resources for education.

“The results achieved through our cooperation to date demonstrate the value of public–private partnerships in supporting pupils, students, teachers, and schools. We expect the new phase to continue contributing to the education sector’s priorities in school health, physical education, environmental education, and the holistic development of learners. At the same time, the programme will continue to innovate its content and implementation approaches to better respond to the practical needs of pupils and students,” Minh said.

For Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, the 2026–2029 partnership with the MoET forms part of its “Growing for Good” sustainability direction, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to creating positive impact for communities through initiatives spanning education, health, and environmental sustainability.

Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam continues to implement initiatives that contribute to the protection and restoration of water resources and the environment, including Water of Life. Launched in 2024 through a public–private partnership with the Forestry and Forest Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the initiative contributes to water conservation, carbon sequestration, and Vietnam’s broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Together, these initiatives reflect a long-term approach to sustainability in which investment in education is viewed not only as a corporate responsibility, but also as an investment in people and in the future of Vietnam.

Ashish Joshi, CEO of Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, said, “Strengthening our partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training reflects Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam’s continued commitment to advancing education and communication initiatives that benefit younger generations."

"The achievements over more than a decade provide a strong foundation for us to continue working alongside the education sector to nurture a healthier generation with greater awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development. We remain committed to contributing our expertise, resources, and international experience to develop initiatives that create lasting value and tangible benefits,” he said.

Through 2026–2029, the two parties will continue to leverage their respective strengths, expertise, and resources to expand learning and experiential opportunities for pupils and students. The partnership will also help create healthier and more supportive learning environments, while fostering values and practices that can support the wellbeing pupils, communities, and future generations.

Suntory PepsiCo marks 30 years of investment and sustainable development in Vietnam Over the past 30 years, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam has shown strong commitment to Vietnam as it continues to expand investment towards a sustainable future.

Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam deepens green drive with new initiatives Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, in collaboration with the Vietnam Forestry Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, has kicked off its 2025 'Water of Life' programme along with launching a new nature-based education drive. CEO and general director Ashish Joshi spoke with VIR’s Thanh Van about the environmental and community impact of both schemes.

'Mizuiku - I Love Clean Water' initiative celebrates decade of impact and evolvement Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam is marking the 10th anniversary of its environmental education initiative “Mizuiku - I Love Clean Water” with a public exhibition from October 1-6.

Demand for data center capacity across the region continues to rise as organizations expand digital services, deploy AI workloads, and strengthen cloud infrastructure. At Data Centre World Asia, Milliken will highlight how MAXCELL^® flexible fabric innerduct solutions help customers increase usable conduit capacity, simplify cable management, and create space for future expansion without the need for additional conduit installations.

Designed for demanding data center environments, MAXCELL^® helps operators make more efficient use of available pathway space, improve installation efficiency, and adapt to evolving connectivity requirements.

"Across Asia, data center operators are being asked to deploy infrastructure faster while maintaining the flexibility to adapt as requirements change," said Zach Huckabay, Senior Sales Director for Milliken's technical textiles business. "MAXCELL^® helps customers maximize existing conduit assets to improve network readiness for rapidly expanding AI, cloud, and digital connectivity demands. We're excited to connect with customers at Data Centre World Asia and discuss how we can help address their infrastructure challenges."

Milliken's participation in Data Centre World Asia reflects the company's continued commitment to supporting customers through local expertise, technical service, and project collaboration. Teams across Asia work closely with customers to address increasingly complex networking and data center requirements, combining innovative products with on-the-ground technical expertise.

As investment in hyperscale data centers and next-generation digital networks continues across the region, Milliken remains focused on expanding its cable management capabilities, strengthening customer partnerships, and helping organizations improve infrastructure performance and efficiency.

Visitors can meet the Milliken team at Booth C105 during Data Centre World Asia 2026, taking place September 29-30 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, to learn more about MAXCELL^® solutions and Milliken's approach to supporting the future of digital infrastructure.

The partnership brings together Pakal's breakthrough power semiconductor technology with Prohubs' market development and commercialization expertise as well as decades of success in the Taiwan market to bring Pakal's IGTO to a broad range of customers and applications.

Pakal has developed and proven the IGTO. The IGTO delivers greater efficiency and reliability compared to existing power electronics architectures such as Thyristors and IGBTs. The proprietary IGTO technology is a drop-in upgrade to conventional Fieldstop IGBTs with dramatically reduced conduction losses. while leveraging established silicon-based systems, supply chains and manufacturing infrastructure.

As global electricity demand accelerates—driven by AI infrastructure, data centers, electrification, renewable energy and increasingly power-intensive industrial systems—the efficiency of the semiconductor switches controlling that electricity has become increasingly consequential. Pakal's technology is designed to help system manufacturers reduce wasted power and deliver more usable energy without requiring an entirely new power architecture.

"Pakal was founded around a simple idea: we need to get more useful energy out of every watt we generate," said Ben Quinones, Co-founder and CEO of Pakal Technologies. "Our partnership with Prohubs is another important step in moving our technology from innovation to broad market adoption. By combining Pakal's semiconductor platform with Prohubs' capabilities and market reach, we make it easier for customers to integrate our more efficient power switch into their real-world systems."

Unlike approaches that require manufacturers to migrate completely to new semiconductor materials and system architectures, Pakal is focused on improving the performance of silicon—the world's most established semiconductor platform. This approach provides customers with a drop-in improvement that is a faster and more cost-effective path toward improving power efficiency across existing and next-generation systems.

Under the partnership, Prohubs will provide Pakal with customer engagement, as well as design-in, distribution and commercialization support across applications including renewable energy, energy storage, industrial power systems, grid infrastructure and electric mobility.

The collaboration comes as Pakal expands the commercial ecosystem around its technology. The company is advancing its 650 to 2500 Volt IGTO devices while working with industry partners to demonstrate the performance and scalability of its architecture across very high voltage (>3.0 kV) applications.

"We see significant potential in Pakal's approach to improving power semiconductor efficiency built on the infrastructure and proven reliability of silicon," said Vincent Lin, President at Prohubs International Corp. "The company's very high voltage collaboration with Hitachi Energy is an important validation of both the technology and the market need Pakal is addressing. As demand for power efficiency accelerates globally, we believe Pakal's IGTO will play a meaningful role in how that power is converted and delivered. We're excited to help accelerate the technology's path to broad commercial adoption."

For more information, visit Pakal Technologies' website www.pakal-tech.com

and https://prohubs.com.tw/english/index.htm

The Company has appointed J.P. Morgan as the depositary bank for the ADR Programme. The ADR Programme does not involve any capital raising or the issuance of new shares by the Company. The Company's ordinary shares will continue to trade on the Catalist board of the SGX Stock Exchange and the ADR Programme is not expected to have any material impact to existing shareholders of the Company.

Trading on OTCQX, the highest-level market of Over The Counter ("OTC") Markets

OTCQX is the highest-level market operated by OTC Markets Group, which operates regulated markets for more than 12,000 U.S. and international securities. OTCQX is designed for established, investor-focused U.S. and international companies and requires companies to meet prescribed financial standards, follow best-practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

Joining a growing group of Singapore-listed companies accessible to U.S. investors

The Company's ADR Programme on OTCQX places it within a broader ecosystem of Singapore-listed companies whose shares are also accessible to U.S. investors. These include prominent names such as Singapore Exchange Ltd. (SGX Group), which also trades on OTCQX.

Expanding the Company's global shareholder base

Following the Company's successful listing on the Catalist of the SGX-ST in September 2025, its participation in CES 2025 and CES 2026, as well as recent product and technology roadshows in the U.S., the Group's engagement and collaboration with U.S. industry partners, customers and institutional investors, has validated its growth and expansion plans in the U.S. including the establishment of the Group's maiden front-end semiconductor fabrication line with 12-inch DUV immersion photolithography equipment in the U.S., for the mass production of metalenses and modules. With the Group's continued and ongoing expansion in the U.S., the ADR Programme is intended to broaden the Company's international investor reach and provide U.S.-based investors with a more convenient channel to access and trade the Company's securities, and to provide a platform for U.S. investors to directly participate in the Company's growth story. The Company believes that greater access to U.S. investors will be particularly relevant as it progresses its next phase of commercialisation and development.

