• InnoHK Centre for Advanced and Smart Manufacturing (CASM): Lead global manufacturing toward Industry 5.0 by fusing AI, advanced materials, additive manufacturing and digital twins to create smart, sustainable, and human-centered solutions.
• InnoHK Centre of Functional Materials for Energy and Sustainability (CFMES): Advance breakthrough discoveries in functional materials to address bottleneck challenges related to energy and sustainability.
• InnoHK Centre for Heterogeneous Integration and Production (CHIP): Advance next-generation electronics through innovations in semiconductor equipment and material processing, with a focus on advancing heterogeneous integration technologies.
• InnoHK Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology (CSMT): Establish a world-class hub for international research collaboration in space manufacturing, integrating cutting-edge R&D in advanced materials and additive processes with demonstration and applied innovation in Hong Kong.
• InnoHK Hong Kong Center for Renewable Energy and Storage (HKCRES): Develop and integrate high-performance perovskite photovoltaics, green hydrogen systems, and next-generation batteries via an end-to-end innovation framework in Hong Kong.
• InnoHK Power Semiconductors and Applications Center (PowerSAC): Develop advanced power semiconductors, intelligent chips and system technologies for more efficient, compact and reliable power conversion.
• InnoHK Research Centre for Intelligent GRID and Energy Technologies (I-GET): Develop intelligent, green and transformative grid and energy technologies for resilient, efficient and carbon-neutral cities.
• InnoHK Sustainable Materials & Advanced Renewable Technologies (SMART Centre): Leverage artificial intelligence and smart automation technologies to accelerate materials discovery for circular waste upcycling, repurposing, and next-generation clean energy technologies.

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

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

For more information, visit: justcoglobal.com

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

For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk

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

Find out more about TRUMPF at www.trumpf.com

AI Boom drives demand for new cooling concepts

Manufacturers are increasingly turning to advanced packaging, a cutting-edge semiconductor technology in which chips are stacked or closely interconnected to enable greater computing power in a small space. As a result, heat is increasingly generated inside the chip stack and can only be dissipated to a limited extent using conventional cooling methods, such as cooling server racks or entire data centers. Leading semiconductor manufacturers have therefore included novel cooling solutions for chips in their development roadmaps, such as microfluidic cooling or heat spreaders. This involves incorporating extremely fine structures into the chip package that dissipate heat where it is generated.

Semiconductor manufacturers must integrate these cooling structures into materials such as silicon carbide. This material is suitable for demanding applications in the semiconductor industry and efficiently dissipates heat. However, manufacturing the required microstructures poses major challenges for the semiconductor industry, as silicon carbide is extremely hard, the required structures are extremely small, and they are difficult to produce using established etching processes.

TRUMPF lasers enable industrial production of cooling structures

This is where TRUMPF's ultrashort-pulse lasers (USP) come into play. "The key advantage of our technology: It is the combination of high laser power, beam-shaping technology, and our many years of application expertise that makes the industrial production of integrated cooling systems in chip stacks possible," says Conrad.

The USP lasers ablate the silicon carbide with micrometer precision and create the fine structures. High precision is crucial for reliable cooling. Compared to etching, ultrashort-pulse lasers enable at least five times the processing speed while delivering excellent surface quality and precise geometry of the cooling structures. This allows the semiconductor industry's requirements for both quality and cost-effectiveness to be met simultaneously. After all, in addition to quality, productivity plays a central role for chip manufacturers.

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Digital photographs in print-ready resolution are available to illustrate this press release. They may only be used for editorial purposes. Use is free of charge when credit is given as "Photo: TRUMPF". Graphic editing – except for cropping out the main motif – is prohibited. Additional photos can be accessed at the TRUMPF Media Pool.

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Find out more about TRUMPF at www.trumpf.com

Hyperpeer

MyRepublic's GAMER+ Broadband Plans

Hyperpeer has also been added to MyRepublic's newly launched GAMER+ broadband plans, further enhancing the ultra-low latency gaming experience enabled by the current custom network routing of optimised routes MyRepublic GAMER broadband users are familiar with.

Get started

New users can activate a complimentary 7-day free trial before selecting a subscription plan with an early bird launch special promo currently ongoing.

Visit https://hyperpeer.net to create an account, start your free trial, and discover the MyRepublic gaming experience.

https://myrepublic.net/sg/

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

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

For more information, visit https://www.cj.co.kr/en/aboutus/business/food

The transaction strengthens STTGDC's ability to execute a strategy already in motion, with long-term capital, increased financial flexibility and the consortium's global infrastructure experience providing continued growth and momentum. Customers will continue to be served by the same leadership team, operating discipline and long-term commitment that have underpinned the company's growth for more than a decade.

Retaining the STTGDC name, the refreshed brand reflects the scale, capabilities and global platform the company has built over more than a decade. It is anchored in Built Ready, expressing STTGDC's focus on delivering the reliable, resilient and AI-ready infrastructure required by customers across Asia, the United Kingdom and Europe.

"Today marks the most important turning point in STTGDC's evolution since we founded the company more than 12 years ago," said Bruno Lopez, President and Group CEO of STTGDC. "The completion of this transaction signals the beginning of a new chapter for our company. We have spent over a decade building a global platform with the scale, capabilities and operating discipline needed to support the next generation of cloud and AI growth. With the KKR-Singtel consortium's investment, we have greater capacity to grow and execute at scale while remaining true to the values and customer commitment that have defined STTGDC from its inception. Our refreshed brand reflects both the company we have become and the responsibility we carry as digital infrastructure becomes increasingly critical to economies, businesses and communities. Built Ready is our commitment to delivering the critical infrastructure our customers need to grow with confidence, while building responsibly and sustaining the trust of governments, customers and communities."

STTGDC enters this phase with strong operating momentum and a substantial development pipeline. Since the end of 2025, operational capacity has increased by 25% to 780MW. In addition, contracted capacity has grown by 50% and annualised earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) has risen by 30%[1], reflecting continued demand from hyperscalers, cloud service providers, AI customers and enterprises across its markets.

As AI changes the scale, density and complexity of data centre development, the industry's defining challenge is increasingly the ability to convert demand into delivered capacity. This requires more than capital or land. It depends on coordinated planning across power, cooling, design, supply chains, financing and local market conditions, together with the discipline to deliver and operate mission-critical infrastructure reliably.

STTGDC's growth strategy remains focused on markets where customer requirements, power availability, infrastructure readiness, policy alignment and long-term fundamentals support responsible development. With close to 2GW of powered land secured for assets under construction and pipeline development, the company is well positioned to convert customer demand into delivered capacity. Its global platform capabilities and local execution experience enable it to navigate the distinct operating conditions in each market.

This approach guides STTGDC's growth and investment across its global portfolio.

In India, STTGDC has 34 data centres across 10 cities and more than 613MW of IT capacity. The company is strategically scaling its IT load capacity to support the country's expanding digital economy.

In Indonesia, STTGDC has been expanding its Jakarta campus, advancing a development pipeline of more than 360MW of AI-ready IT capacity backed by secured power. Recent development milestones continue to strengthen the company's ability to support Indonesia's growing cloud, AI and digital infrastructure requirements.

Singapore remains strategically important. The selection of STTGDC to develop 50MW of sustainable, AI-ready data centre capacity will support Singapore's continued development as a trusted and resilient hub for AI, digital infrastructure and international connectivity, contributing to the country's strategic, economic and sustainability priorities.

Responsible growth will remain integral to STTGDC's business and operations. With 83.2% of electricity consumption across its operations sourced from renewable energy, STTGDC surpassed its 2028 carbon intensity reduction target three years ahead of schedule. Alongside its environmental commitments, the company works closely with governments, customers and communities to address local priorities and earn the trust that underpins its social licence to operate.

[1] For the period from December 2025 through June 2026

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For more information, visit www.sttgdc.com.

After taking into account the revaluation loss (net of deferred taxation) on investment properties of HK$192 million (2024/25: revaluation loss of HK$1,084 million), which is a non-cash item, the Group reported a net profit attributable to shareholders of HK$4,589 million for the Financial Year (2024/25: HK$4,019 million). Earnings per share for the Financial Year was HK$0.49 (2024/25: HK$0.45).

Property Sales –Robust sales momentum drives strong segment growth

Attributable segment profit from property sales for the Financial Year, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$1,103 million (2024/25: HK$1,021 million), representing an increase of 8.0% year-on-year. Market sentiment gained further traction in the first half of 2026, buoyed by supportive policies, an active financial market, and sustained inflows of talent and overseas students, collectively underpinning housing demand.

The Group won three land tenders during the Financial Year, namely New Kowloon Inland Lot No. 6674 in Jordan Valley, Tuen Mun Town Lot No. 569 in Tuen Mun, and the Kam Sheung Road Station Phase Two Property Development in Yuen Long. The Kam Sheung Road Station Phase Two project represents a major milestone in expanding our footprint in the Northern Metropolis. These strategic investments reflect our disciplined, selective approach to land acquisition, prioritising projects that offer good development value and sustainable returns while maintaining financial prudence.

