The showcase comes nearly a year after Comviva and Aduna announced their strategic partnership in November 2025 to accelerate enterprise adoption and monetisation of Network APIs through Comviva's NGAGE platform. Through the platform, enterprises can access communication and network APIs through a single interface, while Aduna brings together standardised network capabilities from its global operator ecosystem. NGAGE platform already operates at significant commercial scale, supporting 7,000+ enterprises, 40+ deployments, 100+ industry use cases, 130+ Communication APIs, and 25+ Network APIs, while processing 250+ billion messages annually. NGAGE is deployed across industries.

For banks and fintechs, network-level intelligence can provide an additional layer of information for customer verification and risk assessment. Capabilities such as number verification and SIM-swap detection can help identify potential fraud, strengthen authentication and support faster, lower-friction onboarding and KYC journeys.

The focus on financial services builds on Comviva's established presence in the sector and its experience supporting digital financial services ecosystems globally. The collaboration brings this expertise together with network intelligence to address practical challenges across identity, fraud prevention and customer onboarding.

Rajesh Chandiramani, Chief Executive Officer, Comviva, said, "Over the past year, NGAGE has evolved as a unified and scalable access point for enterprises looking to bring network intelligence into their digital journeys. Financial services is a natural priority because the impact can be measured directly through outcomes such as faster onboarding, stronger fraud controls and reduced dependence on OTPs and other verification steps. Our collaboration with Aduna, combined with Tech Mahindra's BFSI reach, enables us to take these capabilities to financial institutions across markets and help address these challenges at scale."

Peter Arbitter, Chief Commercial Officer, Aduna Global, said, "Standardisation is essential to scaling the use of network APIs across financial services. Aduna brings together CAMARA-standardised APIs from leading mobile operators, simplifying access to trusted network intelligence across operators and markets. Working with Comviva and Tech Mahindra makes it easier for banks and fintechs to embed these capabilities into customer verification, fraud prevention and onboarding processes, helping them strengthen security while reducing friction for their customers."

The collaboration will continue to focus on expanding the use of Network APIs across financial services markets and exploring applications beyond identity and fraud, including lending risk, payments intelligence and other areas where real-time network information can support secure and seamless digital experiences.

Comviva will showcase its NGAGE, a new-age Communication Platform as a Service that draws its power and performance from robust AI engines at Money20/20 USA alongside its parent company Tech Mahindra at MC-7. Together, the companies will demonstrate how AI, advanced analytics, network APIs and digital platforms are helping financial institutions accelerate innovation, strengthen fraud prevention and identity verification, and deliver more seamless customer experiences.

Zhu Yong noted that the Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partners Program advances Premier Li Qiang's vision of "following the trend of economic globalization and answering the call of the international community for joint development." This round of signings, she said, marks a deeper partner network, more complete and effective matchmaking services and higher, more substantive levels of cooperation.

Eugene Seroka described the agreement with the Canton Fair as a new beginning built on mutual trust, one that drives business growth and promotes shared progress.

Strengthening Global Partnerships for Shared Growth

The Canton Fair signed memoranda with eight organizations, including six new partners: Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China, Joinco, Palestinian Businessmen Association, Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI), Polish-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Los Angeles, City of Los Angeles Harbor Department, and renewed ties with two existing partners, Lebanese Chinese Business Association and China Information & Culture Centre (Kenya).

The new partners span key nodes, from a major North American port gateway to established European markets and cover a diverse mix of shipping and logistics firms, business associations and leading procurement enterprises.

As of the 140th session, the Canton Fair has partnered with 240 organizations across 112 countries and regions.

In his congratulatory letter to the 140th Canton Fair, President Xi Jinping noted that China stands ready to join hands with countries around the world to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system and expand the space for mutually beneficial international economic and trade cooperation. Guided by this spirit, the Canton Fair will extend cooperation beyond goods trading to joint brand-building, shared market development and shared services.

For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:

https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

Verkada is the first cloud-managed physical security platform in Australia to complete an IRAP assessment at this classification level. The assessment was conducted by ASD-endorsed assessors from Neon Cloud, Verkada's independent assessment partner, in accordance with the Australian Signals Directorate's Cloud Assessment and Authorisation framework. It follows Verkada's FedRAMP Moderate Authorization earlier this year, extending the company's government-grade security posture across international markets.

"Completing the IRAP assessment demonstrates the seriousness of our investment in Australia and our commitment to building a durable business that can support government organisations over the long term," said Steve Bray, Vice President, Australia and New Zealand at Verkada. "Government agencies should not have to choose between rigorous cyber security and physical security technology that is simple to deploy, manage and scale."

Government and critical infrastructure organizations can deploy Verkada's supported product lines, including:

• Video Security for centrally managing cameras and accessing live and historical footage
• Access Control for managing doors, users, buildings and permissions
• Alarms for detecting threats, verifying events and coordinating response
• Intercom for communicating with and verifying visitors at entrances
• Air Quality Sensors for monitoring indoor environmental conditions
• Verkada Guest for visitor management

Verkada's platform is built on Zero Trust principles, with safeguards including single sign-on and multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, encryption in transit and at rest, audit logs, and time-bound customer authorization for support access. Verkada also maintains SOC 2 Type 2 compliance and ISO 27001, 27017, 27018 and 27701 certifications, and offers Australian data storage and processing for Verkada Command to support regional governance requirements.

Eligible organizations can request Verkada's IRAP assessment report through the Verkada Trust Center. To learn more about Verkada's solutions for government organizations.

For more information, please visit www.verkada.com.

Co-hosted by the Indonesian Internet Domain Name Registry (PANDI), with support from Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs and the Bali Provincial Government, ICANN87 marks the first ICANN public meeting in Indonesia. The meeting brings together government representatives, businesses, technical experts, and civil society to address issues affecting the Internet's security, stability, and global interoperability.

The Welcome Ceremony on 19 October featured remarks from Meutya Hafid, Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs; Isnawan Aslam, President of PANDI; Tripti Sinha, ICANN Board Chair; and Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO.

"As we look toward the next decade, our responsibility is not simply to accommodate the Internet's continued expansion, but to preserve the trust that makes it meaningful. Connectivity enables participation. Growth creates opportunities. And protection builds the trust necessary to sustain both. For Indonesia, the objective is therefore not simply to bring more people online. It is to ensure that they can participate in a digital environment that is accessible, secure, and relevant to their needs," said Meutya Hafid, Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.

"Hosting ICANN87 marks an important milestone for Indonesia and reflects PANDI's commitment to the global Internet community. For us, managing .id goes beyond technical responsibilities; it is a commitment to safeguarding our nation's digital identity. We believe trust is earned through a proven track record, consistent performance, and responsible governance. Building on our experience and continuously strengthening our capabilities, PANDI remains committed to strengthening Indonesia's digital identity and ensuring that .id is secure, stable, trusted, and ready for the future of the Internet," said Isnawan Aslam, President of PANDI.

ICANN Board Chair Tripti Sinha highlighted the multistakeholder model of governance and the need to sustain public trust. "The tenth anniversary of the IANA stewardship transition demonstrates how this governance model has endured technological and geopolitical change. We continue to earn trust through transparent governance, sound decisions, and effective implementation," Sinha said.

"We need to strengthen the connection between strategy, prioritization, budgeting, and implementation, making the process clearer and more transparent," said Kurtis Lindqvist, ICANN President and CEO. "The ICANN community develops solutions and the ICANN org must turn those solutions into effective action."

ICANN Recognizes Hartmut Glaser for Capacity Building
During the welcome ceremony, ICANN awarded Hartmut Glaser the 2026 Dr. Tarek Kamel Award for Capacity Building. The ICANN Board recognized his contributions to Internet governance capacity building at local, regional, and global levels, including founding and leading the Brazilian School on Internet Governance and helping establish the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Address Registry (LACNIC). Sinha presented the award to Glaser, who joined remotely.

The award honors the late Dr. Tarek Kamel, an Internet pioneer, and recognizes members of the ICANN community who advance capacity-development programs related to ICANN's mission.

Advancing a Secure, Stable, and Inclusive Internet
ICANN87 features more than 200 working sessions on Internet policy and technical priorities, including DNS Abuse mitigation, strengthening the security, stability, and reliability of the Domain Name System (DNS), and expanding domain name options through the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program.

The six-day meeting advances ICANN's multistakeholder model, which brings diverse groups together to develop policies and coordinate the Internet's unique identifiers. Participants will also take part in capacity-building and leadership development discussions, while new members of the ICANN Board of Directors take their seats.

To learn more and join the conversation, visit www.ICANN.org and the ICANN87 website.

Minister Ngo Van Tuan and Paschal Donohoe, WBG's managing director and chief knowledge officer. Photo: MoF

At the meeting, Minister Tuan expressed his sincere appreciation for the valuable support and close partnership the WBG had provided to Vietnam over several decades.

