The upgrade is scheduled to take place from 7 pm on November 7 to 8 am on November 8. This investment forms part of Techcombank’s broader technology strategy to further improve service quality, enhance operational performance, and deliver faster, more seamless banking experiences for customers.

During the upgrade period, certain banking services may be temporarily unavailable. The following services will continue to operate normally: POS services and credit card transactions that do not require customers to enter new card information.

The bank will make every effort to minimise the implementation timeframe. However, depending on actual conditions, completion may occur earlier or later than planned. Customers will receive timely updates through Techcombank’s official communication channels.

To minimise any inconvenience, customers are advised to complete important transactions in advance of the upgrade window.

Techcombank also reminds customers to remain vigilant against fraud. Customers should never disclose personal information, passwords, or one-time passwords, nor click on suspicious links or files that may contain malicious software.

For urgent assistance, customers may contact Techcombank’s 24/7 customer service hotline, including 1800 588 822 for Individual Banking, and 1800 6556 for Business Banking.

As one of Vietnam’s leading banks in digital transformation, Techcombank continues to invest significantly in technology, data, and digital capabilities to create long-term value for customers.

The core banking upgrade represents another milestone in strengthening the bank’s technology infrastructure, enabling more reliable, secure, and scalable services for both individual and business customers.

As of the end of the third quarter of 2026, Techcombank served more than 19.1 million customers and reported a record profit before tax of $403.5 million in Q3/2026, bringing 9M/2026 profit before tax to $1.12 billion, up 23.7 per cent on-year.

Growth was supported by a diversified revenue base, with net interest income increasing 17.9 per cent on-year to $453.9 million, while fee and commission income rose 44.6 per cent to $163 million.

These results reflect the successful execution of Techcombank’s strategy, disciplined risk management, and the continued strength and diversification of its growing ecosystem.

Techcombank launches CNY transactions as Vietnam-China trade booms Import-export activities through border gates are expanding and modernising, driving a growing need for foreign currency payments and cash flow management among businesses.

Techcombank CEO: AI no longer a tool but a new operating foundation Attending AWS Cloud and AI Day Hanoi 2026 on September 29, Jens Lottner, CEO of Techcombank, shared his vision for building an AI-First Bank model, emphasising the role of AI in shaping the future of the financial services industry.

Techcombank posts strongest quarter on record Techcombank's pre-tax profit rose 23.7 per cent to VND28.9 trillion ($1.1 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, driven by growth across diversified income streams.

Speaking at a session titled “Connectivity to Value: The Next Phase of TOD in Vietnam,” part of the UK-Vietnam Business Forum 2026, on October 29, city officials, developers, property advisers, and urban designers discussed how to make the most of the country's spending on urban rail, as Ho Chi Minh City puts legal foundations under the transit-oriented development (TOD) model.

Dr. Jingfeng Xu, Vietnam country director of Arup, a London-headquartered engineering and urban design consultancy, opened by arguing that TOD is about daily life rather than density tables or land values.

“Choosing a new office for his own staff began as a property exercise but became a study of how a neighbourhood works, from safe walking routes in heat and rain to affordable lunches,” Xu said.

According to Xu, no single organisation by itself can do this alone. It requires government, transport authorities, developers, investors, planners, designers, and communities to work across traditional boundaries, and to think about the whole community and the whole place, rather than individual assets.

Huynh Pham Tuan Anh, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Architecture, set out how the city is preparing.

“TOD must cover services and public space within a set radius of each station, and that underground and above-ground space around stations could also be developed. Land is the central constraint, he noted, and much of it must come from the state” Anh said.

On the legal side, Anh said the city has been working through a package of seven resolutions, of which four have been implemented and three are due soon while local authorities now carry responsibility for decisions.

“The role of the city council as well as the city administration is very important in building a policy that is compatible with the business experience,” he said. “I also hope that with the expertise of experts, such as investors on the ground, especially in the field of real estate development, it will help us a lot in the implementation of the legal regulations that we have built.”

Developers were quick to warn against shortcuts. Dr. Le Nguyen Minh Quang, director of railway and urban development at Becamex Group, said his company was not chasing fast returns.

“At Becamex, we are not looking for the quick win because we would like to build a long-term benefit for the city and for the country,” he said.

Quang, who ran the city’s urban railway management authority from 2016, was particularly critical of the build-transfer (BT) model, under which a private firm builds a line in exchange for land. He noted that China used the approach from 2000 to 2015 before stopping.

“With the BT, there is the risk of the misalignment between the construction and the operation,” he said. “At Becamex, we have a master developer who builds the line from the beginning, for the construction of the line, the development of the land, and the operation. This is the responsible way that we need to look at and try to advocate, rather than propose the BT model,” he added.

Luu Thi Thanh Mau, CEO of Phuc Khang Corporation said that Vietnam has strong fundamentals for TOD: rapid urbanisation, major investment in metro and transport infrastructure, and growing public expectations for healthier, more liveable urban environments.

“My confidence comes from the fact that TOD is no longer seen only as a transport or real-estate concept; it is increasingly understood to create complete, inclusive and resilient communities,” Mau said.

According to Mau, sustainability, housing quality and quality of place are not costs to be minimised; they are the foundations of long-term value. A development that is well-designed, energy-efficient, green, walkable and socially inclusive is more likely to retain residents, attract businesses, reduce operating risks and maintain its relevance as the city changes.

“For developers, this means designing for the whole life cycle of a project-not only the initial sale. It means investing in public space, landscape, shade, ventilation, community facilities, maintenance and management. It also means ensuring that housing serves different income groups and household needs, so that the place remains diverse and vibrant over time,” she said.

She added that if Vietnam is to accelerate TOD delivery over the next decade, the most important commitment is to design and deliver places around people, not around vehicles.

“That requires long-term collaboration among government, developers, investors and communities to align planning, infrastructure, housing, public space and operations from the earliest stage,” Mau added.

Neil McGregor, CEO of Savills Vietnam, said the market was already changing. After years of working in Vietnam, he said his confidence rests on its track record.

“Vietnam has a remarkable success rate at getting things done, breaking down barriers, getting through challenges, and making things happen,” he said. “We have a fantastic legal framework now (Vietnam’s Law on Urban Development, which took effect on October 1). We also have talk of evolving capital markets around the VIFC to bring more international capital in.”

McGregor also noted that buyers and tenants are gradually shifting away from a speculative mindset.

“People can see the infrastructure coming. It is real, it is happening, it is being finished largely according to timeframes that governments have provided,” he said. “Now, office occupiers now ask whether good food outlets and affordable gyms are close by, not just whether a building has green certification.”

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.

Growing in motion – TOD: reshaping urban lifestyle and space The Vietnam Interior & Build Expo (VIBE) 2026 held a seminar on August 28 exploring how transit-oriented development (TOD) is reshaping urban lifestyles and spaces.

Lite-On Technology's Board of Directors approved cash capital injections of $210 million into Lite-On Technology Vietnam Co., Ltd., and $110 million into Lite-On Vietnam Co., Ltd., according to filings dated October 30 with the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

According to disclosures filed with Taiwan's stock exchange, the capital will be injected in phases, depending on actual demand, and would come from the group's own resources.

Following newly approved capital increases, Lite-On's cumulative investment in Lite-On Vietnam is expected to reach approximately $542.5 million, while its investment in Lite-On Technology Vietnam will total around $369 million, according to the company's disclosures.

These expansions are implemented in the context of AI infrastructure demand accelerating, with a higher contribution from high-value businesses driving revenue and profit growth.

“Global demand for AI computing and data centre infrastructure continues to grow, driving increased demand for high-end AI server power supplies, cloud computing products and power management systems. This momentum drove an 80 per cent on-year increase in cloud computing-related revenue for the first nine months of the year," Anson Chiu, president of Lite-On Technology, noted at its financial report for the third quarter, which was published on October 30.

"Lite-On continues to deepen its presence in high-value AI infrastructure businesses, with AI-related revenue now accounting for more than 30 per cent of total revenue this year. Looking ahead, we will focus on high-value opportunities in AIDC power management, liquid cooling and optical communications, leveraging technology innovation and system integration while accelerating critical technology development through strategic investments and M&A," he added.

Lite-On specialises in manufacturing printed circuit boards, printers, scanners, wi-fi modules, and electronic components in Vietnam.

Entering the country in 2013, Lite-On Vietnam specialises in semiconductor components and electronic parts manufacturing at Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (IP) in the northern port city of Haiphong. The company inaugurated its phase-two factory at the site in November 2022.

Meanwhile, the company is developing a major manufacturing facility at Song Khoai – Amata Halong IP in Quang Ninh, with a total planned investment of around $690 million and a site area of roughly 30 hectares.

Lite-On Technology kicks off factory construction at Amata City Ha Long IP Lite-On Technology Group broke ground on its highly anticipated Lite-On Quang Ninh factory in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh on March 18.

Lite-On Technology to inject additional $149 million into Vietnam Taiwanese electronics maker Lite-On Technology plans to inject an additional $149 million into its wholly owned subsidiaries in Vietnam to expand production capacity and strengthen its manufacturing footprint.

