Under the MOU, VinDynamics and Schaeffler will collaborate on the research, development, and optimization of key components for humanoid robots, including actuator systems and motors. The partnership will focus on evaluating and refining prototype actuators or actuator components developed by Schaeffler, encompassing mechanical, gearbox, and hardware parameters, with due consideration for key components, tolerances, materials, and manufacturability.

In addition, VinDynamics will conduct technical assessments and optimization of its control software to ensure seamless compatibility and effective integration with the proposed actuator systems. Both parties will share relevant technical information and best practices necessary for the efficient execution of the project, in full compliance with the agreed confidentiality provisions.

Following the Start of Production, to be defined under a subsequent project agreement, the collaboration is expected to extend to the provision of advice and support in product simulation and validation to enhance system performance and reliability. VinDynamics will share operational product data of the actuators with Schaeffler, which Schaeffler may utilize to further improve actuator designs and performance.

The collaboration between VinDynamics and Schaeffler is anticipated to drive meaningful breakthroughs in the field of humanoid robotics, particularly by accelerating the research and development of highly complex and mission-critical components such as actuator systems and motor assemblies. Schaeffler's extensive heritage and global reputation in motion technology, combined with VinDynamics' strengths in robotics research, system design, and integration, establish a powerful foundation for setting new technological benchmarks in the industry.

La Manh Hung, President of VinDynamics, said: "We are honored to collaborate with Schaeffler, one of the world's foremost motion technology companies with a distinguished legacy of innovation and engineering excellence. This partnership represents not only a convergence of technological capabilities but also a strategic alignment of vision, as both organizations are committed to shaping the future of humanoid robotics. We believe that by combining our respective strengths, this collaboration will unlock transformative opportunities and accelerate the transition of humanoid robots from research environments to impactful real-world applications across both industrial and everyday settings."

Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO Asia/Pacific of Schaeffler, said: "VinDynamics is an inspiring technology partner with a clear and ambitious vision for humanoid robotics. Our collaboration underscores Schaeffler's commitment to working alongside pioneering innovators to advance the next generation of motion technologies. By integrating Schaeffler's decades of expertise in actuator and drive technologies with VinDynamics' capabilities in developing next-generation robotic systems, we are confident that this partnership will deliver significant technological advancements and contribute to shaping how humanoid robots are deployed in the future."

Established in September 2025, VinDynamics is a pioneering company in the field of humanoid robotics within Vingroup. The company is dedicated to developing versatile, human-centric robots capable of seamless integration into everyday life, with the scalability to support global deployment.

Schaeffler, with more than 80 years of leadership in motion technology, is one of the world's largest family-owned industrial companies, employing approximately 110,000 people and operating more than 250 locations across 55 countries.

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

Learn more at: https://vindynamics.net/en and www.schaeffler.com

This step paves the way for circular polyester loops for the textile industry, in particular sportswear, home furnishings and the luxury sector.

• AXENS, IFPEN and JEPLAN announce the success of a major industrial test for recycling post-consumer textile waste rich in polyester (PET) using their Rewind® PET technology. This test was carried out in their semi-industrial unit (capacity 1,000 ton/year) operated by JEPLAN in Japan.
• This validation at a significant scale consisted in processing several tens of tons of textiles from the French public collection, sorted and prepared by two French partners, Nouvelles Fibres Textile and Mapea. Several tens of tons of the base monomer of polyester, BHET, have been produced and will soon be converted into polyester yarns, fabrics and garments.
• This industrial textile-to-textile recycling test of several tons of post-consumer PET is one of the first of its kind under representative industrial conditions. It paves the way for large-scale industrial chemical recycling of textile polyester, offering textile stakeholders a building block that can be integrated into a global strategy across the entire value chain committed to reduction, reuse, and textile recycling.

A breakthrough innovation that can be deployed on existing sites

This innovative process can be advantageously installed at industrial sites around the world that produce polyester for the textile industry, thereby enabling the substitution of fossil-based raw materials with their recycled equivalents.

Markets and deployment model

The technology, already proven and commercialized for recycling all PET packaging, including food-contact applications, is now validated for textile use under an exclusive license granted by IFPEN/JEPLAN to Axens worldwide to any industrial player wishing to develop local or regional textile-to-textile loops.

Enable the development of circularity

In a world where volumes of textile wastes are rapidly increasing and where textile-to-textile recycling remains limited, this semi-industrial test provides concrete proof that a circular production of polyester can now be rapidly implemented on a significant scale, from post-consumer waste streams.

The findings, published in the Veteran Wellness Index by leading veteran advocates, Veterans First Consulting, reveal 51% of veterans aged 18–49 have avoided seeking support in the past three years because the process was too hard to navigate. Complicated processes (56%), long wait times (58%) and not knowing where to start (35%) being the key barriers.

The personal impact is significant. Two-thirds of younger veterans (67%) reported increased stress or anxiety after attempting to access support, while 65% of veterans over the age of 50 said their confidence in seeking assistance in the future had declined.

The new data comes as Australians prepare to honour the sacrifice and service of defence personnel on ANZAC Day, highlighting that many veterans and their families continue to struggle with service-related compensation systems despite reforms following the 2024 Royal Commission into Defence and Veterans Suicide.

Some younger veterans (44%) acknowledged improvement in the quality and access to support services since the Royal Commission delivered its Final Report in September 2024, but one in three of all veterans surveyed (32%) experienced no change, indicating that while progress is evident, it has not yet been consistently felt across the system.

Advocates key to navigating the system

The research also shows the critical role of advocates in helping veterans access support. Just 23% of veterans said navigating the claims process alone was easy, compared to 76% who found it easier with experienced advocates.

At the same time, awareness of reforms remains low. Nearly half (48%) of surveyed family members and close associates, along with 21% of veterans, said they had no understanding of proposed reforms to support services.

Kevin Chapman, a former Airfield Defence Guard in the Royal Australian Air Force and co-founder of Veterans First Consulting, said the findings reflect both progress and persistent gaps.

"The Royal Commission made it clear that system failure can have tragic consequences. Everyone involved — from the DVA to service providers to advocates — is working toward improving outcomes for veterans," Chapman said.

"While it's encouraging to see some reforms heading in the right direction, the data tells us many veterans are still struggling to access the support they need."

"From our experience supporting more than 9,000 veterans, there is still significant work required to deliver a system that is simpler and better aligned to their needs."

Chapman said advocates remain an essential part of that system.

"We hear every day how much easier the process is when veterans have support. The data now clearly shows the difference between going it alone and having experienced help."

The 2026 Veteran Wellness Index report is available for download from the Veterans First Consulting website at https://www.veteransfirstconsulting.com/.

Editorial notes:

ASSETS AVAILABLE

• VIDEO RELEASE
• AUDIO
• IMAGES
• VETERAN WELLNESS INDEX REPORT

Bridging the Gap: Why Rodent Models Fail in HS Research

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful, and disfiguring inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 1-4% of the global population, with over 50 million patients worldwide characterized by recurrent abscesses, nodules, and scarring. The disease carries a significant socioeconomic burden, with annual healthcare costs estimated at $8,000-$15,000 per patient in developed countries. A major obstacle in HS drug discovery has been the lack of suitable animal models.

Historically, researchers relied on rodent models (mice and rats). However, rodents lack sweat glands, which are central to the pathogenesis of HS involving the follicular-interstitial unit and apocrine glands. This fundamental biological difference means that rodent models cannot replicate the complex pathological progression of human HS, leading to a "translational gap" where drugs effective in mice fail to show efficacy in human trials.

Addressing the Pain Point: The Root of Clinical Failures

In recent years, several promising HS drug candidates targeting pathways such as IL-17 and TNF-α have faced setbacks in Phase II or Phase III clinical trials. Industry data from 2018-2024 shows that over 60% of HS drug candidates failed at late-stage clinical trials, representing billions of dollars in lost R&D investment.

"The high failure rate of HS drugs in clinical stages is largely attributed to the absence of animal models with high clinical translational value," stated the Chief Scientist at HKeybio. Dr. Shu, Principal Investigator with over fifteen years of experience in autoimmune disease research. "Without a model that accurately reflects human skin anatomy and immune responses, developers cannot precisely evaluate how a drug interacts with specific structures like dermal tunnels or the complex cytokine microenvironment before moving into human subjects."

A Breakthrough Model: High Clinical and Pathological Consistency

HKeybio's NHP HS model, developed through rigorous proprietary protocols, achieves unprecedented alignment with human clinical features across multiple dimensions:

• Clinical Presentation: Model animals exhibit skin lesions, pustules, and inflammatory scores that closely mirror the Hurley stages observed in human HS patients, achieving 90% concordance in clinical scoring systems.
• Pathological Hallmarks: Histological analysis confirms the presence of dermal tunnels, present in 100% of model subjects, a signature feature of human HS that drives neutrophil transepithelial migration and chronic inflammation.
• Molecular Alignment: mRNA expression profiling shows significant upregulation of key HS-related genes, such as IL-1A: 15.3-fold increase, IL-17B: 12.7-fold increase, TNF: 8.9-fold increase compared to healthy controls, including IL-1A, IL-1B, IL-17B, IL-23A, TNF, IL-6, and the IL-36 family, perfectly matching the cytokine storms observed in clinical cases.
• Immune Microenvironment: Flow cytometry reveals a sophisticated infiltration of activated T cells, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells, consistent with findings published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2023) and British Journal of Dermatology (2024), replicating the complex immune landscape of human HS lesions.

Website: www.hkeybio.com

During the conference, Geely's senior leadership presented a comprehensive overview of the group's global strategy roadmap, highlighting the close coordination of its R&D systems to drive forward-looking technology planning and innovation. The three vehicle research institutes of Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr shared key models and future product plans for international markets. This integrated, collaborative approach continues to strengthen the "One Geely" strategic framework, providing strong momentum for high-quality global growth.

