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    <title>M&A</title>
    <description>M A</description>
    <link>https://vir.com.vn/investing/ma</link>
    <lastBuildDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 04:30:40 +0700</lastBuildDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/the-reverie-saigon-unveils-luxury-mice-travel-package-in-vietnam-159639.html</guid>
			<title>The Reverie Saigon unveils luxury MICE travel package in Vietnam</title>
			<description>Hospitality operator The Reverie Saigon launched a corporate travel strategy combining business convention infrastructure with luxury culinary and cultural experiences in Ho Chi Minh City</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Ho Chi Minh City expands its strategic position as a top regional MICE destination, The Reverie Saigon unveils a luxury approach combining business with Michelin-starred dining, wellness, and bespoke city experiences. Located between Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi, the hotel features 15 venues, including the 618-sqm pillar-free La Scala Ballroom, alongside private yacht cruises, Rolls-Royce tours, and photo excursions, to blend corporate goals with deep destination discovery.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Ho Chi Minh City continues to strengthen its global competitiveness as Asia's top business destination, holding consecutive World MICE and World Travel Awards for Best MICE Destination, Leading Business Travel Destination, and Leading Festival &amp; Event Destination (2023 - 2025). Capitalizing on this momentum, the city has introduced a dedicated support policy through 2030 for qualifying MICE groups to boost international arrivals and integration of business events with accommodation and leisure.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Alongside these policy developments, Ho Chi Minh expands its MICE infrastructure through Tan Son Nhat Airport's Terminal 3, operational Metro Line 1, and Metro Line 2 construction. Coupled with an enriching urban landscape of architecture, history, gastronomy, and Saigon River journeys, the city enables planners to easily integrate corporate agendas with authentic destination experiences.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Within this landscape, The Reverie Saigon - a member of The Leading Hotels of the World - curates a seamless MICE journey of meetings, dining, and personalized hospitality. Occupying the building's upper floors, its accommodation offers generous proportions, Italian-inspired interiors, and commanding city views.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"Today's MICE travellers expect more than an efficient agenda. They seek meaningful destination experiences, opportunities to reconnect and lasting memories," said Gerd Kotlorz - General Manager. "At The Reverie Saigon, we bring these elements together to transform a business gathering into a highly personalised journey through the city."</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Accommodating diverse event formats, The Reverie Saigon offers 15 venues led by La Scala Ballroom, San Carlo, and Amber &amp; Jade. Beyond meetings, guests can recharge at The Spa and outdoor pool, or experience curated dining. Headline venues include Long Trieu, holding one Michelin Star for three consecutive years (2024–2026), Café Cardinal, The Long @ Times Square, and The Reverie Boutique, alongside convenient access to MICHELIN Selected Vietnam House Restaurant.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Extending the journey into Saigon, cultural landmarks like the City Opera House and Central Post Office sit steps away. Supported by a Golden Keys-certified Head of Concierge, the hotel offers bespoke experiences - including Saigon River yacht cruises, Rolls-Royce city tours and photo excursions - forging a deep connection with the city.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Here, a meeting can lead into a Michelin-starred dinner, a conference can conclude with a private journey along the Saigon River, and an incentive programme can become an intimate encounter with the culture and energy of Saigon.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">At The Reverie Saigon, business is only the beginning.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">For more information, please visit thereveriesaigon.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/the-reverie-saigon-unveils-luxury-mice-travel-package-in-vietnam-159639.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:47:20 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/koike-malaysia-wins-fast-enterprise-award-at-apea-2026-159656.html</guid>
			<title>Koike Malaysia wins Fast Enterprise award at APEA 2026</title>
			<description>Industrial firm Koike Malaysia won recognition in the Fast Enterprise category at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards 2026 regional ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="legendSpanClass">KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 28, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Koike (M) Sdn Bhd was recognised under the Fast Enterprise category at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2026 Regional Edition by Enterprise Asia, with PR Newswire as the official news release distribution partner, while its Managing Director, Na Chin Teong, received the Master Entrepreneur award, recognising the leadership and entrepreneurial vision that have driven the company's transformation from a modest industrial operation into one of Malaysia's most diversified and respected business groups.</p>    <p>Established in 1992, Koike Malaysia has grown from its beginnings in industrial packaging into a multi-industry enterprise with operations spanning automotive manufacturing and assembly, precision engineering, industrial packaging, logistics and warehousing, global sourcing, semiconductor-related manufacturing, retail distribution, and advanced industrial solutions. Through strategic diversification, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to innovation, the Group has built a resilient business ecosystem with operations and partnerships extending across multiple Asian markets, including Japan, <span id="spanHghltbaff">Hong Kong SAR</span>, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.</p>    <p>At the centre of this remarkable evolution is Na Chin Teong, whose entrepreneurial journey has shaped Koike Malaysia's growth trajectory over the past three decades. A graduate of Waseda University, Japan, Na began his professional career with Koike Corporation before returning to Malaysia in 1992 with the vision of establishing Koike Malaysia. Starting with a small logistics and industrial packaging business, he expanded the company by identifying new opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and continuously adapting to changing market conditions.</p>    <p>Under Na's leadership, Koike Malaysia has evolved into a diversified business group comprising more than ten companies across multiple industries. The Group has achieved annual turnover exceeding RM600 million, strengthened its regional presence, established relationships with more than 200 global business partners, and oversees the movement of over 1,000 shipping containers annually through its logistics operations.</p>    <p>Beyond financial growth, Na has consistently championed a people-centred leadership philosophy, recognising that sustainable success is built upon capable people, shared purpose, and a strong organisational culture. His emphasis on teamwork, trust, accountability, and continuous improvement has fostered a workforce that supports Koike Malaysia's long-term expansion and resilience.</p>    <p>The dual recognition at the APEA 2026 reflects the success of both Koike Malaysia's accelerated growth and Na Chin Teong's visionary leadership, celebrating a business journey defined by innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to creating sustainable value for the future.</p>    <p>For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/koike-malaysia-wins-fast-enterprise-award-at-apea-2026-159656.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:41:26 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/neopharma-technologies-achieves-iso-certification-for-neovault-diagnostic-platform-159640.html</guid>
			<title>Neopharma Technologies achieves ISO certification for NEOVAULT diagnostic platform</title>
			<description>Medical developer Neopharma Technologies earned ISO IEC 42001 2023 certification for its NEOVAULT artificial intelligence diagnostic platform strengthening operational governance as global deployment expands into healthcare markets</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="legendSpanClass">NEW YORK</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 27, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Neopharma Technologies Ltd ("Neopharma") today announced that it has achieved ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for its Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS), marking an important milestone in the continued global development and deployment of its NEOVAULT® diagnostics and Fit-for-Duty platform.</p>    <p>The certification applies to the design, development, deployment, operation, monitoring and maintenance of Neopharma's NEOVAULT® and myNEO® software solutions, providing an internationally recognised framework for the governance and responsible management of artificial intelligence across the software lifecycle.</p>    <p>ISO/IEC 42001:2023 adds to Neopharma's established security, privacy and compliance framework, which includes ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR and HIPAA. Together, these standards, controls and frameworks strengthen Neopharma's strategy of building NEOVAULT® as trusted digital infrastructure for diagnostic, healthcare and enterprise environments globally.</p>    <p><b>Shaun Melville, Executive Director of Neopharma Technologies, said:</b></p>    <p><i>"Achieving ISO/IEC 42001 certification represents another important step in the global development of NEOVAULT®. As we build digital infrastructure designed to connect diagnostic technologies, organisations and workflows at scale, how artificial intelligence is governed is just as important as the capability of the technology itself. Combined with ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR and HIPAA, this certification further strengthens the governance and compliance foundation supporting NEOVAULT® as our global partnerships, integrations and deployment opportunities continue to expand."</i></p>    <p><b>Gajenddra Raj, Chief Technology Officer of Neopharma Technologies, said:</b></p>    <p><i>"In diagnostics, AI cannot simply be about technical performance. It must operate within an environment where systems are governed, monitored and continuously managed throughout their lifecycle, with security, privacy, traceability and accountability embedded into the architecture. The scope of ISO/IEC 42001 is particularly meaningful because it covers the full lifecycle of NEOVAULT® and myNEO®. This strengthens the technology foundation we are building to support diagnostic manufacturers, healthcare organisations and enterprise partners as NEOVAULT® expands across Fit-for-Duty and broader diagnostic applications globally."</i></p>    <p>NEOVAULT® is designed as a device-agnostic diagnostics and Fit-for-Duty platform capable of connecting diagnostic technologies, testing workflows, laboratories and enterprise systems within a secure and traceable digital environment.</p>    <p>While initial deployments are focused on workplace health and drug and alcohol testing, the platform architecture has been designed to support expansion into broader human health diagnostic applications over time.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/neopharma-technologies-achieves-iso-certification-for-neovault-diagnostic-platform-159640.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:36:49 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/phosgo-launches-mass-produced-solar-electric-bicycle-series-on-indiegogo-159647.html</guid>
			<title>PHOSGO launches mass produced solar electric bicycle series on Indiegogo</title>
			<description>Mobility manufacturer PHOSGO launched the Go5 solar electric bicycle series integrating 200W solar panel capacity to provide up to 140 miles of total range div id gtx trans style position absolute left 537px top 20px div</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="legendSpanClass">SHENZHEN, China</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 27, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- PHOSGO, a pioneering clean-tech mobility brand, today announced the official global launch of its groundbreaking Go5 Solar E-Bike Series on Indiegogo. Designed for camping, long-distance touring, and multi-day outdoor exploration, the Go5 Series addresses one of the biggest limitations of conventional e-bikes: access to reliable charging when riders travel beyond the grid. It represents the world's first mass-produced solar-powered electric bicycle series built for global consumer markets.</p>    <p>Following the VIP reservation phase, the Go5 Series is now available to backers in eligible countries and regions, with introductory Super Early Bird pricing starting at $1,899.</p>    <p><b>Redefining Outdoor Mobility: "Ride the Sun"</b></p>    <p>The name PHOSGO combines the Ancient Greek word "Phôs," meaning light, with the English word "Go," representing movement, exploration, and freedom. Together, the name reflects PHOSGO's vision of turning sunlight into energy for mobility beyond the reach of conventional charging.</p>    <p>For riders traveling through campsites, rural roads, and remote destinations, access to a wall outlet can be limited or unpredictable. PHOSGO integrates proprietary solar panels directly into the wheel structure, allowing the Go5 Series to capture supplemental energy while riding and while parked in sunlight. The result is a mobile, solar-assisted energy system designed to reduce charging stops and extend outdoor journeys.</p>    <p><i>"Outdoor mobility should not be limited by the location of the next wall outlet," said John Wang, Founder &amp; CEO of PHOSGO. "The Go5 Series is designed for riders who camp, explore, and travel beyond the grid. By harvesting solar energy during the journey and at camp, it reduces charging anxiety and gives riders greater freedom to go farther."</i></p>    <p><b>Years of Breakthrough Engineering</b></p>    <p>The official release of the Go5 Series culminates a nine-year research and development journey in advanced photovoltaics. To ensure maximum durability and energy conversion on moving wheels, PHOSGO engineered three core innovations:</p>    <ul type="disc">  	<li>Next-Gen Back-Contact (BC) Solar Architecture: The Go5 Series uses BC solar cells with a rated conversion efficiency of over 26%. With all electrical contacts located on the rear of the cells, front-side shading from metal contacts is reduced.</li>  	<li>Structural Solar Wheel &amp; Conductive Hub Technology: Four wheel-integrated solar panels provide up to 200 W of peak solar capacity. PHOSGO's proprietary Conductive Hub Technology reliably transfers electricity from the rotating wheels to the e-bike's electrical system.</li>  	<li>Dual-Mode Charging Architecture: Managed by an intelligent MPPT solar controller, energy is dynamically allocated - assisting the motor to reduce battery consumption while riding, and automatically recharging the battery when parked under the sun.</li>  </ul>    <p><b>Two Models Built for Outdoor Exploration</b></p>    <p>The Go5 Series is designed first for campers, outdoor travelers, adventure riders, and long-distance explorers, while also providing practical solar-assisted benefits for everyday riding.</p>    <p><b>PHOSGO Go5 Ultra</b></p>    <p>Built for demanding terrain and long-distance exploration, the Go5 Ultra is equipped with a premium Bafang M430 mid-drive motor rated at 750 W, delivering up to 150 N•m of torque and speeds of up to 28 mph in the US configuration.</p>    <p>Powered by a 720 Wh battery using LG cells, it offers an estimated base range of up to 90 miles. With solar recovery during a multi-day trip under favorable sunlight and defined riding conditions, the combined riding distance before the next plug-in charge can reach approximately 140 miles, supporting up to three days of outdoor travel.</p>    <p>Gear shifting is handled by an eight-speed Shimano drivetrain with electronic shifting.</p>    <p><b>PHOSGO Go5 Pro</b></p>    <p>Designed for weekend camping, day trips, and lighter outdoor exploration, the Go5 Pro features a Bafang M430 mid-drive motor rated at 500 W, delivering up to 140 N•m of torque and speeds of up to 20 mph in the US configuration.</p>    <p>Powered by a 480 Wh battery using LG cells, it offers an estimated base range of up to 60 miles. With solar recovery during a multi-day trip under favorable sunlight and defined riding conditions, the combined riding distance before the next plug-in charge can reach approximately 110 miles, making it well suited to weekend camping and shorter outdoor trips.</p>    <p>Gear changes are seamlessly managed by a durable Shimano 8-speed drivetrain.</p>    <p><b>From Campsites to Daily Commutes</b></p>    <p>At a campsite or during an extended outdoor stop, the wheel-integrated Solar Wheel Charging System can continue harvesting energy while the bike is parked in sunlight. On the move, the system supplies supplemental energy that can reduce battery consumption. Together, these modes help outdoor riders spend more time exploring and less time planning around charging locations.</p>    <p>For city riders, the same system can also reduce plug-in charging frequency. Based on a typical 20-mile daily round-trip commute and up to 17 miles of daily solar recovery, the Go5 Pro can enable up to 20 days and the Go5 Ultra up to 30 days of commuting without plugging in under favorable conditions.</p>    <p>The Go5 Series will also be offered in regional configurations. EU versions use compliant 250 W pedal-assist systems with motor assistance limited to 25 km/h. Australian configurations will be supplied in accordance with applicable state and territory regulations.</p>    <p>Both models integrate a full-vehicle CAN bus communication system and smart IoT modules (4G, GPS, Bluetooth).</p>    <p>Through the PHOSGO mobile app, riders can view key battery and ride data, track the bike's location, and activate an electronic motor lock. The bike's built-in 4G, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity also supports anti-<span>theft</span> alerts and connected services.</p>    <p><b>Official Launch Pricing &amp; Global Availability</b></p>    <p>The Go5 Series is available for backing in eligible countries and regions starting today with limited-time launch discounts:</p>    <ul type="disc">  	<li><b>PHOSGO Go5 Ultra: MSRP $3,799 | Super Early Bird: $2,499</b></li>  	<li><b>PHOSGO Go5 Pro: MSRP $2,799 | Super Early Bird: $1,899</b></li>  </ul>    <p>Both the Go5 Ultra and Go5 Pro will be offered in Step-Over and Step-Through frame styles. For each model, the Step-Over and Step-Through versions are offered at the same price.</p>    <p>To back the campaign or learn more, visit PHOSGO's Indiegogo page.</p>    <p><span id="spanHghlt4adc">Website: www.phosgo.com </span></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/phosgo-launches-mass-produced-solar-electric-bicycle-series-on-indiegogo-159647.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:29:51 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/huawei-secures-leader-position-in-gartner-enterprise-storage-report-159654.html</guid>
			<title>Huawei secures Leader position in Gartner enterprise storage report</title>
			<description>Research firm Gartner named technology company Huawei as a Leader in its 2026 Magic Quadrant evaluation covering enterprise storage hardware and software platforms</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="legendSpanClass">SHENZHEN, China</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 28, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- The tech analyst firm Gartner<sup>®</sup> has released the "Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Storage Platforms, 2026". Huawei has earned a spot in the Leaders Quadrant, the only non–North American vendor to do so.</p>    <p>Huawei OceanStor Data Storage continues to advance technological innovation, leveraging a high-efficiency and unified AI data platform, excellent capacity density and energy efficiency, and future-proof data resilience to comprehensively meet the diverse needs of enterprise use cases.</p>    <p>Huawei Data Storage operates in more than 150 countries and regions. It serves a wide range of customers across Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, including those in the financial, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, government, and public utilities sectors.</p>    <p>To learn more about Huawei storage products and solutions, visit https://e.huawei.com/en/products/storage</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/huawei-secures-leader-position-in-gartner-enterprise-storage-report-159654.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:19:12 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/novogene-establishes-first-australian-genomics-laboratory-at-cabrini-health-159648.html</guid>
			<title>Novogene establishes first Australian genomics laboratory at Cabrini Health</title>
