Representatives of the Vietnamese and Singaporean governments congratulated the cooperation between the two countries

Under the newly approved investment plan, the VSIP joint venture will develop five new industrial parks in Haiphong, Nghe An, Hue, Ha Nam and Ho Chi Minh City.

These licences propel the VSIP network to 26 projects nationwide, marking a significant stride towards the '30 by 30' goal, a strategic vision to reach 30 developments in time for VSIP’s 30^th anniversary in 2026, as envisioned by the leaders of both governments.

As international markets adopt stricter requirements such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and net-zero targets, VSIP has advanced its industrial ecosystem.

Since 2023, smart industrial park models featuring integrated management solutions have been deployed, notably at VSIP III Binh Duong.

Today, VSIP is further accelerating its transition towards the VSIP 2.0 vision, offering a differentiated portfolio that meets diverse industry requirements and long-term sustainability ambitions.

At the Vietnam-Singapore Tech Connect Forum, held in Singapore as part of the working visit by a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, VSIP introduced the VSIP 2.0 model, signalling a strategic shift towards higher-value, innovation-driven ecosystems.

A defining feature of VSIP 2.0 is the activation of the triple-helix model, which synchronizes the efforts of government, academia, and industry. By bridging the gap between research-linked commercialisation and industrial application, VSIP 2.0 ensures that tenants are not merely competing on cost but are integrated into a future-ready talent and technology pipeline.

This vision was translated into immediate action at the forum through the exchange of MoUs with Luxshare and Coherent. These partnerships reflect the triple-helix in motion, combining smart industrial operations with digital transformation and innovation-led manufacturing to build a fully integrated, rather than fragmented, industrial landscape.

Those new projects include:

Vinh Lap IP (VSIP IV Binh Duong): Strategically located in Ho Chi Minh City, serving as a key industrial gateway north of Ho Chi Minh City. As a multi-industry hub, it prioritises high-value manufacturing and advanced processing. In line with the VSIP 2.0 vision, it is designed to evolve into a next-generation model integrating smart infrastructure and sustainable operations.

Ha Nam High-tech Park (VSIP Ha Nam) is Vietnam’s fifth high-tech park focusing on AI and semiconductors. Developed in Ninh Binh province, this is the fifth high-tech park of its kind in Vietnam designed to attract specialised industries including AI, electronics, semiconductors, and biotechnology. It features three functional zones: a high-tech research and testing zone; a production and high-tech application zone; and a startup and innovation centre.

Tien Lang 2 IP (VSIP Haiphong II) which was approved by Haiphong as an eco-industrial park, focusing on clean and low-emission industries. The project is designed to support efficient resource use and reduce environmental impact, providing a competitive advantage for businesses facing global ESG mandates like CBAM.

Tho Loc IP - Phase 2 (VSIP Nghe An IV) is VSIP’s fourth project in Nghe An province, marking a strategic expansion of the province’s industrial capacity. This project reinforces VSIP’s long-term commitment to Nghe An following the 2025 approval of VSIP III Nghe An.

VSIP Hue IP is a green and smart IP covering 467 hectares in Hue. Located adjacent to La Son–Tuy Loan Expressway and National Highway No.14B, it offers seamless connectivity to major economic centres and functional zones in the central region.

Sembcorp Development secures licence for VSIP in Khanh Hoa On December 31, Sembcorp Development (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries), in partnership with Becamex IDC Corporation, received an investment licence to develop a new Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in Khanh Hoa Province.

Sembcorp Development gains approval for VSIP Hue On January 29, Sembcorp Development, through its Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) joint venture with Becamex IDC, has received approval to develop VSIP Hue, a 467-hectare industrial park in central Vietnam.

Singapore to expand VSIP presence in Vietnam to 30 parks Singapore will increase the number of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks to 30 this year, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said during phone talks with his Vietnamese counterpart.

Bui Hoang Phuong, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology

Speaking at the forum, Bui Hoang Phuong, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, said that Vietnam identifies sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers to enhance labour productivity, improve growth quality, and strengthen national competitiveness to achieve rapid and sustainable development.

