The summit will feature executives and technical experts from more than 18 leading global companies and academic institutions, specifically including Morgan Stanley, School of Integrated Circuits at Peking University, Samsung Semiconductor, Sandisk, Solidigm, Silicon Motion, Arm, BIWIN, Lenovo, Numbers Law, SYNCORE, NEXWISE, Infplane, Paratera, OKN Technology, Dify, Genstoraige, and among others. Speakers will address memory and storage technology evolution, market strategy, practical AI application deployment, industry ecosystem collaboration, and capital value creation, with the aim of advancing the token economy and supporting the development of AI infrastructure.

In the exhibition area, 39+ exhibitors will bring 300+ innovations spanning the full memory & storage and semiconductor stack — wafer IDMs, controller makers, solution providers, OSATs, equipment vendors, platform companies, AI compute and server makers, and end-application companies. It's a rare chance to meet the entire memory & storage landscape in one place, get a read on where AI memory & storage tech is headed, and strike up conversations that could turn into real deals.

Register now to lock in your spot at GMIF2026 — get ahead of the trends in the AI memory and storage industry, meet the people shaping the industry, and open doors to your next opportunity.

Learn more about GMIF: https://www.gmif.com.cn/

Low-Voltage Grid: A Critical Bottleneck in the Energy Transition

In August 2024, at the opening ceremony of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) Paris session, a speaker from the International Energy Agency (IEA) noted that grid infrastructure is becoming a key bottleneck for the global energy transition. Sun believes that the real challenge lies in low-voltage grid management and transparency. Currently, approximately 700 million people worldwide still lack access to electricity, including nearly 50 million in Asia, making universal electricity access a long-term mission. Meanwhile, China's installed capacity of distributed PV is growing rapidly and is expected to exceed 1 billion kilowatts by 2030. This explosive growth has made the systematic management of low-voltage services essential and shone a spotlight on the importance of power market transactions.

To address the century-old gap in low-voltage management, Sun emphasized the need to build six core capabilities centered around low-voltage transparency: observability, measurability, controllability, adjustability, tradability, and traceability. This is not just a technological upgrade, but a transformation of production methods.

Open Architecture and Solid Technical Foundation

David Sun noted that production methods are most critical. While professional capabilities still matter, what matters more is how they are rapidly combined to support the business, customers, and operational mechanisms.

He also stressed that the target communications network is key. Without communication, nothing can happen. Two global problems—low-voltage transparency and medium-voltage convergence—must be solved.

On digital architecture, he emphasized a layered, decoupled, and modularized design, along with on-demand cloud-edge-device collaboration for applications and data.

Finally, he noted that, building on real-time, high-quality data, AI is deeply integrated into the full power process, full-lifecycle asset management, and full-spectrum customer services, while also enabling innovation across the business.

Deep Integration of AI into Power Operations

During his speech, David Sun shared several practical achievements in the deep integration of AI in low-voltage operations. In the business operations of State Grid Corporation of China, labor costs were significantly reduced by the combined use of high-speed power line carrier (HPLC) communication technology, the anomaly analysis model, and the line loss analysis agent. By deploying the marketing ontology model, the company cut the customer service response time from hours to minutes. In markets outside China such as Brazil, the deployment of a microgrid management platform and a unified O&M center notably improved the accuracy of transformer district-level load forecasting. Furthermore, in daily frontline operations, the integration of VR headsets, an on-device small model, and a cloud-based large model significantly enhanced the safety and compliance of on-site work. These use cases demonstrate that digital and intelligent innovation, grounded in real-time, high-quality data, is driving power companies toward a new phase of greater operational efficiency and quality.

Reimagining Standards Leadership and Talent Development

In the process of bidirectional AI empowerment, open, consistent, and forward-looking systematic standards are crucial to driving technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and ecosystem prosperity. David Sun proposed that standards development should proceed within a three-tier framework of "indicators–architecture–technologies," and that standards should guide talent development, digital transformation, and sustainable business growth. Huawei has partnered with leading enterprises to establish the "Wittgenstein Studio" talent development program, which helps power companies lower the threshold for digitalization, unleash the creativity of power engineers, and enable each engineer to become a "Mini-CEO" who proactively embraces uncertainty. Only by turning power engineers into digital- and AI-savvy industry experts can the electric power industry achieve sustainable development as the new power system takes shape.

Huawei is driving the power industry beyond a single technological upgrade toward a dual transformation of production methods and talent structure. Moving forward, as open architectures become widespread and AI is adopted at scale, the industry will accelerate its transformation and build a transparent, intelligent, and sustainable new power system to maximize the value of every kilowatt-hour through bidirectional empowerment.

The partnership is designed to support companies operating and expanding across Singapore and Southeast Asia where hiring, managing and paying teams across multiple countries and currencies is now a prerequisite for regional growth. Through the integration, JustLogin customers will be able to initiate payroll and employee-related payments in up to 16 currencies from within the JustLogin platform, while Convera manages the underlying cross-border payment execution.

The result: faster salary disbursement, improved visibility, and reduced operational complexity for companies managing distributed workforces across the region.

"Growing companies should not have to choose between regional expansion and payroll confidence. By embedding Convera's global payments capabilities directly into JustLogin's HR platform, we're making it easier for businesses to hire, pay and scale across Southeast Asia with greater speed, visibility and control", said Patrick Gauthier, Group CEO of Convera, "This partnership reflects a broader shift we're seeing in the market, as payments become more deeply embedded into the platforms businesses already use to run their operations."

As businesses across Southeast Asia build more distributed and regional workforces, payroll is becoming more than an administrative function. It is increasingly connected to employee experience, operational resilience, and the ability to expand into new markets with confidence. The Convera and JustLogin partnership brings together HR technology and embedded financial services to help businesses manage this complexity through a single, integrated experience.

Designed for regulated environments, the integration allows payment activity to be initiated within JustLogin, with essential transaction data shared securely with Convera at the point of payment. Payment status and confirmations are then returned to the JustLogin dashboard, giving HR and finance teams visibility without disrupting existing workflows. As the licensed payment processor, Convera conducts customer onboarding and KYC checks and operates under the oversight of more than 60 regulators worldwide

Cross-border payroll and B2B payouts represent a significant and growing segment of Southeast Asia's payments landscape, with the regional B2B payments market estimated at approximately USD 44.5 billion in 2024 and projected to exceed USD 105 billion by 2033. As Singapore-based and multinational businesses expand across the region, navigating multiple currencies, payment rails, and regulatory regimes has become an increasing challenge. Embedding regulated cross-border payments into HR platforms helps remove a major barrier into regional expansion.

"As our customers expand across markets, payroll and payments have become a critical part of both employee experience and corporate reputation," said KC Kwa, CEO, JustLogin. "In an environment marked by regulatory change and currency volatility, this partnership provides the governance, resilience, and confidence our customers need to keep payroll compliant, accurate, and seamless – without compromising trust."

The solution also leverages select government-backed fast payment rails to accelerate salary disbursement across the region, including Singapore's FAST, Malaysia's DuitNow, and InstaPay in the Philippines.

The Convera and JustLogin integration is available to JustLogin customers in Singapore and across supported Southeast Asian markets, helping businesses build, manage and pay regional workforces through a more connected HR and payments experience.

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Ruxolitinib (1.5%) cream is a novel, topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor.^[1] In the U.S., OPZELURA is indicated for the topical treatment of non-segmental vitiligo in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, as well as for the topical short-term and non-continuous chronic treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in non-immunocompromised adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.^[2]

Under the terms of the expanded agreement, Incyte will remain responsible for the development and manufacturing of ruxolitinib cream, while ST will manage regulatory submissions, medical affairs, marketing, and distribution across Australia.

ST Chief Executive Officer, Carlo Montagner, welcomed the addition of ruxolitinib cream to ST's portfolio, marking a key expansion into inflammatory dermatology.

