Speaking at the Ministry of Industry and Trade's conference on encouraging double-digit export growth on June 25, Dinh Quoc Thai, vice chairman and secretary general of the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), said the global steel industry was showing signs of recovery.

According to the World Steel Association, global steel production posted positive growth in the first four months of 2026, reflecting stronger manufacturing activity and rising demand from steel-consuming industries.

Vietnam's steel industry has also experienced a broad-based recovery across the entire value chain, from raw material production to finished products.

Crude steel output reached 2.6 million tonnes in May, up 27.2 per cent on-year, marking the highest growth rate among the world's top 10 steel-producing countries. Output totalled 12.6 million tonnes in the first five months of 2026, up 26.8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Thai estimated that steel production would reach around 14.8 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, up 21.2 per cent on-year, while steel consumption is expected to increase 13.1 per cent to 17.9 million tonnes.

However, steel exports are projected to decline by 4.8 per cent to around 1.79 million tonnes during the same period.

Despite the weaker export performance, the VSA remains optimistic about the industry's overall outlook. Crude steel output is forecast to reach approximately 27 million tonnes in 2026, up 10 per cent from the previous year. Finished steel production is expected to total around 33 million tonnes, while domestic consumption is projected to reach 28 million tonnes.

Steel exports are forecast at around 6 million tonnes for the full year, while imports are expected to decline compared to 2025.

"The combination of higher exports and lower imports is a positive signal," Thai said. "This reflects effective domestic market management, trade policy measures introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the improving ability of Vietnamese steel producers to meet market demand."

Nevertheless, Thai warned that the industry would continue facing significant headwinds in the second half of the year.

Global steel overcapacity is driving an increasing number of trade protection measures in key export markets. The United States, for example, has imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on certain steel products under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, while more trade remedy investigations targeting Vietnamese steel products have also been initiated.

At the same time, tightening greenhouse gas emission requirements and the gradual introduction of carbon border adjustment mechanisms across major markets are creating additional challenges for steel exporters.

Although Vietnam has improved domestic supplies of some raw materials, the country still relies on imports of iron ore, scrap steel and several other key inputs, Thai said.

Despite ongoing challenges arising from the global economic slowdown, prolonged geopolitical tensions and market volatility, the VSA believes Vietnam's economy remains relatively resilient compared to other ASEAN countries, providing a solid foundation for the steel industry's continued recovery.

To support sustainable development, the VSA identified two strategic priorities: protecting the domestic market from surging imports of low-priced steel and accelerating green and digital transformation to meet evolving market requirements.

The association also called for long-term policies to encourage domestic investment and production, alongside early implementation of regulations requiring imported steel products to comply with Vietnamese quality standards before entering the domestic market.

The VSA has also proposed strengthening trade remedy investigations to address unfair competition, while providing greater support for steel producers facing overseas trade defence cases to help maintain and expand export markets.

The association recommended accelerating the development of national technical standards for steel products and enhancing market monitoring and forecasting to enable businesses to respond more effectively to changing market conditions.

Rooftop solar power at VinFast Haiphong Manufacturing Complex, one of the flagship projects developed by SolarBK Group

SolarGATES will become the exclusive distributor of Hopergy's ZAM steel product portfolio in Vietnam, covering cable trays, rooftop walkways, lifeline and safety systems, installation accessories, and structural components.

The two companies will also jointly develop and customise products to suit the technical requirements and operating conditions of solar projects in the country.

The cooperation comes as Vietnam enters a new phase of solar development, supported by policies encouraging self-consumption rooftop solar installations across all sectors.

Alongside installed capacity, demand is rising for high-performance mounting structures that provide long-term load-bearing capacity and corrosion resistance, particularly for industrial rooftop and utility-scale solar projects.

According to the companies, engineering, procurement and construction contractors and industrial investors are increasingly looking for structural solutions that comply with international technical standards while offering cost efficiency, faster installation, and the flexibility to accommodate varying project conditions.

Rather than supplying standard imported products, SolarGATES and Hopergy plan to jointly develop ZAM structural solutions tailored to the requirements of individual projects in Vietnam. Product specifications, including dimensions, thickness, configuration, and installation methods, can be adjusted to suit different rooftop conditions, terrain, and load requirements.

The companies said this approach combines Hopergy's manufacturing capabilities with SolarGATES' local market knowledge and technical support, aiming to deliver solutions better aligned with domestic project needs.

Solar mounting structure solution for industrial rooftop applications developed by Hopergy

The companies highlighted three key customer benefits.

First, products are manufactured to international standards while being tailored to Vietnam's operating conditions, rather than relying on standard global configurations.

Second, they offer extended warranty coverage. Hopergy's ZAM steel cable trays and rooftop walkways, distributed by SolarGATES, come with a 10-year warranty, compared with the two- to three-year coverage typically offered for locally fabricated alternatives after cutting, punching, and forming. According to the companies, the longer warranty reflects rigorous quality control throughout the manufacturing process.

Third, engineering, procurement, and construction contractors, industrial investors, and distributors can work directly with SolarGATES in Vietnam for quotations, inventory, technical support, and warranty services, removing the need to coordinate with overseas suppliers.

Founded in 2007, Hopergy is a vertically integrated manufacturer of photovoltaic mounting systems, spanning design, research and development, production, and distribution. The company holds more than 160 patents and international certifications, including ISO 9001, CE, TÜV, MCS, and AS/NZS 1170. Its automated manufacturing model is designed to enhance both production efficiency and product quality.

SolarGATES, meanwhile, draws on the experience of SolarBK Group to provide local technical expertise and market development support.

The ZAM structural solutions can be applied across a range of solar projects, including commercial and industrial rooftop systems, ground-mounted solar farms, solar carports, and supporting infrastructure such as cable trays and rooftop walkways. The companies said the products are particularly suitable for coastal locations and industrial zones where corrosion resistance is a critical requirement.

Beyond expanding SolarGATES' product portfolio, the partnership is expected to strengthen SolarBK Group's solar value chain by adding structural solutions alongside its existing renewable energy offerings.

According to the companies, structural systems with service lives comparable to the operating life of solar installations can help reduce midlife replacement costs, improve long-term investment returns, and minimise material waste generated by premature repairs or replacement.

One of SolarBK Group's flagship projects, the rooftop solar installation at VinFast's manufacturing complex in Haiphong, demonstrates the growing role of industrial rooftop solar systems in Vietnam, where demand for durable structural solutions is expected to increase as the market continues to expand.

Drawing on insights from more than 47,000 respondents, surveying over 17,000 across Asia-Pacific, including more than 1,000 Vietnamese respondents, the study shows that while travel demand remains strong, behaviour is shifting.

Tourists are becoming more intentional – favouring trusted destinations closer to home, planning with greater care, and placing greater importance on ease, security, and confidence throughout the journey, including how they pay.

This shift is evident in Vietnam’s strong tourism growth trajectory. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reported 10.6 million international arrivals in the first five months of 2026 – the highest on record for the period and already 42 per cent of its 25 million full-year target.

Regional travel patterns are reinforcing this momentum. As travellers opt for short-haul trips that offer value and ease of access, destinations like Vietnam are benefiting from stronger intra-regional flows.

At the same time, the recovery of Chinese outbound travel is expected to accelerate demand, with Vietnam forecast to rank among the top three destinations for Chinese travellers this year, alongside South Korea and Thailand. With Chinese outbound traveller numbers projected to reach 165 to 175 million in 2026, this shift presents a significant opportunity for Vietnam to capture a larger share of regional travel demand.