Geely's global ambitions are underpinned by strong performance. In 2025, Geely Holding Group surpassed 4 million units in total annual sales for the first time, ranking among the world's top ten automakers and leading in growth. Geely Auto Group alone delivered 3.025 million vehicles, up 39% year-on-year. Looking ahead, Geely Holding is targeting its "One Geely, Leading through Innovation and Integration" 2030 strategic goal: global sales exceeding 6.5 million units including commercial vehicles, a top-five position among global automakers by volume, approximately 75% new energy vehicle mix, and overseas sales accounting for more than one-third of total volume.

Entering 2026, Geely Auto Group has maintained its rapid growth trajectory, setting a new first-quarter record of 709,400 units sold, with exports surpassing 200,000 units - a 126% year-on-year increase. Amid an accelerating reshaping of the global automotive landscape, Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto noted that "Geely continuously strengthens its foundation and refines its core competencies. By integrating the best of the global automotive industry with our own strengths, we are building a world-class automotive ecosystem."

Guided by a philosophy of win-win collaboration, Geely continues to deepen partnerships with international partners while building a localized global operating system. In line with the 2030 strategy, Alex Nan, Vice President of Geely Auto Group and CEO of Geely Auto International Corporation, outlined a clear roadmap for global business development. He emphasized a multi-energy approach spanning both ICE and electric vehicles, with a focus on building sustainable competitive advantages rooted in user value. To date, Geely has established over 1,800 sales and service outlets across more than 100 countries and regions, serving over 20 million users worldwide.

Beyond the strategic sessions, the conference also offers global partners a firsthand look at the full-spectrum capabilities behind "One Geely" through visits to the Geely Global Safety Center, the Zeekr Intelligent Factory and immersive demonstrations of advanced intelligent driving technology. By showcasing its core strengths in safety, manufacturing and intelligent mobility, Geely aims to deepen partner trust and build momentum for the next chapter of global growth.

Utilities are in a moment of profound transformation. Surging costs, more severe storms, and escalating wildfire risk are converging on an industry already stretched thin — forcing operators to get smarter about every dollar spent and every mile of network they protect. For the past seven years, utilities have trusted Overstory to design programs that reduce the vegetation and wildfire risk across their network. Today's release extends that work, giving operators the ability to model a range of scenarios to predict where the risks are greatest, what it would cost to address, and which actions can reduce it most efficiently.

Built on years of identifying hazards, new models predict outages & ignitions

Since its founding in 2018, Overstory has released a series of innovative models that analyze satellite data and aerial imagery to determine tree height, tree health, and ground fuels across utility networks. Trained across millions of miles and extensively validated by certified arborists, these models give utilities a data-backed view of vegetation and fuel risk at every span, down to the individual tree or shrub.

Today's release adds a new layer: by incorporating a utility's historical outages and ignitions alongside factors like asset age and weather data, the models can identify the specific interventions most likely to prevent the next incident, whether that's removing a dying tree, mowing dry grass around a pole, or replacing an aging asset in a high-ignition-risk corridor.

From paper maps to dynamic scenario modeling

Overstory Scenarios equips utilities to dynamically model resilience programs to tackle wildfire, asset and vegetation risks across their networks. For decades, utilities have met growing risk by deploying more resources — a logical response given the tools available at the time. But as costs continue to climb, that path is no longer tenable. Forward-thinking utilities and regulators are calling for a more predictive, data-driven approach: one that addresses more risk within the budgets they have.

Overstory Scenarios bridges that gap. Teams can design risk-based programs, explore alternative scenarios, and weigh tradeoffs between cost and risk reduction. Analysis that once took weeks can now happen in real-time, helping utilities see where risk lies, what it costs to address, and how to reduce the most risk with every dollar spent.

"For years, utilities have been asked to do more with less while storms and wildfires grow in frequency and severity. What utilities need now is foresight: the ability to act before an outage or ignition occurs. That's what these models make possible for the first time"

Fiona Spruill, CEO, Overstory

With this intelligence on hand, utilities can continue to deliver on their enduring promise: safe, reliable, and affordable power.

For more information, visit overstory.com.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang. Photo: quochoi.vn

Immediately afterwards, the government and the prime minister directed the Ministry of Health (MoH) to issue specific guidelines on regular health check-ups suitable for each target group. These guidelines included comprehensive monitoring of physical and mental development, nutrition, and immunisation for children under six years old; clinical examinations and screening for risk factors for students; and in addition to clinical examinations, adults undergoing basic paraclinical tests to detect diseases early, especially non-communicable diseases.

"These initiatives aim to facilitate early detection, consulting, and long-term health monitoring for the population, thereby improving the quality of healthcare," DPM Thang said.

Regarding resources for implementation, funding is allocated from the state budget, health insurance fund, and other legal sources. For groups not covered by health insurance, localities develop plans and allocate funds to organise free screening examinations.

According to the DPM, the organisation of regular health check-ups is being implemented according to a roadmap, gradually improving both the professional mechanisms and implementation, contributing to a strong shift from treating diseases to preventing diseases, early detection, and regular health management for the people.

Currently, the government is directing the MoH to urgently finalise the legal framework so that localities can implement the scheme more synchronously and effectively in the future.

Regarding food safety issues, he stated that in recent times, the Party, the state, and the entire political system have taken decisive action and fight against violations.

This National Assembly session coincides with the 'Month of Action for Food Safety'; therefore the government is directing ministries, sectors, and localities to strengthen inspections, checks, and strictly handle violations.

In fact, every year authorities inspect more than 300,000 food production and business establishments and handle many violations. The Ministry of Public Security has also launched many special operations from the central to local levels to combat crimes related to food safety.

In addition, the government is directing the MoH to finalise the amended draft Law on Food Safety, which is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly’s upcoming session in October. Simultaneously, a plan to establish a unified food safety management agency is also being implemented.

According to DPM Thang, the facts prove that food safety management involves many ministries and agencies, sometimes leading to overlaps or gaps. Establishing a unified focal agency will contribute to improving management efficiency.

The government also focuses on protecting legitimate businesses – those significantly affected by the recent surge in counterfeit and substandard food products.

In addition to management solutions, the government also requires intensified communication to raise awareness among the public and businesses, thereby encouraging their participation in detecting, combating, and preventing counterfeit and substandard food. This aims to build a safe food environment and sustainably protect public health.

Regular health check-ups prevent potential disease While a growing Vietnamese economy is rapidly improving the quality of modern life, new risks of diseases continue emerging, threatening our health. Regular health check-ups are recommended by experts to help identify potential diseases and health issues at an early stage.

Healthcare sector accelerates administrative reform and digital transformation Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is moving to accelerate administrative reform and digital transformation to improve operational efficiency.

Vietnam's health sector tightens control over GMP standardisation The healthcare sector is tightening standardisation for health supplements, with a new evaluation checklist of nearly 170 criteria covering everything from raw materials to finished products.

MoH urges hospitals to accelerate electronic medical records Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan has requested medical facilities nationwide accelerate the rollout of electronic medical records and phase out paper records.

The agreement was signed on April 21. Under the MoU, Schaeffler will supply actuator systems and related motion technology components – critical parts that enable precise and reliable movement – while VinDynamics will conduct technical assessments and optimisation of its control software to ensure seamless integration with Schaeffler's systems.

The two sides will focus on joint research and technology development, with Schaeffler providing key components for the production of humanoid robots.

The two companies will collaborate on the research, development, and optimisation of key components of humanoid robots, including actuator systems and related motion technology components. The actuator components, supplied by Schaeffler, are critical parts of humanoid robots to produce precise, reliable movement. VinDynamics will conduct technical assessments and optimisation of its control software to ensure seamless compatibility and effective integration with Schaeffler actuator systems.

To enhance system performance and reliability, the collaboration extends beyond production to provision of advice and support in product simulation and validation. VinDynamics will share operational product data of the supplied actuators with Schaeffler. This enables Schaeffler to further improve actuator designs and performance, as well as to advance its services, including condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Maximilian Fiedler, regional CEO of Asia/Pacific at Schaeffler, said, "VinDynamics is an inspiring technology partner with a clear vision for humanoid robotics. By combining Schaeffler's decades of expertise in actuator and drive technologies with VinDynamics' capabilities in developing next-generation robotic systems, we are confident this partnership will deliver significant technological advancements and help shape the future deployment of humanoid robots."

La Manh Hung, president of VinDynamics, said, "This partnership represents a convergence of technological capabilities and a strategic alignment of vision. By combining our strengths, we believe this collaboration will unlock transformative opportunities and accelerate the transition of humanoid robots from research environments to real-world applications across industrial and everyday settings."

Schaeffler is a global motion technology company headquartered in Germany, providing innovative solutions in bearings, drive systems, and mechatronics. Meanwhile, VinDynamics is a technology company under Vingroup, dedicated to the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced robotics and automation solutions, particularly in humanoid robots.

Vietnam’s automation future at work Are robots coming to take Vietnamese jobs? Are iPads invading Vietnamese workplaces? Throughout the economic reform era, a key policy challenge for Vietnamese leaders has been to continually provide new employment opportunities for the country’s workforce. Recent commentary, both about Vietnam and other emerging economies, has begun to question whether private and foreign companies will continue to fill this salutary role.

Vingroup to set up robotics firm VinMotion Vingroup plans to establish a robotics firm specialising in general purpose humanoid robots, development, and research.

THACO unveils latest innovations at national showcase THACO is showcasing its latest industrial and technological innovations at the National Achievements Exhibition in Hanoi, held to mark 80 years of independence and national progress.

As an AI-Native jurisdiction and destination, artificial intelligence will be embedded at the foundational level across legal and regulatory frameworks, business operations, talent development systems, ecosystem infrastructure and the district's physical environment.