As at 30 June 2026, the Group had over HK$6.6 billion in attributable contracted sales from projects already launched and sold but not recognised. Subsequent to the Financial Year, the Group launched selected units of La Mirabelle II in Tseung Kwan O, which received an encouraging market response. Together with La Mirabelle I, the two projects have recorded sales of over 1,060 units, reflecting healthy end-user demand and demonstrating market confidence in the quality and appeal of the Group's residential developments.

Looking ahead, the Group has one new residential project scheduled for launch, namely the Wing Kwong Street/Sung On Street Development project. The launch timetable will be subject to the receipt of the relevant pre-sale consent and prevailing market conditions.

A diversified and balanced investment property portfolioreinforces long-term resilience

For the Financial Year, the Group's attributable gross rental revenue, including share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$3,432 million (2024/25: HK$3,486 million), representing a 1.5% year-on-year decline. This decrease was primarily attributable to the continued challenging operating environment in the retail and industrial sectors, partly offset by increased contributions from the residential portfolio and improved office occupancy. Overall occupancy of the Group's investment property portfolio improved to 90.0% during the Financial Year (2024/2025: 89.6%), representing an increase of 0.4 percentage point compared with last year, reflecting improved business sentiment and stronger tenant confidence.

Hong Kong remains well positioned to benefit from the Central Government's ongoing support for deeper economic integration, the continued development of the Greater Bay Area and new growth drivers associated with the Northern Metropolis. To strengthen tenant sales and foot traffic, the Group continues to roll out targeted marketing and promotional campaigns while leveraging the growing Sports Economy to attract customers and enhance retail experience. These initiatives have delivered positive results, with the Group's major flagship malls recording year-on-year growth in visitor traffic. The office sector is also showing encouraging signs of stabilisation supported by robust financial market activity and supportive government measures.

As at 30 June 2026, the Group has approximately 13.6 million square feet of attributable floor area of investment properties and hotels in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.

Hotel Operations – Continuousimprovement in occupancy rates

For the Financial Year, the Group's hotel revenue, including attributable share from associates and joint ventures, was HK$1,565 million compared to HK$1,506 million in the last year, and the corresponding operating profit was HK$519 million (2024/25: HK$475 million).

Tourist arrivals to Hong Kong continued to recover steadily in the first half of 2026, supported by the HKSAR Government's ongoing efforts to promote integrated culture, sports and tourism initiatives. With a strong pipeline of mega-events and the opening of the new Terminal 2 at Hong Kong International Airport, the Group remains positive in the outlook for Hong Kong's tourism sector.

With solid fundamentals and a strong balance sheet, the Group is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities

"Hong Kong's economy demonstrated encouraging momentum in the first half of 2026, supported by vibrant capital market activity, resilient external trade and continued growth in visitor arrivals. Real GDP expanded by 5.1% year-on-year, marking the strongest half-year growth in nearly five years, while IPO fundraising reached a five-year high in the first half of the year. The improving macroeconomic environment supported steady performance across key sectors of the economy.

The HKSAR Government is formulating Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, which is expected to provide a strategic roadmap for the city's long-term development, strengthen its competitive advantages and create new growth opportunities, with particular emphasis on the Northern Metropolis. In line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which states the accelerated development of the Northern Metropolis as a key priority of Hong Kong's future growth engine, the Group, together with our distinguished corporate partners, was honoured to be awarded the HSK Pilot Area project. We have full confidence in Hong Kong's prospects and hope that, through cross-sector collaboration, we can help bring together diverse expertise to contribute to the region's innovation and technology development. In the HKSAR Government's first Five-Year Plan, the Chief Executive also highlighted the pivotal role of the Northern Metropolis in enriching the housing ladder and creating more opportunities and space for home ownership. We are committed to bringing high-value industries and a quality living community to the Northern Metropolis, providing more housing and employment opportunities while enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong and cities across the Greater Bay Area.

Looking ahead, Hong Kong remains well positioned for continued growth, underpinned by vibrant financial market activity, successful talent attraction policies, growing international student enrolment, rising visitor arrivals and ongoing enhancements to cross-boundary transport infrastructure. The Group will continue to uphold prudent financial management and enhance operational efficiency. Supported by a solid financial position and forward-looking strategies, we are well positioned to navigate market fluctuations, capture growth opportunities, and create long-term value for our stakeholders," said Daryl Ng Win Kong, Chairman of Sino Land.

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The company also highlights the completion of SCX Logistics Bangna Km.20, an 80,000 sq.m. logistics development that embodies SC's three promises: Quality, Care, and Responsibility. Combining a strategic location, total cost efficiency, flexibility, and future readiness, SCX Logistics is designed to meet the increasingly complex needs of the industrial sector. The company plans to expand across the strategic Bangna and EEC corridors by a further 200,000 sq.m. by 2027.

Rachod Nantakwang, Chief Executive Officer of SCX Corporation Co., Ltd., said that SCX continues to advance SC Group's recurring-income businesses to build a stronger and more sustainable foundation for long-term growth. SCX Logistics is a key part of this strategy, and the company remains committed to its 2029 roadmap to expand its logistics portfolio from 200,000 sq.m. at the end of 2025 to more than 1,000,000 sq.m. in strategic logistics locations nationwide. The objective is to create greater value for customers while developing infrastructure that genuinely meets business needs.

"The warehouse market continues to experience strong demand. However, customer requirements today are markedly different from the past. Customers no longer assess warehouses solely on rental rates per square metre. They consider the entire production and logistics ecosystem: locations that reduce transportation time, flexible functionality that can adapt to future change, clean-energy solutions that support business sustainability, and, critically, a warehouse partner that can work alongside them to solve their business challenges.

We understand these evolving needs. This understanding has earned us the trust of customers across a wide range of industries and contributed to SCX Logistics achieving revenue growth of more than 240% in the first half of 2026, compared with the same period last year," Rachod said.

SCX has consistently upheld SC's three promises: Quality, Care, and Responsibility. The company also applies SC's strengths in Design, Function, and Trust to its logistics developments, placing a strong emphasis on understanding each customer's operations from the outset. This enables SCX Logistics to design spaces around actual business requirements, from building layouts and transportation flows to loading and unloading areas, as well as future energy and technology needs.

This approach is reflected in SCX Logistics Bangna Km.20, which has recently been completed across the full 80,000 sq.m. development. The project demonstrates SCX's customer-centric approach to warehouse development, beginning with an understanding of customer requirements rather than a building concept. The project is currently fully occupied, with an occupancy rate of 100%.

SCX Logistics Bangna Km.20 is located on Bangna-Trad Road at Km.20 in Samut Prakan, on a site of more than 90 rai. It is a strategic location for logistics and transportation, serving warehouses, distribution centres, and industrial facilities across a range of sectors. The development offers both ready-built buildings and built-to-suit solutions tailored to specific customer requirements.

The project serves international customers from Asia and Europe across industries including logistics, manufacturing, data centres, and digital infrastructure.

Rachod added that SCX Logistics' expansion plans for 2026 and 2027 will focus on strategic locations that play an important role in Thailand's logistics network. Under the concept "Corridor, Not Just Land," SCX selects investment locations based on the role each area plays in the supply chain and its ability to connect businesses with regional markets, rather than simply on the size of the land plot.

The company plans to add approximately 200,000 sq.m. of logistics space across key locations, including Bangna, Laem Chabang, Amata Chonburi, and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This expansion is expected to bring SCX Logistics' total warehouse portfolio to approximately 400,000 sq.m. by the end of 2027.

"Each location plays a distinct role in supporting our customers' businesses. Bangna is a key connection between Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the EEC. Laem Chabang is an important gateway for international trade, while Amata and the EEC are among the country's major manufacturing bases.

We therefore do not see ourselves simply as a warehouse developer and operator. We aim to be an infrastructure partner that can deliver solutions tailored to the needs of customers across industries, while contributing to the development of Thailand's infrastructure and supporting investment that drives national economic growth," Rachod said.

SCX Logistics will continue to be a new and recurring source of income for SC Group over the long term. The company expects SCX Logistics' full-year revenue to grow by approximately 280% from the previous year.

SCX Corporation operates under the vision "The Prospering Expedition" and the mission "The Way Forward," with a focus on exploring new business opportunities that generate consistent recurring income over the long term.

Its portfolio includes SCX Logistics, which operates the warehouse business and has developed five projects totalling more than 200,000 sq.m. in strategic locations; SCX Hospitality, which operates hotels in Bangkok and other key destinations, including KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Standard Pattaya Na Jomtien, and YANH Ratchawat; and SCX Working Solutions, which operates more than 120,000 sq.m. of office space, including Shinawatra Tower 3.