Policy measures are also supporting this growth. Vietnam’s expansion of its e-visa scheme to allow stays of up to 90 days for travellers of all nationalities is enabling more flexible trip planning and longer stays across multiple destinations.

Across Asia-Pacific, travellers are gravitating towards destinations that offer familiarity, convenience, and confidence – particularly as global conditions remain dynamic.

According to the study, 63 per cent of respondents travelled within Asia-Pacific, significantly ahead of travel to Central Europe, the Middle East and Africa (16 per cent), Europe (13 per cent), and North America (6 per cent).

Among Vietnamese travellers, Japan remains the most visited destination (18 per cent), followed by Thailand at 12 per cent, Mainland China at 10 per cent, South Korea at 9 per cent, and Hong Kong at 7 per cent. Looking ahead, Vietnamese travellers continue to show strong interest in Japan, with 26 per cent of tourists planning visits to Japan in the next 12 months.

Within this broader shift, tourists are also placing greater emphasis on meaningful and immersive experiences. 37 per cent plan trips around local experiences such as food and culture – well above the global average of 29 per cent. One in four travellers are motivated by major live entertainment and sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, and K-Pop.

In Vietnam, this is reflected in rising demand for food-led travel, heritage exploration, and locally rooted experiences. Travellers are increasingly seeking food tours, cultural districts, and destinations beyond major hubs – including coastal cities such as Danang and Nha Trang, alongside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

As the official partner of the MICHELIN Guide 2026 in Vietnam, Visa continues to support the country’s vibrant dining scene through affluent dining propositions and strategic partnerships that connect cardholders to memorable culinary experiences.

With more spontaneous exploration at the destination, how tourists pay becomes an enabler of these experiences. Widely accepted, secure digital payments allow visitors to engage more freely with local businesses – from small eateries and markets to cultural attractions – without the friction of cash dependency.

As travellers become more intentional, planning has become more structured and informed. Beyond flights and accommodation, tourists are increasingly assessing insurance, visa requirements, and local conditions before departure.

Digital tools are playing a growing role in this process. Nearly half (49 per cent) of respondents use AI to discover destinations and ideas, while others use it to curate reviews (41 per cent) and identify local experiences (35 per cent). Vietnamese tourists ranked the highest in Asia-Pacific in saying they were very likely to use AI to plan their next trip.

According to the GTI study, payment considerations are also a key part of pre-trip planning for Vietnamese tourists. Card acceptance is the top concern for 30 per cent of tourists, followed by security at 25 per cent. These priorities highlight the growing expectation for seamless, reliable payment experiences across every stage of travel – from booking and reservations to everyday spending abroad.

In markets like Vietnam, where digital payment adoption continues to expand across urban centres and tourism hubs, this is helping tourists plan with greater certainty. The ability to pay seamlessly and securely – whether through cards or mobile wallets – reduces friction, supports informed decision-making, and enables smoother experiences across the journey.

Overall, 73 per cent of Asia-Pacific tourists bring cards or mobile wallets when travelling, reinforcing their role as essential travel companions.

While tourists are locking in key elements of their trips earlier, they are deliberately leaving room for flexibility once they arrive. 79 per cent book accommodations in advance, while only 51 per cent book experiences ahead of time. 72 per cent of dining decisions and 65 per cent of transport choices are made in-destination. This balance reflects a shift towards more adaptable travel, where structure provides reassurance while flexibility allows for spontaneity and discovery.

“The latest Global Travel Intentions study shows that travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Tourists are becoming more intentional in how they choose destinations, plan their journeys, and spend. As they seek both familiarity and flexibility, seamless and secure payments play an increasingly important role – helping tourists move with confidence while supporting destinations like Vietnam in delivering more connected and rewarding experiences,” said Danielle Jin, chief marketing officer at Visa Asia-Pacific.

Visa and Trip launch global virtual travel card programme Visa and Trip.com entered into a new global agreement designed to make booking and paying for travel more seamless for consumers and partners worldwide on March 17.

Visa Working Capital Index: Asia-Pacific CFOs call for flexible digital finance solutions Findings from the 2025–2026 Visa Growth Corporates Working Capital Index reveal a significant gap between Asia-Pacific companies' working capital needs and the financial tools available.

Visa backs Digital Finance Day 2026 to promote safe digital payments Visa has shown its support for Digital Finance Day, an annual event organised by Tuoi Tre Newspaper under the direction of the State Bank of Vietnam, reinforcing its commitment to advancing safe and inclusive digital payments across the country.

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

• SCG LC3 Structural Cement: Developed from limestone, calcined clay, and specialized additives, this next-generation low-carbon cement reduces CO2 emissions by up to 30–40%. Its production process incorporates up to 40% biomass alternative fuels (such as rice husks and straw) and over 35% renewable energy. This is achieved without compromising any product performance or structural integrity, with its environmental performance independently verified through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
• Rondo Heat Battery: SCG has pioneered ASEAN's first installation of the Rondo Heat Battery at the Ta Luang Cement Plant. Developed in collaboration with Rondo Energy, this breakthrough thermal energy storage solution converts intermittent renewable power into high-temperature thermal energy, storing it at up to 1,500°C in thermal media. With an exceptional energy recovery efficiency of up to 97% and a lifespan exceeding 40 years, the system provides a continuous 24/7 supply of clean heat, supporting the decarbonization of industrial manufacturing processes.

• Refractory Solutions by The Siam Refractory Industry Co., Ltd. (SRIC): As a leading global refractory solutions provider, SRIC showcased its advanced technologies and innovative solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, including:
  1. Anti-Hydration Brick: The world's first Anti-Hydration brick, extending shelf life from 6 to 24 months. This breakthrough innovation helps minimize material degradation, reduce production downtime, and improve overall operational efficiency.
  2. Thermal Media for Heat Battery: Co-developed with Rondo Energy, these high-performance heat storage blocks deliver up to 97% thermal efficiency, enabling reliable 24-hour energy availability and supporting the transition toward cleaner industrial energy solutions.
     • Solar Floating: Installed at the Ta Luang Cement Plant, this floating solar array generates 16.6 million kWh of clean electricity annually, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by over 8,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year. By repurposing the plant's industrial reservoirs, the system optimizes resource efficiency and highlights SCG's integration of green energy into heavy industry.

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

The company's approach focuses on building the foundational technologies required for robots to perceive, reason, act, and continuously improve through interaction with the physical world. By integrating advanced foundation models with robotic perception, control systems, real-world action data, and deployment infrastructure, Striding AI aims to enable intelligent machines to perform useful tasks across commercial, industrial, and everyday settings.

"We believe that breakthroughs in Physical AI emerge from the continuous co-evolution of data, models, and infrastructure." said Song Yao, founder and CEO of Striding AI.

The company takes a systems-first approach to physical AI, integrating foundation models, robot hardware and software, data infrastructure, control systems, and deployment engineering for building scalable service. The company's leadership team includes founders and executives with backgrounds in AI chips, autonomous driving, robotics research, and industrial technology, combining deep technical expertise with experience bringing complex technologies into production environments.

Striding AI plans to begin with practical deployment scenarios in structured environments such as retail, where robots can support tasks including shelf restocking, inventory counting, product organization, and checkout assistance. These environments provide frequent human interaction, repeatable workflows, and rich operational data, making them a strong starting point for developing scalable Physical AI systems.

