In the 2026–27 Budget, the Government allocated additional funding to schemes such as the "BUD Fund" to help enterprises strengthen competitiveness and expand into new markets through technologies like AI. Various initiatives will also be rolled out to support upgrading and development of enterprises. However, amid rapid market changes, many SMEs are unsure where to start. HKPC's "SME ReachOut" bridges policy resources with practical business needs, providing comprehensive, tailored support to address SMEs' challenges. This Expo is a key initiative by the team, offering a one-stop platform that guides SMEs step by step, from strategy formulation to execution, empowering brands to achieve borderless expansion through e-commerce.

5 Thematic Zones to Help SME's Going Global in One-stop

The Expo will feature 5 thematic exhibition zones, including Cross-border E-commerce Experience, New Retail Tech Application, Brand x IP Value-added, Smart Operations, and E-commerce Go-Global Support. Gathering 80+ exhibitors, the zones bring together e-commerce platforms, technology and business service providers, IP licensors, and Government funding booths. From platform selection and brand building to smart operations and worldwide expansion, all the key pillars of going global are precisely addressed.

10+ workshops and live showcases will be held, offering expert insights, success stories, practical examples, innovative solutions, instant consultations, and business matching opportunities to help SMEs develop effective plans for going global.

A dedicated Government funding zone will also guide SMEs on Government funding to accelerate their upgrade and expansion. To cater to the needs of relevant groups and stakeholders, exclusive guided tours will be arranged. Led by specialists, the tours will cover all five zones and help SMEs identify the most suitable support.

10 Seminars with Valuable Expertise Experiences for SMEs to Learn, Apply, and Go Global

To assist SMEs in grasping opportunities to go global, a total of 10 seminars will be hosted with various industry experts sharing insights on cross-border strategies, market trends, technology innovation, and inspiring IP brand collaboration stories. Details of the seminars can be found in Appendix I.

The sessions will cover key e-commerce topics, with highlights including:

• Cross-border E-commerce: How to convert online traffic into orders
• New Retail Technology: Utilising AI to save time and increase sales
• Brand x IP Value-added: Enhancing brand value and expanding into overseas markets through IP collaborations
• Smart Operations: Unlocking global payments and green supply chains, and leveraging logistics technology
• Go-Global Strategies: Avoiding cross-border trade pitfalls and opening up business opportunities with relevant Government funding schemes

HKPC cordially invites all SMEs to participate in this Expo, leveraging the rich cross-border e-commerce and funding information available on-site to capture opportunities for expanding brands and markets through e-commerce. SMEs are welcome to register and participate in the event with free admission.

[E-commerce Innovation Expo 2026]
Date: 25-26 June 2026 (Thursday to Friday)
Time: 10:00 – 18:00
Address: HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon
Admission Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
Registration Link: https://ecommexpo2026.com
Enquires: SME ReachOut Hotline: (852) 2788 6868; Email: sme_reachout@hkpc.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Asia Pacific (APAC), that pressure is even more pronounced as 37% of organizations admit investing aggressively with little evaluation – nearly double the global average, and well ahead of the US (10%) and Europe (13%). The pressure is most acute in Australia (45%) and Vietnam (44%), while in Singapore, more than one in three organizations admit the same.
The IDC InfoBrief, based on a survey of 800 technology leaders across APAC, Europe, and the US, found that AI has become one of the most prioritized technology investments globally, with 51% of organizations planning to prioritize AI or machine learning investment over the next 12 months – rising to 61% across APAC. However, returns are failing to keep pace with the hype. Just 19% of global organizations surveyed say their AI implementations have exceeded expectations, and only 5% report they have significantly exceeded them1.

Across APAC, 40% say implementations have exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations – ahead of the global average but still leaving the majority falling short. Globally, the most-cited reasons for underperformance are inadequate or poor-quality training data (51%), higher-than-expected costs or ROI not achieved (47%), and AI not performing as well as expected (46%). For APAC specifically, the picture is broadly similar – though costs bite harder: 49% cite poor-quality training data, 54% cite cost overruns or ROI not achieved (rising to 80% in Malaysia), and 46% say AI has simply not performed as expected.