In addition, the ADR Programme will provide Singapore-based investors around-the-clock access to trade in the Company's shares, via OTCQX and its local listing on the SGX Stock Exchange. The ADS conversion can be effected through J.P. Morgan as the Company's depositary bank, and trading of the ADSs through U.S. brokers and trading platforms. Singapore-based investors who wish to trade in the ADSs through Singapore-based brokers and trading platforms, are able to do so via such brokers and trading platforms, and can reach out to their respective trading representatives for further details.

Investors who wish to find out more about the conversion and/or ADSs issuance on OTCQX may refer to https://adr.com/ for the related forms and instructions. J.P. Morgan's Settlement and Operations team will also be available to assist investors and/or their brokers, and can be contacted at jpm.adr.settlements@jpmorgan.com.

Supporting the Group's commercialisation and collaboration in the U.S.

The ADR Programme complements the Company's deployment of its key direct laser writers ("DLW") at the nano@stanford facility and the University of Arizona's Centre of Semiconductor Manufacturing, to further expand the Group's engagement within the U.S. technology and research ecosystems, and support the Group's U.S. expansion strategy, prospective U.S. customer engagement, and commercialisation roadmap, including the establishment of the Group's maiden front-end semiconductor fabrication line with 12-inch DUV immersion photolithography equipment in the U.S., for the mass production of metalenses and modules.

Thng Chong Kim, Executive Chairman said "The ADR Programme on OTCQX provides us an additional platform to introduce and increase awareness of our technology and solutions, and provides U.S. investors with a dedicated and accessible trading channel for our shares, which will help us broaden our shareholder base, enhance the potential for liquidity and international visibility, and bring our growth story to a wider investment community. This is particularly relevant, as we progress on our next phase of commercialisation and expansion in the U.S.."

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the Company's growth strategies, its future business development, results of operations and financial condition, its research and development efforts, its ability to attract and retain customers, and its ability to establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and business partners; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Find out more at www.metaoptics.sg.

Invariably, businesses implement and make changes to a complex mix of ERP systems, billing platforms, e-commerce applications, and custom technology. Those changes create significant budgetary and staffing burdens, and can delay critical business outcomes. They can require significant specialized engineering and create cost overruns, complexity, and delays as businesses grow and their technology stacks evolve.

With Versori by Avalara, integration time and expense are no longer sticking points for these projects. AI agents do the complex research, analysis, and coding in a fraction of the time and cost of traditional integration tools. Rather than relying on generic code generation or rigid pre-built templates, Versori by Avalara's specialized AI agents execute the integration lifecycle.

"Businesses should not have to spend significant engineering time just to connect tax and compliance to the systems where they already work," said Hugo Sarrazin, Chief Executive Officer at Avalara. "Versori by Avalara changes that equation. Specialized AI agents can research, build, test, and deploy production-grade connectors in days, giving developers and partners a dramatically faster path to bring Avalara into virtually any enterprise system. For customers, that means less integration work, faster time to value, and greater freedom to use the technology that works for their business."

From integration requirements to production-ready connectors

Versori by Avalara uses four core AI agents to guide developers from initial mapping to certified release:

• Plan: Analyzes endpoint schemas, API contracts, and compliance requirements to scope integration architecture.
• Connect: Establishes secure authentication and automated system-to-system handshakes across ERPs, billing engines, e-commerce systems, and custom databases.
• Build: Generates production-ready transformation logic, mapping rules, and error-handling code. Customers and partners retain access to the generated connector code and business logic.
• Deploy: Runs automated testing, validates against Avalara certification benchmarks, and publishes the live connector.

Rather than relying on generic code generation or rigid pre-built templates, Developers and partners can access Versori by Avalara today through the Avalara Developer Portal. Users can explore API documentation and enroll in hands-on Versori by Avalara training.

For more information, visit Avalara.com.

• Oversubscribed Series C led by S32 with backing from NVIDIA, Menlo Ventures' Anthology Fund, Catalio Capital Management, European Tech Collective, Firebrand River Capital, Inception Fund, King Philanthropies, NATO Innovation Fund, PostScriptum, Redalpine, The Rockefeller Foundation, Singular, Sovereign AI, and True Ventures.
• Funding will advance a pipeline of EDEN-designed therapeutics, starting with in vivo cell therapy, and expand pharmaceutical partnerships
• The company has demonstrated strong preclinical results across multiple modalities and disease areas

LONDON and BOSTON, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Basecamp Research, a frontier AI company developing AI-designed medicines, today announced a $140M Series C financing to train a new generation of EDEN models and advance a pipeline of AI-designed therapeutics towards clinical development.

Basecamp's ambition is to develop cures for diseases that remain incurable by designing medicines that reprogram the body to repair itself. The company combines frontier AI models trained on proprietary biological data with technology for writing DNA sequences into cells.

"We believe the future of medicine lies in reprogramming the body to repair itself. We design the models and the medicines to teach it how," said Glen Gowers, co-founder and CEO of Basecamp Research. "AI-based approaches promise to change what's possible for patients who currently have few alternatives. This funding brings this technology closer to those who need it most."

The oversubscribed round was led by S32, with participation from Menlo Ventures' Anthology Fund, Catalio Capital Management, European Tech Collective, Firebrand River Capital, Inception Fund, King Philanthropies, NATO Innovation Fund, NVIDIA, PostScriptum, Redalpine, The Rockefeller Foundation, Singular, Sovereign AI and True Ventures.

Additional investment comes from senior leaders from across pharma, biotech, and global industry, including André Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman of Roche, who said: "The biotechnology revolution that began fifty years ago transformed how we make medicines. Personalised, AI-designed therapeutics represent the next transformation of that journey. Basecamp Research has built the full platform to deliver it, from biological data to trained models to designed therapies. This will be key in helping the industry to continue to innovate."

Applying EDEN to develop new therapies

Basecamp Research is applying EDEN, its biological foundation model, to in vivo cell therapy – reprogramming a patient's cells inside the body. Today's cell therapies are limited both in the complexity of what they can deliver and by a manufacturing process that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars per patient.

By pairing EDEN's ability to design long and complex DNA sequences with large serine recombinases that can precisely integrate them into the genome, Basecamp's platform aims to underpin the future of cell therapies, making them more sophisticated, more customisable and simpler to administer. This has the potential to transform how we treat cancer, autoimmune disease, and more.

The company has demonstrated strong preclinical results across multiple modalities and disease areas. To expand its pharmaceutical partnerships, Basecamp has appointed Richard Pearce, formerly of Biogen, as Chief Business Officer.

Andy Conrad, General Partner at S32 and former CEO of Google's Verily, who joins the Board of Directors, said: "AI is opening up new possibilities across every part of society, but perhaps nowhere is the potential more meaningful than in human health. The ability to combine AI, biological data and scientific insight could transform how we understand disease, discover medicines and ultimately improve and extend people's lives. Basecamp Research is building an important technology platform at the center of that opportunity."

The AI and data powering Basecamp Research's therapies

At the centre of Basecamp Research's AI platform is the Trillion Gene Atlas, the world's largest proprietary biological AI training dataset. Built with partners including NVIDIA, Anthropic, PacBio and Ultima Genomics, the Atlas draws on biological data collected through access and benefit-sharing partnerships in more than 30 countries across all seven continents.

Trained on this data, the company's EDEN models recognise patterns across a huge breadth of previously unseen biology. Unlike AI systems developed for a single scientific task, EDEN models aim to deliver a universal understanding of how DNA works across all of life.

This means that the models can generate potential therapeutic candidates directly from information about a disease, an approach already demonstrated through Basecamp's collaboration with Anthropic on Claude Science. The EDEN models' capabilities include designing cell and gene therapies, enzymes and peptides.

Built around GOOLOO's TOOLCORE® all-in-one platform, the A9 Ultra combines four essential roadside functions — jump starting, tire inflation, portable fast charging and emergency lighting — in one compact system. Designed for everyday vehicles as well as trucks, RVs and off-road travel, the A9 Ultra expands GOOLOO's A-series into more demanding driving and adventure scenarios.

The A9 Ultra is now available for sale through GOOLOO's official website: https://us.gooloo.com/products/a9-ultra-jump-starter, customers can receive $10 off the regular price of $199.99 by using promo code A9RED10.