The Centre's Native AI programme will generate USD 3.5bn (AED 12.9bn) in economic benefits and 25,000 jobs.

Uniquely positioned to become an AI role model for the finance industry, DIFC has the advantage of speed to implementation, being less constrained by legacy processes and regulation experienced by traditional financial centres.

DIFC will also provide financial firms with access to advanced AI tools to support their operations and export AI governance software and trained talent to the Global South. The jurisdiction will become the first to offer a full-stack AI Campus combining regulation, training, compute and physical AI.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC said: "DIFC's evolution into the world's first AI-Native financial centre marks a defining step in Dubai's ascent as a global capital for the future of finance. As artificial intelligence reshapes the international financial landscape, this initiative reinforces Dubai's role in setting new standards for innovation, trust and competitiveness. In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, it underscores our commitment to building a resilient, forward-looking economy and positioning the emirate at the forefront of responsible AI adoption in financial services worldwide."

Within its legal and regulatory architecture, DIFC will establish ethics and governance frameworks that address not only human activity but also AI agents and robotics, positioning itself at the forefront of responsible innovation. Across business operations, AI will be embedded into enterprise workflows, compliance systems and financial services delivery, creating intelligent, automated and trusted financial ecosystems.

DIFC also intends to become the number one global destination for AI-in-finance companies, surpassing other top ten financial centres in start-up density, venture capital funding and unicorn creation.

DIFC's commitment to advancing the city's position as a global AI hub is highlighted through the Dubai AI Festival, which will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on 26 and 27 October 2026, convening 20,000 people from across the world.

For the video: https://youtu.be/Al8rMWgBASM

Unlike individual acne patches, the hydrocolloid roll can be trimmed to the exact size needed, whether for a single blemish, a larger breakout area, or minor wound coverage. It gives users more usable material in one package and is a practical home-care item that can be used to address multiple everyday needs.

Authentic, lifestyle creator content goes viral

The video, posted by the creator @toporganize, starts with her showing Dimora Medical's hydrocolloid roll and exclaiming, "I wish that someone would have put me on to these sooner than last week!" She then describes how the 16-foot-long roll is a much better value than smaller pimple pads, and how it's easy to cut and shape to apply on different parts of her face.

Her practical, real presentation of how to use the roll while emphasizing how the roll aids skin repair for minor facial imperfections has attracted a new group of users to Dimora Medical. The roll itself is hypoallergenic and has passed strict third-party skin irritation and skin sensitivity tests.

Safe, skin-friendly wound and acne recovery

Made of a gentle, non-irritating adhesive, Dimora Medical's hydrocolloid roll is applied directly to the skin. By creating a moist healing environment, it effectively promotes wound recovery and brings a healing efficiency that is 2-3 times higher than other conventional cures.

It also brings visible relief to acne sufferers. Acne pus is actively absorbed, while noticeable redness and swelling are reduced within 8 hours. The hydrocolloid roll effectively addresses multiple acne concerns, including common pimples, papules, and cystic acne.

The medical-grade hydrocolloid roll is FDA certified and was independently tested by STC labs. It passed under the international standard ISO 10993-23 for skin irritation, as determined by intracutaneous reactivity. It also passed the ISO 10993-5 standard for skin sensitivity, as determined by cytotoxicity.

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

FY26 revenue grew 3.9% in constant currency (CC). USD revenue came in at $14.7 billion, up 6% YoY. Services revenue grew 4.8% YoY in CC, led by steady momentum in IT and Business Services, which grew at 3.7% YoY in CC, and growth of 9.8% YoY in CC for Engineering and R&D Services. Total contract value (TCV) for new deal wins in the year totaled $9.3 billion. HCLSoftware's annual recurring revenue stood at $1.05 billion, down 0.5% CC.

"HCLTech delivered superior revenue growth of 3.9% in constant currency … in a year marked by an uncertain demand environment … Our new AI-led service offerings are getting traction in the market and this is reflected in annualized Advanced AI revenues crossing $620 million in Q4. Our number one priority in FY27 is to ensure the company is positioned right to take advantage of AI opportunities for multi-decade value creation," said C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech.

Industry vertical growth was led by Technology and Services, with 15% YoY (CC) growth, followed by Financial Services at 7.5% YoY (CC) and Telecommunications, Media, Publishing & Entertainment at 5.2% YoY (CC). In terms of geographies, India recorded a strong growth of 5.7% YoY (CC), Europe grew by 4.5% YoY (CC) and the U.S. grew by 2.3% YoY (CC). The Rest of the World grew the fastest at 17.8% YoY (CC).

The company expects FY27 revenue growth to be between 1.0% and 4.0% YoY in CC and Services revenue growth between 1.5% and 4.5% YoY in CC. EBIT margin is expected to be between 17.5% and 18.5%.

HCLTech announced a dividend of ₹24/share for the fourth quarter, bringing the total to ₹60/share for FY26.

"HCLTech delivered resilient FY26 results with revenues at ₹130,144 crores, up 11.2% YoY and EBIT at ₹22,397 crores (17.2% of revenue), up 4.6% YoY… Excluding the impact of restructuring costs, EBIT and Net Margin came in at 17.9% and 13.8%, respectively," said Shiv Walia, Chief Financial Officer, HCLTech.

HCLTech added 1,712 freshers during the quarter, taking the fresher addition in the full year to 11,744. The last twelve months (LTM) attrition was at 12.5%, down from 13.0% in Q4 of last year.

Key Advanced AI deal wins:

• A global technology major selected HCLTech for another AI Factory program worth over $100 million. HCLTech's solutions will fast-track the client's requirement of building and operating next-generation AI data centers.
• A U.S.-based global semiconductor company selected HCLTech's AI Engineering services to support the physical design of its next-generation platforms.
• A global aerospace major selected HCLTech to build an AI-enabled digital simulation environment for aircraft cargo operations, leveraging photorealistic visualization, physics-based modeling and synthetic data generation using precise CAD inputs.

Other key deal wins:

• A Europe-based global luxury fashion major selected HCLTech to accelerate AI-led transformation across its finance, human resources, manufacturing, supply chain and retail operations.
• A U.S.-based global MedTech company selected HCLTech to set up a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
• The U.S. subsidiary of a global semiconductor group selected HCLTech to provide end-to-end firmware development and sustenance services.
• A European public sector entity extended its partnership with Actian to strengthen data governance. Leveraging Actian offerings of Ingres, OpenROAD and Zeenea, the engagement will enhance data integrity, transparency and control for the client.

During the quarter, HCLTech was included in Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list. It was recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the third consecutive year and was included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook for the fourth year in a row.

Gao Huan, CTO of CATL China Car Business

At the event, Dr. Wu Kai, Chief Scientist of CATL, systematically elaborated on the respective strengths, limitations, and development pathways of different chemistries. He noted that LFP is nearing its theoretical energy density limit, making it better suited for a technology roadmap centered on extreme fast charging to achieve optimal balance. NCM's high energy density keeps it at the forefront of global competition — underscoring that energy density remains the core metric for leadership. Sodium-ion batteries offer broad potential for extreme temperatures and energy storage applications. Whether from the perspective of differentiated consumer needs, or from the viewpoints of energy security and social development, the lithium-ion battery industry must pursue coordinated development across multiple chemical systems.

Wu Kai, Chief Scientist of CATL

Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, emphasized at the conference that industrial innovation must be driven by a rigorous scientific spirit. For Chinese technology to go global, it relies not just on speed and scale, but on the quality of innovation, the ability to validate, and the credibility of the brand.

Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL

Third-Generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery: Making Superfast Charging and Ultra-Long Lifespan No Longer a Trade-Off

From an electrochemical standpoint, boosting charge rates while protecting battery lifespan hinges on one primary factor: temperature rise, not trickle current. As the Arrhenius equation shows, a 10°C increase in battery temperature can roughly double the rate of internal side reactions—an effect that can significantly shorten cycle life.

The third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery addresses heat generation and dissipation through three major measures: reduced heat production during operation, stronger thermal propagation, and higher precision control. As a result, after 1,000 complete cycles, the battery's capacity retention remains above 90%, achieving an optimal balance between extreme superfast charging and ultra-long service life.

The latest third-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery has reached what is claimed to be the industry's strongest capability: an equivalent 10C and a peak 15C charging rate. Charging from 10% to 35% SOC (State of Charge) takes just 1 minute; from 10% to 80% SOC takes 3 minutes and 44 seconds; and from 10% to 98% SOC takes 6 minutes and 27 seconds. Even at −30°C in extreme cold conditions, charging from 20% to 98% SOC takes about 9 minutes.

In addition, by combining battery self-heating technology with a fully integrated supercharging and battery-swapping network, the system is designed to enable low-temperature superfast charging that is not limited by charging piles—offering both fast charging and battery swapping.

Third-generation Qilin Battery: Lighter, Stronger, More Premium, Redefining EV Excellence

Historically, achieving long range in premium EVs with LFP batteries has relied on simply adding more capacity — an approach that inevitably compromises vehicle lightweighting.

The third-generation Qilin Battery is designed for premium long-range EVs, achieving a cell energy density of 280 Wh/kg and enabling 1,000 km range while supporting 10C superfast charging.

The battery delivers 3 MW peak power, doubling the output of the second-generation Qilin track battery which competed on the Nürburgring (1,330 kW).

The entire battery pack weighs only 625 kg. Compared with equivalent LFP systems, this represents a weight reduction of 255 kg and space savings of 112 litres. The lightweighting metrics deliver exceptionally significant benefits:

• Energy consumption per 100 km decreases by more than 6%, saving approximately 0.78 kWh per 100 km. Across a fleet of one million vehicles travelling 20,000 km annually, this equates to 156 million kWh in electricity savings and a reduction of 78,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• Performance and safety improvements include a 0.6–second reduction in 0–100 km/h acceleration, a 12% shorter overtaking risk window, an 8% higher moose test speed, a 6.5% lower body roll angle, a 15–25% gain in obstacle avoidance capability, and approximately 1.44 metres shorter braking distance.
• Durability is enhanced, with chassis component life extended by 40% and tyre life by over 30%, increasing replacement intervals by at least 10,000 km. The 112 litres of space saved can increase cabin headroom by at least 18 mm.