Citi warns of intensifying competition for capital amid higher rates Citi believes a new era of competition for capital is emerging as governments and corporations increasingly compete for funding amid rising borrowing needs, resilient economic growth and accelerating investment in AI.

The bank has currently capped foreign ownership at the maximum permitted level of 30 per cent. Although it is among the banks without a strategic shareholder but with the highest foreign ownership ratio, ACB still has approximately 7 per cent of headroom available for strategic investors sharing its long-term vision.

Meanwhile, Eximbank has recently taken steps to broaden access for foreign investors.

Banks are stepping up efforts to entice foreign strategic investors. Photo: baodautu.vn

At its third extraordinary general meeting of shareholders in 2026, held on October 14, the bank approved the removal of its charter provision capping foreign ownership at 6 per cent of charter capital. Foreign ownership will henceforth be governed by Article 63 of the Law on Credit Institutions.

Eximbank’s chairman Nguyen Le Quoc Anh said the change would have a positive impact on the bank's valuation, enabling foreign investors to assign it a higher market value.

According to chairman Quoc Anh, the adjustment was made at the request of the State Bank of Vietnam and would not affect shareholders' rights.

Removing the bank's separate charter-based cap gives Eximbank greater room to engage foreign investors considering equity stakes.

However, easing ownership restrictions only creates the necessary legal conditions; the bank's ability to attract actual capital inflows will also depend on its valuation, profitability outlook, risk profile and the partnership opportunities it can offer.

Developments at VPBank, however, illustrate how differences between desired ownership stakes and price expectations can become an obstacle to a transaction.

In late September, Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group was reportedly seeking to increase its stake in VPBank to 20 per cent, but the two sides had yet to agree on a price, renowned newswire Reuters reported.

In 2023, SMBC paid approximately $1.5 billion for a 15 per cent stake in VPBank, at a price around 40 per cent above the market level at the time of the transaction.

However, according to Reuters the Japanese side was unwilling to accept a similar premium this time and was holding internal discussions on the possibility of increasing its stake through on-market purchases rather than a private placement.

An additional investment in VPBank is reportedly expected to help SMBC expand its access to Vietnamese consumers and businesses.

Earlier, at its 2026 AGM held in April, VPBank approved a plan to privately place more than 624.3 million shares with a foreign investor.

The offering price will be determined through direct negotiations with the investor, but must not be lower than the latest book value per share, based on the consolidated financial statements for the quarter immediately preceding the offering. The issuance is expected to take place in the third or fourth quarter of 2026.

Beyond adjusting ownership limits and preparing share issuance plans, many banks are also actively seeking foreign partners with strong financial resources and international experience.

According to Reuters, France's BNP Paribas and South Korea's KB Kookmin Bank are holding separate negotiations to acquire at least 15 per cent of Techcombank as strategic investors.

The deal is reportedly worth approximately $2 billion, although the parties involved have yet to comment on the information.

Previously, Techcombank CEO Jens Lottner said the bank was considering selling up to 15 per cent of its shares to a suitable long-term strategic investor, while also seeking capable partners, particularly in technology.

Taking a different approach, HDBank announced its strategic direction of strengthening international cooperation at its 2026 AGM in April, and recently unveiled a plan to privately place up to 700 million shares with domestic and foreign professional securities investors.

Opportunities to entice foreign capital at some banks have also been expanded by a mechanism allowing the foreign ownership ceiling to rise to 49 per cent for institutions participating in the restructuring of weak banks. The institutions include HDBank, MB, and VPBank.

Alongside banks actively seeking strategic partners, several other lenders also have plans to increase capital or retain significant headroom to attract foreign investors. However, not every capital-raising plan necessarily entails the entry of a new strategic shareholder.

For instance, OCB plans to issue 399.46 million shares, equivalent to 15 per cent of its charter capital, to existing shareholders through a bonus share issuance funded by its equity.

Upon completion, the bank's charter capital will increase from $1.065 billion to $1.225 billion. Following the issuance, Aozora Bank, Ltd. is expected to remain OCB's sole major shareholder, with a 15 per cent stake, unchanged from previous years.

For VIB, after Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) completed its divestment of its remaining stake in March 2025 in line with its roadmap, the bank's management said it had engaged with several banks and investment funds to seek suitable partners.

More broadly, plans to ease foreign ownership limits, issue shares, and seek strategic partners are unfolding amid growing market interest in M&A in the banking sector.

Alongside changes to the regulatory framework and capital-raising pressure arising from Basel III standards, the need to strengthen financial capacity is providing further impetus for banks to seek external resources.

Nam A Bank named in top 10 largest listed banks in Southeast Asia Nam A Bank has been recognised for the first time in the list of the 50 largest publicly listed banks in Southeast Asia based on financial performance, ranking 10th across the region. The ranking by S&P Global Market Intelligence is based on fiscal year 2025.

Banks poised for Q3 profit growth amid margin pressure Many banks are forecast to continue growing profits in the third quarter of 2026, supported by credit expansion. However, rising funding costs and narrowing net interest margins are putting pressure on the earnings outlook for some lenders.

Banks face three-way test as AI reshapes digital finance With Vietnam’s banking system processing around 100 million payment transactions a day, the next phase of digital transformation hinges on whether banks can turn AI and data into tangible gains while strengthening customer trust and cyber resilience.

These priorities shaped discussions at the Nordic–Vietnam Business Summit 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on October 29, where Carlsberg Vietnam participated as a strategic partner.

Organised by NordCham Vietnam and its partners within the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, the summit explored how stronger international ties can support investment, technology cooperation, and sustainable growth.

Peter Wachenschwanz, senior director of Integrated Supply Chain at Carlsberg Vietnam, joins the leadership dialogue on the next chapter of Nordic–Vietnam cooperation at the Nordic–Vietnam Business Summit 2026. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

Representing Carlsberg Vietnam, Peter Wachenschwanz, senior director of Integrated Supply Chain, joined representatives from APM Terminals and Phuc Sinh Corporation in a leadership dialogue.

Carlsberg brought the perspective of a long-term Danish investor, demonstrating how continued investment in operational efficiency, sustainability, and local capabilities can strengthen its business while contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable growth.

Building momentum

The summit followed Vietnam’s state visit to Denmark from October 19-21, marking 55 years of diplomatic relations and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Shared priorities in investment, technology, and the green transition provide a stronger foundation for businesses to develop projects with long-term value.

For Carlsberg, the visit provided an occasion to reaffirm Vietnam’s importance as one of the group’s key growth markets. Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen participated in high-level discussions with Vietnam’s senior leadership and presented Letters of Intent to the chairmen of the people’s committees of Hue and Danang, outlining investment and development intentions for 2026–2031.

These include approximately $65 million in intended investment at Phu Bai Brewery in Hue, focused on modernising production, advancing digital and green transformation, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening quality, food safety, and supply chain capabilities.

In Danang, the company’s intentions encompass commercial development, digital transformation, operational modernisation, and more efficient, sustainable logistics, alongside environmental and community initiatives. Subject to relevant approvals, these plans would build on Carlsberg’s established presence in Central Vietnam and strengthen its manufacturing and commercial capabilities in the region.

Wachenschwanz shared during the discussion, “Long-term investment creates lasting value when technology, people, and partnerships develop together. For Carlsberg Vietnam, the next phase is about building on our expanded capacity to operate more efficiently and sustainably. Combining our global experience with Vietnamese expertise helps us strengthen our business while contributing to Vietnam’s long-term competitiveness.”

Putting cooperation into practice

Carlsberg Vietnam’s Phu Bai Brewery provides a practical example of how sustained investment can support production growth alongside improvements in operational performance.

The nearly $90 million expansion, inaugurated in August 2025, increased annual capacity by more than 50 per cent, making Phu Bai the largest beer production site in Carlsberg Asia and strengthening Vietnam’s role within the group’s regional operations.

Alongside this growth, the new brewing line uses approximately 20 per cent less water and 15 per cent less energy than its predecessor. The brewery’s rooftop solar project is expected to supply up to 10 per cent of its electricity needs, supporting the transition to renewable energy. Real-time performance dashboards help teams monitor line efficiency and maintain consistent quality, while a fully electric forklift fleet and AI-enabled cameras support cleaner and safer operations.

Phu Bai Brewery in Hue, where Carlsberg’s nearly $90 million expansion strengthened production capabilities and established the site as the group’s largest brewery in Asia. Photo: Carlsberg Vietnam

Creating value

The discussion also addressed how the benefits of investment can extend through domestic supply chains. Wachenschwanz, emphasised the importance of looking beyond the brewery gate and working with local suppliers and logistics partners to strengthen efficiency, quality, and sustainable practices.

For Nordic–Vietnam cooperation, these relationships offer a practical route to connect international technology and operating experience with Vietnamese business capabilities. Knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, and skills development can help local partners meet evolving requirements and participate more effectively in international supply chains.