“In this process, digital technologies, particularly AI and big data, have truly become remarkable breakthroughs and play an especially important role. AI has been identified as one of the strategic technologies that Vietnam must master and promote for widespread application across all aspects of socioeconomic life,” he said.

To effectively advance AI, according to Phuong, Vietnam has identified several core priorities, including research and development aimed at achieving technological self-reliance; promoting AI adoption with the key objective of transforming mindsets and improving AI literacy among citizens, businesses, and organisations; strengthening governance and addressing social impacts with a human-centric approach while supporting workforce reskilling and career transition training; and enhancing international cooperation, research sharing, and the development of a common global AI ecosystem.

Thang Luong, principal scientist and director of Research at Google DeepMind and co-founder of NTI, shared his long-standing concerns over the past decade regarding the development of a high-quality AI workforce for Vietnam.

“My biggest aspiration is that by 2030, Vietnam will have 100,000 highly skilled AI engineers. This workforce will become the driving force enabling Vietnam to deploy any technological solution in the world and emerge as a deeptech hub,” Luong told VIR.

“Having a large pool of talented people will help create a peer ecosystem, encouraging overseas Vietnamese talent to return and contribute to the country,” he added.

However, Luong explained that talent alone would not be sufficient to achieve this goal, noting that Vietnam must also prepare other critical foundations, including robust computing infrastructure and a vibrant startup environment.

Modern AI, particularly deep learning, requires enormous processing power from GPUs such as those developed by Nvidia or specialised chips like Tensor Processing Units, which are being utilised by Google. At the same time, Vietnam needs to foster a dynamic startup ecosystem inspired by Silicon Valley, capable of attracting international experts and investors to help build the country’s AI ecosystem.

To achieve the target of 100,000 AI engineers, Luong proposed several new approaches, including a 'train-the-trainers' model, under which trainers would be equipped with technological expertise along with the ability to inspire learners and foster human values, such as the joy of helping others.

Secondly, he highlighted the need to train lecturers to utilise AI in creating teaching materials and personalising education. AI can automatically adapt content by providing simpler explanations for beginners or more advanced knowledge for high-performing learners.

Finally, Luong stressed the importance of stronger collaboration from the business community, noting that partnerships with major corporations would help accelerate the realisation of shared goals.

Wendy Nguyen, co-founder and partner of Pacific Gateway Partners, shared insights on national strategy, economic development, and the integration of technology with human capabilities.

Nguyen noted that while Vietnam possesses enormous potential and resources, success will depend on two key factors: a clear national strategy and a strong execution team.

“Vietnam needs top-tier strategic experts to map out a clear roadmap and determine where to begin, rather than spreading resources too thinly across too many areas at once. At the same time, hardcore executors – a combination of strategic thinkers, decisive operators, and technology specialists – will help elevate Vietnam to a new level,” she said.

Nguyen also proposed a 'special task force' model, suggesting that instead of simply following the direction of major global players, Vietnam should focus on building small but highly capable teams, similar to how a group of just 50 people at Google was able to launch new and innovative products.

Pacific Gateway Partners aims to strengthen Vietnam’s global connectivity through initiatives such as building alliances among the United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam to leverage shared resources and mutual support. The firm is also seeking to capture 'early-win' opportunities by identifying sectors where other countries face supply shortages and positioning Vietnam as a provider, such as in bio-manufacturing to help reduce the dependence of the US, Japan, and South Korea on alternative supply sources.

Technology transfer is another critical objective, according to Nguyen. “Financial investment alone is not enough. Vietnam also needs the ‘fishing rod’, meaning the ability to master technology so that it does not become dependent on or controlled by investors,” she said.

As Asia accelerates its AI capabilities, supported by a young and dynamic workforce alongside rising cross-border investment flows, GStar 2026 seeked to strengthen collaboration between businesses and academia across the region.

The event featured speakers and distinguished guests from leading technology corporations, including Google, FPT, Qualcomm, Boryung, and MoMo; prestigious academic institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI); as well as pioneering startups including LIFE AI, Calif, Tynapse, and Kotoba Technologies, alongside scientists, innovators, policymakers, and investors.

