Over the past decade, Vietnam has rapidly scaled its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind. This expansion has reshaped the country's energy mix and positioned Vietnam as a reference point for clean energy development across Southeast Asia.

The context is also shifting. Across Southeast Asia, energy demand is projected to account for around 25 per cent of global growth by 2035. ASEAN has committed to raising the share of renewable electricity to 45 per cent by 2030, a target that demands more clean capacity and grids capable of managing it reliably at scale. Vietnam, as one of the region's most dynamic economies, sits at the centre of that challenge.

Minh Nguyen, Vietnam country manager of Global Energy Alliance (GEA), said, “The next phase of Vietnam's energy transition will be defined by how well battery storage, digitalisation, and grid modernisation function as a single system. Treating these as separate priorities risks missing what the transition requires: coordinated transformation that turns renewable capacity into reliable, affordable power.”

She noted that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are central to that integration. They support renewable absorption, provide essential grid services, and allow operators the flexibility to manage variability at scale. Their value depends on how they are deployed alongside grid modernisation and digitalisation as part of a unified approach.

“The stakes extend beyond the grid,” she said. “As energy systems become more integrated with essential services such as healthcare and disaster response, their reliability directly affects how communities withstand climate shocks.”

Under the revised Power Development Plan VIII, Vietnam is targeting between 10 and 16.3 GW of battery storage by 2030. In the near term, around 1.2 GW of grid-connected BESS is being prioritised, with early deployments focused on system balancing and operational learning. These steps signal both progress and the scale of what comes next.

Reaching this level of deployment requires progress across regulatory frameworks, technical standards, market mechanisms, and investment readiness. Early projects are generating insights, but translating these into system-wide outcomes requires structured alignment and clear pathways for scale.

Tuong Do, Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Energy project development specialist, said, “Deploying storage at this level is as much an institutional challenge as a technical one. Utilities are looking for support in commissioning, system configuration, and long-term asset management. Interest in digital tools, including digital twins, is also growing as a way to improve system visibility and performance across the asset lifecycle.”

This shift moves the transition from isolated pilots to integrated system transformation. The Grids of the Future approach reflects this, placing distribution-level modernisation, digitalisation, and storage at the centre, with a focus on how they enable utilities to plan, operate, and scale effectively.

A key part of operationalising this in Vietnam is the BESS Task Force, led in coordination with the GEA, which bridges early implementation with longer-term policy and market development. By drawing on EVN-led pilots and technical studies, it helps ensure that initial deployments contribute to scalable outcomes.

Do from JETP Energy noted that parallel efforts supported by the United Nations Development Programme demonstrate how these system-level investments translate on the ground. Distributed solar PV systems integrated with battery storage are being deployed in public health facilities, supporting uninterrupted care during power disruptions and strengthening local resilience.

“These initiatives are expected to directly benefit around 2,800 people and indirectly support approximately 64,000, with a focus on equitable access, including women and vulnerable groups in climate-sensitive areas. This approach reflects a broader effort to align energy systems with development outcomes, including stronger healthcare delivery, improved disaster preparedness, and more inclusive pathways for communities most exposed to climate risks,” he added.

According to experts, there is growing focus on how BESS participates in the broader power system, including ancillary services and integration into Vietnam's evolving wholesale electricity market. Clear participation models, pricing mechanisms, and revenue streams will be critical to building a bankable market for storage.

Capacity building remains a priority as utilities prepare to operate more complex systems. The proposed Battery Energy Storage Centre of Excellence reflects the need to strengthen technical expertise across stakeholders.

Institutional readiness depends on strong environmental and social governance. Structured stakeholder engagement, grievance mechanisms, and transparent benefit-sharing are increasingly integrated into project design to support long-term sustainability and trust.

This transition will be defined by how systems are planned, coordinated, and built to last. It requires alignment between policy and execution, and sustained collaboration between government, utilities, and partners, working alongside national institutions.

Vietnam has demonstrated what is possible when ambition is matched with coordinated action. The opportunity now is to build on that foundation, advancing storage, digitalisation, and grid modernisation as parts of a single system. Done well, this transition strengthens reliability, supports essential services, and reinforces community resilience within a broader agenda of long-term development and inclusion.

Coro Energy to launch BESS Pilot in Vietnam Coro Energy PLC, a Southeast Asian renewable energy developer, on December 3 announced that it has signed a deal with Mobile World Group (MWG) for the delivery of a co-located Battery Energy Storage System Pilot (BESS Pilot) at one of Coro's existing rooftop solar sites in Ho Chi Minh City.

ACCV signs BESS - rooftop solar MoUs with Korean manufacturers Asia Clean Capital Vietnam is partnering with South Korean manufacturers to advance battery energy storage and rooftop solar integration in Vietnam’s industrial sector.

Ministry backs local BESS production to boost renewable energy use Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long has said the ministry will support local firms in developing products for battery energy storage systems to help promote renewable energy.

Siddharth Deshpande, director of Industry Solutions at Palo Alto Networks in Asia-Pacific and Japan, shared with Vietnamese media on June 11

In today’s agentic era, AI agents are becoming ubiquitous across the enterprise, spanning customer-facing roles, backend systems, applications and browsers. While this rapid adoption accelerates innovation and productivity, it also creates a high-stakes reality by expanding the threat landscape. Attackers are weaponising AI to scale their operations with greater speed, volume and precision. According to the latest research from Unit 42, the fastest 25 per cent of intrusions reached exfiltration in just over an hour – down from 4.8 hours a year earlier.

This threat is becoming even more acute in Vietnam, where rapid AI adoption is simultaneously expanding the country's digital ambitions and its attack surface. In 2025, Vietnam recorded approximately 552,000 cyberattacks, with 52.3 per cent of organisations reporting damage, up from 46.15 per cent the year prior, as attackers grow more sophisticated and increasingly AI-assisted.

Against this backdrop, Vietnam's digital economy reached $39 billion in 2025, growing 17 per cent year-on-year. As organisations race to embed AI, including emerging frontier systems, into core operations, they are introducing vulnerability vectors that traditional security frameworks were simply not built to handle.

Driven by a surge in sophisticated, frontier AI models, cybersecurity has hit a critical turning point. The speed and scale at which these models can be weaponised pose a generational challenge to traditional security programmes. It has enabled attackers to rapidly discover new vulnerabilities and generate corresponding exploits almost instantly.

Siddharth Deshpande, director of Industry Solutions at Palo Alto Networks in Asia-Pacific and Japan, said, “Frontier AI will continue to accelerate this window, meaning attackers can discover and weaponise vulnerabilities at machine speed. To fight AI with AI, organisations must leverage Frontier AI models to find and fix vulnerabilities, remediate exposures holistically, ensure attack protections across their digital estate and deploy real time security operations.”

“The average organisation is juggling 83 security tools from 29 vendors, and this is not sustainable. Security is often treated as an endless game of whack-a-mole, but it is entirely solvable. By moving away from fragmented tools and embracing a unified platform - one that operates in real time to outpace modern threats, leverages AI to protect every user and application, and seamlessly integrates best-in-class, open technologies - we can transform security from a reactive struggle into a proactive, absolute defence.”

In Vietnam, where the rapid pace of digital transformation has opened up massive avenues for enterprise growth, it has concurrently expanded the digital surface available to malicious actors.

Over the past year, Vietnam has moved from early-stage experimentation to more scaled, practical deployment, with organisational adoption rising from approximately in 2025, positioning the country among the fastest-growing AI markets in Southeast Asia.

This momentum is reinforced by the Law on AI and the government’s plan to establish a National AI Development Fund for 2026–2027, aimed at accelerating research, innovation, and real-world application. By framing AI as core national infrastructure, Vietnam is not only advancing its digital economy, but also increasing the urgency to address the more complex and evolving risks that come with widespread AI adoption.

Safeguarding this expanding ecosystem requires moving beyond the mindset of simply deploying point products to block visibility gaps. Instead, Vietnamese enterprises must proactively secure the entire lifecycle of their data and models, ensuring national resilience aligned with evolving governance standards.

Hoang Quang Huy, country manager, Vietnam, Palo Alto Networks

Hoang Quang Huy, country manager, Vietnam, Palo Alto Networks, said, "Vietnam’s AI ambitions are among the most forward-looking in Southeast Asia, and the pace of adoption is remarkable. However, this rapid progress also requires a fundamental rethink of cybersecurity. True AI security is not about stacking disparate tools - it is about protecting AI across the entire supply chain in an enterprise.”

“Palo Alto Networks is committed to securing Vietnam’s digital future by giving organisations the guardrails to move fast and scale safely. Through an integrated platform approach, we ensure that every machine identity, AI agent, and workload is protected under a single, cohesive ecosystem, allowing Vietnamese organisations to lead the market with confidence.”

Palo Alto Networks ingests 500 billion events and blocks 30 billion attacks daily, providing customers with the security tools that match the lightspeed pace of AI innovation. For Vietnam, this means enterprises and local small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) alike have access to the same world-class security infrastructure deployed by the world's leading corporations, the foundation needed to pursue AI ambitions without compromising resilience.

In a fast-changing world, Palo Alto Networks ensures a level playing field, empowering Vietnamese enterprises and local SMBs with the same world-class security tools deployed by major global corporations.

Digital future for SMEs: no transformation without cybersecurity shield As digital transformation becomes a matter of survival for businesses, a forum held in Hanoi on April 15 underscored that digital growth cannot be achieved without robust cybersecurity, data protection and resilience in the online environment.

Cybersecurity and AI threats outpacing readiness, study says Fragmentation, alert overload, and rising AI ambition are driving a shift towards platform-based, AI-powered security, a new study says.

Fragmented systems, talent gaps are Vietnam's weakest cyber defence As AI-powered cyberattacks grow more sophisticated and disruptive, experts warn that Vietnam’s biggest vulnerability now lies in fragmented systems, talent shortages, and the lack of cybersecurity awareness across organisations and society.

Cyberattack risks on the increase The National Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Vietnam Innovation Network and Cybersecurity Experts Network and SUNEdu International Education JSC, held a training programme “Cybersecurity for Digital Transformation” from June 1-3 in Ho Chi Minh City.