The launch also builds on GOOLOO's growing presence in off-road motorsports through its partnership with AMSOIL Championship Off-Road and Ryan Beat Motorsports. The A9 Ultra is scheduled to appear trackside at Glen Helen Raceway on October 2–3, bringing GOOLOO's newest emergency power system into an environment where vehicle preparation, reliability and self-sufficiency matter every race weekend.

"With the A9 Ultra, we wanted to go beyond solving a single roadside problem," said Michael, General Manager at GOOLOO. "Drivers may need to restart a battery, restore tire pressure, power a device or work safely after dark — sometimes on the same trip. The A9 Ultra brings those capabilities together in one system, giving drivers a simpler way to stay prepared whether they're commuting, traveling by RV or heading off-road."

One Tool for More Roadside Situations

The A9 Ultra starts with two problems that can quickly bring a trip to a stop: a dead battery and low tire pressure.

Powered by GOOLOO's JUMPCORE® starting system, the A9 Ultra delivers up to 6000A peak current and is designed to start a wide range of 12V vehicles, including gasoline engines and diesel engines up to 12.0L. A dedicated BOOST mode provides additional starting support for deeply discharged batteries.

Alongside jump starting, the A9 Ultra integrates a 160 PSI tire inflator designed for both everyday tire maintenance and roadside emergencies. Smart preset modes and automatic shutoff allow drivers to set a target pressure and let the system stop automatically once the desired pressure is reached.

For drivers towing, traveling by RV or heading off-road, combining these two functions in one portable tool can reduce the amount of emergency equipment that needs to be carried while providing greater independence when immediate roadside assistance is not available.

Powered by TOOLCORE®

At the heart of the A9 Ultra is TOOLCORE®, GOOLOO's approach to bringing multiple vehicle emergency functions together in one integrated system.

Beyond jump starting and tire inflation, the A9 Ultra incorporates a 27,000mAh / 99.9Wh portable power bank with 100W bidirectional USB-C fast charging. It can provide high-speed charging for compatible phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and other mobile electronics while traveling.

The same 100W charging capability can recharge the A9 Ultra itself in approximately 1.5 hours, helping drivers restore the unit quickly between trips or after emergency use.

A built-in 400-lumen LED light with SOS functionality provides additional visibility for nighttime roadside stops, repairs and emergency signaling.

Together, the A9 Ultra is built around four straightforward needs: Jump. Inflate. Charge. Illuminate.

The system is also backed by GOOLOO's SUPERSAFE® protection technology, designed to help protect the vehicle and user against common electrical risks including reverse polarity, short circuits, overcurrent, overvoltage and overheating.

From Everyday Roads to Off-Road Racing

The A9 Ultra arrives as GOOLOO continues to strengthen its connection with the off-road and motorsports community.

Through its 2026 partnership with Ryan Beat Motorsports and AMSOIL Championship Off-Road, GOOLOO has brought its vehicle emergency products into an environment built around race vehicles, trucks, trailers, support equipment and long-distance travel.

The A9 Ultra takes GOOLOO's all-in-one roadside concept further, with greater starting capability, higher-pressure tire inflation and faster portable charging designed for larger vehicles and more demanding travel.

Its October appearance at Glen Helen will give racers, crews and off-road fans an opportunity to see GOOLOO's newest emergency power system in a real motorsports environment.

"The GOOLOO A9 Ultra is one of those tools I always want with us at the track," said Ryan Beat. "With all the vehicles we have, you never know what you're going to run into, and having something compact and reliable that can jump start, inflate a tire and provide portable power makes a huge difference. It's become something we rely on throughout a race weekend."

A9 Ultra at a Glance:

• 6000A JUMPCORE® starting power for a broad range of 12V vehicles
• 160 PSI smart tire inflation with presets and automatic shutoff
• 27,000mAh portable power with 100W bidirectional USB-C fast charging
• 400-lumen emergency lighting with SOS mode
• TOOLCORE® all-in-one functionality with SUPERSAFE® protection

On September 23, Petrovietnam Refining and Petrochemical Corporation exchanged a Framework Agreement for crude oil purchases with ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, opening a new avenue of cooperation in feedstock supply for Dung Quat Refinery.

The signing was witnessed by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, together with senior leaders of the Party, the state, and the government of Vietnam. It was part of a roundtable with executives from leading US corporations.

The agreement with ExxonMobil Asia Pacific comes as Petrovietnam Refining and Petrochemical Corporation (BSR) accelerates its strategy to diversify crude oil sources, enhance operational flexibility, and strengthen resilience against increasingly unpredictable developments in the global energy market.

Since the beginning of 2026, the corporation has identified, evaluated, and expanded crude oil supply sources from multiple regions worldwide, including the US. BSR has also signed crude oil supply agreements with Chevron to help ensure a stable feedstock supply for the refinery.

A key competitive advantage of Dung Quat Refinery lies in its growing capability to receive and process a wide range of crude oil grades. Since the beginning of 2026, BSR has successfully tested three additional crude oil grades, bringing the total number of crude types that can be processed at the refinery to 40, including 12 domestic grades, and 28 imported grades.

In 2026 alone, BSR mastered the processing technology for Nigeria's Erha crude at a maximum blending ratio of approximately 45 per cent by volume, and Sao Vang – Dai Nguyet condensate at up to around 12 per cent by volume.

Expanding its crude oil basket gives BSR greater flexibility to select the most suitable feedstock in response to market conditions, while reducing reliance on traditional supply sources. In 2025, Dung Quat Refinery imported approximately 8.28 million tonnes of crude oil, with imported crude accounting for around 31 per cent of total feedstock.

In 2026, to safeguard supply security and respond to geopolitical uncertainties, BSR has prioritised balancing domestic crude oil sources, while maintaining imported crude at approximately 15 per cent, sourced from regions including West Africa, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia.

Through the Framework Agreement, BSR continues to expand its network of international crude oil suppliers, creating additional feedstock options for Dung Quat Refinery. The agreement also aligns with the corporation's strategy to strengthen feedstock security, enhance its ability to respond to oil market volatility, and reinforce the refinery's operational resilience.

BSR secures three months of crude supply for Dung Quat refinery Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical has secured enough crude oil to operate its Dung Quat refinery for the next three months amid Middle East supply disruptions.

BSR steps up research into green hydrogen-based fuels As Vietnam advances its energy transition, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC (BSR) is partnering with the German Development Agency (GIZ) to assess the potential of green hydrogen-based synthetic fuels to support Vietnam's decarbonisation goals.

BSR seeks $600 million for Dung Quat refinery expansion BSR is seeking $600 million in financing for the Dung Quat Oil Refinery expansion and upgrade project.

Announced on September 24, the joint statement describes trade as a cornerstone of the relationship, largely facilitated by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Vietnam is Canada's largest trading partner in ASEAN, and the statement notes significant potential to expand trade, investment, strategic business partnerships, and development cooperation.

The two leaders reaffirmed their support for the successful conclusion and implementation of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible, which will serve as an important foundation to advance deeper economic cooperation between Canada and ASEAN.

Both sides also agreed to maximise the effectiveness of the Canada-Vietnam Joint Economic Committee and reaffirmed their support for the implementation, modernisation and expansion of the CPTPP. Additionally, Canada and Vietnam are supporting regional connectivity and rules-based trade through interest-sharing partners, the CPTPP Trade, and Investment Dialogues with the European Union and ASEAN.

Both sides also reiterated their support for a non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing internationally recognised labour rights and principles, decent work, and inclusive economic growth in accordance with relevant International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. The two countries also welcomed continued engagement at the ILO, the World Trade Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and under the CPTPP.

These commitments aim to remove market access barriers and promote reciprocal market access, facilitate movement of goods and services between the two countries, supporting their businesses in deepening integration into relevant supply chains. Both sides welcomed efforts to increase two-way direct investment in Vietnam and Canada. Vietnam reaffirmed its readiness to create new advantages for Canadian businesses to invest and establish stable, long-term operations in Vietnam.

Efforts are welcomed to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and Canadian provinces, territories and municipalities, trade and investment promotion agencies and business communities of both countries.

In addition, the importance of resilient, diversified, and trusted maritime and aerospace transport and supply chains was emphasised, and it was agreed that efforts would be made to remove market access barriers, facilitate growing trading volumes, enhance maritime resilience, and maintain supply chain continuity.

