Q3 earnings surge masks widening divide across listed firms. Photo: baodautu.vn

However, behind this strong growth lies considerable divergence. Within the financial sector, banks and securities firms recorded contrasting performances, limiting the overall profit growth of the financial sector to 9.9 per cent, well below the 82.8 per cent increase in the non-financial sector.

Banks continued to lead in terms of profit scale, generating nearly $3.23 billion in Q3, up 21.8 per cent on-year, and remaining one of the key drivers of market-wide earnings growth.

The improvement in banking was also reflected in the breadth of earnings performance. Of the 26 banks surveyed, 20 recorded profit growth while six saw declines. The three major banks BIDV, VietinBank and MB alone accounted for 49.8 per cent of the banking industry's profit increase.

Specifically, MB's Q3 after-tax profit reached nearly $330.1 million, up 42.3 per cent. BIDV reported profit of more than $338.9 million, an increase of 39.2 per cent, while VietinBank posted nearly $434.8 million, up 27.7 per cent.

Nevertheless, the banking sector's performance was not uniformly positive. Southern lender Sacombank reported after-tax profit of nearly $53.9 million, down 53.6 per cent on-year.

In contrast to banks, the financial services sector, which the report uses to analyse securities firms, recorded only approximately $315.9 million in after-tax profit, down 45 per cent on-year. This represented a decline of around $260 million in profit.

The downturn among securities firms was more widespread than that among banks. Of the 45 financial services companies with comparable data, as many as 35 reported lower profits on-year, while only 10 recorded growth. In Q3, 36 companies were profitable and 10 reported losses.

VIX Securities, VPBankS and VNDirect were the three largest contributors to the decline, together accounting for 63.5 per cent of the financial services sector's profit contraction.

Specifically, VIX's after-tax profit fell to nearly $7 million, down 92.9 per cent on-year. VPBankS reported Q3 profit of nearly $26.8 million, down 64.6 per cent, while VNDirect posted nearly $13.2 million, a decline of 64.5 per cent.

The figures show that the divergence between banks and securities firms extends beyond their respective growth rates.

While most banks improved their earnings and all profitable institutions in the banking statistics reported positive results, the majority of financial services companies experienced declining profits, with a number also reporting losses.

Across the broader market, profit growth of 45.1 per cent stood out as a major bright spot in the Q3 earnings season. However, excluding tickers belonging to leading conglomerate Vingroup ecosystem, profit growth fell to just 21.3 per cent, indicating that earnings were rising rapidly but remained concentrated among a handful of companies.

Residential real estate was the clearest example of this concentration. The sector's aggregate after-tax profit reached approximately $2.08 billion, up 325.7 per cent on-year, making it the second-largest contributor by profit scale after banking.

However, excluding Vingroup tickers, the sector's growth rate fell to just 37.6 per cent. Vingroup reported after-tax profit of nearly $910.4 million, up 652.3 per cent, while Vinhome posted approximately $920.8 million, an increase of 419 per cent.

The breadth of growth in the sector also fell short of its aggregate profit increase. Of the 60 residential real estate companies surveyed, only 25 recorded on-year growth, while 35 reported declines.

Sunshine, Ba Ria-Vung Tau House Development JSC and Khang Dien were the three largest contributors to the decline. In Q3, the residential real estate sector had 49 profitable companies and 12 loss-making ones.

Beyond real estate and banking, oil and gas, basic resources and retail were among the sectors that contributed positively to the Q3 earnings season.

The oil and gas sector recorded after-tax profit of approximately $421.1 million, up 413.8 per cent on-year. However, Petrovietnam Refining and Petrochemical Corporation alone accounted for 95.1 per cent of the sector's profit increase.

Basic resources reported profit of nearly $499.8 million, an increase of 158.3 per cent. Hoa Phat Group (HPG), Masan High-Tech Materials and VNSteel together contributed 96.7 per cent of the sector's profit growth. HPG alone posted after-tax profit of approximately $330.6 million, up 106 per cent, representing an increase of more than $170.1 million.

The retail sector saw a relatively broad-based improvement, with 13 of the 17 companies recording positive on-year profit growth.

Aggregate after-tax profit for the sector reached nearly $301.4 million, up 94.5 per cent. Nevertheless, the added value was still concentrated primarily in major retailers Mobile World, Dien May Xanh and FPT Retail, which together accounted for 94.9 per cent of the increase.

According to SHS, the companies that had announced financial statements covered approximately 93.4 per cent of total market capitalisation.

A total of 754 companies reported profits, accounting for 86.6 per cent of those that had released their results. However, only 52.7 per cent of companies recorded on-year profit growth, equivalent to 453 of the nearly 860 companies surveyed.

MB eyes 30 million customers by 2024 following strong Q3 earnings Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB) has just unveiled a robust performance for Q3 2023, maintaining a positive growth trajectory. The bank's focus on operational cost management and a push towards digital transformation places it at the forefront of Vietnam's banking sector's digitalisation race.

Fed rate hike unlikely to disrupt Vietnam's stock market The US Federal Reserve’s latest 25-basis-point rate hike is unlikely to cause significant short-term disruption to Vietnam’s stock market, with investors instead watching the USD, treasury yields, and the central bank’s next policy signals.

Stock market reforms target greater flexibility and efficiency Vietnam is studying stock market trading reforms, including longer trading hours and wider price bands, while preparing market infrastructure upgrades to improve efficiency without compromising safety and stability.

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IEAE Hanoi 2026 is taking place, attracting hundreds of visitors. Photo: Bich Thuy

Many leading Chinese brands present exclusive designs developed specifically for the Vietnamese market, helping distributors and dealers strengthen their competitive edge. Participating companies bring extensive market experience, diverse product portfolios, and well-established operational capabilities. Their products meet certification requirements in Vietnam and other international markets, enabling Vietnamese businesses to diversify their product offerings while reducing direct price competition among similar products.

Beyond finished products, numerous Chinese manufacturers specialising in electronic components and home appliances participate in the exhibition, showcasing smart manufacturing technologies and supply chain support solutions.

The exhibits cover components for 3C consumer electronics, smart home appliances, and telecommunications equipment, ranging from basic components to fully integrated modules. This diverse range of offerings address the sourcing needs of assembly plants, repair service providers, and related businesses while contributing to the development of a more comprehensive supply ecosystem for Vietnam’s electronics manufacturing industry.

Notably, several Chinese companies showcase their manufacturing capabilities at factories located in Vietnam. With the advantages of local production and faster delivery, these companies can optimise cross-border logistics costs and shorten lead times. They can also offer wholesalers and e-commerce sellers flexible sourcing options, including small-quantity orders and rapid restocking, helping businesses respond more effectively to the pace and demands of the Vietnamese market.

Focusing on product categories that are in high demand across e-commerce platforms, the exhibition provides a direct connection between online sellers and original manufacturers, particularly for exclusive-design products with strong sales potential.

IEAE Hanoi 2026 also targets international sourcing offices based in Vietnam and foreign-invested businesses operating in the country, facilitating more efficient connections between supply and demand.

Through its business-to-business matching programme, the exhibition helps companies connect with the right partners, improve networking efficiency, and unlock practical opportunities for commercial cooperation.

The opening of Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 in Dubai on November 3, bringing together 2,500 exhibitors from 79 countries, has highlighted the growing role of technology in improving efficiency, managing production costs, and strengthening resilience across the global food manufacturing industry.

For Vietnamese food businesses, the pressure to improve productivity, maintain quality, and reduce operating costs is also driving demand for technological innovation. Speaking at the Smart and Sustainable Technology for Vietnam’s Food Industry Conference in Hanoi on October 14, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duy Lam, president of the Vietnam Association of Food Science and Technology, stated that technological innovation is becoming increasingly urgent for businesses to enhance their competitiveness. However, their ability to transform depends not only on market demand but also on financial resources, workforce skills, and access to technology.

“The current demand within the food industry goes beyond investing in new equipment. Businesses are looking for solutions that enhance productivity, ensure consistent quality, extend shelf life, minimise losses, and generate meaningful value. They need to clearly identify their production challenges before selecting the right technology,” he said.

Vietnam’s food processing sector grew by 11 per cent in 2025, reaching a scale of $88 billion, according to an annual report published by the US Department of Agriculture in early 2026. Meanwhile, the Vietnam’s food processing and handling equipment market was estimated at $1.2 billion last year, according to 6Wresearch.

As the market expands, requirements regarding quality, food safety, and traceability are driving businesses to invest in technology to improve production efficiency.

At Orion Vina Food, a smart factory project, was implemented in three phases from 2024, integrating a smart operations centre, robotics, automation, and the Industrial Internet of Things.

Jeong Jong Yeon, deputy general director of Orion Vina, said, “After approximately eight months of implementing the first phase, the smart factory project delivered clear benefits to Orion Vina across various areas, ranging from operational efficiency and cost reduction to a focus on sustainable production and the modernisation of management practices.”

According to the company, production capacity increased by 30 per cent during the initial implementation phase, while machine downtime fell by 68 per cent and inspection costs dropped by half, with estimated economic benefits of approximately $19 million. These results demonstrate that the application of technology extends beyond the automation of specific tasks; it also enables real-time operational monitoring, early fault detection, and the optimisation of production processes.

Alongside production line automation, energy optimisation is another way for food processing companies to reduce operating costs. CPV Food, a subsidiary of C.P. Vietnam, has invested in equipment upgrades to reduce electricity consumption and improve production efficiency.

Nguyen Hoang Thong, an energy management specialist at CPV Food, said, “An investment of over $10,000 in the compressed air system has allowed the company to save an average of more than $52 in electricity costs per day. Following the upgrades, the system’s operational efficiency has increased from 57 per cent to more than 80 per cent.”