He said that the WBG’s concessional financing, technical assistance programmes, and in-depth policy advice had played a particularly important role in supporting Vietnam’s economic reforms, infrastructure modernisation, and social welfare development.

With Vietnam preparing to host APEC 2027, the minister underscored the government’s determination to ensure comprehensive and thorough preparations for the major international event.

He called on WBG to continue its role as a leading development partner and work closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) to develop and refine the priorities and substantive agenda for APEC 2027’s finance track. These efforts should remain aligned with the core objectives of the Incheon Action Plan and the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, he said.

Discussing sustainable growth, Minister Tuan highlighted the pivotal role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are important contributors to employment and economic activity. To unlock the sector’s potential, Vietnam has been implementing a range of support policies and measures to streamline administrative procedures.

The minister added that Vietnam’s National Assembly was discussing a draft Law on the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises during its ongoing session.

The draft proposes a range of policies to address barriers to land access and financing, simplify administrative procedures, standardise enterprise classification criteria, and create more better conditions for small and medium-sized businesses.

Minister Tuan stressed that Vietnam’s MoF stood ready to work closely with the WBG to research and assess international initiatives and effective solutions, with a view to incorporating suitable approaches into the country’s national development policy framework.

Donohoe congratulated Vietnam on a significant recent achievement: the upgrading of its sovereign credit rating by international rating agencies.

He praised Vietnam’s efforts and notable achievements in managing and using state budget resources efficiently, maintaining macroeconomic stability, and strengthening its fiscal foundations. These achievements provide an important basis for Vietnam to realise its ambition of becoming a developed, high-income country by 2045.

Donohoe emphasised that fully addressing MSMEs’ access to finance would be critical to creating a stronger foundation for double-digit economic growth.

He proposed that Vietnam consider making MSME financing a central priority under the APEC 2027 agenda, in alignment with the WBG’s recently announced global MSME strategy.

Beyond multilateral cooperation under APEC, the two sides held extensive discussions on progress in developing the Vietnam-WBG Country Partnership Framework for 2027-2032.

Minister Tuan called on the WBG to continue exploring flexible concessional financing packages, improve disbursement, and work closely with Vietnamese agencies to simplify administration. These measures will help ensure that programmes and projects are implemented more promptly.

Donohoe reaffirmed the WBG’s commitment to providing the knowledge, policy advice, and technical resources needed to help ensure the success of APEC 2027 and support Vietnam’s long-term development goals.

Minister Tuan formally invited the WBG’s leadership to visit Vietnam and attend key conferences held as part of APEC 2027. Donohoe warmly accepted the invitation and confirmed that he would personally lead a WBG delegation to Vietnam to participate in these important events.

Vietnam strengthens public debt management with World Bank and IMF Vietnam is strengthening cooperation with international partners to improve public debt and risk management as part of broader fiscal reform efforts.

Vietnam and WB strengthen cooperation Water security is expected to become part of a long-term cooperation framework between Vietnam and the World Bank, contributing to the realisation of sustainable development goals and enhancing resilience to climate change.

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.

MARSHIQUE officially launched on Ulta.com on October 18, followed by an in-store launch at 500+ Ulta Beauty locations nationwide beginning November 1. The debut will give MARSHIQUE a strong retail presence in the U.S. and expand the brand's reach among American beauty consumers.

With more than 1,500 stores nationwide, Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, offering a broad portfolio of global beauty brands across skincare, makeup, haircare, and other categories.

From Wrinkles to Lifting: MARSHIQUE's Targeted Patch Collection Arrives in the U.S.

A key highlight of MARSHIQUE's Ulta Beauty launch is the introduction of its complete range of targeted patches.

MARSHIQUE has developed a specialized patch collection designed to address specific areas and concerns, including patches targeting the appearance of wrinkles around the frown lines, smile lines, forehead, and eye area, as well as the neck, along with lifting patches designed for the appearance of facial contours.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to facial care, MARSHIQUE offers a more targeted routine: apply the patch directly to the area of concern for focused, targeted care. This approach has helped the brand establish a distinctive position in the patch-care category.

Beginning with its frown line patch, MARSHIQUE has continued to expand its assortment to address a wider range of specific areas—including the smile lines, forehead, eye area, and neck—as well as lifting and contouring. Through this continued expansion, the brand has positioned patches as a distinct beauty-care category in their own right.

From Targeted Patches to Eyelash Serum: MARSHIQUE's Signature Beauty Solutions

The Ulta Beauty launch will feature MARSHIQUE's complete patch collection, and its signature eyelash serum, another key product category for the brand.

MARSHIQUE has continued to develop easy-to-use at-home beauty solutions built around specific consumer needs. Its product portfolio is designed to make targeted beauty care simple and convenient enough to incorporate into everyday routines.

The brand's eyelash serum has become one of MARSHIQUE's core product categories alongside its patch collection in the Korean market. With its U.S. launch, the brand will introduce consumers to a broader range of targeted beauty solutions beyond its signature patches.

Beyond K-Beauty: Introducing "K-Patch" to the Global Beauty Market

MARSHIQUE sees its Ulta Beauty launch as more than an expansion of its international distribution network. The launch marks an important opportunity to bring "K-Patch"—a targeted beauty-care concept developed in the Korean market— to the mainstream U.S. beauty market.

While K-Beauty has built a strong global presence through categories such as skincare and makeup, MARSHIQUE is looking to expand that conversation by introducing K-Patch, a category centered on targeted patches for specific concerns such as wrinkles, lifting, and facial contouring.

A MARSHIQUE representative said, "Our Ulta Beauty launch is particularly meaningful because we are introducing not just a single product, but our full range of patches, which has built a strong presence in the Korean market, together with our signature eyelash serum."

"From targeted concerns around the frown lines, smile lines, forehead, eye area, and neck to lifting and facial contouring, our goal is to offer U.S. consumers a new and convenient approach to their at-home beauty routines," the representative added.

The representative continued, "Just as K-Beauty has grown into a major force in the global beauty industry, our goal is to establish K-Patch as a distinct beauty category that consumers around the world can discover, embrace, and incorporate into their routines."

Following its Ulta Beauty launch, MARSHIQUE plans to continue expanding its brand awareness and consumer reach across the United States while developing differentiated products centered around its targeted patch collection. The brand also plans to further expand its presence in global markets by continuing to build on its expertise in targeted, at-home beauty care.

MARSHIQUE became available to shop on Ulta.com on October 18 and will be available in 504 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide on November 1 with the assortment ranging from $16 to $25.

Vietnam recorded $122.2 billion in cryptoasset activity over the past year, ranking second in Southeast Asia, according to the Geography of Cryptocurrency Report 2026 released on October 16 by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.

“The scale of cryptoasset activity is equivalent to nearly 24 per cent of Vietnam’s 2025 GDP. On average, the market records approximately $335 million in daily trading value, an amount nearly one-third of the average daily stock trading value on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange over the previous year,” Chainalysis noted.

These figures cover multiple asset classes, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and other tokens, traded via centralised exchanges, decentralised exchanges, and peer-to-peer platforms, as well as cross-border transfers and platforms serving institutional investors.

In terms of the value of digital assets received by user addresses through centralised exchanges, Vietnam recorded approximately $70 billion between July 2025 and June 2026. Within the Central and Southern Asia and Oceania region, Vietnam ranked behind India ($88.4 billion), Singapore ($82.3 billion), and Australia ($79.3 billion), according to Chainalysis.

Despite the market’s substantial scale, prospective exchanges must still overcome significant hurdles involving capital, technology, and risk management before they can begin operations.

To Tran Hoa, standing deputy head of the Digital Asset Trading Market Management Board under the State Securities Commission of Vietnam, stated that to obtain a pilot licence for operating a cryptoasset trading market in Vietnam, enterprises must possess a minimum charter capital of VND10 trillion (approximately $386 million) and meet the requirements set out in Resolution No.05/2025/NQ-CP.

The Ministry of Finance has collaborated with the Ministry of Public Security and the State Bank of Vietnam to evaluate the applications of organisations registering for the pilot programme. The five organisations selected for the initial phase include Sacom Cryptoasset Exchange, VIX Cryptoasset Exchange, Vietnam Thinh Vuong Cryptoasset Exchange, Techcom Cryptoasset Exchange, and Vietnam Digital Assets.

However, initial selection does not mean that the organisations have been granted licences to operate. They must still meet regulatory requirements, including those relating to capital, IT systems, and operational standards.

"The pace at which these exchanges meet capital requirements, build IT systems, and comply with regulatory standards will determine when Vietnam sees a pilot exchange go live," Hoa said.

According to Hoa, Resolution 05 grants organisations one year from the date of receiving their initial-stage certificate to complete the remaining requirements.