Building on the national standard for NP (No Thermal Propagation), safety is strengthened through "thermal-electrical separation", with each cell incorporating an independent sealed exhaust channel to isolate thermal events and prevent propagation, ensuring "heat takes the heat path, electricity takes the electrical path".

Qilin Condensed Battery: Aviation-Grade Technology Applied to Passenger Vehicles for the First Time

The Qilin Condensed Battery applies aviation-grade technology to passenger vehicles for the first time, achieving 350 Wh/kg cell energy density and 760 Wh/L volumetric energy density — setting a new record for mass-produced batteries. This enables 1,500 km range for sedans and over 1,000 km for large SUVs, with pack weight controlled within 650 kg.

The condensed battery features a high-nickel cathode and low-expansion silicon-carbon anode, boosting energy density by 50 Wh/kg. Its first-ever aviation-grade titanium alloy case reduced thickness by 60% and weight by 30%, while tripling unit strength and delivering an additional 20 Wh/kg in energy density.

The technology builds on CATL's electric aviation programme, where 500 Wh/kg systems have completed maiden flight validation on 4-tonne aircraft, with further validation underway on aircraft exceeding 8 tonnes.

Replacing liquid electrolyte with a condensed system eliminates risks associated with leakage and combustion, achieving "no liquid to leak, no liquid to ignite". At the same time, CATL has adopted a new composite current collector that acts as a fast self-fusing fuse in extreme cases of internal short circuits.

Second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery: Bringing Hybrids into the 600 km Pure Electric Era

The second-generation Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery extends all-electric range to up to 600 km and standardises 10C superfast charging. It pioneers a "super hybrid technology" that integrates LFP and NCM materials through gradient-uniform mixing, with the olivine crystal structure of LFP serving as the core backbone, enabling a uniform hybrid of LFP and NCM materials at the powder particle level.

This achieves an energy density of 230 Wh/kg and increases range by over 15% without increasing pack weight compared with single LFP systems. This enables full coverage from mainstream family use to high-end, all-round hybrid scenarios, delivering optimal solutions across diverse applications.

The LFP version delivers up to 500 km pure electric range, enabling a "once-a-week charging" experience for daily commuting. The NCM version further extends pure electric range beyond 600 km, with total vehicle range exceeding 2,000 km, enabling a seamless dual-use experience for both daily electric driving and long-distance travel.

The system delivers 1.5 MW of instantaneous power at full charge and maintains 1.2 MW at 20% SOC, addressing power degradation in low-charge conditions. In off-road scenarios requiring over 350 kW output, the system provides more than three times the required power, ensuring consistent performance even at low charge levels.

Safety features include a reinforced bottom coating capable of withstanding 1,500 joules of impact energy (ten times the national standard) and waterproof sealing that allows continuous immersion in 2 metres of water for over 200 hours without performance degradation.

Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery: Achieving GWh-scale Sodium-ion Industrialisation

The Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery marks CATL's transition from laboratory breakthrough to large-scale manufacturing. By systematically overcoming hundreds of engineering challenges, CATL has achieved GWh-level industrialisation.

In 2026, CATL successfully addressed four key industry bottlenecks for sodium-ion mass production—extreme water control, gas generation in hard carbon, aluminium foil adhesion, and self-forming anode systems—paving the way for reliable, large-scale deployment. The Naxtra Sodium-ion Battery is set to enter full-scale mass production by the end of 2026.

Integrated Supercharging and Battery-swapping Network: A Unified Replenishment Architecture

CATL also introduced an integrated supercharging and battery-swapping network, designed as a unified system rather than separate solutions, built on three complementary pillars—home charging, public charging, and battery swapping—to define the optimal energy replenishment ecosystem. All passenger vehicle "Choco-Swap" and heavy truck "QIJI" swapping stations will be equipped with Shenxing supercharging systems, enabling true charge–swap synergy, where each station serves both as a battery-swapping node and a high-power charging hub.

The integrated charge–swap stations feature shared compact substations and charging modules, reducing energy conversion steps and lowering overall power loss by more than 13 percentage points compared with conventional storage-equipped charging stations. In emergency scenarios, station batteries can discharge directly to charging piles, driving equipment utilization rate above 85%. This enables a service capacity of 3× per parking space compared with conventional storage-equipped charging stations, while the fixed investment cost of the supercharging segment is reduced to only one-fifth of comparable systems.

CATL launched the Choco-Swap #26 battery, featuring an 800V high-voltage architecture. The first release includes a 75 kWh version, with higher-capacity variants to follow, fully compatible with B- to C-segment 800V vehicles. With this launch, the Choco-Swap system will extend its coverage to a complete vehicle matrix from A0 to C-segment models.

In terms of network deployment, CATL plans to build 4,000 integrated charge–swap stations by the end of 2026, covering nearly 190 cities and a nationwide highway network spanning 12 vertical and 11 horizontal corridors. To date, the Choco-Swap network has already built 1,470 stations across 99 cities, with scaling continuing to accelerate.

Together with automakers and energy partners, CATL will co-develop a "charge–swap sharing network" based on technology sharing, seamless connectivity, and joint investment. Initial partners include Changan, Chery, GAC, Seres, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and BAIC, with a target of building over 100,000 shared energy replenishment facilities by the end of 2028.

Advancing full-scenario energy solutions

From five battery products covering the full material spectrum to an integrated supercharging and battery-swapping network, CATL has established a complete value chain from battery products to infrastructure.

CATL will continue to invest in advanced research, large-scale manufacturing and ecosystem collaboration to accelerate the transition from single-point innovation to full-scenario energy solutions, ensuring the benefits of technological progress are accessible across all mobility use cases.

From left: Alberto Vettoretti, managing partner from Dezan Shira & Associates, Vivie Wei, country director from Dezan Shira & Associates, Benny Nguyen, head of Business Advisory of InCorp Vietnam (An Ascentium Company), Jack Nguyen, CEO of InCorp Vietnam (An Ascentium Company)

The combined firm will operate nationwide, delivering seven integrated services including business intelligence, market entry, accounting, tax, payroll compliance and advisory, HR consulting and recruitment, and technology and enterprise resources planning (ERP) advisory.

Lennard Yong, founding management and group CEO of Ascentium, said: "This milestone affirms our commitment to Vietnam as a strategic market. By creating a single, connected platform that combines global expertise with unmatched local insight, we are building a firm that can truly support investors at every stage of their journey. Our goal is to help investors not just enter Vietnam, but thrive here for the long term."

Alberto Vettoretti, managing partner of Dezan Shira & Associates, commented that the company has been warmly welcomed by Ascentium, and joining the firm marks an exciting new chapter,

“Bringing our Vietnamese teams together establishes one of the country’s leading corporate service providers at a time when the global landscape is becoming increasingly multipolar, and new markets are rising in strategic importance. We’re confident this platform positions us to help businesses move early, execute decisively, and win in complex, fast changing environments,” Vettoretti said.

Meanwhile, Jack Nguyen, CEO of Ascentium Vietnam, said, "Uniting under the Ascentium Vietnam brand means clients can count on a single platform for market entry and long-term growth. With complex regulatory requirements for business expansion, having integrated business intelligence, advisory, and execution capabilities under one roof helps investors navigate with greater confidence."

This integration significantly expands Ascentium’s scale, reach, and deep local expertise in Vietnam at a pivotal moment for the country’s foreign investment landscape.

As Vietnam continues to attract rising levels of foreign investment, driven by its broadening roles in global supply chains, a rapidly growing consumer market, and an ambitious five-year economic plan commencing in 2026, new opportunities are emerging for international investors.

This timely move by Ascentium positions the firm to help foreign investors seize these opportunities, supporting them as they enter and operate locally while navigating increasing regulatory complexity, stricter compliance requirements, and heightened expectations around governance and operational control.

The move also marks Ascentium’s entry into business intelligence, further strengthening its advisory offering for investors entering Vietnam’s dynamic market.

Business intelligence services address key pre-investment challenges by supporting investors in assessing industry dynamics, evaluating suppliers and operating models, analysing location competitiveness, and identifying regulatory risks before capital commitments are made.

At the same time, the integration enhances Ascentium’s technology and ERP advisory capabilities, helping clients localise global ERP systems, integrate third-party tools, and implement scalable, fully compliant, technology, as well as AI-enabled solutions that deliver greater visibility, efficiency, and stronger operational control. Together, these expanded capabilities equip businesses to enter Vietnam with confidence and sustain long-term success.

Moreover, the integration brings together InCorp Vietnam’s strengths in incorporation, accounting, tax, payroll, HR, compliance, and business process outsourcing with Dezan Shira’s advisory capabilities in regulatory analysis, investment structuring, international tax and transfer pricing, internal control, fraud prevention, and technology-enabled solutions.

From left: Lennard Yong, founding management and group CEO; Wendy Wang, founding management and group president of Ascentium; Adam Livermore, partner; and Alberto Vettoretti, managing partner of Dezan Shira & Associates

Ascentium Vietnam now operates as part of a 27-market global platform, with new locations added through Dezan Shira, including Mongolia, Poland, Germany and Italy.

This network enables Ascentium Vietnam to deliver end-to-end advisory and business services locally, while providing regional and international expertise for cross-border investments and multi-country operations.

Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses and individuals scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, the company drive extraordinary growth through expert people, purpose-led technology, and an unwavering commitment to service excellence.