Party General Secretary and State President Lam and PM Carney also welcomed progress in bilateral transport cooperation, including the signing of the MoU on Maritime Transport Cooperation and aviation consultations earlier in September, which expanded air service capacity and further liberalised route schedules under the Vietnam-Canada Air Transport Agreement to enable direct air services.

Collaboration is vital to reduce emissions from maritime transportation. This includes advancing green shipping initiatives, such as the Pacific Multi-Port, Multi-Jurisdiction Green Shipping Corridor MoU, and exploring opportunities to support the development and deployment of low-carbon fuels and zero-emission technologies.

They also welcomed continued collaboration between civil aviation officials and key regional partners to expand targeted aviation security assistance across priority airports in Vietnam, advancing shared oversight and quality control.

Recognising the opportunities from digital transformation, AI, and advanced technologies, both sides committed to exploring cooperation in science, technology, and innovation through multilateral forums including APEC and ASEAN-led mechanisms. They also agreed to pursue sustainable digital transformation, secure digital ecosystems, improved infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data governance in line with domestic regulations and international law.

Cooperation through ASEAN mechanisms, including the ASEAN-Canada AI Connect Programme, is welcomed to build capacity, promote responsible AI governance, and support inclusive digital development. Both sides will also grow partnerships between universities, research institutions, and industry, supporting research collaboration, talent mobility, and innovation partnerships in strategic sectors such as STEM, AI, quantum technologies, and semiconductors. They agreed to support innovation and startup ecosystems and noted Canadian backing for upcoming symposiums on green innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.

The Strategic Partnership is anchored in eight pillars: bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation; trade, investment, and economic cooperation; transport, supply chain management, and infrastructure; digital transformation, AI, advanced technologies, and innovation; energy security, environment, and sustainable growth; food security and agri-food; defence, security, maritime, law enforcement, and justice; and education, culture, and people-to-people ties.

Together, these pillars position Canada and Vietnam to address shared challenges and contribute to a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Canada pledges $81 million for initiatives in Vietnam Canada has committed $81.43 million in development funding to support initiatives in Vietnam, focusing on climate action, inclusive institutions and economic empowerment for vulnerable groups.

Vietnam and Canada sign initiative to support inclusive and sustainable trade Vietnam and Canada have signed a document on “Trade Support for Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Economic Growth” in Vietnam for 2026-2030.

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

Reflecting the strong relationship between the two governments, Air Canada plans to work with the authorities to complete the approvals and procedures required to launch scheduled service to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027.

The announcement follows the state visit from Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and the meeting in Ottawa between representatives of both countries, which marks an important step towards opening scheduled commercial air service between Canada and Vietnam.

The expanded air transport agreement with Vietnam is as part of the new Strategic Partnership between Canada and Vietnam. The agreement allows for direct flights between Canada and Vietnam for the first time. This is in direct response to the significant growth in the bilateral air market and in support of Canada’s Trade Diversification and Indo-Pacific strategies.

By strengthening air connectivity, Canada and Vietnam are supporting business growth, facilitating the movement of goods, making travel more seamless, and fostering stronger people-to-people ties.

“Vietnam is an important market in the broader Canada-Southeast Asia relationship. We welcome this expanded air transport agreement and look forward to obtaining the necessary government approvals to begin service to Ho Chi Minh City,” said Mark Galardo, chief commercial officer and president, Cargo at Air Canada.

Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade for the government of Canada said,"Vietnam is one of Canada's most dynamic trading partners in Southeast Asia. Our exports to Vietnam reached over $1.3 billion in 2025, up nearly 30 per cent from the year before. By expanding our air transport agreement, we're making it easier for people and goods to move between our countries, opening new doors for businesses and diversifying Canada’s trade."

Meghan Pritchard, executive director of Canada ASEAN Business Council, pointed out that the move would boost ties between the two nations.

“The Canada-ASEAN Business Council welcomes Air Canada’s intention to launch scheduled service to Ho Chi Minh City in 2027. Direct air connectivity between Canada and Vietnam would be an important step in strengthening commercial ties, supporting tourism and investment, and helping Canadian businesses deepen their engagement in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets,” she said.

Future services remain subject the necessary government approvals.

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

Experts discuss advancing CPTPP Senior government officials, business leaders, academics, and trade policy experts from across the Indo-Pacific and Europe gathered in Ho Chi Minh City on July 20 for the CPTPP–EU Trade Forum.

Machinery and high-tech goods takes Vietnam’s exports to Canada beyond $5 billion Vietnam’s exports to Canada surpassed $5 billion in the first seven months, driven by strong gains in machinery, electronics and high-tech products amid evolving supply chains.

The investment deepens GenAI Fund's commitment to a venture it helped build. Together with Tasco, GenAI Fund sourced founders, shaped the opportunity, and supported teams as they turned ideas into live products.

Bonbon is the winning venture from Tasco Foundry Wash3000, the venture-building programme jointly implemented by Tasco and GenAI Fund. Its platform connects car owners with garages and car-care providers, bringing a more convenient digital experience to a market still shaped by fragmented, independent service points.

The investment marks the next chapter of that journey, and a concrete outcome of our approach to building ventures alongside corporate partners.

Bonbon connects the digital customer journey with services delivered by physical garages and car-care centres. For drivers, the opportunity is a simpler way to find and access vehicle care. For service providers, it is a way to build a digital presence, reach customers, and improve how they manage their services.

The model builds on an existing network of independent operators. Bonbon is responsible for developing its partner garage network, with an initial focus on car washing and vehicle care and a longer-term ambition to support more services throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

The new funding will support the development of Bonbon’s technology platform, expansion of its partner network, improvements to the customer experience, and a broader service offering.

Founder and CEO Nguyen Chi Dung said, "The next stage will also focus on digitalisation tools that help garage partners operate more efficiently and reach customers more effectively."

As that network grows, consistent service quality and value for both drivers and garage partners will remain central to building a lasting business.

Laura Nguyen, CEO of GenAI Fund said, “Bonbon is a successful outcome built from a real business challenge identified by Tasco. The core value of the Venture Builder model lies in transforming a corporation’s assets and scale into a launchpad that enables startups to move faster, while requiring the team to demonstrate its operational capabilities and the tangible value it delivers to users.”

Japanese investors see growing opportunities in Vietnam's startup ecosystem Japanese venture capital firms and investors are deepening their engagement with Vietnam's startup ecosystem. Miki Takahiro, director of the Japan External Trade Organization in Ho Chi Minh City spoke with VIR's Thanh Van about the latest investment trends and startup opportunities.

Bundle secures $5.5 million to back its launch in Vietnam, Singapore and Philippines UAE-based rewards startup Bundle announced on July 30 that it had raised $5.5 million in a pre-seed funding round to support its expansion into Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines.

New programme addresses changing startup landscape A new startup incubation programme will select up to 10 startups from at least 100 applications, with three advancing to testbed and fundraising stages.

According to a statement on September 23, during a week of US-Vietnam engagements in New York alongside the United Nations General Assembly, Visa participated in discussions on trade, investment, innovation, and digital transformation between Vietnam and the US, while also expanding collaborations with Sun Group and Vietnam Airlines to advance opportunities across tourism, travel, and digital commerce.

The engagements, attended by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam alongside senior government officials and business leaders from Vietnam and the US, reflected a shared focus on strengthening economic ties, advancing innovation, and creating new opportunities for growth.

For more than three decades, Visa has worked alongside government stakeholders, financial institutions, and businesses to help expand digital commerce, strengthen payment ecosystems, and connect Vietnam with opportunities locally, regionally, and globally.

“Vietnam has achieved remarkable progress over the past three decades, driven by continued investment, innovation, and international collaboration. Visa is proud to have been part of that journey, and we remain committed to supporting the country's next stage of growth," said Dung Dang, country manager of Visa Vietnam and Laos. "As Vietnam advances its ambitions to build a leading digital economy and strengthen its position as a destination for tourism, travel, and investment, we will continue investing in the partnerships, technologies, and capabilities that help businesses grow, enhance travel experiences, and expand participation in the digital economy.”

Visa's work in Vietnam supports national priorities around digital transformation, financial inclusion, and secure digital commerce. Through partnerships across the public and private sectors, Visa brings global expertise in payments, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, data analytics, AI, and digital identity to help strengthen Vietnam's digital ecosystem.