Realising these opportunities requires predictable policies, clear implementation requirements, and effective coordination between businesses and authorities. These conditions help companies move from investment intentions to viable projects and coordinate improvements across manufacturing, energy, and logistics.

After more than three decades in Vietnam, Carlsberg aims to build on its established manufacturing presence and long-standing local relationships through continued investment in operations, people, and partnerships. This approach connects its growth ambitions with Vietnam’s development and brings its purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow to life.

Carlsberg Asia partners with RedNote for regional digital marketing campaign Beverage brand Carlsberg Asia partnered with social platform RedNote on 20 August 2026, launching its regional "Cheers from the Origin" digital marketing campaign featuring actor Shawn Dou.

Carlsberg Vietnam shows how resource efficiency can shape green industrial growth At the Green Industries Summit 2026, Carlsberg Vietnam shared how investments in efficient production, renewable energy and circular resource use are translating its Brewing Tomorrow ambitions into measurable progress, while highlighting the collaboration required to accelerate Vietnam’s green transition.

Carlsberg underscores long-term Vietnam commitment at Denmark talks Carlsberg Group has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Vietnam during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's state visit to Denmark, with Group CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen participating in high-level discussions on strengthening economic cooperation and sustainable growth.

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 www.isca.org.sg

and www.agd.gov.sg.

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

Learn more at https://www.hkfuliao.com/.

Financial institutions are moving beyond AI experiments towards tools that analyse sensitive data, recommend decisions and increasingly act across connected systems. Yet a basic governance question remains: can an institution identify where AI is operating, what it is permitted to do, who is accountable and whether its behaviour remains acceptable over time?

KY-AI™ turns these questions into a continuous, evidence-based governance process. Built around its Know–Approve–Test–Watch lifecycle, the solution enables financial institutions to identify and understand the AI systems they use, including third-party tools, assess their risks and potential impact, establish clear ownership and accountability, and ensure appropriate approvals and ongoing monitoring are in place.

As AI systems evolve, KY-AI™ enables institutions to track material changes, detect emerging risks and intervene when necessary. This transforms AI oversight from a one-time assessment into a continuous, evidence-based governance process that strengthens accountability and builds lasting trust in AI outcomes.

"The question is no longer simply whether a financial institution uses AI, but whether management truly understands what each AI system does, the risks involved, who is accountable and when intervention is needed," said Raymond Moh, CEO of iCOMPASS. "With KY-AI™, we are applying the same discipline of knowing your customer to knowing your artificial intelligence. By making AI oversight an ongoing, documented process rather than a one-off exercise, we help financial institutions build greater confidence and trust in how AI is used and the outcomes it delivers."

The introduction builds on iCOMPASS' 6-in-1 ULTRA KYC™ solution, which brings onboarding & identity verification, screening, customer due diligence, risk assessment, ongoing monitoring and change management into a connected, evidence-linked AML/KYC workflow. Having focused on making customer-risk decisions traceable, iCOMPASS is extending the same emphasis on clear ownership, documented decisions and lifecycle monitoring to AI governance.

Alongside the KY-AI™ introduction, iCOMPASS is collaborating with Cambridge Advisers Hong Kong under a Memorandum of Understanding to deliver digital compliance training through UltraLearn™. Cambridge Advisers Hong Kong provides regulatory training content while iCOMPASS supplies the learning platform powered by AI, including training records, assessments, reminders and CPT tracking. Courses cover areas including AML, cybersecurity, data protection and professional conduct.

iCOMPASS serves more than 100 financial institutions across the region and holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and a SOC 2 Type II attestation covering all five Trust Services Criteria.

Meet iCOMPASS at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026, 2–3 November, Hall 5BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

https://www.icompass.ai/

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

From pioneering back-contact technology to utility solar

A highlight of SunPower is its evolution of back-contact (BC) technology. Since 1985, SunPower has been recognised as the pioneer of back-contact solar technology, building a track record in high-efficiency, reliable solar products.

At All Energy, visitors can explore the latest evolution of SunPower technology through the SunPower Max, combining back-contact and shingled technologies with enhanced certifications and its sleek all-black design. The module reflects more than four decades of continued development in BC technology.

Today, that technology is moving well beyond high-end residential applications. In July, DT Infrastructure (DTI) awarded TCL Solar landmark 720MW Smoky Creek and Guthrie's Gap Projects, accelerating the future of BC technology.

A portfolio built for Australian commercial projects

As demand for commercial and industrial solar continues to grow, TCL Zhonghuan is highlighting its expanding portfolio of solutions designed to address a broad range of Australian project requirements.

The company is showcasing a lightweight module designed to simplify handling and installation and ideal for low-load bearing roofs, alongside robust steel framed solutions developed for demanding large-scale applications.

Among the portfolio is the TCL Solar C2M, a BC module reaching up to 670W and 24.8% efficiency. This specific module can be built with up to 2.5mm dual-glass, designed for long-term durability, and achieve up to 65mm hail impact resistance. The C2M demonstrates TCL Zhonghuan's focus on developing modules engineered to withstand demanding environmental conditions while delivering high power output.

Installation flexibility is also a key focus. TCL Zhonghuan has recently introduced expanded clamping zones and validated two-, three- and four-rail configurations across selected module series, giving installers and engineers greater flexibility when designing commercial projects, including sites with challenging structural or wind-load requirements.

From solar modules to a complete energy ecosystem

Beyond individual modules, TCL Zhonghuan showcases the manufacturing strength of the TCL Group through an integrated smart energy display.

Bringing together solar generation, battery storage and smart consumer electronics, the demonstration provides a glimpse into the company's vision for a more connected approach to energy management, where energy generation, energy storage and consumption can work together within a single ecosystem.

All Energy provides TCL Zhonghuan with an opportunity to demonstrate how far solar technology has evolved, from the continued advancement of BC technology to a broader portfolio of solutions for residential, commercial and utility applications. With TCL Solar, SunPower, and the wider TCL ecosystem, TCL Zhonghuan brings together technology, manufacturing capability and decades of solar expertise to support Australia's next generation of low-carbon energy infrastructure.

Discover more on www.tclsolar.com and www.sunpowerglobal.com/au

Q2 FY 2026

• Net revenue of $269.2 million with a record adjusted gross margin* of 38.0% and an order intake of $170.3 million achieved in the quarter

First Half FY 2026

• Order intake of $337.3 million, representing a book-to-bill ratio of 0.7x, with a backlog of $3.7 billion
• Major contract award post H1 close in October resulting in $509 million order intake
• Net revenue of $501.4 million, a decrease of 6.3% year-over-year, driven by project transition timing
• Adjusted gross profit* increased 4.0% to $189.2 million, with gross margin expanding 370 basis points to 37.7%
• Adjusted EBITDA* grew 3.5% to $73.9 million, corresponding to a margin of 14.7%, up 140 basis points
• Income from continuing operations of $51.1 million or $1.84 per share (diluted), an increase of 268%
• Operating Cash Flow of $74.0 million with continued focus on working capital management

Strategic Initiatives and Outlook

• Completed in October the return of $175 million to shareholders through share repurchases as announced with the EMEA divestment
• Continued progress toward a U.S. listing while retaining the Swiss listing
• Updated FY 2026 guidance: narrowing the net revenue range to between $1,085 and $1,115 million while raising adjusted EBITDA margin to between 15.0% and 16.0%

"Our first half FY2026 top-line performance was in line with expectations and reflected the timing of transition between two major customer deployments, while our continued focus on operational excellence resulted in a record adjusted gross margin in the second quarter," said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr. "We continue to execute on our strategic trans-formation and returned the proceeds from the EMEA divestment to our shareholders as prom-ised. In recent months we also made further progress in our preparations toward a U.S. listing."

Davinder Athwal, Chief Financial Officer of Landis+Gyr, commented: "We expect a strong second half of FY 2026, supported by the ramp-up of new customer deployments and continued improvements in profitability, as reflected in our increased adjusted EBITDA margin guidance of 15% to 16%."

Read the full ad hoc announcement here.

* For a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures, see chapter "Supplemental Reconciliations and Definitions (unaudited)" in this ad hoc announcement.

For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

As organizations adopt AI across different functions, their spending can span multiple model providers, applications, teams, and infrastructure environments. Understanding the total cost of these deployments can be challenging when usage and expenditure are tracked across separate systems.

Full Stack FinOps for AI brings these cost elements together through a unified dashboard, providing visibility into key areas of AI expenditure, including:

• AI Inference and Model Costs: Track spending across AI models, providers, workloads, and applications.
• AI License Costs: View software licenses, providers, teams, and associated expenditure.
• AI Infrastructure Costs: Understand the cloud infrastructure costs associated with AI workloads.
• Token Usage Analytics: Monitor token consumption and spending patterns across AI models.
• GPU Cost and Utilization Analytics: Examine GPU usage, infrastructure costs, and potential underutilization.
• Multi-Cloud Dashboard: Consolidate cost and usage data across AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

The platform also supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing businesses to connect their own large language models (LLMs) and access AI cost insights and recommendations within their existing AI workflows.