"Our partnership with Incyte began in 2021, and we are pleased to extend this collaboration into dermatology," said Montagner. "Atopic dermatitis and vitiligo are chronic skin conditions that carry a significant physical and psychosocial burden for patients.^[3],[4] Bringing ruxolitinib cream to the Australian market aligns with our ongoing commitment to providing innovative therapies for conditions where substantial unmet medical needs remain."

"Our immediate priority will be navigating the local regulatory and reimbursement pathways to ensure eligible Australian patients gain equitable and timely access to this topical treatment," Montagner added.

Incyte Head of International, Lee Heeson, noted that the expanded agreement reinforces the strong operational alignment between the two organisations.

"We are pleased to expand our partnership with Specialised Therapeutics as we work to make ruxolitinib cream available to eligible patients in Australia," said Lee Heeson, Executive Vice President and Head of Incyte International. "ST's proven experience navigating regulatory, medical and commercial pathways across the region makes them a valued partner as we continue to broaden access to our portfolio globally."

ST anticipates progressing regulatory and reimbursement submissions for OPZELURA with Australian healthcare authorities in due course.

AlphaCore 800 doubles the capacity of AlphaCore 400 and extends Velocys' throughput-based AlphaCore reactor family from approximately 50 to 800 barrels per day per reactor (from 2 to 30 kt/a per reactor). AlphaCore 800 is designed particularly for larger sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and e-fuels projects, including SAF plants targeting approximately 100,000 tonnes per year and above.

Benefits from expanding reactor size while preserving the underlying chemistry and design are clear: more FT capacity per reactor, enabling fewer reactors as project scale increases without sacrificing performance or reliability. Reducing reactor count can simplify the FT island, reduce associated equipment requirements and lower FT unit cost.

For example, an FT plant requiring approximately 1,600 barrels per day (60 kt/a) of FT liquids could be configured with two AlphaCore 800 reactors. This reduces total reactor count by 75% compared to an FT unit utilizing eight AlphaCore 200 reactors while maintaining the same FT liquids capacity.

"Customers are asking us to bring our microchannel FT technology into larger projects with simpler configurations," said Matthew Viergutz, CEO of Velocys. "AlphaCore 800 is a direct response. As SAF projects move toward 100,000 tonnes per year and beyond, we are increasing capacity per reactor so developers can configure larger FT plants with fewer units while building on the technology platform and operating experience of Velocys."

AlphaCore 800 joins AlphaCore 50, 200 and 400 in the Velocys reactor portfolio, giving project developers a throughput-based product range built with the same core technology that can be applied across multiple project scales and syngas pathways.

The Velocys roadmap reflects growing market demand for scalable SAF and e-fuels production, where developers look to reduce plant complexity, improve repeatability and strengthen the commercial case for larger FT-based projects.

Learn more at Velocys.com.

ATG-022 was previously granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This designation has facilitated efficient regulatory communications and supported the rapid advancement of the CLINCH-3 study. Initiated in China with the first patient dosed and planned for expansion into a multi-regional clinical trial (MRCT), the CLINCH-3 study is intended to generate robust clinical evidence to support a future marketing approval application for ATG-022 as monotherapy for CLDN18.2+ advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

The CLINCH-3 study is led by Prof. Lin Shen from Peking University Cancer Hospital as the principal investigator. This is a randomized, controlled, open-label, multicenter Phase III clinical study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATG-022 versus treatment of investigator's choice in patients with CLDN18.2+ advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The initiation of this pivotal study is supported by encouraging results from the Phase I/II CLINCH studies, which showed that ATG-022, as monotherapy, demonstrated a differentiated robust efficacy and well tolerated safety profile in patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. As of June 26, 2026, among patients with moderate to high CLDN18.2 expression (IHC 2+ ≥ 20%), in the 1.8 mg/kg dose cohort, the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), the ORR was 46.7% (14/30) with confirmed ORR of 40% (12/30), the DCR was 86.7% (26/30), and the mOS had not yet been reached after a median follow‑up of 14.03 months. Among patients with low/ultra-low CLDN18.2 expression treated at the efficacious dose range of 1.8-2.4 mg/kg, the ORR was 28.6% (6/21) and the DCR was 52.4% (11/21). In addition, multiple patients achieved complete responses (CR). In terms of safety, compared with the data cutoff of December 25, 2025, the incidence of Grade ≥3 treatment‑related adverse events (TRAEs) in the 1.8 mg/kg dose cohort increased slightly from 19.4% to 21.0%, with only 9.7% of patients experiencing dose reduction due to TRAEs. Despite more than six additional months of treatment exposure and follow‑up, the incidence of Grade ≥3 TRAEs remained broadly stable in the 1.8 mg/kg dose cohort. Together with its robust antitumor activity, encouraging survival outcomes and favorable tolerability, these data position ATG-022 as a potential best-in-disease therapy for gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

"The dosing of the first patient in CLINCH-3 marks an important step in the clinical evaluation of ATG-022." said Professor Lin Shen of Peking University Cancer Hospital, principal investigator of the CLINCH-3 study. "Patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma continue to face substantial unmet medical needs, particularly after disease progression on existing therapies. The antitumor efficacies and manageable safety profile observed in the Phase I/II study demonstrate therapeutic potential, supporting advancement of ATG-022 into the pivotal Phase III clinical study. CLINCH-3 will provide important evidence regarding whether ATG-022 can improve clinical outcomes for patients with CLDN18.2+ disease. We look forward to conducting this study with scientific rigor and working closely with participating investigators and study centers."

Antengene will continue to advance the three complementary clinical development pathways planned for ATG‑022: CLINCH-3 provides a near-term registration pathway for ATG-022 monotherapy at the optimized RP2D 1.8 mg/kg dose in 3L+ gastric/GEJ cancer with CLDN18.2 IHC 2+ ≥ 20%, establishing ATG-022 in gastric cancer. CLINCH-2 is evaluating ATG-022 in 1L in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy, targeting the broadest CLDN18.2-positive population starting from IHC 1+ ≥ 1%, with the goal of supporting 1L registration and unlocking the full potential of ATG-022 in gastric cancer. Meanwhile, the CLINCH basket trial is expanding ATG-022 beyond gastric cancer, with encouraging efficacy already observed in multiple non-gastric CLDN18.2-positive solid tumors. Through this strategy, the company aims to maximize the clinical potential of ATG-022 and bring innovative, impactful therapies to patients in China and around the world.

The company's 24.5-inch 720Hz Gaming OLED panel is the first-ever OLED panel tailored specifically for esports.

Standard monitors used for esports are primarily in the 24-inch class, enabling players to view the entire screen at a glance.

By initiating mass production of its 24.5-inch 720Hz Gaming OLED panel, LG Display aims to pioneer the mainstreaming of OLED technology across the esports monitor market.

The panel realizes the world's highest refresh rate (720Hz) among gaming OLED displays as well as the fastest response time (0.02ms). Refresh rate refers to the number of times per second a screen updates, so 720Hz means the screen refreshes 720 times per second. The core technology lies in a stable driving algorithm, going beyond simply displaying scenes.

LG Display developed a proprietary algorithm to stably drive the 720Hz refresh rate even at FHD (1920x1080) resolution, applying an integrated solution spanning from panel design to the driving system.

Through this ultra-high refresh rate and lightning-fast response time, motion blur and ghosting are dramatically reduced, delivering an overwhelming user experience in fast-paced genres such as first-person shooter (FPS) and racing games. For example, the panel provides exceptional clarity and smoothness, clearly capturing the flash of a gun muzzle or the speed of a vehicle hurtling around a track.

Furthermore, unlike LCDs that require a backlight, each pixel emits light independently to achieve highly vivid picture quality, maximizing player immersion.

The panel has first been applied to global monitor manufacturer ASUS's new gaming monitor, the ROG Swift OLED PG259QWS Ace. This monitor has been selected as the official esports monitor for PGL CS2 Major Singapore 2026, one of the biggest tournaments in the Counter-Strike 2 calendar.