			<description>Multi omics provider Novogene partnered with Cabrini Health in Melbourne to build its first Australian laboratory accelerating diagnostic turnover times for local oncology researchers and patients</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legendSpanClass">MELBOURNE, Australia</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 28, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Global multi-omics leader Novogene is establishing its first Australian laboratory at Cabrini Health, bringing advanced genomic capabilities closer to Australian patients and researchers, reducing the wait for genomic test results that can inform cancer treatment decisions, and accelerating access to personalised treatment and precision diagnostic testing.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">The joint laboratory will be strategically located within the clinical and cancer research precinct at Cabrini Malvern. Expected to open in 2027, it will become Australia's first genomics laboratory co-located within a private hospital.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Novogene's expansion into Australia marks a significant boost to Victoria's precision medicine capabilities, bringing industry-leading expertise, technologies and workflows in high-throughput sequencing and advanced multi-omics.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Cabrini's cancer services deliver approximately 30,000 treatments and 4,000 diagnoses each year, while its clinical trials program provides patients with access to innovative new therapies across approximately 100 active trials. By integrating genomic testing within the clinical environment, the laboratory is expected to enable faster turnaround from biopsy to genomic results, supporting more timely clinical decision-making and treatment initiation.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Professor Gary Richardson OAM, Group Director of Cabrini Research, Neil Beauglehall Endowed Chair of Medical Oncology Research, and medical oncologist at Cabrini Health, said the collaborative service with Novogene would deliver significant immediate and long-term benefits for patients.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"The laboratory will allow us to provide genomic results within days and connect patients more rapidly with effective treatment options, including access to clinical trials," Professor Richardson said.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"For our cancer patients, particularly those living with rare and complex cancers, that means faster access to potentially life-saving treatments. Looking ahead, the knowledge we generate from this genomic information will help us develop new diagnostic tools and targeted therapies that will redefine how we deliver care to patients with cancer."</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">The precision oncology program underpinning the new laboratory has been made possible with the support of philanthropic and government investment.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"We've been fortunate to secure significant investment, including a $10 million grant from the PMF Foundation and a $5 million Australian Government grant, to establish a precision oncology program that will help patients access genomic testing and personalised treatments," Cabrini Chief Executive Sue Williams said.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"Together with Novogene, this clinically integrated service will improve the quality of our cancer services and position Cabrini as a national leader in precision oncology."</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Justin Lee, Vice President of Novogene Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), said Cabrini's leadership in cancer care and research, together with its close connections to universities and healthcare consortia across Melbourne, made it an ideal location for Novogene's first Australian laboratory.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"Building our first Australian laboratory at Cabrini Health represents an important milestone in Novogene's long-term commitment to Australia," he said. "By bringing our advanced genomics and multi-omics capabilities closer to Australian clinicians, researchers and patients, we aim to enable deeper collaboration and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into meaningful clinical impact. We will also strengthen our local presence by hiring and training Australian talent, establishing a robust quality management system, and fostering stronger local collaborations that leverage Australia's world-class clinical research ecosystem."</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Dr Olivia He, Country Director of Novogene Australia, said the laboratory would strengthen Novogene's ability to support healthcare and research partners across Australia.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"Establishing this capability in Melbourne is an important step in strengthening our presence and bringing us closer to the clinicians and researchers we work with," she said. "It will enable faster, more responsive support and deeper collaboration as precision medicine continues to advance. With this local capability, we can better support clinical trials and pursue joint development with our Australian partners."</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;"><span>For more information, visit </span><span><span>amea.novogene.com</span></span><span>.</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/novogene-establishes-first-australian-genomics-laboratory-at-cabrini-health-159648.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:14:37 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/kazia-therapeutics-launches-proposed-public-offering-of-ordinary-shares-159650.html</guid>
			<title>Kazia Therapeutics launches proposed public offering of ordinary shares</title>
			<description>Oncology company Kazia Therapeutics initiated a proposed public equity offering to fund clinical advancement across its pipeline of targeted cancer and anti tumour therapies</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">SYDNEY, Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kazia Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: KZIA) ("Kazia" or the "Company"), an oncology-focused biotechnology company developing therapies that selectively reprogram cancer biology, restore anti-tumor immunity and overcome treatment resistance, today announced that it has commenced a tranched registered public offering (the "Offering") of (i) American Depositary Shares ("ADSs"), each representing five hundred (500) ordinary shares of the Company, no par value per share, or in lieu of ADSs to certain investors, pre-funded warrants to purchase ADSs, (ii) accompanying Series A Warrants to purchase ADSs (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof), which are exercisable immediately at an exercise price equal to 115% of the initial public offering price per ADS and accompanying Warrants and expire upon the earlier of 30 days following the Company's Stage IV triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) data readout, expected in the second half of 2027, or the five-year anniversary of issuance, and (iii) accompanying Series B Warrants to purchase ADSs (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof), which are exercisable immediately at an exercise price equal to 125% of the initial public offering price per ADS and accompanying Warrants and expire upon the earlier of 30 days following the Company's HR+/HER2- data readout, expected in the first half of 2028, or the five-year anniversary of issuance. All of the securities in the Offering are to be sold by Kazia.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Leerink Partners and Guggenheim Securities are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the proposed Offering. BTIG, Needham &amp; Company and Laidlaw &amp; Company are acting as co-managers for the proposed Offering. The proposed Offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the Offering may be completed or as to the actual size or terms of the Offering.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Kazia intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering primarily to fund clinical development of paxalisib, including ongoing and planned studies in triple-negative breast cancer and HR+/HER2- breast cancer and other oncology indications, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">The ADSs and warrants are being offered pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-294392), which was previously filed with and subsequently declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Offering will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus that form a part of the registration statement. A copy of the preliminary prospectus supplement relating to and describing the terms of the Offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available for free on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may also be obtained, when available, from Leerink Partners LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, 53 State Street, 40th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, or by telephone at (800) 808-7525, ext. 6105, or by email at syndicate@leerink.com, or from Guggenheim Securities, LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 330 Madison Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017, telephone: (212) 518-9544, email: GSEquityProspectusDelivery@guggenheimsecurities.com.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the Offering, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/kazia-therapeutics-launches-proposed-public-offering-of-ordinary-shares-159650.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:09:30 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/xiaomi-launches-redmi-note-17-pro-max-with-10000mah-battery-159646.html</guid>
			<title>Xiaomi launches REDMI Note 17 Pro Max with 10 000mAh battery</title>
			<description>Smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi launched the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max 5G globally featuring a 10 000mAh battery engineered to deliver three days of operational power per charge</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="legendSpanClass">BEIJING</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 27, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Xiaomi today unveiled REDMI Note 17 Series, expanding its best-selling lineup with four new models, including the first-ever Pro Max variant. Featuring larger batteries, fast charging, REDMI Titan Quality, flagship-grade experience, and a bold new design, the series delivers a new level of long-lasting reliability in the mid-range segment, responding to today's user demand for longer device lifespan and staying true to REDMI's vision of a smartphone built for years.</p>    <p>"REDMI Note Series has continually made premium products more accessible, and delivered premium quality across every product we make," says Anne Wang, REDMI marketing director at Xiaomi International. "Guided by that focus, it has earned the trust of users around the globe throughout its 12-year history, with more than a dozen generations and over 500 million shipments worldwide."</p>    <p>The newly launched REDMI Note 17 Series builds on that foundation with a six-year "built for years" commitment spanning battery longevity, security patch updates, and sustained system smoothness, setting a higher standard for long-term reliability. Built to REDMI Titan Quality standards, the REDMI Note 17 Series takes every hit and comes out looking untouched. The entire series has received TÜV SÜD certification for long-lasting battery performance, while the Pro models further raise the bar as the industry's first devices to receive TÜV SÜD 5-star Titan Quality Certification across battery performance, drop resistance, and water resistance.</p>    <p>Leading the series, REDMI Note 17 Pro Max 5G is equipped with a 10,000mAh Silicon-Carbon Battery that delivers up to three days of use on a single charge and provides a full day of power in just 20 minutes of charging under Boost Mode, backed by 100W HyperCharge and up to 27W wired reverse charging. REDMI Note 17 Pro 5G features an 8,340mAh battery with 67W HyperCharge, while REDMI Note 17 5G and REDMI Note 17 come with a 7,700mAh battery and 45W turbo charging. Supported by a smart battery management system, the series is designed to retain battery health for up to 6 years of use.</p>    <p>For everyday durability, the two Pro models feature REDMI Titan Structure with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance, 2-meter water resistance tested for 72 hours, and Wet Touch Technology 2.0. Certified for 3-meter drop resistance by SGS, they are built with Corning<sup>®</sup> Gorilla<sup>®</sup> Glass Victus<sup>®</sup> 2 and a flagship-level internal architecture to handle accidental drops and daily wear.</p>    <p>The series also introduces a refreshed aesthetic with a redesigned camera module, a flat display, gently rounded corners, and a dual-finish back panel, while the Pro models feature an upgraded mid-frame design for a smoother in-hand feel. The Pro Max model further stands out with an exclusive photochromic Cloud Blush finish, adding a distinctive touch to the design.</p>    <p>Beyond that, the series delivers flagship-grade experiences across display, performance, and camera. REDMI Note 17 Pro Max 5G features a 6.83-inch display with up to 3,500 nits of peak brightness and 1.5K resolution for bright and vivid content viewing. Powered by Xiaomi HyperAI, REDMI Note 17 Pro Max 5G delivers a more intuitive and efficient AI-powered experience. For photography, the Pro Max model supports true-to-life portrait capture, dual‑video, and 4K recording, alongside AI Creativity Assistant such as AI Glare Removal and AI Erase Pro.</p>    <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><i>* All battery capacities are typical capacity.</i></span></p>    <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><i>* All data is based on Xiaomi internal data and Xiaomi Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.</i></span></p>    <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><i>* The six-year "built for years" commitment covers battery longevity, security patch updates, and sustained smoothness, with specific coverage varying by product model and market. Please refer to official Xiaomi product announcements for market-specific details.</i></span></p>    <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><i>* Features described in this article, including battery capacity, water and dust resistance rating, drop resistance certifications, and battery technology, vary by model and between markets and sales channels. Not all features are available on all models. Please refer to the official Xiaomi product announcements for model-specific details.</i></span></p>    <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><i>*</i> <i>Price and availability vary between markets and sales channels.</i></span></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/xiaomi-launches-redmi-note-17-pro-max-with-10000mah-battery-159646.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:01:30 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/sharon-ai-expands-executive-leadership-team-to-drive-infrastructure-growth-159645.html</guid>
			<title>Sharon AI expands executive leadership team to drive infrastructure growth</title>
			<description>Cloud provider Sharon AI appointed new corporate executives to guide operational scaling infrastructure development and artificial intelligence service delivery across its global client network</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="legendSpanClass">NEW YORK</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 27, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- SharonAI Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SHAZ) ("Sharon AI" or the "Company"), a leading Australian Neocloud and trusted AI infrastructure partner, today announced an expansion of its executive leadership team to support the Company's next phase of disciplined growth and delivery.</p>    <p>The expanded structure establishes dedicated executive accountability across Sharon AI's company-wide operations and AI infrastructure delivery as the Company scales its multi-site, multi-country AI Factory platform.</p>    <p>As part of the leadership expansion:</p>    <ul type="disc">  	<li>David Burns has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for the end-to-end delivery and operation of Sharon AI's expanding AI infrastructure estate.</li>  	<li>Andrew Leece, Sharon AI's current Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder, will move into the dedicated role of Head of Strategic Partnerships and Co-founder, providing founder-level sponsorship across the Company's most important customer, data centre and strategic relationships.</li>  </ul>    <p>The leadership changes reflect the increasing scale and complexity of Sharon AI's operations. Responsibilities previously held within broader roles are being assigned to specialist executives, establishing clear accountability while retaining the experience and institutional knowledge of the leaders who have built the business.</p>    <p>"As Sharon AI grows, we are building the specialist leadership capability required to deliver with discipline and at scale," said James Manning, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Sharon AI.</p>    <p>"These appointments establish clear accountability across operational delivery, infrastructure capacity and strategic partnerships. They strengthen our ability to convert customer commitments and contracted capacity into live AI infrastructure while continuing to build trusted, long-term relationships across our partner ecosystem.</p>    <p>"Andrew has played a central role in building Sharon AI's operating capability and advancing our AI Factory deployments. As Co-founder, his knowledge of our business, customers and partner ecosystem is invaluable. His new mandate will enable him to focus on the founder-level relationships that are critical to Sharon AI's long-term success."</p>    <p><b>Strengthening operational delivery</b></p>    <p>As Chief Operating Officer, David Burns will lead the end-to-end delivery and operation of Sharon AI's multi-site, multi-country AI infrastructure estate.</p>    <p>The role will bring together program management, procurement, the consolidated customer order book and partner-delivered services, with accountability for accelerating the journey from customer order to live operational capacity.</p>    <p>David brings more than 35 years of experience leading and transforming technology, telecommunications and services businesses across Australia, the United States, Europe and Asia. He has held senior executive roles at Telstra and IBM, with responsibility spanning P&amp;L leadership, customer delivery, managed services, infrastructure, transformation and major acquisitions.</p>    <p>Most recently, David served as Group Executive, Telstra Enterprise, where he led the company's Australian B2B and international portfolio. As COO at Sharon AI, he will lead operational strategy and execution, helping the company scale its AI infrastructure platform with a strong focus on delivery, customer outcomes and financial performance.</p>    <p>David Burns said<span id="spanHghlt78a5">, </span>"AI is moving at a pace unlike any technology shift I've experienced in my career, and the opportunity ahead for Sharon AI is significant. What excites me is the challenge of turning that opportunity into execution - building the operational capability, partnerships and discipline needed to deliver for customers at scale.</p>    <p>"Sharon AI has an ambitious strategy and a strong position in a rapidly evolving market. I'm looking forward to working alongside the team to translate that ambition into outcomes for our customers, partners and shareholders."</p>    <p><b>Dedicated founder-level strategic partnerships</b></p>    <p>In his new role as Head of Strategic Partnerships and Co-founder, Andrew Leece will provide executive sponsorship and long-term continuity across Sharon AI's priority customer, data centre and strategic relationships.</p>    <p>The dedicated mandate separates long-term relationship stewardship from day-to-day commercial negotiations and operational delivery, enabling Andrew to focus his experience and founder perspective on partnerships that are central to Sharon AI's growth.</p>    <p>"Sharon AI has reached a point where the scale of our customer commitments, infrastructure pipeline and partner ecosystem requires more specialised leadership," said Andrew Leece, Co-founder of Sharon AI.</p>    <p>"I am proud of the operating capability we have built and the progress we are making across our AI Factory platform. My new role will allow me to focus on strengthening the strategic relationships that underpin our capacity, delivery and long-term growth, while supporting the expanded leadership team as we move into this next phase."</p>    <p>The appointments and leadership changes will take effect from 7<sup>th</sup> September 2026.</p>    <p>For more information, visit www.sharonai.com.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/sharon-ai-expands-executive-leadership-team-to-drive-infrastructure-growth-159645.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:00:45 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/samsung-biologics-announces-3-trillion-won-rights-offering-for-expansion-159651.html</guid>
			<title>Samsung Biologics announces 3 trillion won rights offering for expansion</title>
			<description>Biotechnology provider Samsung Biologics launched a 3 trillion Korean won rights offering to fund long term manufacturing capacity expansion and broaden its global production portfolio</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legendSpanClass">INCHEON, South Korea</span>, Aug. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS) today announced a rights offering to raise an expected aggregate amount of KRW 3 trillion to fund investments in the company's three-dimensional, long-term growth strategy across capacity, portfolio, and geographic expansion.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">The company plans to allocate approximately KRW 2.71 trillion of the offering proceeds toward the planned acquisition of PolyPeptide Group, with the remaining approximately KRW 290 billion designated for the expansion of Bio Campus II.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">In July, Samsung Biologics announced an all-cash offer to acquire PolyPeptide Group for CHF 1.46 billion (approximately KRW 2.71 trillion), a move that will broaden the company's portfolio into peptide-based therapeutics beyond antibodies and ADCs to better meet rapidly growing global demand for diverse modalities.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">Additionally, following the completion of Plant 5 at the company's Songdo Bio Campus II in 2025, Samsung Biologics has been evaluating bringing Plants 6 through 8 online sequentially, boosting its global manufacturing capacity to 1,385,000 liters by 2032.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">"Building on our position as a global top-tier CDMO, this capital raise sets the stage for our next phase of growth," said John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics. "We are confident that executing our three-dimensional growth strategy, including the acquisition of PolyPeptide Group and the expansion of Bio Campus II, will deepen our leadership and create lasting value for shareholders."</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;">The rights offering comprises approximately 2,270,000 new common shares at an offering price of KRW 1,322,000 per share, representing a discount of approximately 15% from the reference price. The total funds, estimated at KRW 3 trillion, represent approximately 4.90% of the company's market capitalization based on the previous trading day's closing price.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">The offering will be made to existing shareholders on a pro-rata basis, followed by a general public offering of any unsubscribed shares. In accordance with Korea's Capital Markets Act, 20% of the new shares will be allocated to the company's employee stock ownership association, with the remainder offered to shareholders proportionally.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">Shareholders who do not wish to subscribe may trade their subscription rights certificates in the market. Any unsubscribed shares will be offered through a general public offering, with any remaining shares taken up by the lead underwriter.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">The securities registration statement will take effect on Sept. 30, with the date for new share allocation set for Oct. 6. The subscription period for existing shareholders will take place Nov. 9–10, followed by the general public offering subscription for any unsubscribed shares on Nov. 12–13. The new shares are targeted for listing on Nov. 30.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">For more information, visit https://samsungbiologics.com/.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/samsung-biologics-announces-3-trillion-won-rights-offering-for-expansion-159651.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:56:08 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/luxshare-precision-achieves-402-percent-revenue-growth-in-first-half-2026-159653.html</guid>