Furthermore, the company has also adopted AI to assist in product inspection and the integration of goods into an automated warehousing system. By November 2025, energy consumption per tonne of product at the factory had decreased by 27.9 per cent compared with 2021, highlighting the potential for cost savings through improvements in technology and production processes.

Hoang Thi Le Hang, deputy director of the Central Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, stated that Vietnam still has significant potential to extract greater value derived from agricultural and aquatic by-products. Each year, the country generates approximately 45 million tonnes of dry rice straw, 8 million tonnes of rice husks, 30-50 million tonnes of by-products from agricultural processing, and about 1 million tonnes of seafood processing by-products.

However, the utilisation of these by-products remains limited relative to their potential. In the seafood sector alone, the value of by-product processing currently stands at only about $275 million, compared with an estimated potential of $4 - $5 billion. This means that only around 40 per cent of by-products are being repurposed, mainly to produce low-value fishmeal.

“Beyond processing technology, we propose a four-layer integrated digital model, comprising the digitisation of data for each production batch, predictive modelling, digital twins, and digital passports for traceability. These technological layers are incorporated into the process to track information, support forecasting, and optimise performance across the entire processing chain,” Hang said.

However, the transition from a technological proposal to commercial-scale implementation depends on the ability to secure funding and achieve viable returns on investment. Decisions issued since 2025 on strategic technologies those prioritised for development provide a guiding framework for technology research and application.

Nevertheless, translating these directions into concrete investment in the food industry will require greater attention to financial support mechanisms and access to necessary resources, Hang added.

Ly Kim Chi, chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Food and Foodstuff Association, stated that investment costs remain a key challenge that must be addressed to help businesses accelerate their green transition, especially since technology upgrades must go hand in hand with the need to maintain production efficiency and competitiveness.

“The government and relevant regulatory authorities should introduce financial support policies to help businesses invest in greener production, specifically by offering certain incentives to exporters investing in green transformation,” Chi said.

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These kinds of disruptions can negatively impact mental health, reduce confidence in managing existing conditions, and lead to increased dependence on others to manage daily tasks.

To mark respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) awareness week (November 2-8), a global survey, commissioned and funded by GSK, of 6,041 adults aged 18 and over across 10 countries, explored RSV awareness and experiences among people living with certain chronic health conditions.

RSV Awareness Week 2026 is designed to increase understanding of RSV and its impact on adults and people living with certain chronic health conditions. The campaign encourages adults who may be at increased risk to recognise RSV as more than a seasonal respiratory virus by highlighting the disruption it can cause to health, independence and everyday life, and by inspiring more proactive, informed conversations with healthcare professionals.

These conditions include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, and hypertension.

The impact of respiratory viruses on those surveyed was particularly pronounced for some groups. 52 per cent of adults with asthma said their symptoms worsened when they experienced a respiratory virus, along with 45 per cent of those with COPD, 35 per cent of those with chronic kidney disease, 29 per cent of those with cardiovascular disease, and 27 per cent of those with diabetes. Across all respondents, more than a third (36 per cent) experienced a longer recovery than expected, one quarter (25 per cent) needed additional general practitioner or primary care visits, and 18 per cent visited urgent care.

Among those who had experienced RSV specifically, the effects could last well beyond the initial infection. 40 per cent said their health was disrupted for a month or more, while nearly 1 in 10 (9 per cent) said it took over a year for their health to return to normal or that they had still not fully recovered. More than half (55 per cent) described their RSV symptoms as moderately severe or very severe, rising to 68 per cent among respondents with chronic kidney disease or COPD, 64 per cent among those with cardiovascular disease, and 63 per cent among those with asthma.

Dr. Elena DeAngelis, country medical director of GSK Vietnam, said, “For people living with chronic conditions, managing their health is an everyday priority. Contracting RSV or another respiratory infection can have impacts beyond a few days of feeling unwell, affecting their ability to care for themselves and continue the activities that are meaningful to them. People with chronic conditions should speak with healthcare professionals about ways to help protect themselves against RSV.”

RSV is an increasingly recognised cause of respiratory illness among older adults aged 60 and over. In 2019 in developed countries alone, RSV was estimated to account for around 470,000 hospitalisations and 33,000 in-hospital deaths in adults aged 60 and over. Adults living with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma, and COPD are at increased risk of severe RSV disease such as lower respiratory tract disease and its complications.

In Vietnam, based on modelled estimates over a five-year period, approximately 4.6 million RSV-associated acute respiratory infection cases are projected to occur among adults aged 60 years and older. These estimates include approximately 200,000 hospitalisations and nearly 18,000 deaths attributable to RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease.

Despite this potential impact, awareness doesn’t always translate into conversations with healthcare professionals. Four in five respondents said they were concerned that a respiratory virus could interfere with management of their chronic condition or worsen their symptoms.

Yet almost half (46 per cent) had not discussed RSV with a healthcare professional within the past two years, including one third (33 per cent) who said they had never discussed it. This gap was particularly notable among older respondents: 66 per cent of adults aged 18–49 had discussed RSV with a healthcare professional within the past two years, compared with 45 per cent of adults aged 50 and over.

These findings highlight an important gap between the potential impact of RSV and how seriously that risk is being considered by people living with certain chronic health conditions. Greater awareness of RSV and its potential consequences can help encourage patients to pay more attention to this virus when speaking with healthcare professionals.

These survey findings underline the need to make RSV a more visible part of respiratory health and chronic condition discussion. For adults who may be at increased risk, speaking to a healthcare professional can help them better understand RSV and the steps they can take to help prevent an RSV infection.

Proactive disease prevention and personalised treatment: a new approach in the era of population ageing At the 2026 conference “Research and Application in Medicine,” organised by the Vietnam Medical Association on August 28, experts shared updates on scientific research and clinical practice in disease prevention and treatment, ranging from life-course immunisation to advanced treatment solutions for non-communicable diseases.

Symposium highlights RSV risks in older adults Population ageing underscores the urgent need for proactive prevention to protect older adults, particularly those with underlying conditions, from the serious health risks associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

GSK supports medical community in raising awareness of severe asthma in Vietnam Leading experts in respiratory medicine and allergy-immunology gathered at the scientific symposium in Ho Chi Minh City on September 27 to share insights into the pathophysiology of severe asthma, the role of type 2 inflammation and current approaches to disease management.

Deputy Minister Phuong expressed appreciation for the AIIB's interest, cooperation, and financial support commitments to Vietnam in recent years.

"Although AIIB is a relatively new development partner for Vietnam, the two sides have quickly established close working relations and achieve positive results in exchanging information and financial cooperation," he said.

The deputy minister also spoke highly of AIIB’s operating model and flexible approach towards its member countries, particularly regarding financing terms, loan currencies, and implementation procedures.

He added that considerable potential remained for cooperation between Vietnam and AIIB. The two sides are still in the process of gaining a deeper understanding of each other’s operating mechanisms, while several Vietnamese authorities at all levels have yet to obtain comprehensive information about AIIB’s financial instruments and cooperation conditions.

Against this backdrop, he emphasised the need to define clearer cooperation orientations for the coming period, strengthen information exchange, and establish coordination mechanisms aligned with Vietnam’s development needs.

He added that Vietnam is continuing to improve its legal framework governing investment, public debt management, and the management of development assistance funds. These policy adjustments will provide a basis for relevant agencies to study and identify appropriate cooperation arrangements with development partners, including AIIB.

Regarding the mobilisation and utilisation of foreign loans, Deputy Minister Phuong said, "Vietnam had made considerable efforts to simplify investment procedures. However, the implementation of programmes financed by international partners still needs to comply with both domestic legal regulations and financiers’ requirements."

Therefore, stronger coordination and information sharing from the project preparation stage are essential to minimise procedural obstacles, improve cooperation efficiency, and ensure the timely implementation of agreed activities.

Providing an update on the progress of the $300 million 2026 budget support loan for green growth and a just energy transition, Deputy Minister Phuong said that this was the first loan between Vietnam and AIIB, making it an important milestone in establishing and advancing financial cooperation between the two sides.

The MoF has submitted the proposal to the prime minister for approval to proceed with the negotiation procedures towards signing the loan agreement. The Vietnamese side is confident that it can meet the target of completing negotiations by mid-November, enabling the proposal to be submitted to AIIB’s Board of Directors in December. MoF officials stand ready to work closely with AIIB throughout the process, he said.

“We hope AIIB will give this loan high priority and attention, considering it a key area of cooperation in 2026. The MoF will continue working with AIIB and relevant agencies to accelerate tasks falling under Vietnam’s responsibility, while requesting AIIB’s maximum support to help both sides achieve their shared objectives,” the deputy minister said.

Photo: Duc Minh

At the meeting, Kim-See Lim, AIIB’s investment director, expressed her pleasure at returning to Vietnam in her new capacity and spoke highly of the cooperation between AIIB, the Vietnamese government, and the MoF.

She described Vietnam as a partner with considerable cooperation potential, particularly as the country accelerates infrastructure investment, promotes economic growth, and shifts towards a more sustainable development model.

“I would like to see more tangible actions rather than just discussions. The fact that both sides have already undertaken concrete cooperation activities provides a solid foundation for further deepening our partnership,” Lim said.

The AIIB director said the bank wished to strengthen its cooperation with Vietnam through a long-term, proactive approach closely aligned with the country’s development priorities. Accordingly, the two sides could work together to develop a medium-term cooperation framework, identify priority sectors and resource mobilisation needs in advance, and actively arrange personnel, experts, and other necessary resources.

Regarding the $300 million loan, Lim expressed her expectation that the signing ceremony for the first budget support loan would take place by the end of 2026, paving the way for further cooperation projects in the future.

Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Phuong expressed his expectation that cooperation between Vietnam and AIIB would continue to expand on the basis of initial achievements, towards establishing stable, long-term, and effective coordination.

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The additional plan includes considering and deciding on the investment planning for three expressway construction projects: Bao Ha - Lai Chau Expressway (the Bao Ha - Tan Phong section), Quang Ngai - Kon Tum Expressway, and the Moc Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Expressway section through Son La province.

Previously, on October 25, the government submitted the investment planning for these three projects to the NA for consideration and decision.

According to the Ministry of Construction, the early investment in these three projects aims to realise the Party's policies and directions, as outlined in the action programme implementing the Resolution of the 14^th National Party Congress, which identified the investment in three expressways during 2026-2030.

This is covered in Conclusion No.18-KL/TW of the Party Central Committee, which aims to put over 5,000 km of expressways into use by 2030; and Resolution No.27-NQ/TW of the Politburo, which outlines investment in expressways in Hanoi, Phu Tho, Son La, Dien Bien, Bao Ha, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and other East-West connecting roads.

“The investment in these three projects also meets the increasing transportation needs, given that existing national highways are small in scale, have low technical standards, and are often prone to landslides during the rainy season,” Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh said on November 2. “Furthermore, these three projects will contribute to removing obstructions and gradually completing the highway network according to the plan; narrow the development gap between regions, and alleviate poverty for ethnic minority communities.”

In late October, the State Appraisal Council approved the pre-feasibility study report of the Bao Ha - Tan Phong section of Bao Ha - Lai Chau Expressway. The feasibility study report is expected to be approved in the second quarter of 2027, to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2027, be substantially completed by 2030, and open to traffic in 2031.

The investment amount is estimated at nearly $2.04 billion, nearly $1.96 billion of which would come from the central government budget, with local budgets contributing more than $80 million.

Quang Ngai - Kon Tum Expressway is in the process of reviewing a pre-feasibility study. The highway is proposed to have four lanes, with a design speed of 80–100 km per hour. Its preliminary total investment is estimated at $2.08 billion.

Meanwhile, the Moc Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Expressway section through Son La province is expected to span nearly 180 km. The project’s preliminary investment is estimated at more than $2.52 billion, to be funded by the central government budget. Subject to approval by the competent authorities, compensation, support and resettlement work, along with construction, will begin in 2027. The project is targeted for substantial completion in 2030 and is expected to open to traffic from 2031.

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There are early signs that the rise of agentic AI is transforming how organisations operate. In retail, AI agents are already managing inventory, optimising pricing, assisting customers, forecasting demand, and driving intelligent operations across complex supply chain decisions.

Kym Lim, acting country manager, Vietnam, Zebra Technologies. Photo: Zebra Technologies

At the same time, logistics organisations are deploying autonomous agents to coordinate warehouse operations, route shipments, manage fleet utilisation, track inventory movement, and resolve operational exceptions in real time.

These systems are no longer simple chatbots or assistants - they are becoming autonomous digital operators capable of making decisions and executing actions across business-critical systems.

These developments are particularly relevant in Vietnam, where rapid growth in e-commerce and logistics is accelerating digital transformation across both sectors. Vietnam’s e-commerce market expanded 22 per cent on-year in the first nine months of 2026, with third-quarter growth accelerating to 27 per cent.

As retailers and logistics providers connect more applications and data systems to streamline commerce, inventory management and delivery operations, real-time asset visibility and trusted, secure interactions between AI agents and core business platforms will be increasingly critical to protecting Vietnam’s position as a rising global supply chain hub.

New security considerations in 2026

While the business benefits are significant, the security implications are equally profound. As AI agents gain access to enterprise applications, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), devices, customer information, and operational systems, organisations must address a critical question: How do we secure AI agents that increasingly operate like employees but at machine speed and scale?

Traditional AI security concerns such as prompt injection, data leakage, and model vulnerabilities remain important. However, security leaders are now confronting a broader challenge – governing autonomous agents that can access tools, execute workflows, interact with physical devices, and influence business outcomes without constant human oversight. This challenge is no longer just operational; it is regulatory.

With the enactment of Vietnam’s landmark Law on AI in March 2026, the conversation has officially shifted from voluntary model security to legally mandated digital workforce governance. Securing these autonomous workforces requires a fundamental shift in how we approach enterprise trust.

Treat AI agents as digital identities

Every AI agent should be managed as a non-human identity rather than merely an application. Just as organisations govern employee access through identity and access management systems, AI agents require unique credentials, role-based permissions, lifecycle management, and continuous auditing.

In retail, an inventory optimisation agent should not automatically gain access to customer payment systems. In logistics, a route-planning agent should not be able to modify warehouse management configurations without authorisation. Applying least-privilege principles ensures that agents can perform their intended tasks while minimising security exposure.

Furthermore, under Article 4 of Vietnam's AI framework, human control must remain the final arbiter over critical decisions. Implementing secure identity boundaries ensures autonomous agents operate as compliant, highly coordinated assistants rather than unmanaged liabilities. Without proper governance, an unmanaged AI agent can quickly become a highly privileged insider capable of accessing sensitive systems and data.

Govern MCP and tool access

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is emerging as a key mechanism for connecting AI agents with enterprise tools, databases, applications, and external services. While this connectivity enables powerful automation, it also expands the attack surface.

Organisations should establish strong governance around MCP servers and tool integrations. This includes validating trusted MCP endpoints, implementing allow lists for approved tools, inspecting contextual information passed to models, and continuously monitoring tool usage.

For retailers, this could mean restricting access to pricing engines, loyalty systems, or inventory platforms. For logistics providers, it may involve controlling access to transportation management systems, warehouse automation platforms, carrier networks, and shipment tracking services. A compromised tool connection can provide attackers with a direct path into critical operational workflows.

Secure runtime operations

Security cannot stop once an AI agent is deployed. Autonomous systems must be monitored continuously throughout their operational lifecycle.

Runtime security controls should include policy enforcement, behavioural monitoring, approval checkpoints for high-risk actions, anomaly detection, and emergency kill switches. These controls help identify and contain risky behaviour before it impacts business operations.

For example, a retail agent that suddenly attempts to modify thousands of product prices should trigger investigation. Similarly, a logistics agent that begins rerouting large volumes of shipments or altering delivery schedules outside established policies should be flagged immediately.

Continuous runtime visibility is essential because even well-trained agents can drift from expected behaviour due to changing inputs, evolving objectives, or malicious manipulation. Under the new regulatory environment, establishing these safeguards isn't just about operational safety; should a serious operational anomaly or data security incident occur, swift technical intervention and reporting through Vietnam's National Single-Window AI Portal are expected.

Don't forget the devices

Agentic AI increasingly interacts with physical infrastructure. In retail environments, agents may access point-of-sale systems, kiosks, handheld scanners, smart shelves, and IoT devices. In logistics operations, agents often interact with warehouse scanners, robotics systems, automated storage equipment, vehicle telematics, fleet management platforms, and industrial IoT sensors that empower the connected frontline.

A compromised endpoint can distort real-time asset visibility and influence the decisions made by an AI agent, creating downstream business risks. In short, device trust is the foundation of agentic trust. Device posture validation, endpoint security, and continuous compliance monitoring should therefore be integrated from day one into any Agentic AI security strategy.

Build security across every layer

Organisations should adopt a layered security approach spanning agent identities, MCP and tool governance, runtime protection, endpoint trust, API security, and data protection. Strong authentication, least-privilege access, token management, behavioural analytics, and continuous monitoring should work together to provide defence in depth.

Photo: Zebra Technologies

Continuously red team your agents

Traditional penetration testing is no longer sufficient. Agentic AI systems must be continuously evaluated against threats such as prompt injection, goal hijacking, privilege escalation, tool abuse, workflow manipulation, and business logic attacks. Retail and logistics organisations should regularly test complete agent workflows rather than individual components.

The objective is to understand how autonomous systems behave under real-world adversarial conditions and identify weaknesses before attackers do.

Getting the balance right

Retail and logistics organisations are rapidly deploying AI agents to automate increasingly critical business processes. The leaders in this new era are not those who deploy the most intelligent agents, but those that also establish the strongest foundations of trust, governance, and security.

As AI agents gain access to inventory systems, pricing engines, warehouse platforms, transportation networks, customer data, and operational devices, the key question will be getting the balance right between securing AI agents like software and governing them as digital identities.

By bridging intelligent operations with a secure, connected frontline, Vietnamese enterprises can confidently turn AI potential into real-world performance.

On the morning of October 31, the opening ceremony of the World Laureates Forum 2026 and the award ceremony of the WLF Prize, together with its main forum, were held at the Shanghai Lingang Center, the permanent venue of the World Laureates Forum.

Under the theme "New Science Paradigm: Break Through for the Next Decade," this year's forum focused on four key areas: new paradigms for collaborative research enabled by artificial intelligence; new value-creation pathways for scientific discovery; new models of international cooperation built on openness and trust; and new approaches to developing the capabilities of young scientists. Nearly 300 scientists from China and abroad, along with more than 4,000 other guests, engaged in in-depth discussions and gathered consensus on major issues shaping the future of science, including research paradigms, value chains, international cooperation, talent development, and science and technology governance.

01 A Constellation of Scientific Excellence: World-Class Scientists Receive Top Honors

At the award ceremony, eleven scientists were honored in three categories: the 2026 WLF Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics, the 2026 WLF Prize in Life Science or Medicine, and the newly established 2026 WLF Prize for Young Scientists.

Established in Shanghai in 2021, the World Laureates Foundation Prize (WLF Prize) is an international science award initiated and administered by the World Laureates Foundation. The prize is exclusively funded by HongShan China, with support from the Shanghai Lingang Science and Technology Innovation Development Foundation.