International experience shows that launching a cryptoasset exchange can take years, spanning everything from establishing the legal framework to finalising systems and operational conditions. In Indonesia, the process from creating the legal framework to the launch of a national cryptoasset exchange took approximately four years. In Hong Kong, the process took up to five years.

Alongside the progress of establishing the trading platform, there is keen interest in whether investors will be able to continue trading Bitcoin on domestic centralised exchanges. According to Hoa, regulators encourage exchanges to select cryptoassets that possess high liquidity and are widely traded globally.

However, the actual launch timeline remains contingent on the progress individual organisations make in meeting requirements and the regulatory review process, Hoa said.

Tran Huyen Dinh, chair of the Fintech Application Committee under the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association, noted that enterprises are currently adjusting their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing tools while developing cryptoasset custody models that align with both Vietnamese regulations and international standards.

“Building the system is not merely about meeting licensing requirements; it must also ensure the capacity to handle high trading volumes, maintain continuous operations, and safeguard client assets. These factors directly influence the exchange's credibility once it becomes operational,” Dinh said.

According to a survey conducted by three entities operating in Vietnam's cryptoasset sector, Kyros Ventures, Coin68, and BingX, over 70 per cent of respondents prioritise safety and security when selecting an exchange. Criteria such as the existence of an insurance fund, incident compensation mechanisms, and high liquidity were also cited by more than 69 per cent of participants.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, vice chairman of the Vietnam's International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that attracting investors depends on more than just the ability to provide domestic trading services. Exchanges must also demonstrate their capacity to safeguard assets, handle incidents, and maintain trading conditions attractive enough to compete with existing platforms.

Ensuring liquidity is challenging for exchanges operating in isolation. Globally, exchanges often employ mechanisms to interconnect and link with one another to enhance liquidity.

"To achieve this, exchanges require compatible technology systems and must meet specific connectivity standards. Regulators also need to closely monitor market developments and make timely adjustments to policies and mechanisms to resolve obstacles, thereby fostering a safer market," Huan added.

SSC and Thai SEC exchange experience on digital asset markets and gold derivatives

Bybit pledges support for Vietnam’s digital asset development

Human capital and regulation key to digital asset market

Citi launches Digital Depositary Receipts to broaden private market access

SSCorp and DVL launch digital asset auction platform

Vietnam climbs to 10th in ease-of-doing-business survey

MEXC Ventures partners with Corelia Academy: Bringing digital asset education closer to Vietnamese students

MEXC highlights AI-driven trading and broader market access at TOKEN2049

To meet this need, Goodix Technology today introduced a multi-tier solution portfolio that covers fingerprint Match-on-Host (MoH), Match-on-Chip (MoC), and a new integrated Fingerprint MoC + eSE solution. Built on capacitive, optical, and ultrasonic fingerprint sensing technologies, the comprehensive portfolio enables IoT and AI device makers to deliver faster, more flexible, and more secure identity authentication.

Fingerprint and Security Together for Trusted AI Edge Authentication

Goodix offers three tiers of fingerprint solutions designed to provide greater flexibility and enhanced security to meet a wide range of edge AI requirements. In addition to its mainstream Match-on-Host (MoH) and Match-on-Chip (MoC) offerings, Goodix introduces an innovative, one-stop fingerprint MoC + eSE solution that delivers hardware-level security protection.

Fingerprint MoC: Compliant with the SDCP Security Standard

With MoC, the entire biometric pipeline is complete within the fingerprint module: image capture, feature extraction, template storage and matching. The solution complies with the Secure Device Connection Protocol (SDCP) and supports unique per-device keys to help protect both fingerprint data and its communications with the host processor.

Matching on the fingerprint module also offloads work from the host processor, saving computing and system resources. This makes fingerprint MoC well suited to lightweight, long-battery-life IoT and AI edge devices that need fast response.

Fingerprint MoC + eSE Solution: Hardware-Level Protection for Critical Credentials

For applications requiring a higher level of security assurance, Goodix combines a high-performance eSE chip with its fingerprint MoC solution, protecting users' critical assets through hardware-enforced physical isolation. Assets such as API keys and account login tokens are separated from the host processor and stored in a trusted eSE chip, which is certified to internationally recognized security standards. The fingerprint MoC transmits match results to the eSE over an encrypted channel, enabling the eSE to verify that the interaction was authorized by the legitimate user.

The Goodix security solution also supports FIDO2 authentication and a full implementation of TLS 1.3. API keys and OAuth tokens are securely managed within the secure element throughout their lifecycle, and communications are encrypted end to end. This creates a zero-trust architecture on the device: never trust, always verify.

When credentials are used to access cloud-based LLMs, they are transmitted over an encrypted channel from the secure element to the cloud and never exposed in plaintext to the host processor.

The eSE also supports security policy enforcement, including biometric user authorization for high-risk operations and tamper-resistant audit logging to prevent AI agents from altering the records.

Full Technology Coverage for Diverse Device Designs

Goodix offers a comprehensive portfolio of fingerprint technologies, backed by leading technology and a strong market position. Its solutions are widely recognized by renowned brands worldwide and designed to accommodate the diverse form factors of AI and IoT devices.

Capacitive: Supports a wide range of sensor form factors, including flat, curved, round, square, and narrow-strip designs, giving AI device designers greater design flexibility.

Optical: Works beneath OLED displays and with a variety of transparent cover materials. It is compatible with IR-transmissive ink and supports larger sensing areas.

Ultrasonic: Designed for screenless IoT and AI devices, Goodix's ultrasonic fingerprint sensor supports FDT (finger-press detection) technology. Users can press a designated area on the cover for fast recognition and reliable unlocking, even with wet or oily fingers.

According to IDC, China's market for secure AI agent applications will reach US$1.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of more than 230%. Goodix will continue to deepen the integration of biometric and security technologies, working with customers and partners worldwide to bring safer, smarter experiences to AI smartphones and PCs, AI wearables, smart homes, robots and intelligent cockpits.

In his talk, "Caliptra Specification to Silicon Reality & a Turnkey Solution for Ecosystem Integrations," PUFsecurity Principal Security Architect Kent Chuang highlighted how PUFrt helps bring the open-source Caliptra specification into production-ready silicon for AI data centers.

PUFrt has also received OCP S.A.F.E. approval following an independent Scope 3 security assessment and is now listed on the OCP Marketplace, marking an important milestone in advancing hardware security for cloud and AI infrastructure.

PUFrt: The Physical Security Anchor for the Caliptra Architecture

Caliptra is an open-source hardware Root-of-Trust architecture developed under the Open Compute Project (OCP), designed to provide every chip in cloud servers with a verifiable identity and a trusted boot path.

As AI infrastructure continues to expand rapidly, every chip within a data center must have a verifiable identity. Caliptra is becoming the standard for establishing this trust, while PUFrt provides the underlying physical security foundation, from key generation to chip mass-production testing, ensuring security throughout the supply chain and enabling large-scale deployment across the ecosystem.

PUFrt integrates eMemory's NeoPUF technology to generate chip-specific Unique Device Secrets (UDS), NeoFuse anti-fuse One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory for on-chip data storage, and an entropy source compliant with NIST SP 800-90B standards. As an early adopter of Caliptra, PUFrt has already been successfully integrated into Caliptra products from ASPEED, a leading provider of server management chips (BMC/SMC), as well as security systems from several major memory manufacturers and networking-related chips.

OCP S.A.F.E. Scope 3 Approval: Independently Assessed for Physical Attack Resistance

PUFrt completed its Scope 3 assessment in 2026, focusing on its ability to resist physical threats, including fault injection and side-channel attacks. The OCP S.A.F.E. program provides an industry-wide, standardized, and independent security review framework for hardware and software, helping customers avoid repetitive security assessments.

For silicon Roots of Trust, resistance to physical attacks is particularly important because the cryptographic keys and device secrets they protect serve as the foundation for higher-level security functions.

Supporting the Agentic AI Era with Caliptra

As AI infrastructure evolves to support Agentic AI workloads capable of autonomous decision-making, data center security architectures are rapidly transitioning from proprietary, closed systems toward standardized, open-source architectures such as Caliptra.

PUFrt now fully supports Caliptra 1.x and 2.x silicon IP requirements on advanced process nodes. Through PUFsecurity's "One-Stop-Shop Service," chip design teams can access a complete, pre-validated solution integrating Caliptra and PUFrt, covering verification, certification support, and end-to-end engineering guidance, significantly shortening the development-to-mass-production timeline.

The OCP Marketplace listing for PUFsecurity's OCP S.A.F.E.-approved PUFrt is available here.

For more information, visit www.pufsecurity.com.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics, part of South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group, on September 29 said it plans to put $1.85 billion into expanding semiconductor packaging substrate production in Vietnam, meeting growing demand from AI server and high-performance processor markets.

This capital will be used to expand the flip-chip ball grid array (BGA) plant at the Vietnam subsidiary, which aims to complete construction and begin operations by June 2030. Through this, Samsung Electro-Mechanics will significantly expand its BGA production capacity both in South Korea and overseas.