SCX's growth is supported by a diverse and capable team, strong strategic partnerships, and a corporate culture that places customers and the environment at the heart of business development.

https://www.scx.co.th/en

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• Graphene Turbo Hot Air Technology: Rapid 0.2-second heating response for precise and energy-efficient cooking.
• 350°C Pizza Program: High-temperature cooking with a dedicated pizza stone for crisp, pizzeria-style results.
• 81-Liter Capacity: A spacious cavity supports simultaneous cooking across three levels with independent temperature control.
• Smart and Easy-Care Design: Dual self-cleaning, A++ energy efficiency, Midea SmartHome App connectivity, and compatibility with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

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As the market continues to develop, the 24^th Vietnam International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition, jointly organised by Vinexad National Trade Fair and Advertising JSC and Yorkers Trade and Marketing Service Co., Ltd., from September 9 to 12 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City.

The exhibition is expected to bring together 650 exhibitors across 22,000 square metres, with companies from more than 15 countries and regions, showcasing plastics and rubber processing machinery, raw materials, recycling technologies, automation and smart manufacturing solutions.

VietnamPlas 2025 attracted more than 21,000 professional buyers over four days

VietnamPlas 2026 will focus on key industry priorities including cost efficiency, material upgrading and sustainable transformation, providing an important platform for international industry professionals to explore market trends, connect with supply chain partners, and expand business opportunities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

The exhibition continues to receive support from major Vietnamese industry associations, including the Vietnam Plastics Association, Rubber and Plastic Manufacturers and Suppliers Association of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Association for Mechanical Industries, and Vietnam Waste Recycling Association, bringing together the plastics and rubber, machinery, recycling and manufacturing sectors to encourage industry exchange and cooperation.

The India Pavilion will make its debut at VietnamPlas this year, further strengthening the exhibition’s international lineup and bringing new products, technologies and cooperation opportunities to the market.

Companies from Asia, Europe and the Americas will also showcase plastics and rubber processing machinery, raw materials, recycling technologies, automation and related solutions, creating more opportunities for international exchange and cooperation in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Leading brands join the show, connecting the full plastics and rubber value chain

As Vietnam’s plastics and rubber market grows, demand from automotive, electronics, packaging, construction and consumer goods is driving the industry toward high-performance materials, material innovation and sustainable solutions.

VietnamPlas 2026 brings together leading petrochemical and material suppliers, connecting the value chain from raw materials and equipment to processing and end-use applications.

PetroChina, Yanchang Petroleum, Nam Giang (ExxonMobil), and Calofic Corporation will showcase PE, PP, other petrochemical raw materials, materials and related applications, highlighting Vietnam’s connection to the global raw material supply chain.

Solstice, Shanghai Huntsman Corporation, GPC International and Prahi Global Trading will also present speciality materials, high-performance chemical materials and related solutions, supporting the growing demand for advanced materials and applications.

Smart manufacturing and recycling move forward together: From cost reduction to value creation

With rising environmental requirements and production costs, plastics and rubber companies are turning to equipment upgrades, smart manufacturing and recycling to improve efficiency and product value.

VietnamPlas 2026 will showcase high-efficiency processing machinery, smart manufacturing and recycling technologies, with a focus on cost efficiency, resource savings and material reuse.

Along with this, JWELL, Shanghai CMIC, Yizumi, ARBURG, Honzen Union, Hwa Chin, Fu Chun Shin, HTL Tech, Kim Minh Machine, Omipa, Coperion and Nordson BKG will showcase injection molding, extrusion, rubber and plastics processing, automation and key processing equipment.

Meanwhile, Polystar, Lotus Green and Jiangyin Guibao will focus on plastics recycling, recycled materials and related processing technologies, responding to the growing demand driven by extended producer responsibility and the circular economy.

THC, Song Song and HC International will also present plastics and rubber processing and related applications, further expanding the range of solutions on display.

VietnamPlas 2025 brought together leading companies from Vietnam and around the world

Expert seminars on AI, sustainable materials and packaging applications

VietnamPlas 2026 will also host professional seminars featuring industry experts and businesses.

Discussions will cover AI applications in the plastics industry, recycled plastics and rubber, sustainable materials, green investment, and trends in single-use packaging materials.

The forums will provide insights into new opportunities created by digital transformation, the circular economy and sustainable manufacturing, while helping visitors grasp the latest technology, material, application and market trends.

As Vietnam’s manufacturing sector continues to grow, the plastics and rubber industry is entering a new phase of transformation, creating opportunities across materials, machinery and sustainable solutions.

From September 9 to 12, industry professionals, manufacturers and buyers are invited to SECC to discover the latest trends and technologies and explore new business opportunities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Plastic, rubber industry exhibition begins in HCM City Advanced technologies and machinery and equipment used in the plastics and rubber industry are on display at the Vietnam International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition that opened on October 3 in HCM City.

Vietnam's plastics industry embraces recycling trends Vietnam's plastics companies are turning their focus towards environmentally friendly technologies as well as new materials, embracing change to promote recycling and reduce and eliminate plastics in the environment.

VietnamPlas 2024 Executive Seminar: A strategic conversation for sustainability in the plastic industry A high-profile event on Vietnam’s plastics and rubber industries has taken place in Ho Chi Minh City, focused heavily on sustainability shifts and shaping business practices accordingly.

VietnamPlas 2025 showcases eco-friendly innovations for global growth VietnamPlas 2025 is taking place from September 17–20 in Ho Chi Minh City, spotlighting eco-friendly advancements to drive future growth, address evolving market demands, and foster regional and global collaboration.

The event, taking place on September 2-5 in Hall B of the SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, brings together 600 booths featuring 200 exhibitors from diverse localities across the country as well as markets such as the United States, Canada, China, India, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, and more.

VIFA ASEAN 2026 will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 2-5. Photos: Lien Minh Corp.

The event is deemed a strategic bridge for buyers to source quality, diverse indoor and outdoor furniture and finalise orders efficiently right at the event.

Visitors will gain access to a rich supply map, ranging from modern residential and office furniture to handicraft masterpieces deeply imbued with cultural identity.

There will also be active participation of a series of industry brands such as Sangtang, Global Furniture, An Hoa Phat Furniture, The Rug Republic, MP Craft, Minh Bao, Southeast Asia Handicraft, MT Pottery, and many more.

Domestic and international government authorities and associations will also have a presence, including Tay Ninh Industrial Promotion and Trade Promotion Centre, Hanoi Handicraft and Craft Village Association, Vietnam Handicraft Exporters Association, the Royal Thai Consulate, the Indonesian Furniture and Crafts Industry Association, the Nordic Business Association in Vietnam, and others.

VIFA ASEAN brings together more than 400 businesses from across Vietnam and around the world

Offering a comprehensive perspective on modern architectural and construction trends, the VIFA House and Building Pavilion at the event is a specialised exhibition area gathering exhibitors that provide solutions for homes and buildings – ranging from construction materials, equipment, indoor and outdoor furniture, to smart home technology and solutions from international exhibitors.

This space is expected to expand networking opportunities between manufacturers and investors, architects, contractors, project developers, and the domestic and international buyer community, contributing to completing the exhibition ecosystem.

To optimise the experience and provide maximum convenience for international buyers, the organisers of VIFA ASEAN 2026 will offer a series of in-depth seminars held on September 3 and 4, featuring Huiyuan Culture Group, TikTok Shop, and Wayfair.

There will also be a networking area between buyers and exhibitors, supporting partner searches and driving collaboration opportunities. This serves as a trade and resting space for buyers, offering opportunities to participate in social media interactive activities to receive complimentary coffee gifts.

Furthermore, located within Hall B, the SIGTEX Vietnam 2026 Pavilion will offer comprehensive solutions in the fields of green technology, industrial machinery and accessories, electrical and electronic equipment, and clean and renewable energy.

By consolidating SIGTEX into a specialised pavilion, the event creates a strategic trade hub, deeply connecting the supporting industry and manufacturing community with a network of domestic and international investors and buyers.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 enticed strong interest from international buyers

Meanwhile, Vietnam International Sourcing 2026, spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will also take place from September 3-5 in Hall A of the SECC.

The event is expected to gather over 400 Vietnamese exhibitors across key export sectors, including food and beverages, home appliances and furniture, lifestyle and health, and the export supply chain.

Through promotion by Vietnam’s Trade Office network across various countries, the exhibition will likely attract a large turnout of international purchasing groups, buyers, importers, and distributors to source supplies and establish cooperative relationships with Vietnamese businesses, such as AEON, Central Retail, Walmart, and more.

VIFA ASEAN 2023 - A must visit trade show for furniture The 2023 VIFA ASEAN trade show will attract nearly 200 prestigious wood and furniture exhibitors and will feature more than 600 booths from 12 Vietnamese provinces and 10 other foreign markets from August 29 to September 1.