			<title>Luxshare Precision achieves 40 2 percent revenue growth in first half 2026</title>
			<description>Electronics manufacturer Luxshare Precision achieved 40 2 percent year on year revenue expansion during the first half of 2026 driven by targeted investments across data centres and automotive sectors</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="legendSpanClass">DONGGUAN, China</span>, <span class="legendSpanClass">Aug. 28, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd. ("Luxshare Precision" or the "Company") (SZSE: 002475; HKEX: 02475), a global provider of precision intelligent manufacturing solutions, today announced unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2026.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">Revenue increased 40.2% year over year to RMB 174.50 billion, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose 18.0% to RMB 7.84 billion. Net profit attributable to shareholders excluding non-recurring gains and losses increased 6.5% to RMB 5.96 billion. Gross margin expanded by 17 basis points to 11.78%.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">The margin improvement reflected operating leverage and a more diversified revenue mix, with faster growth in Communications and Data Center and Automotive Electronics, both of which carry gross margins above the Company average. Internal innovation, AI-enabled manufacturing efficiency and disciplined cost management also helped absorb pressure from foreign-exchange movements, higher input costs and investment in new businesses.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">"Our first-half performance demonstrates the resilience of Luxshare Precision's diversified portfolio and global operating platform," said Wang Laichun, Chairwoman and General Manager of Luxshare Precision. "We are investing with discipline in areas supported by clear customer demand and defined technology roadmaps, particularly AI-enabled devices, AI infrastructure and intelligent vehicles. Our priorities remain execution, operating efficiency and sustainable value creation."</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Strategic Investment and Financial Discipline</b></p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">Research and development investment increased 43.1% to RMB 6.57 billion, primarily reflecting higher spending on engineering talent, tooling, materials and certification. More than half of the Company's R&amp;D investment supported technology preparation for programs approaching commercialization.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">Capital expenditures totaled RMB 10.27 billion, up RMB 742 million year over year, and were mainly directed toward overseas facility expansion, supporting infrastructure and new product lines. The Company prioritizes investments linked to customer programs, localized delivery and long-term manufacturing flexibility.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">Inventory was RMB 50.37 billion at June 30, 2026, up 19.0% from year-end 2025, below the Company's 40.2% revenue growth. The increase primarily reflected business expansion and strategic material preparation for selected products.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">First-half operating cash flow was an outflow of RMB 2.45 billion, mainly due to seasonal supplier payments and more than RMB 5 billion of strategic inventory preparation. Operating cash flow turned positive in the second quarter, reaching RMB 4.62 billion.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">Foreign-exchange volatility resulted in approximately RMB 1.99 billion of losses on foreign-currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities. Foreign-exchange risk management activities generated approximately RMB 1.30 billion in related gains. Under applicable accounting treatment, these gains were recorded as non-recurring items, while the corresponding losses remained within both disclosed net profit measures.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Growth Across Three Core Businesses</b></p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Consumer Electronics</b> revenue increased 19.3% to RMB 122.48 billion. Luxshare Precision continued to deepen core customer relationships and strengthen its ODM and end-to-end product development capabilities. By integrating expertise across acoustics, optics, electrical systems, thermal management, magnetics and precision structures, the Company is extending its participation from components and modules to product definition, system development and volume manufacturing. Priority areas include AI PCs, smart wearables, AI glasses and intelligent acoustic products.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Communications and Data Center</b> revenue increased 49.7% to RMB 16.61 billion. The Company is building an integrated AI infrastructure portfolio spanning high-speed copper interconnects, optical interconnects, thermal management and power management. Operational progress included volume production of 800G optical products, batch shipments of 1.6T DAC, ACC and AEC products, continued customer introductions for liquid-cooling solutions, and scaled production of DC-DC server power modules. Luxshare Precision is also advancing 224G and 448G copper technologies and next-generation optical architectures.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Automotive Electronics</b> revenue increased 274.1% to RMB 32.39 billion, supported by organic growth, customer program ramps and Leoni's contribution. The Company continued to expand its portfolio across connectors, wiring harnesses, intelligent control systems, smart chassis technologies and powertrain solutions. High-speed connectors and rear-wheel steering products have entered mass production, while intelligent cockpit and advanced driver-assistance platforms are progressing across multiple vehicle programs. Leoni's integration continued to outperform expectations, strengthening global customer access, engineering resources and localized delivery capabilities.</p>    <p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Global Platform and Outlook</b></p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">Luxshare Precision operates across five continents, 29 countries and more than 100 production sites. This network supports localized delivery, customer collaboration and supply chain resilience. The Company's vertically integrated platform spans precision components, functional modules and system-level products, supported by AI-enabled digital tools for quality management, predictive maintenance, production scheduling and standardized global execution.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">For the remainder of 2026, Luxshare Precision will continue supporting consumer electronics product launches and ODM/JDM programs; accelerating commercialization across high-speed interconnects, optical products, liquid cooling and power management; and expanding automotive customer programs while capturing further benefits from the Leoni integration.</p>    <p class="prntal" style="text-align: justify;">The Company will maintain disciplined capital allocation and continue investing in technology, manufacturing capacity and global delivery capabilities that support sustainable, high-quality growth.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/luxshare-precision-achieves-402-percent-revenue-growth-in-first-half-2026-159653.html</link>
			<author>PR Newswire</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:40:06 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/vinfast-expands-vf-8-electric-suv-into-middle-east-159603.html</guid>
			<title>VinFast expands VF 8 electric SUV into Middle East</title>
			<description>Automotive manufacturer VinFast introduced its VF 8 battery electric SUV into Middle Eastern automotive markets targetting regional drivers transitioning to zero emission passenger transport options</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="normalPara">DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2026 – The Middle East's EV market is growing quickly, but it remains far from saturated. Electric car sales in the region reached about 75,000 units in 2025, up more than 40% year on year, according to the International Energy Agency[1]. The UAE alone accounted for almost half of regional EV sales, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar together represented nearly 45% of regional demand.</p>    <p class="normalPara"><img alt="Photo (28).jpg" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/15/801964-photo-28-jpg-1600x106720260828152722.jpeg" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; margin: 0px;" width="1600" /></p>  With more buyers moving from curiosity to consideration, the next question is what makes an EV feel like a natural replacement for a conventional car. For the VinFast VF 8, the answer comes down to three things: SUV performance, a comfort-focused cabin and an ownership package that goes well beyond the showroom.<br />  <br />  <b>SUV performance that means business</b><br />  <br />  The Middle East has a long-standing appetite for SUVs, and the VF 8 speaks that language in electric form. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces up to 402 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque in the Plus version, while the Eco delivers 349 horsepower and 500 Nm.<br />  <br />  The numbers translate into brisk performance, with the VF 8 Plus targeting 0-100 km/h in less than 5.5 seconds and the Eco at 5.9 seconds. Both versions use an 87.7-kWh usable battery, with claimed NEDC ranges of up to 476 km for the Plus and 493 km for the Eco. DC fast charging from 10% to 70% takes a listed 31 minutes.<br />  <br />  Going electric does not require giving up the urge to put your foot down. Actual range and performance will vary with driving style, passengers, load, tires, weather and road conditions.<br />  <br />  <b>A cabin that takes comfort seriously</b><br />  <br />  Performance may get attention, but the cabin is where drivers spend most of their time. The VF 8 comes with a 15.6-inch infotainment display, two-zone automatic climate control, air-quality control and cabin filtration with an air ionizer.<br />  <br />  The Plus adds 12-way powered driver's seat adjustment with heating, ventilation and memory, alongside a heated and ventilated front passenger seat and heated, ventilated and reclining rear seats. A panoramic sunroof, heated power-adjustable steering wheel and 10-speaker audio system with a subwoofer round out the package.<br />  <br />  The technology continues through the companion app, which supports remote vehicle controls, driver profiles, driving statistics and vehicle diagnostics. Over-the-air updates can also deliver software improvements without a workshop visit.<br />  <br />  <b>Ownership support that lasts beyond the test drive</b><br />  <br />  A fast-growing EV market also means buyers are asking practical questions surrounding ownership: charging, servicing, repairs and battery longevity.<br />  <br />  The VF 8 addresses those concerns with a 10-year or 200,000-km vehicle warranty and a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty. The package also includes five years or 100,000 km of free service, 24/7 mobile services and roadside assistance, access to DC fast charging and a parts supply target of 24 hours in key markets.<br />  <br />  VinFast is also expanding the infrastructure behind that promise. At its 2026 Global Business Conference, the company signed MOUs with 29 aftersales partners, including partners serving the Middle East, and set a target of more than 1,100 service workshops globally in 2026.<br />  <br />  For a region where EV adoption is accelerating, the VF 8 arrives with a familiar formula: SUV proportions, plenty of power and a cabin designed for comfort. The electric bit is new; the reasons to want the car are rather more familiar.<br />  <br />  [1] https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2026/trends-in-electric-cars<br />  <br />  https://me.vinfast.com/en  <p>The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.</p>  <img alt="" height="1" src="//track.media-outreach.com/index.php/WebView/483485/9995" style="width:1px;height:1px;" width="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/vinfast-expands-vf-8-electric-suv-into-middle-east-159603.html</link>
			<author>VinFast</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:30:20 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/zte-hosts-hong-kong-delegation-to-advance-manufacturing-digitisation-159586.html</guid>
			<title>ZTE hosts Hong Kong delegation to advance manufacturing digitisation</title>
			<description>Telecommunications vendor ZTE hosted Hong Kong industrial representatives at its Shenzhen headquarters to accelerate cross border digital transformation projects throughout the Greater Bay Area</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SHENZHEN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2026 – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, hosted a delegation of the Shenzhen Advanced Technology and Smart Manufacturing Delegation, jointly organized by the Shenzhen Liaison Unit (SZLU) of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong (GDETO), the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI), and its Pearl River Delta Council (PRD Council), for a corporate visit and industry exchange at its Shenzhen headquarters.</p>    <p><img alt="ZTE exhibition hall showcasing self-developed technologies" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/15/image-120260828152314.png" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; margin: 0px;" width="100%" /><br />  <br />  The delegation comprised officials from the Shenzhen Liaison Unit, Hong Kong industrial leaders, and executives from Hong Kong-invested manufacturing and service enterprises. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on key topics including digital transformation of the manufacturing sector in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), 5G industrial applications, and computing infrastructure co-construction, reaching multiple bilateral cooperation intentions.<br />  <br />  At the ZTE exhibition hall, the delegation took a guided tour of core innovations including the self-developed computing server, GoldenDB (distributed database solution), 5G private network solutions for industrials, the Digital Twin Intelligent Factory System, and the GBA cross-border digital service platform. ZTE technical experts demonstrated how these products help traditional manufacturers upgrade production line intelligence and streamline upstream-downstream digital links, sharing multiple case studies of digital transformation for enterprises across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. ZTE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting digital upgrade of the GBA manufacturing sector with its self-developed technological capabilities.<br />  <br />  Following the visit, both sides held a seminar and exchange session. Xie Yinchuang, Chief Technology Officer of ZTE (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., provided a detailed introduction to the company's industrial layout in the GBA. Addressing the transformation needs of Hong Kong SMEs, he promoted end-to-end digital upgrade solutions with diversified options and welcomed Hong Kong manufacturers to leverage ZTE's technological resources for smart upgrading.<br />  <br />  Delegation representatives spoke highly of ZTE's technological strengths. The PRD Council expressed its desire to establish a long-term, regular exchange platform with ZTE, continue organizing study visits for Hong Kong enterprises, and leverage mainland technological innovation resources to help Hong Kong's manufacturing sector rebuild its core competitiveness.<br />  <br />  This visit represents a practical step in deepening Shenzhen-Hong Kong real economy integration. Looking ahead, ZTE will continue to leverage its digital technology advantages, deepen collaboration with Hong Kong's industrial sector, bridge the industrial collaboration channel between Shenzhen and Hong Kong through technological innovation, and build a secure and resilient development foundation with localized digital technologies. The two sides are committed to seizing opportunities presented by the GBA's digital economy and advanced manufacturing development, injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the real economy in both regions.<br />  <br />  http://www.zte.com.cn/global</p>    <p>The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.</p>  <br />  <br />  <br />  <img alt="" height="1" src="//track.media-outreach.com/index.php/WebView/483317/9995" style="width:1px;height:1px;" width="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/zte-hosts-hong-kong-delegation-to-advance-manufacturing-digitisation-159586.html</link>
			<author>ZTE Corporation</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:25:21 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/bad-debt-growth-at-listed-banks-slows-but-asset-quality-risks-persist-159506.html</guid>
			<title>Bad debt growth at listed banks slows but asset quality risks persist</title>
			<description>Bad debt growth at listed banks slowed in the first half of 2026 but rising volume of loans needing attention and persistent irrecoverable debt signal mounting asset quality risks</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As of the end of the second quarter of 2026, Group 5 loans, which are loans giving rise to loss, at 27 listed banks stood at $6.99 billion, up 3.7 per cent from the end of 2025.</p>    <p>The growth rate of Group 5 loans was significantly lower than the 17.5 per cent increase in total non-performing loans (NPLs).</p>    <p>However, this loan group still accounted for a dominant 56 per cent of total NPLs, while Group 2 loans, which are loans needing attention, and off-balance-sheet debt inched up, indicating that asset-quality pressure remains.</p>    <table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/26/14/bad-debt-growth-at-listed-banks-slows-but-asset-quality-risks-persist-translated-20260826142658.jpg?rt=20260826142700" class="__img_mastercms" alt="" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Bad debt growth at listed banks slows, but asset-quality risks persist (translated)"></td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>On the positive side, 11 banks in the observation group reduced their Group 5 loans from the end of 2025.</p>    <p>The sharpest decline was recorded by VietBank, down 48.5 per cent to $44.3 million, while Saigonbank posted a 31.3 per cent decrease to $13.4 million.</p>    <p>VietinBank, representing the large-bank segment, also recorded a significant 21.3 per cent decline in Group 5 loans from the end of 2025, to $624.4 million.</p>    <p>Several banks posted declines of less than 10 per cent. VIB and Eximbank, for instance, reduced their Group 5 loans by 9.7 per cent and 8.8 per cent, respectively, bringing the balances down to $229.7 million and $126.9 million.</p>    <p>PGBank and Vietcombank both recorded declines of 4.2 per cent, to $23.5 million and $333 million, respectively; ACB cut its Group 5 loans by 3.3 per cent to $198.7 million.</p>    <p>Meanwhile, the improvement at Techcombank and ABBank was relatively modest, with their Group 5 loans declining by 0.9 per cent and 0.1 per cent, respectively, to $235.4 million and $22.7 million.</p>    <p>In addition, the settlement of Group 5 loans also contributed significantly to the improvement in loan quality.</p>    <p>The most notable case was VietBank, where total Group 3-5 NPLs fell 27 per cent to $89.6 million at the end of Q2.</p>    <p>At Saigonbank, total NPLs edged down 1.3 per cent to $25.6 million, supported by a sharp 31.3 per cent decline in <a href="https://vir.com.vn/banks-face-growing-bad-debt-risks-amid-rising-funding-costs-158528.html">Group 5 loans</a> to $13.4 million.</p>    <p>In terms of composition, VPBank was one of the few banks where Group 5 loans accounted for less than 30 per cent of total NPLs, at 25.7 per cent.</p>    <p>The decline in Group 5 loans at some banks may have resulted from debt recovery, the disposal of collateral, the use of loan-loss provisions to write off debts.</p>    <p>However, such declines do not necessarily mean that the risks have been eliminated, as some debts may be transferred off the balance sheet after being written off against provisions.</p>    <p>According to Rong Viet Securities (VDSC), system-wide on-balance-sheet NPLs rose to around $12.4 billion at the end of Q2, 2026, up 6 per cent compared to Q1.</p>    <p>However, Group 2 loans rose to more than $8.48 billion, pushing the Group 2 loan ratio from 1.23 per cent in Q1 to 1.37 per cent at the end of Q2.</p>    <p>VDSC said the continued high level of net non-performing loan (NPL) formation in Q2 was a consequence of lending rates rising relatively rapidly.</p>    <p>According to VDSC, the increase in Group 2 loans deserves attention as this loan group might serve as an early indicator of NPLs over the following one to two quarters, amid the fact that most banks' provisioning buffers have yet to be strengthened proportionately.</p>    <p>“Asset quality is sending fairly negative signals in the first half of 2026. This is a consequence of lending rates rising relatively rapidly, with yields on loans increasing by around 1-2 percentage points over the past three quarters, directly affecting borrowers' repayment capacity, particularly in the retail segment,” said Do Thanh Tung, manager at VDSC's Research Centre.</p>    <p>Meanwhile, Guotai Junan Securities Vietnam (GTJA) also noted that Group 2 loans were rising faster than NPLs and represented an early warning signal that should be closely monitored.