"As the AI and high-performance computing markets grow rapidly, high-value semiconductor substrates are becoming increasingly important as key components that determine semiconductor performance and supply chain stability," said president Chang Duckhyun. "Based on differentiated substrate technology and stable supply capabilities, we will be able to strengthen the competitiveness of the BGA business in high-growth markets such as AI servers and automotive electronics."

The Vietnam subsidiary will operate as a strategic hub to meet global volume demand and enhance production efficiency through a stable supply system. With this expansion, Samsung Electro-Mechanics will respond to global customers' mid- to long-term volume expansion needs while further improving production efficiency and supply stability.

LG Innotek is also finalising procedures to build a semiconductor package substrate manufacturing plant worth $1 billion in Haiphong city, in the north of the country. The project received approval in July, marking LG Innotek's first semiconductor packaging substrate manufacturing facility outside of South Korea. The project is expected to begin trial production in the third quarter of 2027 and mass production in the mid-2028.

The new funding will expand LG Innotek's operations in Haiphong beyond camera modules into materials and components used in semiconductor packaging. The factory will specialise in producing semiconductor substrates, including radio frequency system-in-package, flip-chip scale package, and BGA substrates.

LG Innotek aims to increase revenue from its semiconductor packaging solutions business to almost $2 billion by 2030. The $1 billion in Haiphong forms part of its capacity expansion strategy as production lines at its Gumi substrate facilities are approaching full utilisation.

These investments are to meet the increasing demand for semiconductor substrates as the AI server and high-performance computing markets have grown rapidly. They are evolving to integrate chips for high-speed computation and large-scale data processing, and as a result, such plants are advancing towards large areas, high layer count, and highly integrated structures.

In early September, Universal Scientific Industrial Shanghai, a subsidiary of ASE Technology Holding, approved an additional $120 million investment in Haiphong, as the company expands into products serving data centres and AI.

The company is in the process of realising the target to build monthly production capacity of 100,000 optical transceiver modules using silicon photonics technology at the Haiphong plant, which the company announced last year.

“The production line is expected to include manufacturing integrated optical engines for high-speed data transmission modules, assembling optical transceiver modules, and conducting final testing. The plan is part of USI's strategy to expand its data centre business, covering server circuit boards and AI accelerator cards, optical engines, optical modules, and power solutions for AI servers,” the company announced.

Along with the new investment influx, the increase in funding in advanced materials production is shown by the surge in import turnover of electronic components.

According to the National Statistics Office, in September alone, import turnover of electronics, computers, and components reached $27.1 billion, a 93.7 per cent increase compared to September 2025. Total electronics imports for the nine months of the year thus far totalled $197 billion.

A total of 45 import categories each surpassed $1 billion in value during the nine-month period, representing 94.5 per cent of total imports, including six categories each exceeding $10 billion.

Hi-Tech Vietnam 2026 takes flight Held from September 9-11 at the Vietnam Exposition Centre in Hanoi, Hi-Tech Vietnam 2026 brings together a wide range of businesses operating in high technology, AI, semiconductors, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles and the digital economy.

Vietnam turns to specialised chips for its semiconductor industry Vietnam is preparing a list of around 20 groups of specialised semiconductor chips for priority state procurement, putting specialised chips at the centre of efforts to build domestic semiconductor capabilities and accelerate commercialisation.

Electronics funding will be won via a capable ecosystem: SGS Vietnam is under growing pressure to deepen its industrial ecosystem as regional rivals compete for a new generation of electronics, semiconductor, and high-tech manufacturing investment.

Infineon boosts Vietnam footprint with Ho Chi Minh City office Infineon Technologies has opened a new office in Ho Chi Minh City, deepening its investment in Vietnam and supporting the country's semiconductor ambitions.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics to add $1.85 billion semiconductor investment in Thai Nguyen Samsung Electro-Mechanics, part of South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group, plans to invest $1.85 billion to expand semiconductor packaging substrate production in Vietnam, meeting growing demand from AI server and high-performance processor markets.

The event will have three sessions. The first session will about supporting innovative startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and international cooperation, featuring four presentations from Osaka, Ho Chi Minh City, the Australian Industry Group and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.

Session 2 will cover sustainable industry, carbon emissions reduction and transit-oriented development while the session 3 will focus on progress in implementing the Joint Declaration on Decarbonisation and Sustainability adopted at the 2025 BPC Conference in Osaka, lessons learned during implementation, and concrete actions for the period ahead.

Within the framework of the Conference, Ho Chi Minh City will also organise bilateral working sessions with the City of Melbourne, the City of Manila, the Australian Industry Group and the City of Osaka.

On the afternoon of October 23, delegates plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City Export 2026 - Vietnam’s Outstanding Export Products Fair at WTC Expo. That evening, the programme will continue with networking activities among city delegates and businesses, including the Osaka business delegation.

Through BPC Roundtable Conference 2026, Ho Chi Minh City seeks to strengthen the BPC network as a platform connecting cities and moving from the exchange of experience and policy perspectives towards practical cooperation programmes, contributing to innovation, stronger business competitiveness and green, and sustainable growth.

BPC Roundtable Conference 2026 marked the 35th edition of the Roundtable and the third time Ho Chi Minh City has hosted the event, following the 2002 and 2016 conferences.

The 2026 Conference built on the outcomes of BPC 2025 in Osaka and the Joint Declaration on Decarbonisation and Sustainability, with a focus on translating shared commitments into concrete initiatives and cooperation among cities, partner organisations and the business community.

The BPC network was initiated by the Osaka City government in 1988 to build an economic cooperation network among cities, initially with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

Unlike conventional city-to-city exchanges, BPC places particular emphasis on business-level economic engagement supported by local governments and trade promotion organisations.

Through this model, the network seeks to create business opportunities, help small and medium-sized enterprises expand internationally and strengthen mutual understanding among participating cities.

The BPC Roundtable Conference has been held annually since 1990, rotating among member cities, and has developed into a forum where city governments, trade promotion organisations, business associations and companies exchange policy perspectives, urban development experience and cooperation opportunities. Ho Chi Minh City joined the network in May 1997.

Over nearly three decades, BPC has provided the City with a practical channel for international cooperation in trade, investment, business support, innovation and sustainable development.

In 2026, Ho Chi Minh City continued to maintain strong economic growth momentum, with regional GDP rising by 9.06 per cent in the first nine months and the industrial production index increasing by 10.9 per cent.

The City is conducting greenhouse-gas inventories at 360 facilities, converting its bus fleet towards electric and other green-energy vehicles, and participating in the national carbon-market roadmap.

Ho Chi Minh City will host the 2026 Business Partner Cities (BPC) Roundtable Conference on October 23. Photo: Le Toan

Signed on October 20, the agreement diversifies TPBank's international funding structure and supports the upgrade of its Environmental and Social Risk Management System in line with global standards.

Under the agreement, the five-year loan will be disbursed by TPBank on a targeted basis into two strategic priorities. 60 per cent of the facility ($30 million) will be prioritised for green projects, emission reduction, and energy transition, directly contributing to Vietnam’s climate change response goals.

The remaining 40 per cent ($20 million) will continue to provide practical support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a focus on women-owned or women-led business models.

In parallel with the financing, DEG will partner with TPBank on a technical assistance project to comprehensively upgrade its Environmental and Social Risk Management System. The programme aims to strengthen the bank’s capacity to identify, assess, and monitor environmental and social risks throughout the credit lifecycle.

This includes standardising policies, classification tools, and the appraisal and monitoring processes for environmental and social risks in credit granting, together with in-depth training for staff, helping TPBank fully meet the stringent sustainability standards of global institutions.

The 2026 transaction is DEG’s second investment in TPBank, building on the success of their previous cooperation in supporting access to capital for women-owned businesses, while expanding the focus of the partnership to green finance. The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both parties to encouraging sustainable growth, supporting Vietnam’s green transition, and improving access to capital for businesses pursuing sustainable development goals.

The continued trust of DEG in extending the facility is a clear testament to the bank’s capital absorption capacity and transparent financial health.

Speaking at the event, Monika Beck, member of DEG's Management Board, said, "Vietnam continues to be a strategic market for DEG. TPBank has established itself as a trusted partner through its strong commitment to good governance, digital transformation, and customer-focused growth. This $50 million facility represents the next step in our cooperation. Sixty per cent will be allocated to eligible green projects, advancing Vietnam's sustainable development and climate objectives, while 40 per cent will support SMEs, with a strong focus on women-owned and women-led businesses."

The $50 million facility marks the strong partnership between both institutions, and is expected to create momentum for the development of SMEs, enhance the position of women entrepreneurs, and contribute positively to Vietnam’s green growth objectives.