VIFA ASEAN 2024 entices exhibitors from Vietnam and beyond With the aim of establishing Ho Chi Minh City as a premier regional trade and commerce hub in Southeast Asia, the second Vietnam ASEAN International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair (VIFA ASEAN) will take place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7 on August 27-30.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 - Gateway for furniture to go global The Vietnam ASEAN International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair - VIFA ASEAN 2025 - is set to make a powerful return, boasting an expansive scale of 1,000 booths in August.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 showcases regional furniture trends VIFA ASEAN 2025 brings together Southeast Asia’s leading furniture and handicraft makers, showcasing the region’s creativity and craftsmanship.

Drawing on Danang's experience, the two sides discussed avenues for cooperation in technology development, human resources and business connectivity.

As part of the programme, the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee delegation visited Software Park No. 2 in Danang to learn about the city's digital transformation and digital government development, as well as its development plans for semiconductors and AI.

Lao DPM and Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee Santiphat Phomviharn. Photo: Chau An (MoF)

Speaking at the meeting, Lao DPM and Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee Santiphat Phomviharn thanked the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Danang authorities for facilitating the delegation's discussions, visit and exchange of experience on the city's digital transformation.

He described Danang as a developed city with strengths extending beyond technology into a range of other areas. "Danang is not unfamiliar to me, but over the years I have witnessed the city's remarkable development," Phomviharn said.

The Lao DPM showed particular interest in the practical steps involved in building Danang's technology ecosystem. He asked about the development of the city's semiconductor and AI centre, from the initial conceptual stage to its current form.

He also sought information on how research outcomes and technology products developed by the centre are put into practical use and whether they meet market demand.

These questions reflected an interest in the way the technology ecosystem is organised and operated and how it creates practical value, alongside an understanding of its infrastructure and development model.

Responding to the Lao DPM's questions, Truong Thanh Binh, director of the Danang Centre for Digital Transformation and Strategic Technology, said the city began developing its digital government in 2006, with the centre established in 2008.

The journey from the initial concept to the centre's current model has therefore been a long-term process, with successive stages building on the foundations established earlier, rather than an initiative developed within a short period.

Danang also benefited from starting its digital transformation relatively early, allowing the city to build on capabilities accumulated over many years. Responsibilities among municipal agencies have been clearly defined, while the centre has shared its experience with other localities.

One of the key principles underpinning Danang's digital transformation is "one platform, multiple partners." Partners involved in implementation can build on the platform across different generations, based on an architectural framework established at an early stage.

He said that this approach helps minimise duplication, ensure continuity across the system and enable multiple partners to contribute to its development. In terms of infrastructure, units operating under the centre manage the infrastructure and assets supporting the city's public administration. They also serve as a focal point for coordination and workforce training to support system operations.

MoF Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Phuong (middle) and Vice Chairman of Danang People's Committee Tran Nam Hung (left). Photo: Chau An (MoF)

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Chairman of Danang People's Committee Tran Nam Hung highlighted the close cooperation between Danang and Lao localities. Every year, the city organises a range of cooperation and exchange programmes with Lao localities, alongside specific initiatives to support each other's socioeconomic development.

Danang places particular importance on and is encouraging cooperation with Lao localities in areas of mutual interest. Digital transformation, the semiconductor industry and AI are among the sectors receiving particular attention.

He expressed confidence that the visit would open up new opportunities for cooperation between Danang and Laos, contributing to strengthening the friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The city's cooperation agenda extends beyond the exchange of experience to include workforce training, business connectivity, investment, technology transfer and the commercialisation of research products.

Danang aims to boost training programmes for semiconductor and AI engineers based on international standards, while strengthening exchanges among lecturers, experts and students from universities, research institutes and businesses on both sides.

The city also plans to encourage Lao businesses to invest in semiconductors and AI, develop deep-tech incubation programmes, connect investment funds, support technology transfer and facilitate the commercialisation of research outcomes.

Under its targets, Danang aims to attract 10-15 Lao businesses with total investment capital of approximately $300-500 million by 2030. The city also plans to organise business-matching programmes, thematic seminars and investment promotion activities involving businesses, research institutes and universities from both countries.

The delegation visiting FPT R&D Centre on high technologies and semiconductor. Photo: Chau An (MoF)

The Danang meeting took place as part of the Mid-term Conference of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee for 2026 and the 19^th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Cooperation Programme between the Vietnamese and Lao MoFs, hosted by Vietnam.

As Vietnam's focal agency for the cooperation programme and a bridge connecting central and local authorities with Lao partners, the MoF is well positioned to link government-level cooperation priorities with practical models, initiatives and needs at the local level.

The participation of Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee and Deputy Minister Phuong, together with the delegation, helped bring bilateral cooperation closer to emerging areas of development, including digital technology, semiconductors, AI and high-quality human resources.

It also broadens the scope of cooperation from traditional sectors towards high-value-added technology industries, while creating additional channels for businesses from the two countries to identify specific cooperation opportunities.

For Laos, Danang's experience offers lessons extending beyond a digital transformation model to include a long-term approach to building a technology ecosystem, organising resources, connecting multiple partners and directing research outputs towards the market.

For Danang, the Lao delegation's direct interest in these areas creates opportunities to incorporate the city's strengths in digital transformation, semiconductors, AI and workforce training into concrete international cooperation programmes.

Vietnam, Laos increase key transport infrastructure connectivity Vietnam and Laos are working to boost key strategic infrastructure projects to increase connectivity between the two countries.

Vietnam channels $714 million into overseas projects Vietnam’s outward investment capital reached nearly $714 million in the first four months of 2026, double the same period last year.

Vietnam and Laos step up cooperation in finance, infrastructure and energy The mid-term conference of the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Committee for 2026 and the 19th meeting of the Steering Committee for the Cooperation Programme between the Vietnamese and Lao Ministries of Finance were held in Danang on August 27.

Part of Vung Ang EZ. Photo: baodautu.vn

The venture has a total investment capital of over $282 million, of which the investor's contribution is over $84.4 million, and the remainder is mobilised capital.

According to the registration schedule, before the end of September, the investor will begin construction of the component warehouse for production and export, and auxiliary facilities. These items are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027. Subsequently, from then to the second quarter of 2029, the project will proceed with the construction of the factory and other auxiliary facilities.

The investor is legally responsible for the legality, accuracy, and truthfulness of the dossier which are used for applying for the investment registration certificate; implementing the scheme according to the investment objectives, scale, and schedule.

At the same time, the investor must choose to lease projects with new, advanced, modern, and environmentally friendly technologies, and apply automation in production processes to improve efficiency, ensure labour safety, and save resources and energy.

The undertaking features a closed-loop production system, synchronised with a system for collecting and treating exhaust gases, wastewater, solid waste, and hazardous waste, meeting the regulations and standards of Vinhomes Vung Ang Industrial Park.

The project is expected to supplement the system of workshops, warehouses, and auxiliary facilities at the industrial park, creating more production and business space, thereby contributing to attracting businesses and industrial ventures to the area.

Amata City Ha Long lands $8 million investment from TianJian Vietnam Amata City Halong, also known as Song Khoai Industrial Park, has signed a land lease agreement with TianJian Vietnam for a new factory manufacturing speaker enclosures, plastic components, and moulds.

Continuous supply chain expansion at Amata City Halong: Topping Industrial On August 18, Amata City Halong JSC signed a Land Use Right Sublease Agreement with Topping (Quang Ninh) Industrial Co., Ltd., marking the arrival of a new Chinese supporting manufacturing project in Amata City Halong Industrial Park (also referred to as Song Khoai Industrial Park).

Industrial parks designed as engines of transformation Vietnam's Industrial Park 1.0 model has been designed to attract foreign direct investment and drive export led industrialisation, but it is approaching its structural limits, according to Truong Bui, partner at Roland Berger.

BTC Digital inks data MoU with NTC and SGP BTC Digital Ltd., a Nasdaq-listed digital computing infrastructure company, on August 25 announced that it signed an MoU)with Nam Trang Cat Investment and Development (NTC) and SG Partners (SGP).

Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park: A strategic growth pole in Haiphong’s FTZ ecosystem With its prime location in the core zone of Haiphong Free Trade Zone, synchronised infrastructure, and strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance standards, Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park is emerging as a critical growth engine in northern Vietnam.

Among securities firms, Capital Securities has announced a plan to offer up to 12 million shares, equivalent to 40 per cent of its total outstanding shares. If the offering is completed, the company’s charter capital will increase from $12 million to $16.8 million.

Of the proceeds raised, the company will allocate 50 per cent to proprietary securities trading, while the remaining 50 per cent will be used to supplement capital for margin lending and advances against securities sales proceeds.

Raising capital through the stock market enables firms to draw in long-term funding. Photo: baodautu.vn

Last week, LPBank Securities Corporation made its debut on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HSX), with a reference price of $1.2 per share in the first trading session.

Its market capitalisation reached more than $1.69 billion, placing it among the securities firms with the largest market capitalisations in the market.

Other deals have also secured attention. Kafi Securities is expected to offer 125 million shares to the public at a minimum price of $0.60 per share, while simultaneously issuing 3.75 million shares under its employee stock ownership plan.