Beyond academic discussions, the forum focused on advancing practical AI applications and talent development for Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region more broadly, serving as a strategic bridge connecting businesses, innovators, and investors. The event also featured live demonstrations of notable AI applications in healthcare, fintech, and generative AI.

GStar 2026 continues the series of annual AI events organised by New Turing Institute since 2018 to connect Vietnam’s AI community with global experts. Notable examples include GenAI 2024, which attracted more than 800 participants and featured over 17 prominent speakers, including Jeff Dean, chief scientist of Google, and AI Day 2023, which drew more than 1,300 attendees and over 27 renowned speakers, including Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Christopher Manning, director of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Stanford University.

Vietnam maintains stable AI outlook in 2026 survey Vietnam’s AI adoption and public sentiment remained broadly stable in 2026, with the country scoring 58.4 points in the latest WIN World AI Index, compared to 58.5 points a year earlier.

Vietnam’s digital growth bet As Vietnam races towards an ambitious double-digit growth target, policymakers and tech leaders are pushing to turn digital transformation, AI and regulatory sandbox reforms from long-term strategy into immediate economic momentum.

Held from May 26-28 in Hong Kong, Vinexpo Asia 2026 welcomed 14,273 trade professionals from 76 markets and 38 producing countries, marking a significant increase compared to the previous edition in 2024. The strong participation reflected not only the exhibition’s growing influence across the region, but also the determination of global wine and spirits producers to strengthen their presence in Asia-Pacific.

The turnout underscored a growing consensus among international industry players that Asia remains one of the world's most attractive markets for long-term growth, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, slower global economic expansion, and evolving consumer preferences that continue to reshape the beverage industry.

For Hong Kong, the event reinforced its role as a gateway to Greater China and a critical hub connecting global suppliers with Asian buyers. Since its debut in the city in 1998, Vinexpo Asia has become one of the region’s most influential trade gatherings for the wine and spirits sector. This year marked the 10^th edition held in Hong Kong, further cementing the city’s position as a regional centre for international commerce.

The exhibition received strong support from local authorities and international institutions. Addressing the opening ceremony, Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong special administrative region government, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique role as a bridge between mainland China and global markets.

“As a super-connector and super value-adder, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to link the Chinese mainland and the international market,” Chan said.

The regional importance of the event was reflected in visitor demographics. Approximately 75 per cent of attendees came from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian economies, including Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Participation from Southeast Asia continued to expand, reflecting the region’s rising purchasing power and growing influence in global beverage consumption trends.

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this year’s edition was the continued commitment of international producers to Asian markets. Despite persistent uncertainty surrounding global trade and economic growth, the number of producing countries represented at the exhibition increased to 38 from 35 two years ago. Nine countries, including Austria, Belgium, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Tunisia, and Uruguay, participated for the first time.

The growing diversity of exhibitors suggests that producers increasingly view Asia not merely as an export destination but as a strategic market essential to future business development. Alongside established wine-producing nations such as France, Italy, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and the United States, emerging producers are also seeking opportunities to capture market share in a region where premiumisation and changing consumer preferences continue to create new demand.

According to Grace Ghazalé, international events director at Vinexposium, the increase in international participation sends a strong signal about the resilience and attractiveness of Asian markets.

“The growth in international exhibitors confirms that, despite a complex global economic and trade environment, operators continue to consider Asia a strategic market,” she said.

Beyond traditional wine categories, Vinexpo Asia also showcased broader transformations taking place within the beverage sector. One of the most notable developments was the rapid expansion of Be Spirits, Vinexposium’s dedicated platform for spirits, beer, cider, sake, and mixology. The segment brought together 105 exhibitors from 18 countries, compared to only 13 exhibitors at the previous edition, reflecting growing demand for premium and innovative alcoholic beverages across the region.

The exhibition also highlighted the emergence of alcohol-free alternatives. Although still relatively small, no-alcohol products accounted for one in 10 exhibitor references, signalling the gradual shift towards more health-conscious consumption habits among Asian consumers. Together, these trends point to a market that is becoming increasingly sophisticated, diversified, and driven by consumer choice.