</p>    <p>A total of 15 out of 27 banks recorded an increase in their Group 2 loan ratios in Q2, potentially signalling that credit risks are expanding before fully translating into on-balance-sheet NPLs.</p>    <p>Nevertheless, according to GTJA, Law No.96/2025/QH15, which took effect on October 15, 2025, added the right to seize collateral securing bad debts when the prescribed conditions are met. Decree No.304/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on December 1, 2025, sets out detailed conditions for collateral eligible for seizure.</p>    <p>These regulations strengthen the enforceability of creditors' rights and shorten part of the process for resolving debts secured by collateral, providing greater benefits to banks with legacy NPLs and collateral backed by sound legal documentation and good liquidity.</p>    <p>However, the pace of recovery will still depend on the individual assets involved and the actual required procedures.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vamc-auctions-60-million-bad-debt-as-npl-resolution-hurdles-remain-151109.html"><img alt="VAMC auctions $60 million bad debt as NPL resolution hurdles remain" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/042026/21/11/thumbnail/vamc-auctions-60-million-bad-debt-as-calls-grow-for-market-based-npl-sales-translated-20260421114728.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/vamc-auctions-60-million-bad-debt-as-npl-resolution-hurdles-remain-151109.html" title="VAMC auctions $60 million bad debt as NPL resolution hurdles remain">VAMC auctions $60 million bad debt as NPL resolution hurdles remain</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Vietnam's asset management authority is auctioning a $60 million bad debt portfolio, highlighting persistent challenges in resolving non-performing loans and the need for legal clarity to attract investors.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/banks-build-bigger-buffers-as-bad-debt-pressure-returns-153670.html"><img alt="Banks build bigger buffers as bad debt pressure returns" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/052026/28/15/thumbnail/banks-build-bigger-buffers-as-bad-debt-pressure-returns-translated-20260528152752.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/banks-build-bigger-buffers-as-bad-debt-pressure-returns-153670.html" title="Banks build bigger buffers as bad debt pressure returns">Banks build bigger buffers as bad debt pressure returns</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Banks are sharply increasing loan-loss provisions as rising bad debts, weaker cash flows and mounting property market risks force lenders to prioritise financial resilience over short-term profit.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/banks-face-growing-bad-debt-risks-amid-rising-funding-costs-158528.html"><img alt="Banks face growing bad debt risks amid rising funding costs" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/11/11/thumbnail/banks-face-growing-bad-debt-risks-amid-rising-funding-costs-translated-20260811112741.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/banks-face-growing-bad-debt-risks-amid-rising-funding-costs-158528.html" title="Banks face growing bad debt risks amid rising funding costs">Banks face growing bad debt risks amid rising funding costs</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Banks are facing rising bad debt risks as non-performing and special-mention loans increase, while thinner provisioning buffers and higher funding costs threaten to put pressure on asset quality.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/experts-offer-solutions-on-more-substantive-lending-cuts-158960.html"><img alt="Experts offer solutions on more substantive lending cuts" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/12/15/thumbnail/banks-roll-out-lower-cost-credit-to-boost-businesses-and-priority-sectors-translated-20260812151729.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/experts-offer-solutions-on-more-substantive-lending-cuts-158960.html" title="Experts offer solutions on more substantive lending cuts">Experts offer solutions on more substantive lending cuts</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">As banks face mounting funding costs, liquidity pressures and bad debts, experts have offered solutions to make lending rate cuts more substantive while ensuring credit reaches key growth sectors.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/bad-debt-growth-at-listed-banks-slows-but-asset-quality-risks-persist-159506.html</link>
			<author>Tuyet Thuy</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:10:02 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/domestic-firms-make-efforts-to-dominate-energy-technology-sector-159511.html</guid>
			<title>Domestic firms make efforts to dominate energy technology sector</title>
			<description>As Vietnam seeks to shift its growth model towards productivity technology and innovation domestic companies are being called on to play a greater role in emerging industries em VIR em s Oanh Nguyen spoke with Nguyen Van Thien deputy general director of domestic BESS manufacturer GG Power about the role of local firms in developing Vietnam s energy technology sector</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table align="left" class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width:40%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/26/15/in_article/hdh-395120260826154948.jpg?rt=20260826154959" class="__img_mastercms" alt="" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title=""></td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p><em><strong>What do you consider the key difference between a rapidly growing economy and a developed economy?</strong></em></p>    <p>The difference doesn't simply lie in the GDP growth rate, but in the factors that generate that growth.</p>    <p>An economy can grow quickly thanks to capital, labour, natural resources, or foreign investment capital. However, to become a developed economy, we must shift from participating in the value chain to mastering (leading) a major part of the value chain.</p>    <p>This means that Vietnamese businesses should not only produce products based on available designs, but must gradually master technology, products, standards, brands, markets, and the ability to create added value. I believe that it is the challenge for Vietnam at this stage.</p>    <p>Looking at the battery energy storage system (BESS) industry, it is easy to see that Vietnam can import batteries, inverters, PCS, and BMS and assemble them into a completed system. However, assembling a BESS system does not automatically mean the existence of a domestic BESS industry.</p>    <p>The industry will be formed when domestic firms have the capacity to design systems, integrate hardware and software, master energy management system (EMS)/battery management system (BMS), control quality, establish standards, develop products according to market needs, and ultimately create brands capable of competing in the international market.</p>    <p><em><strong>How will the BESS industry help Vietnam to develop?</strong></em></p>    <p>I believe the energy storage industry is a rare opportunity for Vietnam to enter the high-tech industry, but opportunities don't just appear out of nowhere.</p>    <p>BESS is located at the intersection of many industries, including power, power electronics, batteries, software, AI, control, automation, mechanics, thermal, materials, and IT. Therefore, if it is developed in a correct way, BESS can create a broad industrial ecosystem.</p>    <p>Vietnam currently has a huge demand for electricity as industrialisation continues, while the proportion of renewable energy is increasing. BESS will become one of the important tools to balance power generation and demand, enhance the integration of renewable energy, and increase the flexibility of the power system.</p>    <p>I want to emphasise that the opportunity depends on how much technological capacity Vietnam can build around BESS, rather than how many BESS containers Vietnam can assemble. If we only import cells, import all the equipment, and assemble them, the value retained domestically will be limited. If we gradually cover the system design, BMS, EMS, power conversion system (PCS) integration, thermal management, safety systems, software, control, and lifecycle services, the story will be entirely different.</p>    <p><em><strong>What impact will BESS have on the domestic power industry, manufacturing industry, and industrial supply chain?</strong></em></p>    <p>The impact will be much greater than just selling more batteries. For the power industry, BESS helps increase load adjustment capabilities, integrate renewable energy, and enhance system flexibility.</p>    <p>For manufacturing businesses, BESS helps businesses be more proactive in energy management, reduce costs, and increase the use of renewable energy.</p>    <p>But I am most interested in the third impact, which is the formation of a new industrial supply chain. A BESS system requires cells, modules, packs, BMS, PCS, inverters, EMS, control systems, HVAC (an integrated thermal energy storage air conditioning system), fire protection, containers, mechanical components, cables, switchgear, software, and operational services. If Vietnam develops a sufficiently large market, many domestic firms can participate in this value chain. Then, BESS will no longer be just a story for one company; it will become the story of a new industry.</p>    <p><em><strong>What are the most significant changes you expect in the business environment to enable Vietnamese technology companies to grow?</strong></em></p>    <p>What Vietnamese technology companies like ours most desire is for the market to be one step ahead, and policies must create long-term confidence for investment. Technology companies cannot invest in factories, R&amp;D, and personnel without knowing how the market will operate in the next 5–10 years.</p>    <p>With BESS, the question is not just "whether or not it can be installed," but also how the system will operate, how the value of stored energy will be recorded, how the services that BESS provides to the power system will be priced, and what investment model can attract capital.</p>    <p>When regulations are clearer, banks can assess project cash flows, investors can calculate the IRR, and manufacturing companies can decide on long-term investments. A technology industry can only grow rapidly when businesses see a market that is large and stable enough to invest in first.</p>    <p><em><strong>What makes you believe that Vietnam can create their own technologies and brands?</strong></em></p>    <p>I believe Vietnamese businesses can participate in global value chains, creating their own technologies and brands. Previously, the common question was: "Does this technology already exist in the world?" However, the current question is beginning to shift to: "How much of that technology can Vietnam master?" And even further to: "What technologies can we create that the world needs?"</p>    <p>BESS is a good example. Vietnam doesn't necessarily have to compete with the world's largest corporations in terms of capital size or cell production from the outset. We can start with our strengths, namely understanding the market, system integration, product and service development, software, energy solutions, and rapid response capabilities. Then, we can gradually increase the localisation rate, master the technology, and expand into the region.</p>    <p>I believe that "Made in Vietnam" shouldn't just be understood as a product manufactured in Vietnam. Beyond that, it should be a product designed by Vietnamese people, solving domestic problems, creating value in Vietnam, and ultimately being able to compete in the international market.</p>    <p>That's also how we built GG Power. We didn't simply aim to become a BESS manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Our bigger goal is to build a Vietnamese energy technology enterprise, starting in the Vietnamese market but not stopping in Vietnam. And if we achieve that, the BESS story will be more than just a story about a type of battery. It will be a story about Vietnam's ability to transform technology into a competitive advantage, transform competitiveness into businesses, and transform businesses into part of the national industrial strength.</p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/domestic-firms-make-efforts-to-dominate-energy-technology-sector-159511.html</link>
			<author>Oanh Nguyen</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:07:21 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-urged-to-turn-sustainability-plans-into-action-159523.html</guid>
			<title>Vietnam urged to turn sustainability plans into action</title>
			<description>The first International Conference on Development Economics jointly organised by the University of Economics and Business under Vietnam National University and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture took place on August 26 in Hanoi</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/26/22/in_article/economic-development-in-era-of-sustainable-transformation-20260826225450.jpg?rt=20260826225454" class="__img_mastercms" alt="Economic development in era of sustainable transformation" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Economic development in era of sustainable transformation"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Hoang Khac Lich, vice president of UEB-VNU. Photo: University of Economics and Business</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>Opening the conference, Hoang Khac Lich, vice president of the university, said traditional concepts of development were being fundamentally reconsidered as countries faced climate change, natural resource and biodiversity loss, the energy transition, population ageing, rapid advances in technology and AI, and shifts in global trade and value chains.</p>    <p>For developing economies, he said, the central question was moving beyond “how to grow faster” towards “how to grow better and more sustainably”.</p>    <p>“Growth must be driven by labour productivity, innovation and high-quality human resources; make efficient use of natural resources; strengthen resilience to climate change; and, importantly, ensure that the benefits of development are broadly shared so that no one is left behind,” he said.</p>    <p>For Vietnam, this challenge is particularly significant after more than four decades of economic reforms. The country's ambition to become a developed, high-income economy by 2045, alongside its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, requires fundamental changes to its growth model, economic structure, technology, human resources, resource governance and institutional quality.</p>    <p>A key theme at the conference was the gap between commitments, plans and practical action, particularly in transforming food systems.</p>    <p>Mark Lundy of the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) said Vietnam had already established a relatively comprehensive policy and partnership framework for food system transformation.</p>    <p>He said that Vietnam's National Action Plan for Transparent, Responsible and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation is supported by a partnership involving 49 signatories and five technical working groups. A review for 2023-2026 found that more than 260 activities were being implemented by 53 organisations, while provinces were developing their own plans and testing a monitoring indicator framework.</p>    <p>“We are not short of evidence or plans. The interesting question now is no longer ‘what should we do?’ but ‘why is there so little action happening on the ground?’” Lundy said and identified three conditions that need to be in place simultaneously to close this gap: policy, capacity and finance.</p>    <p>Vietnam already has a relatively clear policy direction, but needs stronger implementation capacity and a practical financial roadmap to translate priorities into concrete budget allocations. “Policy, capacity, finance. If you miss any one of those three, you get a better document, not a better food system,” Lundy said.</p>    <p>Capacity, he added, is one of the most important bottlenecks. Food systems span agriculture, health, trade, environment, education and finance, while institutional structures and training programmes remain largely organised around individual disciplines.</p>    <p>“We train excellent agronomists, economists and nutritionists, but then ask them to solve a problem that sits at the intersection of all those disciplines. We should not be surprised when collaboration does not happen naturally,” he said.</p>    <p>Vietnam and other Asian countries therefore need a new generation of food systems professionals who can look across the entire system, identify leverage points where interventions can deliver multiple benefits, and build long-term partnerships among different stakeholders.</p>    <table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/26/22/in_article/economic-development-in-era-of-sustainable-transformation-20260826225445.jpg?rt=20260826225549" class="__img_mastercms" alt="Economic development in era of sustainable transformation" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Economic development in era of sustainable transformation"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Photo: University of Economics and Business</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>Presentations also highlighted the challenges surrounding resource governance and the allocation of financial resources for sustainable transformation.</p>    <p>Resources ranging from critical minerals to natural capital such as water, land and carbon can become sustainable sources of wealth only when they are transparently governed, properly accounted for and linked to fiscal and institutional frameworks suited to the global energy transition.</p>    <p>Recent research on integrating food, climate and biodiversity systems shows that the three policy areas continue to operate largely in silos. Food system transformation has policy plans but lacks dedicated financial instruments, while climate finance flows remain insufficiently connected to food system objectives.</p>    <p>According to research presented at the conference, around $7 trillion continues to flow annually into activities with harmful impacts, while achieving cross-sectoral Sustainable Development Goals requires an estimated $4 trillion. Spending that contributes to biodiversity loss is also estimated to be 35 times higher than spending on conservation.</p>    <p>The commitment made by 160 countries at COP28 in 2023 to integrate food systems into national climate plans has yet to be fully translated into action. Against this backdrop, Vietnam is seen as one of the countries that has moved to institutionalise the commitment through Decision No.300/QD-TTg, approving the National Action Plan for Transparent, Responsible and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation through 2030.</p>    <p>After three years of implementation, the Food Systems Transformation Partnership has brought together more than 49 domestic and international partners and five cross-sectoral technical working groups, with more than 260 activities implemented during 2023-2026. Son La and Dong Thap are the two provinces pioneering pilot implementation at the local level.</p>    <p>In one session, speakers examined South Korea's experience through four stages of industrialisation, during which its per-capita income rose from around $100 to more than $33,000, drawing lessons for Vietnam as it enters a new stage of development.</p>    <p>The structural risks identified include slowing productivity growth, population ageing, shortages of high-quality workers, limited capacity among domestic enterprises, insufficient innovation capacity and institutional quality that has yet to keep pace with economic development.</p>    <p>Five strategic areas for transformation were proposed: productivity, human resources, domestic industrial capacity, Vietnam's position in global value chains and institutional quality. These priorities were discussed in the context of Resolution No.68-NQ/TW, which identifies the private sector as the most important driving force of the economy.</p>    <p>Another perspective, focusing on multilateral governance, stressed that sustainable transformation requires technical capabilities to be combined with the capacity for collaboration, while ensuring that economic activity remains within ecological limits and that environmental benefits and costs are distributed fairly.</p>    <p>A case study on the development of Cao Bang Province's master plan to 2050 illustrated how this approach could be translated into practice through a four-component growth structure involving the state, the private sector, communities and natural resources and the environment. The model aims to achieve real regional GDP growth of more than 10 per cent annually during 2026-2030 while preserving the province's ecological assets.</p>    <p>Discussions underscored that sustainable transformation is becoming a core requirement of development strategies. For Vietnam, the challenge in the coming period will be to turn policy directions, financial resources and cross-sectoral capacity into tangible changes in its growth model, creating a stronger foundation for rapid, inclusive and sustainable development.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnams-reforms-earn-international-recognition-as-government-reviews-july-performance-158028.html" title="Vietnam’s reforms earn international recognition as government reviews July performance"><img alt="Vietnam’s reforms earn international recognition as government reviews July performance" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/03/17/thumbnail/vietnams-comprehensive-reforms-earn-international-recognition-as-government-reviews-july-performance-20260803172744.png?rt=20260803172746" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnams-reforms-earn-international-recognition-as-government-reviews-july-performance-158028.html" title="Vietnam’s reforms earn international recognition as government reviews July performance">Vietnam’s reforms earn international recognition as government reviews July performance</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/sustainable-development-dialogue-explores-green-and-digital-transition-158301.html" title="Sustainable Development Dialogue explores green and digital transition"><img alt="Sustainable Development Dialogue explores green and digital transition" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/07/10/thumbnail/sustainable-development-dialogue-explores-green-and-digital-transition-20260807100442.jpg?rt=20260807100448" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/sustainable-development-dialogue-explores-green-and-digital-transition-158301.html" title="Sustainable Development Dialogue explores green and digital transition">Sustainable Development Dialogue explores green and digital transition</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/citi-raises-vietnams-2026-gdp-forecast-to-8-per-cent-158785.html" title="Citi raises Vietnam’s 2026 GDP forecast to 8 per cent"><img alt="Citi raises Vietnam’s 2026 GDP forecast to 8 per cent" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/14/14/thumbnail/citi-raises-vietnams-2026-gdp-growth-forecast-to-around-8-per-cent-20260814145435.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/citi-raises-vietnams-2026-gdp-forecast-to-8-per-cent-158785.html" title="Citi raises Vietnam’s 2026 GDP forecast to 8 per cent">Citi raises Vietnam’s 2026 GDP forecast to 8 per cent</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-signals-stronger-investment-led-growth-in-july-159111.html" title="Vietnam signals stronger investment-led growth in July"><img alt="Vietnam signals stronger investment-led growth in July" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/20/10/thumbnail/at2jpg177321581020260820102547.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-signals-stronger-investment-led-growth-in-july-159111.html" title="Vietnam signals stronger investment-led growth in July">Vietnam signals stronger investment-led growth in July</a></td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-urged-to-turn-sustainability-plans-into-action-159523.html</link>