"Businesses need a clear understanding of their AI spending to make confident decisions about how they adopt and scale AI. With Full Stack FinOps for AI, we want to help them bring all the cost insights together into one view, understand their spending and make better-informed decisions about their AI investments," said Deepak Mittal, CEO, CloudKeeper.

"AI/LLM costs span beyond model and token usage alone. The licenses, GPUs, and cloud infrastructure supporting AI workloads also contribute to the overall cost. By bringing these elements together, the platform helps teams examine their AI expenditure in context. MCP support also allows them to access cost insights within their existing AI environments," said Sanjeev Mittal, CPTO, CloudKeeper.

Businesses can explore the platform with 30 days of free access.

Start your free 30-day trial: Full Stack FinOps for AI

https://www.cloudkeeper.com/

The company inaugurated its fourth factory in Vietnam on October 30 in the northern province of Hung Yen, with an investment of $30 million, including machinery and technology. The LEED Gold-certified facility is expected to avoid approximately 1,600 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually compared with conventional factories of a similar size, while creating 3,000 local jobs.

The new facility, Spectre's largest and most technologically advanced factory in Vietnam, marks another milestone in the company's expansion strategy, bringing its total investment in the country to more than $60 million.

Designed with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility at its core, the factory incorporates solar energy, modern production technologies, and resource-saving solutions to minimise its environmental footprint.

Jesper Klausen, co-owner and chief business development officer at Spectre, said the investment reflected the company's confidence in Vietnam as a long-term manufacturing base.

“Spectre is very proud of our latest investment project in Hung Yen, Vietnam. We are pleased to contribute to the local community by establishing a factory that sets new standards for the working environment while respecting and caring for the surrounding natural environment,” Klausen said.

“The project also includes new investments in automation and AI solutions that will represent the new standard for our factories.”

Speaking to VIR on the sidelines of the inauguration, Klausen emphasised that Vietnam had become an integral part of Spectre's global production and supply chain.

The company's entire manufacturing operations are now located in Vietnam, where it has steadily expanded its production footprint since establishing its first facility in 2010.

According to Klausen, the company is committed to adopting the highest possible standards in its manufacturing operations, particularly in energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental protection.

Beyond its LEED Gold certification, the new facility uses clean energy and incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to reduce water consumption. Rainwater collected from the surrounding area is reused for various purposes, including toilet flushing, helping conserve freshwater resources.

Klausen said Spectre also hoped its investment would encourage greater demand for green solutions and improve access to renewable energy in the local manufacturing ecosystem.

The company's environmental ambitions extend beyond its newest factory. Spectre has set targets to reduce emissions from its own operations by 42 per cent and emissions across its value chain by 25 per cent by 2030.

To achieve these goals, the manufacturer is investing in cutting technologies, more efficient material utilisation, and waste treatment solutions to minimise production waste and improve resource efficiency.

Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, highlighted the significance of the project in supporting the industry's transition towards greener and more sustainable manufacturing.

“The Spectre Hung Yen factory is expected to become a bright spot in Vietnam's garment and textile industry, contributing to the greening of this multibillion-dollar industry and helping Vietnam maintain its competitiveness on the global textile and apparel map,” Giang said.

Alongside green investment, Spectre is accelerating the adoption of automation, AI, and digital management systems to improve operational efficiency.

The company recently implemented a new enterprise resource planning system across the group, integrating management processes and supporting more efficient production operations.

Automation is also being introduced across multiple stages of manufacturing, particularly in warehousing and transportation, supported by integrated IT systems.

Klausen said digitalisation and automation were increasing demand for technically skilled workers, making workforce development an essential part of the company's long-term investment strategy.

Spectre currently employs more than 5,500 people across its four factories in Ninh Binh, An Giang, and Hung Yen.

The company has established Spectre Academy, an internal training centre providing professional development programmes for new employees and management personnel.

Klausen highlighted the capabilities of Vietnam's workforce, noting that all management positions, including engineering and office functions, are held by Vietnamese employees.

He also identified the quality and dedication of local workers, alongside strong cooperation with authorities and communities, as key factors behind Spectre's continued investment.

The company is also seeking to strengthen domestic sourcing where Vietnamese suppliers can meet its stringent material and quality requirements.

According to Klausen, sourcing locally offers advantages in transportation, delivery times, and environmental impact, supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability.

Spectre currently supplies international outdoor and sportswear brands, with products exported to more than 50 countries worldwide.

Speaking at the inauguration, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Lina Gandløse Hansen described Spectre's expansion as an example of how foreign investment can support industrial development while advancing environmental objectives.

“I am delighted to see Spectre continue to invest in Vietnam. This project shows how Danish-Vietnamese cooperation can support industrial growth while reducing emissions,” Hansen said.

“By combining modern technology, energy efficiency and local job creation, Spectre is a good example of how Danish investment can deliver economic opportunities while contributing to Vietnam's green transition.”

The investment comes as Denmark and Vietnam deepen their economic partnership, following the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2026.

Denmark's investment in Vietnam quadrupled between 2021 and 2025, exceeding $2.4 billion, making it the third-largest European investor in the country on a per-person basis.

For Spectre, the Hung Yen facility demonstrates how expanding manufacturing capacity can go hand in hand with reducing environmental impacts, investing in advanced technologies, and developing a skilled local workforce.

With its ambitious emissions reduction targets and continued investment in sustainable production, the company aims to strengthen Vietnam's position in its global supply chain while contributing to the country's green transition.

At the 2026 Visa Commercial Travel Forum in Ho Chi Minh City on October 30, industry leaders explored how connected payments, integrated data, and effective programme design can help businesses align spending with corporate policies while supporting productivity and growth.

The challenge is not simply that business travel is becoming more expensive, but that business spending is growing faster than many organisations’ ability to monitor and manage it. Closing this gap requires more than improving reimbursement processes or strengthening post-trip audits. Businesses have an opportunity to move expense control upstream, connecting payment controls, travel policies, and spending data so that spending can be managed earlier in the travel journey.

For finance leaders, the opportunity extends beyond improving expense processing. Greater connectivity between payments, policies, and data can provide earlier visibility into spending, strengthen financial discipline, and enable more proactive management of corporate expenditure.

The forum’s roundtable discussions examined how enterprises can assess the business value of travel, balance global travel and expense (T&E) standards with local requirements, and identify opportunities to automate processes while addressing foundational gaps.

According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), global business-travel spending is forecast to reach $1.71 trillion in 2026, up 7.2 per cent, while trip volume is projected to grow by just 1.3 per cent. Spending is therefore increasing approximately 5.5 times faster than the number of journeys and is expected to exceed $2 trillion by 2030.

Vietnam’s business-travel spending is forecast to reach $6 billion in 2026, up 13.2 per cent, the highest projected growth rate in Southeast Asia and nearly twice the global rate. Five sectors, led by computer, electronic, and optical products, as well as rubber, plastics, and minerals, account for around half of national business-travel spending.

As budgets expand, fragmented payment methods and disconnected data can make it harder for enterprises to identify spending patterns, enforce policies, and make timely decisions. GBTA survey data presented at the Forum shows that 46 per cent of surveyed business travellers use personal rather than corporate cards for business trips, citing better rewards. Meanwhile, 40 per cent say reimbursement takes too long, and 27 per cent report long waits to receive corporate cards after approval. These challenges can leave finance teams with incomplete spending data while adding friction for employees.

Forum discussions highlighted four interconnected challenges: fragmented payments, limited spending visibility before expenses are submitted, manual reporting and reimbursement, and difficulties enforcing policy compliance and expense integrity. Together, these gaps increase administrative workloads, make it harder to address exceptions early, and limit finance teams’ ability to manage costs effectively.

“Business travel spending is growing much faster than the number of trips being taken, and that changes the equation for every finance leader. A post-trip audit tells a company what it has already spent, but it cannot change the outcome of that transaction. Control needs to move closer to the decision and the payment, so policies can be applied when spending is committed and finance teams have access to complete, actionable data rather than having to reconstruct it afterwards,” said Gareth Parrington, head of Visa Commercial Solutions, Regional Southeast Asia.

Gareth Parrington, head of Visa Commercial Solutions, Regional Southeast Asia. Photo: Visa

To help businesses make this shift, Visa brings together commercial payment capabilities, payment controls, spend visibility, and compliance solutions designed to connect payments, policies, and data across the business travel journey.

These include the Visa Corporate Card, available in physical and virtual formats; the Central Travel Account, which supports payments for air and rail tickets and travel management company booking fees; and Visa Virtual Cards, which facilitate on-demand payments for infrequent and other travellers.

Complementary tools include Visa Spend Clarity, Visa Payment Controls, and Visa IntelliLink Compliance Management. Visa’s data solutions can match booking information with transaction data and transmit the results to corporate reporting or accounting systems. Integration with existing expense management and procurement platforms can further reduce manual data entry and streamline workflows.