Of the minimum $75 million expected to be raised from the offering, the company plans to use more than $52.5 million to supplement capital for margin lending and $22.5 million to supplement capital for proprietary trading.

After raising its charter capital to nearly $440 million, HD Securities Corporation (HDS) is expected to proceed with an IPO of 164 million shares, as disclosed at the company’s 2026 AGM in April.

According to Vu Huu Dien, chairman of the Board of Directors at HDS, HDS’s parent group is working to strengthen the financial capacity of companies within its ecosystem.

“Specifically, both HD Saison and HD Securities (HDS) have IPO plans in the coming period. Alongside capital raising, the group is also working to improve corporate governance and proactively engage with reputable international credit-rating agencies,” he said.

Recently, Fitch Ratings assigned HDBank an international credit rating of BB- with a Stable Outlook. This is among the highest ratings awarded to private joint stock commercial banks in Vietnam.

A series of other notable IPO deals are also underway, including the IPO of DatVietVAC and that of Asia-USA Industrial JSC, among others.

In addition, many businesses are pursuing capital hike plans.

On August 21, the extraordinary AGM of Electric Power Finance JSC approved a plan to privately place up to 85 million ordinary shares with professional securities investors, both domestic and foreign.

If successfully completed, the company’s charter capital will increase from approximately $304.2 million to a maximum of $338.2 million, equivalent to an increase of 11.2 per cent.

The capital will help the company meet capital adequacy requirements and prepare resources for its business plan for 2027-2028 period.

After transferring its listing in July, Miza JSC is continuing to implement a plan to offer 30 million shares to existing shareholders at $0.40 per share.

The proceeds will be contributed to its subsidiary, Miza Nghi Son Co., Ltd., to invest in expanding production and business operations.

The flurry of capital-increase deals and IPOs to some extent shows that businesses are increasingly turning to the stock market as a capital-raising channel, placing greater expectations on a recovery in market conditions.

From a broader perspective, serving the double-digit economic growth target in 2026 as well as the average growth rate for 2026-2030 will require enormous investment resources.

Accordingly, other capital channels need to be developed, including the corporate bond and equity markets, rather than relying entirely on a single channel as bank credit.

According to Dien of HDS, fortunately, both pillars of the financial market – the bond market and the equity market – have recently been showing very positive signals.

“Vietnam is one of the countries with the fastest economic growth rates in Asia and the world, while also being located in an extremely dynamic economic region. What remains is for businesses to demonstrate the quality of their earnings, growth, competitive advantages and corporate governance to access this abundant yet selective pool of capital,” he said.

Reshaping capital flows to unlock Vietnam's next growth engine As Vietnam pursues double-digit economic growth, restructuring capital channels beyond bank credit, spanning the equity market, corporate bonds and institutional investors, will be essential to building a more balanced and resilient financial system.

FDI listing hurdles lie beyond securities law With the current position of Vietnam's stock market, the State Securities Commission expect foreign-invested enterprises to become one of the key providers of high-quality listings for the market, reflecting its integral role in the economy.

FIEs' listing on Vietnam's stock exchange, unlocking new capital More foreign-invested enterprises listing on Vietnam's stock exchange could unlock new capital channels while injecting premium assets and driving higher corporate governance standards.

Vietnam stocks rebound as analysts retain bullish outlook Stronger policy support, improving liquidity, and market reforms are laying the foundation for stock market next growth cycle, even as short-term volatility persists.

Photo courtesy of InnoEx 2026

Collectively, the pilot initiatives have helped prevent, collect, recycle, or properly treat more than 750 tonnes of plastic waste, while testing new approaches to alternative materials, digital data systems, circular business models, improved technologies, and innovative financing mechanisms.

These efforts also support implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection and to emerging regulations on waste management and plastics, particularly those related to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Beyond environmental impact, these solutions also support the creation of fair, respectful, and dignified job opportunities for workers within the waste management sector, while protecting their rights and wellbeing.

The Coca-Cola Foundation views innovation as a key driver and essential enabler in addressing the plastic waste crisis and advancing a circular economy in Vietnam. Innovative solutions play a critical role in bridging waste management policies with real-world implementation while addressing practical environmental challenges. Through its partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Coca-Cola Foundation aims to help these initiatives grow beyond the initial support phase to become self-sustaining and scalable, generating lasting environmental, social, and economic value for Vietnam.

Photo courtesy of InnoEx 2026

The programme has also helped connect innovators with investors, businesses, and strategic partners, creating pathways for promising solutions to move beyond the pilot stage. The initial support allows innovators to test ideas, build evidence, and demonstrate feasibility, laying the foundation for these solutions to become self-sustaining, scalable, and capable of driving long-term environmental, social, and economic value.

Demo Day highlighted this momentum through partnership agreements, including collaborations between CEL's LoopNet digital platform and TPC Distribution Vietnam, and between MAB's Cyan Truck model and Rogo Solutions.

With technical support from the Business Startup Support Centre (now SIHUB) and the Investment Business Partners, participating teams also gained access to the Green Innovation Fellowship and investment platform at InnoEx 2026. These connections can help innovators continue engaging with investors, ecosystem partners, and complementary support programmes beyond the acceleration phase.

The experience reflects a broader shift in how businesses are responding to environmental and market challenges. As pressures reshape markets and supply chain, businesses need to innovate, manage risks, and create value while addressing environmental challenges. The UNDP supports this transition by connecting businesses with policy, partnerships, investment and markets.

Photo courtesy of InnoEx 2026

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Van Duoc, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee said, “With this consistent approach, Ho Chi Minh City stands ready to ‘lead the way and set an example’ by piloting innovative ideas and working alongside domestic and international organisations, businesses and scientists on solutions to strengthen the control and reduction of plastic waste and emissions. The city is ready to facilitate controlled trials of waste collection, recycling and material circularity models, selecting suitable areas for pilots at a sufficient scale to validate their effectiveness and gradually scale them up.”

UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi said, "These innovators have shown that environmental solutions can also create economic opportunity, strengthen communities, and accelerate Vietnam's transition towards a circular economy. But innovation alone is not enough. Successful solutions need to connect with investment, policy, and partnerships so they can move beyond pilots and deliver impact at scale,"

Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, director general of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment added that the ministry was looking forward to continuing its collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City, the UNDP and partners to help connect innovative initiatives with policy development and implementation, while encouraging the engagement of businesses and investors.

As Vietnam advances its circular economy ambitions, the Plastics Innovation Programme has built a growing portfolio of home-grown solutions to address plastic pollution and strengthened connections between innovators, businesses and investors. By fostering innovation and creating pathways to partnerships and investment, the programme is helping lay the foundation for the next generation of circular-economy enterprises.

Global treaty in sight for plastics battle Vietnam is joining the world’s efforts to formulate a legally binding treaty about plastic pollution, which has become a big menace for the country’s national development.

Localities join in efforts to fight plastics pollution Ten localities in Vietnam are taking actions to fight plastic pollution under Plastic Smart Cities (PSC), an initiative put forward by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

AEON determined to fortify green lifestyle As many companies are trying to promote sustainable development and a greener world, AEON Vietnam is trying to contribute its share. Nguyen Bang Lang, in charge of Sustainable Development at AEON Vietnam, shared with VIR’s Tra My initiatives to reduce single-use plastics at one of the largest retailers in Vietnam.

Tay Ninh People's Committee has approved the project's investment policy and IMG Long An JSC as its investor. Located in Tan Lan commune, the project will cover approximately 336 hectares, with a total investment of VND8.45 trillion ($323.94 million) and a 50-year operating term from the first land allocation or lease decision.

Representatives of IMG Long An JSC at the 2026 Tay Ninh Investment Promotion Conference. Photo: IMG Long An

The decision was presented at the province's Investment Promotion Conference on August 28. Tan Lan 3 was among 31 projects representing 27 investors in the approval-and-registration segment, with combined capital of about $3 billion.

The conference as a whole recorded 103 projects and works across groundbreakings, approvals, investment registration and expressions of interest, representing approximately $35.5 billion. Distinguishing these categories is important because they reflect different levels of legal readiness and investor commitment.

An IMG Long An representative receives the investment policy approval decision for Tan Lan 3 Industrial Park. Photo: IMG Long An

More than a land-scale proposition

Tan Lan 3's proposition rests not only on its gross site area, but also on how its target industries could interact. Under the approved direction, it will be a multi-sector industrial park primarily serving manufacturing and processing, together with industries and services supporting industrial production, subject to environmental requirements.

The project is designed to accommodate 15 industry groups, with an emphasis on sectors capable of forming supply chain links. Output from one enterprise may become raw materials, semi-finished goods or service inputs for another. This structure is intended to create conditions for industrial clusters and cooperation among tenants.

The potential benefits – including more efficient infrastructure use and lower logistics costs – will depend on tenant mix, infrastructure delivery and operating services. For investors, execution will therefore matter as much as the approved industry structure.