What changes have you observed in guest expectations in recent years?

Travellers today are looking for experiences that feel more personal and authentic. Luxury used to be defined by physical elements, such as larger spaces, elaborate services, and formality. Those elements still matter, but they are no longer enough on their own.

Now people value emotional comfort and genuine connection. They want experiences that feel relevant to the way they travel and connect to the destination.

Sometimes the most memorable part of a stay is not something extravagant. It can be as simple as a colleague remembering a guest’s preferences, recommending a local coffee shop that they might never have discovered otherwise, or suggesting a small, family-run restaurant that only locals frequent.

For a hotspot like Nha Trang, there is a quiet shift happening. Long known for its coastline and relaxed beach lifestyle, the destination is gradually evolving into something more layered: a destination where business travellers stay longer, domestic travellers return more intentionally, and guests seek experiences that feel connected to local life.

This shift reflects a broader change happening across the hospitality industry. Travellers today still appreciate beautiful hotels and memorable destinations. But what they remember most is how a place made them feel.

With more than two decades of experience across the Asia-Pacific region, I bring a global perspective to hospitality. Yet my philosophy is remarkably simple. I do not talk much about luxury in the traditional sense. My focus is more on genuine care, human connection, and the emotional side of travel.

Long known for its coastline and relaxed beach lifestyle, Nha Trang is gradually evolving into something more layered: a destination where business travellers stay longer, domestic travellers return more intentionally and guests seek experiences that feel connected to local life. Photo: Hyatt Regency Nha Trang

How would you define luxury for today’s travellers?

To me, luxury today is about feeling understood. People travel more frequently now, and many guests have already experienced beautiful hotels around the world. What truly stands out is not necessarily excess, but how thoughtfully a place anticipates your needs and how naturally it connects you to the destination.

Modern luxury is becoming quieter and more intentional. Less about showing something and more about creating a feeling.

Rather than spending all their time within the hotel, many guests now want to engage with the rhythm of the city itself, explore neighbourhood coffee shops, discover local cuisine, and experience everyday interactions.

I see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. I have always believed a hotel should not feel disconnected from where it is. The most memorable experiences happen when guests feel a genuine sense of connection with the place they are visiting.

This philosophy is reflected throughout Hyatt Regency Nha Trang’s daily operations, where local influences, cultural storytelling, and authentic experiences are thoughtfully woven into the guest journey.

Luxury in Nha Trang Photo: Hyatt Regency Nha Trang

Why is it important for a hotel to feel relevant not only to travellers, but also to local residents?

Because hospitality should feel connected to real life. When residents choose to spend time in a hotel, whether for dining, celebrations, or simply as part of their routine, it creates a different kind of energy. The hotel becomes part of the city rather than separate from it.

I think travellers feel that authenticity as well. They want places that feel vibrant and naturally rooted in the local community.

As Nha Trang continues to evolve, the future of hospitality will become increasingly people-centred, guided by emotional intelligence, cultural connection, and thoughtful care.

And perhaps that is what modern luxury ultimately means today: not simply creating impressive places, but creating places where people genuinely feel welcome, comfortable, and connected.

At the centre of that philosophy is Hyatt’s long-standing purpose: We care for people so they can be their best. Those “people” extend far beyond hotel guests. They include colleagues, business partners, residents, and the community surrounding the hotel.

For us, hospitality begins with people. In an industry often defined by flawless presentation and polished experiences, I believe genuine hospitality starts somewhere less visible. It comes from the people creating those moments every day.

The guest experience is never created by one person alone. It comes from the proactive and collective efforts of the team. It begins with whether colleagues feel respected, supported, and empowered to do their best work every day.

As travellers become more emotionally perceptive, authenticity matters more than ever. Guests notice warmth, recognise sincerity, and are drawn to places that feel human rather than overly curated.

Leadership is less about hierarchy and more about consistency, trust, and creating an environment where people feel confident enough to care naturally. When colleagues feel genuinely valued, that feeling always reaches the guest in a meaningful way. You cannot separate the colleague experience from the guest experience.

It is a mindset that shapes the culture I am cultivating at Hyatt Regency Nha Trang, one that feels welcoming, intuitive, and deeply human.

It is the small details that matter most. Despite overseeing a large-scale luxury hotel, I focus on these small details.

It can be a warm and genuine welcome, smiling eyes when greeting a guest, or the feeling of being remembered. These are the moments I believe guests carry with them long after they leave. People may forget certain things they saw, but they rarely forget how they felt during their stay.

My view is shaped by my own journey within Hyatt. Before becoming a general manager, I began my hospitality career unexpectedly as a steward in Australia, an experience I once described as the moment I discovered the joy of working with people from different cultures and backgrounds. More than 20 years later, that same curiosity and openness continue to define my leadership style.

“In addition, businesses need to stay abreast of green consumption trends, sustainable products, solutions to working capital challenges, and modern distribution channels,” Quyen said.

Alongside improving compliance capabilities and enhancing their ability to respond to trade barriers, developing modern distribution channels has also been identified as a key solution for businesses seeking to expand their presence in North America.

Huynh Le Dai Thang, director of Nghia Son Wood Furniture Co., Ltd., shared practical experience in leveraging cross-border e-commerce.

According to Thang, businesses need to shift their mindset from selling what they have to selling what customers truly need.

“To succeed on international e-commerce platforms, enterprises should make systematic investments in market research, brand protection, long-term capital planning, appropriate warehousing systems, and teams capable of advanced data management and analytics,” said Thang.

From the perspective of an e-commerce platform, Huyen Vu, senior account manager at Amazon Global Selling Vietnam, noted that the US furniture and home furnishing market is projected to reach approximately $265 billion in sales in 2026. Of this, e-commerce is expected to account for 34.61 per cent of total industry sales.

“Vietnam currently enjoys several competitive advantages, including abundant raw material resources, strong manufacturing capabilities, and the flexibility to fulfill orders that are well suited to the online business environment,” said Vu.

Amazon Global Selling has been implementing a range of specialised training programmes to help Vietnamese wood products manufacturers build global brands, covering everything from market research and product development to storefront operations and sales optimisation.

Alongside e-commerce, logistics remains a critical factor in export performance. According to Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, E-commerce Business director at Vinalink Logistics JSC, North America continues to offer significant growth opportunities for furniture, home furnishing, and home decor products through cross-border e-commerce platforms.

“To optimise costs and ensure timely delivery, businesses should proactively develop transportation plans, prepare complete documentation, and thoroughly understand the importing country's specialised inspection requirements. For wood-based products, compliance with declaration requirements under the US Lacey Act is an important obligation that must be strictly observed,” Linh said.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, North America continues to be a high-consumption market and plays a particularly important role in Vietnam’s export activities. Over the years, the region has consistently accounted for approximately one-third of the country’s total export turnover.

In 2025, the US remained Vietnam’s largest export market, with export value reaching $37.85 billion. For the wood industry, 2025 marked a significant milestone as exports of wood and wood products surpassed $17 billion for the first time.

Vietnam also maintained its position as the largest supplier of wooden furniture to the US market, with export value reaching $9.46 billion.

Vietnam maintained its position as the largest supplier of wooden furniture to the US market. Photo: Le Toan

Nestle sells North American spring water brands for $4.3 bn Swiss food giant Nestle on Tuesday announced the sale of its regional spring water brands, plus two of its other North American efforts, to One Rock Capital Partners and Metropoulos & Co for $4.3 billion (3.5 billion euros).

Another 42 per cent cap their tolerance for tariff-related cost increase at 40 per cent–a threshold far lower than expected, according to the survey published on June 4.

This is Deloitte's fifth study on the evolving complexity of the tax and business environment of the region. With the evolvement of the business landscape, this year's study takes a sharper, more executive-focused lens, capturing perspectives from tax leaders and C-suite decision makers. The result is a concise view of what shapes business decisions today, and how tax and tariff considerations influence strategic decisions.

Deloitte's 2025 Asia Pacific Tax & Tariff Complexity Survey, conducted between August 1 to September 21, 2025, has received inputs from 363 senior executives from a diversified industrial background across the region.

Instead of relying heavily on price adjustments to absorb tariff shocks, executives now view them more as short‑term stopgaps rather than viable long‑term strategies. This shift in mindset reflects a broader recalibration: leaders are increasingly prepared to rethink their operating models when cost pressures intensify, signalling a more proactive and strategic approach to supply‑chain resilience.

Nearly 70 per cent of respondents indicated that their primary focus in supply chain decisions has shifted from minimising costs to focusing on reliability, stability, or strategic alignment. This integrated approach has encountered several key internal obstacles beyond macroeconomic volatility.

More than half of those surveyed cited operational challenges as stemming from internal gaps–insufficient processes, limited data capabilities, critical skill shortages, and workforce downsizing–making up 51 per cent of the total. As a result, transforming the tax operating model has moved rapidly up the C-suite agenda. Operational readiness is no longer a baseline expectation, but a true competitive differentiator.

“Vietnam is one of the markets directly impacted by shifts in regional supply chains, so the survey findings closely reflect what we have observed while working with businesses here,” said Bui Minh Tuan, Deloitte Vietnam Tax & Legal leader.

“Many business leaders are placing greater emphasis on reliability and operational readiness rather than focusing solely on tax costs. Amid significant changes to the domestic tax and legal framework, we believe that elevating the tax function from compliance to strategic decision support will help businesses respond more effectively to future uncertainties.”

To help organisations navigate this complexity, Deloitte introduces the Strategic Response Compass. The compass orients decisions around three critical pillars: Cost Signals (pricing and cash flow sensitivity as catalysts for change), Alignment (supply chain and stakeholder ecosystems as connective strength), and Enablement (digital and operational readiness as engines of transformation).

Eunice Kuo, Deloitte Asia Pacific Tax & Legal leader, said that at the regional level, “tax and tariff volatility has shifted from a background issue to a central factor for any business. Treat cost signals as early warnings, align ecosystems beyond cost, and embed digital enablement at the core. Those that act on these imperatives will not only withstand shocks but will transform volatility into foresight, momentum, and lasting competitive advantage.”