			<author>Nguyen Huong</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:03:57 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/hanoi-to-break-ground-and-inaugurate-16-infrastructure-projects-ahead-of-national-day-159579.html</guid>
			<title>Hanoi to break ground and inaugurate 16 infrastructure projects ahead of National Day</title>
			<description>Hanoi People s Committee sets a plan to break ground and inaugurate 16 works and projects including 11 projects open to traffic and five to start on September 2</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/27/10/in_article/hanoi-to-break-ground-and-inaugurate-11-infrastructure-projects-on-the-occasion-of-the-national-day-20260827102722.jpg?rt=20260827102726" class="__img_mastercms" alt="" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Hanoi to break ground and inaugurate 11 infrastructure projects on the occasion of the National Day"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Hanoi to break ground and inaugurate 11 infrastructure projects on the occasion of the National Day. Source: laodong.vn</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>These initiatives will help complete Hanoi's core infrastructure network, enhance regional and inter-regional connectivity, and serve the capital's development, expansion, and redevelopment.</p>    <p>Among the 11 projects and inauguration works (technical openings), there is the construction investment project of the Hoang Cau - Voi Phuc section (the last route to close the Ring Road 1 system). The section has its starting point at the intersection with Cat Linh - La Thanh - Yen Lang road at Hoang Cau; the ending point at Voi Phuc traffic junction. The total length of the route is about 2,274km, with a cross-section scale of 50m.</p>    <p>Total investment of more than VND7.21 trillion ($288.4 million), with project implementation from 2018 to 2026. Contractors are speeding up construction with many clear changes. Most of the road surface has been formed, many sections have been asphalted, painted, and lane-lined; the green tree and lighting system is being completed.</p>    <p>Besides that, 10 urgent public investment projects in drainage and flood control have a total investment of $223.2 million. The projects span across multiple river basins frequently affected by flooding in the city, from West Lake, Thang Long Boulevard to the To Lich - Ta Nhue river basin and the Yen Nghia area.</p>    <p data-end="356" data-start="0">Five projects and works have commenced, including Component Project 2, involving construction of the Phuc La-Van Phu section of Ring Road 3.5 to Phap Van-Cau Gie Expressway; and the construction of Thuong Tin Station and the National Railway Transport Operations Centre for the Phu Xuyen-Ngoc Hoi section of the existing Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City railway.</p>    <p data-end="715" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="358">The other projects comprise the Ngoc Hoi-Kim Son section of the national railway and Eastern Ring Road project; a project to renovate and enhance the West Lake area and develop a scenic transport route along the lake under a public-private partnership and build-transfer contract; and a multipurpose urban area in Binh Minh and Tam Hung communes.</p>    <p>They are large-scale projects, gradually completing the framework infrastructure system, connecting infrastructure between regions and inter-regions; at the same time, the housing project group plays a role in gradually rebuilding the city, developing and expanding the urban scope.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/champions-unveiled-for-national-u11-football-championship-2026-158284.html"><img alt="Champions unveiled for National U11 Football Championship 2026" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/06/11/thumbnail/picture120260806114129.jpg?rt=20260806114130" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/champions-unveiled-for-national-u11-football-championship-2026-158284.html" title="Champions unveiled for National U11 Football Championship 2026">Champions unveiled for National U11 Football Championship 2026</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">The 2026 National U11 Football Championship – Nestlé MILO Cup concluded at the Dak Lak Indoor Sports Arena on August 5.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/what-limited-grade-a-supply-means-for-occupiers-in-hanois-cbd-158218.html"><img alt="What limited Grade A supply means for occupiers in Hanoi's CBD" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/06/09/thumbnail/what-limited-grade-a-supply-means-for-occupiers-in-hanois-cbd-20260806092617.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/what-limited-grade-a-supply-means-for-occupiers-in-hanois-cbd-158218.html" title="What limited Grade A supply means for occupiers in Hanoi's CBD">What limited Grade A supply means for occupiers in Hanoi's CBD</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Hanoi’s office market is evolving as future Grade A supply becomes increasingly concentrated in emerging business districts outside the city centre. While occupiers now have a wider range of location options, Grade A office space within the CBD remains scarce.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/keppel-advances-its-next-chapter-in-hanoi-158442.html"><img alt="Keppel advances its next chapter in Hanoi" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/10/05/thumbnail/keppel-advances-its-next-chapter-in-hanoi-20260810050229.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/keppel-advances-its-next-chapter-in-hanoi-158442.html" title="Keppel advances its next chapter in Hanoi">Keppel advances its next chapter in Hanoi</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Once known primarily as a real estate developer in Vietnam, Singapore-headquartered Keppel has transformed into a global asset manager and operator, expanding its footprint beyond property into energy, infrastructure, and digital connectivity.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/palladium-hotel-group-launches-asia-pacific-hq-in-vietnam-158795.html"><img alt="Palladium Hotel Group launches Asia-Pacific HQ in Vietnam" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/14/18/thumbnail/re-dsc-564020260814183844.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/palladium-hotel-group-launches-asia-pacific-hq-in-vietnam-158795.html" title="Palladium Hotel Group launches Asia-Pacific HQ in Vietnam">Palladium Hotel Group launches Asia-Pacific HQ in Vietnam</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Spanish hospitality firm Palladium Hotel Group opened its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City in July, while signing the management contract for its first two hotels in Vietnam.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/national-assembly-passes-ring-road-5-project-159313.html"><img alt="National Assembly passes Ring Road 5 project" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/24/15/thumbnail/vpqh20260824153445.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/national-assembly-passes-ring-road-5-project-159313.html" title="National Assembly passes Ring Road 5 project">National Assembly passes Ring Road 5 project</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">The National Assembly, on August 24, passed a resolution approving the investment policy for the Hanoi Capital Region Ring Road 5 project.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/hanoi-to-break-ground-and-inaugurate-16-infrastructure-projects-ahead-of-national-day-159579.html</link>
			<author>Nguyen Kim</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:02:57 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-logistics-costs-account-for-16-per-cent-of-gdp-159581.html</guid>
			<title>Vietnam logistics costs account for 16 per cent of GDP</title>
			<description>Digital transformation is expected to give Vietnam s logistics sector a much needed boost improving productivity and reducing logistics costs to between 12 15 per cent of GDP</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/27/10/a-logistic-bdjfif2024101814350520260827104029.jpg?rt=20260827104032" class="__img_mastercms" alt="Photo: Thoi bao tai chinh" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Photo: Thoi bao tai chinh"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Photo: Thoi bao tai chinh</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>Speaking at a logistics conference on August 26, Ho Thi Quyen, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, said that Vietnam is now home to more than 34,000 logistics companies, with the sector contributing around 4.5-5 per cent of GDP.</p>    <p>However, logistics costs remain high at approximately 16 per cent of GDP. Digital transformation is therefore seen as a key solution to reducing costs while improving connectivity and efficiency across the logistics supply chain.</p>    <p>“Under the development strategy for the 2025-2035 period, digital transformation has been identified as one of the key directions for improving productivity and bringing logistics costs down to around 12-15 per cent of GDP,” Quyen said.</p>    <p>According to Ngo Khac Le, deputy secretary-general of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association, digital transformation is also creating a widening gap between logistics companies. While larger enterprises have made relatively widespread use of electronic documentation, small- and medium-sized enterprises continue to face constraints in terms of financial resources and technology.</p>    <p>“If we do not move quickly enough to keep pace, we will not be able to become part of the regional and global logistics services supply chain,” Le said.</p>    <p>To narrow this gap, he said that state agencies should continue upgrading digital platforms and improving interoperability between different systems. This would enable businesses to reduce their reliance on paper documentation, shorten processing times, and lower costs.</p>    <p>Beyond digital connectivity, the logistics sector also needs to strengthen links between localities as cargo volumes continue to expand.</p>    <p>Nguyen Duy Hung, standing vice chairman of the Dong Nai Logistics Association, said that stronger logistics connectivity was needed between Ho Chi Minh City and the neighbouring provinces of Dong Nai and Tay Ninh, as well as the Mekong Delta, to expand the sector's development space and improve the efficiency of cargo transportation.</p>    <p>“The closer the connections, the greater the momentum and driving force for development across localities,” Hung said.</p>    <p>He proposed closer coordination between authorities, associations, and businesses in logistics planning and infrastructure development. He also suggested considering sandbox mechanisms to allow the controlled testing of new models, helping policies keep pace with the rapid development of the sector.</p>    <p>These demands are becoming increasingly pressing as manufacturers continue to expand their investments in Vietnam, increase production capacity, and raise output for export.</p>    <p>At Nestlé Vietnam, for example, the Nestlé Tri An factory has received nearly $600 million in investment over the past five years, almost tripling its production capacity. The factory recently began operating a new production line for instant coffee packaged in glass jars, with a capacity of 350,000 jars per day for export to 11 countries.</p>    <p>In the high-tech sector, Intel Products Vietnam has shipped more than 4 billion products over the past two decades, contributing over $110 billion to Vietnam's export value. In 2025 alone, the company contributed approximately $11.67 billion in export value.</p>    <p>Intel has increased its total investment in Vietnam to $4.1 billion and continues to expand production of high-tech products, including processors for personal computers and products serving AI applications.</p>    <p>The expansion of manufacturing and export production is also reflected in Vietnam's growing trade figures. According to the Customs Department, total goods import-export turnover in the first half of August 2026 reached approximately $52.33 billion, up 1.54 per cent compared with the first half of July. As of August 15, Vietnam's total goods trade had reached $712.72 billion, up 28.3 per cent on-year.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/green-logistics-vital-for-businesses-to-join-global-supply-chain-128608.html" title="Green logistics vital for businesses to join global supply chain"><img alt="Green logistics vital for businesses to join global supply chain" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2025/052025/17/09/thumbnail/6dbfa0047426ebf430143f981783e9f0.jpg?rt=20250517092334" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/green-logistics-vital-for-businesses-to-join-global-supply-chain-128608.html" title="Green logistics vital for businesses to join global supply chain">Green logistics vital for businesses to join global supply chain</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/fiata-2025-congress-highlights-vietnams-role-in-green-logistics-138187.html" title="FIATA 2025 Congress highlights Vietnam’s role in green logistics"><img alt="FIATA 2025 Congress highlights Vietnam’s role in green logistics" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2025/102025/08/19/thumbnail/fiata-2025-congress-highlights-vietnams-role-in-green-logistics-20251008192214.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/fiata-2025-congress-highlights-vietnams-role-in-green-logistics-138187.html" title="FIATA 2025 Congress highlights Vietnam’s role in green logistics">FIATA 2025 Congress highlights Vietnam’s role in green logistics</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/driving-skills-award-elevates-traffic-safety-standards-142862.html" title="Driving skills award elevates traffic safety standards"><img alt="Driving skills award elevates traffic safety standards" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2025/122025/13/07/thumbnail/itl-photo20251213074815.jpg?rt=20251213074924" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/driving-skills-award-elevates-traffic-safety-standards-142862.html" title="Driving skills award elevates traffic safety standards">Driving skills award elevates traffic safety standards</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/middle-east-conflict-disrupts-supply-chains-pressures-logistics-firms-148581.html" title="Middle East conflict disrupts supply chains, pressures logistics firms"><img alt="Middle East conflict disrupts supply chains, pressures logistics firms" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/032026/16/10/thumbnail/z7147695725452-b2aaf114ae145d300a8696c6eb01e54420260316102433.jpg?rt=20260316102435" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/middle-east-conflict-disrupts-supply-chains-pressures-logistics-firms-148581.html" title="Middle East conflict disrupts supply chains, pressures logistics firms">Middle East conflict disrupts supply chains, pressures logistics firms</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/hong-kong-vietnam-logistics-pact-signed-by-haffa-and-iils-153743.html" title="Hong Kong-Vietnam logistics pact signed by HAFFA and IILS"><img alt="Hong Kong-Vietnam logistics pact signed by HAFFA and IILS" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/052026/29/09/thumbnail/untitled20260529092027.png?rt=20260529092028" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/hong-kong-vietnam-logistics-pact-signed-by-haffa-and-iils-153743.html" title="Hong Kong-Vietnam logistics pact signed by HAFFA and IILS">Hong Kong-Vietnam logistics pact signed by HAFFA and IILS</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vla-and-itl-launch-vietnam-logistics-safe-excellent-driving-skills-award-2026-159050.html" title="VLA and ITL launch Vietnam Logistics Safe &amp; Excellent Driving Skills Award 2026"><img alt="VLA and ITL launch Vietnam Logistics Safe &amp; Excellent Driving Skills Award 2026" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/19/17/thumbnail/itl-photo-120260819174235.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vla-and-itl-launch-vietnam-logistics-safe-excellent-driving-skills-award-2026-159050.html" title="VLA and ITL launch Vietnam Logistics Safe &amp; Excellent Driving Skills Award 2026">VLA and ITL launch Vietnam Logistics Safe &amp; Excellent Driving Skills Award 2026</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/dong-thap-eyes-success-as-mekong-transshipment-hub-159383.html" title="Dong Thap eyes success as Mekong transshipment hub"><img alt="Dong Thap eyes success as Mekong transshipment hub" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/25/09/thumbnail/dong-thap-eyes-success-as-mekong-transshipment-hub-20260825090221.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/dong-thap-eyes-success-as-mekong-transshipment-hub-159383.html" title="Dong Thap eyes success as Mekong transshipment hub">Dong Thap eyes success as Mekong transshipment hub</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/what-foreign-investors-need-when-choosing-industrial-real-estate-in-vietnam-158465.html" title="What foreign investors need when choosing industrial real estate in Vietnam"><img alt="What foreign investors need when choosing industrial real estate in Vietnam" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/10/17/thumbnail/what-fdi-investors-really-need-when-choosing-industrial-real-estate-in-vietnam-pr-20260810173538.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/what-foreign-investors-need-when-choosing-industrial-real-estate-in-vietnam-158465.html" title="What foreign investors need when choosing industrial real estate in Vietnam">What foreign investors need when choosing industrial real estate in Vietnam</a></td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-logistics-costs-account-for-16-per-cent-of-gdp-159581.html</link>
			<author>Thai An</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:01:34 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/businesses-accelerate-overseas-expansion-159588.html</guid>
			<title>Businesses accelerate overseas expansion</title>