Over time, Striding AI expects its robotic foundation systems to support broader applications across sectors including retail, food, agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and telecommunications. The capabilities developed in real-world environments, from handling diverse objects and understanding retail shelves to planning and executing complex tasks, are part of an integrated system designed for broader robotic applications.

In early internal testing, Striding AI's human-in-the-loop RL method improved task success rates by up to 3x. To scale this flywheel, Striding AI is building infrastructure for robot pretraining, distributed reinforcement learning, and edge-to-cloud orchestration, creating a platform designed to improve as more robots operate in real-world environments.

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

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

The minister said that Vietnam is developing policies to encourage economic growth based on science, technology, and innovation.

Photo: The MST

Minister Quan proposed that the two sides strengthen cooperation in policies for the development of sci-tech and digital transformation; strengthening expert exchanges and training high-quality workers; and expanding cooperation on data, statistics, science, technology and innovation.

Other areas include encouraging coordination in strategic technology areas such as AI, digital technology, semiconductors, and nuclear energy; supporting Vietnam in successfully organising events on science, technology, and innovation within the framework of APEC Year 2027.

OECD deputy secretary-general Yasushi Masaki said that the OECD considered science, technology, and innovation as one of its top priorities, and appreciates Vietnam's increasingly important role in the ASEAN region as well as in international cooperation mechanisms.

He said the OECD would continue to support Vietnam in implementing the signed MoU, enhancing human resource exchanges, data cooperation, and assisting in the implementation of the recently launched foreign direct investment policy assessment report.

Photo: The MST

Units under the MST also proposed expanding cooperation with the OECD in nuclear safety, participating in expert exchange programmes at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, accessing specialised databases, and strengthening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation indicators according to OECD standards.

The two sides agreed to strengthen policy exchanges on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and encourage cooperation on data, statistics, nuclear energy and human resource development.

They will also coordinate on recommendations from the foreign direct investment policy review report, aiming to pull in high-quality investment flows linked to science, technology, and innovation, and enhancing coordination in preparing for APEC 2027 as hosted by Vietnam.

Vietnam government approves programme on development of digital economy and society With government’s latest approval on development of the digital economy and digital society for 2026-2030, the country is concretising major policies, especially Resolution No.57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of science, technology, and national digital transformation.

New investment model proposed for Hanoi's sci-tech projects Hanoi has all the necessary conditions to create innovations in sci-tech and digital transformation, with five noteworthy advantages.

Innovation expands reach of cultural identity in Hue From AI-powered menus to digitally connected cyclo drivers, Hue is exploring how innovation can bring its cultural legacy to new audiences while preserving the authenticity that makes the former imperial capital unique.

Resolution 10 marks new chapter in Vietnam’s foreign investment strategy Vietnam is overhauling its approach to foreign investment, prioritising quality, innovation and supply-chain integration as the country seeks to strengthen long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

Under the agreements, VEC and its partners will collaborate to develop, co-organize, and expand specialized exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, and international events in Vietnam. The parties will also explore opportunities to create new exhibition brands and attract established global event series to be held regularly at VEC's exhibition and event facilities.

The partnerships with Informa Markets, NC Network, Exporum, Chaoyu Expo, and Vinexad will provide VEC with access to a global network of leading exhibition organizers, enhancing its ability to attract large-scale B2B exhibitions, increase international trade visitor traffic, and maximize infrastructure utilization. The parties will also explore deeper collaboration models, including the joint development and ownership of high-growth exhibition brands in Vietnam, while supporting the international expansion of Vietnamese trade fairs, exhibitions, and event brands.

Through its collaboration with the Vietnam Exhibition & Convention Association (VECA), VEC aims to build strong relationships with the multinational business community in the exhibition industry, expand bilateral trade promotion opportunities, and attract high-level international business delegations to conduct business directly in Vietnam.

Centered around the theme "Strategic Partnerships - Setting Standards - Leading the Future," the signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in VEC's development and reinforces its strategic ambition to co-own and develop a new generation of internationally-recognized exhibition and conference brands. This ecosystem of strategic partners will not only strengthen VEC's capabilities in hosting international events but also enable the organization to participate more deeply in the exhibition and events value chain, from infrastructure operations to the co-creation of high-value exhibition products. At the same time, VEC's partners will gain greater opportunities to expand their business activities in Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing markets, while leveraging the advantages of VEC's large-scale, state-of-the-art exhibition complex.

Speaking at the event, Pham Thi Hien, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Business Development and Marketing at Vietnam Exposition Center, said: "As part of our market development strategy, VEC sees its role as far more than simply providing venue space for events. We aspire to be a strategic partner, working closely with organizers, businesses, and industry associations to attract investment and elevate the scale and standing of specialized exhibitions. We believe today's strategic partnerships will create new momentum for growth, proactively bringing more world-class exhibitions and high-quality business networking programs to Vietnam. Our ultimate goal is to help position Vietnam as a new destination and a strategic connectivity hub for the region."

The signing ceremony comes at a pivotal time for Vietnam's exhibition, events, and advertising industries, which face an urgent need to restructure, enhance competitiveness, and align with international standards. These efforts are expected to contribute to a new era for the country's cultural industries and experience economy.

In the coming period, VEC will continue to establish strategic partnerships with leading domestic and international organizations, launching a series of landmark events that reinforce its role as a national hub for trade, culture, and large-scale events. These initiatives will contribute to positioning Vietnam as one of Asia's premier destinations for exhibitions and events.

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

Website: https://vec.global

Building on last year's momentum, the 2026 Hong Kong delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion, expanding to a record of 41 organisations from HKSTP, including partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time with top five universities spin-offs. This landmark presence showcased Hong Kong's deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential outstanding "First-in-Class" and "Best-in-Class" assets. The delegation underscores the city's leading role as Asia's largest and the world's second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector.

Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, "BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong's groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities—five ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20—Hong Kong's biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the city's innovation ecosystem orchestrator, HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating innovation breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world."

HKSTP and Park Companies Advanced in Cross-border Innovation and Market Expansion

A key highlight of BIO 2026 is witnessing the signing of three major strategic partnerships:

• LabCentral -- HKSTP signed an MOU with one of the largest global non-profit biotech incubators, supporting life sciences startups with high-impact lab infrastructure and scientific community programmes. The collaboration will deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes, events and strategic initiatives. It will also help connect startups, investors, corporate partners and research institutions, creating stronger pathways for cross-border innovation and commercialisation.
• Immuno Cure – the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX – announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026. Leveraging OPIS's full-service, multi-country clinical trial expertise and regulatory knowledge, the partnership will support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework to prepare for international expansion.
• Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs (Over the Counter – Prescription Exempt Medicines) in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology. This is Zhaoke's first strategic MOU in Brazil market. Leveraging its innovative pipeline and Teuto's commercial network in Brazil, the partnership aims to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients while demonstrating the globalisation of Hong Kong-born biotech innovation.

Beyond the BIO 2026 Hong Kong Pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong attended the "Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups" panel sharing session. Mr. Wong shared his insights on cutting-edge biotech trends, Hong Kong's strengths on life and health tech development, and HKSTP's role in building a global bridge for nurturing global startup expansion, sustainable innovation and collaboration.

Furthermore, HKSTP and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms. HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, HKTDC as the supporting organisation, and powered by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, hosted a Global Mixer during the exhibition. Industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms – including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital – were invited to join the judging panel for startup pitching sessions. The Pavilion also featured executive sharing and curated networking events for commercialisation, licensing, partnerships, investment and international market expansion.