Tax sector eyes 20 per cent GDP revenue mobilisation in 2026-2030 The Finance Ministry has tasked the tax sector with boosting budget revenue mobilisation, expanding taxation in the digital economy and accelerating smart tax administration reforms for 2026-2030.

Tax circular amendments aim to ease import-export procedures The Ministry of Finance is accelerating reforms to modernise import-export tax administration, expand digitalisation, and create a more transparent regulatory framework.

Vietnam moves towards data-driven tax administration Vietnam’s tax system is being urged to accelerate the adoption of big data, AI and digital technologies across the entire tax management process. The long-term goal is to build a modern, intelligent and internationally aligned tax governance system.

Now in its 18^th run, HYLI continues to serve as Hitachi's flagship youth leadership platform, connecting promising university students with leaders from business, government, academia, civil society, and development sectors.

This year's theme reflected a timely call for collective action: the region's most urgent challenges, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), can only be addressed when countries, communities, sectors, and generations move together with shared purpose.

HYLI 2026 Opens in Cebu

HYLI 2026 formally opened at Crimson Mactan with ceremonies attended by delegates, mentors, senior Hitachi leaders, diplomatic and government representatives, private-sector leaders, sustainability advocates, partners, and guests from the University of San Carlos.

The opening ceremonies featured messages from Hitachi leaders and distinguished guests of honor, including Toshiaki Higashihara, Executive Chairman of Hitachi, Ltd.; Yudai Ueno, Consul-General of Japan in Cebu; Ms. Josephine Gotianun-Yap, Vice Chairperson of Filinvest Development Corporation; Ms. Lorena Dellagiovanna, Group Chief Sustainability Officer of Hitachi, Ltd.; and Honorable Nestor Archival, Mayor of Cebu City.

Their remarks framed HYLI 2026 around sustainability, shared responsibility, and the leadership values of ownership, engagement, and empathy.

These values were echoed by Philip Dy, President of the Metrobank Foundation and a HYLI alumnus from the 7^th batch in 2005. In his keynote speech, Dy reflected on his experience at HYLI and how it shaped the leader he is today. He urged delegates to connect meaningfully with their peers and explore what truly drives them.

Since its inception in 1996, HYLI has inspired over 400 talented university students, including Dy, to broaden their perspectives and discuss key global issues.

"Guided by our mission of contributing back to the society, I'm heartened to see HYLI delegates from diverse cultures gathered to solve societal challenges. HYLI 2026 reminded us that young leaders are not only preparing for the future – they are already helping shape it. Through the theme 'Flow as One,' we saw how dialogue, empathy, and collaboration can connect diverse ideas into meaningful action for society. I am confident that HYLI will continue to create more opportunities for these young social innovators and build a more inclusive society," said Kojin Nakakita, Chairman of Hitachi Asia Ltd.

Turning ideas into youth-led solutions

Throughout the week, delegates worked closely with mentors and peers to explore sustainability challenges from regional, social, environmental, and economic perspectives. Topics included access to clean water across Asia, the region's skills gap, sustainable bio-mining for a circular rare earth economy, and marine plastic pollution.

Delegates then translated these insights into their presentations, proposing solutions and receiving feedback from leaders, mentors, and fellow participants — reinforcing HYLI's role as a platform for critical thinking, bold communication, and cross-border solutions.

Learning sustainability through real-world experiences

HYLI 2026 also brought delegates beyond the conference room to explore sustainability across Cebu. At the Olango Marine Sanctuary, students took part in learning experiences that included fish feeding and mangrove viewing, deepening their understanding of marine biodiversity, coastal resilience, and the role communities play in protecting natural ecosystems.

Delegates also had immersions in two of Hitachi's key project sites: Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) System site and Seawater Desalination System (SWRO) site, showing how technology, infrastructure, and partnerships can contribute to more sustainable operations.

Leadership grounded in community impact

The week also included a purposeful community activity where delegates assembled back-to-school kits for local beneficiaries.

By taking part in hands-on community work, delegates were able to translate the spirit of "Flow as One" into a shared act of support for children and communities in need.

Building understanding across borders

Beyond sustainability and leadership sessions, HYLI 2026 showcased the diversity of its participating countries through a Cultural Night featuring performances from each delegation. The evening celebrated friendship and cross-cultural appreciation, reminding participants that collaboration begins with understanding one another.

As HYLI 2026 concluded, Cebu became a living classroom for sustainability, culture, innovation, and community in action - inspiring a generation of leaders to create positive change across Asia.

For more information and updates on the Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative, visit https://www.hitachi.asia/hyli/2026/.

Now in its sixth edition, AI+ Power 2026 brought together more than 10,000 business leaders and decision-makers, over 60 AI solution providers, and 150 industry experts under the theme "AI+ Power in Action." The event served as a platform for exploring how artificial intelligence is being translated from emerging technology into practical business applications.

At the event, Coremail demonstrated how AI is reshaping enterprise communication and collaboration through its AI-Native Secure Email System, highlighting new approaches to productivity, workflow automation, and secure AI adoption within the workplace.

As generative AI moves beyond experimentation and into day-to-day business operations, organizations are increasingly focused on how to deploy AI securely, efficiently, and at scale. The Coremail AI-Native Secure Email System was designed to address some of the most common challenges in enterprise communication, including information overload, time-consuming manual processing, and fragmented AI workflows.

"AI is evolving from a productivity assistant into a core component of enterprise operations," said Tim Lin, CTO of Coremail. "In the future, organizations will not simply use AI; they will work alongside AI agents. Email is no longer just a channel for communication. It is increasingly becoming a collaborative platform that connects people, data, applications, and AI agents. Through an AI-native architecture, we aim to help enterprises integrate AI more naturally into everyday workflows and unlock new levels of operational efficiency."

Six Core Scenarios Supporting Agent-Driven Workflows

Built on an AI-native architecture, the system uses large language models as its cognitive engine and AI agents as its execution layer, enabling a shift from traditional human-driven email management toward agent-assisted workflows.

The system supports six core enterprise scenarios: email classification, scheduling, approval workflows, email-based office operations, email analytics, and system administration. Powered by a multi-agent architecture, it can assist with meeting coordination, complex email retrieval, intelligent email analysis, and automated classification, helping organizations improve information processing and cross-functional collaboration.

User-Level Sandbox Model Enhances Security and Control

Security and governance remain central concerns for enterprises adopting AI. To address these requirements, Coremail combines its ReAct (Reasoning + Acting) execution framework with a user-level sandbox model, isolating AI execution environments from user data while enforcing the principle of least privilege.

This architecture enhances the security, traceability, and controllability of AI-driven actions, helping organizations balance innovation with data protection and compliance requirements.

Open Ecosystem Powered by MCP

Beyond security, the platform is designed to operate within an open and extensible ecosystem. The system supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling organizations to securely connect third-party tools and APIs within sandboxed environments.

By integrating business systems, data sources, and external services, enterprises can expand AI use cases according to their operational needs and transform email from a traditional information container into a business information hub.

Greater Visibility into AI Resource Usage

To help organizations manage AI adoption more effectively, the platform includes built-in monitoring capabilities for model consumption and token usage. Usage data can be analyzed across multiple dimensions, including model type, user, and request source, providing greater visibility into AI resource utilization and operational costs.

The user experience has also been redesigned with productivity in mind. Features such as a three-pane information layout, optimized grouping logic, and contextual floating prompts are intended to streamline navigation and improve day-to-day email workflows.

With more than 27 years of experience in enterprise email technology, Coremail today serves over 20,000 enterprise customers and more than one billion end users worldwide. Looking ahead, the company will continue to explore the convergence of artificial intelligence and enterprise communication, helping organizations build smarter, more secure, and more efficient digital workplaces.

For more information, please visit: www.coremail.ai

With armed forces increasingly facing radio-frequency jamming, GNSS disruption, and electronic attack, the MRM2-10AI sets a new standard in resilient communications, intelligent autonomy, and mission continuity, enabling it to succeed where conventional drone systems struggle.

At the heart of the platform is a hybrid communications architecture combining Orqa's proven IRONghost radio control system with native fiber-optic integration and automatic communications failover. This enables the MRM2-10AI to use either communication method without platform reconfiguration and instantly transition to the radio-frequency link if the fiber-optic connection is broken.

The MRM2-10AI features a powerful new Auto Pilot Board that unlocks a series of cutting-edge autonomous capabilities, including vision-based terminal guidance for GNSS-denied operations, advanced computer vision applications, battlefield analytics, and collaborative multi-drone operations.

A fully open development architecture and a supported third-party Developer Program (developer.orqafpv.com) provides a foundation for AI capabilities and software solutions, while ATAK compatibility supports seamless integration with existing battlefield management and situational awareness systems.

"As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, drone operators require systems that can remain effective in contested spaces," said Srdjan Kovacevic, co-founder and CEO of Orqa. "The MRM2-10AI combines resilient communications, onboard intelligence, and autonomous capability in a platform designed to keep missions moving. It represents the next step in tactical drone capability for today's armed forces."

Available in multiple configurations to meet a variety of mission requirements - including variants equipped with advanced thermal imaging and enhanced processing capabilities - the MRM2-10AI is being officially launched at Eurosatory 2026, the global event for defence and security in Paris.

The Board has appointed Ross Muken, currently President, as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026, and nominated him for election as a member of the Board of Directors. Furthermore, as set out in the AGM Invitation published on May 8, 2026, the Board of Directors has nominated Dr. Jurgi Camblong, co-founder and current Chief Executive Officer, for election as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Troy Cox, who has served as Chairman since March 2020, has been nominated for re-election as a non-executive member of the Board.

These proposals reflect the outcome of the Board's succession process and provide the company with continuity of strategic leadership, deep operational experience at the executive level, and seasoned independent oversight on the Board.

Effective on July 1, 2026, Ross Muken will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of SOPHiA GENETICS. In connection with this appointment, the Board of Directors proposes his election as a member of the Board of Directors in accordance with Swiss corporate law and the Company's Articles of Association.