Planning perspective for Tan Lan 3 Industrial Park. Photo: IMG Long An

Tay Ninh strengthens its FDI proposition

Tan Lan 3 is entering the pipeline as Tay Ninh seeks to improve the quality of investment flowing into the province. Tay Ninh has attracted more than $26 billion in cumulative FDI, ranking seventh among Vietnam's 34 provinces and cities, while its economy expanded 10.12 per cent in the first half of 2026.

The province is looking beyond registered capital towards technology, productivity, local business development and supporting industries. Its development orientation also calls for closer links among industrial parks, production areas, border gates, Long An International Port and the wider regional seaport system.

These are regional planning directions rather than infrastructure already completed specifically for Tan Lan 3. Their value to tenants will depend on delivery, connectivity and the project's own implementation schedule.

Roadmap towards welcoming investors

Legal procedures are planned through December 2026, followed by compensation, clearance and land-related work. Compensation and site clearance are expected to be substantially completed by August 2027.

Industrial land subleasing is scheduled to begin in phases from June 2028, while land procedures, site preparation, technical infrastructure construction and clearance of the remaining area continue through June 2029. Tan Lan 3 is therefore an early-stage opportunity, not immediately available industrial land.

Manufacturers with medium- and long-term expansion plans can use the development period to assess sector compatibility, land requirements and potential supplier relationships. The next test for IMG Long An will be to translate the approved framework into serviced industrial capacity on schedule.

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

Tay Ninh calls for investment in 187 priority ventures Tay Ninh People’s Committee has unveiled a list of 187 priority investment ventures for the 2026–2030 period, focusing on industry, urban development, and logistics.

Tay Ninh students gain hands-on experience at local Coca-Cola plant Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam recently hosted the closing ceremony for Coke Connect 2026, a comprehensive five-week career development and internship programme at the company's southern plant.

The discussions came as Vietnam seeks higher-value, resilient growth after years of expansion driven by manufacturing, exports and foreign investment. With the economy entering a more sophisticated stage, the focus is shifting towards productivity, innovation, stronger domestic enterprises and deeper participation in higher-value segments of global supply chains.

Delegates attend the inaugural CRIF Forum Vietnam 2026 in Hanoi. Photo: CRIF Vietnam

Nguyen Minh Tu, general director of CRIF D&B Vietnam, noted that business decisions would increasingly depend on the quality of information available to companies, financial institutions and investors as the economy becomes more interconnected and complex.

“Trusted data can help businesses and financial institutions assess risks, identify opportunities and allocate capital with greater confidence, while also allowing enterprises to demonstrate their credibility when working with domestic and international partners,” said Tu.

Nguyen Xuan Tho, deputy director general of the Agency for Private Enterprise and Cooperative Development under the MoF, highlighted the importance of transparency and investor confidence as Vietnam modernises its financial markets and seeks to attract domestic and international capital.

“Transparent information, modern data infrastructure and stronger market institutions will increasingly form part of a trusted investment environment,” Tho pointed out.

The forum highlighted that Vietnamese enterprises seeking to move up global value chains will need stronger productivity, digital capabilities and corporate transparency, alongside the ability to demonstrate credibility to banks, investors, customers and international partners.

Reliable business information is becoming important in this transition. Greater visibility into companies, counterparties, suppliers and commercial relationships can support capital allocation, help businesses identify reliable partners and enable Vietnamese enterprises to demonstrate their capabilities to markets.

For manufacturers and exporters, transparency is also increasingly connected to market access and competitiveness. As international trade requirements evolve, companies face growing demands for visibility into suppliers, counterparties, the origin of goods and risks across value chains. Transparency is therefore moving beyond compliance to become a factor affecting financing, investment and market access.

The rapid adoption of AI is adding another layer to quality. The forum emphasised reliable data, appropriate governance, transparency and human oversight alongside wider AI adoption.

The discussions also pointed to a shift in Vietnam’s growth model, from its established position as a manufacturing and export hub towards a more innovation-driven economy. Productivity, technology adoption, stronger domestic enterprise capabilities and trusted data were identified as foundations for creating greater value and maintaining competitiveness.

CRIF Vietnam and APED representatives sign the MoU. Photo: CRIF Vietnam

Against this backdrop, CRIF Vietnam signed an MoU with the Centre for Enterprise, Household Business and Collective Economy Information, under the Agency for Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development (APED), to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital and green transition.

The partnership aims to help SMEs improve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and gain better access to green finance. It will combine APED’s enterprise data and SME network with CRIF Vietnam’s expertise in business information, credit assessment and ESG analysis.

A key goal is to reduce duplication. The two sides will explore whether assessments completed under one system can be recognised by others, potentially allowing businesses to use existing results when seeking ESG certification rather than undergoing similar assessments again.

They will also study how data from existing transition and ESG assessment tools could make it easier for SMEs to obtain green finance by reducing paperwork, procedures and upfront compliance costs

The cooperation seeks to strengthen the role of enterprise data in financing decisions, complementing traditional collateral-based approaches with more comprehensive information on business quality and capabilities.

Under APED’s Twin Transition Challenge 2026, the nine best-performing enterprises will receive complimentary access to a Synesgy account for 12 months, while the following 21 enterprises will receive a 50 per cent discount on the account fee for 12 months, subject to Synesgy’s procedures and requirements.

Le Van Khuong, director of the Business Registration Supporting Centre under APED, emphasised that the objective was to make the twin transition more substantive rather than simply a reporting exercise.

“The cooperation would allow businesses completing the twin-transition maturity assessment to use their results towards an ESG certificate meeting international standards, supporting preparation for international markets and engagement with banks and credit institutions on green finance,” said Khuong.

Beyond ESG and green finance, the MoU also envisages research into an Enterprise Data Passport model.

The proposed model would be developed based on Vietnamese enterprise practices and combined with the D-U-N-S Number and other international enterprise identification standards, while considering data requirements related to exports, taxation and access to global markets. The parties stressed that collection, processing and sharing of enterprise data must comply with Vietnam’s data protection regulations.

The cooperation is expected to help Vietnamese SMEs strengthen twin-transition capabilities, improve information transparency and prepare for opportunities in green finance and international markets, while creating conditions for domestic enterprises to participate more deeply in global value chains.

Smarter infrastructure design key to Vietnam’s AI ambitions As AI adoption accelerates, enterprises are facing growing pressure to ensure that their underlying infrastructure can support increasingly demanding workloads while keeping data secure and operations resilient.

Data and resilience drive Vietnam’s digital government Public-sector digital transformation is entering a new phase, with data becoming the foundation of governance, while the ability to connect, share, protect, and recover data is increasingly determining operational resilience and the economy’s capacity for growth.

BTC Digital inks data MoU with NTC and SGP BTC Digital Ltd., a Nasdaq-listed digital computing infrastructure company, on August 25 announced that it signed an MoU)with Nam Trang Cat Investment and Development (NTC) and SG Partners (SGP).

Hoang Ninh, deputy director of the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the rapid growth of e-commerce platforms, social media and livestreaming was allowing businesses and household businesses to reach wider markets and scale up sales, but is also placing greater demands on internal controls.

“Sellers must provide information for identity verification, while intermediary e-commerce platforms are responsible for electronic verification before allowing sellers to conduct business. On platforms that provide online ordering functions, sellers must use their own payment accounts,” Ninh said.

Businesses consequently need clear internal arrangements covering product listings, pricing, promotions, account management and cash flows. Moving sales online does not remove requirements applicable to the goods themselves, with products requiring business licences or subject to specific conditions remaining subject to those rules when sold through e-commerce platforms.

An overview of the workshop. Photo: Vietlink Law Firm

Product information has also emerged as a significant compliance issue. Online consumers often rely on images, videos, descriptions, advertising and sellers’ claims when making purchasing decisions, making accurate information on product functions, origin, quality, prices, promotions and warranties particularly important.

“Sales content can no longer be treated solely as a marketing function. It needs to form part of a company’s broader compliance and control process,” Ninh said.

The concern is particularly relevant to livestreaming and the growing use of KOLs and KOCs as sales channels. Businesses need to control information provided to promoters, establish clear guidance on permitted content and ensure prices and promotional programmes can be updated promptly, Ninh added.

The compliance burden comes as e-commerce platforms, social media and multi-channel business models enable SMEs and household businesses to reach customers far beyond their traditional markets. Small manufacturers and retailers can promote products, receive orders, process payments and arrange delivery through digital platforms without major investment in conventional distribution networks.

Yet an online transaction can involve obligations across multiple areas, including electronic contracts, taxation, invoicing, advertising, intellectual property, consumer protection, personal data and sector-specific requirements.

Dr Le Thi Hoang Thanh, deputy director of the Department of Civil and Economic Law under the Ministry of Justice, said many businesses and household businesses still face difficulties in accessing, updating and applying regulations governing e-commerce.

“A lack of information and limited capacity to identify legal risks can lead to violations and disputes, increase compliance costs and affect business reputation and performance,” she said.