With over 2,600 professionals across 46 cities in 23 markets globally, it delivers integrated solutions in corporate services, finance and accounting, fund administration, HR, and fiduciary and trust services.

Serving more than 63,000 client entities across diverse industries, Ascentium combines specialised expertise with innovative, technology-enabled solutions to help clients navigate complexity and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.

Founded in 1992, Dezan Shira & Associates is a professional services firm advising foreign investors and multinational enterprises entering and operating across Asia.

The firm provides business intelligence and market entry, corporate establishment and licensing, accounting, tax advisory, payroll and HR administration, internal audit and risk advisory, as well as technology-enabled financial software and ERP solutions.

With more than 300 professionals operating from 27 offices globally, Dezan Shira & Associates maintains one of the region’s most extensive integrated advisory platforms dedicated to foreign direct investment and cross-border operations.

InCorp Vietnam (an Ascentium Company) is a major market entry and business process outsourcing partner for foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam and across the region.

As part of Ascentium, a global business services platform headquartered in Singapore with a presence in 23 markets and 46 cities, InCorp Vietnam delivers integrated, end-to-end solutions that support businesses at every stage of their journey. Its services span market entry advisory, regulatory and compliance support, and outsourcing solutions including accounting and tax, as well as HR and payroll.

Positioned as a one-stop solution provider for foreign-invested enterprises, InCorp Vietnam combines local expertise with global standards to help businesses navigate complexity, ensure compliance, and achieve sustainable growth in Vietnam.

More investment expected within industrial property Industrial property has been one of the hottest segments for mergers and acquisitions over the last two years. Bich Ngoc spoke with Marco Forster, head of ASEAN Advisory at Dezan Shira & Associates, on his assessment of the sector.

InCorp Global appoints Jack Nguyen as Vietnam CEO On January 10, InCorp Vietnam announced Jack Nguyen as its new CEO, succeeding Vojtech Zehnalek and concurrently serving as head of Human Resources and Payroll (HR&P) Services at InCorp Group.

What is Cohesity's strategy for supporting markets like Vietnam in strengthening data security and cyber resilience?

Cohesity is the fastest data protection company to reach $1.5 billion in revenue, achieving this milestone in 11 years while operating in more than 140 countries and serving over 13,000 customers, including 70 per cent of Global 500 such as BMW, Delta Air Lines, Salesforce, FedEx, Toyota and NEC.

Vietnam is a dynamic and innovative market with strong investment in technology, manufacturing and infrastructure, driving growing demand for advanced IT capabilities as data becomes a critical asset across sectors.

With deep expertise in complex data environments, Cohesity aims to support markets like Vietnam in building next-generation IT and AI infrastructure, where local presence is essential to align global best practices with market needs.

However, rapid digital growth also increases risk. As AI adoption accelerates, cyber threats are rising, with 84 per cent of organisations having experienced attacks, often repeatedly.

Cohesity therefore focuses on cyber resilience, helping businesses recover quickly after incidents through the 'minimum viable company' approach, which identifies critical systems and data needed to restore operations.

Cyber resilience is not just a business priority, but also a broader economic necessity to ensure stability and sustained growth.

How do you see Vietnam contributing to Cohesity's next phase of growth over the next 12 to 24 months?

Vietnam is a highly dynamic and innovative market, with strong investment across technology, manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure. This growth is driving rising demand for advanced IT capabilities, as data becomes a critical asset for organisations across banking, telecoms, aviation, and government.

With over 13,000 global customers, including leading banks, telecoms, and governments, Cohesity brings deep experience in managing complex data environments. All major US banks rely exclusively on our solutions, giving us strong insight into the most demanding global requirements, which we aim to bring to markets such as Vietnam.

As Vietnam continues strong GDP growth, developing next-generation IT and AI infrastructure will be essential. A strong local presence is therefore key to understanding customer needs while combining them with global capabilities that enterprises can leverage.

As organisations scale, risks also increase. Our focus is on helping companies reduce risk while accelerating innovation, particularly in the context of rising geopolitical uncertainty and the dual nature of AI as both an opportunity and a potential threat.

To address these challenges, Cohesity is launching Enterprise AI Resilience, a unified strategy that protects AI systems, governs enterprise data, mitigates agent-driven risk, and enables trusted data for innovation. This is supported by enhancements across data security, sovereign cloud, threat detection, and strategic partnerships, including DSPM powered by Cyera, Datadog integration for AI observability, and ServiceNow for AI lifecycle resilience.

Kit Beall, chief revenue officer of Cohesity at the "Catalist On The Road" event held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 14

What does AI resilience mean in practice for organisations adopting AI at scale?

AI, particularly AI agents, is emerging as the next generation of enterprise applications, performing critical functions across organisations, governments, and daily life. As adoption accelerates, these agents must be protected in the same way as traditional IT assets, including data, databases, and virtual machines.

The focus is on extending protection to AI agents across all environments, on-premise and in the cloud. A key challenge is recovery: it is not sufficient to restore an agent alone; its full state, including memory and training, must also be recovered to preserve functionality and value. This requires the ability to roll back both the agent and its state to a trusted point in time.

At the same time, AI is reshaping the risk landscape, introducing new threats such as prompt injections that can manipulate systems and cause significant harm. As agents become more autonomous, risks increase while direct human control becomes more limited.

While AI creates significant opportunities, it also brings equally significant risks. The priority for organisations and governments is therefore to balance innovation with strong governance, security, and control frameworks to manage these emerging challenges.

How relevant is AI agent resilience for enterprises in markets like Vietnam today?

Our strategy is to deliver the same level of protection and security for AI agents as for all other data, ensuring reliable operations while detecting of hidden threats.

To achieve this, we have introduced capabilities such as threat hunting, which analyses data, agents, and applications to identify anomalies and risks, supported by real-time threat intelligence from partners including Google, Sophos and Palo Alto Networks. Together, these provide a continuous security layer across data and AI operations.

We clearly distinguish between protection and security: protection enables backup and recovery of data and agents, while security focuses on monitoring behaviour, detecting threats such as prompt injection or unauthorised actions, and enabling rollback to a trusted state when needed.

This approach is particularly relevant for Vietnam, given its AI ambitions towards 2030 and the need to build secure, scalable infrastructure from the outset, as well as growing geopolitical complexity that elevates the importance of data security and sovereignty.

Across Southeast Asia, data sovereignty is becoming increasingly critical, and our goal is to help organisations secure their data while maintaining full control over where it resides and how it is managed.

How is Cohesity building its go-to-market presence in Vietnam through customers, investments, and partners?

We are a partner-first company, relying on a strong ecosystem across all markets, including Southeast Asia, and we are actively expanding this network in Vietnam.

Our approach is multidimensional, working with distributors, resellers, system integrators, and service providers, while continuously investing in partner enablement and support.

At the start of our fiscal year, we launched the Aspire Program to strengthen incentives and deepen collaboration. Given the complexity of our solutions, combining local expertise with Cohesity technology and training is essential to effectively serve customers in Vietnam.

Partners remain central to our strategy. In parallel, we are strengthening our local presence through dedicated teams and sales leadership on the ground to better support customers across Vietnam and the region.

From left: Kit Beall, chief revenue officer; Pramut Sriwichian, country director - Vietnam & Indochina; and Joshua Haley, vice president - Systems Engineering, Cohesity

Cohesity courts Agassi for cyber rally

Cohesity launches AI resilience strategy for enterprise protection

The transaction was completed on April 22. Backed by CBC Group, Asia's largest healthcare-dedicated asset management firm, Dawn is building a major medtech commercialisation platform that connects upstream sourcing capabilities with downstream commercial excellence to expand access to high-quality, affordable medical solutions across emerging markets anchored in Southeast Asia.

It represents CBC Group's first acquisition in the medtech space in Southeast Asia.

Founded in 2015 by Jade Le, Pinnacle Health has earned a strong reputation for deep product expertise and high-quality customer service. Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, the company represents leading global medtech companies, and serves hospitals and clinics nationwide. With Vietnam's healthcare expenditure expected to grow at 8–9 per cent annually, the acquisition provides Dawn with an immediate, scaled, and highly respected local platform.

Arjun Sarker, CEO of Dawn, said, "Acquiring a controlling interest in Pinnacle Health is a pivotal milestone in our regional expansion. Jade and her team have built an outstanding business with a commanding market position. We have strong confidence in Jade's leadership and look forward to combining Dawn's sourcing strength and operational playbook with Pinnacle's local excellence to accelerate growth and bring more life-changing medical technologies to patients in Vietnam."

Jade Le, CEO and founder of Pinnacle Health, said, "I am truly excited to partner with Dawn and CBC Group as we enter a new phase of growth for Pinnacle. With their deep healthcare expertise and shared long-term vision, we are well-positioned to accelerate our expansion, strengthen our capabilities, and elevate the standards of care we bring to the market. Most importantly, this partnership enables us to deepen our commitment to improving patient outcomes and expanding access to advanced medical solutions for the people of Vietnam."

Fu Wei, CEO of CBC Group, said, "This acquisition through Dawn underscores our deep commitment to Southeast Asia. Vietnam is a high-growth market with substantial unmet needs. We are delighted to establish our footprint here with a platform of Pinnacle's calibre and are excited about the opportunity to continue expanding our presence to serve underserved communities and shape the future of healthcare in the region."

This acquisition aligns with Dawn's strategy to lead medtech commercialisation in the region by consolidating fragmented markets and leveraging regulatory and commercial excellence across Asia to improve access to critical medical technologies.

Expansions in healthcare more likely Vietnam’s healthcare sector closed 2025 with robust merger and acquisition (M&A) momentum. Major transactions from institutional investors demonstrated the market’s depth, while established platforms backed by private equity (PE) pursued strategic add-ons and infrastructure expansion. The year demonstrated that Vietnam’s healthcare M&A market operates on multiple growth vectors simultaneously.