Muken joined SOPHiA GENETICS in February 2021 and has served in successive executive roles: first as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), then as CFO and Chief Operating Officer (COO) from March 2023, and most recently as company President since November 2024. He brings over 20 years of experience across life sciences, health technology, medical devices, and pharma services, having previously served as CFO and COO of Click Therapeutics, and held senior roles at Evercore/ISI Group, Deutsche Bank Securities, and Thomas Weisel Partners. The Board views Muken as a highly qualified successor given his operational, financial, and strategic expertise and his deep familiarity with the Company.

"I am deeply honored by Jurgi and the Board's confidence in me to lead SOPHiA GENETICS at this important moment," said Ross Muken, President of SOPHiA GENETICS. "Jurgi has built a truly exceptional company with a clear mission, a differentiated platform, and a passionate team dedicated to improving patient outcomes. I am excited to build on that foundation, accelerate our commercial momentum, and continue delivering value for patients, customers, and shareholders alike."

Troy Cox joined SOPHiA GENETICS as a member of the Board in July 2019 and was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in March 2020. Prior to joining SOPHiA GENETICS, Cox served as Chief Executive Officer of Foundation Medicine (FMI), where he led the company through its acquisition by Roche in 2018. During Cox's tenure as Chairman, SOPHiA GENETICS completed its Initial Public Offering on Nasdaq in 2021, scaled its operations globally, expanded its installed network to nearly 1,000 healthcare institutions across more than 75 countries, and surpassed 2 million genomic profiles analyzed on the SOPHiA DDM™ platform.

"Succession is one of the most important responsibilities of any Board, and I am proud of the disciplined, multi-year process that has led to today's announcement," said Troy Cox, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SOPHiA GENETICS. "Jurgi and Ross are exactly the right leaders for SOPHiA GENETICS at this moment: Jurgi's founder vision belongs at the Chair, and Ross's strategic, commercial, and operational track record make him the right CEO to scale the business through its next phase of growth. The Board is unanimous in its support, the process has been rigorous, and the timing is right. I look forward to continuing to serve on the Board and to supporting Ross, Jurgi, and the entire team as they execute on the next chapter of SOPHiA GENETICS' mission."

The Board of Directors will propose Dr. Jurgi Camblong as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors at the AGM on June 18, 2026. Dr. Camblong co-founded SOPHiA GENETICS in 2011 and has served as Chief Executive Officer since the company's inception, driving its growth from a pioneering Swiss startup to a publicly listed global leader in Ai-powered precision medicine. As Executive Chairman, he will continue as a full-time executive, concentrating on technology innovation and long-term strategic direction.

"I am deeply grateful to Troy for his steady leadership and the trust he has placed in me and the company throughout his tenure," said Jurgi Camblong, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of SOPHiA GENETICS. "This transition marks an exciting new chapter, one where I can further contribute strategically at the Board level as we continue to advance our vision of democratizing data-driven medicine at scale. I look forward to continuing working closely with Ross as he leads the company into its next phase of growth."

Subject to Dr. Camblong's election as Executive Chairman, the Board will introduce a Lead Independent Director role, rotating annually among the Chairs of its independent Board committees. The Board will also hold standing executive sessions of its independent directors at each meeting. Together with an independent majority on the Board and fully independent committees, these arrangements will give SOPHiA GENETICS a clear, robust governance framework for its next chapter.

For more information, visit SOPHiAGENETICS.COM

The launch marks a significant milestone in GEEKOM's U.S. growth strategy, making its award-winning Mini PCs more accessible than ever to American consumers. Customers can now browse GEEKOM products through Best Buy's online marketplace, check local availability, choose in-store pickup, or have products delivered to their homes.

More importantly, the Best Buy launch represents a new phase in GEEKOM's U.S. market evolution. Beyond expanding online availability, GEEKOM is transitioning from an online-first Mini PC brand into a more retail-accessible brand with a growing local presence across the United States. Consumers can now move seamlessly from online discovery to local availability—researching products online, verifying nearby inventory, and in many cases picking up their Mini PCs directly from a nearby Best Buy store. This shift shortens the path from discovery to ownership while enhancing convenience, visibility, and consumer trust.

"GEEKOM has always been committed to making powerful, reliable computing more accessible," said Alan Chan, CEO at GEEKOM. "Our launch on Best Buy brings GEEKOM Mini PCs closer to consumers across the United States and provides a trusted new way to experience and purchase our products."

As demand for compact yet powerful computing solutions continues to grow, GEEKOM Mini PCs offer an attractive alternative to traditional desktop systems. Designed to maximize performance while minimizing space requirements, GEEKOM systems feature the latest AMD and Intel processor technologies, high-speed SSD storage, versatile connectivity, multi-display support, and Windows 11 Pro on select models.

Among the first models available through Best Buy are the GEEKOM A5 Pro, A8 Max, and A9 Mega. The A5 Pro, powered by an AMD Ryzen™ 5 7530U processor with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage, delivers reliable everyday performance for productivity, study, and home office use. The A8 Max features an AMD Ryzen™ 7 8745HS processor with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, offering enhanced multitasking and content creation performance. Leading the lineup, the A9 Mega is equipped with AMD's latest AI Max+ 395 processor, delivering next-generation AI computing capabilities for demanding creative and professional workloads.

Consumers can now explore available GEEKOM Mini PCs through Best Buy's online platform and participating retail locations across the United States.

This MLCC more than doubles capacitance when compared to TAIYO YUDEN's conventional MLCC, the MAASP32MAD7107MPCA01 (3.2 × 2.5 × 2.8 mm, maximum height; capacitance of 100 μF).

This MLCC is designed for output smoothing and decoupling applications in automotive systems, including control systems such as engine ECUs, safety systems including ABS and ADAS, and information processing systems such as instrument clusters.

Mass production of this product began in May 2026 at TAIYO YUDEN's Tamamura Plant (Sawa-gun, Gunma Prefecture).

Technology Background

Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly multifunctional and high performance, driven by advancements in electronic controls due to the evolution of ADAS and functional upgrades through software updates in software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Achieving these capabilities demands advanced automotive electronics including internal and external vehicle networking and the implementation of scalable designs. As vehicle complexity grows, the processing capacity of ICs increases, which necessitates that the onboard MLCCs simultaneously achieve both high reliability and large capacitance.

In response to this demand, TAIYO YUDEN has commercialized the MAASA32MAD7227MP1D71, achieving large capacitance in a compact 3225-size package for automotive applications. This MLCC offers more than twice the capacitance of TAIYO YUDEN's conventional MLCCs, and will contribute to enhancing the overall performance of advanced vehicles.

TAIYO YUDEN will continue to focus on developing products that meet market needs and further expand its lineup of MLCCs.

• Application
  For output smoothing and decoupling applications in automotive systems including control systems such as engine ECUs, safety systems such as ABS and ADAS, and information processing systems such as instrument clusters.
• Characteristics

For the detailed product lineup, refer to TAIYO YUDEN's Web site: https://ds.yuden.co.jp/TYCOMPAS/ut/specificationSearcher?cid=C&u=M&pn=MAASA32MAD7227MP1D 71

* The names of series noted in the text are excerpted from part numbers that indicate the types and characteristics of the products, and therefore are neither product names nor trademarks.

Note: Products are tested based on the test conditions and methods defined in AEC-Q200. Please consult with TAIYO YUDEN for details of the product specifications and AEC-Q200 test results, etc., and please review and approve TAIYO YUDEN's product specifications before ordering.

TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. Product Inquiries: https://www.yuden.co.jp/en/contact/

The strategic partnership kick-off ceremony was held in Hanoi on June 8 with the attendance of Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The event highlighted the growing technology partnership between Thailand and Vietnam, as well as both countries’ shared commitment to innovation-driven economic growth.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul meets with the Thai business community in Vietnam during his official visit to the country and the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi. Photo: C.P. Vietnam

Under the collaboration, C.P. Vietnam and FPT will jointly roll out six initial programmes, including AI training for employees, disease consultation systems for livestock farmers, intelligent camera solutions for farm monitoring, image-based raw material quality inspection, digital feed-mixing prescription management, and sales management solutions for dealer networks.

The activities are designed to introduce practical AI applications across multiple businesses and functions, helping improve productivity, optimise operations, and support long-term sustainable growth throughout the agri-food value chain.

Implementation will follow a two-phase roadmap. The first phase will focus on building data and technology foundations, while the second will scale proven AI applications across operations.

“This partnership between CP and FPT demonstrates how combining the strengths of two organisations can create tangible value,” said Montri Suwanposri, director and member of the Executive Committee of CPF, and vice chairman of the Board of Directors of C.P. Vietnam.

“By leveraging AI and digital transformation across C.P. Vietnam’s integrated Feed - Farm - Food value chain, from farm to family, we aim to enhance productivity, strengthen food safety, and improve people’s quality of life,” he said.

He added that throughout its 33 years of operations in Vietnam, C.P. Group has remained committed to innovation and sustainable development, and is now ready for a new phase of growth focused on strengthening partnerships and contributing to a more sustainable agri-food industry in both Vietnam and Thailand.

Montri Suwanposri, director and member of the Board of Directors of CPF and vice chairman of the Board of Directors of C.P. Vietnam (left), and Pawalit Ua-amornwanit, CEO of C.P. Vietnam. Photo: C.P. Vietnam

According to Levi Nguyen, CEO of FPT Thailand and FPT Taiwan, AI is becoming increasingly important as agriculture evolves through digital transformation.

“FPT is committed to partnering with CP to build and execute a clear transformation roadmap, from initial exploration to embedding AI as a core organisational capability. Through this collaboration, we aim to integrate AI into key agricultural processes, enhancing productivity, improving decision-making, and driving sustainable growth at scale across Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond,” he said.

Previously, on May 28, CPF and FPT exchanged an MoU at the Thailand-Vietnam Business Forum in Bangkok, attended by Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

C.P. Vietnam, a member of Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group), is one of Vietnam’s leading agri-food companies, operating an integrated Feed - Farm - Food model aligned with international standards to deliver sustainable and high-quality food products.

Sustainability remains central to the company’s long-term strategy, focusing on climate protection, improving quality of life, and advancing sustainable food systems. C.P. Vietnam is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 while continuing to expand renewable energy use and strengthen responsible resource management across its operations.

The company currently operates 12 animal feed mills, two pork slaughterhouses, and six food processing plants, including one of Southeast Asia’s most advanced integrated chicken processing complexes for export, alongside a nationwide network of modern farms across Vietnam.