Together, these capabilities can help enterprises embed approved payment processes where spending occurs, connect payment and travel data, and identify exceptions earlier. Before travel, automated, real-time card deployment within travel systems can streamline bookings and support approved payment processes. During travel, centrally billed virtual card accounts can support in-trip expenses while helping companies manage travel costs. After travel, consolidated booking, transaction, and invoice data can support automated reconciliation and more timely reporting.

By connecting payments, policies, and data, enterprises can gain a more comprehensive view of business travel spending, identify exceptions earlier, and make better-informed decisions about budgets and supplier relationships. Travellers can also benefit from clearer payment processes and a more straightforward way to manage approved business expenses.

A key takeaway from the Visa Commercial Travel Forum 2026 was that stronger spending control and a better traveller experience need not be competing priorities. With effective programme design, businesses can strengthen governance while reducing friction for employees, enabling finance teams to focus less on manual reconciliation and more on strategic financial management.

As Vietnam’s business-travel market continues to grow, enterprises have an opportunity to move beyond recording expenditure towards T&E programmes that connect policy, payments, and data to support better decisions throughout the travel journey. Visa remains committed to working with enterprises, financial institutions, and travel and expense partners to help build more connected, efficient, and transparent commercial payment experiences.

Visa backs Digital Finance Day 2026 to promote safe digital payments Visa has shown its support for Digital Finance Day, an annual event organised by Tuoi Tre Newspaper under the direction of the State Bank of Vietnam, reinforcing its commitment to advancing safe and inclusive digital payments across the country.

Vietnam gains popularity as Asia-Pacific tourists prioritise familiarity, flexibility: Visa report Vietnam is emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for Asia-Pacific travellers, as more prioritise familiarity, practicality, and flexibility in an evolving global environment, according to Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study on June 25.

Visa reinforces commitment to Vietnam’s growth ambitions Visa has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Vietnam through continued investment in technology, digital infrastructure, and strategic partnerships that help drive the country's digital and economic ambitions.

Nguyen Da Quyen, co-lead of the Centre for Smart Manufacturing and Global Value Chains at the Ho Chi Minh City Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, said, "The 2024 data showing that domestic value-added content in Vietnamese exports varies significantly across sectors. Wood and wood products lead at just over 53 per cent, followed by textiles and garments at around 36 per cent, and footwear at roughly 34 per cent. By contrast, electronics and computers sit at only around 28 per cent, while smartphones are a little over 12 per cent. Across all industries, the domestic value-added content of exports was estimated at just under 28 per cent."

Despite being a high-tech industry, the smartphone industry has a domestic value-added ratio only about one-quarter that of wood and wood products. The disparity indicates that a large export volume does not necessarily translate into a high proportion of value being generated domestically.

Beyond investment attraction, factory expansion, and export turnover growth, it is vital to increase the capabilities of domestic corporations to take part in higher-value-added activities.

The discussion session at Autumn Economic Forum 2026. Photo: Nestlé Vietnam

Khuat Quang Hung, deputy general director in charge of external affairs, communications, and sustainability at Nestlé Vietnam, said the readiness gap lies between businesses rather than industries. "While export sectors such as electronics, textiles and garments, food processing, and agriculture have become better prepared to meet the requirements of international clients, many small and medium-sized enterprises are struggling due to fragmented data, inconsistent processes, and traceability systems that rely largely on manual documentation," he said.

"Businesses are required to meet standards while proving the origin of raw materials and production processes, coupled with compliance through reliable, verifiable data. It is increasingly vital to meet requirements relating to quality, traceability, environment, and labour to maintain a position in supply chains," Hung added.

To climb up the value chain, businesses must develop technical capabilities, improve productivity, reduce material consumption, and work with customers to resolve production challenges. As a result, suppliers have a chance to join the stages ranging from design and engineering to product development rather than simply outsourcing based on orders.

Khuat Quang Hung, deputy general director in charge of external affairs, communications and sustainability, Nestlé Vietnam. Photo: Nestlé Vietnam

Hung said, “The 2025 figures show that domestic enterprises accounted for only 22.7 per cent of Vietnam's total export turnover, while foreign-invested businesses represented 77.3 per cent. This gap highlights the ample potential for Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in manufacturing supply chains in the country.”

“In the coffee industry, Nestlé Vietnam has worked with farmers, suppliers, and research institutes to improve raw material quality, develop regenerative agriculture, and bolster deep processing, with the aim of creating greater domestic value rather than simply exporting raw agricultural products,” he added.

He further noted, “Meeting standards is not synonymous with higher selling prices. Businesses can only set higher prices when they achieve competitive edges such as outstanding quality, productivity, technical expertise, and innovation capabilities.”

The panel discussion on advanced manufacturing and the competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses. Photo: Nestlé Vietnam

Hung suggested that leading firms in the supply chain need to clearly identify local suppliers’ issues relating to technology, human resources, quality management, data, and finance to develop appropriate support programmes.

“Collaborative efforts are vital to facilitate the goal,” Hung said. “Accordingly, the government should formulate policy and develop infrastructure. Leading firms should engage in supplier development initiatives. Meanwhile, universities and research institutions should step up training and enhance technological capabilities. Domestic enterprises make efforts to upgrade their own capacities.”

From coffee beans to value: Building a more sustainable coffee industry in Vietnam Vietnam’s coffee industry has built a formidable position in global markets, but its next challenge is no longer simply producing more beans. The greater opportunity lies in keeping more value in Vietnam by upgrading the entire value chain, from farms and processing to packaging, logistics, and exports.

ILO's WIND approach brings safer coffee farming to Vietnam Nguyen Trong Tuong was first introduced to the International Labour Organization's WIND approach in 2022. Four years later, he is teaching it himself, still looking for ways to make safer and healthier work part of everyday coffee farming in Vietnam.

Nestlé and the NBA announce global partnership to share passion for basketball and active lifestyles for young people On October 8, Nestlé and the National Basketball Association entered a multi‑year international marketing partnership spanning 21 markets across four continents, marking Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date.

According to financial statements published on its website on October 29, Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation (SABECO), listed under ticker SAB, recorded consolidated net revenue of just over VND20 trillion ($770 million) in the first nine months of 2026, up 5.1 per cent on-year, while net profit rose 8.9 per cent to just over VND3.76 trillion ($145 million).

Gross profit increased 13.5 per cent to around VND7.6 trillion ($293 million), lifting the gross profit margin from 35.2 to 38 per cent. The improvement reflected revenue growth, favourable movements in certain raw material costs, and greater production efficiency, despite continued competition and logistics cost pressures.

Source: SABECO

In the third quarter, revenue reached around VND6.7 trillion ($257 million), up 3.8 per cent on-year, while net profit stood at just over VND1.27 trillion ($49 million). The gross profit margin improved to 38.1 per cent, while the core operating profit margin remained at 18.3 per cent. Quarterly earnings were also affected by a high comparison base following accounting impacts associated with the SABIBECO transaction in the same period last year.

Beyond profitability, SABECO's cash generation strengthened considerably. Net cash flow from operating activities reached just over VND4.12 trillion ($159 million) in the first nine months, up 23.1 per cent from around VND3.35 trillion ($129 million) a year earlier.

As of September 30, SABECO's total assets stood at nearly VND30 trillion ($1.15 billion). Cash and short-term financial investments amounted to just over VND18.5 trillion ($712 million), accounting for 61.9 per cent of total assets, while fixed assets and long-term financial investments represented 14.9 and 10.7 per cent, respectively.

The substantial cash position reflects consistently positive operating cash flow, which reached just over VND2.1 trillion ($81 million) in 2023, around VND4.36 trillion ($168 million) in 2024, and nearly VND3.9 trillion ($150 million) in 2025, before generating another VND4.12 trillion ($159 million) in the first nine months of 2026.

This financial strength has supported SABECO's consistent cash dividend policy. The brewer paid dividends equivalent to 50 per cent of par value in both 2024 and 2025, with the same payout ratio planned for 2026.

SABECO's Board of Directors recently approved an interim cash dividend of 30 per cent for 2026, equivalent to VND3,000 ($0.12) per share. The record date is December 29, with payment scheduled for February 2, 2027.

The payment demonstrates the company's ability to reward shareholders while retaining financial flexibility for operations and future investments.

SABECO's valuation also remains relevant to investors. According to SSI Securities' iBoard platform, SAB shares trade at a price-to-earnings ratio of around 11.4 times, compared with a peak of just over 33 times in 2021. Its price-to-book ratio stands at around 2.8 times, against just over 4.6 times during the same period.

Although these multiples have declined substantially, future share performance will depend on sustained earnings growth, operating efficiency, and shareholder returns.

Alongside its financial performance, SABECO is expanding its product portfolio and consumer engagement channels ahead of Lunar New Year 2027, traditionally a peak consumption period for Vietnam's beer industry.

The company is developing additional offerings, including 333 Triple Pure and 250ml cans, to meet changing consumer preferences. It is also strengthening modern trade, e-commerce, and digital engagement channels to broaden market reach.

SABECO currently operates 26 breweries with combined annual capacity exceeding 2.45 billion litres. Its established brands, including Bia Saigon and 333, extensive manufacturing network, and nationwide distribution system provide advantages in maintaining its market position.