The WLF Prize has two established categories: Computer Science or Mathematics and Life Science or Medicine. Each category carries a total prize of 10 million yuan, which may be shared by up to four recipients. Newly introduced this year, the WLF Prize for Young Scientists recognizes outstanding early-career researchers worldwide. Six recipients are selected annually, each receiving 1 million yuan.

With this year's selection marking its fifth edition, the WLF Prize has honored a total of 23 scientists. It has become an internationally recognized scientific award with broad influence among the world's leading scientific community.

2000 Turing Award laureate Andrew Chi-Chih YAO announced that Ingrid DAUBECHIES, James B. Duke Distinguished Professor Emerita of Mathematics at Duke University, had received the 2026 WLF Prize in Computer Science or Mathematics.

The citation read: "For major contributions in applied harmonic analysis, wavelet theory, and image compression, and for leadership in the international mathematics community."

Stanford University Professor of Biology and Neurobiology Liqun LUO announced the four recipients of the 2026 WLF Prize in Life Science or Medicine: YUAN Junying, Director and Principal Investigator of the Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); WANG Xiaodong, Director and Investigator at the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS), Beijing; SHAO Feng, Deputy Director and Investigator at NIBS, Beijing; and Vishva DIXIT of Genentech, Inc. in the United States.

The citation read: "These four scientists elucidated the molecular pathways of distinct forms of programmed cell death, which govern diverse physiological functions and disease pathogenesis. Their pioneering discoveries transformed programmed cell death from a set of observed biological phenomena into precisely defined molecular pathways, established the biochemical basis of apoptosis, and profoundly reshaped research in fields such as cancer biology and neurodegeneration."

1994 Fields Medalist Efim ZELMANOV announced the six recipients of the inaugural WLF Prize for Young Scientists, introduced this year. The six awardees are Raphaële Juliette CLÉMENT, Director of the Department of Electrochemical Materials at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research and Associate Professor in the Materials Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara; CHEN Peining, a tenured professor and doctoral advisor at Fudan University; DING Shiqian, an associate professor at Tsinghua University; WU Jiajun, an assistant professor of computer science at Stanford University; XIE Weidi, an associate professor at the School of Artificial Intelligence at Shanghai Jiao Tong University; and ZHUANG Ziquan, an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics at Johns Hopkins University.

Randy W. SCHEKMAN, 2013 Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine and Chair of the WLF Prize Selection Committee in Life Science or Medicine, joined the three award announcers in presenting the awards to the recipients.

Michael LEVITT, 2013 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, delivered the concluding remarks at the award ceremony.

02 Intellectual Exchange: Scientists and Industry Leaders Join Forces to Explore Technological Transformation

Leading scientists from China and abroad, together with prominent figures from industry, delivered a series of keynote speeches, sharing the latest advances and insights from frontier scientific research and industrial practice. Their discussions helped bridge the gap between basic research and industrial innovation and fostered collaboration in addressing scientific challenges faced by humanity.

Omar M. YAGHI, 2025 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry and Xinghua Distinguished Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University, delivered a keynote speech titled "Selection Science for AI and Humanity."

HU Hailan, Member of CAS and Dean of the School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine at Zhejiang University, delivered a keynote speech titled "From 'The Strong Get Stronger' to Ketamine: The Brain Mechanisms of Social Behavior and Emotion."

ZENG Yuqun, Founder and Chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), delivered a keynote speech titled "Innovation-Driven Sustainable Energy: Building a Better Future for Humanity Together."

Laurent LAFFORGUE, 2002 Fields Medalist and Senior Expert at Huawei France, delivered a keynote speech titled "Mathematicians Facing the Success of Large Language Models: Is There a 'Space of Texts'?"

TANG Jie, Professor at Tsinghua University and Founder of Z.ai, delivered a keynote speech titled "From Chatbots to Scaling Up: A New Era of Development in Large Language Models."

This year's forum adopted an overall "1+6+4+1" framework: one combined opening ceremony, award ceremony, and main forum; six parallel forums; four themed events; and one closing ceremony. The six parallel forums focused on six emerging and frontier fields: future semiconductors, biomedicine, aerospace information, artificial intelligence, future energy, and quantum science. They were organized respectively by Shanghai University, Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China Normal University, Fudan University, and Tongji University, in collaboration with national academic societies and leading companies. By strategically integrating the academic strengths and research resources of universities into the forum program, the organizers brought together leading scientific and research resources with greater efficiency and fostered the exchange and cross-fertilization of cutting-edge ideas.

In addition, the forum featured four major themed events: the Young Scientists Forum, the SHE Forum, the Future Scientists Forum, and the World Top-Performing Incubator Conference. A series of distinctive side events was also organized, including four science and technology tours, the WLF HUB, WLF Prize Campus Visits, and a temporary exhibition titled "Liu Hui: The Great Mathematician of Ancient China" held in Shanghai. By fully leveraging Shanghai's rich local resources in science and technology innovation, these initiatives created a multifaceted platform for exchange, with parallel forums deepening dialogue, themed events fostering talent development and innovation, and supporting activities translating ideas into action.

03 Looking Ahead: Joining Forces to Explore Scientific Breakthroughs Over the Next Decade

Since its inception in 2018, the World Laureates Forum has remained committed to its guiding vision of "Science and Technology for the Common Destiny of Mankind" and upheld three core missions: advancing fundamental science, promoting international cooperation, and supporting the development of young scientists. It has become an important link connecting the world's leading scientists, a key bridge for high-level dialogue across the global scientific community, and an important platform for nurturing and advancing the next generation of scientific talent.

This year's forum brought together 32 recipients of the world's most prestigious scientific honors, including the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Wolf Prize, and Fields Medal. They were joined by 23 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 139 senior scientists, 81 young scientists, and high-level scholars of Chinese descent, among other participants. Together, they formed a well-structured talent cohort.

As the permanent home of the World Laureates Forum, the Lin-gang Special Area is both a key base for advancing the development of Shanghai as an international center for science and technology innovation and a strategic gateway for connecting with the world's leading scientific minds. Leveraging the opportunity presented by this prestigious international scientific gathering, the Lin-gang Special Area will accelerate the development of Lin-gang Science and Innovation City, with a focus on translating world-class scientific resources into new drivers of innovation. It aims to become an important base for attracting talent from China and abroad to advance international innovation collaboration; a key hub for coordinating the development of onshore and offshore businesses; a major springboard for companies seeking to go global and grow their businesses; an important channel for making better use of both domestic and international markets and resources; and a pioneering testing ground for participation in international economic governance.

The 2026 World Laureates Forum was hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and organized by the China Center for International Science and Technology Exchange (CISTE), the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology (SAST), the Shenzhen Pengrui Public Welfare Foundation, the HongShan Charity Foundation, and the World Laureates Foundation.

Built around the theme "Building the Future of Work Together," the refreshed corporate platform explains how YYForce combines frontline service teams with YY Circle, Yolara AI, 24iFM and robotics deployment capabilities. The model aims to help customers coordinate staffing, facility requests and routine service tasks across hospitality, commercial and residential properties, retail, logistics and other service-intensive environments.

"Customers need reliable service and better coordination across people, facilities and equipment," said Mike Fu, Chief Executive Officer of YYForce. "YYForce's unified ecosystem brings these together with our established operations supporting the adoption of AI and commercial robotics."

An Integrated Model for Frontline Operations

The refreshed website presents three complementary parts of YYForce's service model:

• Workforce Solutions: Flexible staffing and workforce coordination supported by YY Circle and Yolara AI, including AI-assisted matching based on worker availability, preferences and role requirements.
• Integrated Facility Management: Cleaning, maintenance, security, property management and related services, supported by 24iFM's digital tools for residents, property managers and service teams.
• Smart Technology: Software, AI, automation, connected devices and commercial service robotics, alongside supervised humanoid development and testing.

The integrated model aims to make operational needs more visible and help teams coordinate the appropriate response. For a hospitality customer, this may combine flexible shift staffing with robot-assisted guest deliveries. For a residential or commercial property, it may combine facility service teams with digital requests and task tracking through 24iFM. Deployment scope and integration depend on each site's requirements.

Commercial Robotics and Humanoid Development

YYForce's commercial robotics offering supports applications including floor care, guest-room deliveries and internal logistics. Services encompass site assessment, configuration, team training and ongoing support through leasing and Robotics-as-a-Service arrangements. Staff remain responsible for service oversight, handoffs and exceptions.

The website separately outlines the Company's Singapore Humanoid Robotics Training Lab, where teams explore potential service applications through task capture, supervised training and site trials. Humanoid capabilities remain under development, with wider commercial adoption dependent on technical validation and operating requirements.

Alongside its service and technology information, the website provides expanded access to YYForce's leadership profiles, international network, corporate announcements, financial reporting and investor relations resources.

"Our focus is on applying technology where it can support dependable service and better use of resources," Mr. Fu added. "As we work toward our 2030 Vision, we will continue to evaluate customer needs, deployment readiness and the economics of each opportunity."

The refreshed website communicates YYForce's 2030 Vision of a coordinated workforce ecosystem in which people, intelligent software, automation and robotics work together, guided by its commitment: "Forging Forward Together."

For more information, visit www.yyforce.ai.

Over the three-day event, Saudi's delegation will engage international tour operators, airlines and travel distributors, introducing new products and experiences across destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, and AMAALA, while creating opportunities to drive demand for the upcoming winter season and beyond.

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: "Resilience is built before you need it, and this year Saudi tourism has demonstrated the strength of its foundations. In the first half of 2026, Saudi welcomed about 61.2 million tourist, representing about 1% growth year-on-year, while tourism expenditure reached about SAR 151.9 billion (approximately $40.5 billion). We know the pressures our partners and travelers have faced, and our commitment to them is long term, as we work towards our ambition of welcoming 150 million tourists by 2030. No destination builds that kind of resilience alone, so we will continue bringing the industry together, here in London and through TOURISE, the global, year-round platform shaping the future of tourism."