			<description>Vietnamese businesses are stepping up efforts to expand overseas as rising outward investment and growing plans for international expansion point to a stronger push for growth beyond the domestic market</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/27/14/green-sm20260827143440.jpg?rt=20260827143442" class="__img_mastercms" alt="GreenSM is stepping up its international expansion, bringing its electric mobility model to new markets beyond Vietnam. Photo: Green SM" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="GreenSM is stepping up its international expansion, bringing its electric mobility model to new markets beyond Vietnam. Photo: Green SM"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Green SM is stepping up its international expansion, bringing its electric mobility model to new markets beyond Vietnam. Photo: Green SM</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>According to figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance released in early August, Vietnam issued new investment certificates for 106 overseas projects with total registered capital of $1.17 billion in the first seven months of 2026, 2.9 times higher than a year earlier.</p>    <p>A further 23 projects received approval to increase their investment, with additional capital reaching $1.19 billion, 9.2 times higher on-year.</p>    <p>Combined, newly registered and additional capital brought Vietnam’s total outward investment to $2.36 billion in the first seven months, up 4.5 times from the same period last year. The investment went to 35 countries and territories, with Laos remaining the largest recipient at $638.3 million, accounting for 27 per cent of the total. Cambodia followed with $449.9 million, or 19 per cent, while Indonesia ranked third with $308.6 million.</p>    <p>The NSO said the spread of investment across 35 economies showed that Vietnamese businesses were gradually diversifying their investment destinations, moving beyond neighbouring countries into new markets in South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.</p>    <p>Anish Daryani, founder and CEO of Havas Moonfolks and Moonfolks Vietnam, an independent marketing network focused on communications and creative advertising in Southeast Asia, said the goal of taking Vietnamese businesses global “is gradually becoming a reality”.</p>    <p>He cited Vingroup as one example, with its VinFast ecosystem and ride-hailing service Green SM expanding across Southeast Asia and into markets beyond the region. Besides that, in June, Vinpearl announced the successful closing of a $255 million strategic investment from SeaTown Private Credit Fund III, a private credit fund.</p>    <p>"This investment reflects confidence from leading international financial institutions in Vinpearl’s position, growth potential, and long-term development strategy," Daryani said.</p>    <p>The investment is made in the form of convertible dividend preference shares issued by Vinpearl. 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, he added.</p>    <p>In food and beverages, Pizza 4P’s and Maison Marou have also taken their brands to markets including Jakarta, Tokyo, Singapore and New York. Biti’s, Masan and Coolmate could be among the next Vietnamese names to follow suit.</p>    <p>Daryani said structural changes in the economy were making it easier for Vietnamese brands to look overseas.</p>    <p>"The ability to adapt quickly to digital technology, together with a more skilled workforce, was also helping businesses improve their competitiveness. Vietnam has built a strong foundation for domestic businesses to compete at both regional and international levels,” he said.</p>    <p>Elsewhere, Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group, a Vietnamese agricultural production and processing company, has signed a MoU to develop a 5,000-hectare high-quality coffee plantation in Champasak province of Laos, with a total investment of $50 million.</p>    <p>As per the deal, the group will develop a 5,000-hectare coffee plantation and build a processing plant on the Bolaven Plateau, a major agricultural region in southern Laos known for its fertile soil and favourable conditions for coffee cultivation.</p>    <p>The $50-million project aims to produce high-quality coffee for export to global markets. Hoang Anh Gia Lai said it plans to expand its cultivation areas to more than 20,000 hectares across Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam as part of its long-term ambition to become a global leader in large-scale plantation farming.</p>    <p>But expanding overseas brings its own challenges. Daryani added that Vietnamese businesses will need to further strengthen their brands, product quality and understanding of local consumers as they enter more competitive international markets.</p>    <p>“The ability to adapt quickly, understand local markets and build strong brands will be critical for Vietnamese companies seeking to establish a lasting presence overseas,” he explained.</p>    <p>The stronger investment flow is also being matched by growing ambitions to expand business operations overseas. A 2026 Business Outlook Study released by UOB in June found a strong appetite among Vietnamese businesses to look beyond the domestic market for new growth opportunities.</p>    <p>The study covered Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, mainland China, and Hong Kong. In Vietnam, 226 large and medium-sized businesses from across the country took part in the survey.</p>    <p>Seven in 10 Vietnamese businesses said they had expanded overseas in 2025, while nine in 10 plan to continue expanding over the next three years.</p>    <p>The survey also found that 80 per cent plan to invest overseas within the next two years, with average investment expected to exceed $28 million. ASEAN remains the preferred destination, selected by 65 per cent of respondents, with Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia among the most popular markets.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/draft-legal-amendments-target-red-tape-and-decentralisation-158625.html" title="Draft legal amendments target red tape and decentralisation"><img alt="Draft legal amendments target red tape and decentralisation" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/12/15/thumbnail/minister-of-science-and-technology-vu-hai-quan-photo-the-mst-20260812151759.jpg?rt=20260812151802" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/draft-legal-amendments-target-red-tape-and-decentralisation-158625.html" title="Draft legal amendments target red tape and decentralisation">Draft legal amendments target red tape and decentralisation</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/beyond-loans-veterans-turn-capital-into-sustainable-livelihoods-158536.html" title="Beyond loans, veterans turn capital into sustainable livelihoods"><img alt="Beyond loans, veterans turn capital into sustainable livelihoods" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/11/15/thumbnail/a-nh-minh-hoa-120260811150715.jpg?rt=20260811150718" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/beyond-loans-veterans-turn-capital-into-sustainable-livelihoods-158536.html" title="Beyond loans, veterans turn capital into sustainable livelihoods">Beyond loans, veterans turn capital into sustainable livelihoods</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/outbound-investment-surge-signals-stronger-push-into-global-markets-158715.html" title="Outbound investment surge signals stronger push into global markets"><img alt="Outbound investment surge signals stronger push into global markets" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/13/17/thumbnail/outbound-investment-surge-signals-stronger-push-into-global-markets-translated-20260813172135.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/outbound-investment-surge-signals-stronger-push-into-global-markets-158715.html" title="Outbound investment surge signals stronger push into global markets">Outbound investment surge signals stronger push into global markets</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/us-businesses-remain-committed-to-vietnam-with-measured-outlook-158871.html" title="US businesses remain committed to Vietnam with measured outlook"><img alt="US businesses remain committed to Vietnam with measured outlook" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/17/11/thumbnail/intel-letoan20260817114659.jpg?rt=20260817114703" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/us-businesses-remain-committed-to-vietnam-with-measured-outlook-158871.html" title="US businesses remain committed to Vietnam with measured outlook">US businesses remain committed to Vietnam with measured outlook</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/92-organisations-and-businesses-register-for-carbon-exchange-system-159133.html" title="92 organisations and businesses register for carbon exchange system"><img alt="92 organisations and businesses register for carbon exchange system" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/20/16/thumbnail/92-organisations-and-businesses-register-to-participate-in-the-market-20260820165241.jpg?rt=20260820165242" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/92-organisations-and-businesses-register-for-carbon-exchange-system-159133.html" title="92 organisations and businesses register for carbon exchange system">92 organisations and businesses register for carbon exchange system</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/shrinking-profit-stands-in-way-of-sabecos-overseas-expansion-58934.html" title="Shrinking profit stands in way of Sabeco’s overseas expansion"><img alt="Shrinking profit stands in way of Sabeco’s overseas expansion" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/kimoanh/052018/04/16/thumbnail/promise-to-take-sabeco-to-overseas-markets-may-be-unfeasibility-due-to-financial-difficulties.jpg" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/shrinking-profit-stands-in-way-of-sabecos-overseas-expansion-58934.html" title="Shrinking profit stands in way of Sabeco’s overseas expansion">Shrinking profit stands in way of Sabeco’s overseas expansion</a></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/coteccons-announces-overseas-expansion-105958.html" title="Coteccons announces overseas expansion"><img alt="Coteccons announces overseas expansion" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2023/102023/12/00/thumbnail/de95b7e94f5ef9b1c14b37bf3047abfb.jpg?rt=20231012005213" width="90" /> </a> <a class="__mb_article_in_title_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/coteccons-announces-overseas-expansion-105958.html" title="Coteccons announces overseas expansion">Coteccons announces overseas expansion</a></td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/businesses-accelerate-overseas-expansion-159588.html</link>
			<author>Song Oanh (Hoang Oanh - Kim Oanh)</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:00:09 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/nutifood-group-plan-to-buy-additional-million-shares-in-quang-ngai-sugar-159600.html</guid>
			<title>NutiFood Group plan to buy additional million shares in Quang Ngai Sugar</title>
			<description>Two subsidiaries of NutiFood Group have registered to purchase a total of one million additional shares at Quang Ngai Sugar JSC which owns the soy milk brand Vinasoy</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/27/16/in_article/nutifood-group-registers-to-buy-an-additional-1-million-shares-of-quang-ngai-sugar-20260827164906.jpg?rt=20260827164908" class="__img_mastercms" alt="" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="NutiFood Group registers to buy an additional 1 million shares of Quang Ngai Sugar"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>NutiFood Group registers to buy an additional one million shares of Quang Ngai Sugar</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>NutiFood Nutrition Food JSC registered to purchase 650,000 QNS shares of Quang Ngai Sugar JSC, according to information from the Hanoi Stock Exchange. The transaction is expected to take place from September 3 to October 1, through order matching and/or negotiated transactions, to restructure its investment portfolio.</p>    <p>Before the transaction, NutiFood owned over 13.38 million QNS shares, equivalent to 3.64 per cent of the capital. If the purchase is completed, the ownership will increase to over 14.03 million shares, equivalent to approximately 3.82 per cent of the capital.</p>    <p>At the same time, NutiFood Binh Duong Nutrition Food JSC registered to purchase an additional 350,000 QNS shares. This company currently holds over 16.5 million shares, equivalent to 4.49 per cent of Quang Ngai Sugar's capital. After the transaction, the ownership stake is expected to increase to approximately 4.58 per cent.</p>    <p>Thus, two legal entities under NutiFood Group registered to purchase a total of one million QNS shares. Based on a price of approximately VND46,800 ($1.87) per share, the registered shares have a market value of nearly VND47 billion ($1.88 million).</p>    <p>If the transactions are completed, the two NutiFood companies will hold a total of nearly 30.9 million QNS shares, equivalent to about 8.4 per cent of the owner of the Vinasoy soy milk brand.</p>    <p>This is also a move to increase NutiFood's ownership in QNS further. Previously, in May, NutiFood purchased 540,000 QNS shares, while NutiFood Binh Duong bought 660,000 shares.</p>    <p>According to financial reports, in the second quarter of 2026, Quang Ngai Sugar recorded net revenue of approximately $131.2 million, an increase of nearly 13 per cent compared to the previous quarter. In the same period, after-tax profit reached nearly $22.6 million, an increase of approximately 4 per cent.</p>    <p>In the first half of this year, its revenue reached over $242.4 million, an increase of nearly 17 per cent, while after-tax profit reached over $38.3 million, an increase of over 2 per cent on-year.</p>    <p>The soy milk segment alone brought in approximately $109.6 million in revenue in the first six months of 2026, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to the same period. Gross profit for this segment reached approximately $52.4 million, an increase of more than 34 per cent.</p>    <p>The gross profit margin for the soy milk segment also improved from approximately 43 per cent to 48 per cent, thus continuing to play an important role in the company's profit structure.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/nutifood-extends-its-reach-to-the-education-sector-113514.html"><img alt="Nutifood extends its reach to the education sector" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2024/082024/12/13/thumbnail/dc1e949c4cdc2839b29567916f82fe25.jpg?rt=20240812134249" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/nutifood-extends-its-reach-to-the-education-sector-113514.html" title="Nutifood extends its reach to the education sector">Nutifood extends its reach to the education sector</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Nutifood Nutrition Food JSC (Nutifood) signed an investment cooperation agreement with Anne Hill International School, one of the top international school systems in Ho Chi Minh City.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/private-producers-see-potential-to-export-processed-agricultural-products-to-pakistan-114565.html"><img alt="Private producers see potential to export processed agricultural products to Pakistan" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2024/092024/20/09/thumbnail/658e1189b801fb2a230d2280cd934797.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/private-producers-see-potential-to-export-processed-agricultural-products-to-pakistan-114565.html" title="Private producers see potential to export processed agricultural products to Pakistan">Private producers see potential to export processed agricultural products to Pakistan</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Private producers in Vietnam are taking proactive steps to export processed fruit and vegetables to Pakistan, aiming to increase the value of local agricultural produce.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/nutifood-acquires-majority-stake-in-kido-foods-114625.html"><img alt="Nutifood acquires majority stake in KIDO Foods" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2024/092024/23/14/thumbnail/4d87b51c0fa8ac824f245a9441804be3.jpg?rt=20240923143114" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/nutifood-acquires-majority-stake-in-kido-foods-114625.html" title="Nutifood acquires majority stake in KIDO Foods">Nutifood acquires majority stake in KIDO Foods</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Nutifood completed its acquisition of a 51 per cent stake in KIDO Foods, Vietnam's leading ice cream producer, on September 23, as part of its strategy to expand into the frozen foods sector.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/kido-group-divests-from-ice-cream-and-frozen-foods-143211.html"><img alt="Kido Group divests from ice cream and frozen foods" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2025/122025/18/15/thumbnail/1danh-mc-cac-sn-phm-kem-ca-kido-foods20251218154905.jpg?rt=20251218154906" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/kido-group-divests-from-ice-cream-and-frozen-foods-143211.html" title="Kido Group divests from ice cream and frozen foods">Kido Group divests from ice cream and frozen foods</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Kido Group has approved a plan to divest its 49 per cent stake in KIDO Foods, with the expectation of making VND2.5 trillion ($100 million) from the deal.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/hsbc-and-efa-support-nutifood-with-vnd800bn-bridge-152959.html"><img alt="HSBC and EFA support Nutifood with VND800bn bridge" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/052026/19/14/thumbnail/hsbc-efa-nutifood-220260519145517.jpg?rt=20260519145521" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/hsbc-and-efa-support-nutifood-with-vnd800bn-bridge-152959.html" title="HSBC and EFA support Nutifood with VND800bn bridge">HSBC and EFA support Nutifood with VND800bn bridge</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">HSBC Vietnam on May 18 announced a five-year VND800 billion ($31 million) financing facility for Nutifood Nutrition Food JSC to fund construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, backed by a 90 per cent guarantee from Export Finance Australia (EFA).</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/nutifood-group-plan-to-buy-additional-million-shares-in-quang-ngai-sugar-159600.html</link>
			<author>Nguyen Kim</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:58:27 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/china-eximbank-prioritises-financing-for-lao-cai-haiphong-railway-159664.html</guid>
			<title>China Eximbank prioritises financing for Lao Cai Haiphong railway</title>
			<description>On August 27 Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi held talks with a delegation from the Export Import Bank of China China Eximbank on financing options for the Lao Cai Haiphong railway and opportunities to expand financial cooperation between the two sides</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcoming the China Eximbank delegation at the Ministry of Finance's (MoF) headquarters, Deputy Minister Chi said that during a meeting earlier the same day, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc affirmed the government's support for China Eximbank's operations in Vietnam in various forms.</p>    <p>"The government has also assigned the MoF to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to work directly with China Eximbank on technical and professional matters," he added.</p>    <table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td style="position: relative;"><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/11/in_article/china-eximbank-prioritises-financing-for-108-billion-lao-cai-hanoi-haiphong-railway-20260828114838.png?rt=20260828114839" class="__img_mastercms" alt="China Eximbank prioritises financing for $10.8 billion Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="China Eximbank prioritises financing for $10.8 billion Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi and China Eximbank chairman Chen Huaiyu. Photo: Tran Nam (MoF)</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>Eximbank chairman Chen Huaiyu highlighted the Lao Cai-Haiphong railway, which will run through Hanoi, as a strategically important infrastructure project that has been identified as a priority by the senior leadership of both countries.</p>    <p>It will help complete Vietnam's transport infrastructure, facilitate the flow of goods from Vietnam to China and onward to Central Asia and Europe, while also enabling businesses in both countries to optimise the costs of raw materials and import-export activities, he said.</p>    <p>"China Eximbank regards the project as its highest priority and will follow the guidance of the bilateral railway cooperation mechanism to accelerate its implementation," Huaiyu said.</p>    <p>The total investment is estimated at $10.8 billion, comprising $4.3 billion in counterpart funding and $6.5 billion in loans. China Eximbank proposed dividing the loan package into two components: a preferential loan and a commercial loan guaranteed by the Vietnamese government, through the MoF.</p>    <p>"The bank pledged to provide the largest possible amount of preferential financing and was also ready to act as an arranger to mobilise syndicated financing from Chinese banks for the commercial loan component," Huaiyu said.</p>    <p>On the financing currency, China Eximbank proposed using the renminbi (RMB), citing lower borrowing costs compared with the US dollar and reduced foreign exchange risks. The proposal also reflects Vietnam's substantial imports of materials and equipment from China and the growing availability of RMB revenues generated by the two countries' expanding bilateral trade.</p>    <p>He also suggested that the MoF could consider issuing RMB-denominated bonds to raise counterpart funding, either through Panda Bonds in China's domestic market or through an issuance in Hong Kong. To facilitate the bank's assessment of the project, he asked the MoF to provide the pre-feasibility and feasibility study reports.</p>    <p>Agreeing on the strategic importance, Deputy Minister Chi said the Vietnamese government had made a policy decision to move ahead with the railway project without delay.</p>    <p>"The MoF has also balanced and allocated sufficient counterpart funding of $4.3 billion in the medium-term public investment plan for 2026-2030," the deputy minister said.</p>    <p>Regarding the $6.5 billion in loans, he said mobilising financing from Chinese financial institutions was appropriate given that the venture would use technology and materials from China.</p>    <p>The two sides should immediately begin developing specific financing arrangements, he said, asking China Eximbank to provide preliminary information on its preferential credit package as soon as possible.</p>    <p>For the commercial loan component, the deputy minister suggested that China Eximbank develop several flexible financing options for comparison, enabling the parties to select the most suitable solution.</p>    <p>Regarding the proposals to use RMB financing and issue RMB-denominated bonds, the MoF acknowledged the suggestions and said it remained open to these options while conducting further assessments before making a decision based on economic efficiency.</p>    <p>To ensure the demanding implementation schedule, he proposed establishing a permanent communication channel between the Department of Debt Management and External Finance under the MoF and a dedicated focal point at China Eximbank.</p>    <p>In response to the MoF's views, the chairman of China Eximbank said he would instruct the bank's specialist teams to develop detailed financing options immediately after returning from the visit, covering the loan size, tenor and interest rates. Huaiyu would personally oversee the project's progress.</p>    <p>Beyond the railway, China Eximbank also wishes to expand cooperation with Vietnam in green and renewable energy, including through an upcoming working session with Vietnam Electricity, as well as in the digital economy and AI.</p>    <p>"The bank is also interested in policy advisory services and human resource training," Huaiyu said.</p>    <p>Welcoming China Eximbank's broader cooperation ambitions, Deputy Minister Chi called on both sides to focus first on successfully implementing the railway, laying the groundwork for further cooperation programmes.</p>    <p>At the end of the meeting, Huaiyu invited Deputy Minister Chi to visit and hold working sessions at China Eximbank's headquarters in Beijing in the near future.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/china-and-iraq-drive-surge-in-vietnams-rice-exports-156160.html"><img alt="China and Iraq drive surge in Vietnam’s rice exports" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/072026/06/14/thumbnail/ngay-273-gia-gao-xuat-khau-quay-dau-tang-manh-lua-on-dinh-2025032706004520260706145112.gif" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/china-and-iraq-drive-surge-in-vietnams-rice-exports-156160.html" title="China and Iraq drive surge in Vietnam’s rice exports">China and Iraq drive surge in Vietnam’s rice exports</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Vietnam’s rice exports to China exceeded one million tonnes in the first half of 2026, while shipments to Iraq increased more than 132-fold, highlighting shifting demand across key export markets despite lower average export prices.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/china-imports-14-billion-of-vietnamese-seafood-in-first-half-of-2026-156666.html"><img alt="China imports $1.4 billion of Vietnamese seafood in first half of 2026" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/072026/14/09/thumbnail/20250816224039761xuat-khau-tom-7-thang-dau-nam-tang-toc-o-chau-a-ch-1601-120260714093951.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/china-imports-14-billion-of-vietnamese-seafood-in-first-half-of-2026-156666.html" title="China imports $1.4 billion of Vietnamese seafood in first half of 2026">China imports $1.4 billion of Vietnamese seafood in first half of 2026</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Stronger demand from China – Vietnam's largest shrimp export destination – is creating fresh momentum for the industry's growth amid continuing uncertainty in the US market.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/china-eximbank-prioritises-financing-for-lao-cai-haiphong-railway-159664.html</link>