At a forum September 17 to discuss Vietnam's international financial hub ecosystem, Visa shared global perspectives on how trusted digital infrastructure can support financial innovation, attract investment, and strengthen Vietnam's connections with global markets.

The company continues to work alongside government, financial institutions, and industry partners to help build a secure, connected, and inclusive payments' ecosystem that supports innovation, investment, and broader participation in the digital economy.

Visa also supports businesses of all sizes through digital commerce and cross-border payment capabilities, helping Vietnamese enterprises connect with customers, suppliers, and opportunities around the world.

On September 23, Visa also signed MoUs with Sun Group and Vietnam Airlines to expand collaboration across payments, technology, and customer experiences.

With Sun Group, Visa will support digital tourism initiatives through its capabilities in payments, data analytics, AI, cybersecurity, and customer engagement. The proposed partnership builds on existing collaboration around Visit Vietnam, part of the national digital tourism ecosystem developed and operated by Sun Group, with government support and in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Data Association.

Visa also aimed to expand its strategic partnership with Vietnam Airlines, building on cooperation established in 2023 across digital payments and travel ecosystem development, as well as commercial payments, loyalty, and co-branded card solutions. Together, the two organisations will explore opportunities to deliver more seamless and secure experiences for domestic and international travellers while strengthening Vietnam's connectivity with regional and global markets.

The upcoming Visa Commercial Travel Forum will further advance Visa’s focus on the corporate travel ecosystem, exploring how digital payments and commercial cards can help businesses respond to evolving economic conditions, optimise travel and entertainment spending, and unlock greater value from business travel.

Vietnam gains popularity as Asia-Pacific tourists prioritise familiarity, flexibility: Visa report Vietnam is emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for Asia-Pacific travellers, as more prioritise familiarity, practicality, and flexibility in an evolving global environment, according to Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study on June 25.

Vietnamese tourists gain easier access to Dubai The UAE has expanded its pre-approved 14-day visit entry permit to programme to include Vietnamese nationals travelling with Emirates, allowing passengers to complete a streamlined online application before departure through VFS Global.

Vietnam Airlines signs digital transformation agreements with Visa and AWS Vietnam Airlines executed memorandums of understanding with Visa and Amazon Web Services in New York to accelerate payment processing and artificial intelligence adoption.

PwC on September 24 released the overview of the ASEAN-6 automotive market: 6th market snapshot, which looks at automotive sales, electrification, competitive dynamics, and production across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore.

The report shows that regional growth remains resilient but is concentrating in leading markets. Across ASEAN-6, total industry volume increased by 11.1 per cent on-year in H1/2026, with the strongest growth recorded in Vietnam (31.1 per cent). The regional analysis also points to widening differences between individual markets, reflecting variations in purchasing power, consumer preferences, infrastructure, regulation, and domestic automotive capabilities.

Mohammad Mudasser, partner of deals – transformation at PwC Vietnam, said, “Vietnam is not just growing fast – it is growing up. A few years ago, buying an EV was a statement. Now it is a practical choice, and that changes everything. The winners will not be the ones who sold the most cars this year. They will be the ones who built the charging networks, the financing options, and the aftersales trust that keep customers coming back. That is the harder job, and it is the one that actually matters.”

ASEAN-6 automotive sales reached approximately 1.76 million vehicles in H1 2026. Growth momentum varied sharply by market: Vietnam led with 31.1 per cent, followed by Indonesia at 15.9 per cent, and Thailand at 15.1 per cent. By contrast, growth was significantly slower in Singapore (6.9 per cent) and Malaysia (2.6 per cent), while the Philippines contracted by 6.1 per cent. In Vietnam, growth was supported by robust GDP momentum, driving 83 per cent rise in hybrid sales and 23 per cent growth in imported-vehicle demand.

This divergence reinforces that ASEAN can no longer be approached as one uniform automotive market. Affordability, product preferences, infrastructure, regulation, and consumer behaviour are creating distinct national trajectories. Regional ambition therefore needs to translate into market-specific strategies on products, pricing, production, distribution, and aftersales.

Across ASEAN-6, electrified vehicles, including battery-electric and hybrid vehicles, accounted for 32 per cent of vehicle sales in H1 2026, more than double the 14 per cent recorded in 2024. However, adoption remains highly uneven across the region, ranging from 86 per cent in Singapore to 13 per cent in both Malaysia and the Philippines. At the same time, the market's growth engine is gradually shifting away from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Vietnam's transition is being shaped not only by battery-electric vehicles, but also by growing demand for hybrids. Hybrid sales increased by 83 per cent in the first six months of 2026, highlighting the role of hybrids as a practical transition technology for consumers seeking improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

Vietnam's transition also differs from many ASEAN markets in that electrification remains highly concentrated. VinFast delivered approximately 116,000 vehicles in the first half of 2026 and captured around 40 per cent market share during the period. This has helped accelerate EV adoption but also means the next phase of market development will depend on greater participation from more diverse manufacturers, technologies, and business models.

The competitive landscape is shifting alongside EV adoption. Within the ASEAN-6 EV segment, VinFast and Chinese brands have overtaken the sales volumes of traditional Japanese, US, European, and South Korean manufacturers. Chinese brands accounted for 47 per cent of regional EV sales, while VinFast ranked first among individual EV brands, followed by BYD and Toyota.

Electrification is reshaping competition in Vietnam's automotive market. Growth in H1/2026 was supported by three key factors: fleet demand, rapid hybrid adoption, and more accessible vehicle models. Hybrid sales increased by 83 per cent, while imported-vehicle demand rose by 23 per cent. More affordable models such as the VinFast VF3 and VF5 expanded the entry-level SUV segment, while the fleet-oriented Limo Green became the country's top-selling model.

China also became Vietnam's fastest-growing major source of vehicle imports by value, reflecting the growing presence of new brands and offerings. Tesla’s recent establishment of a local legal entity in September 2026 adds a competitive signal, although the company has yet to announce its sales launch or operating plans.

For electrification scales, the next phase of competition will not be determined by vehicle technology and specifications alone. Charging access, financing, insurance, aftersales support, battery services, total cost of ownership, and residual value are becoming part of the product proposition itself.

Markets across ASEAN-6 are already moving in this direction. Indonesia aims to build a fully integrated EV battery ecosystem by 2027–2028, attracting major original equipment manufacturer and battery investment. Partnerships in Thailand are linking electric vehicles with residential solar and energy storage. In Vietnam, VinFast’s ecosystem reportedly includes approximately 150,000 charging ports across the country, while other providers are investing in high-power charging networks.

“For the automotive sector, the opportunity is not simply more roads or more charging stations. The benefits will depend on coverage, compatibility, grid capacity, reliability, and viable charging economics. As Vietnam’s market matures, competitive advantage will increasingly go to businesses that can deliver a reliable and accessible ownership experience across brands, locations, and the full vehicle lifecycle,” Mudasser said.

Vietnam second fastest growing automotive market in ASEAN‑6 Vietnam’s automotive market ranked as the second‑fastest growing market in ASEAN‑6, according to a report by PwC Vietnam on April 20.

VinFast deliveres over 58,000 EVs globally in Q1 VinFast delivered 58,577 electric vehicles globally in the first quarter, a 61 per cent increase on-year.

Vietnam's auto sector to benefit from Hyundai, KOICA training deal Hyundai Motor Group has signed a trilateral agreement to develop a skilled technical workforce for Vietnam's automotive sector.

The Thailand launch builds on AIGP Health's presence in Singapore and Australia, bringing its current footprint to three markets. Through its regional growth, the company aims to bring its clinical AI technology to a wider range of physician-led care settings, including hospitals, clinics, wellness centres, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices and other healthcare environments where doctors and clinicians are involved in patient care.

AIGP Health's regional expansion comes as healthcare providers increasingly explore how artificial intelligence can support clinicians beyond administrative tasks and clinical documentation. Its Anzu platform is designed to support clinicians across the patient journey by bringing together relevant patient information and clinical context to support more informed decision-making, while keeping clinicians firmly in control.

"Anzu addresses a complete new category, called Clinical Risk. Anzu tackles clinical risk, keeping the patient at the centre. What this means is that Anzu highlights drug-drug interactions, lays out differential diagnosis, trigger factors and more, which are personalised to each patient. Our USP is our deep clinical workflows built to be able to address these factors, therapy wise," said Sheetal Nanwani Doshi, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AIGP Health.