C.P. Vietnam's three decades of growth and its journey to global dining tables Years of developing a fully integrated production model have enabled CPV Food Binh Phuoc to successfully export processed chicken to Japan. This achievement has served as a springboard for the CPV Food Binh Phuoc complex, and for C.P.Vietnam as a whole, to advance further in its mission to become the “Kitchen of the World”.

C.P. Vietnam accelerates ESG strategy across supply chain C.P. Vietnam held its 2025 Supplier Potential Development Conference with a strong focus on promoting environmental, social, governance (ESG) standards on November 20. The event marked a clear shift from a traditional partner-networking meeting to an in-depth forum on sustainable supply-chain development, gathering more than 100 of the company's strategic suppliers.

C.P. Vietnam enhances AI adoption in agri-food chains C.P. Vietnam will work with FPT to explore AI and digital solutions across its Feed-Farm-Food value chain, supporting smart farms, lower costs, and advanced food safety traceability.

The event took place on June 10, with Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long attending and delivering remarks at the plenary session.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Long said Vietnam has approved the revised Power Development Plan VIII, which sets a target of developing approximately 6,000-17,000 MW of OSW power capacity during the 2030-2035 period. He described the target as highly ambitious and a significant challenge for Vietnam, while also creating the foundation for a vast new market for the business community.

In August 2025, the Politburo issued Resolution No.70-NQ/TW on ensuring national energy security through 2030 with a vision to 2045, in which OSW power was identified as a key priority. Later in 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly also passed a related resolution, and the government is expected to issue a decree to implement the policy framework.

“OSW power continues to hold a particularly important position in the national energy strategy,” the Deputy Minister stressed.

According to Deputy Minister Long, the summit takes place at a particularly important moment as Vietnam enters a new stage of development and a new era of growth. Alongside the goal of achieving double-digit economic growth, the country must also expand its power generation capacity to support economic development.

"Vietnam requires additional energy sources and new projects to meet development demands, but the process must be implemented in a proper, efficient and sustainable manner," he said.

The conference also provides an opportunity for Vietnam to learn from the experiences and recommendations of countries, businesses and investors that are advancing rapidly in OSW development.

“To develop OSW power, it is necessary to develop the entire ecosystem, including supply chains, supporting industries, services and related sectors. We hope to cooperate and learn from all Vietnamese and international partners. This is the right time to jointly build an efficient and sustainable OSW market,” the deputy minister said.

At the summit, Global Wind Energy Council CEO Ben Backwell said the world is facing increasingly visible impacts from fuel supply disruptions, shortages of refined petroleum products, and rising oil and electricity prices. This is not the first global energy crisis, but it is among the most serious in recent years. The difference today, he noted, is that countries are now better equipped to respond to market volatility.

Sharing his impressions upon returning to Vietnam, Ben Backwell said he was particularly struck by the country’s rapid pace of change. “The number of electric vehicles on the streets has increased dramatically. Compared to just three years ago, when I last visited Vietnam, the picture is entirely different,” he said.

He added that Vietnam is in a highly favourable position to accelerate its energy transition thanks to its vast renewable energy resources, which are “almost unlimited.” OSW power alone has an estimated technical potential of up to 600 GW, representing a major opportunity for future development.

Beyond resource advantages, Vietnam also possesses a strong industrial base, a fast-growing economy and a skilled workforce. These factors could enable Vietnam to become a regional leader in renewable-powered electrification in Southeast Asia and across Asia more broadly.

Backwell also noted that an important foundation has already been established through Power Development Plan VIII, recent legal reforms, licensing frameworks and environmental regulations. In the coming years, wind power, solar power and manufacturing facilities are expected to continue expanding.

In particular, OSW is expected to become a dynamic industry capable of driving supply chain relocation, localisation of manufacturing, port infrastructure development and the creation of hundreds of thousands of high-skilled jobs.

Meanwhile, Gauri Singh, deputy director general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said that in an increasingly interconnected world, wind and solar power are contributing significant amounts of clean energy to electricity systems.

As end-use sectors increasingly participate in the energy transition, electrification has evolved beyond a climate strategy into a broader strategy for industrialisation, clean transport, cooling demand, digital transformation and energy independence, she said.

"This is the right moment to have a deeper look at the relationship between renewable energy and economic electrification to develop solutions that governments are seeking," she said.

A recent IRENA report on 24/7 renewable energy solutions shows that the combination of wind power, solar power and energy storage is creating a new trend in which the cost of reliable electricity supply is falling rapidly and becoming increasingly competitive with new thermal power projects in some countries.

With nearly 165 GW of wind power capacity added globally over the past year, global momentum for wind power development is becoming increasingly clear. With strong political commitment from countries such as Vietnam, this momentum could translate into national benefits while also strengthening regional cooperation.

“Regional cooperation is an essential foundation for realising ambitious energy transition goals. Wind power development can become the nucleus for interconnected and flexible electricity markets, helping unlock supply chain diversification. Therefore, wind energy is not only important for Vietnam’s energy market but could also play a significant role across the wider region,” the IRENA report highlighted.

During the summit, Vietnam and the United Kingdom also launched a cooperation initiative to boost OSW development, establishing a new coordination mechanism to support the growth of Vietnam’s OSW market.

On this occasion, the Global Wind Energy Council introduced the publication “Vietnam Offshore Wind Development Guide”, an important industry reference aimed at supporting Vietnam in developing its OSW sector in a systematic, efficient and sustainable manner.

According to organisers, APAC Wind Energy Summit 2026 covers a full spectrum of issues related to wind power development and regional market potential, from high-level dialogues on finance, energy security, energy storage and electricity demand from businesses to specialised technical sessions on floating OSW, grid integration, digitalisation and supply chain industrialisation.

Held under the theme “Wind Powering Prosperity Across Asia-Pacific: Building an Electrified Economy Through Wind Scale-Up and Supply Chain Expansion,” the APAC Wind Energy Summit 2026 took place from June 9-11, featuring two days of conference and exhibition activities, alongside networking sessions and side events aimed at encouraging business connections.

COP28 Vietnam Business Forum discusses green transition The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), and the Embassy of Vietnam in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) co-organised The Vietnam Business Forum on December 2 to discuss mobilising resources for the country's green transition, gathering 160 key stakeholders to participate.

Wind industry leaders to convene in Vietnam for APAC Summit The Asia-Pacific Wind Energy Summit 2026 will take place on June 9-11 in Hanoi.

Vietnam positioned to lead Southeast Asia’s wind power race Vietnam’s offshore wind ambitions are creating opportunities not only for clean power generation, but also for the emergence of an entirely new industrial ecosystem spanning manufacturing, logistics and energy services, according to experts from both domestic and international companies.

Over the past year, Spinnaker has more than doubled its APAC headcount to support growing demand from organizations seeking greater control over their technology roadmaps, reduced costs, and greater flexibility in managing mission-critical SAP, Oracle, and VMware environments. The expansion underscores the increasing demand for independent support solutions, freedom from vendor constraints, and trusted strategic guidance throughout the region.

As Managing Director, Pruthi will lead the company's regional growth strategy, drive sales and business development initiatives, strengthen customer and partner relationships, and help organizations maximize the value of their technology investments.

"APAC is one of the fastest-growing regions in our business and a critical part of Spinnaker's global expansion strategy," said Mark Ritacco, Chief Strategy Officer at Spinnaker Support. "We are investing aggressively in the region because customers are looking for greater control over their technology roadmaps, access to experienced expertise, and alternatives to vendor-driven timelines. Vivek has extensive knowledge of SAP, and combining his experience with our laser focus on garnering new SAP customers will help us drive further success across the Asia-Pacific region."

The market dynamics driving this growth are significant. A March 2026 Mordor Intelligence report notes that global demand for certified ERP consultants continues to exceed supply, particularly in complex industries, and estimates a 30,000-40,000-person shortfall for SAP consultants alone.

As organizations face rising consulting costs, constrained talent availability, and longer implementation timelines, many are reevaluating how they support and modernize mission-critical ERP systems. These challenges are increasing demand for experienced partners that can help organizations maximize existing ERP investments while planning for future modernization initiatives.

"Enterprises across APAC are asking practical questions about cost, control, and timing," said Pruthi. "Many organizations are running stable, mission-critical ERP environments, yet they are being pushed toward vendor timelines that may not align with their business priorities. Spinnaker gives customers another path. We help them protect what is already working, reduce unnecessary spend, and create the flexibility to modernize when they are ready."

For more information: www.spinnakersupport.com.

The company has sent a proposal to Quang Ngai People’s Committee to develop a 5-star luxury eco-resort and a health and wellness retreat in Kong Plong commune.

Spanning 4.5 hectares, the development follows a green tourism model focused on sustainability and environmental preservation. The resort will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy to achieve carbon neutrality with a 1-MW solar power farm. It also features a health and wellness retreat, a green energy research and development centre, and an academy for hotel management and ecotourism training.

As part of efforts to advance a circular economy, the venture will adopt green technologies. The initiative is expected to boost high-quality tourism, generate employment, and improve income for the locals. Moreover, Kon Plong will be pushed as a tourist destination.

Tran Phuoc Hien, Vice Chairman of Quang Ngai People’s Committee, said, “The provincial leaders believe in the project feasibility due to the investor’s execution capabilities and extensive experience.”

He noted that the venture was in line with the government’s policies on green growth, circular economy development, and carbon emission reduction. At the same time, the venture matches with Quang Ngai’s tourism development plan in the new phase.

Specifically, the province aims to encourage ecotourism and resort tourism in mountainous areas. Among these areas, Kon Plong has vast potential due to its natural landscapes, climate, and relatively intact ecosystems.

“The local authority is committed to supporting the investor during researching and completing the necessary procedures. The province will coordinate with central ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to address challenges, creating better conditions to quickly kick-start the venture,” he added.

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort offers 600 rooms steps from Patong Beach The Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is positioning itself as a prime destination for couples, families and groups, offering 600 rooms and suites, multiple dining options and leisure facilities directly adjacent to Patong Beach and Bangla Road.