Livzon subsidiary seeks control of Imexpharm A subsidiary of China’s Livzon Pharmaceutical Group has launched a major tender offer for Imexpharm, signalling a potential change in control at the Vietnamese drugmaker.

Foreign investors target core assets in Vietnam’s evolving M&A landscape Vietnam’s mergers and acquisitions landscape is entering a more sophisticated phase, with foreign investors increasingly targeting core business segments rather than entire enterprises, reshaping deal structures and pre-transaction strategies.

Over the past five years of collaboration, Minaris has supported a consistent clinical manufacturing cadence of approximately one autologous batch per month, with planned expansion to two batches per month based on patient enrollment and trial requirements. Throughout this period, the program has maintained a 100% success rate in manufacturing and release.

Minaris provides end-to-end GMP manufacturing and full release testing for the Phase 1A/1B clinical study. The partnership has also included process and analytical development, as well as technology transfer, to enable a seamless transition to GMP operations.

"This performance reflects what matters most in autologous cell therapy manufacturing: tight coordination, consistent execution, and a partner able to adapt workflows while maintaining rigorous GMP discipline," said Orla Cloak, CEO of Minaris. "We remain focused on supporting Chimeric as the CDH17 program advances through clinical development, with an emphasis on reliable supply and dependable product release."

All work for Chimeric is taking place at Minaris' Philadelphia site, bringing together cross-functional expertise across process development, analytical development, manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control, supply chain, and program management. Chimeric utilized Minaris' established autologous CAR-T production workflow as a starting point and collaborated closely with technical teams to tailor the process to its drug product, enabling an efficient progression from development to clinical GMP manufacturing and a streamlined transition into GMP operations.

"Minaris has been a trusted partner across key phases of our program, including the transition from process and analytical development into GMP," said Dr. Rebecca McQualter, CEO of Chimeric Therapeutics. "Their operational reliability and collaborative approach has helped us maintain a tight production and release schedule, supporting consistent delivery of product for patient infusion. The operational results underscore a shared focus on enabling continued progress in Chimeric's ongoing dose study and supporting readiness for subsequent clinical phases."

Inspired by the belief that every child carries a unique light, the exhibition reveals how they perceive the world through their thoughts, senses, and imagination, expressed in deeply emotional artworks. It not only celebrates their latent talents, but also serves as a journey recording each child’s resilience and quiet determination. Even the smallest light is precious, unique and radiant in its own way.

Unlike previous years, the exhibition goes beyond paintings, showcasing creativity through meticulously handcrafted pieces from the “Small Hands, Big Creations” workshop. These works represent an early step in helping children envision their future paths.

Students made scented candles at the “Small Hands, Big Creations” workshop

The exhibition features nearly 50 artworks from eight special education schools and centres nationwide, curated by visual artist Ngo Dinh Bao Chau. Alongside the artworks are handicrafts pieces made by the children themselves, contributing to a rich and multisensory journey for the visitors.

The exhibition also introduces special picture books from the “Paint Our Angels’ Wings” competition – a picture book for children with disabilities creation contest. Interactive activities are also organised, offering the community a more in-depth understanding of how the children perceive and express their inner world.

The exhibition is a part of the “Our Better Angels” initiative, initiated by Lawrence S. Ting Foundation in 2022, with the aim of raising community awareness about children with disabilities in Vietnam – while serving as a bridge that allows their stories to be embraced and understood.

The exhibition will take place from April 24 to 30 at Crescent Mall - 101 Ton Dat Tien street, Tan My ward, Ho Chi Minh City. It will also be held from July 1 to 5 at Complex 01 – No. 29, Lane 31, Alley 167 Tay Son, Hanoi. Admission is free and open to all.

The Lawrence S. Ting Foundation was established in 2005 as a local NGO in Vietnam, with a mission to improve the quality of life for people in need through education and healthcare programmes.

Japanese charity fund presents wheelchairs to Da Nang disabled The Japan Foundation for Social Contribution Fund on March 3 presented tens of wheelchairs to disabled people in the central city of Da Nang.

For disabled people, IT a great help in doing business HCM City-Information technology is helping everyone including people with disabilities in Vietnam change their lives and the way they do business, delegates told a recent conference in Ho Chi Minh City.

SCG brings safe and healthy new year to Ba Ria-Vung Tau School for Disabled Children Nearly 300 students at Ba Ria-Vung Tau School for Disabled Children have greeted the new school year with a special celebration brought by SCG, focusing on health and safety as well as interesting project-based activities to hype up their passion for study.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh said that if science creates new knowledge, and technology creates new tools, then innovation is the bridge that transforms knowledge and technology into products, services, and practical value.

“In recent times, Vietnam's system of policies and laws on science, technology, and innovation has been perfected, contributing to the formation of institutional conditions for the national innovation system. Strategic technology development programmes are focusing on foundational areas such as AI, big data, biotechnology, new materials, and new energy, demonstrating a clear shift from technology adoption to proactively mastering and developing technology,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh. Photo: MST.

This year, the MST chooses two themes: “Innovation - Breakthrough Action, Spreading Results”, and “Innovation - Transforming Faster and Stronger to Turn Ideas into Value, Aspirations into Reality”.

These themes focus on shifting from awareness to decisive action, creating concrete results with the potential for widespread impact in society; while asking acceleration, improved organisational capacity for implementation, and shortening the process from idea to application and commercialisation.

A key focus of this year's celebration is encouraging the role of stakeholders in the national innovation system. In particular, research institutes, universities, and the scientific community play a core role in creating new knowledge, developing core technologies, training high-quality workers, and providing scientific arguments for development.

Photo: MST

The business community sits at the centre of the system, absorbing, mastering, and commercialising technology while embedding innovation in production and business practices. It is expected to proactively commission research, take part in testing, and lead the adoption of new solutions and products.

For state agencies, the role extends beyond institution building to leading and organising effective implementation. This includes identifying development challenges across industries and localities through the lens of science, technology, and innovation, and coordinating resources to deliver tangible, broad-based results.

Addressing the event, Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, said the UN’s Global Digital Compact calls for closing divides, expanding inclusion, and guiding innovation responsibly. In Vietnam, she noted, this vision aligns closely with Party Resolution 57, which places science, technology, and innovation at the core of national development.

Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam. Photo: MST.

“UNESCO’s work on AI and culture already shows us how technology can converge with responsibility. In Vietnam, initiatives like the Hanoi Creative City programme demonstrate how youth, policymakers, and creators are shaping a more human-centered future for AI,” she said.

“But creativity does not thrive in isolation. It flourishes in ecosystems where governments, businesses, academia, and communities – especially young people – work together. The Global Digital Compact encourages this collaboration. Resolution 57 gives it national momentum. Together, they align global vision with local action.”

As part of the event, the forum on developing the system of innovation centres was organised as a space for exchange and discussion, where participants focused on clarifying the role, organisational model, operating mechanism, and policy implementation for innovation centres in Vietnam.

The forum proposed solutions to enhance the role of these centres as effective intermediary institutions in searching for, connecting, and encouraging the application of innovative solutions, contributing to solving problems of industries, sectors, and localities; providing support services for the application, transfer, and innovation of technology.

Qualcomm names 28 startups for 2026 Vietnam Innovation Challenge Qualcomm has shortlisted 28 startups for its 2026 Vietnam Innovation Challenge, with those selected to receive grants, technical support, and business coaching.

Vietnam announces national strategy for innovative startups With the issuance of a resolution on a national strategy for innovative startups, Vietnam aims to foster a widespread wave of innovative entrepreneurship throughout society.

Vietnam eyes new growth drivers as fiscal policy takes centre stage Vietnam retains strong growth potential but must pivot to innovation-led drivers, with fiscal policy and capital markets set to play a larger role as monetary policy space narrows.

Vietnam and Queensland deepen education ties to power innovation On April 15, the National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), hosted the Education for Innovation Showcase in Hanoi, bringing together around 80 representatives from government agencies, universities, research institutes and businesses across Vietnam and Australia.

The ‘Big 4’ group – encompassing major state lenders Vietcombank, VietinBank, Agribank and BIDV – has mainly cut rates on 24-month deposits.

The ‘Big 4’ account for roughly 50 per cent of total deposits in the banking system. Their coordinated move to lower long-term (24-month) rates is seen as a key signal that could help steer broader interest rate trends.

Deposit rates are edging lower, but mounting pressures are narrowing room for further cuts

Lai Tien Quan, deputy CEO of BIDV, in a recent talk with local media said that in line with directives from the State Bank of Vietnam Governor at a meeting on April 9, BIDV promptly cut deposit rates by 0.5 percentage points.

At the same time, it reduced lending rates by 0.5 percentage points for medium- and long-term loans to help businesses and households lower capital costs, boost production and support economic growth.

As a key state-owned commercial bank, Agribank is committed to stabilising both deposit and lending rates, especially lending rates, said Deputy CEO Phung Thi Binh.

“The aim is to support businesses and individuals in expanding production and business activities, particularly as Vietnam targets double-digit GDP growth in 2026-2030,” she said.

Following the central bank’s guidance, Agribank has cut its 24-month deposit rate by 0.5 percentage points to 6 per cent, per year, down from 6.5 per cent in March.

“The 24-month deposit rate serves as the benchmark for determining our medium- and long-term lending rates,” said Binh, noting that such lending rates were typically adjusted every three months based on the 24-month benchmark plus a set margin.

Addressing views that cutting long-term rates may have limited impact given that most deposits are short-term (under 12 months), Binh said that in practice, depositors still tend to choose longer tenors for higher returns. As such, a 0.5 percentage-point cut in 24-month rates remains meaningful. Meanwhile, short-term deposit rates are already capped by the central bank, leaving most policy room concentrated in longer maturities.