For industry participants, the event offered more than a showcase of products. It provided a platform for understanding changing market dynamics, identifying emerging opportunities, and building partnerships across one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.

Looking ahead, Vinexposium announced plans to establish Vinexpo Asia as an annual event hosted in a single Asian hub from 2027 onwards. The move aims to provide greater stability and consistency for exhibitors and trade professionals seeking long-term engagement with Asian markets.

The financial picture of many listed firms in the first quarter of 2026 showed a trend of asset expansion alongside rising debt and equity capital.

According to financial data from listed companies as of March 31, both liabilities and total assets have increased steadily in recent years.

Rising capital costs are placing substantial pressure on corporate profits in 2026

Specifically, liabilities of surveyed listed firms rose from more than $816 billion at the end of Q1/2025 to nearly $1.016 trillion by the end of Q1/2026, while total assets increased from approximately $1 trillion to more than $1.2 trillion.

In Q1, the number of companies with higher interest expense-to-revenue ratios compared with the same period last year exceeded the number of companies reporting declines.

Among large-cap listed firms, interest expenses remained exceptionally high. Vingroup continued to record the highest interest expenses among listed companies at approximately $301 million, followed by Vinhomes at around $102 million, Hoa Phat at roughly $53 million, and Masan Group at more than $48 million.

Interest cost pressure has also become increasingly evident among securities companies, a sector that has rapidly expanded its asset scale over the past two years.

Amid intensifying competition, many securities firms have accelerated margin lending, technology investment, and service ecosystem expansion, leading to greater capital mobilisation needs.

The upward trend in interest expenses appeared across most securities companies. At Tien Phong Securities (TPS), for example, the ratio of interest expense to net operating revenue increased from 34.2 per cent in Q1/2025 to nearly 47 per cent in Q1/2026. At DSC Securities, the ratio rose from 21.5 per cent at the end of Q1/2025 to 33.6 per cent by the end of Q1/2026.

Pressure from rising capital costs is not only reflected in the financial statements of listed companies. According to a survey conducted by the National Statistics Office on factors affecting production and business activities in Q1, rising lending rates became a significant challenge for 32 per cent of surveyed businesses, marking a sharp increase from the previous quarter.

Higher capital costs are creating multidimensional impacts on corporate operations in 2026. The increase in interest rates has significantly intensified financial pressure.

Beyond increasing borrowing costs, higher capital costs are also affecting investment expansion capacity, project implementation speed, and corporate cash flow resilience, particularly in highly leveraged sectors such as real estate, securities, steel, and infrastructure.

According to credit rating agency S&I Ratings, competitive pressure is forcing securities companies to accelerate investment in technology, data infrastructure, AI, and risk management.

At the same time, compliance costs are also rising to meet stricter requirements on financial safety and system transparency.

In addition, the capital structure of the securities industry remains heavily skewed towards short-term debt, which currently accounts for approximately 96 per cent of total liabilities.

The ratio of liquid assets to short-term debt stands at only around 43 per cent and has been declining over the years. Funding costs for securities companies are also facing upward pressure.

In the real estate sector, S&I Ratings noted that the 2026 business plans of listed companies reveal clear divergence. One of the main reasons stems from pressure from rising construction costs and higher interest rates.

According to market observations, preferential lending rates in Q1 increased to 8-10 per cent, per year during the initial fixed-rate period before floating to 11-14 per cent per year, significantly higher than the commonly seen 6-8 per cent range in 2025.

Pressure from rising borrowing costs on homebuyers has forced many developers to introduce financial support policies to maintain liquidity and stimulate market demand.

Experts believe that 2026-2027 will more likely represent a cycle of increasing supply rather than the beginning of another strong real estate price surge. This means companies will face fiercer competition in selling prices, payment policies, and financial capability.

In an environment where interest rates no longer remain at prolonged low levels as in previous years, the challenge of controlling financial leverage and optimising capital efficiency will become increasingly crucial for businesses.

Maintaining stable cash flow, a safe debt structure, and efficient capital turnover will provide companies with a significant advantage during a period of rising capital costs.