Global recognition at Biomedical Pitch Competition

In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP actively drove engagement across the biotech sector and co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. The recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong's biotech pipeline and HKSTP's commitment to translational medicine, commercialisation and globally scalable healthcare solutions.

HK's biotech ecosystem rises to another level

Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world's second-largest biotech fundraising hub. As Hong Kong's flagship innovation and technology ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies and helps innovators turn pioneering ideas into real-world impact. Its ecosystem connects capital, talent, infrastructure and market access across the biotech innovation journey.

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

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

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

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

Skellefteå has emerged as one of Europe’s most closely watched examples of green transition, talent attraction and regional transformation. Once known primarily for its mining, forestry, and energy industries, the city has become a focal point of the global green transition. Large-scale investments in battery manufacturing, renewable energy, sustainable construction, and advanced technology have created an unprecedented demand for skilled workers and international talent.

The Society Expo 2026 attracted great global attention. Photo: SI

The stories of choice

Skellefteå has been focusing on creating an environment where people can build long-term careers and enjoy a high quality of life.

The municipality has invested heavily in housing, schools, transportation infrastructure, cultural amenities, and urban development. New residential neighbourhoods, expanded public services, and modern community facilities have been developed to support population growth.

Such investments help strengthen the city’s brand and contribute to a sense of place that appeals to both domestic and international talent. Many stories of choice have been lengthened here.

Kritika Narang Landström, project leader at Smurfit westrock, now decided to settle down in Skellefteå after years of going around the world. She now also has her own company called Nordic Career Boost which helps internationals with the Swedish job market.

On the sideline of the Society Expo, she told VIR, “When I first came here, I faced a culture shock because it is different from where I came from - New Delhi. There is the language gap and cultural gap. But my love and I decided to look for jobs in the north of Sweden, just because it's very calm, friendly, and peaceful, close to nature, and its core value is to help people, and for the people. I don't see this in other cities.”

“Moreover, this city’s healthcare system is good. I do not pay anything while giving birth. If you live here, you have health insurance with the government.

Sarah Wulan, an Indonesian neuroscientist in mental health for children and a paediatric occupational therapist, has a similar story.

Wulan came to Sweden in January 2026, and then shortly decided to buy a house in Skellefteå. She told VIR that her and husband had already lived in different parts of the world, including Indonesia, the UK, Finland, and Ireland.

“We decided to buy a house in Skellefteå as we thought we had finally found a perfect place. Although it is challenging for me to be fluent in Swedish, I am trying to overcome by taking a Swedish course to participate in many local activities and initiatives,” she added.

Photo: Swedish Institute

These stories highlight the successful integration of international talent into northern Sweden's industrial transformation. By combining high-level engineering careers with purpose-driven side businesses, these professionals not only benefit from the region's strong social infrastructure, including healthcare and community support, but also contribute to its continued development by helping other internationals establish careers in Sweden.

According to the Swedish Institute, the rapid expansion of green industries has created strong demand for skilled labour across northern Sweden. Industrial investment and business growth are expected to generate thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, technology, education, healthcare, construction, and public services.

A key catalyst has been the establishment of large-scale battery manufacturing, which drew global attention and accelerated the municipality's growth ambitions. At the same time, wider investment in renewable energy, mining innovation, forestry, digitalisation, and sustainable infrastructure has further strengthened the region's long-term development.

"Skellefteå has successfully attracted international talent for many years, although we also experienced a turbulent period following the Northvolt bankruptcy. Fortunately, demand for international skills has now returned. Other regions undergoing rapid industrial growth and social transformation can learn from our experience," said Helena Renström, project manager at Skellefteå Municipality.

Magnet for global talent

According to Elin Larsson, international talent attraction strategist at the Swedish Institute, Sweden is working to position itself as a leading destination for skilled professionals to help meet the country's growing labour needs.

"One of the key success factors is increasing global awareness that Sweden welcomes international talent and offers excellent career opportunities. Ultimately, we want companies in Sweden to find the skilled people they need," Larsson said. "We're inviting some of the world's brightest minds to come to Sweden and help build the future we're creating here."

Photo: Swedish Institute

According to the 2026 Global Soft Power Index (GSPI), Sweden continues to rank among the world’s strongest nations in reputation and influence. The GSPI assesses the soft power of all 193 UN Member States, measuring reputation, influence and perceptions across key areas.

This year, Sweden ranks 13^th overall and seventh worldwide in global reputation, performing particularly well in matters of governance, people and values, business and trade, international relations, education and science, and sustainable development.

Christian Biller, Sweden Brand manager, Swedish Institute, said that Sweden’s brand strength varied across markets. For instance, for the Vietnamese, Sweden has the strongest profile, led by low corruption, education, stability, sustainability, and investment appeal. Meanwhile, in Indonesia’s view, Sweden has strength in climate and governance.

“Sweden is more admired than known or influential. Across all the five markets like Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and India, reputation is stronger than familiarity, which suggests untapped potential if Sweden becomes more visible,” he said.

To meet the growing need for skilled labour, the Swedish Institute launched the Team Sweden Talent Attraction network, aiming to strengthen Sweden's position as a career destination for international talent and increase our global competitiveness. Skellefteå municipality takes a place in the expert group that will contribute with strategic guidance.

Photo: Swedish Institute

"We want to share what we've learned from this period of extraordinary population growth and from the challenges that followed when many people lost their jobs. That includes both our successes and the areas where we could have done things differently," said Renström.

While Skellefteå continues to face significant challenges–including pressure on housing, infrastructure, public services, transport networks, and ongoing competition for skilled worker–its transformation demonstrates how a relatively small city can become a global talent hub by combining economic opportunity with a compelling long-term vision.

By placing itself at the forefront of the green transition, investing in quality of life, and embracing international recruitment, the municipality has fundamentally reshaped its demographic and economic trajectory.

On June 22, the SBV issued Official Dispatch No.5386/NHNN-TD providing guidance on lending activities for several key projects.

According to the SBV, it received requests from three companies – Vingroup, Masterise Aviation Infrastructure and Sun Group – seeking permission to exclude credit balances associated with certain projects from annual regulatory credit growth calculations.

The move follows a series of recent decisions by the SBV that have effectively unlocked billions of dollars in funding

The projects proposed for exclusion include those serving the APEC Summit, public-private partnership projects, high-speed railway developments including the Ben Thanh-Can Gio and Hanoi-Quang Ninh routes, as well as projects associated with Gia Binh International Airport.

The total capital requirement for these projects is estimated at $28 billion, with most of the funding demand concentrated in 2026-2028.

The regulator noted that these are strategic national projects with significant spillover effects, regional connectivity benefits and strong government support due to their importance to reaching socioeconomic development goals. To facilitate proactive appraisal and financing by commercial banks, the SBV has issued specific guidance.

Under the new framework, commercial banks that provide financing for these projects will be allowed to exclude newly generated credit balances and annual loan disbursements related to these projects when calculating their annual credit growth limits.

However, participating banks must separately monitor project-related lending and report it to the SBV to ensure that the total credit exposure to project developers, contractors and suppliers involved in implementation does not exceed overall borrowing requirements at any given time.

These banks are also responsible for requiring the three developers to closely manage the credit demand for each venture previously reported and to provide confirmation and commitments that the loans will be used exclusively for project execution, while monitoring total outstanding credit balances for each project.