According to Chau Dinh Linh from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, maintaining low interest rates was previously more feasible when the US Federal Reserve paused rate hikes, creating policy space domestically.

“Now the situation has reversed on the global stage,” he said. “US inflation is picking up again, energy prices are under pressure from geopolitical conflicts, and risks such as a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz are making variables increasingly unpredictable.”

The banking system is also facing simultaneous pressures, including monetary policy shifts in major economies, domestic inflation risks, exchange rate pressures, rising credit demand, and increasing non-performing loans – all of which turn policy management into a multi-variable challenge.

“Interest rate movements going forward will depend heavily on the consumer price index, but it will be difficult to see further declines given the mounting pressures,” Linh said.

Pham Chi Quang, head of Monetary Policy Department at the State Bank of Vietnam, said the central bank was deploying policy tools in a coordinated manner. Credit growth is being guided towards a target of around 15 per cent this year, while exchange rates will be managed with a focus on ensuring stability.

“A crucial factor underpinning credit, interest rate and exchange rate management is that the State Bank continues to ensure stable liquidity quietly across the banking system,” Quang said. “Maintaining stability and absolute safety in the banking system’s operations – especially robust liquidity – is the key priority.”

Deposit rate hikes expected to continue as banks compete for liquidity Deposit rates are expected to trend higher in early 2026 as banks compete for liquidity, raising funding costs and creating upward pressure on lending rates, including mortgages.

Banks ramp up plans to establish VIFC subsidiaries Banks are accelerating plans to set up subsidiary banks at the Vietnam International Financial Centre to expand the ecosystem and enhance international competitiveness.

Higher 2026 growth target puts pressure on credit framework Vietnam’s credit growth framework is set to face mounting pressure as policymakers pursue a significantly higher economic growth target in 2026.

T. Mitch Little, CEO of Jadestone said, “The execution of this agreement is a pivotal moment for Jadestone. After years of dedicated effort, we are now in a position to deliver the Nam Du/U Minh development, which will materially strengthen our portfolio while supporting our growth ambitions."

"With all key commercial and technical approvals now in place, and recent key hires into the Jadestone Vietnam project delivery team, we are now focused on rapidly progressing towards the project execution phase. Our near-term priorities are to conclude the bid evaluation for the Floating Production Storage and Offloading and field infrastructure, and award their respective contracts during the second half of this year."

The Nam Du/U Minh discoveries are located offshore southwest Vietnam in shallow waters, with production targeted to commence in late-2028, as per the approved field development plan previously announced on March 18.

The finalised Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) sets out the terms on which gas will be supplied from the Nam Du/U Minh fields offshore Vietnam to PV Gas, a subsidiary of Petrovietnam, the state-owned national energy industry group of Vietnam.

The GSPA features a daily contract quantity (DCQ) of 80 million standard cubic feet per day, or approximately 13,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (gross). Maximum DCQ is set at 110 per cent of DCQ. Take-or-pay is set at 90 per cent of DCQ, equivalent to approximately 26 billion standard cubic feet per year during the plateau period. The wellhead gas price is comparable to historical Vietnam gas imports and subject to fixed annual escalation.

Combined, the Nam Du/U Minh fields contain independently audited gross proven and probable reserves of 32 million barrels of oil equivalent. Jadestone estimates up to 1.5 trillion cubic feet of gross unrisked gas in place from seismically supported prospects within the existing licences, much of which lies near Nam Du/U Minh, representing low-risk upside potential which could extend and/or increase plateau production from the initial development.

EVN and PV GAS agree to supply LNG for Quang Trach power plants Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Petrovietnam Gas (PV GAS) signed a framework agreement on the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Vung Ang LNG terminal in Ha Tinh to the Quang Trach II and III power plants on April 3 in Hanoi.

PV GAS increases capacity of Thi Vai LNG terminal Petrovietnam Gas (PV GAS) on April 7 announced that its logistics subsidiary has successfully completed a trial run to increase regasification capacity of its Thi Vai liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.

Fuel imports rise in first quarter amid global market volatility Vietnam has ramped up fuel imports in the first quarter of the year amid global energy market volatility due to the tensions in the Middle East.

Organised on a large scale, the exhibition reflects Vietnam’s growing role in global supply chains and the development of its mining and construction industries.

The event will span more than 15,000 square metres, featuring nearly 200 companies from 17 countries and territories, along with six international pavilions representing the Czech Republic, Malaysia, India, China, the Netherlands, and others.

The exhibition will showcase a broad ecosystem of technologies and solutions across key areas, including advanced mining equipment and mineral processing technologies, sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure solutions, and automation and digital transformation in management and operations. These innovations are expected to help businesses enhance productivity, reduce costs, and meet increasingly stringent sustainability standards.

Wong Chiang Tat, general director of Informa Markets Vietnam, the organiser of the exhibition, said that over the three-day event, exhibitors will present the latest innovations ranging from high-efficiency smart mining technologies and advanced mineral processing to green construction and emission reduction solutions.

“This participation not only highlights the global challenges facing the industry, but also reflects a growing trend of collaboration and technology adoption, driving Vietnam’s mining and construction sectors towards greater efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness,” he said.

He added that the industries are entering a new phase, with digitalisation, automation, and sustainable development reshaping operations, while international cooperation continues to unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation.

Meanwhile, Phan Xuan Thuy, deputy general director of Vinacomin, noted that the exhibition offers a valuable opportunity for the group to access emerging technology trends, particularly in mine automation, centralised monitoring and control, artificial intelligence, industrial Internet of Things, modern mining equipment, and environmental solutions.

He added that the event also provides a platform for Vinacomin to showcase its capabilities and development orientation to both domestic and international business communities.

“The event will open up practical cooperation opportunities with partners and organisations at home and abroad, contributing to improved operational efficiency and the advancement of Vietnam’s mining industry in a modern and sustainable direction,” Thuy said.

Alongside the exhibition, a series of seminars and specialised activities will be held throughout the three days, covering topics such as international cooperation for sustainable mining, digital transformation in the mining sector, environmental management across the mining lifecycle, and green development and emissions reduction in construction.

FIEs to further explore metal mining

Nui Phao Mining spreads sustainable values to the community

ABeam Consulting introduces 'process mining' to Vietnam

Carrascal Nickel Corporation advances responsible mining and community development in Surigao

LS Eco Energy to invest in Vietnam rare earth sector

Ministry of Construction drafts criteria to assess urban climate resilience

Building stocks draw interest as public investment ramps up

This credit line is intended to finance, through BIDV, the funds necessary for projects related to energy transitions and electricity grids in Vietnam under GREEN operations.

The Vietnamese government announced in 2021 its goal of achieving net-zero emission by 2050 and becoming a high-income country by 2045. By revising the Power Development Plan 8 in April 2025, the government expressed its intention to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in its power generation mix and to expand investment in power transmission lines, as a policy to achieve both economic growth and decarbonisation.

In accordance with the government’s policy, the State Bank of Vietnam has expressed its intention to accelerate providing funds for green finance in the banking sector, while BIDV has committed to becoming net-zero by 2050 and focused on similar initiatives.

Through the credit line, JBIC supports not only efforts made by the government of Vietnam and BIDV to preserve the global environment, but also the procurement of renewable electricity across the supply chains of Japanese companies operating in Vietnam.

In January 2022, the Japanese government proposed the concept of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), a framework to provide support and cooperation for efforts for energy transition by Asian countries by leveraging the strengths of Japanese companies, such as their technology and expertise. Vietnam is an important partner country under the AZEC framework.

In April 2025, the Japanese government and the Vietnamese government agreed to encourage bilateral cooperation projects for energy transitions under AZEC principles. In November 2025, JBIC signed an MoU with BIDV to support decarbonisation in Vietnam. The credit line is in line with the promotion of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

As Japan’s policy-based financial institution, JBIC will continue to support global environmental preservation efforts in cooperation with local financial institutions by drawing on its various financial facilities and schemes for structuring projects and by performing its risk-assuming function.

UK unveils toolkit to boost Vietnam green investment flows The UK has stepped up its support for Vietnam's green transition with the launch of an enhanced Green Investment Partnership.

Coro Energy approved for $20 million solar debt facility Southeast Asian renewable energy developer Coro Energy on April 2 announced that it has received internal credit committee approval from an infrastructure investor in respect to a proposed senior secured debt facility of up to $20 million.

Forum outlines pathways to accelerate green transition The Vietnam-Australia Green Transition Forum 2026, organised in Ho Chi Minh City on April 9, highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between macro policies and business practices to accelerate the nation’s green transition.

The move follows AG&P LNG’s initial acquisition announcement of a 49 per cent stake in 2024 and reflects Nebula Energy’s strong commitment towards Vietnam economic development.

Upon completion of the transaction and regulatory approvals, Cai Mep LNG Terminal Company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of AG&P LNG, with Hai Linh Co., Ltd. fully divesting its shareholding. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and conditions.

Fully constructed and commissioned in 2025, the Cai Mep LNG terminal was originally developed by Hai Linh Co., Ltd. Over the past 12 months, the terminal has been mechanically completed, commissioned and ramped up under the joint stewardship of AG&P LNG and Hai Linh, and now is ready to deliver reliable LNG supply to downstream customers in the South Vietnam market.

The Cai Mep LNG terminal is connected to the nearby Phu My industrial zone and has pipeline connectivity to Vietnam’s largest power generation complex, Phu My, with a gas-fired capacity of 3.9 GW. Strategically located near the Mekong River Delta, the terminal features three onshore tanks with a total LNG storage capacity of 220,000 cu.m, LNG breakbulk capability to reload LNG into smaller vessels, and 14 bays for CNG and LNG truck loading. Well-connected via multiple highways to nearby demand centers, Cai Mep has become a critical node in Vietnam’s emerging LNG-to-power supply chain.