Ageel Alshaibani, CEO of STA, added: "Our trade partners have been instrumental in Saudi tourism's growth, and their success remains our priority. At WTM London, we are showcasing Red Sea escapes, desert experiences and a winter calendar featuring Riyadh Season and Winter at Tantora in AlUla, alongside attractions such as Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia. These experiences are backed by continued hospitality investment, with about 623K licensed room keys across hotels, apartments and other accommodation in H1 2026, including more than 44K room keys in newly licensed facilities. We are here to create opportunities and grow together."

Saudi Land celebrated AMAALA, one of Saudi's newest luxury coastal destinations, as a key highlight of its opening day, showcasing the destination's growing hospitality offering to international travel partners. Since June, seven resorts, including properties from Four Seasons, Six Senses, Rosewood and Nammos, have welcomed guests, further strengthening AMAALA's position as a distinctive luxury destination and adding to Saudi's expanding portfolio of high-end tourism experiences.

Saudi Land also brings the country's cultural heritage to life throughout the event, with traditional music and dance, Arabic calligraphy and interactive experiences inspired by destinations across Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Land will remain open at stand S9-200 at ExCeL London until 5 November, with 37 tourism partners engaging international buyers, developing new partnerships and creating commercial opportunities for the future.

Samsung Biologics received an ESG Risk Rating score of 9.0, advancing from its previous 'Low Risk' rating to 'Negligible Risk,' the lowest of five risk categories. The result places the company among the top 0.5% of companies assessed in the pharmaceuticals industry.

Morningstar Sustainalytics, an independent ESG research and ratings provider, assesses approximately 16,000 companies worldwide based on their exposure to material ESG risks and how effectively those risks are managed. Under its methodology, scores below 10 indicate a negligible level of unmanaged ESG risk, with lower scores reflecting lower overall risk.

The improved rating reflects Samsung Biologics' continued efforts to strengthen ESG management across its business. The company has implemented initiatives to enhance environmental auditing, occupational health and safety, quality management, and business ethics, while reinforcing internal processes and oversight to identify and address potential risks.

"Effective risk management is fundamental to how we operate as a global CDMO," said John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics. "This recognition demonstrates the progress we have made in embedding responsible practices across our business. As we expand our global operations, we will continue to take a disciplined approach to managing risks and maintaining the trust of our clients and stakeholders."

The achievement follows Samsung Biologics' recent 'A' rating in the 2026 MSCI ESG Ratings assessment. Earlier this year, the company also received the EcoVadis Platinum Sustainability Rating, placing it among the top 1% of companies assessed globally.

For more information, please visit https://samsungbiologics.com.

The Hangzhou facility holds a Drug Distribution License (DDL), enabling Zuellig Pharma to provide local clinical sourcing of comparator drugs and concomitant medications in China. This strengthens Zuellig Pharma's ability to offer compliant, in-market sourcing solutions while streamlining billing processes and creating opportunities for value-added tax (VAT) savings for clinical trial sponsors.

Strategically located in the heart of Yangtze River Delta's biopharmaceutical innovation corridor, the Hangzhou facility complements and seamlessly connects to Zuellig Pharma's existing Beijing depot and its global network of over 45 clinical depots. To safeguard product integrity, the new facility is equipped with advanced cold-chain capabilities and precision-controlled environments across temperature-controlled capacities ranging from 15–25°C, 2–8°C, and -20°C.

"Asia is playing an increasingly important role in global clinical research and drug development, and China is a critical market within this ecosystem. This strategic acquisition reflects our continued commitment to investing in the infrastructure and capabilities needed to support the regional and global healthcare needs. By strengthening our clinical trial support network, we are helping our partners accelerate the development of innovative therapies for patients across Asia and beyond," said John Graham, Group Chief Executive Officer, Zuellig Pharma.

"Our focus remains on removing logistical hurdles to clinical development, ensuring critical supplies reach trial sites and patients safely. The addition of our licensed Hangzhou facility represents a significant step forward in strengthening our clinical trial supply capabilities in China. By bringing local sourcing, and distribution capabilities together, we are enabling our life science partners to conduct both domestic studies and multi-regional clinical trials (MRCTs) with faster cycle times, uncompromised regulatory compliance, and robust cold-chain integrity," said David Christmas, Executive Vice President of Distribution & Clinical Trial Support.

Zuellig Pharma's Clinical Trial Support business serves as a trusted clinical logistics and sourcing partner to 29 of the world's top 50 pharmaceutical companies and 18 of the top 50 global Contract Research Organizations, delivering integrated end-to-end clinical supply chain solutions worldwide.

This strategic expansion underscores Zuellig Pharma's commitment through reliable, sustainable, digitally enabled clinical supply infrastructure, supporting domestic and international research partners in accelerating the development of innovative therapies and improving patient access to healthcare.

The handover was attended by Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration of Antigua and Barbuda and Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce; Her Excellency Jiang Wei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda; and Bao Huanke (Echo), Marketing Representative of Geely Motors (Mexico).

"On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Gaston Browne, and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, I wish to thank Geely Motors for providing these transport solutions in support of CHOGM 2026," Minister Greene said. "It is also my hope that the benefits of this partnership will be felt on our roads long after CHOGM."

The Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for its support in facilitating the partnership.

Ambassador Jiang said China was honoured to support Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of CHOGM, as it had for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) and the General Assembly of the Organization of American States. "We hope that this fleet provided by Geely will make a tangible contribution to Antigua and Barbuda's successful hosting of the upcoming Commonwealth Meeting," she said.

Speaking on behalf of Geely Motors, Bao thanked the Government for its trust, support and partnership, and expressed the company's hope that the initiative would lead to further opportunities to expand electric-vehicle options in Antigua and Barbuda.

The initiative follows Minister Greene's mandate for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration to pursue sustainable transport solutions for CHOGM 2026. The partnership was secured by the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Arab Emirates and coordinated by His Excellency Theon Ali, the Embassy's Deputy Head of Mission, who also serves as Ambassador to the State of Qatar and non-resident Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic. Ambassador Ali worked closely with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in St. John's and Ministry headquarters to bring the partnership to fruition.

The 20 electric vehicles strengthen the Government's official delegation transport capacity for CHOGM 2026 while supporting Antigua and Barbuda's broader interest in sustainable, lower-emission transportation.

Before the reverse stock split, there were 13,817,501 Class A ordinary shares and 222,116,290 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding. After the reverse stock split, there will be 552,700 Class A ordinary shares and 8,894,680 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding. The Company's Class B ordinary shares will begin trading on an adjusted basis giving effect to the reverse stock split at the opening of trading, U.S. Eastern time, on November 6, 2026 under the existing ticker symbol "AIIO." The new CUSIP number of the Company's Class B ordinary shares will be G6693P130.

Purpose and Nasdaq Listing Requirements. The reverse stock split is being implemented to meet the Nasdaq listing requirements to regain minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). As a result of the reverse stock split, the trading price of the Class B ordinary shares is expected to increase proportionately after the effectiveness of the reverse stock split, although the Company can give no assurance that the trading price of the Class B ordinary shares after the reverse stock split will be equal to or greater than 25 times the trading price before the reverse stock split.

Conversion Floor Price Adjustment. In connection with the 1-for-25 reverse share split, the floor prices of all outstanding convertible notes will be proportionately adjusted by a factor of 25, in accordance with the terms of the notes, subject to further adjustments as set out in the notes.

No Accompanying Financing and Future Financing Strategy. The reverse stock split will not be accompanied by new financing. Other than additional closings or draws under existing facilities, as of the date of this release the Company has no current plans to enter into new variable rate equity financing arrangements in the near term. For ongoing capital needs, the Company intends to pursue alternative instruments, such as supply chain financing or subsidiary-level capital raises, with the objective of maximizing equity value and minimizing dilution at the listing company level.

Shareholder Impact and General Provisions. The reverse stock split affects all shareholders uniformly and will not alter any shareholder's percentage interest in the Company's outstanding share capital or the relative voting rights of the Class A and Class B ordinary shares, except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares. Outstanding Company options, warrants, and other applicable convertible securities will be proportionately adjusted in accordance with their respective terms. All fractional shares resulting from the reverse stock split will be disregarded and not be issued to the shareholders of the Company but all such fractional shares will be aggregated and, if possible, sold and distributed to the underlying shareholders. Odyssey Transfer and Trust Company is acting as the exchange agent for the reverse stock split. Shareholders holding shares in book-entry form or through a bank, broker, or other nominee will have their positions automatically adjusted and are not required to take any action.

Website: www.roboai.group

Under the theme "From Trends to Practice," the events focused on profitability, new retail formats and sales channel development. It combined exhibits, conferences, competitions, shows, markets and festivals to expand the autumn exhibition's scale and differentiate its offering. Organizers also named Chengdu as host city for Bakery China Autumn 2027 to broaden the exhibition's market reach.

International Buyer Numbers Rise 50%

The exhibition attracted 100,000 visits from 65 countries and regions. International buyer numbers increased by 50%, with buyers representing six channels: chain stores, fresh snack retailers, independent bakeries, supermarket bakeries, industrial baking businesses and distributors. Exhibits featured healthy baking, regional specialty ingredients, frozen-to-fresh products, fresh snacks and premium chocolate.

"The baking industry is an important part of the food sector, with a responsibility to ensure food supply, meet evolving consumer needs and support the development of regional specialty foods," said Zhang Jiukui, president of the association. "We will continue to lead and serve the industry, support businesses and improve exhibition services through business matchmaking, technical exchange and talent development."