The industry's longer-term outlook remains promising. According to Expert Market Research, Vietnam's beer market was valued at approximately $10.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $19.3 billion by 2035, representing compound annual growth of around 6.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, VNDirect Securities expects beer consumption to recover during 2026-2027, supported by improving consumer confidence and rising incomes. The brokerage anticipates a 9.3 per cent on-year increase in average per-person income, potentially strengthening consumer spending.

Domestic consumption stimulus measures, including the first national concentrated promotion programme, are also expected to support demand.

VNDirect believes these developments could allow leading brewers such as SABECO to consolidate their competitive advantages and expand market share.

The company's production scale and extensive supplier network provide bargaining power in international raw material procurement, helping mitigate input cost volatility.

Its established brands and broad distribution network could also provide flexibility to adjust selling prices gradually. According to VNDirect, this may enable SABECO to pass on part of the additional burden from higher consumption taxes to consumers while limiting the impact on sales volumes.

Nevertheless, competition, changing consumer behaviour, and rising operating costs remain challenges. Sustaining profitability will require careful management of production, distribution, and marketing expenses alongside continued product development.

The improvement in gross margins during the first nine months indicates progress in production cost management, although maintaining these gains will be important as competitive pressures persist.

As SABECO prepares for Lunar New Year 2027, stronger earnings, positive operating cash flow, and substantial cash reserves provide a foundation for navigating industry challenges.

Its ability to capitalise on production scale, brand recognition, and distribution strength, while maintaining financial discipline and consistent dividends, will remain central to its business outlook and the investment case for SAB shares.

The closing and awards ceremony was held at Chu Van An Primary and Secondary School in Hanoi on October 30. The programme forms part of a cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Training, the Pioneer and Children's Newspaper, and Nestlé Vietnam, aiming to foster active, positive, and responsible lifestyles for primary school students.

Launched in May, the competition provided a platform for students nationwide to produce videos showcasing their understanding and practical ideas on waste sorting, reuse and environmental protection. A total of 885 video entries were submitted by primary school students from 22 provinces and cities. The competition enables students to use technology to spread green living messages among their families, friends and wider communities.

At the ceremony, the organisers honoured individuals, groups, and schools for their outstanding initiatives. Students also received expert guidance on how to handle used paper cartons, gaining a better understanding of the importance of sorting them correctly, cleaning them properly and sending them to appropriate collection systems for recycling.

Building on the competition, Nestlé Vietnam will work with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Pioneer and Children's Newspaper, Tetra Pak Vietnam, schools and relevant organisations to steadily implement used beverage carton collection activities. The programme aims to help students develop proper waste-sorting habits at source. By connecting schools with collection, transportation, and recycling partners, used paper cartons can be given a new lease of life instead of ending up as waste.

Speaking at the ceremony, Le Thi Hoai Thuong, director of Corporate Affairs at Nestlé Vietnam, said: “We believe that an action can only bring about real change when it is repeated and becomes a habit. Sorting and collecting used milk carton properly may seem like a small action, but through it, students are directly practising environmental protection and demonstrating an active spirit by turning what they have learned into everyday habits. With the joint efforts of schools, families, and partners, we hope to facilitate these small actions to be sustained every day, thereby nurturing a generation that is more responsible towards the environment.”

Through collaboration among education authorities, schools, Nestlé MILO, the Pioneer and Children's newspaper, Tetra Pak Vietnam, and other partners, the programme aims to provide students with more opportunities to practise environmental protection at school, making green living an integral part of their daily lives.

Nestlé Vietnam beefs up production capacity for coffee exports On August 21, Nestlé Vietnam inaugurated a production line for packaging instant coffee in glass jars at its Tri An factory in Dong Nai city.

From coffee beans to value: Building a more sustainable coffee industry in Vietnam Vietnam’s coffee industry has built a formidable position in global markets, but its next challenge is no longer simply producing more beans. The greater opportunity lies in keeping more value in Vietnam by upgrading the entire value chain, from farms and processing to packaging, logistics, and exports.

Nestlé and the NBA announce global partnership to share passion for basketball and active lifestyles for young people On October 8, Nestlé and the National Basketball Association entered a multi‑year international marketing partnership spanning 21 markets across four continents, marking Nestlé's largest international brand collaboration to date.

Through its entrusted lending mechanism via the Bat Trang Farmers' Union, Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) brings concessional credit closer to its members, linking lending activities with grassroots-level borrower assessments, the management of savings and credit groups, and monitoring of loan utilisation.

According to Tran Bao Khanh, vice chairman of the Bat Trang Farmers' Union, the total outstanding balance of policy credit entrusted by VBSP through the union currently stands at $2.52 million, supporting 729 borrowers through 18 Savings and Credit Groups. Of this amount, more than $1.75 million is allocated to the employment creation programme, while $540,000 is provided under the clean water and rural environmental sanitation programme.

"Compared with 2025, VBSP's entrusted lending through the local Farmers' Union has increased by $200,000. Since the beginning of the year, 162 farmer members gained access to new loans totalling $639,200. The additional funding enables households to invest in production, develop local trades, and create employment opportunities within the community," he said.

The credit programme is implemented in line with residents' actual financing needs. Borrower selection is conducted publicly and democratically at the grassroots level. Following disbursement, the Farmers' Union coordinates inspections and monitors how loans are used. This approach helps households overcome capital constraints while also strengthening borrowers' accountability, ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes.

Alongside policy credit, Hanoi's Farmers' Support Fund also provides additional financing for flower and ornamental plant cultivation, safe vegetable production, and speciality fruit-growing models. The local Farmers' Union currently manages an outstanding loan balance of $452,360 from this fund, serving 231 farmer households. Together, the two financing channels help meet the diverse investment needs of agricultural households, with VBSP playing a particularly important role in providing policy-based concessional credit locally.

The impact of this financial support is reflected in the development of specialised production areas for safe vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, and fruit trees in Bat Trang. Safe vegetable yields range from approximately 83 to 108 tonnes per hectare annually.

Several areas have also adopted greenhouse and net-house production, hydroponic vegetable cultivation, and pomelo growing in accordance with VietGAP standards. These models are helping increase agricultural production value while generating additional income and employment for local residents.

Photo: VBSP

For small-scale farming households, access to appropriate financing helps ease the initial investment burden and gives them greater flexibility in purchasing seeds and agricultural inputs and organising production. However, to ensure the long-term effectiveness of lending, credit provision must be accompanied by effective loan management, supervision, and guidance on the proper use of funds in accordance with approved business plans.

In Bat Trang, credit quality has remained positive. According to the local Farmers' Union, neither the VBSP loans nor the Farmers' Support Fund loans managed by the union have recorded overdue debts or frozen debts, while the loan interest collection rate has reached 100 per cent. All 18 out of 18 Savings and Credit Groups have been rated good.

Since the beginning of this year, the union has conducted 10 inspection and supervision visits, monitored 12 newly financed households 30 days after disbursement, and carried out periodic checks covering 118 borrower accounts with outstanding loans. The results indicated that all inspected households had used their loans for their registered purposes.

In addition, 128 officials and union members received training in entrusted loan management and borrower selection procedures. Meetings of Savings and Credit Groups also provide opportunities for members to exchange production experience, share technical knowledge, and update one another on market developments.

"Looking ahead, the Farmers' Union hopes that VBSP will continue to allocate additional funding to meet members' growing demand for business and production expansion, while strengthening professional training and helping residents gain access to effective economic models," said Tran Thi Hai, chairwoman of the Bat Trang Farmers' Union.

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

Policy credit builds sustainable livelihoods from the grassroots Policy credit is reaching deeper into local communities, turning modest loans into productive livelihoods, jobs and income while creating a grassroots mechanism for sustainable economic development.

Policy credit helps women build economic independence Preferential loans from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies are giving millions of women greater opportunities to develop livelihoods, increase incomes, and gradually achieve economic independence for their families.

As the world shifts towards a sustainable economy, the panel discussion highlighted the urgent need to develop skilled human resources in environmental, social, and governance (ESG), renewable energy, and circular economy sectors. In Vietnam, this trend presents unique opportunities to attract talent, supported by political stability, competitive labour costs, and green investment policies.

According to experts at the panel, businesses and communities in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia are facing the need to adapt to environmental, economic, and technological changes, highlighting the importance of expanding access to sustainable finance, developing relevant skills, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration.

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Viet, deputy director-general of Department of Undergraduate and Graduate Education Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), stressed the role of innovation and digital transformation in education, particularly the responsible application of AI in teaching, learning, and research while upholding critical thinking and academic integrity.

“I want to emphasise the importance of strengthening collaboration among educational institutions, businesses, and international partners to bridge academic knowledge and practical experience through workshops, internships, and applied learning activities,” he added. “Collaborative initiatives such as SX Roadshow 2026 - Vietnam provide students with opportunities to engage with real-world sustainability challenges and strengthen their adaptability and problem-solving skills, helping prepare a future workforce equipped with technological capabilities, ESG awareness, and the ability to contribute to sustainable development across ASEAN.”