“Against the backdrop of continued development of the legal framework for the digital economy, the requirement is not simply to ‘know the law’ or comply when inspections take place, but to actively identify and control risks from the outset of organising business activities in the digital environment.”

She therefore believes that greater legal awareness and stronger risk management capabilities would help businesses reduce disputes, protect their legitimate interests, strengthen competitiveness, and build consumer confidence.

Dr Tran Minh Son, director of the Centre for Legal Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises under the Department of Civil and Economic Law of the Ministry of Justice, identified the fragmented legal framework as a particular challenge for SMEs and household businesses.

An online business may have to comply with rules covering business conditions, product origin, advertising, promotions, electronic contracts, taxation, invoices, consumer protection, personal data and intellectual property. For smaller businesses without dedicated legal resources, keeping track of these obligations can be difficult.

Son also warned against waiting until a dispute or inspection occurs before seeking legal advice.

“On the digital environment, an advertising error can quickly reach a large customer base, while a problematic product can be sold simultaneously across several platforms,” he said.

Tax and transaction records require closer management as businesses generate revenue through multiple platforms, payment methods and sales channels. Consistent reconciliation of transaction data can help minimise discrepancies and tax compliance risks.

Consumer protection and intellectual property present further challenges. Information displayed on online shops, including product images, technical specifications, prices, return policies and sellers’ commitments, can affect the rights and obligations of both parties. Digital content and trademarks can also be copied easily, creating risks of infringement and making protection of businesses’ own intellectual property increasingly important.

“The challenge, therefore, is not simply to add more regulations, but to make the existing legal framework more accessible and practical for businesses,” Son said.

He suggested tailoring legal support more closely to the practical needs of SMEs and household businesses. Guidance on setting up online shops, electronic contracts, tax obligations, intellectual property, data protection and complaint handling could be built around situations businesses are likely to encounter.

Electronic handbooks, online Q&A platforms, legal information portals, instructional videos, model contracts and policies could also make legal guidance more accessible and help businesses manage compliance costs.

Multi-channel shopping is vital for e-commerce growth Multi-channel shopping is on the rise, becoming a vital factor which will help retail businesses expand sales channels, thereby increasing their reach to customers and enhancing the competitive edge given the online shopping boom in Viet Nam.

Vietnam in global top 10 for e-commerce growth E-commerce in Vietnam has recorded outstanding growth of 16-30 per cent per year over the last ten years, with the market size expected to reach $20.5 billion in 2023.

Barriers remain as firms pursue e-commerce growth with EU Opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the EU cross-border e-commerce market are growing, but barriers related to regulations and legal challenges need addressing.

On August 28, at the Tay Ninh Investment Promotion Conference 2026, an investor consortium comprising Saigon Telecommunications & Technologies Corporation (SAIGONTEL), World Harmony Co., Ltd. (WVU), and SAIF Eagle II Investment Co., Ltd. presented a Letter of Interest to Tay Ninh People’s Committee.

The move marks the first step towards studying the development of an AI data centre complex at Nam Tan Tap Industrial Park in Tan Tap commune.

The proposed project would cover approximately 20 hectares and is envisaged to meet Tier IV standards, with targeted uptime of 99.999 per cent.

Its technical infrastructure is expected to incorporate cooling solutions designed specifically for high-performance AI workloads, including direct liquid cooling and immersion cooling. These technologies would enable computing densities of up to 150kW per rack.

International connectivity is also a central part of the plan. The consortium is targeting latency of below 18 milliseconds between the facility and Singapore, supporting high-speed data transmission and processing for AI and other compute-intensive applications.

The complex is planned for an ultimate IT load of 200MW. In the first phase, the consortium expects to develop 100MW of capacity with estimated investment of around $3.5 billion.

Subject to completion of the required investment procedures, construction of the first phase is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, with the consortium aiming to commence commercial operations during 2027.

The scale of the proposal highlights the increasingly close relationship between industrial infrastructure, power supply and digital capacity as Vietnam seeks to attract investment in AI, semiconductors and other technology-intensive industries.

Data centres have emerged as critical infrastructure for the digital economy, particularly as AI applications require substantially greater computing capacity and power density than conventional enterprise workloads.

For Tay Ninh, the proposed complex could therefore serve a broader role than that of a standalone data centre. If implemented as envisaged, it could become an anchor within an integrated ecosystem at Nam Tan Tap Industrial Park, linking industrial infrastructure with energy, digital infrastructure and supporting services.

Such a model could strengthen the province's ability to pull in technology companies and foreign direct investment while creating additional room for high-tech industries to develop.

The consortium brings together complementary capabilities in industrial infrastructure, technology and investment.

SAIGONTEL, a member of Saigon Investment Group, has experience across infrastructure, IPs and high technology. Its current strategy is structured around four pillars: core industrial park infrastructure, energy infrastructure, digital infrastructure and social infrastructure, with an emphasis on developing greener IPs capable of attracting sustainable investment.

WVU, part of World Vista United Group, is participating as a co-initiator. The company has more than two decades of experience in high-tech infrastructure. Its consolidated assets reached NT$13.83 billion as of 2025, while its renewable energy portfolio has more than 70MW of capacity.

WVU is also directly developing a 32MW hyperscale data centre project at Neihu Technology Park in Taipei, providing the consortium with relevant experience for the proposed Tay Ninh development.

SAIF Eagle II, a high-tech private equity investment arm under SAIF Group, will serve as a principal investor. SAIF Group manages approximately $10 billion in assets across a portfolio of more than 500 companies. Its exposure to digital infrastructure includes AI data centre complexes with combined capacity exceeding 300MW, alongside investments in 31 strategic semiconductor projects.

The next challenge will be translating the consortium's technological and financial ambitions into an executable infrastructure plan. In particular, a 100MW first phase will require close coordination over electricity supply, grid infrastructure and related mechanisms.

The consortium will work with the Tay Ninh authorities and the power sector to agree on a power supply solution and other relevant arrangements. These will provide the basis for completing documentation seeking approval of the investment policy, with the objective of beginning Phase 1 construction in 2026 in accordance with Vietnamese regulations.

SAIGONTEL's expanding infrastructure ambitions were also evident elsewhere on August 28. At the Ca Mau Investment Promotion Conference, Ca Mau People's Committee granted investment policy approval for the Tac Thu Industrial Park project to Vietnam Infrastructure Investment Group Corporation, a company within the SAIGONTEL ecosystem.

The 345ha industrial park has registered investment capital of nearly $152 million. It is planned as an industrial hub leveraging Ca Mau's advantages in raw materials, energy and logistics, targeting sectors including agricultural and seafood processing, cold storage, mechanical engineering and manufacturing, energy, and downstream gas-based industries.

The two developments in Tay Ninh and Ca Mau illustrate a broader shift in SAIGONTEL's infrastructure strategy. Rather than treating IPs simply as serviced land for manufacturers, the group is moving towards an ecosystem combining industrial, energy and digital infrastructure.

The Tay Ninh proposal represents the more technology-intensive end of that strategy. If the consortium can secure the necessary approvals, power capacity and implementation timetable, the AI data centre could provide a significant test of Vietnam's ability to accommodate a new generation of capital-intensive digital infrastructure while strengthening the investment proposition of its IPs.

Phung Quoc Man, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA). Photo: Organising Board

Themed “Growth in Motion,” the seminar was designed to help businesses across the architecture, interior, and building materials supply chains identify the opportunities and risks arising from this wave of transformation.

According to Phung Quoc Man, chairman of HAWA, the decision to make TOD the focus of the seminar was driven by developments already taking place across the city.

“Ho Chi Minh City is accelerating the development of its urban railway network and ring roads, while implementing a pilot mechanism for transit-oriented urban development under Resolution No.98/2023/QH15. TOD is therefore no longer merely a planning concept, but is gradually taking shape through new development areas, projects, and market demand,” said Man at the event.

The shift will affect not only transport but also the way the city organises urban development, housing, commercial areas, offices, and services. It will also create new requirements for the construction, building materials, and interior industries.

“The market will require more efficient buildings, more sustainable materials, and more flexible living spaces. For businesses, the opportunity lies not only in the number of projects that emerge, but also in their ability to participate in those projects with the right products, solutions, and capabilities. This requires businesses to gradually move from selling individual products to providing integrated solutions, while engaging earlier in the value chain alongside developers, architects, designers, and contractors,” said Man.

Dr. Ngo Viet Nam Son, chairman of Ngo Viet Architects & Planners. Photo: Organising Board

According to Dr. Ngo Viet Nam Son, chairman of Ngo Viet Architects & Planners, mechanisms to develop mixed-use service, commercial and residential complexes around transport hubs are essential to optimise land use and create a sustainable growth engine for urban development.

“I think TOD is a very new urban development model in Vietnam, marking a fundamental shift from cities built around shophouses, motorbikes and narrow streets towards public transport-oriented development. This is not only a change in urban planning and investment approaches, but also a change in lifestyle, with high-rise buildings, large parks, pedestrian-friendly spaces, and interconnected public services,” Son said.