Turning Fresh Snack Trends Into Retail Practice

A supply chain showcase presented short-shelf-life fresh foods and store conversion solutions. The Fresh Snacks Innovation Competition showcased innovative products, while the White Paper on China's Fresh Snack Market (2026) was released during the event.

The fourth Business Matchmaking Event for Supermarket and Fresh Snack Decision-Makers connected channel buyers and suppliers to discuss product selection, contract manufacturing, distribution development and store conversion.

A practical workshop on fresh snack retail addressed loss management in short-shelf-life products, refinement of clean-label formulations and store layout. Participants also visited a production facility to learn about quality control and industrial production standards in the fresh food supply chain. Tours of fresh snack stores in Wuhan connected product displays and sourcing discussions with local retail practices.

Bakery China Summit Explores Market and Channel Trends

Bakery China Summit brought together discussions on market trends, channel innovation, industrial upgrading and store operations. Speakers examined the size of the bakery market and changes in channel structure, alongside growth drivers, product categories and risk signals in the fresh snack market. The summit also presented and discussed findings from the fresh snack market white paper.

Four sessions focused on sales channels, industrial baking, independent bakery operators and chain management. Discussions covered membership-based supermarkets and new retail models for fresh food, as well as collaboration between fresh snack businesses and upstream ingredient suppliers on technical development.

The China National Baking Skills Competition and bakery startup competition showcased industry skills and innovation. On-site matchmaking, combined with the iBakeryChina digital platform, enabled online and offline exchange and cooperation.

2027 Exhibition Schedule

• Bakery China 2027: Asia Pacific's leading event:
  May 17–20, National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai. Themed "Innovate Beyond • Premiere Fusion • Connect Globally," it is expected to cover 330,000 square meters, feature over 2,200 global brands and companies, and attract nearly 400,000 professional visits.
• Bakery ASEAN 2027:ASEAN's largest dedicated bakery exhibition:
  Aug. 26–28, Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), Indonesia, supporting Chinese bakery brands' expansion into ASEAN markets.
• Bakery China Autumn 2027 and China Home Baking Show 2027: China's largest professional bakery exhibition in the second half of the year:
  Oct. 15–17, Chengdu Century City New International Convention & Exhibition Center, drawing on regional strengths to serve markets across China.

More information: www.bakerychina.com/en

The company is developing a new generation of artificial intelligence capable of identifying emerging signals, recognising patterns and anticipating future developments moving beyond analysing what has happened to understanding what is likely to happen next.

The research behind Q-Ball has already been applied in practice. Between 17 February 2016 and 17 February 2025, a Q-Ball-informed investment portfolio delivered a cumulative return of 235.19%.

For comparison, the portfolio analysis shows returns of 129.86% for OMX Stockholm All-Share Gross Index (OMXSGI), representing the broader Swedish equity market, and 106.55% for OMX Stockholm 30 Index (OMXS30) over the same period. This represents an outperformance of 105.33 and 128.64 percentage points respectively.

The nine-year investment record provides a tangible example of the practical application of predictive research developed under the leadership of Assistant Professor Peter Majanen. It represents an actual investment portfolio record rather than a simulated backtest.

From analysing information to anticipating change

Most analytical systems are designed to process information, identify historical trends and explain developments that have already taken place.

Q-Ball is pursuing a different objective: recognising the signals and changing expectations that may reveal what comes next.

Its predictive methodology connects information, expectations, emerging patterns and momentum with potential catalysts and future outcomes. The objective is to translate complex information into structured, measurable forecasts.

The underlying research originated in 2007 and has evolved through nearly two decades of development and practical application. Q-Ball Intelligence represents the next stage: transforming this foundation into a scalable technology platform designed for international markets.

Building a new Predictive Intelligence platform

Q-Ball is developing an AI-native platform designed to identify relevant signals, assess emerging developments, generate structured forecasts and measure predictions against actual outcomes.

The company's approach places particular emphasis on understanding changes in expectations and behaviour, rather than relying exclusively on historical data and conventional trend analysis.

By combining predictive methodology with AI-driven analysis, Q-Ball aims to create technology that helps organisations and individuals anticipate change, assess opportunities and make better-informed decisions.

An important part of the development philosophy is accountability: predictions should be structured, time-stamped and evaluated against what actually happens. This creates a foundation for continuous measurement, refinement and learning.

Applications across multiple markets

Q-Ball Intelligence is developing its technology for institutional and commercial customers, with additional applications across financial markets, sports and gaming.

Initial areas of focus include:

Enterprise Predictive Intelligence helping organisations anticipate market developments, changing conditions, emerging risks and strategic opportunities.

Financial Markets developing predictive intelligence for equities and financial markets, identifying emerging patterns and assessing the probability of potential market developments.

Sports and Gaming applying predictive models to sporting outcomes, competitive environments and gaming-related markets.

The company is building these applications on a shared predictive foundation, extending its core intelligence capabilities across different markets and customer segments.

A new chapter for predictive intelligence

"Prediction is not about knowing the future. It is about understanding the present well enough to recognize what the future is beginning to become," says Peter Majanen, Founder and Chief Predictive Intelligence Architect.

Q-Ball Intelligence aims to establish Predictive Intelligence as a distinct category within the evolving AI landscape moving beyond systems that primarily describe the world towards technology designed to anticipate how it may change.

With research foundations dating back to 2007, the company now enters a new phase focused on technology development, commercialisation and international expansion.

Q-Ball Intelligence Predicting What Comes Next.

Website: www.qballintel.com

The new pickline brings together automated carton forming, label application, additional picking capacity, waste removal, check-weight technology and box-content cameras. Together, these improvements are designed to streamline the picking and packing process, reduce repetitive manual handling and strengthen quality checks before orders leave the warehouse.

The investment is part of Amway's long-term commitment to Australia, which is the company's second-largest market in its ESAN (Europe, Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand) region. Amway has reported 17 per cent cumulative revenue growth in Australia since 2023 and a network of more than 51,000 Amway Independent Business Owners (IBOs) nationally.

"Australia is an important market for Amway, and this investment reflects our confidence in its long-term potential," said Jon Voskuil, Managing Director, Amway ESAN. "By strengthening our fulfilment capabilities at Eastern Creek, we are investing in the infrastructure that supports our IBOs and helps us serve customers reliably as the business evolves."

The new line automates several stages of fulfilment. Cartons are formed and labelled automatically, while a dedicated conveyor removes packing waste from the line. Increased picking-slot capacity provides greater flexibility, and check-weight systems and box-content cameras add further quality-control measures to help verify orders before dispatch.

"For our IBOs and customers, reliability is what matters," said Jade Peak, Amway ANZ Business Manager. "The new pickline gives our Eastern Creek team greater capacity and additional quality checks, supporting a smoother and more efficient fulfilment experience, including during busier periods."

Early operational results show a 15 per cent productivity increase and a 10 per cent reduction in mispicks and shortages, alongside improved packing quality and stronger after-sales complaint resolution through box-content cameras.

The opening was marked at Eastern Creek on 22 October by Amway executives and IBO leaders, who were given a first look at the new technology in operation. The investment comes as Amway marks 55 years in Australia.

For company news, visit: https://www.amway.com.au/

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

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

www.dksh.com/hec

The country's data centre capacity is projected to increase by more than 500 MW by 2030, underscoring how heavily the growth of the technology sector depends on the reliability of energy infrastructure.

“To achieve this goal, alongside improving institutions and policies and developing infrastructure, it is essential to focus on innovation, technology adoption, mobilising investment, and strengthening public-private cooperation,” Yen said.

Opening ceremony of the exhibition series held in Ho Chi Minh City from November 4 to 6. Photo: Organiser

To address this challenge, solar and wind power sources need to be integrated with grid-forming technology.

Jason Wu, CEO of Huawei Southest Asia Digital Power said that energy is the foundation of economic development.

“As Vietnam’s economy continues to grow rapidly, its energy demand will increase accordingly. The global energy transition is gaining momentum, and developing new energy sources is an effective way to address the growing gap between power supply and demand,” Wu said.

“Compared with conventional energy sources, new energy projects generally have shorter construction cycles, lower costs and greater flexibility in deployment. They can provide sustainable power supplies while reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. The development of new energy can also support Vietnam’s carbon neutrality goals and help businesses meet carbon-related requirements in international markets,” Wu added.

Wu added that as digital transformation has become a national strategy for Vietnam, the AI industry is developing rapidly.

“Vietnam’s data centre capacity is expected to increase by more than 500 per cent by 2030, further driving up electricity demand. Reliable power supply will therefore be critical to the sustainable development of the AI industry. The integration of computing power and energy infrastructure will be an important direction for future development,” he said.

James Yuk, Asia-Pacific vice president, said Vietnam’s dynamic economy and rapid industrialisation are driving growing demand for reliable, clean, and sustainable energy.

“With national targets focused on green transition and net-zero emissions, Vietnam is at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s renewable energy transformation,” Yuk said.

This transition, he added, is not simply an environmental responsibility; it is also a powerful driver of economic growth and long-term prosperity for future generations.

“We understand that energy reliability, grid flexibility, visibility, and cost efficiency are essential, particularly for the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. That is why we continue to invest in technology, developing advanced low- and high-voltage energy storage systems, alongside our AI co-pilot intelligent monitoring platform,” he said.

More than 800 companies coming from 25 countries and teritories are attending in the 2026 Industrial Exhibition Series of Vietwater 2026, Vietnam Energy Week, The International Exhibition on Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Smart Building Technologies Vietnam, the Vietnam Supporting Industry Fair, and Vietnam Data Centre and Cloud Confex.

In 2025, Vietnam commenced and inaugurated 564 projects, representing a total investment of more than VND5.14 quadrillion ($197 billion), of which private investment accounted for nearly 75 per cent.