Where organizations have the right foundations in place, the results speak for themselves. Across APAC, 87% report productivity improvements in the business units most affected by AI, and 82% say quality of work has improved.

Underpinning many of these challenges is also a network and infrastructure readiness gap. Globally, 26% of organizations whose AI implementations have failed to meet expectations cite inadequate network or connectivity performance as a contributing factor. Looking ahead, 54% of organizations say they need more flexible and scalable networks to thrive in an AI-driven environment, and 51% need greater resilience and reliability to maximize uptime2. In APAC, the gap is acute as only 9% of organizations describe their network infrastructure as fully ready to support new AI, cloud, and digital initiatives, and 37% say it will need upgrading or replacing soon. The need is most acute in Thailand (74%) and Singapore (58%), both of which rank above the regional average on demand for flexible, scalable networks. In Indonesia, nearly half of all organizations (48%) say their infrastructure will need upgrading or replacing soon.

Ben Elms, CEO, Expereo, says: "Every enterprise we speak to is investing in AI, yet the data shows a clear gap opening up between AI ambition and AI outcomes. More often than not, that gap comes down to the network underneath. AI only delivers on its promise when the infrastructure carrying it is built to support it.

Without resilient, scalable, cloud-optimized networks, even the most well-funded AI programs will struggle to deliver ROI. Getting the network right is no longer an IT decision; it is one of the most important conversations happening in the boardroom today to help fulfill AI ambition."

APAC is also leading on adoption, with 35% of organizations reporting extensive AI use across the business, against a global average of 25%3. Yet adoption alone is not enough without the right foundations beneath it.
Eric Wong, President, APAC, Expereo, says: "Asia Pacific is moving aggressively on AI adoption, but many organizations are discovering that scaling AI successfully requires more than just investment in applications and models. The underlying network, cloud connectivity, and operational readiness matter just as much. Across the region, we are seeing enterprises reassess whether their infrastructure is truly ready to support AI at scale, particularly around performance, resilience, governance, and visibility. Organizations that address those foundations early are generally seeing stronger outcomes and faster operational impact from their AI initiatives."

Boardrooms are also waking up to the longer-term risks of unchecked AI investment. According to the survey, 54% of global tech leaders cite the creation of new security risks as a significant potential future threat for their organization's use of AI, while 39% globally are concerned about losing track of AI-related costs and ROI once the technology is embedded across the business4. In APAC, that concern is sharper still as 41% of technology leaders in the region are worried about losing oversight of AI-related costs and ROI as adoption deepens – a figure that rises to 54% in Malaysia. Digital sovereignty is also moving up the strategic agenda, with 38% of APAC organizations rating it a high or top priority as they look to retain control over data and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

For the full IDC InfoBrief, commissioned by Expereo, "Enterprise Horizons 2026: Where Innovation Meets Reality" (doc #EUR154457526-IB, May 2026)

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

According to Ly Nguyen, Market Research manager at Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam, key transport arteries such as Mai Chi Tho Boulevard and the Saigon River Tunnel have played a pivotal role in shaping a 'core-to-core' urban structure, directly linking the city's existing financial centre in former District 1 with the emerging urban hub of Thu Thiem, creating a dual-core growth corridor of Ho Chi Minh City.

“Major infrastructure projects such as Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien), Ring Road 3, the An Phu Interchange, and the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway are reducing travel times while reshaping real estate values across the entire area. Both investors and end-users are reassessing the long-term potential of eastern Ho Chi Minh City within the context of the city's evolving urban landscape,” said Nguyen.

In Ho Chi Minh City’s broader urban planning framework, infrastructure development in the eastern area serves to enhance connectivity and plays a critical role in the city’s polycentric development strategy, aimed at easing the population and economic pressures concentrated in the traditional urban core, including former Districts 1, 3, and Binh Thanh.

This direction is clearly reflected in the city’s revised Master Plan to 2040, with a vision to 2060, under which Ho Chi Minh City is transitioning from a monocentric model to a multi-centre urban structure featuring several distributed growth poles. In this framework, the eastern is positioned as a centre for economic activity, innovation, and high-end urban services.

This strategic positioning provides a strong long-term foundation for real estate values in the area. When an urban growth pole is clearly defined through policy and supported by adequate infrastructure, the relocation of residents, businesses, and investment capital from the inner city to surrounding districts is no longer a spontaneous trend but rather a structured and increasingly irreversible process.