			<author>Nguyen Huong</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:53:09 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/digital-entertainment-leadership-forum-opens-with-35-activities-159604.html</guid>
			<title>Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum opens with 35 activities</title>
			<description>Cyberport hosted the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 in Hong Kong convening 35 interactive sessions focused on artificial intelligence robotics and immersive media integration</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 August 2026 - Cyberport's annual flagship event, Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 (DELF 2026), will be held at Cyberport from 28 to 30 August. Under the theme "Dreamtic Circus", this year's forum brings together innovative applications in artificial intelligence, XR immersive technology, cultural and creative technology (ArtTech), robotics and the low-altitude economy. Through industry forums, creative workshops, interactive experiences, competitions and performances, the event will demonstrate how technology is reshaping the future of entertainment, culture and the creative industries.</p>    <p><img alt="Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 Opens Tomorrow" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/14/801936-2026-digital-entertainmen20260828144952.jpeg" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; margin: 0px;" width="1600" /></p>  The forum will cover four key areas: Digital Entertainment, Arts &amp; Culture, Smart Living &amp; Business, and Robotics &amp; Drones. More than 35 interactive experiences and activities will allow the public to experience the new era of AI-driven creativity up close.<br />  <br />  <b>Highlighted Experience Zones</b>    <table style="width: 100%;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);border-collapse: collapse;overflow: revert">  	<tbody>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Arts &amp; Culture</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Harbour Dreams: Hong Kong XR Adventure</b><br />  			<br />  			Hong Kong's first XR 6D multi-sensory immersive experience combines cinematic storytelling, local culture and XR technology. Guided by the AI panda mascot "An An", audiences will travel through landmarks such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Big Buddha and the Victoria Harbour nightscape. By wearing a VR device, participants can embark on an approximately 15-minute immersive journey enhanced by visual, audio, motion, wind, tactile and scent effects, experiencing Hong Kong's charm from a fresh perspective.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>"Another World: Fissure of Light" Immersive Interactive Art Exhibition</b><br />  			<br />  			Presented by the Art Museum of Contemporary Culture and Technology (AMCCT), Another World: RADIANCE is an immersive interactive art exhibition extending the original Hong Kong animation IP Another World. Adapted from the Golden Horse Award-winning animation, the exhibition uses dynamic projection tracking, motion interaction and 360-degree surround soundscape technologies to transform a fantastical world at the boundary between life and death into a walk-in immersive light-and-shadow space. Audiences will follow the footsteps of the spirit guardians "Gudo" and "Yuri" through an ice lake and a corridor of reincarnation, embarking on a journey of memory, redemption and self-healing where technology meets art.<br />  			<br />  			The popular Another World character "Gudo" will make surprise appearances at Cyberport during the forum, meeting and interacting with the public across the venue, allowing participants to experience the fantastical charm of Another World up close and take photos with the character.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Reveries of Ancient Egypt</b><br />  			<br />  			Co-created by international creative teams from Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Korea and Canada, <b>The Reveries of Ancient Egypt</b> reinterprets ancient Egyptian civilization through art technology, leading audiences on an immersive exploration across 5,000 years of history. Through panoramic projection, cinematic music and interactive sensing technology, ancient Egyptian temples, the Nile River and iconic historical scenes come vividly to life all around participants, making them feel as if they have stepped into a mysterious ancient kingdom. Floor projections respond instantly to visitors' footsteps, while precious archaeological imagery, giant sculptures and cultural installations together create an immersive art journey that combines history, culture and technology, allowing the public to explore the treasures of world civilization in a new way.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Digital Entertainment</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>ActivePlay</b><br />  			<br />  			ActivePlay is an interactive, motion-based e-sports platform that makes physical activity fun and inclusive for all ages. Using AI camera tracking, players control games like darts, triathlon, stand-up paddleboarding, air hockey, and curling simply by moving their bodies in front of a smart TV or interactive whiteboard. Key features include real-time AI motion tracking for instant feedback, multiplayer mode for up to four players, adaptive difficulty to suit all skill levels, and a variety of game themes to keep users engaged. Its inclusive design and scalability make it ideal for schools, corporate wellness, community events, and marketing activities. How to play: Stand in front of a smart screen and use body movements – reaching, twisting, balancing – to score points. Simple, intuitive, and fun for everyone.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>SkateAway Circus: The Interactive Phygital Activation</b><br />  			<br />  			《Hug the K》's interactive skateboard experience, "SkateAway Circus," invites participants to choose their favourite Hug the K costumes and interact with the character on screen through their own movements. Together with 《Hug the K》 , players must overcome a series of obstacles and complete the journey to join the DELF Dreamtic Circus. Hug the K is an original IP created by Nicolas Lesaffre, a Hong Kong-based cross-media artist specialising in IP creation, animation, interactive experiences and large-scale installations. He worked with world-leading clients across China, Saudi Arabia, France, Spain and the United States. His personal IP works have also been showcased through exhibitions, collaborations and art toy events around the world.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Light Trap</b><br />  			<br />  			Light Trap is an MR (Mixed-Reality) full-body interactive challenge game designed for Pico devices. Wearing an MR headset, players move through a real-world space and use natural body movements—such as ducking, leaning, stepping sideways, and reaching—to avoid virtual laser obstacles overlaid onto their physical surroundings while collecting energy orbs. Each level consists of four compact out-andback sections, featuring a fast-paced countdown system in which the start and finish points alternate. Players must move back and forth through the course to complete the collection objective before time runs out. Touching any laser results in an immediate failure, while the exit remains locked until every energy orb has been collected.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>TVB Music Money Monster system</b><br />  			<br />  			"Music Money Monster system" Introducing a "precise pitch and rhythm judgment" and "tiered difficulty challenge," transforming karaoke into a rhythm game.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Agentic AI VJ system</b><br />  			<br />  			Developed by vrch.io, the Agentic VJ System can analyse music rhythms and audience interactions in real‑time to dynamically generate continuously‑evolving AI visual effects, creating immersive audio‑visual experiences that combine sound, lighting and generative AI. The showcase also features the AI visual instrument Vibing Synth and music‑visualisation application Vibing Art, allowing participants to experience first‑hand how AI is redefining live performances and digital‑art creation.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>AI Short Film/Advertisement Creation</b><br />  			<br />  			Presented by Hong Kong Huashida Limited, this Pure AI production of live action short dramas, movie shorts,<br />  			<br />  			advertising shorts, brand customized dramas and other film and television works for display. The company utilizes AI big models to develop skills and agency tools for AI short drama/advertising production, allowing audiences to personally experience and produce AI short films that meet their needs in front of AI tools.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>AI animated clips generation: Turn Ideas into Animated Stories in Minutes</b><br />  			<br />  			Presented by <b>FizzDragon</b>, an award‑winning AI content‑creation platform, this experience demonstrates how individual creators and businesses can rapidly <b>turn creative ideas into complete videos powered by artificial intelligence</b>. Participants only need to input a simple concept, and AI agents will generate storyboards, scripts, voice‑over and animated content on‑the‑spot, enabling them to experience the full creative workflow from initial inspiration to finished work. Boasting over 90 specialised AI agents, the platform supports story development, script writing and video rendering, allowing users without professional technical backgrounds to easily produce high‑quality animations and digital stories.<br />  			<br />  			Beyond AI content‑creation experiences, members of the public may also join FizzDragon's creative workshops held during the forum, <b>Family Co-Creation: AI-Generated Short Videos</b>. These sessions teach participants how to create characters, story plots and animated short films with AI. Attendees can also view Trace Project, an AI‑ sci‑fi short drama, to learn about the latest advancements of generative AI in film and television creation.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Smart Living &amp; Business</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>LIVE4WELL - </b><b>Non-Invasive AI Health Assessment</b><br />  			<br />  			LIVE4WELL builds an AI-driven preventive health platform, integrating advanced multi-country testing technologies. With scientific assessment, digital monitoring, AI insights, and personalized plans, it enables a shift from passive treatment to proactive prevention. Its AI retinal screening uses fundus imaging to match retinal texture patterns, delivering risk grading and recommendations in 30 seconds—revealing 55 health risk factors (e.g., brain degeneration, arteriosclerosis). The stress-resilience assessment applies AI eyetracking and visual stimulation, measuring 5 mental health indices in 90 seconds (e.g., resilience, psychological and physical stress) to help users understand their stress status.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>AI-Powered Intelligent Loss Prevention for Self-Checkout</b><br />  			<br />  			Presented by DMALL Inc., the AI‑powered intelligent loss‑prevention system leverages computer vision and AI analytics to elevate security from reactive tracking to proactive protection, The system can instantly detect irregularities including missed scans, partial scans and barcode switching. It assists store staff in responding promptly via smart light signals and risk notifications. Visitors can take on the self‑checkout challenge on‑site, simulate abnormal transaction scenarios, and witness how AI completes detection and alerting in seconds, experiencing cutting‑edge smart‑retail applications.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Robotics &amp; Drones</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Combat Robot &amp; AI Car Experience</b><br />  			<br />  			Presented by JIN Technology, this robotic interactive experience showcases the brand's independently‑developed core AI and robotics technologies. Participants can take direct control of the <b>GANKER EX combat robot </b>equipped with the patented "man‑machine synchronization" technology to experience real‑time mech battles. Children aged 4‑12 can act as young pilots and operate the <b>GEIO kids' competitive robot </b>for interactive competitions. In addition, the on‑site <b>Rocar AI interactive smart</b>‑<b>car</b> enables voice conversation and real‑time responsive movements, delivering a fun‑and‑educational AI experience for parent‑child families.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Smart Mobility: Road - Air Transportation</b><br />  			<br />  			Presented by KC Smart Mobility (KCSM), this experience showcases a new milestone for Hong Kong's low‑altitude economy and smart transportation. The highlight of the exhibition is the EH216‑S autonomous manned eVTOL aircraft, which features autonomous navigation, zero‑carbon emissions and ultra‑low noise, demonstrating innovative applications for future aerial transport and urban mobility. Members of the public can view the aircraft up‑close, learn about flight‑control technologies and the "Smart Land‑Air Transport" concept, and explore the future blueprint for seamless integration between ground public transport and urban air mobility. Through interactive displays and photo‑check‑in activities, visitors can experience the development potential of smart cities and the low‑altitude economy.</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>  <br />  <b>Weekend Highlights &amp; Performances</b><br />  <br />  Beyond forum sessions and cutting‑edge tech experiences, DELF 2026 features a diverse lineup of film screenings, creative workshops, live performances and character meet‑and‑greet activities, offering the public a weekend‑long entertainment feast where technology and creativity converge.  <table style="width: 100%;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);border-collapse: collapse;overflow: revert">  	<tbody>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="4" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Exclusive Performance @ DELF</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>XODIAC: Cosmic Code</b><br />  			<br />  			Experience XODIAC's high-energy K-pop spectacular, blending fiery charisma, romantic charm with powerful music and choreography in a fantastical journey beyond the stars.</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Drone Cirque: A Circus in the Air</b><br />  			<br />  			Immerse yourself in a playful indoor circus of light and motion featuring synchronised mini-drones that bring innovation and imagination to life.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Time</b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat)<br />  			<br />  			15:00 - 15:35</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Date &amp; Time </b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat)  			<ul>  				<li>16:00</li>  				<li>17:00</li>  			</ul>  			30 Aug (Sun)    			<ul>  				<li>16:00</li>  				<li>17:00</li>  			</ul>  			</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Venue</b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">CyberArena, Cyberport Arcade</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Venue </b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">CyberArena, Cyberport Arcade</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table style="width: 100%;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);border-collapse: collapse;overflow: revert">  	<tbody>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="8" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><br />  			<b>Catch "Gudo" at DELF!</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="8" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Meet "Gudo" from "Another World", making surprise appearances throughout DELF for three days.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Time</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">28 Aug (Fri)</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat)</td>  			<td colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">30 Aug (Sun)</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">11:30-12:00</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">/</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">/</td>  			<td colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">G/F, The Arcade</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">13:00-13:30</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Food Court, 4/F, The Arcade</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Food Court, 4/F, The Arcade</td>  			<td colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Food Court, 4/F, The Arcade</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">14:00-14:30</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">CyberArena, The Arcade</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">G/F, The Arcade</td>  			<td colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Multifunction Hall, Level 2, Cyberport 5</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">15:00-15:30</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">/</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Shop 311, 3/F, The Arcade</td>  			<td colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Shop 311, 3/F, The Arcade</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">16:00-16:30</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">/</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Multifunction Hall, Level 2, Cyberport 5</td>  			<td colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Multifunction Hall, Level 2, Cyberport 5</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="7" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><br />  			<b>Hong Kong's first eVTOL Trial Flight Demo </b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="7" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Public can witness HongKong's first eVTOL Trial Flight Demo, discover the future of low-altitude mobility and aviation technology.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Time</b></td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">28 Aug (Fri)  			<ul>  				<li>14:30</li>  				<li>15:30</li>  				<li>16:30</li>  			</ul>  			</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat)  			<ul>  				<li>10:30</li>  				<li>11:30</li>  				<li>12:30</li>  				<li>14:30</li>  				<li>15:30</li>  				<li>16:30</li>  			</ul>  			</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">30 Aug (Sun)  			<ul>  				<li>10:30</li>  				<li>11:30</li>  				<li>12:30</li>  				<li>14:30</li>  				<li>15:30</li>  				<li>16:30</li>  			</ul>  			</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Venue</b></td>  			<td colspan="5" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Waterfront Park, Cyberport</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table style="width: 100%;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);border-collapse: collapse;overflow: revert">  	<tbody>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Selected Workshops</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat)</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">15:00 – 16:00</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Family Co-Creation: AI-Generated Short Videos</b><br />  			<br />  			Led by the FizzDragon team, this workshop uses fun fill‑in‑the‑blanks prompts. Children aged 6 or above take on the role of AI directors and co‑create AI‑animated short videos and commemorative group photos together with their parents.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat) &amp; 30 Aug (Sun)</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">15:00 – 16:30</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>AI+XR Game Making Experience Class (Official Training)</b><br />  			<br />  			Using the QuestXR platform, participants design and build interactive XR games from scratch. Children aged 6 or above will learn AI applications, character design, game logic and digital content creation.</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table style="width: 100%;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);border-collapse: collapse;overflow: revert">  	<tbody>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="5" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><br />  			<b>Weekend Movie Marathon</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="5" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">During the event, Cyberport MCL Cinema will screen a selection of local animations, AI‑produced films and innovative audiovisual works, allowing the public to experience firsthand the brand‑new possibilities that artificial intelligence brings to film and television creation.</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Movie</b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Date</b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Time</b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Venue</b></td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Highlight</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">A Thousand-Year Promise Fulfilled</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat)</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">12:00</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">House 3</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Local original IP animation</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Trace Project</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">29 Aug (Sat)</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">15:00</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">House 4</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Singapore's first Mars-themed AIGC sci-fi short drama</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">To a Beautiful Time Gone By</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">30 Aug (Sun)</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">13:00</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">House 3</td>  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Selected local animation</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td colspan="5" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Selected Screening of AI</b>‑<b>Produced Animations and Short Films</b><br />  			<br />  			Date: 30 Aug (Sun)<br />  			<br />  			Venue: House 4, Cyberport MCL Cinema</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Time</b></td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Project</b></td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top"><b>Type</b></td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">15:00</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Tai Lung Fung - Full Throttle Kitchen</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Future Animation: 3rd AI-assisted animation production support scheme</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">15:19</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Tuen Min Vs. Tin Shui Wai</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Future Animation: 3rd AI-assisted animation production support scheme</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">13:37</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Cirkillation</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Future Animation: 3rd AI-assisted animation production support scheme</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">13:54</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Project J</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">2nd HKUST AI Film Festival Selected Projects</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">16:08</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">In a Second</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">2nd HKUST AI Film Festival Selected Projects</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">16:17</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Where The Ink Stays</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">2nd HKUST AI Film Festival Selected Projects</td>  		</tr>  		<tr style="margin: 6px;border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left">  			<td style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">16:25</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">Weaving</td>  			<td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);text-align: left;padding: 6px;vertical-align: top">2nd HKUST AI Film Festival Selected Projects</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.<br />  <br />  For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en.</p>  <img alt="" height="1" src="//track.media-outreach.com/index.php/WebView/483471/9995" style="width:1px;height:1px;" width="1" />]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/digital-entertainment-leadership-forum-opens-with-35-activities-159604.html</link>