Local manufacturers display concern over high capital costs Local manufacturers are finding it more difficult to restore their profits this year following a 9-month low industrial growth.

Local stocks to slow on mixed corporate earnings as investors wait for int'l events Vietnamese shares made slight gains last week and the benchmark local index is expected to consolidate under the 1,000 point level before advancing, analysts say.

2025 profits mixed amid strong energy and farming results Corporate earnings in 2025 showed a sharp divergence, with energy and agriculture companies posting strong profit growth, while several firms in other sectors fell short of annual targets.

The fuel, which consists of 10 per cent ethanol blended with 90 per cent conventional petrol, is expected to play a key role in supporting Vietnam’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. E10 is a fuel blend consisting of 10 per cent ethanol, a renewable biofuel, and 90 per cent conventional petrol.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the widespread adoption of E10 petrol could help reduce approximately 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. The ministry estimates that every litre of conventional petrol consumed generates between 2.3 and 2.5 kg of CO₂ emissions.

By replacing 10 per cent of mineral petrol consumption with ethanol, Vietnam could effectively reduce the use of around one billion litres of fossil-based fuel annually.

Dao Duy Anh, deputy director general of the MoIT's Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion, said that ethanol offers a significant environmental advantage due to its carbon cycle. During cultivation, feedstock crops absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, partially offsetting emissions generated during fuel combustion.

“The carbon-neutral characteristics of ethanol contribute to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels,” Anh noted.

Beyond environmental benefits, the introduction of E10 is also viewed as a strategic measure to diversify fuel supply sources amid growing uncertainties in global energy markets.

Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have increased concerns over global oil supply stability and price volatility. In this context, biofuels are increasingly being recognised as an important component of energy security strategies worldwide.

Bui Ngoc Bao, chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association, said that ethanol imports, which currently account for around 70-80 per cent of Vietnam’s blending demand, help reduce the risks associated with overreliance on crude oil imports from a limited number of regions.

“Diversifying feedstock and fuel supply sources will strengthen the resilience of the domestic energy market against external shocks,” Bao said.

Vietnam’s current biofuel consumption is estimated at one million cubic metres per month, requiring approximately 100,000 cu.m of ethanol for blending. Domestic ethanol production capacity currently stands at about 25,000 cu.m per month, with the remaining demand met through imports.

To ensure market stability during the transition period, E5 RON 92 petrol will continue to be sold alongside E10 until the end of 2030.

The nationwide rollout places Vietnam among a growing number of economies accelerating the adoption of biofuels as part of their decarbonisation strategies.

According to the Statistical Review of World Energy 2025, the United States and Brazil remain the world’s largest biofuel producers, accounting for 37 per cent and 22 per cent of global supply, respectively. Other major economies have also recorded strong growth in biofuel production and consumption, including China, India and Canada.

However, experts caution that the environmental performance of biofuels should be assessed across their entire lifecycle, including feedstock cultivation, transportation and ethanol production processes.

To maximise climate benefits, many advanced economies are increasingly investing in next-generation biofuels produced from agricultural residues such as rice straw, crop waste and microbial sources, rather than relying solely on conventional feedstocks.

As Vietnam expands the use of E10 petrol, further investment in domestic ethanol production and advanced biofuel technologies will be critical to ensuring both environmental protection and long-term energy security.

According to Dr. Vo Kim Dien, M.Sc., deputy head of Hy Vong Cancer Centre, FV Hospital, lung cancer patients are now classified based on specific gene mutations or Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression levels in order to select the most appropriate therapy for each individual.

“Molecular testing is a mandatory step before establishing a treatment plan. Identifying the correct mutation enables doctors to select next-generation targeted therapies, thereby optimising patient survival outcomes,” Dien noted.

PD-L1 is a type of protein found on the surface of cells. Some lung cancer cells produce high levels of PD-L1 to ‘trick’ the immune system, preventing immune cells from attacking them.

In Asia, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations are found in approximately 14 per cent to 46 per cent of lung cancer patients. EGFR is a protein found on the surface of cells that helps regulate cell growth and division. These mutations are commonly detected in female non-smokers.