In particular, following the expansion of Ho Chi Minh City after an administrative merger, TOD could facilitate the development of self-contained suburban areas where residents can access jobs, schools, hospitals, parks, and essential amenities within a 15-minute walk. As residents no longer need to travel into the inner city every day, pressure on central areas will ease, creating more room for urban regeneration, additional green spaces, and public facilities.

“I believe this presents an opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to move towards a greener and healthier urban model, reducing traffic congestion, flooding, and pollution while bringing an entirely new way of life to its residents,” he added.

The idea of “Growth in Motion” discussed at the seminar also serves as the guiding theme of the Vietnam Interior & Build Expo (VIBE 2026), which will take place in Ho Chi Minh City from September 30 to October 3.

While previous editions laid the groundwork for exploring future living spaces, VIBE 2026 reflects the architecture, interior, and construction industries’ tangible transformation as Vietnam enters a new phase of national development.

TOD model essential for real estate Transit-oriented development, an urban model based on public transportation, will create more opportunities for Vietnam’s urban development.

British rail businesses strengthen cooperation in Vietnam On January 19-23, the British Embassy in Hanoi and the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, through the Green Cities, Infrastructure, and Energy Programme, is organising the UK Rail Mission to Vietnam.

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.

The consortium comprising PV Power, Nghe An Sugar Company, and SK Innovation were asked to complete the approval of the detailed construction planning task at a scale of 1/500 before September 3; submit the detailed construction planning at a scale of 1/500 for appraisal and approval before September 16.

The provincial leadership requires the consortium of investors to urgently complete the establishment of the project company, sign the project contract and the contract for compensation and land clearance work by August.

Another important task is to fully review the required documents, materials, and data for the preparation of the Feasibility Study report, and submit proposals to tthe people's committee or the Working Group of the Project so that relevant agencies can coordinate in providing them as required.

In addition, Nghe An People's Committee requested the consortium of investors to develop a detailed schedule for the entire project, clearly defining the completion time for each item, ensuring that the implementation requirements and the goal of putting the plant into operation in 2030 are met.

Regarding land clearance, Tan Mai People's Committee is tasked with reviewing and compiling all obstacles that arise to report to Nghe An Department of Agriculture and Environment for guidance and resolution.

The department is responsible for leading and coordinating with relevant units to resolve obstacles related to compensation and land clearance; in cases exceeding its authority, it must promptly advise the competent authority for consideration and resolution.

Meanwhile, Nghe An Department of Finance is responsible for guiding the locality on funding sources for compensation, support, and land clearance, ensuring the project's progress is not affected.

Nghe An Department of Industry and Trade is designated as the focal point for monitoring and expediting implementation. In addition, this agency is also responsible for periodically compiling the implementation status, reporting to the provincial people's committee, and advising on solutions for issues that are behind schedule or encounter issues.

Previously in mid-May, Nghe An People’s Committee and a consortium of investors held a ceremony to launch technical infrastructure works for the project.

Located in Tan Mai ward, the plant has a capacity of 1,500 MW, including a 1,500 MW LNG-based thermal power plant, an LNG storage and regasification system with a tank capacity of approximately 250,000 cubic metres, and a dedicated port within the Dong Hoi Port area – Nghe An Seaport.

The venture is slated to be put into operation and generate electricity in 2030, helping provide a stable and efficient power supply to the national grid, especially in the Northern and North Central regions. Once operational, the venture will meet the energy needs for industrial development, services, and logistics, while facilitating investment attraction in Nghe An.

PV GAS signs LNG supply deal with Shell Eastern Trading for 2027-2031 Petrovietnam Gas has signed a term liquefied natural gas (LNG) sale and purchase agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell plc for the 2027–2031 period.

Cai Mep Terminal delivers first pipeline gas to Phu My Power Complex AG&P LNG, a leading LNG terminals and downstream infrastructure company, on July 17 announced that Cai Mep Terminal has begun delivery of first pipeline gas to the Phu My power complex via the new Cai Mep–Phu My gas pipeline.

Ca Mau approves investment in 500kV Bac Lieu–Thot Not power line Ca Mau People's Committee approves investment in the 500kV liquefied natural gas Bac Lieu–Thot Not power line, which is invested by National Power Transmission Corporation.

MoIT to resolve issues for Long An I and II LNG power plants The Ministry of Industry and Trade will collaborate with Tay Ninh province to resolve obstacles related to land, finance, and power purchase agreements to ensure the early commencement of the Long An I and II LNG power plants.

Petrovietnam, PV GAS and Nebula Energy partner on LNG-powered data centre On July 28, Petrovietnam, PV GAS and Nebula Energy signed a cooperation agreement to explore an integrated data centre utilising LNG infrastructure at Vung Ang Economic Zone, Ha Tinh.

KN Energies and INDEL Corporation sign MoU in energy and infrastructure On July 28, Lithuanian terminal operator AB KN Energies and Vietnam-based INDEL Corporation signed an MoU to establish an energy and infrastructure cooperation framework in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City continues to strengthen its global competitiveness as Asia's top business destination, holding consecutive World MICE and World Travel Awards for Best MICE Destination, Leading Business Travel Destination, and Leading Festival & Event Destination (2023 - 2025). Capitalizing on this momentum, the city has introduced a dedicated support policy through 2030 for qualifying MICE groups to boost international arrivals and integration of business events with accommodation and leisure.

Alongside these policy developments, Ho Chi Minh expands its MICE infrastructure through Tan Son Nhat Airport's Terminal 3, operational Metro Line 1, and Metro Line 2 construction. Coupled with an enriching urban landscape of architecture, history, gastronomy, and Saigon River journeys, the city enables planners to easily integrate corporate agendas with authentic destination experiences.

Within this landscape, The Reverie Saigon - a member of The Leading Hotels of the World - curates a seamless MICE journey of meetings, dining, and personalized hospitality. Occupying the building's upper floors, its accommodation offers generous proportions, Italian-inspired interiors, and commanding city views.

"Today's MICE travellers expect more than an efficient agenda. They seek meaningful destination experiences, opportunities to reconnect and lasting memories," said Gerd Kotlorz - General Manager. "At The Reverie Saigon, we bring these elements together to transform a business gathering into a highly personalised journey through the city."

Accommodating diverse event formats, The Reverie Saigon offers 15 venues led by La Scala Ballroom, San Carlo, and Amber & Jade. Beyond meetings, guests can recharge at The Spa and outdoor pool, or experience curated dining. Headline venues include Long Trieu, holding one Michelin Star for three consecutive years (2024–2026), Café Cardinal, The Long @ Times Square, and The Reverie Boutique, alongside convenient access to MICHELIN Selected Vietnam House Restaurant.

Extending the journey into Saigon, cultural landmarks like the City Opera House and Central Post Office sit steps away. Supported by a Golden Keys-certified Head of Concierge, the hotel offers bespoke experiences - including Saigon River yacht cruises, Rolls-Royce city tours and photo excursions - forging a deep connection with the city.

Here, a meeting can lead into a Michelin-starred dinner, a conference can conclude with a private journey along the Saigon River, and an incentive programme can become an intimate encounter with the culture and energy of Saigon.

At The Reverie Saigon, business is only the beginning.

For more information, please visit thereveriesaigon.com

Established in 1992, Koike Malaysia has grown from its beginnings in industrial packaging into a multi-industry enterprise with operations spanning automotive manufacturing and assembly, precision engineering, industrial packaging, logistics and warehousing, global sourcing, semiconductor-related manufacturing, retail distribution, and advanced industrial solutions. Through strategic diversification, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to innovation, the Group has built a resilient business ecosystem with operations and partnerships extending across multiple Asian markets, including Japan, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

At the centre of this remarkable evolution is Na Chin Teong, whose entrepreneurial journey has shaped Koike Malaysia's growth trajectory over the past three decades. A graduate of Waseda University, Japan, Na began his professional career with Koike Corporation before returning to Malaysia in 1992 with the vision of establishing Koike Malaysia. Starting with a small logistics and industrial packaging business, he expanded the company by identifying new opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and continuously adapting to changing market conditions.

Under Na's leadership, Koike Malaysia has evolved into a diversified business group comprising more than ten companies across multiple industries. The Group has achieved annual turnover exceeding RM600 million, strengthened its regional presence, established relationships with more than 200 global business partners, and oversees the movement of over 1,000 shipping containers annually through its logistics operations.

Beyond financial growth, Na has consistently championed a people-centred leadership philosophy, recognising that sustainable success is built upon capable people, shared purpose, and a strong organisational culture. His emphasis on teamwork, trust, accountability, and continuous improvement has fostered a workforce that supports Koike Malaysia's long-term expansion and resilience.

The dual recognition at the APEA 2026 reflects the success of both Koike Malaysia's accelerated growth and Na Chin Teong's visionary leadership, celebrating a business journey defined by innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to creating sustainable value for the future.

For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.