"This is personal for me, having been through the specialist merry-go-round only to get varied differential diagnosis - from a life threatening to a chronic case. Doctors do not lack information, they lack the structure to make the right decision within the consultation time."

Anzu is designed to work alongside healthcare providers' existing technology infrastructure. Through its plug-in and integration capabilities, the platform can connect with existing medical CRM and clinical management systems, allowing healthcare providers to incorporate Anzu into their current workflows without having to replace the systems they already use.

The platform builds on AIGP Health's experience with more than 3,000 live patients across Singapore and Australia, with its entry into Thailand providing a new market to demonstrate how its technology can support clinicians and patients across different healthcare settings.

"Healthcare systems across Southeast Asia may be at different stages of digital transformation, but clinicians across the region face a common challenge: making important decisions within limited consultation time while navigating increasingly complex patient information," said Dr Anindita Santosa, Co-Founder and CEO of AIGP Health.

"Our aim is not to replace clinical judgement, but to give doctors clearer access to the information and context they need to make more informed decisions. As we bring Anzu into more markets, we want to demonstrate how clinical AI can be adapted to different healthcare environments while keeping doctors and patients at the centre of care."

Commenting on the partnership, Dr Wei Siang Yu, Founder and Chairman of BHG, said: "The future of healthcare will increasingly depend on how effectively technology can support doctors while maintaining the human connection at the heart of patient care. Through our partnership with AIGP Health, we are bringing together complementary technologies that can support clinicians with better access to patient information and clinical context. Thailand provides an important environment to demonstrate how these innovations can work together in real-world care settings, with the potential to support new models of healthcare across the region."

In Thailand, AIGP Health has introduced its technology within the country's healthcare and wellness ecosystem, beginning with a deployment at the Global Institute of Aesthetics (GIA), a longevity, wellness and aesthetic centre in Bangkok.

GIA serves as AIGP Health's flagship launch site in Thailand, where clinicians have access to the company's Anzu clinical AI platform to support consultations and patient care. The deployment brings AIGP Health's technology into a real-world care environment spanning longevity, wellness and aesthetic medicine.

The Anzu platform includes Anzu Dr Assist, an in-consult clinical assistant designed to support clinicians during consultations, and Anzu Preclerk, which supports pre-consultation clerking and patient intake. Together, the tools are designed to help clinicians access and manage relevant patient information more efficiently throughout the consultation journey.

Through the partnership, AIGP Health's clinical AI technology is being brought together with Borderless.ai's healthcare technology ecosystem, providing a foundation to demonstrate how AI-assisted clinical care can be applied across different healthcare settings.

Thailand represents a strategic growth market for AIGP Health given the country's established healthcare sector and position as a regional destination for wellness and medical tourism. Beyond its initial deployment at GIA, AIGP Health plans to build relationships with more clinics, hospitals and healthcare institutions as it expands its presence in the country.

Thailand isn't just our next market — it's proof that Anzu works in yet another market. Our thesis has always been that clinical AI only earns its place when it proves itself inside a live consultation, not a slide deck, and Borderless.ai gives us exactly that: distribution, an operating ecosystem, and the regulatory rigor this market demands," said Sheetal Nanwani Doshi, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AIGP Health.

We're deliberately building market by market, not chasing headlines. We're not building a product that sits on top of healthcare — we're building the layer that helps clinicians see what they'd otherwise miss, so patients get the care they deserve. That's the bar we hold every collaboration to as we scale from three markets to ten. If you're a clinic, hospital or investor ready to bring Anzu into your practice or your portfolio, this is the moment to reach out — talk to our team at www.aigp.health."

Building on its operations in Singapore and Australia and its latest launch in Thailand, AIGP Health is also exploring expansion opportunities in Malaysia and Indonesia as part of the next phase of its Southeast Asian growth.

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

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

The event kicked off with an opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by executives from both companies, followed by the first live demonstration of Markforged's patented Continuous Fiber Reinforcement (CFR) technology. This breakthrough technology overcomes the material limitations of traditional 3D printing by precisely laying down continuous strands of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and high-strength, high-temperature fiberglass inside the part during printing. The resulting components match the strength and rigidity of machined aluminum, making them ready for quick use in manufacturing jigs, fixtures, robotic grippers, production tooling, and end-use functional parts.

Local manufacturing and engineering units face pressing dual challenges: compressed lead times and a growing share of high-mix, low-volume orders. Custom manufacturing tools—such as fixtures, assembly jigs, inspection gauges, and automated grippers—are the hardest hit. Markforged's additive manufacturing platform effectively shifts production capabilities directly back to the facility floor. By enabling "print-on-demand" iterations right after design changes, it significant reduces traditional tooling lead times that usually stretch into weeks. For Hong Kong's manufacturing environment, characterized by limited space, high labor costs, and tight delivery schedules, this digital solution significantly leverages operational and clinical efficiencies.

Leveraging Unotech's robust industrial technology network in Hong Kong, Markforged's advanced hardware and materials can be efficiently and reliably integrated across universities, research institutes, and manufacturing facilities. Backed by an in-house

team of application engineers, Unotech provides on-site installation, professional training, and tailored application development to help clients shorten supply chains, reduce inventory, and enhance production resilience.

Ivan Siu, Sales Director of Unotech Limited, stated: "We are deeply honored to partner with Markforged, a pioneer in industrial 3D printing. Combining Markforged's technological dominance with our local footprint, we are confident in delivering highly cost-effective, reliable, and innovative manufacturing choices to Hong Kong. Our dedicated technical team will focus on mission-critical industries, including aviation maintenance, electronics manufacturing, medical devices, and precision engineering. These sectors demand superior part strength and rapid turnaround times, which perfectly match the capabilities of CFR technology. We will continue to strengthen our local engineering capabilities to drive the long-term growth of Hong Kong's smart manufacturing ecosystem."

Brian Chen, General Manager of Greater China and Vietnam at Markforged, added: "Hong Kong stands as a vital technology and trade hub within the Greater Bay Area, with a sophisticated customer base spanning multiple advanced manufacturing sectors. We chose Unotech as our exclusive partner because of their deep local technical expertise and comprehensive after-sales service network. An exclusive partnership concentrates accountability, ensuring our customers have a single, seamless point of contact for total peace of mind. Markforged will directly share our extensive repository of case studies and validated material data from the Greater China region with the Unotech team, empowering them to maximize operational efficiency for our medical, aviation, and precision engineering clients."

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

Signed on September 23, the project's first phase will take place at the Can Tho Heritage Marathon on December 19-20 at Song Hau Park, with official Race Day on December 20.

Through this partnership, both organisations aim to leverage the unifying power of sports to bring nature conservation closer to the public. The initiative creates opportunities for runners and spectators to learn about Vietnam's rich biodiversity and discover actionable ways to contribute to conservation efforts.

Conservation is not limited to protected reserves, research labs, or specialised projects. To create lasting change, building public awareness is essential to inspiring direct and indirect conservation actions in daily life. Distance running uniquely connects diverse social groups – from elite athletes and recreational runners to families, youth, and the corporate sector. A single message delivered through a major marathon can quickly reach hundreds of thousands of people.

Recognising this potential, Duc Huong Anh Co., Ltd (DHA Vietnam) and Vietnam Wildlife Conservation Foundation (Conservation Vietnam) aim to use the Can Tho Heritage Marathon – an event expecting over 10,000 runners – to raise awareness for wildlife protection, foster a deeper connection with nature, and rally public support for conservation.

Under the agreement, Conservation Vietnam will provide the organising committee with technical expertise regarding wild species targeted in the Foundation's conservation programmes and collaborate on nature conservation media campaigns.

DHA Vietnam, as the organiser of the Can Tho Heritage Marathon under the banner 'Run for Wildlife,' will embed conservation messaging across the entire runner experience for the 2026 season. A key highlight of the partnership is the naming of the 5K distance: '5 km Conservation Vietnam.'

Designed to be accessible to a wide audience – from beginners to families and young runners – the '5 km Conservation Vietnam' category is envisioned as more than just a race route. It serves as a platform connecting participants with stories of Vietnam's fauna and flora. Through dedicated communications, both organisations hope runners will gain a more profound understanding of the threats facing endangered species and recognise the vital role communities play in preserving biodiversity.