FV doctors perform robotic-assisted lung tumour resection using state-of-the art Da Vinci Xi system. Photo: FV

In addition to controlling advanced-stage disease, targeted therapy is also used as adjuvant treatment in early-stage cancer to reinforce surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Dr. Vo Thi Phuong Thao, M.Sc., senior consultant at Hy Vong Cancer Centre, shared the case of a 48-year-old non-smoking woman diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer carrying an EGFR mutation.

Following the development of a personalised treatment regimen, the patient underwent four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy over a three-year period. After more than 53 months of follow-up, she remains in good health, with no signs of recurrence or disease progression.

Another case involved a female patient born in 1964 whose lung cancer metastasized in 2018. Thanks to the identification of a gene mutation and long-term targeted therapy, she has remained in stable condition for many years while successfully controlling the disease.

Da Vinci Xi robot enables precision surgery while preserving lung function

Alongside medical treatment, thoracic surgery is also undergoing major transformation through robotic technology and early intervention strategies.

Dr. Dang Dinh Minh Thanh, PhD, specialist level II – head of Thoracic Surgery Department; head of FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre, explained that for small lung nodules under 3cm located deep within the lungs but suspected of malignancy, needle biopsy through the chest wall may sometimes lead to complications such as pneumothorax or produce false-negative results.

“The optimal approach is minimally invasive surgery combined with intraoperative frozen-section biopsy. Results are available within minutes, allowing surgeons to determine the appropriate extent of resection and lymph node dissection during a single operation. This strategy removes malignant tissue and preserves as much healthy lung tissue as possible,” Thanh said.

At FV Hospital, this strategy is implemented with high precision using the Da Vinci Xi robotic system, which enables sophisticated surgical manipulation within confined anatomical spaces, improves control of major blood vessels, and supports faster postoperative recovery.

Doctors at the Hy Vong Cancer Centre consult a patient on treatment options. Photo: FV

Thanh shared the case of a 68-year-old woman with a solid pulmonary nodule suspected of malignancy. Using the Da Vinci Xi robotic system combined with intraoperative frozen-section biopsy, the surgical team precisely removed the affected lung tissue containing the tumour while preserving healthy lung tissue.

Examination of the surgical margins and lymph nodes showed no evidence of malignant cells. The patient recovered remarkably well after surgery while maintaining normal respiratory function.

In another case, a patient with a small pulmonary nodule had been monitored for 17 months because the lesion was initially suspected to be benign.

After several inconclusive biopsies, the patient eventually underwent surgery, and the tumour was confirmed to be cancerous.

Thanh explained that personalised surgical strategies using robotic technology combined with early intraoperative biopsy for lesions smaller than 3cm can facilitate early treatment, improve success rates, and significantly reduce treatment costs.

An important aspect of personalised treatment at FV is the approach designed for patients who are not suitable candidates for major surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, or targeted therapy due to the absence of actionable mutations.

According to Dien, for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities or poor physical condition, FV applies metronomic therapy using continuous low-dose oral medication. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which administers high doses in cycles, metronomic therapy delivers medication regularly to inhibit tumour growth while minimising side effects.

Clinical outcomes at FV have shown this approach to be an effective solution for maintaining disease stability, reducing treatment-related toxicity, and prolonging survival in patients who are unable to tolerate intensive regimens.

Modern lung cancer treatment is no longer managed by a single speciality alone but requires close multidisciplinary collaboration to tailor treatment plans to each patient.

To share expertise and update the domestic medical community on the latest advances, FV Hospital organised a workshop on personalised lung cancer treatment, covering the journey from theory to clinical practice, on May 23.