Drawing on her experience, Pimkarn Eg-karntrong, associate sustainability director of TBC-Ball Beverage Can Vietnam, highlighted how businesses can leverage digital technologies and AI to enhance transparency, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

“The company uses SAP to improve operational visibility and oversight, while digitising transportation processes and introducing Microsoft Copilot to support employees in data processing, information analysis, and decision-making,” she said. “Beyond technology adoption, mutually beneficial partnerships among businesses, universities, and young people through scholarships, factory visits, internships, and opportunities to share practical experience play an important role. These initiatives help students gain a better understanding of the business environment while enabling companies to better understand the expectations of the future workforce and work collaboratively towards more sustainable value chains.”

C asean Vietnam Group Sharing 2026. Photo: Ha Vy

Pham Tien Manh, director of Sustainability, Strategy, and International Finance at SeABank, focused on how AI and data can support environmental and social risk management and advance green finance.

He explained that AI enables banks to aggregate and cross-check information from multiple sources to identify potential risks associated with corporate borrowers.

“However, assessing the materiality of these risks, verifying remedial actions, and making final lending decisions still require professional expertise and human judgment. AI in market research and economic scenario analysis enable SeABank to identify sectors with strong potential for green credit, better understand customer needs, and identify underserved groups with limited access to financial services,” stated Manh.

“By combining technology with in-depth analysis, the bank can develop sustainable finance products that better address real-world needs, support commercial viability, and broaden access to capital for businesses and communities,” he added.

Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, founder and CEO of ESGTECH, examined emerging opportunities for innovation in Vietnam and ASEAN amid environmental and economic uncertainty.

She outlined seven key dimensions of innovation – technology, processes, policy, finance, collaboration, markets, and data – while emphasising that a fundamental shift in mindset underpins them all.

"AI and ESG data can help businesses identify risks, optimise resource use, and translate sustainability goals into practical action," Huong said. She also stressed the need to develop digital skills, data analysis, problem-solving capabilities, and ESG-oriented thinking among the younger generation.

“I advocated stronger collaboration among universities, businesses, technology providers, and international partners to address real-world challenges. Young people should not only prepare to adapt to changes in the labour market but also apply their knowledge, technological capabilities, and collaborative skills to develop solutions that create value for businesses, communities, and the broader sustainability transition,” she said.

On the same day, C asean Vietnam and DAV co-organised the SX Roadshow 2026 - Vietnam event, which is part of Sustainability Expo 2026, ASEAN’s largest sustainability exhibition, taking place from November 6 to 15 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The event demonstrates C asean Vietnam's commitment to promoting sustainable development and regional connectivity. The success of this event reinforces C asean Vietnam's unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable talent development and strengthening Vietnam's strategic position in the regional sustainable economy. Moving forward, C asean Vietnam will continue its mission of connecting ASEAN Communities through activities related to sustainable business, arts and culture, and talent development.

Bangkok hosts International Design Expo 2026 at TCEB venue The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau organised the Bangkok International Design Expo 2026, gathering regional creative designers to showcase sustainable urban design concepts.

SeABank unveils Sustainable Finance Framework SeABank on October 29 announced its Sustainable Finance Framework, receiving a Second-Party Opinion from S&P Global Ratings.

Talentnet Academy and SMU ExD launch NextGen for Vietnamese family business leaders Talentnet Academy, the capability development arm of Talentnet Group, and Singapore Management University Executive Development (SMU ExD) on September 30 announced “NextGen: Lead the Legacy, Shape the Future,” a leadership development programme designed for the next generation of leaders in Vietnamese family-owned and private enterprises.

The agreements, signed in early October, encompass AkzoNobel's Decorative Paints business in seven countries – Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, and Australia – based on a total enterprise value of approximately $1.35 billion.

Nippon Paint believes that AkzoNobel’s decorative paints businesses in Southeast Asia, which are the subject of these share acquisitions and business transfers, have a well-established foundation in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, and other geographies. The company recognises these as highly promising businesses, supported by robust distribution networks, brand recognition, and manufacturing and supply systems.

On September 30, Japan's Kokuyo announced plans to increase its investment in a special purpose company established to acquire shares in Thien Long An Thinh Investment Corporation and Thien Long Group Corporation, with the aim of making Thien Long Group a subsidiary.

With the additional investment, the subsidiary's capital will exceed 10 per cent of Kokuyo's capital, making it a specified subsidiary of the company.

As reported by Reuters on September 25, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking ​Corp (SMBC) is in advanced talks to increase its stake in VPBank, four people familiar with the ‌negotiations said.

SMBC, the banking arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, is discussing raising its holding to approximately 20 per cent from 15 per cent. The Japanese lender acquired the original stake in 2023 in a deal worth $1.5 billion.

September also saw Sojitz Corporation complete the acquisition of more than 14.9 million shares in Taseco Air Services JSC for approximately VND1.05 billion (equivalent to around $40.5 million). Following completion, Sojitz holds 27.64 per cent of the company’s charter capital and becomes its second-largest shareholder, after the controlling shareholder, Taseco Group, which holds 51 per cent.

Taseco Airs currently provides a range of services, including retail, duty-free shops, food and beverage services, business-class lounges, advertising, logistics, and airline catering at major airports including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Danang, and Phu Quoc. Meanwhile, Sojitz is a diversified Japanese trading corporation that has operated in Vietnam since 1986, with a business ecosystem spanning energy and industry through to retail chains and consumer goods.

According to RECOF’s database, the number of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions involving Japanese companies reached 3,883 in the first nine months of the year, representing a 5 per cent increase from the same period of 2025, while the outbound M&A from Japan showed a decline of 2.5 per cent to 467 transactions for the same period, though it remained at a relatively high level.

Despite the turbulent global geopolitical environment and unstable interest rate and foreign exchange markets, Japanese companies’ outbound M&A activities stayed firm.

As for the destination of outbound transactions by Japanese companies during the period, the US remained the most popular target country, with 161 transactions in the first three quarters of the year. Within Southeast Asia, Singapore led with 28 transactions, followed by Malaysia (14), Thailand (13), and Vietnam (9).

No transactions involving Vietnam were announced in the third quarter, so the country's total remained at nine from the start of the year, while Malaysia and Thailand advanced, with sectors such as energy, IT, and food and beverage proving active.

RECOF noted that the interest of Japanese companies to invest in Vietnam remains strong. The M&A dealmaking may have been partly affected for the short term by the government’s initiative for a transparent and open capital market, which requires some Vietnamese companies to prepare for the changes before promoting M&A discussions.

On the other hand, recent deregulation in the retail sector, with the exemption of ENT rules for CPTTP members including Japan, will create substantial demand for additional investment in the retail and related sectors in Vietnam.

KDDI to study AI-powered drone deployment in Vietnam and Philippines Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI is to conduct a feasibility study on deploying AI-powered drones in Vietnam and the Philippines, supported by a Japanese government subsidy.

Yanmar establishes new company in Vietnam Yanmar announced the establishment of Yanmar Vietnam Co., Ltd., a new company that will officially commence operations on September 1, 2026.

JICA congratulates Vietnam on FTSE Russell market upgrade The Japan International Cooperation Agency has congratulated Vietnam on its reclassification from Frontier Market to Secondary Emerging Market status by FTSE Russell.

The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index ticked up to 52.3 points in October from 51.9 points in September, pointing to a further modest monthly strengthening in the health of the sector at the start of the fourth quarter. Business conditions have now improved in 16 consecutive months.

The overall improvement in operating conditions was limited by slower rises in output and new orders. Total new business rose for the sixth month running, despite falling new export orders weighing on growth. The rate of expansion was solid, but the slowest in the current growth sequence.

Manufacturing production expanded again in October as new orders increased on stronger customer demand. However, growth also eased here, hitting a six-month low. Some respondents said difficulties obtaining raw materials had limited production growth.

Transportation difficulties were evident in data on suppliers' delivery times, which lengthened markedly and to the largest extent since April. Rising fuel prices and poor weather conditions were among the factors leading to transportation delays, according to respondents.

Difficulties importing goods and the use of inputs to support production meant that stocks of purchases decreased solidly, despite sustained growth of input buying as companies made efforts to secure goods to support production.

Rising transportation costs were also central to the latest rise in input prices as higher costs for oil pushed up fuel prices. The rate of inflation quickened for the second month running and was the fastest since June, albeit still well below the spike seen following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. In turn, output prices also increased at a sharper pace, following only a slight rise in September.

Employment fell for the third consecutive month in October, though only slightly, with some firms citing staff resignations. Despite the smaller workforce, slower new order growth and more efficient processing of outstanding work allowed firms to reduce backlogs modestly.

Stocks of finished goods also fell as firms sold warehoused goods to draw down inventories. Post-production stocks decreased markedly, though slightly less than in September.

Optimism about better raw material availability and further improvements in market conditions supported a positive 12-month outlook for production. Sentiment hit an eight-month high but remained weaker than before the war in the Middle East.

Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence said, "Vietnamese firms are battling to maintain growth at present amid headwinds that are making their operations more challenging. New orders continued to rise in October, feeding through to a solid increase in production, but in both cases rates of expansion slowed from September."

"The limits to growth were often due to the international environment. Fuel and transportation costs rose amid higher oil prices, while companies reported difficulties importing and exporting products. While firms are able to maintain improvements for now, they will be hoping for a more conducive environment to growth in the months ahead," he added.

World Bank raises Vietnam's 2026 GDP growth forecast to 7.4 per cent The World Bank has raised its forecast for Vietnam's economic growth in 2026 by 1.1 percentage points to 7.4 per cent, the largest upward revision among Asia-Pacific economies.

Why Asian FDI is flowing into northern Vietnam’s industrial parks Global supply chain shifts are boosting Asian investment in northern Vietnam, where upgraded transport infrastructure, strategic connectivity and new industrial parks are strengthening the region’s manufacturing appeal.

Foreign investors seeking a synchronised manufacturing ecosystem Instead of focusing only on land costs and incentives as usual, foreign investors are seeking a synchronised manufacturing ecosystem, from stable power supply and logistics to shared infrastructure and the convenience of completing residence procedures for experts to serve their long-term investment in the country.

"Market-moving information needs to reach firms wherever they make risk decisions," said Tim Boyle, Chief Operating Officer of McKay Brothers. "These routes give firms operating across exchange and cloud environments equal access to fast, resilient wireless infrastructure."

The services allow customers to carry their own signals and other time-sensitive data between exchanges and cloud hubs.

McKay's sister company Quincy Data is extending its market data feeds directly to the same cloud hubs. Its futures feeds from Illinois cover key U.S. equity index contracts and commodities, including metals and energies. The offering also includes Quincy's Market Movers U.S. equities feed from New Jersey.

The new transport services include:

Learn more at www.mckay-brothers.com

and www.quincy-data.com.

EUPD Research recognises products for technology advancement, innovation uniqueness, environmental impact, market disruption and practical applicability.

The EK70 HS5 and EK90 HS5 combine a hybrid inverter, LFP battery storage and backup in one modular system. Blind-mate connectors and a wireless meter cut installation cabling, and three-step app commissioning speeds setup. A built-in 63A bypass delivers whole-home backup without a separate backup box, switching in 10 ms or less. An independent DC/DC battery optimiser supports flexible expansion, and the elekeeper 5.0 platform coordinates solar, storage, EV charging and household loads. Both are available in single-phase and three-phase.

The award headlined two busy days for SAJ Electric across Stand M143 and a dedicated Strongman booth at E01. SAJ Electric ran live product demonstrations, partner sessions with its three national distributors, and a public strength challenge against Bradman Houston, Australia's Open-weight Strongest Man of 2026. Bradman's lifts include a 380 kg deadlift, 340 kg squat and 180 kg overhead press.

Highlights

• CEC certification: DEKRA and CCS presented Clean Energy Council certificates for the EK70 HS5 and EK90 HS5 on stand, making them the first products approved under Australia's new SA TS 5398 battery safety standard.
• CEO roundtable: SAJ Electric Chairman and CEO Samil Ouyang and Smart Energy Council CEO David McElrea discussed the direction of Australia's home battery market and how manufacturers can better support installers.
• Beat the Strongest Man: Booth E01 drew some of the biggest crowds of the show as visitors stepped up to the high striker against Bradman. Anyone who out-hit him took home a pair of Shokz headphones.
• Nine live demos: SAJ Electric's technical team ran scheduled sessions across both days on residential storage, the elekeeper energy management platform, and commercial and industrial solutions.
• Distributors on board: One Stop Warehouse, Supply Partners and Tradezone showcased SAJ Electric products on their own stands, with SAJ Electric technical staff at each throughout.
• Media on stand: SAJ Electric hosted briefings, interviews and content capture with RenewEconomy, pv magazine, EcoGeneration, SunWiz, Solar Cutters, OpenSolar, Your Energy Media, Techmanpat and the Smart Energy Council, plus a booth tour and interview with Glenn Morris, founder of Smart Energy Lab, who recently installed and tested the EK70 HS5 on his YouTube channel.

The Strongman activation built on SAJ Electric's ongoing work with Bradman, who earlier this year fronted an SAJ Electric video series with the Sydney Solar & Electrical crew on stretching, lifting technique and health tips for installers who move heavy batteries and panels every day.

SAJ Electric thanks every installer, partner and visitor who came by Stand M143 and the Strongman booth.

Learn more at au.saj-electric.com.

The expanded partnership builds on the companies' existing collaboration to bring research-based reading measurement to English language learners across South Korea. Through the agreement, LEDDI will offer both components of the Lexile Framework: student reading measures and text complexity measures. Together, these capabilities enable educators to match students with reading materials in their optimal reading range, personalize instruction, and monitor reading growth over time.

As a distributor, LEDDI will offer a computer-adaptive version of the Lexile Express Test to efficiently assess students' English reading ability and provide Lexile measures. LEDDI will also offer Lexile text measurement capabilities, allowing educators and content providers to determine the reading demands of instructional materials using the same developmental scale.

"Reliable, research-backed reading measurement is essential to helping English language learners build the skills they need to succeed," said Chris Minnich, CEO of MetaMetrics. "By bringing both sides of the Lexile scale together, LEDDI can help their partners support reading growth."

LEDDI's comprehensive English literacy platform serves elementary students and educators and features more than 4,500 English-language books, AI-powered worksheets, reading assessments, and classroom management tools that streamline instruction and track student progress.

"Accurate assessment of Korean students' reading abilities unlocks truly personalized learning, driving tangible progress in their English proficiency. Through LEDDI, educators can now provide students and parents with an easy-to-follow learning path for each student's language development," said Kim Seung Kyu, CEO of LEDDI Corporation.

The Lexile Framework is an internationally recognized standard for reading measurement, with more than 40 million students receiving Lexile measures annually and more than 100 million pieces of content measured. The expanded partnership strengthens access to this global measurement infrastructure for English language learning in South Korea.

Learn more at www.metametrics.com.

To learn more about how LEDDI Corporation is redefining education, visit https://leddi.ai/.

Finfra raised new capital in a Series A extension funding round from ADB Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), through the NextFin Asia fund, alongside existing investors Cento Ventures and Accion Ventures. The funding will support Finfra's growth, strengthen its technology platform, and support its expansion into new markets.

Launched in February 2026, NextFin Asia is the dedicated investment fund supporting LHoFT's Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia acceleration program. It is a partnership between LHoFT, ADB Ventures, and the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA).

"When we launched NextFin Asia, we called it a world first: a development bank joining forces with a fintech accelerator to invest in fintechs driving financial inclusion and social impact. A unique and bold model, made possible by the confidence the Luxembourg Government and ADB showed in Catapult SE Asia. With this first investment, that ambition is now becoming reality," said Alex Panican, Acting CEO of the LHoFT.

The fund invests in early-stage tech companies helping to advance financial inclusion across Southeast Asia. By combining the program's acceleration and ecosystem support with access to investment opportunities through ADB Ventures, NextFin Asia helps promising companies access the capital and support they need to grow. Finfra participated in Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia in 2024.

"Finfra's progression from Catapult participant to the first company to receive investment through NextFin Asia highlights the high value of combining acceleration support with access to capital. It is a very encouraging early example of how the initiative can help promising fintech companies expand their reach and impact across the region," added Annabelle Fonteneau, Head of Acceleration Programs at the LHoFT.

Finfra provides the infrastructure and operational capabilities lenders need to launch and scale lending products more efficiently. Through a single platform, lenders can originate, underwrite, service, and collect loans without having to build local operations from the ground up, helping financial institutions reach more borrowers, including the underserved.

The platform also enables embedded finance models, allowing businesses and digital platforms to integrate credit into existing customer journeys and opening new pathways for small businesses to access working capital.

"Access to credit remains one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses across Southeast Asia," said Markus Prommik, Founder and CEO of Finfra. "Our mission is to make lending infrastructure more accessible so that financial institutions can serve more businesses and individuals that have traditionally been overlooked. We're grateful for the support of our investors and excited to continue building the infrastructure that helps expand access to capital for millions of small businesses in the region."

"Many small businesses still struggle to access the financing they need to grow, while lenders face significant costs and complexity in reaching them," said Yichu Zhang, Investment Specialist, ADB Ventures. "Finfra is helping close that gap by making it easier for lenders to launch and scale lending products.

Through NextFin Asia, we're pleased to support a solution that can help more small businesses access financing through formal channels."

In addition to investment, Finfra will continue to benefit from the wider NextFin Asia ecosystem, including connections with financial institutions, industry experts, and partners working to advance financial inclusion across the region.

Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia is gearing up for its next cohort of promising fintech startups. Applications already open. Visit Catapult: Inclusion SE ASia #4 webpage to learn more and to apply!

Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-lhoft

For more information, please visit:

https://lhoft.com/

https://finfra.io/

https://ventures.adb.org/