IHG Hotels & Resorts signs two hotel deal with Meraki Land in Vietnam IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a two-hotel agreement with long-term partner Meraki Land to expand its luxury and premium presence in Vietnam.

Fusion marks Global Wellness Day with spa promotions across Vietnam Fusion will mark Global Wellness Day and the International Day of Yoga with a series of wellness promotions at its resorts and hotels across Vietnam.

Dauntless owns and operates the nation's largest and most technologically advanced fleet of Fire Boss aircraft. These specialized water-scooping air tankers, also known as Single Engine Scoopers (SES), are purpose-built to rapidly attack and contain wildfires that threaten people, land and property. Dauntless deploys these aircraft, highly trained personnel and support equipment under long-term government contracts for wildfire suppression services.

"Dauntless is a highly differentiated emergency management infrastructure platform operating at the center of an increasingly important public safety mission," said Ryan Stewart, Partner at Ridgewood Infrastructure. "The Company has established a leadership position through its scale, operational capabilities and long-standing relationships, and we look forward to partnering with Dauntless leadership and the entire team to continue growing the platform."

Wildfire response has become a heightened public infrastructure priority as fire seasons continue to grow longer and more severe in many regions of the United States. Dauntless' contracted, availability-based operating model provides government agencies with dedicated aerial firefighting capacity that can be positioned when and where it is needed most. This includes pre-positioning aircraft before fire season, in anticipation of increased fire activity, as well as re-positioning throughout the season based on changing conditions. This tactical flexibility and Dauntless' operational effectiveness are essential in protecting communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources from evolving wildfire threats.

Brett L'Esperance, Chief Executive Officer of Dauntless, said: "Our team is known for delivering operational excellence, reliability, safety and innovation in some of the most challenging wildfire environments in North America. We are looking forward to building on that reputation in partnership with Ridgewood, which shares our commitment to continuously improving our capabilities, investing in our people and providing our customers the highest level of service."

Dauntless has decades of performance history with federal and state government customers. The Company's market position is further supported by significant barriers to entry, including specialized aircraft, rigorous operational requirements, regulatory certifications and highly trained personnel.

"Dauntless embodies many of the characteristics we seek in an infrastructure investment: essential services, mission-critical operations, strong barriers to entry and avenues for operational growth," said Ross Posner, Managing Partner of Ridgewood Infrastructure. "We are excited to support management as they continue expanding the platform's capabilities."

Following the acquisition, Dauntless will continue to be led by Brett L'Esperance and the existing management team. Ridgewood intends to support continued investment in the Company's operational capabilities, customer partnerships and strategic growth initiatives. The Company will also pursue opportunities to expand its emergency management infrastructure platform through fleet growth, adjacent service offerings and selective acquisitions.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Photo: WHO

The initiative brought together government authorities, researchers, businesses, local communities and students to promote the One Health approach and demonstrate actions that can reduce food safety risks.

"Food safety is a public health priority," said Angela Pratt, a WHO representative in Vietnam. "Preventing foodborne diseases requires coordinated action across the food system."

In Vietnam, continued efforts are needed to strengthen food handling and hygiene practices, increase consumer awareness, expand food traceability technologies, generate evidence through research and support stronger policies.

Flagship activities also took place in Thai Nguyen province, a One Health field site where partners are strengthening collaboration across the animal health, human health and environmental sectors. These efforts also contribute to advancing the One Health approach promoted through the Vietnam One Health Partnership, under which ILRI currently co- chairs the Food Safety Technical Working Group.

"Safe food is important for food security, nutrition and sustainable agrifood systems," said Vinod Ahuja, an FAO representative in Vietnam. "This initiative demonstrates that practical solutions already exist, but ensuring safer food for all requires action across the food systems, from farmers to consumers, from policymakers to retailers. By working together across sectors, we can help ensure these solutions reach the people who need them most."

A nationwide digital campaign is also promoting the Five Keys to Safer Food, encouraging consumers and food handlers to adopt simple practices that reduce risks.

"Progress in food safety happens when research, policy, and community action come together," said Hung Nguyen, regional director for Asia at ILRI. "Research helps us identify where food safety risks occur and which interventions are most effective, but lasting impact requires partnership and collaboration. This campaign provides a platform for bringing together diverse stakeholders to share knowledge, align efforts, and translate evidence into practical solutions."

As part of the campaign, the Food Safety for Agrifood Systems Forum brought together authorities, researchers, universities, development partners, businesses and communities to discuss emerging food safety risks and practical solutions. Discussions highlighted policy and technical perspectives on food safety governance and emerging risks, while showcasing practical solutions and innovations and emphasising the importance of translating knowledge and evidence into scalable actions.

Photo: WHO

"Food safety challenges do not stop at national borders, and neither should the solutions," said Ornuma Polpanich, director of the Green Transitions and Nexus Solutions Department, Mekong Institute. "We are supporting knowledge exchange and collaboration like this forum so that successful practices, innovations, and lessons learned can be shared and adapted across Mekong communities and countries."

At the community level, students, food safety experts, market vendors and consumers gathered at Dong Quang Market in Thai Nguyen City for food safety demonstrations. Around 200 students from Thai Nguyen also participated in a poster and video competition, with winning teams presenting their ideas during the forum.

"Universities play an important role in developing future leaders," said Phan Thi Hong Phuc, vice rector of Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry. "By engaging students in research and community activities, we are helping build a generation that can contribute solutions for safer food systems."

Earlier activities engaged nearly 400 students from RMIT University in a food safety communication challenge, demonstrating how young people can help translate technical food safety messages into engaging, creative content for wider audiences.

The initiative was made possible with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Science Programme on Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods.

Food safety law issues addressed Vietnam is striving to solve issues in implementing Decree No. 46/2026/ND-CP, guiding the Law on Food Safety.

Temporary relief for food imports as businesses urge overhaul of regulations The government’s Resolution No.09/2026/NQ-CP has given businesses short-term breathing space by clearing stalled food shipments, yet deeper reforms are still needed to prevent a repeat of costly port congestion.

Government launches regular health checks alongside food safety crackdown The government is gradually implementing regular health check-ups for the population while strengthening inspections and strictly handling food safety violations, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang has said.

The conference is scheduled to take place on June 29 at the National Convention Centre and expected to draw between 1,000 and 1,200 delegates, including senior leaders from the central government, various ministries, and local departments.

The conference also seeks to boost socioeconomic cooperation between Hanoi and other localities, driving growth across the Capital Region, the Red River Delta, and the Northern Key Economic Zone.

The event aims to update the city’s new development direction while strengthening ties with the domestic and international investment communities.

It aims to boost domestic and foreign investment by showcasing the potential and opportunities within the Capital and its surrounding regions. A central highlight will be the announcement of the Hanoi Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision.

As part of the event, Hanoi will feature a digital experience space where investment projects are showcased using advanced technology. This multi-language digital platform will integrate 3D imagery and detailed planning data layered over 360-degree onsite footage. This will allow investors and delegates to interact with projects in a virtual environment as if they were conducting physical site surveys.

Investors can interact directly with projects as if they were conducting on-site surveys; they are also supported by a smart "chatbox" system providing information and answering questions anytime, anywhere.

Besides that, the city plans to grant investment policy approvals and investment registration certificates to several projects in the area, and sign Memoranda of Understanding with domestic and foreign businesses and organisation

The capital will introduce unique policies according to Resolution No.02-NQ/TW dated March 17, 2026 of the Politburo, the amended Law on the Capital, Programme No.12-CTr/TU of the Hanoi City Party Committee, and many strategic policies of the central government and the city to create new development opportunities in the "era of growth."

Haiphong attracts $15.6 billion in investment Haiphong has reaffirmed its position as a magnet for investment and a strategic economic hub, drawing over $15.6 billion in registered capital at the 2025 Investment Promotion Conference held on July 15 under the theme "Haiphong - A Strategic Gateway to the New Era".

Phu Tho steps up investment promotion, targets high-tech, green industries The province will prioritise attracting high-tech, green technology, semiconductor, and clean energy projects that are environmentally friendly and deeply integrated into global value chains.

VIKO BIOFUEL honoured for advancing green innovation in ASEAN At the 47th ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) in Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam-based VIKO BIOFUEL Co., Ltd. earned regional recognition for its innovation and sustainable growth.

Amata City Ha Long fosters collaboration with Chinese manufacturers Amata City Ha Long participated in the Vietnam-China (Guangxi) Trade, Investment Promotion and Business Matching Conference, organised by the Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Guangxi Department of Commerce.

InvestHK concludes Africa mission to strengthen Global South investment ties InvestHK Associate Director-General Loretta Lee concluded a strategic visit to South Africa and Rwanda on May 18, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a gateway for businesses from the Global South seeking access to Asian markets.

According to the United Nations, the proportion of people aged 65 and above will rise sharply across most regions in the coming decades, while birth rates in many countries continue to decline significantly. This trend is placing increasing pressure on social security systems and public pension budgets worldwide.

Numerous studies indicate that Vietnam is among the fastest-ageing countries in Asia. Long-term financial pressure on the social insurance system is expected to intensify over the coming decades, while workers still have limited access to and experience with long-term savings instruments.

Vietnam is among the countries with the fastest population ageing rates in Asia

After nearly 10 years of pilot implementation of governmental Decree No.88/2016/ND-CP governing voluntary supplementary pension programmes, Vietnam's supplementary pension market still remains modest in scale.

According to figures presented at a conference introducing governmental Decree No.85/2026 held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 22, as of the end of 2025, four companies had been licensed to operate seven pension funds nationwide, with total net asset value reaching approximately $88.24 million.

Although this represented a 26-fold increase compared with 2021, it remained relatively small compared to the actual potential of an economy with a population exceeding 100 million.

The number of participants reached 28,560, more than 42 times higher during the same period. In 2025 alone, total contributions to pension funds amounted to approximately $28.84 million, up 26.5 per cent, while total investment portfolios reached roughly $90.96 million, an increase of nearly 47 per cent.

Against this backdrop, Decree 85 is expected to remove many of the barriers that have constrained market development.

One of the most significant changes is the clearer standardisation of participation mechanisms. Employees will participate in supplementary pension programmes through their employers, with employers making contributions on behalf of employees, while employees may choose to make additional voluntary contributions.