With the launch of its 24.5-inch 720Hz Gaming OLED panel, LG Display plans to accelerate its strategy to target the esports market. The company intends to lead the gaming display market based on its full lineup ranging from the 20-inch to the 40-inch class, with some products featuring its proprietary Dynamic Frequency & Resolution (DFR) technology. To further widen the gap with followers, LG Display is accelerating AI transformation (AX) across all areas of gaming display development.

"As a technology-driven company, we will lead the transition to OLED in the gaming monitor market and lead the mainstreaming of OLED in the global market," said Hyeon-woo Lee, Head of the Large Display Business Unit at LG Display.

For more news and information about LG Display, please visit www.lgdisplay.com

Organized by Enterprise Asia, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is one of the region's prestigious business awards. The Fast Enterprise Award honors enterprises achieving exceptional growth across revenue, market share, customer base, profitability, and brand influence. Recharge Power received this recognition for its end-to-end BESS integration capabilities, proprietary technologies, and robust international execution, which have driven the rapid scale-up of its operations and global footprint.

Spencer Feng, Chief Executive Officer of Recharge Power, said the award recognizes the company's operational achievements in recent years and the dedication of its team. Recharge Power's rapid growth has been built on years of accumulated engineering and system integration expertise. From project development, engineering design, and EPC to proprietary Energy Management System (EMS) development, operation and maintenance (O&M), and electricity trading, the company has established comprehensive turnkey capabilities. This foundation has enabled Recharge Power to rapidly adapt its technology and project experience developed in Taiwan to global markets. As AI data centers continue to drive power demand, requirements for power supply stability and dispatch flexibility are also increasing, making energy storage an indispensable part of next-generation energy infrastructure.

Recharge Power has also delivered strong financial growth. Revenue reached NT$3.282 billion in 2025, up 404% year over year, while operating profit reached NT$502 million and earnings per share (EPS) came in at NT$8.49, all reaching record highs and demonstrating strong momentum as the company continues to scale its business.

Recharge Power has built a strong track record in the grid-scale BESS market, with cumulative global deployment capacity exceeding 1GWh. In Taiwan, cumulative deployment has reached 354MW / 824MWh, featuring landmark deployment including Taiwan's first Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) BESS project, its premier PV+BESS project, Taipower's first self-owned substation BESS project, and Taiwan's largest private-sector BESS project.

Leveraging its system integration expertise and proprietary technologies, Recharge Power has also accelerated its overseas expansion. In Japan, Recharge Power has grid-connected 14 BESS projects. Its proprietary EMS recently obtained Japan's JC-STAR cybersecurity certification, further strengthening its competitiveness in the market. In Australia, Recharge Power has secured an active project pipeline totaling 128MW / 292MWh. In addition to front-of-meter projects, Recharge Power also extends PV and BESS applications into commercial and industrial sectors, including shopping centers, public facilities, and sports venues, to help customers optimize energy costs and enhance energy resilience. The company is also actively expanding into Europe and the United States as it continues to scale its global business footprint.

Looking ahead, as AI accelerates global power demand, Recharge Power remains committed to advancing BESS and smart energy management solutions. Guided by its corporate mission, "Empowering AIDC and Greener Grids," Recharge Power aims to deliver critical infrastructure supporting the AI era and the transition toward greener, more resilient power grids.

Also making its Chinese mainland debut is a nine-metre-tall giant inflatable sculpture featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi at the prominent junction of Nanjing West Road and Changde Road. The installation has become a gathering point for fans and residents from across the city, inviting visitors to step further into the everyday world of Chiikawa and friends.

The limited-time pop-up store is located on Level 2 of JAKC, where more than 50 licensed merchandise items will be introduced throughout the exhibition period. Shanghai-exclusive "CHIIKAWA Longtang Eats" themed souvenirs make their global debut, offering fans a broad selection of collectibles. Ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the pop-up store will also launch a range of "Moon-Lantern Fest" themed merchandise. During the exhibition, participating food tenants at JAKC will introduce official CHIIKAWA collaborations. PAPER STONE BAKERY, for example, will offer freshly baked savoury pork mooncakes stamped with Chiikawa, bringing together Shanghai longtang food culture and IP creativity.

Images: Limited-time pop-up store on Level 2 of JAKC

JAKC's collaboration with ARR to bring the Chinese mainland debut of "CHIIKAWA DAYS" Exhibition (Shanghai) to the city represents a significant evolution of its experiential consumption model. By drawing urban footfall and stimulating commercial activity, the exhibition further connects retail with culture and tourism. It reflects JAKC's responsiveness to consumer trends and contemporary cultural moments, while also aligning with the continued growth of inbound tourism and adding a new touchpoint for cultural exchange in Shanghai. As a core landmark of the Jing'an commercial district, JAKC continues to inject creative energy into the Nanjing West Road area through collaborations with leading cultural IPs, supporting its development as a hub where urban culture and new consumption converge. Looking ahead, JAKC will continue to integrate culture, commerce, tourism and exhibitions, contributing to Shanghai's development as a world-renowned tourism city while creating sustained momentum for the city through compelling cultural experiences.

*Special Notice: Display and opening arrangements for certain exhibits, particularly those in outdoor areas, may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the organisers' control. Please refer to actual on-site arrangements.

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

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

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

The Asian Technology Excellence Awards recognise groundbreaking technological projects and innovations across Asia. Presented by Asian Business Review, the programme selects one winner per technology category and industry in each market, with entries judged on uniqueness and innovation, effectiveness and impact, and dynamism.

For ANGEL, the KFC Indonesia project demonstrates a capability that matters across the food and beverage sector. The company begins with on-site water quality testing and assessment, then designs the configuration around actual inlet conditions. That approach is backed by a commercial portfolio that includes microfiltration and UV sterilization, and by local delivery and service teams. It is this combination—not a standard product alone—that allows ANGEL to serve restaurant chains operating across diverse markets.

Sustainability is built into that model in practical ways. ANGEL integrates with existing pre-filtration systems, reducing the need for equipment replacement, water supply modifications and installation waste. Treatment is selected according to actual water quality, so sites receive the configuration they need. The modular design also limits maintenance complexity and supports long-term operating efficiency. For KFC Indonesia, this meant upgrading water quality without interrupting daily operations, while keeping existing infrastructure in service.

The deployment itself follows the same logic. Restaurants with more complex water conditions receive the C11 Microfiltration System together with UV sterilization, while sites with relatively stable inlet water can use UV sterilization alone. This scenario-based approach helps KFC Indonesia maintain consistent water quality across different cities and islands, and reflects how ANGEL works with food and beverage customers more broadly.

Accepting the award, ANGEL's Assistant Vice President Annie Guo said, "This award recognizes the work of our teams and local partners in turning technology into practical value for customers. It reinforces our approach to international growth: understand local needs, deliver the right solution, and support it properly over time. For ANGEL, the responsibility continues after installation."

The KFC project reflects ANGEL's broader commercial strategy. For its global food and beverage business, the project shows that water purification can move beyond a functional utility to become a strategic asset for operators. ANGEL has built a commercial portfolio spanning microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis, enabling tailored solutions for local conditions and customer needs. In markets where complex water conditions could otherwise constrain expansion, these capabilities support safer operations, greater resource efficiency, and more sustainable growth.

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

Figures released on September 21 showed goods trade reached nearly $55 billion in the first 15 days of September alone, bringing cumulative turnover since the beginning of the year to more than $825 billion. The strong growth reflects robust trade flows, with demand for consumer goods and production inputs remaining high.

Exports surpassed $400.8 billion, up 23.2 per cent on-year, while imports stood at almost $424.4 billion, up 36 per cent. The faster growth in imports pushed the trade deficit to around $23.5 billion.

With trade flows expanding by nearly 30 per cent on-year, demand for consumer goods and production inputs remains strong. The National Statistics Office said export growth has been driven by processing and manufacturing, particularly electronics, machinery and equipment, supporting Vietnam’s industrialisation and deeper integration into global supply chains.

If the current momentum is maintained, Vietnam’s total trade turnover could reach or exceed $1.2 trillion this year, marking a significant milestone as the country pursues stronger economic growth.