Peter Gibson, chairman of Nebula Energy said, “Taking full ownership of Cai Mep is a defining milestone for AG&P LNG and for Vietnam’s energy transition. Since our initial decision in 2024, the terminal has successfully commenced operations and is now posed for being the key gas infrastructure in South Vietnam’s gas infrastructure."

"Consolidating 100 per cent of Cai Mep allows us to integrate the terminal end-to-end with our LNG supply, shipping, and downstream distribution platforms, and deliver reliable, competitively priced LNG to power plants and industries across the country. We are deeply grateful to Hai Linh Co., Ltd. for their partnership and vision in bringing this terminal to life.”

Le Van Tam, CEO of Hai Linh Co., Ltd., said, “We are proud of what Hai Linh and AG&P LNG have accomplished together at Cai Mep – from completing construction to successful commissioning and commercial operations. As Vietnam’s LNG market enters its next phase of rapid growth, we believe AG&P LNG, as a specialised global LNG infrastructure company backed by Nebula Energy, is ideally positioned to scale Cai Mep to its full potential."

"Divesting our stake allows Hai Linh to redeploy capital into our core petroleum business and our Hiep Phuoc Power Plant, while ensuring Cai Mep continues to serve Vietnam under strong, committed ownership,” he said.

AG&P LNG buys 49 per cent stake in Cai Mep LNG Terminal Singapore-based Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific LNG (AG&P), a subsidiary of US investment and development firm Nebula Energy, has acquired a 49 per cent stake in Cai Mep LNG Terminal located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

Hateco-APM consortium wins $1.76bn Lien Chieu port development in Danang A consortium between Hateco and the Netherlands' APM Terminals will develop the Lien Chieu container port in Danang with an investment of $1.76 billion.

APM Terminals takes 49 per cent stake in Hateco terminal APM Terminals has become a minority shareholder and operating partner at the Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal, joining Hateco Group after three years of development partnership.

ZJK Industrial mainly offers standard screws, precision screws and nuts, high-strength bolts and nuts, turning parts, stamping parts, etc.

ZJK Vietnam Precision Components Co., Ltd. (ZJK Vietnam), incorporated in September 2022, is a key component of ZJK’s global production system and is expected to enhance the company’s manufacturing flexibility and improve cost efficiency.

In December 2023, ZJK Vietnam commenced operations at its factory located in Yen My Industrial Park, Hung Yen. The site offers advantages due to its proximity to Hanoi and major industrial hubs such as Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, which provides access to key transportation routes and economic zones in northern Vietnam.

With localised production, the factory enables ZJK to remain close to key international customers and respond effectively to order demand. This is intended to support the company’s regional supply capabilities and overall global competitiveness, and serves as a key strategic pillar for its long-term sustainable development and revenue growth.

In response to evolving markets and industry trends, ZJK’s senior management has outlined a multi-year plan for ZJK Vietnam’s role within the company’s strategic framework. As a high-tech facility, the factory is expected to focus on R&D and production of precision screws, stamping parts, and lathe parts, which are widely used in sectors such as electronics, communications, AI infrastructure, automotive, and home appliances. ZJK is also strategically allocating resources to the Factory to diversify and balance its overall production capacity.

ZJK management said, “Leveraging over a decade of experience in precision manufacturing, along with Vietnam’s geographic and global supply chain advantages and our localised operational model, we believe the factory is well positioned to benefit from strong demands in electronics, AI infrastructure, communications, and automotive sectors. We expect it to play an important role in the company’s global strategy as we seek to be a trusted provider of metal structural component solutions.”

Japan's Meiko Electronics to construct a new plant in Vietnam Japanese electronics supplier Meiko Electronics will build a new plant to manufacture printed circuit board in Vietnam.

Hoa Phat launches steel pipe manufacturing facility in Tay Ninh On April 18, Hoa Phat Group held the inauguration ceremony for its Hoa Phat Long An Steel Pipe Plant in Tay Ninh, marking a new step in the group’s strategy to expand market share.

Phuc Yen Industrial Park positioned as strategic manufacturing hub A 111-hectare high-tech-focused industrial park near Noi Bai International Airport has broken ground in Phu Tho, as Vietnam expands into emerging provinces to attract higher-value manufacturing investment

The Vietnam-South Korea trade turnover in the first three months of this year reached $26.8 billion, up from $20.7 billion in the corresponding period last year. This included $8.1 billion worth of Vietnamese exports, up 19.6 per cent, and $18.7 billion for South Korean exports, up 34.5 per cent.

The total trade deficit for Vietnam in the period sat at $10.6 billion, up from $7.1 billion in the same period last year.

Vietnam has for many years suffered from a trade deficit with South Korea (see chart). However, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the country remains an attractive destination for South Korean investors, who often import assorted materials for production from their home market into Vietnam, where such materials cannot be produced directly due to a weaker supporting industry.

Last year, both nations’ total trade turnover reached $89.4 billion. Vietnam’s exports to South Korea hit $28.9 billion, accounting for 6 per cent of the former’s total export turnover ($475 billion). Meanwhile, Vietnam’s imports from South Korea stood at $60.5 billion, occupying 13.3 per cent of Vietnam’s total import value ($455 billion).

The key item groups that were imported most from South Korea includes computers and electronics, machinery and equipment, assorted petrol and oil, plastic materials, metals and steel, automobile spare parts, and mobile phone and related spare parts. All these figures recorded an on-year increase.

These imported items do not compete with those in Vietnam, where many of similar items are not produced, and they are all used for domestic production in Vietnam, according to the MoIT.

The two countries are stepping up efforts to reach a target of $150 billion in bilateral trade turnover in a more balanced manner by 2030. According to the MoIT, an expansion in South Korean investment into Vietnam has contributed to a rise in imports from South Korea.

Meanwhile, President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, will pay a state visit to Vietnam during April 21-24. It is reported that this visit will be accompanied by leaders of South Korea’s top conglomerates as they seek business opportunities to hedge against uncertainties stemming from the Middle East crisis and rising protectionist policies.

The South Korean business delegation will likely include representatives from hundreds of companies who will participate in a business forum with Vietnamese companies.

Many major investors are performing well in Vietnam. For example, SK Innovation has recently secured a large-scale project in Vietnam worth $2.3 billion, including the construction of a gas-fired power plant and a liquefied natural gas terminal, as it ramps up its energy infrastructure business.

Samsung Electronics manufactures nearly half of its global smartphone shipments in Vietnam, while Samsung Display’s Vietnam unit also operates in the country. LG Electronics, LG Innotek, and LG Display run global production bases in Vietnam through 12 affiliates.

Hong Sun, a representative from the Korea Chamber of Business in Vietnam, told VIR that Vietnam remains a top player for South Korean investors.

“All major companies from South Korea are already operating in Vietnam. Vietnam is home to over 10,000 South Korean companies employing more than one million domestic workers,” Sun said. “Their investments are largely focused on the manufacturing industry.”

Figures from the Ministry of Finance’s Foreign Investment Agency show that cumulatively as of late March, South Korea was the biggest foreign investor in Vietnam, with about 10,450 valid projects registered at almost $99 billion. In the January-March period, total newly registered and newly added capital and stake acquisition and capital contributions from South Korean investors in Vietnam hit $4.38 billion, up 128.8 per cent on-year.

Vietnam and South Korea have also been enhancing cooperation in industries such as gas-fired power generation, fuel conversion in coal-fired power plants, and the co-firing of hydrogen and green ammonia in thermal power plants. They also agreed to expand the electricity grid and develop smart grid systems.

Both sides have also committed to exploring opportunities for government-business cooperation in the use of critical minerals and to intensifying efforts to attract investment aimed at building critical mineral supply chains.

Ko Tae Yeon, chairman, Korea Chamber of Business in Vietnam On the occasion of the upcoming 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Korea, I would like, on behalf of the South Korean business community, to extend a warm welcome for the state visit to Vietnam by President of South Korea Lee Jae-Myung. Over more than three decades, the two countries have maintained close economic cooperation, with manufacturing at its core. As of 2025, South Korean investment in Vietnam has exceeded 10,000 projects, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of the country’s total foreign direct investment, with cumulative registered capital reaching almost $99 billion. South Korea continues to rank first among 154 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. At the same time, bilateral cooperation has steadily expanded into tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, serving as a clear testament to the strength of partnership and shared prosperity between the two nations. These achievements have brought tangible improvements to the lives of people in both countries. This visit by the South Korean president marks an important milestone to reflect on the long-standing values of cooperation, while also discussing strategic orientations for the future. In the context of an increasingly uncertain global landscape and rapidly shifting economic dynamics, the cooperation model between Vietnam and South Korea needs to evolve beyond its traditional manufacturing-led framework. It should move towards new growth drivers such as digital transformation, green energy, and the development of smart infrastructure. Vietnam’s strategic goals – sustaining high economic growth, reinforcing its middle-income foundation, and aspiring to become a developed nation by 2045 – require a strong focus on advancing high-tech industries. Within this transformation, areas such as upgrading power infrastructure, enhancing logistics systems, and developing smart cities present significant opportunities for deeper collaboration. These are sectors where South Korea’s technological expertise and development experience can make meaningful contributions to Vietnam’s innovation capacity and overall growth trajectory. I expect that this visit by President Lee will not only reinforce existing achievements in bilateral cooperation but also open up more substantive collaboration in advanced sectors. It will contribute to fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem, strengthening people-to-people ties, and broadening cooperation, thereby elevating the relationship to a new level – one defined by genuine partnership for friendship and shared prosperity. As Vietnam and South Korea join hands in building a model of innovation-led development, the two countries are not only shaping a successful bilateral partnership but also setting a benchmark for regional cooperation in East Asia, earning recognition from the international community. I am confident that this visit will serve as a new milestone in bilateral relations, laying a solid foundation for further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.