Nguyen Hung, CEO of TPBank, said, "DEG's many years of partnership help TPBank increase its medium- and long-term USD funding and diversify its international capital structure, and serve as an endorsement of the bank's transparent governance. This is a strategic lever for TPBank to unlock green credit, expand access to capital for SMEs, especially women-owned businesses, and gradually integrate environmental, social, and governance standards deeply into practice, supporting the nation's Net Zero goal."

TPBank has previously raised a $220 million long-term loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, alongside cooperation programmes with the Asian Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and others. The additional funding from DEG reinforces the bank's role as a bridge between international financial institutions and the Vietnamese business community on the path towards sustainable development.

TPBank to raise cash from international investors Hanoi-based TPBank is in talks with some international investors in an effort to raise funds for its expansion in 2023.

DFC to grant $100 million loan to TPBank TPBank, one of Vietnam’s leading commercial banks, has announced the signing of a letter of commitment for a $100 million loan with a 7-year term from the US government’s Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

SolarBK, TPBank sign financing deal for solar-plus-storage project SolarBK and TPBank Ba Dinh have signed a strategic financing agreement to support the development of a large rooftop solar project with integrated battery storage.

Most B2B sales teams know who they want to sell to. Far fewer know what tech those companies already run. So reps open calls blind. They pitch accounts locked into a rival product and miss the migration and refresh moments that create pipeline. In a recent survey by Firmable of US sales teams, 71% ranked a lack of timing and context on a prospect as their biggest headache, ahead of bad contact data. Only 12% said they have a tool that solves it.

Today's technographics tools weren't built to close that gap. Most only read a company's marketing website, and some look at job ads. That picks up analytics tags and the tools a company is hiring for. It misses the back-office systems that matter most to anyone selling into, alongside or against a tech stack: mail, hosting, identity, cloud and self-hosted services. And even when a team finds the right account, it still has to enrich the list in another tool to reach the right person.

"Being AI-native means we can build products that legacy data vendors can't bolt on," said Leigh Jasper, co-founder and co-CEO of Firmable. "Tech Intelligence is a good example. Our AI monitors 10 billion internet endpoints every week, reads four kinds of public signals, matches what it finds to almost 20 million businesses and joins it to verified people. It does that around the clock. You can't get there by patching an old database. We built our data layer for AI from day one, and that's why we can ship this depth fast. We launched our MCP in July. Now Tech Intelligence in October. Customers should expect that pace from Firmable."

Four ways of seeing a tech stack, in one platform

Tech Intelligence combines four detection methods, whereas most providers use one or two. Firmable reviewed 42 technographic and go-to-market data providers. None documented the same combination. Two methods, network and infrastructure observations, almost never show up in sales tools.

So sales teams using Firmable see the back-office tech other tools miss: who hosts a company's email, which identity provider it uses, and whether it still runs ageing on-premises infrastructure. Each detection is matched to Firmable's company records and verified contacts. The list a rep gets back already names the people to call, and what to open with.

Built for teams that sell into the tech stack

Tech Intelligence is built for any B2B team whose next deal depends on what a prospect already runs. That includes software and technology vendors, managed service providers (MSPs), IT services firms and integrators, cybersecurity providers and MSSPs, and resellers and partner teams. It answers four questions those teams ask every day:

Inside the Firmable platform, the package adds ready-made segments built around common buying moments. Teams can also pair a technology detection with Firmable's buying signals, such as a new Head of IT or a funding round. That surfaces accounts that are both a fit and in motion.

A rep can ask their AI assistant to "find companies in Australia running a competitor's product, with more than 200 employees, and show me the IT decision-makers at each". They get a verified, ready-to-action list back in one step and can push it straight to a Firmable list or to their CRM.

Transparent confidence, from public-facing data only

Every Tech Intelligence detection carries a high, medium or low confidence score and a last-observed date. Detections are cross-checked across all four methods. Sales teams see how strong the evidence is and when it was last seen, so they don't have to trust a black-box tag that could be years old.

All of Tech Intelligence is built from public-facing information. Firmable never logs in, never uses credentials and never goes inside a company's network.

"Every seller has had a call go sideways because they didn't know what tech the prospect was running," said Luke Williams, Head of Sales, APAC at Firmable. "Tech Intelligence takes the guesswork out. MSPs and IT services firms in Australia and New Zealand can spot migration and refresh work before a competitor does. In Singapore, Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, lean teams cover several markets at once. Now they walk into every conversation knowing what to replace and who owns it. Our customers want pipeline growth, fast. This is one of the sharpest edges we've given them."

The launch follows Firmable's MCP release in July 2026 and keeps up Firmable's fast product cadence as the company scales across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the US and Canada.

Firmable Tech Intelligence at a glance

• What it is: a technology detection product that shows the software, infrastructure, cloud and AI a company runs, joined to verified company and contact data.
• Coverage: 75,317 technologies across more than 19 million businesses.
• Methods: deep scans, at vast, AI-enabled scale, of public-facing IT infrastructure as well as traditional website crawling and job-ad extraction.
• Accuracy: a high, medium or low confidence score and a last-observed date on every detection.
• Who it's for: tech vendors, MSPs, IT services firms and integrators, cybersecurity providers and MSSPs, resellers and partner teams.
• Where to use it: in Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI tools via the Firmable MCP, and in the Firmable platform.
• Markets: Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the US and Canada.

Get started

Learn more and try it out at firmable.ai/tech-intelligence, or start a free trial of the core platform at app.firmable.com/sign-up.

On the same day, the "Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection & Intelligent Zero-Carbon" Innovation Seminar and Strategic Signing Ceremony, co-hosted by Times Huazhi (时代华智) and Tesson Holdings, was grandly held at Fujian Jixin Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (福建集新光储充检技术有限公司) in Overseas Chinese Building, Ningde, Fujian (福建宁德华侨大厦). At the seminar, Mr. Huang Shilin, Co-founder of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (hereinafter referred to as "CATL") and Chairman of Fujian Jixin Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection Technology Co., Ltd. (福建集新光储充检技术有限公司) delivered a keynote speech. He conducted an in-depth analysis of the industry trends regarding the integrated development of new energy and intelligent charging/inspection, which drew enthusiastic responses from the attendees.

The signing ceremony brought together many distinguished guests. Under the joint witness of officiating guests including Mr. Huang Shilin, Professor Yu Changyuan from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Mr. Wei Qingwen, representative of the major shareholder of Tesson Holdings, Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智) officially completed the agreement signing. At the same time, Tesson Holdings joined forces with Times Huazhi (时代华智), Inspur Group, EV Power, Wanji International (万吉国际), and several other industry-leading enterprises as well as top research institutions to sign multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) for strategic cooperation. This marks a breakthrough achievement for Tesson Holdings in platform-based operations of smart power and new energy infrastructure layout since the launch of its new brand "Tesson Smart Power" in August this year.

Dual Strategy of Acquisition and Capital Injection: Anchoring the Innovative Track of "Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection and Intelligent Zero-Carbon"

According to the announcement, RMB 38.4 million of the total consideration for this transaction will be paid in cash. The remaining acquisition consideration of RMB 60.0 million will be satisfied and completed by issuing consideration shares at HK$2.00 per share, while the simultaneous capital injection of RMB 21.6 million will be paid and completed as consideration for the subscription shares.

As a pioneer enterprise in the field of intelligent zero-carbon park operations for solar-storage-charging-inspection systems, Times Huazhi (时代华智) has successfully deployed multiple solar-storage-charging-inspection and zero-carbon park projects in core cities such as Shanghai and Fuzhou. Upon completion of this acquisition and capital injection, Tesson Holdings will directly incorporate high-quality new energy infrastructure assets, further enhancing the company's operational capabilities and asset scale in high-power fast charging, energy storage, and zero-carbon microgrids.

Signing of Three Major MOUs: Building a Closed-Loop Chain of "Computing-Power Synergy + Energy-Carbon + Industry-Academia-Research"

At the signing ceremony held on the same day, Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智), together with several industrial partners, reached four deep strategic collaborations:

• 1. Computing-Power Synergy and Joint Innovation (AIDC): Partnered with Inspur Group and Micro-Gathering Power Sale (微聚售电) to jointly explore the integration model of AI Data Center infrastructure (AIDC) with new power sales and Virtual Power Plants (VPP).
• 2. Hong Kong Layout and Collaborative Innovation for Solar-Storage-Charging-Inspection: Partnered with EV Power, a leading EV charging operator in Hong Kong, and Wanji International (万吉国际), a green logistics operator, while introducing the 5D Power team from The University of Hong Kong and the HYBAY team from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, to jointly create demonstration projects for solar-storage-charging-inspection and green logistics in Hong Kong.
• 3. Joint Construction of International Innovation Design Center (Hong Kong & Fujian): Partnered with Fuzhou University Design & Research Institute (福州大学设计研究院), Gesuo Technology (格索科技), and Anlaseo (a spin-off enterprise from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) to promote the engineering applications of achievements such as smart energy replenishment stations for solar-storage-charging-inspection.