A notable new provision stipulates that participation in supplementary pension programmes will not affect salary and bonus policies, labour management practices, or other employee welfare schemes.

This is expected to address concerns previously held by many businesses about implementing such schemes for their workforce.

The new decree also significantly raises requirements for fund management companies.

Specifically, firms wishing to enter this market must manage at least $40 million in total assets, possess a minimum of five years of operating experience, and currently manage at least two public funds, including at least one bond fund.

Personnel requirements have also been tightened. At least three out of five investment management specialists must hold professional practice certificates or internationally recognised qualifications, such as the CFA designation.

On the investment side, Decree 85 grants pension funds considerably greater flexibility. The mandatory allocation to government bonds has been reduced to 40 per cent for funds with net asset values of at least $200,000. At the same time, eligible investment portfolios have been expanded to include listed equities, corporate bonds, and fund certificates.

According to industry experts, these changes are better aligned with the inherently long-term investment nature of pension funds and move Vietnam closer to international standards.

The decree also introduces provisions aimed at preventing ‘fee-on-fee’ practices when pension funds invest in other funds, thereby safeguarding the interests of participants.

Regarding tax incentives – arguably the issue of greatest interest to businesses – the Ministry of Finance (MoF) is drafting implementing regulations that would increase the personal income tax deduction ceiling from $40 per month to $120 per month, among others.

The MoF expects completion of this to contribute to the development of a comprehensive supplementary pension fund system, improve professionalism and service efficiency, provide citizens with additional long-term saving options, and generate long-term capital for Vietnam's capital and domestic bond markets.

These developments are viewed as positive signals, although some stakeholders believe incentives should be enhanced further to create stronger appeal for both employees and employers.

A World Bank document presented at the afore-mentioned conference highlighted that many countries have successfully expanded supplementary pension coverage through automatic enrolment mechanisms.

In the United Kingdom, the auto-enrolment scheme introduced in 2012 significantly increased pension participation among private-sector employees, particularly among lower-income workers and small businesses that previously had limited access to long-term financial savings instruments.

In Vietnam, Decree 85 continues to maintain a voluntary participation mechanism – an approach widely regarded as appropriate during the early stages of market development when the supplementary pension sector remains relatively nascent.

Over the longer term, however, many experts believe policymakers should consider introducing mandatory employer matching contributions to expand coverage and foster a stronger culture of long-term saving across society.

As population ageing in Vietnam is advancing faster than previously projected, the development of supplementary pension funds is no longer merely a matter of choice. The key challenge is to build sufficient trust for employees to commit to long-term savings, encourage businesses to participate proactively, and ensure that the system operates with transparency, efficiency and safety.

WB to help Vietnam Social Security in pension fund management Deputy General Director of the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) Nguyen Dinh Khuong recently held a working session with a delegation from the World Bank (WB) led by financial expert Alwaleed Alabatani in Hanoi to discuss the launch of a technical support programme for pension fund management.

Pension fund landscape to be diversified Driven by incrementally surging demand from a gradually ageing population, more credit institutions and consumer finance companies are diversifying their loan schemes, including loan programmes for retirees.

Benefits of pension funds must be incentivised Despite their benefits for retaining talent and offering tax advantages, voluntary pension funds in Vietnam see limited use and need stronger incentives to match global standards.

The city will begin construction of the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway line on June 30, with completion expected by the end of 2030. Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai City agreed to assign Ho Chi Minh City as the authority to implement the project.

Besides this, the city is scheduled to approve the Metro Line 6 - Phase 1 (the section from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Phu Huu) project in November. It will have a length of 22.8 km and a total investment of VND86.52 trillion. The construction is expected to begin on December 31 and be completed by the end of 2030.

Also in December, Ho Chi Minh City plans to begin construction on Metro Line 1, the section from Binh Duong to Suoi Tien, which is 32.8 km long and has a total investment of VND55 trillion. When completed in December 2030, the line will enhance connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong.

The final line, scheduled to begin construction in December 2026, is Line 2, from Thu Dau Mot (former Binh Duong province) to Tao Dan station in Ho Chi Minh City.

After the planning adjustments, this railway line will be 35 km long, including 20 km elevated and 15 km underground, with 24 stations. The people’s committee will approve the scheme in November 2026, commence construction at the end of December 2026, and complete by the end of 2030.

Adding the Metro Line 2 section connecting Thu Dau Mot (former Binh Duong province) with Tao Dan station to its list of priority projects for implementation between 2026 and 2030 will help the city complete 200km of urban railway by 2030 as requirement of the Politburo's Resolution No.09-NQ/TW.

Notably, the resolution mandates that Ho Chi Minh City develop and complete approximately 200km of urban railway by 2030 to fundamentally reshape the metropolis into a transit-oriented, multi-centric global hub

Previously, the city aimed to complete six metro lines with a combined length of 187km by 2030.

These included Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh-Tham Luong section), Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem section), Metro Line 6 (Tan Son Nhat-Phu Huu section), the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh metro line, the New Binh Duong City-Suoi Tien line, and the Ben Thanh-Can Gio route.

Vietnam’s railways to attain rise in private participation While amendments to the law regarding railways are expected to give domestic and international businesses a legal thumb-ups, it will still take time for the industry to develop fully.

Investors outline plans for Danang-Hoi An rail A Danang-Hoi An urban railway is expected to create an important driving force for the city’s development, and has already attracted the attention of domestic and foreign developers.

Pilot mechanism to develop urban railways in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Businesses and investors involved in urban railways in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are expected to benefit from a new pilot mechanism.

Delivering urban railways and transit-oriented development Vietnam’s efforts to expand urban rail and sustainable city development have increased attention on transit-oriented development and digital delivery tools. Giang My Huong, director of Capital Projects and Infrastructure at PwC Vietnam, shared with VIR’s Khanh Linh how PwC is supporting climate-resilient urban transport delivery.

Chinese contractor to formulate feasibility study for Metro Line 4 A consortium comprising China’s Guangzhou Metro Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd., ARUP Vietnam, and TEDI SOUTH has been licensed to carry out the feasibility study for the nearly $6 billion Metro Line 4 in Ho Chi Minh City.

VEAM must implement corrective measures due to incorrect declarations, resulting in a shortfall in corporate income tax payable for 2010 as stipulated by the Law on Tax Administration and related documents.

However, because the statute of limitations for administrative penalties for tax violations expired, the authorities did not apply administrative penalties but only required the implementation of corrective measures as prescribed.

Specifically, VEAM is required to pay an additional $635,600 in outstanding corporate income tax to the state budget. At the same time, the company must pay an additional $102,000 in late payment penalties. The total amount to be paid according to the decision is over $737,600.

VEAM must complete the repayment within 10 days after receiving the decision. Failure to comply within the deadline may result in enforcement action as prescribed by law. In addition, VEAM still has the right to appeal or appeal against this decision.

It is currently a state-owned enterprise, with the Ministry of Industry and Trade acting as the representative owner, holding approximately 88.47 per cent of the charter capital.

The company operates in the mechanical engineering and vehicle manufacturing sectors, but the majority of its profits over the years have come from investments in leading vehicle and motorcycle joint ventures in Vietnam.

In 2025, the company recorded revenue of nearly $180 million, a 9 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Profits from joint ventures and associated companies reached $265 million, a slight decrease of 2 per cent. On the stock market, VEAM shares are currently trading around $1.38 per share, corresponding to a market capitalisation of over $1.84 billion.

GELEX fined to more than $53,000 for erroneous tax declaration The Hanoi Department of Taxation has just issued a fine of more than VND181 million ($8,000) to Vietnam Electrical Equipment JSC (GELEX) for erroneous tax declaration, along with over VND1.03 billion ($45,400) in tax arrears and late payment fees.

Vietnam integrates enterprise tax declaration into National Public Service Portal The General Department of Taxation on April 29 completed the upgrade of the electronic taxation application to integrate enterprise and individual tax declaration into the National Public Service Portal with the aim for further facilitating tax performance.

Obstacles get in the way of e-tax payments The launch of e-tax was expected to facilitate tax declaration and tax payment, but some firms are still finding it difficult to fulfil their financial duties via the online portal.

Household businesses prepare for e-filing as lump-sum tax ends The Tax Department is stepping up efforts to help household businesses adopt electronic tax filing ahead of the abolition of the lump-sum tax regime.

On June 8, VinFast announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter. The company noted revenue growth was driven by strong growth in electric vehicle sales volumes in Vietnam, together with contributions from overseas markets such as India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

In the first quarter of 2026, VinFast delivered 58,577 electric vehicles (EVs), representing an increase of 61 per cent from the same period last year. International markets accounted for approximately 8 per cent of total deliveries during the quarter.

In Vietnam, VinFast’s EV deliveries in the first quarter of 2026 increased by 53 per cent on-year. The company maintained its position as the number one original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the domestic automotive market since September 2024.

Southeast Asia and India continue to be key growth markets for VinFast. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, VinFast ranked number one BEV brand in the Philippines, fourth in India and eighth in Indonesia.

The company also delivered 143,136 units of e-scooters and e-bikes in the first quarter, representing an increase of 219 per cent from the first quarter of 2025.

In March alone, VinFast received more than 135,000 e-scooter orders and shipped over 93,000 e-scooters to dealers in Vietnam.

VinFast currently holds the leading position in Vietnam’s electric motorcycle market and, in March, expanded its share of the overall motorcycle market (including both electric and internal combustion engine models) to 17 per cent.

VinFast continued to expand its retail and after-sales network as part of its global expansion strategy. By the end of the first quarter, customers can purchase VinFast EVs from 447 showrooms globally.

Pham Nhat Quan Anh, chairman of VinFast, said, “VinFast has entered a new phase focused on disciplined execution, long-term sustainability, and scalable growth."

"As we continue expanding globally, we remain committed to strengthening our operational foundation, enhancing capital efficiency, and advancing our transition towards a more asset-light and resilient business model in Vietnam. We believe the long-term global shift toward electrification, supported by increasing focus on energy security and operating efficiency, continues to create meaningful opportunities for VinFast across our core markets,” Quan Anh said.