Processing and manufacturing continued to account for a major share of Vietnam’s trade. Computers, electronic products and components remained the leading category, with exports of $9.6 billion and imports of $13.1 billion in the first half of September.

In the first nine months to September 15, exports of computers, electronic products and components reached about $111 billion, while imports approached $175 billion. Machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts followed, with exports of $50.7 billion and imports of nearly $51 billion.

However, the strong overall trade performance masks growing difficulties among several domestic export sectors, including agriculture, forestry and fisheries, textiles and garments, footwear, and wood products, which are facing weaker export prices and tougher market conditions.

Seafood exporters said the period would normally mark the beginning of a peak season ahead of year-end consumption. This year, however, demand has been subdued amid rising global supply, putting greater pressure on producers to meet stricter quality requirements while maintaining competitive prices.

At the same time, production costs, including electricity, water, financing, interest payments, and wages, have risen sharply.

“We are trying to hold on and get through this difficult period,” an executive at a seafood exporter said.

Analysis from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers also points to mounting pressure. Seafood exports reached $1.1 billion in August, up 6.4 per cent on-year, but growth slowed significantly compared with the 11.9 per cent increase recorded during the first eight months of the year.

The United States, an important market for Vietnamese seafood, saw exports fall 3.8 per cent in August to $182 million. Shrimp exports declined 12.6 per cent, while basa fish exports plunged 49.3 per cent. The EU market also contracted by 6.2 per cent, particularly for shrimp, tuna and octopus.

China, Vietnam’s largest seafood market and an important growth driver, also showed signs of slowing, with growth in August reaching 16.5 per cent, compared with 32 per cent during the first eight months.

Prof. Dr Vo Xuan Vinh, director of the Institute of Business Research at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, said the widening trade deficit could weigh on GDP growth, particularly as Vietnam seeks to achieve double-digit economic growth this year.

However, he noted that the composition of imports remains an important consideration, as machinery, equipment and production inputs account for a large proportion of total imports.

“Imports are mainly serving two purposes: domestic consumption and the processing of goods for export,” Vinh said.

“The greater concern is that although the scale of trade is expanding, domestic businesses have yet to make a stronger breakthrough. High financing costs and difficulties in accessing capital are among the current constraints, alongside other factors related to businesses’ compliance costs,” he said.

These pressures are affecting the competitiveness of domestic exporters, while higher fuel prices and logistics costs are also contributing to the widening trade deficit, according to Vinh.

Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) continue to play a major role in Vietnam’s external trade. As of September 15, FIEs had generated over $321.4 billion in exports, accounting for about 80 per cent of the national total, while their imports approached $312.7 billion, or nearly 74 per cent of the total. The sector therefore recorded a trade surplus of approximately $8.7 billion.

Vietnam urged to strengthen compliance and competitiveness to expand US market access

C/O delays threaten seafood and footwear exports

Nestlé Vietnam beefs up production capacity for coffee exports

Thousands of connections expected at SECC furniture, sourcing events

Vietnam wood exports near $11.7 billion in eight months

Listed manufacturers see brighter business prospects amid rising costs

Rising prices and land conversions set to drive rubber profits

Bringing Generations Together
Under intergenerational engagement, 16 Little Footprints centres, including its childcare centres at Punggol and Bedok Reservoir, worked with community sites operated by partners including TOUCH Community Services, NTUC Health and REACH Community Services to spend time with the elderly. Families travelled to these sites, where over 40 parents joined their children to lead stretching exercises, sing-alongs, storytelling and the creation of dementia-friendly cognitive activities designed to support memory, thinking and social engagement among seniors.

Supporting Families Through Food Security
Families across Little Footprints' Punggol 168 and Punggol 107 centres came together for a donation drive, collecting over 30kg of food and 20kg of textiles. These were redistributed to community shops and beneficiaries through partners including Food from the Heart and Cloop, and directly to lower-income families at rental flats. Alongside the collection, parents and children took part in food sustainability talks that introduced them to the systems behind what ends up on their plates.

Learning to Care for the Environment
For the environmental sustainability pillar, waste became the raw material. Families across 12 Little Footprints centres joined partners NParks, the Public Hygiene Council and NEA in neighbourhood and beach clean-ups, upcycling workshops and recycled art sessions, turning bottles, chopsticks and T-shirts into tote bags, garden tools, artwork and clean-up equipment.

In particular, Little Footprints' Balestier centre gathered 11 families to jointly upcycle and craft more than a dozen items, including coin boxes, flower vases, play boxes, decorations and shakers.

Practising Kindness in the Community
Lastly, kindness took many forms across 15 Little Footprints centres. At the Depot and Keat Hong 803 centres, over 70 parents gave out thank-you cards to hawkers, clinic staff and helpers around neighbourhood shopping centres. A mental wellness workshop was hosted in partnership with Heartfulness, and in the neighbourhoods surrounding each centre, families hand-delivered care packs to cleaners, security staff, hawkers and bus captains. This included 32 care packs distributed by the Thomson centre to hawkers and cleaners, as well as Milo and biscuit care packs distributed by Bukit Purmei centre to community cleaners.

At Jurong West 976 centre, the team also prepared 100 care packs, including packet drinks, biscuits, fruit, instant cereal and instant coffee. Staff and children gave out the care packs to elderly residents in the neighbourhood as part of the children's learning experience, helping them understand the importance of caring for and contributing to the community.

A Sustained Commitment to Community Engagement
Held annually across the wider Babilou Family Group network, Babilou Cares reflects a longer-term commitment to weaving community engagement into classroom practice year-round.

The Sustainable Education framework guides how children learn across four dimensions: emotional and physical safety, nature-based learning, inclusion and partnering with parents. Community engagement activities run through each of these, giving children opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to the world around them.

In 2025, the initiative raised $43,000 for Ground-Up Initiative, an organisation focused on sustainability and reconnecting people with nature. The funds directly supported the development of its new Kampung Kampus in Khatib, a living classroom where children, families, youths and educators engage in hands-on learning rooted in sustainable living and the kampung spirit.

In May 2024, closure day activities across Little Footprints centres raised $69,343 for World Vision, an international children's charity. The funds provided lunches, medicine, emergency food and vegetable seed packs for children and families in need, while helping children at Little Footprints build empathy for hungry and malnourished children, alongside a deeper sense of gratitude for their food and an early understanding of food sustainability.

The move away from a fundraising figure this year shifts the emphasis to the act of doing, on children, families and educators showing up together, in every neighbourhood, on the same day.

https://littlefootprints.edu.sg/

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

Night view of the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan.

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

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

Under its Medium-Term Management Plan for 2026-2030, AEON has identified Vietnam as a priority market and plans to allocate around 60 per cent of its total ASEAN investment capital to the country. The group aims to triple its business scale and establish a nationwide network of 300 stores by 2030.

Tezuka Daisuke, executive officer and chief Vietnam Business Officer of AEON Group and general director of AEON Vietnam. Photo: AEON Vietnam

Tezuka Daisuke, executive officer and chief Vietnam business officer of AEON Group and general director of AEON Vietnam, said, "With the opening of four new shopping centres this year, 2026 marks the fastest expansion pace in AEON Group's business operations in Vietnam. Against the backdrop of Vietnam's strong development, AEON is continuing to expand to provinces and cities in other regions where a shift towards a modern lifestyle is taking place."

Since entering Vietnam’s retail market in 2014, AEON has expanded its presence and diversified its business formats. As of August, companies under the AEON Group in Vietnam are operating nine shopping centres, 16 general merchandise stores and supermarkets (GMS), 40 supermarkets, 182 convenience stores, 71 speciality and service stores, and two drug stores nationwide.

The group’s multi-format model allows it to expand across markets with different economic scales, population densities and consumer needs.

AEON’s expansion into provinces beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City reflects its focus on Vietnam’s young population, growing middle-class and rapid urbanisation. Rather than waiting for local markets to fully mature, the Group is developing commercial hubs alongside emerging urban areas.