The workshop on personalised lung cancer treatment organised by FV Hospital on May 23. Photo: FV

The workshop featured leading experts including Le Thuong Vu, MD, PhD – head of Pulmonology Department, University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City; Dr Nguyen Duy Sinh, PhD – MD, Gene Solutions Vietnam; and FV specialists including Dr Vu Truong Son, M.Sc. – MD, FV Hospital; Dr Basma M’Barek – head of Hy Vong Cancer Centre, FV Hospital; along with Hy Vong Centre medical team, including Dr. Vo Kim Dien, M.Sc.; Dr. Vo Thi Phuong Thao, M.Sc.; and Dr Dang Dinh Minh Thanh, PhD, specialist level II – head of Thoracic Surgery Department; head of FV da Vinci Robotic Surgery Centre.

This workshop is one of FV Hospital’s in-depth academic initiatives aimed at sharing clinical experience and updating the national medical community on the latest advances in personalised cancer treatment.

Robotic surgery advances women's health at FV Hospital A French obstetrician and gynaecologist with more than three decades of experience is applying robotic surgery at FV Hospital to enhance precision, fertility preservation, and recovery outcomes for women.

FV doctors use cutting-edge system to remove complex fibroids A 52-year-old patient with multiple large fibroids was treated using the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery at FV Hospital – eliminating the pathology and preserving the uterus.

Robotic surgery treats high-risk pulmonary mycosis After six months of unsuccessful high-dose antifungal treatment in Cambodia and Thailand, a 58-year-old Cambodian patient underwent da Vinci Xi robotic surgery at FV Hospital, preventing life-threatening massive hemoptysis and enabling rapid recovery within just three days.

Beyond recognising exceptional steel-based architectural projects and concepts in Vietnam, this year’s offering seeks to foster architectural innovation through steel applications and create a platform for sharing practical experiences from completed projects, particularly those utilising NS BlueScope Vietnam’s materials and solutions.

The initiative reinforces that steel is a prime solution for structural requirements and durability, while increasingly becoming part of architectural language associated with flexibility, efficiency, and sustainable development.

A representative of NS BlueScope Vietnam said, “We believe every coated steel structure has the potential to become a ‘Timeless Design.’ This Award serves as a platform to honour outstanding designs while inspiring creative thinking and the application of advanced materials to shape sustainable values for future generations.”

The awards are open nationwide and includes two main categories: Professional and Student.

The Professional category is open to design consultancies, architects, contractors, or in-house design teams of project owners legally operating in Vietnam, with entries in two groups: Industrial and Commercial.

The Student category focuses on industrial architecture design concepts. This year marks the first time the category has been expanded, providing broader opportunities for industrial architectural ideas to connect with the professional community and real-world construction practices.

Entries will be evaluated based on category-specific criteria.

For the Professional category, projects will be assessed across three criteria: Design Excellence (50 per cent), Innovation in applying steel materials and solutions (30 per cent), and Sustainability (20 per cent).

Eligible projects must be completed and operational in Vietnam, utilising COLORBOND® or ZINCALUME® steel.

For the Student category, submissions will be evaluated across five equally weighted criteria (20 per cent each): design concept, flexibility, innovation, sustainability, and creativity in applying steel materials and solutions.

This year’s jury panel comprises 15 judges across both categories, including architects, experts, lecturers, researchers, and industry representatives from universities, the Ho Chi Minh City Architects Association, the Department of Planning and Architecture, as well as professionals in green building, industrial ready-built factory development, and the construction sector in Vietnam.

For each project group and category, the jury will award one First Prize, one Second Prize, and two Third Prizes. The total value of prizes and scholarships exceeds VND 200 million ($7,700).

The submission period runs from May to June 28. The results of the Vietnam Steel Architecture Awards are expected to be announced in August. Participants may submit multiple entries without limitation.

Top-winning projects in the Professional category (Industrial and Commercial groups) will represent Vietnam at the BlueScope ASEAN Steel Architecture Awards, scheduled to take place in Bangkok in November.

This presents an opportunity for Vietnamese projects to gain broader regional recognition while contributing to the discourse on steel-based architectural practices aligned with sustainable development.

For detailed regulations and submission guidelines, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/Giai-thuong-kien-truc-2026

NS BlueScope Vietnam is trusted for its high-quality coated steel products, advanced technology, and innovative solutions. The company partners with clients to create iconic, aesthetically refined, and sustainable structures, contributing to national infrastructure development and sustainability goals in Vietnam.