Energy-Carbon Asset Securitization Strategic Upgrading: Continuously Advancing Intelligent Zero-Carbon Transformation

Tesson Holdings and Times Huazhi (时代华智) deepened their cooperation by leveraging the advantages of the global industrial chain ecosystem resources of CATL to jointly explore the strategic collaborations implementation and innovative industrial upgrading of securitization for energy-carbon assets in new power track of solar-storage-charging-inspection.

Management of Tesson Holdings stated that the completion of this acquisition and multi-party strategic cooperation marks a crucial step for the company toward becoming an "Innovative Operator in Smart Power and Energy-Carbon". Looking ahead, Tesson Holdings will rely on its development roadmap of "Battery Manufacturing — Zero-Carbon Microgrid & Energy Storage Operations — AI Power Trading & Energy-Carbon Asset Platform", and fully utilize the strong support and resource empowerment from strategic shareholder Mr. Huang Shilin, Co-founder of CATL. The company will continue to deepen its green energy network layout in the Greater Bay Area and core cities, creating long-term value for urban low-carbon transformation.

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

Arrow Electronics hosts technical seminar on robotics, industrial IoT, and intelligent automation in Seoul

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

Learn more at arrow.com.

Kao Vietnam’s factory at AMATA City Bien Hoa. Photo: Kao Vietnam

Representatives from AMATA City Bien Hoa attending the ceremony included Nguyen Huu Nghi, general director of AMATA City Bien Hoa; Abe Takamoto, head of sales at AMATA VN; and Nguyen Thi Hoang Phuoc, relationship management manager. As the first company to establish a factory at AMATA Industrial Park in Dong Nai, Kao Group placed its trust in the park developer from the early stages of the project, and the two companies have since shared a long journey of growth.

At the event, Nghi presented Kao Vietnam with a commemorative gift to mark the anniversary, along with his wishes for the meaningful projects the company has implemented and those it will undertake in the future.

Nguyen Huu Nghi, general director of AMATA City Bien Hoa, presents a commemorative gift to a representative of Kao Vietnam. Photo: Kao Vietnam

Kao Vietnam’s three decades of operations in Vietnam have been built on the trust and support of consumers and communities across the country. In the next phase, Kao Vietnam aims to continue strengthening its brands and products in the health and beauty care sectors, while promoting new ways to contribute more to society.

This direction complements its business operations by linking the provision of products with more practical contributions to community life.

Shintaro Yasue, general director of Kao Vietnam. Photo: Kao Vietnam

One concrete step is the Care within Reach programme, initiated by Kao, and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration, in coordination with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, and other relevant stakeholders.

The programme aims to improve access to information, counselling, and sexual and reproductive health services for female migrant workers in industrial zones. It also promotes workplace practices that better address workers’ healthcare needs.

Kao Vietnam announces the programme to advance women's health in Vietnam's industrial zones. Photo: Kao Vietnam

According to information shared at the event, one of the key barriers facing women workers is that healthcare facility opening hours do not always align with their work schedules, particularly for those working shifts or regularly working overtime. Bringing health information and support closer to workers is therefore a central focus of the programme, with the aim of developing approaches that better reflect their working conditions and daily lives.

As the first customer of AMATA Industrial Park in Bien Hoa, AMATA congratulates Kao Vietnam on its 30 years of operations and remains committed to working alongside businesses by providing reliable infrastructure and supporting their sustainable development.

With a vision to transform AMATA Industrial Park into a leading eco-industrial park in Vietnam, the company believes that strong cooperation between the park developer and businesses with a long-term strategic vision is essential to advancing sustainable development and creating practical value for communities, the environment, and society.

AMATA City Phu Tho secures $55 million credit facility A $55 million credit facility from Bangkok Bank will be used by AMATA City Phu Tho JSC for phase 1 of the project, focusing on compensation and site clearance, land development, and technical infrastructure.

AMATA City Ha Long reaffirms position as a modern industrial hub, welcoming new investor On September 11, Amata City Ha Long JSC. and Trois SMT (Vietnam) Technology Co., Ltd signed a Land Use Right Sublease Agreement for the development of a technology plant in Quang Ninh City.

Amata City Long Thanh signs manufacturing deal with ITS Investment Amata City Long Thanh JSC and ITS Investment Co., Ltd. have signed a land use right sublease agreement for a new manufacturing facility in Dong Nai, marking another milestone in the industrial park's efforts to attract high-value manufacturing investment.

On October 21, Brookland Group & Partners Limited, the Dubai- and Singapore-based long-term investment firm with years of experience investing in listed companies across Asia and emerging markets, has completed its first tranche of investment in Miza Corporation, a Vietnamese recycled-packaging producer. The investment is the first step of a structured equity arrangement worth up to $5 million.

The transaction involves no new share issuance as Brookland acquired the shares from an existing Miza shareholder. The investment firm intends to build its position in stages, subject to agreed transaction conditions. The deal extends the group's regional strategy of deploying international institutional capital into listed companies across Asia and emerging markets. Brookland aims to accelerate deployment and expand the investment beyond the initial $5 million in continued support of Miza’s growth plans.

“Vietnam’s manufacturing base is where international institutional capital should be paying attention, and Miza is a clear example of why,” said John Hall, managing partner of Brookland Group. “This first tranche is the start of a long-term commitment. We intend to build our position alongside a management team that has spent 15 years turning recovered materials into the packaging Vietnam’s supply chains run on.”

The move comes less than a month after FTSE Russell reclassified Vietnam from frontier to secondary emerging market status, effective September 21. "FTSE is adding eligible Vietnamese stocks to its global emerging market indices in phases over the next year, and the country is seeking private and foreign investors for most of the estimated $1.49 trillion in investment capital it needs over 2026-2030," said Can Van Luc, a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council.

Vietnam’s paper consumption rose 10.8 per cent in 2025 to an estimated 7.77 million tonnes, ahead of domestic production of about 6.34 million tonnes, according to the Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association. Recycled packaging rules are also tightening in Vietnam and the EU, as international investors place greater weight on environmental, social, and governance criteria.

Founded in 2010, Miza turns waste paper into industrial packaging materials, including kraft, testliner, fluting medium, and duplex paper, and makes finished goods such as corrugated carton boxes and kraft paper bags. Its main production base is in Nghi Son, Thanh Hoa province, where the company runs lines for recycled pulp and packaging paper. Management attributes its 2026 growth plans to additional output from the new PM5 paper machine at the site.

“We see Brookland’s investment as a vote of confidence in our strategy, our team and our circular economy model while reflecting a strategic alignment with Vietnam's development vision and the global shift towards sustainable development”, said Tuan Minh Nguyen, chairman of Miza Corporation.

Miza’s 2025 net profit after tax rose more than 63 per cent to about $4.5 million, on revenue of about $185 million. First-half 2026 net profit after tax rose 74.9 per cent to about $3.2 million, and shareholders approved a 2026 profit target of about $7.7 million.

On October 14, Miza completed a 10 per cent stock dividend and approved a plan to issue additional shares at a 10:3 ratio to increase its equity and strengthen its financial base. The company is also in the final stage of negotiating a private placement of 30 million shares with an institutional investor, at an expected price above the market price. Miza said the proceeds would strengthen its finances, optimise its capital structure, and support further growth.

With these capital strategy changes and international capital participation, Miza expects 2026 to lay the groundwork for a new growth cycle from 2027.

Miza Nghi Son green bond marks milestone for sustainable finance Maybank Investment Bank has supported a landmark green bond issuance in Vietnam’s paper manufacturing sector, marking a new step forward for the country’s sustainable finance market.

Project readiness key to unlocking green finance Access to green finance depends on more than the availability of preferential loans. Businesses need to prepare viable projects, demonstrate long-term financial returns and meet environmental standards, while financial institutions need reliable data and financing mechanisms aligned with investment cycles.

“The Vietnamese government’s target of achieving double-digit economic growth is gradually becoming a reality. At such a high growth rate, the energy needed to sustain that growth becomes particularly important. It is like driving a car at high speed, the vehicle needs sufficient energy to keep running. We are excited to accompany Vietnam on this journey, particularly alongside our partner Petrovietnam,” Mohamed said at a press briefing in Ho Chi Minh City on October 20.

According to Mohamed, the contract for the PM3 Commercial Arrangement Area, located along the maritime boundary between Vietnam and Malaysia, has been extended for a further 20 years to 2047.

The area is estimated to hold around 60 million barrels of oil equivalent in remaining reserves. Gas produced there is transported to Vietnam through the Ca Mau gas pipeline system.

Aimy Zairin Mohamed, country chairman for Vietnam, Petronas. Photo: Petronas

Alongside production activities, the two groups have been implementing a joint technical study agreement since April 2025 to assess hydrocarbon exploration prospects in several offshore blocks through geological and geophysical analysis.