Beyond public awareness, the partnership focuses on mobilising support from businesses, partners, and the community. Under the MoU, both parties will jointly connect and coordinate resources to support project implementation while offering the business community meaningful opportunities to align with environmental conservation.

The MoU signing marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between DHA Vietnam and Conservation Vietnam, bridging community sports with nature conservation objectives. Both parties expect the 'Run for Wildlife Vietnam' initiative to broaden the reach of conservation messaging while encouraging every individual to recognise their personal role in protecting nature.

Nguyen Tri, general director of DHA Vietnam, said, "A marathon is about much more than kilometres or personal records. A race can serve as a platform where thousands of people gather to share positive community values – cultural heritage, human connection, environmental protection, and wildlife conservation. Through our partnership with Conservation Vietnam, we hope the Can Tho Heritage Marathon creates a meaningful link between sports, people, and nature."

Ha Thang Long, vice chairman and executive director of Conservation Vietnam, added, "Nature conservation creates a far greater impact when people see themselves as part of the story. Sports have an extraordinary power to bring people together. With around 10,000 runners – including those taking part in the '5 km Conservation Vietnam' category – participating in the Can Tho Heritage Marathon, we hope every step is a stride towards better health and an opportunity for individuals and enterprises to understand, care, and act for Vietnam's natural world."

Carlsberg Vietnam backs Hue marathon for fifth year through Huda brand Carlsberg Vietnam has returned as a main sponsor of the VnExpress Marathon Hue for the fifth consecutive year through its Huda brand.

Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon - Heritage Race 2026 launches The launch ceremony of the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon – Heritage Race 2026 was held in Hanoi on July 22, marking the start of the journey towards this year's event.

Halong Bay Heritage Marathon powered by Li-Ning scheduled for November Halong Bay Heritage Marathon Powered by Li-Ning will take place from November 20–22, with the main race day scheduled for November 22.

Earlier, on September 18, the Ministry issued Official Letter No.14826/BXD-KHTC to Quang Tri People's Committee in response to the province’s proposal for support in studying the My Thuy–Lao Bao railway.

Under the Railway Network Plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, the My Thuy–Lao Bao railway is planned to run approximately 114km, use the standard 1,435mm gauge, and be invested in after 2030.

Photo: baodautu.vn

The MoC is the competent authority responsible for organising the preparation, appraisal, and approval of the detailed planning for the My Thuy–Lao Bao railway, while Quang Tri People's Committee takes the lead in preparing, appraising and approving planning for transit-oriented development (TOD) areas associated with the railway.

In the same document, the Ministry welcomed the voluntary offer by My Thuy International Port JSC to provide funding for the planning of the railway, in line with the policy of encouraging organisations and individuals to contribute resources to planning activities.

“Quang Tri People's Committee is requested to direct its specialised agencies to coordinate with My Thuy International Port JSC in preparing a dossier proposing support for the railway planning. The dossier should include comprehensive information on the progress of railway network planning on the Lao side, particularly in the Lao Bao border area, and be submitted to the Ministry of Construction for consideration and decision as a basis for carrying out the next steps,” the document stated.

There is currently little specific information available about the My Thuy–Lao Bao railway, although the line has been included in the national railway network plan for years.

Therefore, if the study goes ahead, My Thuy International Port JSC shall have to clarify a range of important issues, including the selection of an economically and technically optimal alignment; railway gauge and technology; preliminary total investment costs; a capital recovery plan; and plans to link and connect the railway with Laos’ rail network, including the Savannakhet (Laos)–Khon Kaen (Thailand) line.

The findings of the study would provide a basis for the company to take a further step towards mobilising domestic and foreign funding for the railway connecting to My Thuy seaport, which is capable of handling vessels of up to 100,000DWT, has a 17-metre-deep navigation channel, deemed as serving as a maritime gateway for the East–West Economic Corridor.

Unlike the aviation, seaport, and road infrastructure sectors, which have consistently attracted the attention of domestic and foreign investors, infrastructure projects on the national railway network have long been developed primarily with state budget funding, including funding for research and investment preparation.

Previously, the then Ministry of Transport (now the MoC) issued a list of projects calling for foreign investment for the 2021–2025 period, including six railway infrastructure projects with a combined estimated capital requirement of more than $10 billion.

However, except for the Mu Gia–Vung Ang railway, which is currently drawing interest from an investor consortium for research and project proposal preparation, the remaining projects have yet to attract investors.

One of the main reasons for the limited progress in turning the list into concrete projects is that railway infrastructure projects typically require considerable amounts of capital, while having long payback periods and low financial returns.

In addition, the mechanisms for investment under the public-private partnership (PPP) model and risk-sharing during this period have yet to prove sufficiently attractive to international investors.

A particularly noteworthy point is that, of the 176 projects included by the Ministry of Finance in the draft national list of projects calling for foreign investment for the 2026-2030 period, four were proposed by the Ministry of Construction.

All four projects are in the railway sector: the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau railway; the Ho Chi Minh City–Can Tho–Ca Mau railway; the Vung Ang–Mu Gia railway; and the Thap Cham–Dalat railway.

Although the list is relatively short, all four railway infrastructure projects proposed for foreign investment in the 2026-2030 period under the PPP model are capital-intensive, with estimated investment of at least $1 billion each.

According to the Ministry of Construction, recent innovations in mechanisms for mobilising private capital have improved the feasibility of these four projects, opening up greater opportunities to attract funding, technology and management expertise from foreign investors.

The breakthroughs stem mainly from the revised Railway Law of 2025, amendments to the PPP Law, and the issuance of Politburo Resolution 68-NQ/TW that same year – which promotes greater private-sector participation in major infrastructure projects.

This, in turn, is expected to contribute to the development goals for transport infrastructure and the railway sector during the 2026–2030 period and beyond.

The selection of railway projects for priority investment promotion also stems from the need to develop a modern railway system with greater transport capacity, helping reduce logistics costs while strengthening interregional connectivity and links between economic centres and seaports, international border gates, and logistics hubs.

From this perspective, the decision by a private company to proactively fund research into the My Thuy–Lao Bao railway can be seen as a positive signal.

Investment opportunities abound in railway infrastructure Efforts are underway to promote the railway sector for investment, as two new national railway lines are scheduled for investment sooner than planned, with more to follow.

Strategic vision key to high-speed rail success in Vietnam Vietnam's north–south high-speed railway presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape national connectivity. Drawing on Arup's review of the project's pre-feasibility study, Asia-Pacific managing director TC Chew outlines the strategic, financial, and governance considerations critical to delivering long-term national value.

Specific financial mechanism proposed for Vietnam Railways The Ministry of Finance is drafting a decree on the operational and financial management mechanism for Vietnam Railways to create a legal basis for state capital investment and management.

Vietnam seeks railway partners at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin A delegation from the Ministry of Construction, led by Deputy Minister Bui Xuan Dung, attended InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin to promote cooperation and technology transfer for the North-South high-speed railway project.

At the session "Transforming Financial Services in the Age of AI," experts focused on moving digital transformation from strategy to implementation, while addressing challenges from large-scale AI deployment – from data governance and security to customer data protection and new operating models for financial services.

Nguyen Minh Ngoc, deputy director general of the Department of Information Technology and Digital Transformation under the Ministry of Finance, said the entire financial sector is currently providing 563 fully online public services and 95 partially online services, in line with Decision No.301/QD-BTC issued on February 12.

The fully online services have been integrated with VNeID accounts, allowing individuals to access them through the National Public Service Portal.

"The MoF has also completed the upgrade of the Information System for Administrative Procedure Settlement, making it ready to connect, share, and synchronise data and provide electronic results," Ngoc said. "Eligible procedures and public services have been configured for nationwide deployment in taxation, customs, business registration, procurement, and tax identification number issuance, with a strong shift from manual to electronic processing that helps reduce compliance costs for individuals and businesses."

“The ultimate goal is to modernise systems and improve the efficiency of state management, reform administrative procedures, enhance the quality of services provided to individuals and businesses, while ensuring cybersecurity, information security, and national data sovereignty,” he added.

Ministry of Finance official Nguyen Minh Ngoc at Vietnam Digital Finance 2026. Photo: IEC Group

The MoF launched a pilot scheme in June to develop a shared AI platform for the entire financial sector, aiming to automate business processes, improve processing efficiency, facilitate data retrieval and analysis, and support management and services for individuals and businesses.