Regarding lending limits applicable to individual borrowers and groups of relevant borrowers, the SBV acknowledged that financing requirements for these projects are exceptionally large and encouraged commercial banks to arrange syndicated loans.

If the lending amount of an individual bank exceeds regulatory lending limits for a single customer or a related customer group, the bank must report the case to the SBV, which will submit it to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval.

Credit institutions are required to separately track outstanding balances associated with these projects and submit periodic reports to the SBV.

The move follows a series of recent decisions by the SBV that have effectively unlocked billions of dollars in lending capacity, particularly for infrastructure and real estate projects.

On June 22, the SBV issued Circular No.25/2026/TT-NHNN, increasing the maximum proportion of short-term funding sources that can be used for medium- and long-term lending to 40 per cent from July 1, up from the current 30 per cent.

At present, short-term deposits account for 80-90 per cent of total banking system funding, equivalent to about $520-$600 billion. With the higher ceiling under Circular 25, the additional capacity for medium- and long-term lending is estimated at $52-$60 billion.

Earlier, in May, the SBV issued a directive allowing 25 credit institutions to exclude additional lending for social housing, industrial parks and export processing zones from real estate credit growth limits.

It also approved Circular No.08/2026/TT-NHNN, permitting banks to exclude only 80 per cent of State Treasury term deposits from funding sources when calculating the loan-to-deposit ratio, instead of excluding 100 per cent as required under previous regulations.

Commenting on the recent easing of credit growth restrictions, experts believe the SBV is making substantial efforts to support economic growth, although the measures could also increase financial risks.

“With the current objective of achieving double-digit economic growth, existing ‘barriers’ would prevent the banking sector from supplying sufficient resources to support expansion. Loosening risk management requirements can have positive effects by supporting growth, but it also increases the possibility of more severe systemic risks, particularly as the gap between lending and deposit mobilisation continues to widen,” a senior economist said.

Infrastructure stocks poised for growth as Vietnam advances PPP bond framework Vietnam’s planned public-private partnership bond framework is expected to ease long-term funding constraints for infrastructure projects, creating fresh growth momentum for listed infrastructure companies.

Banks face growing constraints on loan rate reductions Although banks have trimmed lending rates following the State Bank of Vietnam’s call for lower borrowing costs, rising funding expenses and stronger competition for deposits are expected to limit further reductions.

SBV proposes raising short-term lending cap to 40 per cent The State Bank of Vietnam has proposed raising the cap on short-term funding used for medium- and long-term lending from 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

Leading the market is Alexander Kleinberg, who joins as General Manager, Singapore at Wonderful. Alexander brings extensive experience scaling technology businesses across the APAC region, through prior leadership roles at Google, Facebook (now Meta), and Twitter (now X), as well as board roles at GovTech Singapore and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore.

"Singapore is a world leader in AI adoption and innovation, with many enterprises and global technology innovators establishing their regional presence here," said Kleinberg. "As organisations accelerate their AI transformation journeys, the challenge is no longer access to technology, but how to turn AI ambition into measurable business outcomes across the enterprise. That requires trusted partners who can work hand-in-hand with enterprises to deploy AI securely, responsibly, and at scale, driving real transformation that delivers lasting value."

Bridging the Gap Between AI Ambition and Execution

Many organisations have successfully launched AI pilots, but scaling those initiatives across the enterprise remains difficult due to fragmented systems, complex integration requirements, and evolving governance considerations. To support enterprises through this transition, Wonderful brings together three complementary capabilities:

• Deep local presence through teams that understand that, for enterprises, localisation is not just about language, but about data sovereignty, regulatory compliance, and local accountability. Working alongside enterprises, Wonderful accelerates AI adoption and transformation that aligns with local business needs, market requirements, and the governance frameworks that matter most.
• Forward-Deployed Engineering teams embedded directly within customer environments to integrate systems, develop AI agents and establish governance frameworks, while progressively transferring knowledge and expertise to enable organisations to independently scale AI across the business.
• End-to-end enterprise AI integration, not narrow use-cases: One platform that spans across customer operations, employee operations, and back-office — built for both engineers and business teams. Skills, tools, and integrations built once become reusable across every agent and channel, so each new use case builds on everything that came before.

Backed by US$300 million in funding, Wonderful operates across 35+ markets, bringing proven AI deployments and implementation experience to organisations in Singapore. Wonderful's platform is already supporting organisations across 12 industry verticals, including the financial services, government, telecommunications, retail, and hospitality sector.

It also enables multilingual deployments, with agents localised for language, cultural context, and regulatory environment in each market, including support for multiple languages and local communication styles.

As Singapore strengthens its position as a global AI hub, Wonderful aims to help enterprises move beyond experimentation and embed AI as a core business capability.

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

See more at wonderful.ai.

The investment is made in the form of convertible dividend preference shares (CDPS) issued by Vinpearl. Jefferies acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Vinpearl on this transaction.

The transaction demonstrates strong confidence from leading global investors in the long-term growth potential of Vinpearl, as well as Vietnam's tourism and hospitality sector.

A representative of SeaTown commented: "Vietnam's tourism and hospitality sector continues to demonstrate long-term growth potential, driven by rising domestic demand and growing international arrivals. As an experienced, long-term investor in Vietnam, we are committed to supporting the market's next phase of development, and view Vinpearl as a well-positioned partner in this dynamic sector."

A representative of VOI commented: "As a capital bridge between Oman, the wider GCC and Vietnam, VOI has been an active investor in Vietnam for many years, with investments across a range of sectors and companies. We see Vietnam as one of the most dynamic economies in the region, with substantial long-term growth potential. Based on that conviction, we are broadening our investment focus into new high-growth areas, and Vinpearl is a flagship example of this strategy. As one of Vietnam's leading hospitality and tourism platforms, Vinpearl is well-positioned to benefit from rising domestic consumption, growing international arrivals and continued sector expansion."

A representative of Vinpearl shared: "We are pleased to welcome SeaTown, OIA and VOI as strategic partners of Vinpearl. This investment not only provides additional resources for our long-term development plans, but also represents recognition from international institutions of Vinpearl's operational capabilities, strategic vision, and growth potential. With the support of reputable global investors, we will continue to enhance our products and services, and contribute positively to the development of Vietnam's tourism industry and the wider region."

Founded and headquartered in Singapore since 2009, SeaTown is a leading Asia-focused alternative investment firm with deep expertise across private and public markets. Owned by Seviora Holdings, Temasek's asset management group, SeaTown is a trusted steward of capital, investing alongside its investors in conviction-driven strategies. As a partner, SeaTown strives to deliver compelling risk-adjusted returns by leveraging its extensive relationship network, decades of investing experience and astute global perspectives.

OIA is the sovereign wealth fund of the Sultanate of Oman, with a mandate to invest globally across diversified asset classes. In Vietnam, OIA invests through VOI, its dedicated investment platform and asset manager. VOI serves as a capital bridge between Oman, the wider GCC and Vietnam. Since its establishment, VOI has deployed significant capital across a range of sectors in Vietnam and continues to broaden its portfolio in high-growth areas.

Founded in 2003, Vinpearl is a leading Vietnamese brand in tourism, hospitality, entertainment and experiences. Over more than two decades of development, Vinpearl operates 60 facilities across 20 provinces and cities. Its ecosystem includes 5-star hotels and resorts with over 17,500 rooms; 16 VinWonders theme parks offering diverse attractions for all age groups; 6 world-class golf courses; and 3 international-standard convention and performing arts centers VinPalace. In addition, it operates 2 semi-wildlife conservation parks, an equestrian academy, and large-scale live entertainment shows in destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, attracting millions of visitors annually.