The continued development of urban areas, commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, educational facilities and large-scale infrastructure is creating new requirements for water supply and drainage systems, pumps, valves and pipelines, water purification and treatment, as well as wastewater treatment and reuse.

In the industrial sector, the expansion of industrial parks, industrial clusters and manufacturing facilities is also placing greater demands on water and environmental infrastructure.

Under the Industrial Cluster Development Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, Vietnam is expected to have more than 2,100 industrial clusters by 2030.

However, only more than 225 industrial clusters have invested in and operated centralised wastewater treatment systems, while wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure remains inadequate in many localities.

EICMA 2026 hosts 754 exhibitors across 300,000 square metres Organisers opened the 83rd EICMA motorcycle exhibition at Fiera Milano Rho, filling ten halls with 754 exhibitors representing 2,120 global brands from 52 countries.

Three international exhibitions open to boost industrial supply chain links Three international exhibitions taking place in Hanoi from October 13-15 are bringing together more than 300 exhibitors from over 20 countries and territories, creating opportunities for technology access and industrial supply chain connections.

At the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit 2026 on November 4, Thammasak Sethaudom, president and CEO of SCG, joined the "Climbing Up the Value Chain" panel, highlighting Vietnam's strategic role in advancing higher-value manufacturing and strengthening regional competitiveness.

SCG ranked 22^nd on the 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500, a placing the group presented as confirmation of its regional standing.

The summit brought together business leaders to discuss how Southeast Asia can translate growing foreign investment into stronger industrial capabilities, technological advancement, and greater economic value.

As global supply chains evolve and competition intensifies, Sethaudom outlined SCG’s shift from volume-driven to value-driven growth, prioritising automation, innovation, and high-value-added (HVA) products.

“Southeast Asia’s next stage of industrial growth will depend on how effectively we connect the strengths of individual markets and create greater value through innovation. At SCG, we are strengthening our regional manufacturing network, accelerating technology adoption, and developing higher-value products to remain competitive,” said Sethaudom.

Central to this strategy is SCG’s Regional Optimisation approach, built on the concept of “ASEAN Synergy,” which leverages the complementary strengths of ASEAN countries through regional integration, technology sharing, innovation, and supply chain collaboration to enhance collective competitiveness. Vietnam plays a key role as a strategic partner for quality growth, with SCG continuing to invest in advanced technologies, higher-value products, and local capabilities to support sustainable growth across the region.

Sethaudom joins the “Climbing Up the Value Chain” panel discussion at the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit 2026, held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 3. Photo: SCG

With more than three decades of operations in Vietnam, SCG is advancing investments that improve operational resilience, expand higher-value production, and support sustainable manufacturing.

To strengthen cost competitiveness and feedstock flexibility, Long Son Petrochemicals is progressing with its Ethane Feedstock Enhancement project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. Construction of its ethane storage tanks has surpassed 60 per cent, incorporating robotic welding technology to enhance precision and efficiency.

In response to growing demand for higher-value manufacturing and integrated supply chains, SCGP announced a VND604 billion ($23.47 million) investment in May 2026 to expand advanced packaging production in Ho Chi Minh City. The automated facility is expected to add 26,800 tonnes of annual capacity from September 2027, improving production efficiency and regional supply capabilities.

Meanwhile, low-carbon innovation and automation are strengthening competitiveness in building materials. SCG’s cement operations in central Vietnam had reduced carbon emissions by approximately 9 per cent by 2025 compared with 2020 levels. Song Gianh Cement also announced plans to invest approximately $3.5 million in automated truck-loading systems to improve logistics efficiency.

These initiatives reinforce Vietnam’s position within SCG’s ASEAN manufacturing network through technological advancement, higher-value production, and improved environmental performance.

“Vietnam is an important part of SCG’s regional manufacturing network. We see significant opportunities to strengthen its industrial capabilities through technology, innovation, and closer collaboration with local businesses. Developing skilled talent and competitive local suppliers will be essential to sustainable industrial growth,” Sethaudom added.

SCG is advancing automation and low-carbon manufacturing solutions in Vietnam’s cement industry to enhance operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Photo: SCG

SCG’s participation in the summit follows its recognition in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for the third consecutive year, while ranking No.22 in the 2026 list.

Based on its 2025 financial performance, SCG reported revenues of $15.127 billion, net profit of $428.5 million, and total assets of $26.115 billion.

SCG’s ranking reflects its revenue strength and significant business presence across the region. Building on this foundation, SCG continues to focus on Regional Optimisation, innovation, and operational efficiency to strengthen its long-term competitiveness.

SCG remains committed to strengthening its integrated ASEAN manufacturing network, with Vietnam playing a strategic role in higher-value industrial development and sustainable regional growth.

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Speaking at the Vietnam-EU Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum 2026, held in Hanoi on November 4, Luong Hoang Thai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, highlighted the EU's importance as one of Vietnam's leading strategic partners, given its market size, technological capabilities, and complementary economic and trade structures.

The year 2026 marks a new chapter in Vietnam-EU relations, with the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, building on the foundation established by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

After more than six years of implementation, the EVFTA has continued to support robust growth in bilateral trade, while expanding market opportunities and strengthening connections between businesses and supply chains on both sides.

Two-way trade between Vietnam and the EU reached $65.48 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up nearly 20 per cent on-year. The EU is currently Vietnam's fourth-largest trading partner, third-largest export market, and sixth-largest import market. Meanwhile, Vietnam is the EU's largest trading partner within ASEAN and its ninth-largest goods supplier globally.

"The EVFTA has delivered significant benefits beyond tariff reductions, helping businesses on both sides gain better market access while facilitating the flow of capital, technology, expertise, and supply-chain connections," Thai said.

"Looking ahead, we expect the EU not only to remain a key market for Vietnamese goods, but also to become a strategic and top-priority partner in upgrading trade, developing comprehensive and autonomous supply chains, and enhancing sustainability and Vietnam's position in global value chains," he added.

Vietnam aims to increase the proportion of exports to Europe comprising technology-intensive, deeply processed, and higher value-added products. At the same time, the country has substantial demand for European machinery, equipment, materials, advanced technologies, and green and circular solutions.

Photo: congthuong.vn

Beyond trade, Vietnam is seeking to attract greater European participation in green and digital transformation, energy transition, and the circular economy.

Thai called on European partners to provide technical assistance, facilitate technology transfer, and invest in specific projects supporting these priorities, which align with the development objectives of both sides.

Energy cooperation is a particularly important area. Vietnam recognises the EU's contributions to the country's energy development and transition, notably through the Vietnam-EU Sustainable Energy Transition Programme and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Vietnam hopes the EU, as a key member and coordinator of the International Partners Group, will continue to translate its commitments into concrete financial support and technology transfers.

In particular, JETP should be further developed into a channel for mobilising long-term investment on commercially attractive terms, with participation from a wider range of stakeholders, Thai said.

However, he also noted that significant challenges remain despite the strong foundations provided by bilateral relations and existing trade agreements, including the EVFTA and the forthcoming EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement.

Global economic uncertainty, intensifying trade competition, rising protectionism, and increasingly demanding non-tariff barriers are creating additional pressures for businesses. Meanwhile, the EU's expanding network of free trade agreements with other partners means that Vietnam can no longer rely solely on tariff advantages to maintain its competitiveness.

Instead, higher value-added production, compliance with standards, sustainability, and adaptability will increasingly determine how effectively Vietnamese businesses can capitalise on opportunities in the European market.

Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador to Vietnam. Photo: congthuong.vn

Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador to Vietnam and Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, emphasised that stronger economic relations would depend on businesses translating political commitments into actual investment and commercial projects.

"Governments can create the conditions, set the policy direction, and establish the rules. But at the end of the day, it is businesses that make investment decisions, build partnerships, transfer technology, train workers, and turn this ambition into reality," he said. "The priority was to ensure that shared ambitions were translated into concrete projects and tangible benefits for businesses and people on both sides."

Guerrier described the EVFTA as the cornerstone of bilateral economic cooperation, noting that it had already contributed to deeper trade and investment ties.

Vietnam is now the EU's largest trading partner in ASEAN and its 16th-largest trading partner globally, he said, describing this as a remarkable achievement given the relative size of Vietnam's economy and the geographical distance between the two regions.

Nevertheless, he argued that the full and effective implementation of the agreement would be essential to unlocking further growth potential. "Predictability, transparency, and consistency will be crucial. Investors need a business environment where rules are clear, implementation is reliable, and procedures are efficient," he said.

The EU supports Vietnam's efforts to improve law enforcement and implementation, shift from pre-approval controls towards risk-based management, and ensure more consistent application of regulations across provinces.

According to Guerrier, these reforms would strengthen investor confidence, reduce business costs, shorten project timelines, and create favourable conditions for attracting a new generation of high-quality European investors, particularly in the green economy and emerging industries.

He also explained the importance of ensuring that investment opportunities are accessible not only to large corporations and major projects, but also to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of both economies.

"The EU sees Vietnam as a strategic and trusted partner and wants to turn the current political momentum into practical business opportunities," he said.

With a dynamic Vietnamese economy, an ambitious reform agenda, a comprehensive free trade agreement, and growing political trust, the two sides have a solid foundation for further cooperation.

"If we continue to improve implementation, guarantee fair market access, and maintain a predictable and transparent investment climate, then I am very convinced that the next chapter of EU-Vietnam economic cooperation can be even more ambitious than the last," Guerrier said.

The forum provided a platform for policymakers, business associations, and companies from Vietnam and the EU to exchange views on market developments, address obstacles to trade and investment, and identify opportunities in energy, industry, green finance, and emerging economic sectors.