The year 2026 marks a major step in this expansion. Following the opening of AEON Danang Thanh Khe in July, AEON Hai Duong, AEON Thanh Hoa and AEON Halong will further expand the Group’s presence across northern, central and north-central Vietnam, bringing modern retail facilities closer to local communities.

Alongside network expansion, AEON continues to invest in product development, supply chains and its wider retail ecosystem. AEON Vietnam is expanding its portfolio of private-brand products manufactured in Vietnam and promoting Vietnamese products through its domestic and overseas retail network. The company is also working with suppliers to improve product quality, strengthen competitiveness, and create export opportunities through AEON’s global network.

Beyond retail, AEON is developing membership schemes, entertainment, drug stores, and other planned services to expand its ecosystem and improve customer convenience.

AEON Thanh Hoa, expected to open in October, will become the group's 13th GMS in Vietnam, offering shopping, dining, and lifestyle services for local consumers.

AEON Halong, scheduled to open in November, will be the 14^th GMS. Based on a 'One-stop Destination' concept, it will also combine shopping, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle services for residents and visitors while serving Quang Ninh's growing tourism economy.

AEON Halong's 'One-stop Destination' concept brings diverse shopping and lifestyle services under one roof. Photo: AEON Vietnam

Across its spacious floors, visitors will find dedicated brand zones including Mycloset for fashion, Glam Beautique for beauty and wellness, Hóme Cóordy for home living and Kids Republic for children’s products, alongside food courts. AEON will also combine the physical shopping experience with online shopping services.

Together with AEON Danang Thanh Khe and AEON Hai Duong, the upcoming projects will expand AEON’s nationwide presence while the group continues to develop its products, services, supply chains and retail experience for customers across Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Chi warmly welcomed the delegation and highlighted the significance of the visit in learning about Vietnam’s management of the non-state business sector, particularly the registration, management, and operation of private enterprises.

Providing an overview of Vietnam’s domestic economy, the deputy minister said that after nearly 40 years of economic reforms, the business sector has established itself as one of the strategic pillars of the economy.

The private sector currently contributes more than 50 per cent of Vietnam’s GDP, accounts for over 30 per cent of total state budget revenue, and provides employment for more than 82 per cent of the country’s total workforce.

Resolution No.68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private-sector development identifies the private economy as the most important driving force of the national economy. As of the end of August , Vietnam had more than one million active businesses.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to have two million operating private enterprises nationwide, with the sector’s contribution rising to 55-58 per cent of GDP and around 35-40 per cent of total state budget revenue.

To realise these objectives, the National Assembly and government have moved to institutionalise the policies through key documents, while also revising and supplementing relevant legislation.

The policies focus on creating a more open and transparent investment and business environment, enabling the non-state sector to participate in major national projects, and mobilising financial resources, particularly to support the stronger development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

At the meeting, representatives of MoF's Department of Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development provided a detailed presentation on the legal framework, state management, and policy orientations aimed at encouraging Vietnam’s private sector.

Photo: Duc Minh

Deputy Minister Shitang said the delegation had studied Vietnam’s development plans for 2026-2030, giving it a deeper understanding of the workload and important tasks being undertaken by Vietnam’s finance sector.

The Chinese delegation particularly highlighted the important role of foreign-invested enterprises, including Chinese businesses, in Vietnam’s economy. Chinese investors regard Vietnam as a key strategic destination, with their presence extending from southern areas around Ho Chi Minh City to northern provinces such as Bac Giang and Bac Ninh.

The Chinese side expressed confidence that, with the investment environment continuing to improve and with practical support from the Vietnamese government and the MoF, investment flows from China would continue to increase strongly in the coming period.

Deputy Minister Chi wished China success in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November. The two sides also acknowledged the traditional friendship and effective cooperation between Vietnam and China across the political, economic, and trade spheres. Given the two countries’ geographical proximity, bilateral economic ties are expected to become increasingly close and supportive.

He agreed with the proposal to establish a closer channel for exchanges and cooperation between CPC Central Committee's Social Work Department and Vietnam’s MoF.

He added that the period leading up to 2030 would bring significant challenges. Vietnam is determined to make every effort to achieve its targets, while viewing greater sharing of experience in managing social organisations and businesses as a practical step towards strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Businesses propose fresh growth drivers for second-half GDP expansion The local business community has proposed regulatory and financial reforms, including an FDI-linked sandbox and a small- and medium sized enterprise digital bank, to help accelerate GDP growth in the second half of 2026.

SME sector shows resilience, but growth remains uneven After a period of significant market shakeout, Vietnam’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) landscape has become increasingly differentiated.

China Eximbank prioritises financing for Lao Cai-Haiphong railway On August 27, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi held talks with a delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China Eximbank) on financing options for the Lao Cai-Haiphong railway and opportunities to expand financial cooperation between the two sides.

Tuition, rent, food and transportation are expenses that stretch over several years, while the family’s income is limited. For Minh’s family, a loan from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies helped ease that financial burden.

“Having access to the loan takes some of the pressure off the family and gives the children greater peace of mind to focus on their studies,” he said.

Image courtesy: VBSP

This is the need targeted by Decision No.29/2025/QD-TTg on credit for pupils, students, master’s students and doctoral candidates studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Under the policy, eligible students can borrow the full amount of tuition fees, along with up to $200 per month for living expenses and other study-related costs, at an annual interest rate of 4.8 per cent.

The scale of demand can also be seen in this year’s admissions season, when more than 633,000 students enrolled for the 2026-2027 academic year, with about one-third choosing STEM fields. At HUST alone, more than 1,000 students apply for loans each year.

“This is a very good policy to support STEM students, including those at HUST, many of whom come from rural areas and face difficult circumstances,” said Pham Thanh Huyen, head of the Student Affairs Board at HUST.

For families like these, the difficulty is not necessarily that they cannot cover a tuition payment, but that they have to maintain a steady flow of funds throughout the years their children are at university.

A source of financing can help them avoid having to shoulder all education-related costs out of their current income. For students, meanwhile, the loan creates another option: to continue pursuing the field they have chosen rather than allowing financial circumstances to determine their educational path.

What stands out about the policy is not only the provision of capital, but also the timing of repayment.

“After completing their course, students have 12 months before they have to begin repaying the principal. This period gives them time to look for jobs and establish a stable income before taking on their repayment obligations,” said Dang Van Trong, director of Gia Binh Transaction Office under VBSP’s Bac Ninh Branch.

For a loan aimed at people who do not yet have a stable income, this grace period is important.

It gives students time to make the transition from the lecture hall to the labour market rather than facing repayment pressure immediately. During their studies, each student also finds their own way to take a more active role in sharing the financial burden with their family.

Nguyen Xuan Hoa, the son of Nguyen Thi Thuan from Nhan Thang commune, Bac Ninh province, is currently working as a probationary employee, earning about $240 a month. Hoa said he sends about 80 per cent of his income home and keeps part of it as savings.

“I think this approach will allow me to repay the tuition-related costs and the loan,” he said.

Hoa’s story points to another reality: policy-based credit does not mean students simply wait for financial support. The loan gives families additional resources, while students themselves can continue to take initiative in studying and working, gradually sharing financial responsibility with their families.

After more than a year of implementation, nearly 6,500 borrowers have accessed the programme, with outstanding loans totalling nearly $18 million.

The significance of the programme lies in more than the amount disbursed. A loan may begin with tuition and living expenses, but its broader goal is to enable students to acquire knowledge, secure employment, earn an income and ultimately fulfill their repayment obligations.

This is also where policy meets practical needs: families need financing while their children are studying; students need time to build their skills and generate income; and loans need a repayment schedule that matches borrowers’ ability to repay.

VBSP brings commune banking services into digital space While preserving its nationwide commune transaction network, the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies is accelerating digital transformation, enabling customers to access policy credit services, information and transactions more conveniently.

Expanding credit and livelihoods As the labour market continues to recover, policy credit is helping poor and vulnerable workers improve their livelihoods while supporting small businesses to expand and create jobs.