With a comprehensive and continuously innovating service ecosystem, Vinpearl continues to reinforce its leadership position in the tourism and hospitality industry, enhancing visitor experiences and promoting Vietnam's image on the global tourism map. The company is well-positioned to capture new growth opportunities and strengthen its competitiveness regionally and globally.

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

The delivery represents a major milestone in the project. Following delivery, Rem Ocean has now commenced her voyage from Vietnam to Norway.

The tow began from the Haiphong area on June 17, and the vessel will proceed via Singapore before continuing towards Europe. This journey marks the transition from hull construction to the final outfitting and completion phase.

Once in Norway, Rem Ocean will arrive at Myklebust Verft, where the vessel will be outfitted with all major systems and mission equipment. This phase will transform the hull into a fully operational offshore vessel, ready to deliver on its intended role.

Kristian Stavset, head of Projects at Rem Offshore, said, "The scope of work has been completed to a very high shipbuilding standard. In my assessment, this is among the finest hulls ever delivered to the Sunnmøre region, providing a strong foundation for a smooth and efficient outfitting phase at Myklebust Verft."

Rem Ocean is part of Rem Offshore’s next generation of construction vessels, designed to meet demanding offshore operations while supporting sustainable solutions for the future.

The vessel is designed for demanding offshore operations and is equipped with state‑of‑the‑art technology to ensure reliable and flexible operations in challenging environments. Rem Ocean will operate for DeepOcean under a long‑term charter contract with Equinor, supporting critical subsea operations on the Norwegian continental shelf.

The delivery and departure from Vietnam highlight the strong collaboration between yard, project team, and partners involved in the build. With the vessel now underway, the project continues to progress.

Norwegian Seafood Council on how to elevate Vietnam's food scene With the latest developments between Norway and Vietnam, the seafood dining and trade landscapes are poised for an exciting transformation. Åshild Nakken, new director of the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) in Southeast Asia, scrutinises how Norway's deep blue seas could contribute to Vietnam’s bustling food scene.

Norwegian OSW firms return to Hanoi as Vietnam advances clean energy push Strong Norwegian industry participation at the 2026 APAC Wind Energy Summit signals continued confidence in Vietnam's long-term offshore wind potential.

Plethora of advantages for Norway-Vietnam partnership Norway has advantages in innovative and sustainable solutions in areas such as renewable energy, shipbuilding, and the circular economy. Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken outlined to VIR’s Nguyen Thu the opportunities for cooperation between the two countries and suggestions to draw in more investors.

STARTRADER Lists SpaceX (SPCX) CFD Days After Historic Nasdaq Debut

SpaceX's IPO was the largest in U.S. market history, raising $85 billion through the sale of more than 555 million shares at $135 per share. The stock closed its first session at $160.95, up 19%, with trading volume exceeding 500 million shares.

For STARTRADER, listing SPCX CFD within days of its public debut reflects a core principle: when traders want access, the platform delivers.

Listing a newly public stock at this scale requires coordination across compliance, platform integration, and risk management. Available with 5x leverage and extended trading hours (Monday to Friday, 16:30-23:00), subject to applicable entity conditions, the rapid launch demonstrates STARTRADER's operational readiness.

"When history's largest IPO enters the public market, demand for timely access can be significant. Listing SPCX CFD within days of its Nasdaq debut reflects our focus on providing timely access to newly available instruments." – Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER

SPCX CFD joins STARTRADER's growing asset list, reflecting strong client demand. The infrastructure used for this launch is built to support upcoming high-profile tech listings as they hit the market.

The plot is for the second plant of Coherent in Dong Nai city. The first was opened in July 2025 with the investment of $127 million in Nhon Trach Industrial Park.

The transaction marks a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion in Vietnam, with the project becoming its second in Dong Nai. This strengthens Vietnam’s position as a key manufacturing and innovation hub within its global network.

The lease of ready-built factory space in Dong Nai is one of the market’s notable transactions but also reflects a broader shift in investment preferences towards industrial parks that offer completed infrastructure and immediate operational readiness.

John Campbell, director and head of Industrial Services at Savills Vietnam, commented that while the north remains Vietnam's traditional electronics manufacturing hub, a growing number of electronics and advanced manufacturing companies evaluating opportunities in the wider southern market is seen.

“Coherent's expansion mirrors the confidence of Dong Nai as a destination for sophisticated manufacturing, supported by a skilled workforce, an established industrial ecosystem, and transformative infrastructure projects including Long Thanh International Airport and Ring Road 3,” said Campbell.

Located within the Southern Key Economic Region, KTG Industrial Nhon Trach 2, managed by Boustead & KTG Industrial Management (BKIM), offers high-quality RBF solutions supported by modern infrastructure and excellent regional connectivity, including access to Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Lai Port, and the future Long Thanh International Airport.

This strategic location, combined with increasingly competitive industrial fundamentals, continues to position Dong Nai as a preferred destination for high-value manufacturing investment.

Tran Quang Trung, head of Project Development at Boustead and KTG Industrial Management (BKIM), said that Coherent brings world-class standards and highly specialised engineering requirements to its manufacturing facilities.

“Having met these stringent requirements, KTG Industrial is proud to be the trusted sub-developer delivering a premium around 30,000 sq.m RBF for its immediate setup in Dong Nai. We are excited to support the company in fast-tracking production and commencing operations as soon as possible,” Trung said.

Vietnam continues to draw in strong interest from global technology manufacturers, driven by its competitive operating costs, stable investment environment, and integration into global supply chains. Recent expansion plans from high-tech investors highlight a structural shift towards long-term manufacturing commitments rather than short-term opportunistic investment.

Coherent’s latest expansion aligns with this forward-looking vision, particularly across the semiconductor, photonics, and advanced materials ecosystem.

As the country continues to strengthen its position within global production networks, the company’s growing presence in Dong Nai further highlights the province as a destination for technology-driven manufacturing investment.

Coherent Corporation was founded in 1971, originally focusing on materials and optics for industrial lasers. With a long-standing legacy as a vertically integrated manufacturer, Coherent boasts world-class innovation capabilities, products, and clients. Its global footprint spans 130 locations across 24 countries.

Coherent entered Vietnam in 2005, establishing its first factory at VSIP1 Industrial Park in former Binh Duong province, specialising in thermoelectric coolers, technical ceramics, wafers, advanced optics, and laser services.

In the late 2010s, Coherent expanded to the north, and in 2019 inaugurated a facility at Yen Phong Industrial Park (IP) in Bac Ninh province.

In July 2025, the company opened the third plant with the investment of $127 million in Nhon Trach Industrial Park in Dong Nai city.

Coherent is a technology group operating in 20+ countries, delivering advanced components and materials to industries including semiconductors, communications, and industrial manufacturing. The company is listed on the NYSE with a market capitalisation of $74 billion to $82 billion. The company’s valuation surged significantly, driven by a massive boost in AI data centre hardware demand, including optical networking partnerships and a $2 billion equity investment from Nvidia.

KTG Industrial Nhon Trach 2, managed by BKIM in Dong Nai city. Photo: Savills Vietnam

Coherent ramps up Vietnam investment with $127 million Dong Nai factory Coherent has taken a major step in its global growth strategy with the launch of a new high-tech manufacturing facility in southern Vietnam.