Mohamed added that Petronas is continuing to seek opportunities to develop new resources, including projects in Blocks 102 and 106 offshore in the Song Hong Basin.

In the LNG sector, Petronas delivered its first cargo to PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation in April 2025 to supplement domestic gas supplies and help meet the power and fuel needs of industrial customers.

“Oil and gas resources are finite and will eventually be depleted. Our role is to work with our partners to continuously explore for oil and gas in Vietnam’s sedimentary basins. We also have the capacity to supply LNG and benefit from the geographical proximity between supply sources and demand in Vietnam. Through cooperation, we can help address high-demand amid limited supply,” Mohamed said.

Beyond oil and gas and LNG, renewable energy is another key area for Petronas’ cooperation in Vietnam.

The Strategic Alliance Agreement signed by Petronas and Petrovietnam in Hanoi on October 16, establishes a framework for cooperation across upstream operations, LNG, downstream activities, renewable energy, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). In the area of CCS, Petronas will share its practical experience in Malaysia with Petrovietnam to explore potential implementation, helping Vietnam work towards its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Energy cooperation between the two groups also helps translate the Vietnam-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into practical initiatives. The Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore project explores the feasibility of exporting offshore wind power from Vietnam to Malaysia and Singapore via subsea cables, with a view to advancing the ASEAN Power Grid. The plan remains subject to the results of feasibility assessments and relevant approvals.

“Petronas and Petrovietnam have complementary strengths. As two national oil and gas companies, we are well positioned to jointly address the challenges of energy security, affordability and sustainability. Our ambition is clear: to help build an energy system that enables Vietnam to continue growing, with energy that is secure, affordable and increasingly sustainable,” he added.

PETRONAS launches next-generation Syntium lubricant meeting latest API and ILSAC standards PETRONAS Lubricants International has introduced the next generation of its PETRONAS Syntium lubricant as part of a phased global rollout, featuring upgraded formulations meeting the latest API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 standards.

IVECO and PETRONAS renew commercial vehicle innovation partnership IVECO and PETRONAS Lubricants International renewed their partnership covering exclusive supply and co-engineering of the IVECO URANIA and IVECO TUTELA fluid ranges, strengthening support for IVECO's European dealer network.

According to the announcement on October 19, recognising the growth potential of bio-based materials and evolving sourcing priorities, Hyosung chairman, Hyun-Joon Cho has made the business a strategic focus for the group. Under his leadership, Hyosung TNC has expanded its innovation portfolio, from regen fibres made from recycled PET bottles and discarded fishing nets to the commercialisation of corn-based regen BIO spandex in 2022.

"We have established an integrated production system that connects bio-based raw materials with finished spandex fibre," said Cho. "This will be a core pillar of Hyosung's next century. Building on our pioneering work in bio-based fibres, we aim to lead the development of this market and strengthen Hyosung's position in premium textiles worldwide."

Hyosung's Vietnam bio-BDO facility has an initial production capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes per year. As part of a planned $1 billion investment in the project, the company intends to increase annual capacity in phases to 200,000 MT, in line with market demand.

The facility produces bio-based 1,4-butanediol (bio-BDO) by fermenting sugars derived from sugarcane, replacing fossil-based feedstocks used in conventional BDO production.

Chemically identical to conventional BDO, it enables the use of renewable feedstocks while maintaining the same stretch, recovery, and quality in the finished spandex fibre.

Bio-BDO is supplied to the company's Dong Nai operations and converted into PTMG, a key intermediate used to manufacture regen BIO spandex, also known as elastane.

Connecting these stages across southern Vietnam is designed to strengthen supply reliability, improve production efficiency, and reduce transportation requirements.

For sportswear, intimate, swimwear, and denim, regen BIO spandex delivers stretch and recovery equivalent to conventional spandex. Sugarcane sourcing and traceability are verified through the VIVE Sustainable Programme, while bio-based content is certified under SGS' Environmentally Evaluated Product Scheme. These credentials support growing interest from premium fashion brands seeking consistent performance and documented material sourcing.

Beyond textiles, Hyosung TNC plans to supply bio-based chemical intermediates for applications including thermoplastic polyurethane used in automotive interiors and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, a resin used in biodegradable plastics.

Hyosung targets high-voltage equipment investment in Vietnam On April 24, Vietnam’s Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance, and Hyosung Heavy Industries signed an MoU to deepen long-term investment cooperation, marking a new step in strengthening Vietnam-South Korea economic ties.

Hyosung TNC establishes bio-spandex production system in Vietnam Hyosung TNC, a global spandex manufacturer, is launching an integrated bio-spandex production system in Vietnam, connecting sugarcane-based bio-raw materials to finished fibre products.

Hyosung Vina reports accumulated losses of $760 million in Vietnam Hyosung Vina Chemical Co., Ltd. has reports accumulated losses of VND19.24 trillion ($769.6 million) and short-term debt exceeding short-term assets, leaving auditors doubting the company's ability to continue operating.

Photo: Duc Minh

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Can warmly welcomed Minister Kanubhai Mohanlal Desai and members of the delegation. The ministry highly appreciated the visit, describing it as a clear demonstration of the Gujarat government’s strong commitment to translating the two countries’ economic, trade, and investment cooperation into concrete outcomes and further strengthening bilateral ties.

He explained that the meeting marked an important follow-up to the high-level talks held during the visit to India by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in May, as well as the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Vietnamese leader’s visit to India to attend the 2026 BRICS Summit in September.

"Elevating bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has established a stronger institutional framework and provided fresh momentum for a new phase of more substantive, effective, and sustainable cooperation," Deputy Minister Can said.

Regarding Vietnam’s economic performance, the country was targeting double-digit economic growth in the 2026-2030 period. In the first nine months of 2026, GDP grew by an impressive 9.01 per cent, while inflation was kept at 4.5 per cent and major economic balances remained stable.

Vietnam continued to be one of the world’s leading attractive investment destinations, particularly for foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2026, registered FDI exceeded $38.4 billion, while disbursed FDI reached nearly $28 billion, up 9 per cent compared with 2024, marking the highest level in five years.

Total newly registered FDI exceeded $50 billion, up 76.4 per cent, reflecting strong international investor confidence. Vietnam is currently among the world’s 15 largest developing-country recipients of foreign investment.

Turning to investment and trade cooperation with India, as of September 2026, India had 539 valid investment projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital of $1.17 billion. India ranked 26th among 153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with projects concentrated in processing and manufacturing, energy, and mining across 20 provinces and cities. Meanwhile, Vietnam had 37 projects in India, with total disbursed capital exceeding $500 million.

In trade, India was Vietnam’s largest trading partner in South Asia and ranked among its top nine trading partners globally. Vietnam, in turn, was among the four ASEAN countries with the largest trade volumes with India.

Photo: Duc Minh

On behalf of the delegation, Minister Desai expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm and formal reception extended by Vietnam’s MoF. He noted, "The Indian people’s longstanding affection for Vietnam had grown even stronger following visits by Vietnam’s senior leaders."

Introducing Gujarat’s strengths, Minister Desai highlighted the state, which is the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as one of India’s leading economic growth engines. Gujarat has launched prominent global initiatives, including the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and GIFT City, the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City.

"GIFT City is a modern financial and technology hub providing services in areas such as aircraft and ship leasing and securities, while also attracting international banks," he said. "In renewable energy, Gujarat has committed to contributing 100 GW towards India’s target of 400 GW by 2030."

On this occasion, Minister Desai formally presented an invitation letter and commemorative gifts from the Gujarat government, inviting Vietnam’s MoF leaders to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January 2027, with Vietnam as an official partner country. He also invited a Vietnamese delegation to visit Gujarat and explore cooperation opportunities at GIFT City.

In response, Deputy Minister Can expressed his sincere appreciation for the valuable information shared and the official invitation. He said, "The Ministry of Finance would report to the minister for consideration and arrangements for a delegation to attend the important event, helping further strengthen bilateral financial and economic cooperation and take relations between the two countries to a new level."

Vietnam and Luxembourg sign MoU to strengthen financial cooperation

French business delegation meets MoF to discuss investment cooperation

Vietnam and Switzerland to deepen financial cooperation

Vietnam and Liechtenstein sign double taxation avoidance agreement

At the meeting in Hong Kong on October 20, Minister Tuan highlighted the positive and substantive progress in the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and affirmed that the Ministry of Finance had consistently sought to contribute to broader cooperation between the two countries.

To prepare for hosting APEC 2027, Vietnam planned to propose four groups of priority themes aligned with the Incheon Action Plan and APEC’s vision, Tuan explained Vietnam’s desire to receive consultations, share experiences, and secure support from the US to further refine these priorities.

For her part, Deputy Assistant Secretary Browne thanked the Ministry of Finance for sharing its proposals and commended the country’s proposed priorities.