The ‘infrastructure’ connecting VBSP with borrowers Vietnam’s policy credit system relies on a grassroots network that connects VBSP with borrowers, channels capital to communities, monitors its use and strengthens financial discipline.

Dak Lak takes policy credit to the grassroots as lending surges The Central Highlands province of Dak Lak is expanding policy lending while bringing credit closer to underserved households, with the focus increasingly shifting from disbursement growth to loan quality and sustainable access.

Organised by GLOEX and Informa Markets with support from the Ministry of Health, PHARMEDI VIETNAM provides a platform for businesses to showcase products, technologies, and solutions across healthcare segments while connecting with potential customers and partners. It also aims to help the healthcare community stay updated on industry trends, access new solutions, and strengthen connections with regional and international markets.

The exhibition is being held as the ASEAN healthcare sector enters a period of growth and transformation, driven by rising demand and advances in technology, digital transformation, and AI. In 2025, ASEAN attracted almost $244 billion in foreign investment, with medical devices identified as a priority sector under the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025-2030.

In Vietnam, rising demand for healthcare services, population ageing, improving living standards, and the modernisation of the healthcare system are creating further opportunities for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare solutions. According to the Government News portal, Vietnam's medical device market reached approximately $2 billion in 2025.

With more than 21 years of supporting Vietnam's healthcare sector, PHARMEDI VIETNAM has established itself as an important platform for business exchange and professional networking, connecting businesses, hospitals, healthcare professionals, and organisations in Vietnam with international partners. In 2026, the exhibition continues to expand in scale, professional content, and business networking activities.

Products and solutions on show will span pharmaceuticals and ingredients, medical devices, diagnostics and laboratory testing, healthcare technology, infection control and sterilisation, surgery, intensive care and anaesthesia, as well as rehabilitation, home healthcare, elderly care, and digital health. The broad scope reflects the healthcare sector's shift beyond diagnosis and treatment to prevention, rehabilitation, long-term care, and quality-of-life solutions.

PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2025. Photo: Informa Markets

RAVEX – Vietnam International Exhibition of Rehabilitation Products and Assistive Devices for People with Disabilities – will run concurrently with PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026, expanding the showcase of rehabilitation products, technologies, and solutions including physiotherapy, mobility assistance, and active healthcare. The event also connects businesses with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, physiotherapy clinics, care facilities, and professional organisations.

Alongside RAVEX, Eldercare Expo will showcase mobility and daily living aids, medical and rehabilitation equipment, smart home solutions, nutrition products, and home- and community-based care services. Against the backdrop of population ageing, the event supports long-term care, healthy ageing, and independent living.

A key new feature of PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026 is its International Conference, held for the first time as part of the exhibition. Taking place over three days, the programme will focus on investing in healthcare's future through innovation, infrastructure, digital health, and sustainable growth, bringing together experts and leaders from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, and other countries to discuss issues shaping the sector.

PHARMEDI 2025 International Conference at the SECC. Photo: Informa Markets

Day one will examine Vietnam's healthcare over the next decade of growth, including the application of AI. Day two will focus on hospital management and operations, covering governance, efficiency, and operational performance. The final day will address leadership and accountability for safer healthcare, offering regional perspectives on how healthcare leaders can move beyond regulatory compliance to foster a culture of safety and improve care quality.

Alongside the International Conference, PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026 will feature specialised sessions on medical device quality management, elderly healthcare and the silver economy, and a Vietnam–Australia business dialogue, together with discussions on policies, market trends, and the application of technology in healthcare.

Beyond product showcases and professional knowledge exchange, the exhibition will continue to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) networking activities, including B2B Matchmaking, LeadGrab, and group tours, helping businesses connect with buyers, importers, distributors and potential partners. These activities aim to facilitate direct meetings, needs-based discussions, and expanded opportunities for collaboration between Vietnamese businesses and international markets.

B2B Matchmaking Area at PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2025. Photo: Informa Markets

PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026 continues to serve as a platform connecting businesses, healthcare professionals, hospitals, buyers, and healthcare organisations, while creating opportunities for Vietnam's healthcare sector to access new trends, technologies, and partners from the region and beyond. The exhibition forms part of Informa Markets' Health & Nutrition Portfolio, connecting with a network of international health and nutrition exhibitions across Asia.

PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2027 is already scheduled to take place from September 28-30 next year at the SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, continuing to expand opportunities for businesses, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders to connect, exchange knowledge, and strengthen cooperation across regional and international markets.

Pharmedi Vietnam 2026: Connecting innovation, knowledge and business opportunities Taking place from September 22-24, at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Pharmedi & Healthcare Vietnam 2026 will bring together healthcare solutions, professional knowledge and business networking opportunities.

Medical-pharmaceutical, beauty products exhibitions open in HCM City The 17th International Exhibition on Products, Equipment, and Supplies for Medical, Pharmaceutical, Hospital and Rehabilitation, Pharmedi Vietnam 2022, opened in Ho Chi Minh City on September 14 with more than 350 exhibitors having 400 booths.

Firms roll out May dividend wave with wide disparities A wave of dividend payouts in May highlights sharp disparities in returns among firms, as investors weigh high yields, consistency and sector diversity in refining portfolio strategies.

The achievement reflects substantive cooperation between FTSE Russell and Vietnamese regulators in working towards a more developed capital market that can better support Vietnam’s long-term economic development objectives. With a significantly larger number of investors tracking FTSE Russell indices in the emerging market category than in the Frontier Market category, capital flows into Vietnam are expected to strengthen, including both active and passive investment.

The long journey to achieving emerging market status under FTSE Russell’s framework underscores that the upgrade is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a broader and longer-term process of market development. Under the government’s market-upgrading roadmap, Vietnam aims by 2030 to meet MSCI’s criteria for emerging market status and FTSE Russell’s criteria for Advanced Emerging Market status.

With continued efforts by regulators to engage with market participants and index providers, alongside the growing maturity of Vietnam’s investor base, the country’s stock market is poised to make further progress on its market-upgrading journey.

NYSE congratulates Vietnam on its emerging market status. Photo courtesy of the State Securities Commission

Alex Hong Co-head of APAC (ex China) Capital Market, New York Stock Exchange Photo: SSI Securities Congratulations Vietnam. This is a remarkable milestone, the result of years of disciplined reform. This wonderful achievement to the tenacity and talent of your people, the transformative vision of your government, and the trust you have earned from the global community. Reflecting on your journey, from an agrarian economy to manufacturing powerhouse, and now a hub for technology and innovation, all within a single generation. It is hard not to be optimistic when we imagine the possibilities for the next generation. On behalf of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), we commend the people, the government and the businesses of Vietnam. The upgrade is not an ending; it is a gateway to deeper liquidity, enhance access to global capital, a stronger bridge between Vietnamese enterprises and global markets. We look forward to building the bridge together as Vietnam continues its trajectory as a country of consequence and a capital market of significance on the global stage.

Adena Friedman Photo: SSI Securities Chair & CEO, Nasdaq On behalf of all of us at Nasdaq, congratulations to Vietnam, to the country, the market, and to the wonderful community is this historic upgrade to emerging market status. This milestone is a powerful recognition of what you have built. Years of bold reform, a robust economy, and the modernisation of Vietnam’s capital markets. Vietnam has truly become a powerhouse and the world is taking notice and this is only the beginning. Nasdaq is excited for Vietnam’s next chapter, and we look forward to supporting your continued growth in the years ahead. Congratulations Vietnam.

Julia Hoggett Photo: SSI Securities CEO, London Stock Exchange (LSE) To everyone who has contributed to Vietnam’s journey, congratulations on this really significant milestone. On behalf of LSEC, I am delighted to congratulate Vietnam on this achievement. It reflects the strong leadership of the State Securities Commission and the collective efforts of market participants over many years. We look forward to seeing Vietnam’s capital markets continue to grow, attract global investors, and play an ever greater role in the global financial community in the years ahead.