Eastern Ho Chi Minh City is also among the few urban areas that still possess significant development potential along major riverfront corridors, particularly the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers. This comes as the city accelerates plans to develop riverside corridors aimed at enhancing public spaces and improving overall urban quality. Combined with strategic transport connectivity, these natural landscape advantages provide a rare opportunity for the long-term development of high-quality residential communities.

Beyond transport infrastructure, the eastern area is increasingly establishing itself as a knowledge-based economic hub, anchored by two key growth drivers: the Saigon High-Tech Park (SHTP) and the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City more than 80,000 students are enrolled, as well as numerous research institutes and R&D centres operated by multinational corporations.

According to Cushman & Wakefield, this ecosystem provides a solid foundation for attracting sustainable foreign direct investment while fostering a high-quality residential community comprising expatriates, technology professionals, and a growing pool of knowledge workers.

This group typically prioritises housing close to employment centres and tends to have well-defined residential preferences, including completed infrastructure, a secure living environment, premium amenities, and spacious living areas. These are requirements that the current housing supply in the eastern corridor has yet to fully satisfy.

The gradual completion of infrastructure across the eastern region is also creating a new filtering mechanism within the local real estate market. As infrastructure transitions from a future expectation to a tangible and verifiable reality, buyers, particularly in the mid- to high-end segments, are becoming increasingly selective in their purchasing decisions.

In the real market, a clear movement in buyer behaviour is seen, which shifts from increased value towards a stronger focus on intrinsic value. Factors such as planning quality, legal transparency, the actual delivery and operation of amenities, and the long-term livability of a community are becoming key considerations in the decision-making process.

For high-income homebuyers, real estate is no longer viewed solely as a financial asset but also as a reflection of lifestyle quality. This requires consistency between a developer's vision and its ability to deliver on that promise in practice.

This poses a significant challenge for projects with incomplete internal infrastructure, unresolved legal procedures, or amenity development plans that are scheduled to be delivered over an extended period.

In contrast, projects that have achieved a high level of completion in terms of legal status, infrastructure, amenities, and connectivity are well positioned to benefit directly from this shift in buyer preferences.

Against this backdrop, IKI Village, developed by An Khai Hung Investment, is seen as a project that reflects the evolving preferences of the high-end end-user segment in eastern Ho Chi Minh City. The development enjoys direct access to the Go Cong-Ring Road 3 interchange, one of the city's most strategically important regional transport corridors for the coming decade.

IKI Village is being developed as a low-density riverside urban community, guided by a design philosophy that places people and long-term wellbeing at its core. Rather than competing on the sheer number of amenities, the project focuses on the attributes increasingly sought after by affluent owner-occupiers such as extensive green spaces, thoughtfully designed living environments that offer privacy and depth, and a sustainable residential setting suitable for multi-generational families.

This approach mirrors a broader trend emerging across more mature urban markets in the region, where real estate value is no longer defined solely by location or floor area, but increasingly by a project's ability to enhance residents' quality of life and deliver meaningful long-term livability.

IKI Village is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2028

With its people-centric positioning and the increasingly robust connectivity infrastructure of eastern Ho Chi Minh City, IKI Village represents a new generation of real estate developments that are gradually redefining market standards: not competing on short-term speculative appeal but genuine end-user value, long-term livability, and sustainable growth potential.

An Khai Hung launches IKI Village residential project in Ho Chi Minh City An Khai Hung Investment has broken ground on a residential project in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring private green gardens and direct access to Ring Road 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How would you define luxury for today’s travellers?

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury in Nha Trang Photo: Hyatt Regency Nha Trang

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HYLI 2026 Opens in Cebu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turning ideas into youth-led solutions

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

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

Learning sustainability through real-world experiences

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

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

Leadership grounded in community impact

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

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

Building understanding across borders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six Core Scenarios Supporting Agent-Driven Workflows

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

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

User-Level Sandbox Model Enhances Security and Control

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

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

Open Ecosystem Powered by MCP

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

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

Greater Visibility into AI Resource Usage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit SOPHiAGENETICS.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology Background

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information: www.spinnakersupport.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.