It also offered businesses an opportunity to share practical experience and explore partnerships to strengthen supply chains and capture new opportunities arising from the green transition.

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According to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance, as of October 31, total registered FDI in Vietnam reached $54.85 billion, up 74 per cent on-year and the highest level since 2009.

Apart from the first 10 months of last year, when registered FDI was $31.52 billion, total registered capital during the same period in other years since 2017 had generally remained above $20 billion. The previous high was recorded in the first 10 months of 2019, at $29.11 billion. The corresponding figures were $28.24 billion in 2017, $26.76 billion in 2023, and $27.26 billion in 2024.

Between 2009 and 2016, Vietnam attracted considerably lower levels of FDI in some years. Registered capital stood at just $6.68 billion in the first 10 months of 2012 and $8.88 billion in the same period of 2011. The highest figure during this period was $19.29 billion, recorded in 2015.

Attracting more than $54.85 billion in registered FDI in the first 10 months of 2026 once again underscores Vietnam's appeal as an investment destination. Of the total, $30.73 billion came from newly registered projects, $16.13 billion from additional capital injected into existing projects, and $7.99 billion from foreign investors' capital contributions and share purchases.

Specifically, 3,478 new projects were licensed during the 10-month period, representing a 4.7 per cent increase in the number of projects on-year, while their combined registered capital more than doubled, rising 2.2-fold.

Manufacturing and processing remained the leading sector in attracting newly registered capital, with $14.61 billion, accounting for 47.5 per cent of the total. Transportation and warehousing ranked second with $5.15 billion, or 16.7 per cent, while other sectors attracted a combined $10.98 billion, equivalent to 35.8 per cent.

In terms of investment partners, Singapore was the largest source of newly registered FDI among the 80 countries and territories with new investment projects in Vietnam during the period. Its registered capital reached $9.52 billion, accounting for 31 per cent of the total.

South Korea ranked second with $5.81 billion, or 18.9 per cent, followed by Luxembourg with $4.99 billion (16.2 per cent), Hong Kong with $3.57 billion (11.6 per cent), China with $2.77 billion (9 per cent), Japan with $1.58 billion (5.1 per cent), and the Netherlands with $438.5 million (1.4 per cent).

Disbursed FDI highest over last years. Photo: FIA

Alongside the strong performance in registered capital, realised FDI in Vietnam continued its upward trajectory, reaching $24.08 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, up 13.1 per cent on-year. This was the highest disbursement figure recorded for the same period over the past five years.

Manufacturing and processing accounted for the largest share of realised FDI, at $19.96 billion, equivalent to 82.9 per cent of the total. Realised investment in real estate activities reached $1.76 billion, accounting for 7.3 per cent, while electricity, gas, hot water, steam, and air-conditioning supply attracted $785.2 million, or 3.3 per cent.

The continued increase in realised FDI is expected to make an important contribution to expanding production capacity and supporting economic growth.

Regarding additional investment, 1,079 existing projects registered capital adjustments during the first 10 months, with total additional capital reaching $16.13 billion, up 33.2 per cent on-year. As a result, the combined newly registered and additional capital of foreign-invested projects reached $46.86 billion.

Manufacturing and processing accounted for $24.19 billion, or 51.6 per cent of this total, followed by real estate activities with $7.08 billion (15.1 per cent). Other sectors attracted a combined $15.59 billion, equivalent to 33.3 per cent.

Regarding capital contributions and share purchases, foreign investors conducted 2,616 transactions during the 10-month period, with a combined value of $7.99 billion, up 49.6 per cent on-year.

Of these, 828 transactions involved capital contributions and share purchases that increased the charter capital of domestic enterprises, with a total value of $3.28 billion. The remaining 1,788 transactions involved foreign investors acquiring shares in domestic companies without increasing their charter capital, amounting to $4.71 billion.

In terms of sectors attracting investment through capital contributions and share purchases, professional, scientific, and technical activities received $2.78 billion, accounting for 34.8 per cent of the total. Wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles attracted $2.17 billion, or 27.1 per cent, while other sectors received $3.05 billion, equivalent to 38.1 per cent.

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According to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam's industrial production maintained its growth momentum in October, with the IIP estimated to have increased 2.3 per cent month on month and 15 per cent on-year.

By sector, manufacturing and processing continued to serve as the main growth driver, expanding 13 per cent over the 10-month period and contributing 10.2 percentage points to overall industrial growth.

Mining increased 7.1 per cent, contributing 1.1 percentage points, while electricity generation and distribution grew 10.6 per cent, contributing 1 percentage point. Water supply, waste and wastewater management and treatment rose 9.2 per cent, contributing 0.1 percentage point.

In October alone, the production indices of manufacturing and processing, and electricity generation and distribution both increased 15.7 per cent on-year. Water supply, waste and wastewater management and treatment grew 7.8 per cent, while mining rose 4.9 per cent.

Several two-digit industrial subsectors recorded strong growth during the first 10 months. Metal production led with an increase of 25.6 per cent, followed by beverage production at 17.5 per cent, the manufacture of electronic products, computers, and optical products at 15.2 per cent, motor vehicle manufacturing at 14.6 per cent, rubber and plastic products at 13.6 per cent, and food processing at 12.9 per cent.

Other subsectors also maintained double-digit growth, including the manufacture of other transport equipment, up 12.8 per cent; furniture production, up 12.5 per cent; other non-metallic mineral products, up 11.8 per cent; wood processing and the manufacture of products from wood, bamboo, and rattan, up 11.7 per cent; textiles, up 10.7 per cent; and fabricated metal products, up 10.1 per cent.

In contrast, the manufacture of leather and related products increased by just 4.3 per cent, while the extraction of hard coal and lignite declined 0.6 per cent.

The positive trend was also reflected in the output of several major industrial products. During the first 10 months, tablet production increased 36.6 per cent on-year, followed by motorcycles at 26.8 per cent, laptops at 25.9 per cent, automobiles at 25.1 per cent, and rolled steel at 24 per cent.

The output of steel bars and angles, as well as processed seafood, both rose 22.5 per cent. Other products recording strong growth included refined sugar, up 18.9 per cent; crude iron and steel, up 17 per cent; and beer, up 14.6 per cent.

However, production declined for several products, including monosodium glutamate, down 6.7 per cent; NPK compound fertiliser, down 6.3 per cent; televisions, down 5.1 per cent; and liquefied petroleum gas, down 4.9 per cent.

At the provincial level, industrial production increased in 33 localities during the 10-month period, while Son La recorded a decline of 5 per cent. Several localities posted particularly strong growth in manufacturing and processing, led by Ha Tinh with 41.1 per cent, followed by Quang Ninh at 34.2 per cent, Ninh Binh at 26.1 per cent, Nghe An at 25.8 per cent, Thai Nguyen at 23.3 per cent, and Bac Ninh at 20.5 per cent.

Alongside the expansion in production, employment in industrial enterprises also continued to improve. As of October 1, 2026, the number of employees working in industrial enterprises had increased 0.8 per cent compared with the previous month and 3.2 per cent on-year.

Employment in manufacturing and processing rose 0.9 per cent month on month and 3.4 per cent on-year. The corresponding increases in electricity generation and distribution were 0.2 per cent and 1.8 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, employment in water supply, waste and wastewater management and treatment increased 0.2 per cent from the previous month and 3.9 per cent from a year earlier. In the mining sector, employment edged up 0.1 per cent month on month but fell 2.3 per cent compared with the same period last year.

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More than 243,600 businesses were newly established or resumed operations in the first 10 months of 2026, averaging 24,400 a month, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance. Total additional registered capital reached nearly VND5.8 quadrillion ($227 billion), up 11.6 per cent on-year.

In October alone, nearly 12,600 businesses were newly established with registered capital of around VND254.8 trillion ($10 billion), up 8.7 per cent in number and 45 per cent in capital from the previous month. However, registered employees fell 12.1 per cent to nearly 66,300.

Compared with October 2025, the number of newly established businesses decreased 29.9 per cent, while registered capital increased 47.7 per cent. Average registered capital per new business reached VND20.2 billion ($790,000), up 110.6 per cent. Meanwhile, nearly 11,100 businesses resumed operations, representing a 27.4 per cent increase from the previous month.

In the first 10 months of 2026, nearly 162,300 businesses were newly registered, with total registered capital of VND2.14 quadrillion ($84 billion) and nearly 799,400 registered employees.

Compared with the same period in 2025, the number of newly established businesses declined 0.4 per cent, while registered employment fell 17.4 per cent. In contrast, registered capital increased 34.3 per cent. Average registered capital per newly established business reached VND13.2 billion ($515,000), up 34.8 per cent on-year.

In addition, nearly 81,400 businesses resumed operations during the period, down 12.5 per cent on-year. Combined, the number of newly established businesses and those resuming operations exceeded 243,600, down 4.8 per cent compared with the same period last year.

By economic sector, services accounted for the largest number of newly established businesses, at nearly 120,600, down 3.4 per cent on-year. Industry and construction recorded nearly 40,000 new businesses, up 9.1 per cent, while agriculture, forestry, and fisheries saw 1,697 newly established businesses, an increase of 10.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, nearly 92,000 businesses temporarily suspended operations for a fixed period during the first 10 months, down 12.7 per cent on-year. More than 33,700 businesses ceased operations while awaiting dissolution procedures, down 42.3 per cent, while nearly 56,300 completed dissolution procedures, up 109.8 per cent compared with the same period last year. On average, approximately 18,200 businesses exited the market each month during the period.

In October alone, 4,726 businesses registered temporary suspension of operations for a fixed period, while 8,032 ceased operations pending dissolution procedures and 7,513 completed dissolution procedures. The number of businesses completing dissolution procedures increased 65.6 per cent on-year.