She added the US Department of the Treasury stood ready to work closely with Vietnam to translate these priorities into detailed action plans. She also expressed a desire to further deepen substantive cooperation between the two sides under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

Vietnam and US discuss financial cooperation and preparations for APEC 2027. Photo: MoF

Regarding bilateral cooperation, Minister Tuan called on the US to advance technical-level negotiations on a protocol amending the bilateral tax agreement; share experience and mechanisms for screening technology in foreign direct investment projects; support Vietnam’s position in negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade; and grant Vietnam market economy status at an early date.

The minister stated that Vietnam remained committed to maintaining a stable, transparent, and business-friendly investment environment, facilitating the long-term operations of US businesses and investors in the country.

On this occasion, Minister Tuan extended a formal invitation to Deputy Assistant Secretary Browne to visit Vietnam, hold working meetings, and attend conferences organised as part of APEC 2027.

Vietnam and Luxembourg sign MoU to strengthen financial cooperation

French business delegation meets MoF to discuss investment cooperation

Vietnam and Switzerland to deepen financial cooperation

Vietnam and Liechtenstein sign double taxation avoidance agreement

As part of APEC 2026, the 33^rd APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM 2026) took place in Hong Kong on October 20-21. The programme included closed-door retreat sessions, a plenary session, and a range of bilateral meetings. During discussions on the morning of October 20, global developments and regional macroeconomic prospects amid mounting uncertainties emerged as key concerns for finance ministers and heads of delegation from APEC economies.

As Vietnam prepares to host APEC 2027, Minister Tuan was invited by Chinese Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an, the host of APEC 2026, to deliver a keynote address during the main session on macroeconomic developments, alongside senior representatives from China’s and the US’ finance ministries.

The invitation to deliver the opening address at this key macroeconomic policy dialogue reflected the host economy’s and other APEC members’ recognition of Vietnam’s standing and credibility. It also acknowledged the country’s notable achievements in macroeconomic management in recent years.

At the meeting, the global and regional economic outlook was a central topic of analysis by representatives of international organisations and member economies. According to assessments by the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), regional growth prospects were being shaped by a combination of geopolitical risks and technological drivers, particularly AI.

International financial institutions warned that conflicts in the Middle East could disrupt supply chains and energy transportation, while El Niño could threaten food security. These factors could put upward pressure on prices and push regional inflation to 4.2 per cent.

Meanwhile, the surge in AI investment and technology equipment exports continued to support growth, while also highlighting disparities in digital infrastructure development among economies.

Regarding policy priorities, the AIIB recommended stepping up investment in digital infrastructure and the energy transition, with public investment serving as catalytic capital to mobilise additional financing from the private sector.

During the discussions, representatives of member economies shared policy measures aimed at strengthening macroeconomic resilience. The US Department of the Treasury highlighted the role of technological innovation in stimulating investment flows and praised supply chain adjustments and inventory management measures that helped mitigate the impact of volatility in energy markets.

China’s Ministry of Finance outlined its goal of maintaining economic growth at around 5 per cent, accelerating the green transition, and reviving aggregate demand through a 30 trillion yuan ($4.5 trillion) public investment disbursement plan linked to strengthening the social security system.

Photo: MoF

Speaking at the macroeconomic discussion, Minister Tuan shared his assessment of global and regional economic developments and presented Vietnam’s macroeconomic performance and outlook for the first nine months of 2026.

Global economic growth was projected at 3.1 per cent in 2026 and 3.4 per cent in 2027, supported by flexibility in energy markets and investment in AI. However, the global economy continued to face risks from geopolitical tensions, high interest rates, and technological gaps between economies.

Vietnam, meanwhile, recorded strong economic growth in the first nine months of 2026, with GDP expanding by 9 per cent and the consumer price index rising by 4.52 per cent.

The country also received several positive signals, including an upgrade to emerging market status for its stock market, an investment-grade credit rating, and its entry into the upper-middle-income country group. Foreign investment attraction reached a record high, with registered capital totalling $50.36 billion.

Public expenditure was also restructured to improve efficiency, with development investment accounting for approximately 40 per cent of total expenditure. Recurrent spending was reduced through the streamlining of the administrative apparatus. Public debt remained at a safe level of around 35–36 per cent of GDP, providing fiscal space for investment in strategic infrastructure and key projects.

Minister Tuan stated that these achievements had been underpinned by effective coordination between targeted expansionary fiscal policy, flexible monetary policy, and institutional reforms.

Looking towards 2027, Vietnam aims to achieve double-digit economic growth while safeguarding macroeconomic stability and renewing its growth model through greater reliance on science and technology.

On October 21, as part of FMM 2026, Minister Tuan and the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance delegation are scheduled to continue attending sessions and holding bilateral meetings. At the meeting’s closing ceremony, Vietnam will officially assume the role of host economy for APEC 2027.

Special mechanism approved to accelerate APEC 2027 projects in Phu Quoc The resolution on special mechanisms and policies to address problems for projects and works serving the APEC 2027 Summit in Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone will take effect from September 1.

Vietnam prepares communications campaign for APEC 2027 On September 24, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with Khanh Hoa People’s Committee, held a nationwide training conference on communication skills for Vietnam APEC 2027.

Phu Quoc Airport planning adjusted to serve APEC 2027 Phu Quoc International Airport’s revised planning adds critical aviation, technical and commercial infrastructure to meet APEC 2027 demands while creating capacity for long-term growth.

Following the high-level dialogue session on the morning of October 28, the city is expected to announce investment projects by domestic and foreign businesses.

“As of now, the organising committee has received and compiled information on around 12 ventures by domestic and foreign businesses, worth over $13.5 billion,” Duy said.

AEF 2026 will be held from October 26 to 29 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: VIR team

Another notable development is that the Vietnam's International Financial Centre (VIFC) in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to announce a list of 10 members joining the centre on the morning of October 28.

The announcement comes as Ho Chi Minh City steps up efforts to establish its IFC, with a view to broadening access to international financial institutions, investors, and capital flows.

The forum is chaired by Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and organised by the HCMC C4IR. The main activities on October 27 and 28 will be held at Thiskyhall Sala Convention Centre, in collaboration with and co-branded with the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The Autumn Economic Forum (AEF 2026) is expected to feature 21 discussion sessions, including thematic sessions, high-level sessions, and in-depth presentations, alongside 16 side events involving countries, businesses, and domestic and international partners.

The forum is also expected to include around 20 bilateral meetings between government leaders and Ho Chi Minh City leaders and participating guests, as well as approximately 300 presentations and speeches by domestic and international experts and speakers.

One of the highlights will be the CEO 500 programme on October 26, focused on the convergence of foreign investment, technology, and global financial flows. The programme is expected to bring together more than 500 domestic and international business leaders to discuss shifts in investment capital, technology, and financial flows, while creating networking opportunities for corporations, investors, and Vietnamese businesses.

On October 27, 16 thematic sessions will focus on the transition to new growth models, institutions, finance, strategic technologies, innovation, and international cooperation in science and technology.

Through the exchange of experience and perspectives among experts, scientists, policymakers, and the business community, the sessions aim to identify new growth drivers, connect resources, and promote international cooperation opportunities, helping align global development trends with Vietnam’s development priorities.

Meanwhile, the Rising Star Arena technology showcase is expected to bring together around 30 exhibitors presenting products and solutions in AI, digital infrastructure, smart manufacturing, green energy, fintech, and biotechnology.

On October 28, the forum will feature a high-level plenary session on the convergence of emerging global growth hubs, alongside a dialogue with the prime minister focused on positioning Vietnam in the global future. The dialogue will bring together the prime minister and senior leaders of the World Economic Forum to discuss the country's development vision, strategic choices, and position in the evolving global growth landscape.

Through direct questions and exchanges, the dialogue will explore how Vietnam views the forces reshaping the global economy, the country’s development choices, and how it intends to position itself in a new phase of growth. It will highlight Vietnam’s vision, strategic direction, and message as the country seeks to move from being an active participant to becoming a co-creator of new growth and cooperation opportunities.

In the afternoon, in-depth presentations and dialogues among ministerial-level leaders from various countries will further examine emerging growth drivers, shifts in capital flows, the impact of AI, and the need for cooperation in the green transition.

On October 29, the forum will continue with activities to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom, China, the Nordic countries, and Israel, focusing on trade, investment, logistics, science and technology, and innovation.

Ho Chi Minh City holds dialogue with businesses to address operational hurdles At a dialogue between Ho Chi Minh City authorities and businesses on October 9, participants focused on resolving obstacles related to investment, taxation, customs, environmental issues, and administrative procedures in industrial parks.

Ho Chi Minh City climbs 17 places in Global Financial Centres Index Ho Chi Minh City scored 692 points and ranked 67th globally in the 40th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index, released in late September.

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