Bystronic Acquires Coherent Materials Processing Unit The sheet metal processing company finalised its purchase of Coherent's tools division, expanding into medical technology and semiconductor markets beyond its traditional industrial base.

The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard is designed to enhance visibility into material sourcing and manufacturing processes across the solar value chain, supporting industry efforts to advance responsible and sustainable production practices. All certification audits are performed by independent third-party firms under the defined SSI audit protocol (ingot and cell).

Colin Parkin, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, said, "Achieving SSI Supply Chain Traceability Certification for our ingot and cell manufacturing facilities marks an important milestone in strengthening transparency and accountability across our supply chain. As the industry continues to evolve, we are committed to advancing responsible manufacturing practices and enhancing confidence in the integrity of solar products worldwide."

In 2025, Canadian Solar's Suqian solar cell factory and Baotou ingot factory underwent the SSI ESG assessments and received Silver and Bronze certifications, respectively. The certified sites are publicly listed by the Solar Stewardship Initiative and can be viewed on its official website under Currently Certified Sites.

The announcement coincides with Intersolar Europe in Munich, where Canadian Solar will present its latest technologies and initiatives at booth B2.250.

For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.

HiTHIUM booth

Europe is accelerating its energy transition. As wind and solar installations grow, power systems require more flexible resources. Frequent negative electricity prices, rising grid-balancing pressure and increasing renewable energy consumption needs are driving the energy storage market from short-duration applications toward LDES, making it key infrastructure for power systems with high renewable energy penetration.

To address new requirements for economic performance, safety, reliability and scalable delivery, HiTHIUM has built a technical system from dedicated cells to system integration. At the exhibition, HiTHIUM highlighted the ∞Power 6.9MWh 8h BESS. Based on the world's first 1300Ah cell dedicated to 8h LDES, the system achieves more than 6.9MWh capacity and stable 8-hour output in a standard 20-foot container. With a design life of up to 25 years and support for flexible deployment, it helps reduce station footprint and construction costs. Its low-GWP coolant, anti-leakage design and recyclable structural components support environmental performance, while intrinsic cell safety, battery compartment protection and intelligent BMS management form a multi-layer safety architecture.

HiTHIUM also launched the ∞Power 1022kWh liquid-cooled C&I energy storage cabinet for global commercial and industrial markets. Equipped with HiTHIUM's self-developed ∞Cell 1175Ah large-capacity cell and a 1P272S system architecture, the product has a nominal capacity of 1022.72kWh per cabinet, supports a 0.25P charge and discharge rate, and keeps system DC voltage within 1000V. Through large-capacity cells, high integration, liquid cooling and intelligent energy management, the cabinet improves system integration efficiency, land-use efficiency, installation convenience and lifecycle economics. Compared with conventional multi-cabinet parallel solutions, it can reduce footprint by approximately 32% and achieve capacity density of around 300kWh/m². Designed for international deployment, it uses an environmentally friendly refrigerant, supports a wide operating temperature range, and adopts IP55 protection and C5M anti-corrosion design.

The exhibition also marked the European debut of HiTHIUM's residential energy storage business and the global launch of its new premium residential brand, ARKVOLT. The ARKVOLT portfolio includes three product lines: R30, F8S and L16/L16S. Powered by HiTHIUM's self-developed ∞Cell 587Ah large-capacity cell, the R30 series further optimizes energy density, system efficiency and lifecycle cost for large homes and light C&I applications. The F8S series targets premium whole-home backup, while the L16/L16S series focuses on high returns and flexible expansion, covering home backup to light C&I scenarios. ARKVOLT's global debut marks a strategic extension of HiTHIUM's end-user energy service capabilities, supporting its shift from product globalization to brand globalization and laying a foundation for its global residential energy storage ecosystem.

During the exhibition, HiTHIUM signed strategic agreements with European partners including Turbo Energy, S.A., to deepen local deployment in long-duration storage integrated with AI energy management and C&I applications. Concurrently, HiTHIUM's ∞Power 6.25MWh 4h LDES BESS achieved outstanding performance in large-scale fire tests, earning certification from UL Solutions while also passing TÜV Rheinland's assessment, thereby securing both UL 9540 and IEC 62933-5-2 certifications. This reinforces HiTHIUM's leadership in large–cell and system safety, and providing a solid foundation for global project scaling.

As renewable energy penetration continues to increase, LDES is moving toward large-scale application. HiTHIUM will continue to focus on LDES, technology innovation and global deployment, expanding its integrated portfolio across energy storage cells, systems and full-scenario applications to support global customers and the green energy transition.

Huawei's MWC Shanghai 2026 booth in Hall N1

At MWC Shanghai 2026, David Wang, Huawei's Deputy Chairman of the Board and Rotating Chairman, delivered a keynote speech on how AI is transforming mobile networks, paving the way for the next decade of industry growth.

Over the past 40 years, innovation in mobile technology from each generation to the next has been key to the industry's success. "With each generation, we have pushed the limits of spectral efficiency and performance," said Wang. "Network architecture has gradually flattened, with new application scenarios and services emerging left and right. This has consistently expanded the boundaries of communications, helping carriers translate network capabilities into commercial value."

"As mobile communications enters the age of intelligence, there are six key imperatives that will pave the way for the next decade of industry growth." They include:

• Developing new services and capabilities for future mobile communications systems
• Integrating AI with mobile communications to build three distinct layers of intelligence
• Building network architecture for integrated satellite-ground communications
• Advocating for sustainable and future-oriented spectrum planning and allocation
• Clearly defining the specifications of AI-native core networks
• Exploring new business models and application scenarios for mobile services

Huawei released a wide range of innovations during the event. Regarding services, the company, alongside China's three major carriers, released technological and business innovations in 5G-A high uplink and experience monetization, AI-powered business upgrade, and token monetization. For infrastructure, Huawei launched the AI-centric target network, which helps carriers enhance competitiveness in byte and token monetization. As part of this AI-centric target network, the basic communications network emphasizes a shift from traffic-centric networking to networking for real-time interaction in order to offer users guaranteed connectivity. It also takes advantage of high uplink and downlink, in addition to guaranteed technologies and networks, to deliver high-quality connectivity to users. The computing network emphasizes a shift from traffic transport to network-wide compute scheduling and supply, with the network designed for computing, and connecting to the network being equivalent to accessing compute. The AI computing infrastructure emphasizes high performance and efficiency, as well as support for open-source and open ecosystems.

To date, the number of 5G-A users worldwide has exceeded 100 million. Huawei is now working with global carriers to advance 5G-A experience monetization and make 5G-A an integral part of installed base operations, in a bid to retain mid-range and high-end users, increase average revenue per user (ARPU), and meet user needs for sustainable revenue growth.

High uplink is a key capability of carriers' network infrastructure in the token monetization era. The uplink requirements for mobile AI have grown increasingly prominent: AI glasses can now be used for translation and viewing exhibitions through real-time multimodal interaction, which requires 20 Mbps uplink speeds. This year, leading carriers around the world are moving fast to explore commercial high-uplink services through various capabilities to guarantee peak speeds, latency, and universal speeds in the uplink.