			<author>Cyberport</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:50:43 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/cathay-bank-opens-representative-office-in-ho-chi-minh-city-159671.html</guid>
			<title>Cathay Bank opens representative office in Ho Chi Minh City</title>
			<description>Cathay Bank opened its Vietnam representative office at Ho Chi Minh City on August 21 as part of its expansion throughout Asia Pacific</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/11/tun-2548-edit20260828115826.jpg?rt=20260828115834" class="__img_mastercms" alt="" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title=""></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Photo courtesy of Cathay Bank</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/search_enginer.html?p=search&amp;q=bank&amp;s_cond=1&amp;f_d=&amp;t_d=28-08-2026">Cathay Bank</a> is a subsidiary of Cathay General Bancorp. The bank opened its doors in 1962 in Los Angeles to serve the growing immigrant community.</p>    <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The new office is located in the Royal Center Building, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, Cau Ong Lanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The representative office will provide Cathay Bank with a local presence as it continues to strengthen its relationships and explore opportunities in Vietnam and the broader Asia-Pacific market.</p>    <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">With this new office, Cathay Bank now has a total of four representative offices, including ones in Beijing, Shanghai, and Taipei, along with over 60 branches across the United States and a branch location in Hong Kong.</p>    <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">"We are pleased to expand our presence in Vietnam with the establishment of this representative office," said Dunson K. Cheng, executive chairman of the Board of Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank. "This opening marks an important step in the bank's ongoing international growth and demonstrates its long-term commitment to building meaningful relationships and serving communities across the Asia-Pacific region.”</p>    <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The opening ceremony was attended by senior leadership and community members who gathered to commemorate this significant occasion for Cathay Bank.</p>    <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Vietnam has emerged as an increasingly important destination for foreign investment in Southeast Asia, supported by its expanding economy, growing consumer market, and participation in a wide range of regional and global trade agreements. The country has also continued to strengthen economic ties with the US, with bilateral trade and investment relations developing steadily in recent years.</p>    <p>Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest economic hub, plays a central role in the country's trade, investment, and financial activities. The municipal city is home to a large number of domestic and international businesses and serves as a major gateway connecting Vietnam with regional and global markets.</p>    <p>The city has also sought to strengthen its position as an international financial and business centre, creating opportunities for foreign financial institutions and investors as Vietnam deepens its integration into the global economy.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/opec-fund-grants-50-million-to-seabank-to-boost-small-business-and-climate-finance-in-vietnam-156606.html"><img alt="OPEC Fund grants $50 million to SeABank to boost small business and climate finance in Vietnam" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/072026/13/16/thumbnail/img-806720260713161035.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/opec-fund-grants-50-million-to-seabank-to-boost-small-business-and-climate-finance-in-vietnam-156606.html" title="OPEC Fund grants $50 million to SeABank to boost small business and climate finance in Vietnam">OPEC Fund grants $50 million to SeABank to boost small business and climate finance in Vietnam</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">On July 13, ​​the OPEC Fund for International Development agreed a $50 million loan to Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank) to expand financing for small businesses and climate-focused investments across Vietnam.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/nam-a-bank-secures-green-capital-from-switzerland-bringing-international-fundraising-to-nearly-350-million-158299.html"><img alt="Nam A Bank secures green capital from Switzerland, bringing international fundraising to nearly $350 million" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/06/17/thumbnail/picture120260806170216.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/nam-a-bank-secures-green-capital-from-switzerland-bringing-international-fundraising-to-nearly-350-million-158299.html" title="Nam A Bank secures green capital from Switzerland, bringing international fundraising to nearly $350 million">Nam A Bank secures green capital from Switzerland, bringing international fundraising to nearly $350 million</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Nam A Bank signed an international credit agreement with SIFEM AG and secured additional capital from funds managed by responsAbility Investments AG, raising the total mobilised capital since the beginning of the year to nearly $350 million.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/techcombank-helps-foreign-investors-unlock-growth-opportunities-in-vietnam-158615.html"><img alt="Techcombank helps foreign investors unlock growth opportunities in Vietnam" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/12/11/thumbnail/tech-220260812112940.jpg" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/techcombank-helps-foreign-investors-unlock-growth-opportunities-in-vietnam-158615.html" title="Techcombank helps foreign investors unlock growth opportunities in Vietnam">Techcombank helps foreign investors unlock growth opportunities in Vietnam</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Amid rising foreign investment, Techcombank is advancing its support for foreign-invested companies in Vietnam with tailored banking solutions.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/cathay-bank-opens-representative-office-in-ho-chi-minh-city-159671.html</link>
			<author>Thanh Van</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:48:00 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/hong-kong-fashion-fest-unveils-eight-flagship-programmes-159577.html</guid>
			<title>Hong Kong Fashion Fest unveils eight flagship programmes</title>
			<description>Cultural agencies established eight core showcase programmes for the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest funded directly by government creative industry development initiatives</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 August 2026 – Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will take place from September 1 to 14. The two-week fashion extravaganza will bring together over 300 local and international design entities. In collaboration with six industry organisations, it will present eight flagship programmes across various cultural landmarks and stylish design spaces in Hong Kong, showcasing the city's exceptional appeal as Asia's fashion capital through a diverse range of fashion-themed events.</p>    <p><img alt="Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will take place from September 1 to 14." src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/14/hkff20260828144509.jpeg" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; margin: 0px;" width="100%" /></p>    <figure align="center" data-image-height="0" data-image-width="0" style="display: block;width: 100%;margin: 0px;padding: 0px;text-align: center">  <figcaption style="text-align: left;font-size: 16px;line-height: 24px;display: block;margin: 0px;width: 100%"><span style="font-size:14px;"><i>Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will take place from September 1 to 14. </i></span></figcaption>  </figure>    <p>This edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest offers a rich lineup of programmes, covering haute couture, city-wide pop-up stores, cross-regional menswear, sustainable design forum, modern denim culture and more, propelling the creativity and aesthetics of emerging designers from Hong Kong and abroad onto the global stage. The eight flagship programmes include the opening programme "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2026", the citywide fashion pop-up "Wear's HK", the international fashion showcase and trade platform CENTRESTAGE, "Future Threads: Menswear's New Waves Between Italy and Hong Kong", "Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2026", "Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026", "Fashion Asia Hong Kong 2026", and the "5th Hong Kong Denim Festival".<br />  <br />  Admission to all public exhibitions at the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will be free. Members of the public and fashion enthusiasts are welcome to visit and experience the city's vibrant creativity and energy. For more detailed information and the latest updates on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit the official website (www.hongkongfashionfest.com), and follow the official social media channels on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hkfashionfest), Facebook (www.facebook.com/hongkongfashionfest) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/@hkfashionfest).</p>    <p>The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. <img alt="" height="1" src="//track.media-outreach.com/index.php/WebView/483261/9995" style="width:1px;height:1px;" width="1" /></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/hong-kong-fashion-fest-unveils-eight-flagship-programmes-159577.html</link>
			<author>Hong Kong Fashion Fest</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:46:21 +0700</pubDate>
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			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-and-laos-step-up-cooperation-in-finance-infrastructure-and-energy-159668.html</guid>
			<title>Vietnam and Laos step up cooperation in finance infrastructure and energy</title>
			<description>The mid term conference of the Vietnam Laos Cooperation Committee for 2026 and the 19th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Cooperation Programme between the Vietnamese and Lao Ministries of Finance were held in Danang on August 27</description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/11/in_article/vietnam-laos-step-up-cooperation-in-finance-infrastructure-and-energy-20260828115433.png?rt=20260828115455" class="__img_mastercms" alt="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>The mid-term conference of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee for 2026. Photo: Chau An (MoF)</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>The conference was co-chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee Ngo Van Tuan and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee Santiphab Phomvihane.</p>    <p>The two sides reviewed the implementation of the 2026 Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan Agreement during the first eight months of the year, assessed achievements and discussed obstacles. They also agreed on key priorities for advancing bilateral cooperation in the remaining months of 2026.</p>    <p>Minister Tuan said implementation of the plan had broadly met its objectives, contributing to political stability, socioeconomic development, national defence and security, while strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between both sides.</p>    <p>He said that defence and security cooperation has continued to be strengthened and remains an important pillar of bilateral relations. The two countries have coordinated in implementing signed protocols and cooperation agreements, contributing to political stability, security and social order and safety, as well as building a peaceful, stable, friendly, cooperative and developing Vietnam-Laos border.</p>    <table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/11/in_article/vietnam-laos-step-up-cooperation-in-finance-infrastructure-and-energy-20260828115437.png?rt=20260828120226" class="__img_mastercms" alt="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Santiphab Phomvihane. Photo: Chau An (MoF)</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>DPM and Minister Phomvihane agreed with Vietnam's MoF assessment. "Rapid and complex geopolitical developments have affected global economic growth and slowed the development process of individual countries, including Laos and Vietnam," he said.</p>    <p>He said Laos was focusing on maintaining budgetary balance, accelerating economic growth and increasing revenue to meet expenditure needs and secure funding for infrastructure investment.</p>    <p>The Lao government has issued directives on strategic projects connecting Laos with Vietnam to facilitate bilateral trade, including Routes 6 and 12, Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway and the expressway linking the Cha Lo border gate with Vung Ang Port.</p>    <p>"Finance is of paramount importance to Laos, and we need substantial resources to meet our needs. Laos hopes Vietnam will provide expert support for relevant areas of work," he said.</p>    <p>He also highlighted progress in energy cooperation, noting that the two sides had signed agreements on electricity and coal purchases with a combined trade value of $1.3 billion. "Cooperation in education has also continued to develop, with Vietnam providing many scholarships to Lao students," he said.</p>    <table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/11/in_article/vietnam-laos-step-up-cooperation-in-finance-infrastructure-and-energy-20260828115442.png?rt=20260828120245" class="__img_mastercms" alt="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Minister Ngo Van Tuan. Photo: Chau An (MoF)</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>Regarding the potash mining and processing project in Khammouane province, Laos, which is being developed by Vietnam National Chemical Group, Laos called on Vietnam to pay greater attention to the project and accelerate its implementation.</p>    <p>Laos also asked Vietnam to provide further support, particularly for businesses seeking access to credit, and to help accelerate relevant projects in an effective manner.</p>    <p>For the remaining months of 2026, the conference agreed to continue its high-level agreements and the 2026 cooperation plan between the two sides.</p>    <p>Priority areas will include stronger political and diplomatic cooperation, defence and security cooperation, economic connectivity and greater complementarity between the Vietnamese and Lao economies, as well as connectivity among the three economies of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.</p>    <p>Both sides will also strengthen cooperation in institutional affairs, finance, transport, energy, telecommunications and tourism, while promoting investment by Vietnamese businesses in areas where Laos has demand and competitive strengths.</p>    <p>Attention will be given to strengthening dialogue and coordinating efforts to resolve difficulties faced by businesses and investors. The two countries will also continue boosting trade growth and energy cooperation, while prioritising education, training and human-resource development.</p>    <p>This is expected to provide a foundation for the two countries to organise cooperation activities in the future, particularly in 2027, which will mark the 65<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations.</p>    <table class="MASTERCMS_TPL_TABLE" style="width: 100%;">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td><img  src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/082026/28/11/in_article/vietnam-laos-step-up-cooperation-in-finance-infrastructure-and-energy-20260828115454.png?rt=20260828120306" class="__img_mastercms" alt="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy" style="max-width:100%; padding:0px; margin:0px;" title="Vietnam, Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy"></td>  		</tr>  		<tr>  			<td>Photo: Chau An (MoF)</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <p>According to Vietnam's MoF, in the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam had 20 investment projects in Laos with the total registered capital of $638.3 million, 4.2 times higher than in the same period of 2025.</p>    <p>Laos remained Vietnam's largest overseas investment destination, with 300 projects and the total registered capital of $7.04 billion. Two-way trade reached $1.3 billion in the first six months of 2026.</p>    <p>In 2026, the Vietnamese government is providing 1,300 scholarships for Lao students at more than 170 educational institutions in Vietnam. The two sides are also actively coordinating on the implementation of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University project.</p>    <p>The Vietnamese government has allocated $44 million in aid to the Lao government for 2026, as part of a total $390 million aid package for 2026-2030 to implement programmes and projects and provide training for Lao officials and students. Seven projects are currently under implementation, with most on schedule.</p>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-laos-increase-key-transport-infrastructure-connectivity-150191.html"><img alt="Vietnam, Laos increase key transport infrastructure connectivity" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/042026/08/16/thumbnail/photo-moc-20260408161916.jpg?rt=20260408161920" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-laos-increase-key-transport-infrastructure-connectivity-150191.html" title="Vietnam, Laos increase key transport infrastructure connectivity">Vietnam, Laos increase key transport infrastructure connectivity</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Vietnam and Laos are working to boost key strategic infrastructure projects to increase connectivity between the two countries.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-channels-714-million-into-overseas-projects-153047.html"><img alt="Vietnam channels $714 million into overseas projects" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/052026/20/12/thumbnail/outbound20260520125331.jpg?rt=20260520125332" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-channels-714-million-into-overseas-projects-153047.html" title="Vietnam channels $714 million into overseas projects">Vietnam channels $714 million into overseas projects</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">Vietnam’s outward investment capital reached nearly $714 million in the first four months of 2026, double the same period last year.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>    <table class="__mb_article_in_image __mb_article_in_image_large">  	<tbody>  		<tr>  			<td align="left" valign="top" width="115"><a class="__mb_article_in_image_large_box" href="https://vir.com.vn/cip-fecon-proposes-laos-wind-power-project-to-supply-electricity-to-vietnam-154653.html"><img alt="CIP-FECON proposes Laos wind power project to supply electricity to Vietnam" src="https://vir.com.vn/stores/news_dataimages/2026/062026/12/13/thumbnail/cip-fecon-proposes-1gw-wind-power-project-in-laos-to-supply-electricity-to-vietnam-20260612132545.jpg?rt=20260612132550" width="115" /> </a></td>  			<td align="left" style="vertical-align: top;padding:10px;" valign="top"><a href="https://vir.com.vn/cip-fecon-proposes-laos-wind-power-project-to-supply-electricity-to-vietnam-154653.html" title="CIP-FECON proposes Laos wind power project to supply electricity to Vietnam">CIP-FECON proposes Laos wind power project to supply electricity to Vietnam</a>  			<p><span class="tpl_desc">CIP-FECON consortium has proposed a 1,000MW onshore wind power project in Laos aimed at exporting electricity to Vietnam.</span></p>  			</td>  		</tr>  	</tbody>  </table>]]></content:encoded>
			<link>https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-and-laos-step-up-cooperation-in-finance-infrastructure-and-energy-159668.html</link>
			<author>Nguyen Huong</author>
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:46:02 +0700</pubDate>
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