Looking ahead, VinFast plans to further grow its presence through various distribution models, with dealership partnerships remaining the primary channel. To support market demand, the company plans to strengthen its manufacturing, assembly and distribution capabilities across international markets where it currently operates.

Green SM extends lead in Vietnam's ride-hailing market to over 54 per cent Green SM continues to widen its lead in Vietnam’s ride-hailing market in the first quarter, capturing over 54 per cent market share and maintaining its top position for 18 consecutive months.

VinFast divests EV manufacturing operations for asset-light strategy VinFast Auto Ltd., Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced a significant corporate restructuring that involves divesting its domestic car manufacturing operations to focus on brand management and design.

VinFast expands global aftersales network with 29 partners VinFast signed MOUs with 29 aftersales partners at its 2026 Global Business Conference, strengthening its international service network.

Vietnam’s e-commerce platforms are increasingly competing on customer experience rather than price

The forecast is based on the performance of the May 5 sales campaign, which recorded GMV of approximately $260 million.

Beyond growth in scale, the market is also witnessing profound changes in consumer behaviour, competitive dynamics and platform business models.

The figures highlight the continued strength of online spending in Vietnam. Earlier, a market report from Metric showed that Vietnamese consumers spent approximately $17.2 billion on Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada and Tiki in 2025, an average of about $47.7 million per day.

Meanwhile, a report by YouNet ECI, a Vietnamese market research and analytics company specialising in e-commerce intelligence, found that total GMV across the four major platforms exceeded $18.32 billion in 2025, growth of 26 per cent compared with the previous year.

The data suggest that e-commerce has entered a stage of large-scale expansion rather than serving merely as a supplementary sales channel, as was the case in the past.

Another notable trend is the rapid increase in average order value. According to Metric, GMV during the May 5 sales event rose 18 per cent on-year, while the number of products sold declined 6 per cent and the number of stores generating orders fell by around 10 per cent.

At the same time, the average value per product increased from $4.32 to $5.44, approximately 25 per cent growth.

This indicates that consumers are no longer focused on maximising the number of purchases, as seen during the post-COVID boom period, but are increasingly prioritising higher-quality products and higher-value segments.

Product categories posting strong growth included groceries, beauty products, mother-and-baby products, healthcare, mobile phones and home-related goods.

Notably, the beauty segment continued to demonstrate the effectiveness of livestream commerce, generating more than $47.76 million in sales on May 5 alone.

Industry experts say that Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is entering a more mature stage, where competition extends well beyond promotional discounts.

Rather than competing solely on price, e-commerce platforms in Vietnam are increasingly investing in logistics infrastructure, fulfilment centres, AI, user data capabilities, livestream commerce and creator networks.

With an annual market size measured in tens of billions of dollars and one of the fastest growth rates in the region, Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is expected to retain substantial growth potential.

However, the next phase of competition will not simply be a battle among platforms. It will increasingly be a contest among businesses capable of harnessing data, technology and the power of the creator economy to win over digital consumers.

To remain competitive, companies need to continuously upgrade their algorithms, advertising ecosystems and logistics capabilities, while making more strategic investments in branding, customer data and content development.

E-commerce race heats up with new player entering arena A new commercial platform, nongsan.buudien.vn, has made its official debut.

Southeast Asian e-commerce market hit $157 billion in 2025 Southeast Asia’s e-commerce gross merchandise value (GMV) grew 22.8 per cent on-year in 2025 to reach $157.6 billion, as leading platforms returned to growth while continuing to improve infrastructure, fulfilment, and customer experience, according to Momentum Works.

Over 200,000 OCOP items listed on e-commerce platforms More than 200,000 One Commune, One Product items have been labelled through the 'Vietnam Goods Rise Up' initiative launched on TikTok Shop in 2025.

On June 9, AEONMALL Vietnam Co., Ltd. and AEON Vietnam Co., Ltd. issued an official response regarding an incident reported by a customer, who described an unsatisfactory shopping experience at AEON Mall Long Bien on June 7.

According to the company, an internal review confirmed that the customer had fully paid for all purchased items. AEON also acknowledged that it had made an inaccurate assessment regarding one of the customer’s products during the handling of the incident.

The retailer said representatives of both parties had met in person, discussed the matter, and agreed on remedial measures. AEON also extended its apologies to the customer and her family for the unsatisfactory experience arising from the incident. The Japanese retailer stated that the misunderstanding, along with the inappropriate handling of the situation, stemmed from shortcomings in internal training and supervisory processes.

Earlier, the customer’s account of the incident, which was shared on social media, attracted significant public attention and prompted extensive discussion regarding the handling of the situation at the shopping centre.

In response, AEON said it is reviewing its operational procedures, updating its incident-handling guidelines, and enhancing staff training activities to minimise the risk of similar incidents in the future, while ensuring a safe, convenient, and customer-friendly shopping environment.

The incident comes as AEON continues to expand its presence in Vietnam, which the group has identified as its second most important market after Japan. As of the end of 2025, AEON’s cumulative investment in Vietnam had reached approximately $1.5 billion. Under its development plans through 2030, the group aims to triple the scale of its operations in the country.

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What can you tell us about Idemitsu Green Energy Vietnam's (IGEV) black pellet manufacturing plant in Vietnam?

Our plant is located in Gia Lai, near the Quy Nhon area. Boasting a large forest area and one of the highest forest-cover rates in the country, Gia Lai has the right conditions for developing raw material zones for the biomass energy industry. With a total plant area of approximately 80,000 square metres, an annual production capacity of around 120,000 tonnes, and an investment worth VND900 billion ($34.6 million), the IGEV plant is one of the largest black pellet manufacturing facilities in the world.

What key milestones has the facility achieved so far?

IGEV began developing its black pellet plant in Vietnam in 2020, starting with a pilot plant in Gia Lai to verify the technology and product quality.

In 2021, Idemitsu Green Energy Vietnam was established, and construction of the commercial-scale plant began. Despite challenges during the COVID-19 period, the project was completed with strong support from our team, partners, and local government. The plant was inaugurated in July 2023, marking an important milestone for IGEV in Vietnam.

After the inauguration and the completion of the system's trial run and testing phase, it started commercial operations in October last year. In February, IGEV successfully exported its first commercial shipment of black pellets to Japan, marking the successful transition from project development to full commercial operation.

How does IGEV manage its supply chain, from raw material procurement and production to logistics and exports to Japan?

At IGEV, we manage an integrated supply chain covering sustainable raw material sourcing, production, logistics, and export to Japan.

Our primary feedstock is acacia wood sourced from plantation forests in Gia Lai and Quang Ngai. All materials are procured from suppliers that comply with internationally recognised sustainability standards, including FSC certification and Japan’s JIA requirements, ensuring legality, traceability, and responsible sourcing throughout the value chain.

Beyond procurement, we maintain close collaboration with forest growers, suppliers, and local authorities to promote responsible forest management and secure a stable long-term supply of certified raw materials.

Production is managed under strict quality and sustainability standards, with full traceability from raw materials to finished products. After processing, black pellets are transported to Chu Lai Port and exported to Japan, where Idemitsu’s logistics network enables efficient distribution to end users.

With an annual production capacity of 120,000 tonnes, we are also working with approximately 25 companies in Japan to accelerate commercialisation and market adoption.

As industries continue to advance their decarbonisation efforts, we see significant growth potential for black pellets in Japan, where markets seeking practical pathways to reduce coal consumption while utilising existing energy infrastructure.

What are the key technical advantages of black pellets compared to white pellets?

IGEV's black pellets possess superior technical characteristics compared to traditional white pellets, thanks to being processed using pyrolysis technology in an oxygen-deprived environment. This process is known as torrefaction. During this process, the gas generated from drying is utilised as fuel for the heating system. Upon completion, the characteristics of the pellets are significantly improved. With better grindability, superior water resistance compared to white pellets, and a high calorific value ranging from 4,500 to 5,500 kcal per kilogram, these advantages allow black pellets to be stored outdoors or transported over long distances without crumbling like white pellets.

In particular, this excellent grindability allows for easy co-firing of black pellets with coal at thermal power plants at a ratio of up to 30 per cent through existing coal pulveriser systems, without the need to invest in complex production line modifications.

Going beyond innovative technical optimisations, this product line also opens up a sustainable development strategy and brings high economic value. According to the Gia Lai Department of Industry and Trade, the added value of black pellets is 3.5 to 5 times higher than that of white pellets, creating significant room for local deep processing, thereby reshaping the forestry value chain towards circularity and enhancing regional economic efficiency.

How does the project support Vietnam's sustainable forestry development and its net-zero goals?

IGEV's mission is closely aligned with Idemitsu's Vision 2030, 'Trusted Partner for a Brighter Future'. Through the sustainable utilisation of domestically sourced plantation wood and the creation of quality local employment opportunities, we aim to contribute to both carbon neutrality and long-term socioeconomic development in Vietnam.

Our commitment extends beyond manufacturing. We actively support local forestry development by working with forest growers, providing access to high-quality seedlings, and promoting forest management practices that meet international sustainability standards such as FSC and JIA. These efforts help strengthen the productivity, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness of Vietnam's plantation forestry sector.

The project also creates greater value from forest resources by moving beyond traditional products such as wood chips and white pellets towards higher-value black pellets. This enhances export value while encouraging deeper processing and more efficient utilisation of forest resources.

IGEV continues to consider investing in producing energy pellet products from plantation forests. Ultimately, we believe projects such as IGEV demonstrate how sustainable forestry, advanced biomass technology, and international cooperation can work together to support both economic growth and climate action.

Idemitsu meeting low-carbon needs with Binh Dinh black pellet production plant Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. has inaugurated a commercial black pellet production plant in the south-central province of Binh Dinh, demonstrating its efforts to contribute to carbon neutrality.

Idemitsu Vietnam established to consolidate its business activities The Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan has established Idemitsu Vietnam Co., Ltd. to consolidate its business activities in the country.

Idemitsu Kosan begins commercial operation of black pellet plant Idemitsu Green Energy Vietnam Co.,Ltd. (IGEV) has commenced commercial operations of its new plant in Gia Lai to produce black pellets (BP), a type of biomass fuel.