The boom in AI agents is expected to drive rapid growth in token services, which will require ultra-broadband networks that support high uplink, high reliability, and low latency. Upper-6 GHz (U6 GHz) is considered the next-generation golden frequency band for such networks, and the entire industry ecosystem stands ready to adopt it. From the perspective of global collaboration, more than 20 countries and regions have explicitly designated U6 GHz for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), covering nearly 80% of the world's population. In 2026, which marks the commercial debut of U6 GHz, the Middle East is expected to deploy the world's first commercial 5G-A network running on U6 GHz. A few carriers in Hong Kong and Macao of China will also initiate commercial U6 GHz deployment.

Huawei has said they will continue collaborating with carriers in Guangdong, Shanghai, Hebei, and other locations in 2026, to reengineer their B2C and B2H services with AI and create compelling offerings. Looking ahead, this will drive token consumption in areas like smart home assistants, personal communication assistants, and integrated consumer and home services. For the B2B market, the company plans to work alongside carriers to deliver AI computing services centered on the integration of compute and networks, unlocking new avenues of business growth.

Huawei hopes to continue leading the innovative application of AI-native technologies to autonomous networks, and has been working to develop domain-specific intelligence to lay the groundwork for level-4 autonomous networks. This year, Huawei will work with carriers to implement domain-specific intelligence across domains, including wireless network and transmission network, in key regions. The resulting synergy that will be achieved across the maintenance, optimization, energy efficiency, and experience aspects of networks will help carriers enhance both network quality and efficiency. It will also enable them to deliver differentiated products for a range of scenarios like high-speed rail, event venues, and campuses, thereby driving new network momentum.

The partnership brings together Waters Biosciences' advanced flow cytometry and single-cell technologies,¹ including BD FACSDiscover Cell Analyzers, BD flow cytometry reagents with BD Horizon™ Real Dyes, BD Rhapsody Instruments, and BD OMICS-One™ WTA Next Assay and Protein Panels, with IMU's HD analysis and proprietary AI and machine learning analytics, that can reproducibly characterize the immune system in real time, to turn complex immune data into insights at scale across discovery, translational, and clinical research applications.

IMU measures the immune system in unprecedented detail, delivering more than 100 million data points from a single blood sample,² combining HD multiomic analysis with machine learning analytics. IMU is building the world's largest immune dataset,³ with unrivaled access to patient samples and population-wide clinical data, establishing a universal standard for immune profiling.

"Waters Biosciences was the clear partner to help IMU Biosciences scale our HD Immunology platform to the level required for true population-wide immune mapping, given their longstanding leadership in high-throughput flow cytometry and single-cell technologies," said John Baker, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, IMU Biosciences. "Our world-leading immune dataset and proprietary AI analytics will unlock the potential of Waters' best-in-class analytical instruments, accelerating our work to decode the immune system and power the next generation of precision medicine."

Steve Conly, Senior Vice President, Waters Biosciences, Waters Corporation added, "By partnering with IMU Biosciences, we are helping to build the most detailed picture of the human immune system ever assembled at clinical scale. Together, our companies' cutting-edge technologies across instruments, reagents, and informatics will help advance immune profiling into a standardized, universally accessible clinical tool that can be used across the continuum of care for cancer and other diseases, supporting smarter, faster drug development."

The companies intend to pursue additional studies in translational research for novel biomarker discovery to enable clinical applications in flow cytometry. Waters Biosciences and IMU Biosciences presented data at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry (CYTO 2026), demonstrating system-level immune profiling on the BD FACSDiscover A8 Cell Analyzer with a 58-color spectral panel using BD reagents, and integration of high-throughput single-cell multiomics with the BD Rhapsody System.

BD is a trademark of Becton, Dickinson and Company. Waters is a trademark of Waters Corporation or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

To learn more about the relationship between Waters and BD during this transition period, please see our detailed summary: www.waters.com/bdtransaction and https://imubiosciences.com

Abu Dhabi Announces Partnership with MSD to Advance Operational Excellence and Expand Access across the Region

Subject to the completion of implementation activities and applicable approvals, the MSD regional hub is expected to support the distribution of a broad portfolio of products across a number of regional markets. Beyond strengthening regional supply chain resilience, the hub is designed to improve access to innovative therapies and create the infrastructure required to support the commercialization and scaling of next-generation health innovations across the region.

H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, said: "Scientific breakthroughs are emerging faster than ever, yet their ability to improve lives ultimately depends on how quickly and safely they reach the patients who need them. Abu Dhabi built a fully integrated model for intelligent life sciences, connecting advanced research, population genomics, resilient infrastructure and world-class distribution pathways within a single connected ecosystem. MSD's intention to establish its regional hub in Abu Dhabi reflects the strength of this environment and the emirate's role as a trusted partner for global healthcare leaders. For patients across the region, this milestone brings life-saving therapies closer. For the world, it reinforces Abu Dhabi's readiness to scale health innovation and impact globally."

The collaboration demonstrates the convergence between Abu Dhabi's supportive regulatory environment and the strategic requirements of global partners seeking to eliminate supply chain vulnerabilities. Through this alliance, MSD gains direct access to a highly connected, advanced distribution ecosystem, cementing the emirate's role as a secure, regional launch market for next-generation medical solutions.

Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director MSD Gulf Countries, Libya and Egypt, said: "This planned collaboration reflects our shared ambition to strengthen healthcare systems across the region. By combining MSD's global expertise with Abu Dhabi's advanced ecosystem, we aim to enhance resilience and improve how innovation reaches patients."

The announcement forms part of Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention 2026, where the emirate is showcasing its intelligent life sciences ecosystem and partnerships across genomics, gene editing, AI-enabled health innovation, advanced therapeutics and rare disease.

Under the previously contemplated transaction structure, a portion or all of the acquisition consideration could have been satisfied through the issuance of Company shares. Following a comprehensive review of the Company's strategic priorities, capital allocation plans and recent internal development progress, the Company has elected not to proceed with the proposed acquisition and will no longer pursue the previously contemplated stock-based acquisition structure.

Over the past several months, the Company's internal development programs and strategic development partnerships have achieved significant progress across multiple advanced security technology initiatives, including intelligent patrol systems, autonomous patrol vehicle platforms, drone-assisted security technologies, AI-powered command and monitoring platforms, and related intelligent security solutions. These developments have strengthened management's confidence in the Company's internal technology roadmap and reduced the need to pursue external acquisitions to obtain similar capabilities.

To support the Company's disciplined capital allocation strategy while preserving operating flexibility, the Company's controlling shareholder made the decision to provide up to US$4 million in funding support to accelerate the Company's internal development programs focused on intelligent patrol systems, autonomous security technologies, AI-powered monitoring platforms and related next-generation security solutions.

The funding is expected to support product development, testing, optimization, pilot deployments, commercialization efforts and continued technology advancement across the Company's intelligent security platform initiatives.

Quenton Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of Massimo Group, commented:

"Our internal development initiatives have advanced significantly over the past several months. After evaluating multiple strategic alternatives, we believe focusing on our existing intelligent patrol and advanced security technology programs is the best path forward for Massimo and its shareholders.

The commitment from our controlling shareholder reflects confidence in our technology roadmap, development progress and long-term growth opportunities. With this support, we will focus on product development, commercialization and market expansion while maintaining disciplined capital allocation."

Importantly, Massimo is not starting from zero. The Company already has an established nationwide sales network, dealer relationships, distribution channels, operational infrastructure, and manufacturing capabilities across the United States. With its commercial platform already in place, management believes the most efficient path forward is to enhance and expand that platform through advanced security technologies, intelligent patrol systems, autonomous mobility solutions, and AI-enabled security applications.