Gokul Laroia Photo: SSI Securities CEO of Asia and co-head of Global Equities, Morgan Stanley On behalf of Morgan Stanley, I would like to warmly congratulate Vietnam on its achievement of emerging market status. This milestone is about far more than a change in market classification. It is a powerful recognition of Vietnam remarkable economic progress and the significant development of its capital markets. The reforms implemented in recent years have strengthened market accessibility, enhanced investor confidence, and increased Vietnam’s appeal to global capital. These efforts are creating new opportunities for businesses seeking growth and for those looking to participate in Vietnam’s continued success. Congratulations once again on this landmark achievement. Morgan Stanley is proud to be a part of Vietnam’s journey, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth and development in the years ahead.

Loh Boon Chye Photo: SSI Securities CEO, SGX Group On behalf of SGX Group, congratulations on Vietnam’s historic achievement of attaining emerging market status. This milestone reflects the strong leadership of the State Securities Commission and the collective efforts of market participants across the country. As Vietnam enters its next chapter, we are confident it will continue to grow and attract international capital. This is a significant moment not only for Vietnam, but for ASEAN. Stronger and more connected capital markets create greater opportunities for economies across the region. SGX Group is committed to working alongside partners in Vietnam to deepen collaboration and connectivity, while strengthening ASEAN’s position globally. Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement.

Vietnam's new market status draws global investor confidence Greater access to international capital is only the beginning for Vietnamese companies, with the longer-term opportunity being to turn that access into sustainable growth while meeting higher standards from global investors on transparency, governance, and investor communication.

Vietnam FTSE upgrade raises bar for capital market Vietnam became a meeting point for the world’s leading financial institutions and investment organisations on September 18, as the country moved closer to FTSE Russell’s landmark market-upgrade milestone.

The Vietnam Fund Awards 2026 is co-organised by the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation, VIR, and FiinGroup, under the auspices of the State Securities Commission (SSC) and with the direction of the Ministry of Finance.

The event will take place in the afternoon on September 22 at the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi. This marks the inaugural edition of the VFA, which aims to establish an objective and transparent reference standard for the fund industry, while connecting regulators, fund management companies, investment funds, financial institutions, experts, and the investor community.

In recent years, the number of funds and investment products in the market has become increasingly diverse, ranging from open-ended funds and exchange-traded funds to products pursuing specialised investment strategies. However, compared with the potential of the economy and the development needs of the capital market, there remains considerable room to expand the scale of the fund industry and strengthen the role of institutional investors.

Alongside the growth of the stock market, the need to build a larger institutional investor base, expand professional investment channels, and unlock medium- and long-term capital for the economy has become increasingly evident.

VFA 2026 will focus on opportunities, challenges, and the conditions needed for the fund management industry to play a greater role in mobilising, managing, and allocating long-term capital.

Photo: VIR

VFA 2026 will include:

• Opening and policy orientation session, featuring remarks by representatives of the organising committee, the Ministry of Finance, and the SSC.
• Presentation session on “Overview of Vietnam’s Fund Industry: Opportunities and Challenges.”
• Awards ceremony recognising high-performing funds and outstanding investment funds in 2026.
• Main discussion session, focusing on major issues facing the fund industry, including restructuring the investor base in Vietnam’s stock market through the development of the fund management industry, as well as developing securities products and infrastructure to support the growth of Vietnam’s fund management industry.
• Recognition of organisations supporting the organising committee and contributing to the development of Vietnam’s fund industry.

HSX market capitalisation gains 7.55 per cent in August Vietnam’s stock market extended its gains in August, with major indices rising and HSX stock capitalisation climbing 7.55 per cent amid robust market activity.

Vietnam’s bank stocks enter a new phase of selective gains Bank stocks are attracting renewed interest as market upgrades draw foreign capital, but gains will be selective. Ngo The Hien, deputy director of the Analysis Centre at Saigon-Hanoi Securities, told VIR’s Nhue Man that growth quality, profitability, and management will increasingly drive valuations.

Vietnam enters new phase of capital market competition As Vietnam prepares to open its first trading session as an emerging market on September 21, leading global financial institutions have gathered in Hanoi to mark a milestone that signals a new era for the country’s capital market and its deeper connection to global capital.

SCG Home specialises in the distribution and retail of products and solutions related to home finishing materials, such as wall cladding, tiles, SPC flooring, fibre cement boards, roofing tiles, sanitary ware, and home décor. The flagship destination, spanning 5,500 square metres in Long Bien, was opened on September 19.

The launch reflects Siam Cement Group's (SCG's) long-term commitment to Vietnam, one of ASEAN's most dynamic markets. By understanding local consumers, SCG Home brings integrated home solutions that meet growing demand for a high-quality living environment.

Leveraging SCG's more than 100 years of expertise in building materials and construction, SCG Home Vietnam brings a distinct competitive advantage to Vietnam's retail ecosystem with smart, innovative home solutions. Beyond traditional retail, it aims to provide customers with a diverse range of products as well as professional advice and complete home solutions.

Tananan Decha-Umphai, director of SCG Home Vietnam, said, “Finishing a home is a journey involving numerous choices. We want to bring that journey into a convenient space where customers can enjoy a seamless and inspiring shopping experience with their families, selecting fixtures and materials for their homes. Our goal is to provide a centralised, comfortable, and inspiring shopping environment for Vietnamese consumers.”

Photo: SCG

SCG Home Vietnam gathers trusted local and international brands across tiles, sanitary ware, furniture, and home solutions. The exhibition space is organised by functional zones, including mock-up houses and realistic bathroom showrooms, allowing customers to see, touch, and feel how products will look in real life before making a decision.

Accompanying customers throughout their shopping journey is a team of consultants who listen to their overall needs and budget, helping to connect choices across different product groups. Attention to the specific needs of Vietnamese families is also reflected in small details, such as the inclusion of safety accessories for the elderly in the bathroom.

Photo: SCG

This experiential space reflects SCG's environmental, social, and governance purpose by introducing products and solutions that support energy efficiency, safety, and improved living environments. The opening of SCG Home Vietnam also marks another step in SCG's strategy to expand consumer-facing solutions in Vietnam, responding to growing demand for home improvement and quality living. This move accelerates SCG's Vietnam growth strategy while highlighting a broader business transformation aimed at elevating living standards for Vietnamese people.

This is SCG Home’s first retail chain in Vietnam and its second international chain. The move builds upon the legacy of SCG – a group that has maintained its leadership in the building materials sector in BrandAge’s Thailand's Most Admired Company rankings for 2025–2026, holding the top spot for 18 consecutive years.

Photo: SCG

Photo: SCG

Starting in Thailand, SCG Home now operates in several Southeast Asian markets, including Cambodia and Vietnam. The brand aims to improve living standards by helping Vietnamese consumers enjoy more comfortable, convenient, and safe homes.

At SCG Home, customers can find a comprehensive range of home products, from wall and floor tiles and wall cladding to sanitary ware, furniture, and home décor, all from genuine brands. Product categories are organised by functional zones, allowing customers to experience products in realistic settings and choose options suited to their family's lifestyle.

30-year SCG backs green development as Vietnam enters next phase of net-zero journey After investing more than $7 billion over three decades, SCG now sees the country's net-zero transition as the next defining chapter of its development.

SCG reports stronger H1 results and reaffirms long-term commitment to Vietnam As Vietnam continues to attract manufacturing investment and accelerate its green transition, SCG says it will continue investing in advanced manufacturing, sustainability and workforce development alongside reporting stronger first-half results.

SCG's tour helps SMEs turn ESG ambitions into action On August 12, SCG, in collaboration with the Vietnam Association for Building Materials and Dan Tri, organised ESG Company Tour 2026 at the headquarters of SCG member PRIME Group.

Taking place on September 22 at the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi, the event will focus on unlocking capital flows for high and sustainable growth.

The programme is co-organised by the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (VSDC), VIR, and FiinGroup, under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance and the State Securities Commission (SSC).

VFA 2026 takes place as the fund management industry is expected to play a greater role in expanding medium- and long-term funding sources and professionalising the investor base in the stock market.