"A survey across 23 units identified 150 AI application needs, consolidated into 80 use cases and 11 AI applications," Ngoc said. "These figures indicate that AI is being approached as a shared ecosystem rather than through individual units developing separate applications."

Alongside this, Ngoc said the development of the National Financial Database under Architecture Version 2.0 is an important foundation for connecting, integrating, and sharing data, with a view to building Smart Finance.

“However, an AI ecosystem can only develop sustainably when it is underpinned by high-quality data, robust governance, privacy protection, information security, and accountability,” he said. “Therefore, the challenge before us is not simply to deploy AI faster, but to build an intelligent, open, connected and trusted financial ecosystem in which technology serves people, data creates value, and innovation goes hand in hand with safety and transparency.”

Colonel Nguyen Thi Son Binh, deputy director of the Digital Enterprise Solutions Centre at Viettel Telecom, stressed that in the financial and banking sector, Viettel views digital transformation as a process of redesigning operating models, enhancing customer experience, optimising costs, and effectively harnessing the power of data.

“To build an intelligent, secure, connected, and sustainable digital financial system, Viettel is focusing on developing digital transformation capabilities around two pillars: digital infrastructure and digital technologies,” said Binh. “Digital infrastructure serves as the foundation for digital finance, ensuring that financial and banking activities operate stably, continuously, and securely. If digital infrastructure provides the foundation, digital technologies are the driving force for creating new value and differentiation.”

Colonel Nguyen Thi Son Binh of Viettel Telecom's Digital Enterprise Solutions Centre. Photo: IEC Group

According to Binh, Viettel provided an infrastructure ecosystem encompassing telecommunications, connectivity and transmission infrastructure; Viettel Cloud; data centres and storage infrastructure; information security and cybersecurity; as well as system integration and connectivity platforms and digital platforms.

“For banks and financial institutions, digital infrastructure needs to meet stringent requirements for availability, scalability, security, and operational continuity,” she added. “On that foundation, Viettel aims to help financial institutions proactively develop digital services, optimise technology resources, and strengthen their operational capabilities.”

In digital technologies, Viettel focuses on developing capabilities in big data, AI, integration platforms, and digital identity, alongside specialised software solutions and digital transformation solutions.

“These technologies are applied to harness and analyse data, support decision-making, automate processes, connect systems and data, strengthen authentication, and transaction security, while also digitalising management and operations and enhancing customer experience,” Binh said.

Among the solutions offered by Viettel, Insight Report has been developed to help financial institutions leverage data to gain a more in-depth understanding of the market and make informed decisions amid increasingly intense competition.

“Based on telecommunications data within the scope permitted for exploitation, Insight Report provides insights into customer characteristics, trends and behaviour, thereby supporting market analysis and the identification of customer groups, geographic areas and potential business opportunities,” she said. “The solution also provides data to support the monitoring and analysis of competitors, the study of competitive trends and business planning. On that basis, financial institutions can supplement their information sources in developing strategies, developing products and optimising resources.”

Insurtech reshapes Vietnam’s insurance sector Insurtech is emerging as a key pillar of Vietnam’s digital insurance sector as demand for digital financial services continues to accelerate.

Vietnam pushes digital finance into tangible gains On September 24 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Finance, together with other agencies, organised Vietnam Digital Finance 2026 under the theme “Powering an intelligent, secure, connected, and sustainable digital financial ecosystem."

From left: Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Kenanga Investors Berhad; Hann Liew, Founder and CEO, Halogen Capital; and Scarlett Chai, Counter Manager (Malaysia), Luno at the announcement of the collaboration at Luno Institutional Digital Asset Conference (LIDAC) 2026.

• Luno (Issuer) will mint and burn UMYR on a strict 1:1 basis against Ringgit received or disbursed, manage institutional onboarding and wallet whitelisting, and provide daily reserve reconciliations supported by independent third-party reserve attestations.
• Halogen Capital and Kenanga Investors (Fund Partners) will participate as use-case fund managers, accepting UMYR for subscription and redemption settlements into their tokenised money market funds, while retaining sole responsibility for fund management, unit registry and investor obligations under their CMSL licences.

• Faster settlement: Real-time DvP settlement for fund subscriptions and redemptions, compared with conventional settlement windows.
• Full reserve backing: UMYR is designed to be backed 1:1 by Ringgit held onshore in segregated accounts, with daily reconciliation and independent attestation.
• Responsible innovation: By testing UMYR with regulated Parties, it ensures future development of on-chain settlement in Malaysia rests on tested controls rather than untested assumptions.

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

Read more on our Terms of Use here: www.luno.com

The portfolio spans 2.65 million sqm of gross floor area. Under China's green power policy framework and electricity market, Hang Lung procures renewable electricity from wind and solar generation sources, obtaining both the power and their green attributes. Hang Lung's whole-building procurement approach covers electricity used by both landlord operations and tenants. This approach supports China's dual carbon goals and helps tenants, including luxury brands, banks and multinational companies, advance their own sustainability commitments. Hang Lung expects to procure approximately 440,655 MWh of renewable electricity across its Mainland portfolio by year-end 2026, avoiding an estimated 227,513 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

The five-year journey to full renewable electricity coverage began at Spring City 66 in Kunming in 2021, with Riverside 66 in Tianjin the latest to make the transition. Along the way, Hang Lung's properties were the first commercial developments to be 100% powered by renewable electricity in Yunnan, Shandong, Liaoning, and Hubei, setting a market-leading example and helping advance renewable electricity adoption across multiple markets in the Chinese Mainland. Achieving this outcome required navigating a complex and rapidly evolving renewable electricity market under tight timeframes. The milestone marks significant progress toward Hang Lung's net zero commitment and its goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity across all operations by 2050.

Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair of the Sustainability Steering Committee, commented: "Leadership is defined by delivery, not just ambition. By achieving full renewable electricity coverage across our entire Chinese Mainland portfolio, we're creating value for our business and our tenants, strengthening energy resilience, and doing our part to support China's dual carbon goals."

Hélène Valade, LVMH Group Environment Development Director, said: "Renewable electricity is a priority for our Group and our Maisons, notably through our LIFE 360 environmental program. Thanks to Hang Lung's commitment, our boutiques and offices now run on 100% green electricity. This milestone highlights the strength of our partnership: when a landlord and a tenant share the same climate ambition, real progress becomes possible. We are very pleased to celebrate this major achievement with Hang Lung."

Ma Jun, Director of the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), said: "China's electricity markets and policies are evolving quickly. To achieve full renewable electricity coverage for 11 properties in nine cities, Hang Lung has had to overcome a steep learning curve, and its example can now serve as an inspiration to others. We hope more property developers and operators will expand their procurement of renewable energy—an essential step for sector-wide decarbonization—creating sustained market demand and enabling a cleaner and more secure future."

Hang Lung's Renewable Energy Chronology

• December 2021: Spring City 66 in Kunming became Hang Lung's first property – and the first commercial complex in Yunnan Province – to be powered by renewable electricity.
• January 2023: Parc 66 in Jinan became the first commercial property in Jinan and Shandong Province to be powered by renewable electricity.
• April 2024: Plaza 66 and Grand Gateway 66 in Shanghai, together with Center 66 in Wuxi, began using renewable electricity.
• May 2025: Forum 66 and Palace 66 in Shenyang, together with Olympia 66 in Dalian, became the first commercial developments in Liaoning Province to be powered by renewable electricity. Coverage increased to eight Mainland operating properties.
• January 2026: Heartland 66 in Wuhan became the ninth Mainland operating property covered by renewable electricity, and the first commercial complex in Hubei Province to do so.
• May 2026: Westlake 66 in Hangzhou became the tenth Mainland operating property covered by renewable electricity.
• October 2026: Riverside 66 in Tianjin will complete the five-year journey, extending renewable electricity coverage to all 11 of Hang Lung's Mainland operating properties.

For more information about Hang Lung's sustainability approach, please visit:
https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/sustainability.

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

Le Truong Giang, Member of the BOD of Vietnam Airlines (second from right), and Robert B. Thomson, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Government Affairs at Visa Inc. (second from left), exchange the Memorandum of Understanding

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