The total net asset value of securities investment funds in recent years has been around 0.7–0.8 per cent of GDP, while the target is to raise this ratio to 5 per cent by 2030. The significant gap between the current level and the target calls for an increase in the number of funds along with the simultaneous development of products, infrastructure, and the investor base.

As part of the programme, the VFA 2026 conference will open with a presentation on the opportunities and challenges facing Vietnam's fund industry, delivered by a representative of FiinGroup.

Building on an overview of the industry's scale, structure, and growth rate, the discussion will delve deeper into these issues at a panel on building the fund industry ecosystem through strong infrastructure, diverse products, and professional investors. The panel will feature:

• Nguyen Thi Bich Nga, deputy head of the Division for Management of Fund Management Companies and Securities Investment Funds under the SSC;
• Duong Ngoc Tuan, deputy general director of the VSDC;
• Bui Van Huy, general director of FIDT Investment Consulting and Asset Management JSC;
• Nguyen Thi Hang Nga, general director of Vietcombank Fund Management;
• Ngo Thuy Linh, chairwoman of AAS Securities;
• Nguyen Nghia Tuan, deputy general director of SSI Asset Management;
• Nguyen Hai Binh, head of Client Management, Securities Services at HSBC Vietnam.

Representing different parts of the fund industry ecosystem, the speakers are expected to discuss the development of infrastructure, expansion of investment products, distribution channels, and the role of institutional investors, with a view to channelling more long-term capital into professional investment vehicles.

VFA 2026 will also mark the inaugural edition of the Vietnam Fund Awards. According to the organisers, the programme aims to establish an objective and transparent reference framework for the fund industry, support investors in evaluating and selecting products, and strengthen connections among market participants.

For the inaugural edition, 94 funds with combined net assets of around VND90 trillion ($3.5 billion) as of the end of 2025 were included in the assessment. The awards will recognise high-performing equity, bond, exchange-traded, and balanced funds, as well as outstanding environmental, social, and governance/pension funds and open-ended funds that have performed well in developing their investor bases.

The assessment methodology is based on three groups of criteria: returns, accounting for 70 per cent of the weighting; risk, 25 per cent; and stability, 5 per cent. The assessment is primarily conducted over three- and five-year periods, with the 10-year period initially applied to open-ended equity funds.

VFA 2026 serves as an occasion to recognise funds with strong performance while aiming to establish a reference framework capable of tracking fund performance over time, contributing to greater transparency and professionalism in Vietnam's fund management industry.

Capital mobilisation essential for Vietnam's growth targets Vietnam needs a more balanced financial system that reduces reliance on bank lending while strengthening capital markets to finance long-term investment, government officials said at a conference in Hanoi.

Vietnam’s fund industry seeks stronger growth momentum The State Securities Commission held the Smart Investment in the Digital Era conference in Hanoi on August 25, highlighting the need to boost fund investment, encourage longer-term investment strategies and develop a more balanced investor base.

SSC pushes for greater FIE participation in Vietnam's stock market Vietnam's capital market is entering a new phase of development as demand for medium- and long-term capital grows, with internationally backed companies seen as key to adding quality listings and increasing market size.

MTA Hanoi 2026 returns from October 13–15 at the VEC, Hanoi. Photo: MTA Hanoi 2024

Thai Nguyen is emerging as a major destination for foreign investment. As of June 2026, foreign direct investment (FDI) into the province’s industrial parks had reached $8 billion, the highest level recorded to date, placing Thai Nguyen among Vietnam’s leading FDI destinations in the first half of the year.

These investment inflows are not only expanding existing manufacturing capacity but are also driving growth in more technology-intensive sectors, ranging from electronics and advanced materials to supporting industries.

Meanwhile, Bac Ninh continues to strengthen its position as one of Northern Vietnam’s key electronics and high-tech manufacturing hubs. Its industrial parks have attracted an extensive network of global players, from Samsung, Foxconn, Amkor and Canon to numerous other international companies, creating a manufacturing ecosystem spanning electronic components, semiconductors and a wide range of high-tech products. In the first six months of 2026, newly registered and adjusted FDI in Bac Ninh’s industrial parks exceeded $2.2 billion.

At the same time, Haiphong and Hanoi are expanding their respective roles within the industrial value chain along different paths. Haiphong is accelerating its development in processing and manufacturing, high technology and logistics, recording more than $3.1 billion in FDI and a 14.79 per cent increase in IIP. Hanoi, meanwhile, is focusing on higher-value sectors such as semiconductors, AI, R&D and supporting industries, attracting approximately $3.44 billion in FDI during the same period.

These developments indicate that manufacturing in Northern Vietnam is entering a new phase, characterised by increasingly stringent requirements for precision, automation, quality control and integration into global supply chains. As a new generation of factories begins to take shape, the need to identify technologies capable of addressing real-world production challenges is becoming increasingly evident. Against this backdrop, MTA Hanoi 2026 aims to connect manufacturers with technology providers, solutions and industry experts to address real-world production challenges.

This year, MTA Hanoi 2026 – The 11^th International Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Exhibition takes place from October 13–15 at Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC), Dong Anh, Hanoi.

The expo features 10,000 square metres of exhibition space with five international pavilions. More than 300 exhibitors come from over 20 countries and territories, including China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and more. It is expected to welcome more than 8,000 trade visitors.

Significantly, MTA Hanoi 2026 will be co-located with ProPak Hanoi 2026 and SemiTronics Vietnam 2026, creating a multi-sector business platform where precision engineering, electronics and semiconductors, as well as processing and packaging technologies, converge.

Photo: MTA Hanoi 2024

When the “factory” becomes the centre of connections at MTA Hanoi 2026

Beyond serving as a technology showcase, MTA Hanoi 2026 aims to build a more focused business and industry networking platform connecting solution providers, manufacturing enterprises and the factory community across Northern Vietnam:

Focusing on the real-world needs of businesses, “Speed Matching” at MTA Hanoi 2026 connects companies with the right partners based on their specific requirements for technologies, solutions and supply capabilities. Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings of approximately 10–15 minutes enable businesses to quickly assess potential fit and open the door to deeper collaboration opportunities beyond the exhibition.

Introduced for the first time at MTA Hanoi, Factory Champion – The Factory Ambassador Programme brings together key leaders, managers and engineers from manufacturing plants. Beyond visiting the exhibition, Factory Champions will share their real-world needs, challenges and production priorities, while providing insights into the relevance and practical applicability of technologies and solutions in actual manufacturing environments.

Through these insights, the programme contributes to shaping more industry-relevant content and networking activities at MTA Hanoi, while creating a meaningful bridge between manufacturers and technology providers.

At MTA Hanoi 2026, industry seminars and forums will bring together leading industry associations, including Vietnam Automation Association, Hanoi Supporting Industries Business Association, Vietnam Association of Mechanical Industry, and Vietnam Federation of Mechanical Engineering Associations, to discuss key manufacturing priorities such as smart factories, industrial AI, supporting industries, mechanical engineering, clean energy and sustainable supply chains.

By bringing practical perspectives to the forefront, the programme helps businesses explore relevant solutions and actionable approaches to strengthen their competitiveness and deepen their participation in global supply chains.

Industry seminars and forums will address key topics shaping the sector. Photo: MTA Hanoi 2024

Register today to stay updated on industry developments, find the right manufacturing solutions, and build valuable connections for long-term growth!

Opportunities for Vietnamese manufacturing industry In the framework of MTA Hanoi 2019, the largest international trade show for precision engineering, machine tools, and metalworking taking place on October 16-18, the conference “From Manufacturing in Vietnam to Made-in-Vietnam Products” attracted a great deal of interest.

Excellent opportunities for engineering and manufacturing community at MTA exhibition A major engineering and manufacturing community exhibition is set to take place in Hanoi next month, which will play a vital role as a trade bridge in the field of engineering and manufacturing industry in the north.

MTA Hanoi 2022 welcomes hundreds of local and international exhibitors The eighth international precision engineering machine tools and metalworking Exhibition & Conference – MTA Hanoi – organised by Informa Markets Vietnam on October 12-14, attracted hundreds of local and international exhibitors.