Its flagship brands include COLORBOND^®, ZINCALUME^®, and steel building solutions under the LYSAGHT^® brand and other trusted partners.

Operating across Southeast Asia and the west coast of North America, NS BlueScope is a joint venture between BlueScope (Australia) and Nippon Steel (Japan), employing more than 2,500 staff across 30 facilities in six countries.

NS BlueScope Vietnam’s premium coated and pre-painted steel products are certified by reputable organisations and comply with international standards such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 50001:2018. The company is also the first steel manufacturer in Vietnam and Southeast Asia to achieve ResponsibleSteel™ certification and has published environmental product declarations, providing transparent information on product environmental impacts for stakeholders.

NS BlueScope Vietnam honours excellence at 2024 Vietnam Industrial Architecture Awards NS BlueScope Vietnam, a steel coil coater and painter, was honoured at the 2024 Vietnam Industrial Architecture Awards on September 23.

NS BlueScope Vietnam a torch-bearer of responsible steel production As the first steel company in Vietnam to receive the ResponsibleSteelTM certification, NS BlueScope Vietnam aims to become the torch-bearer for this global standard, spreading responsible steel throughout the domestic steel manufacturing community.

NS BlueScope Vietnam publishes Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) NS BlueScope Vietnam has announced on publishing its Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing transparent data on the environmental impact of its products.

The agreement was signed at the Thailand-Vietnam Business Forum 2026 in Bangkok under the witness of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

According to the agreement, Vung Ang III LNG Power Plant is to be developed in Hoanh Son ward. The total investment is estimated at VND51.43 trillion ($1.98 billion). The plant features two generating units with a total capacity of 1,500 MW. It is scheduled to put into commercial operation in 2030-2031.

The consortium in charge of the venture includes Petrovietnam Power Corporation (PV Power), Vietnam Machinery Installation Corporation, and B.Grimm Power Public Co., Ltd. PV Power is expected to hold a 51 per cent stake, while B.Grimm Power will take 34 per cent.

Vung Ang III will become one of the key LNG-to-power ventures in the North Central region. The project will supply a large-scale power source for Vietnam's national electricity grid amid rising electricity demand and energy transition efforts.

The venture is expected to gradually reduce the proportion of coal-fired power, diversify fuel supply, and encourage Vietnam’s sustainable development goals.

In addition, the initiative will contribute to the socioeconomic development of Ha Tinh and the North Central region by facilitating investment attraction, developing technical infrastructure and logistics, and supporting industries. It is estimated to contribute around $115.38 million annually to the state budget over its 25 years of operation.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of B.Grimm Power Vietnam, said, “The partnership to develop Vung Ang III LNG Power Plant marks a step forward in the energy collaboration between Vietnam and Thailand. It also reflects the combination of B.GRIMM Power’s international energy development experience with PV Power’s project execution capabilities and local understanding.”

“This partnership is expected to contribute to the development of a modern energy ecosystem, enhance Vietnam’s long-term stable power supply capacity, and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries.”

Founded in 1993, B.Grimm Power – a member of B.Grimm Group, Thailand's oldest industrial conglomerate – has become one of the region's leading energy companies.

B.Grimm Power has been present in Vietnam for more than 30 years. The company invests in multiple solar and wind power ventures, while also expanding research and investment into the data centre and digital infrastructure sectors.

SK Innovation-led consortium wins $2.3 billion LNG project in Nghe An A consortium led by South Korean energy giant SK Innovation has been appointed to develop the Quynh Lap Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Power Project in Nghe An province, securing one of Vietnam's largest foreign-invested energy ventures to date.

PV Power shakes hands with SK Group on Quynh Lap LNG thermal power plant On May 18, the Nghe An People’s Committee and a consortium comprising PV Power, Nghe An Sugar Company (NASU), and SK Innovation held a ceremony to launch technical infrastructure works for the Quynh Lap LNG thermal power plant with a total investment of nearly $2.2 billion.

B.Grimm deepens sustainability footprint in Vietnam’s energy sector At the 2022 Vietnam M&A Forum at the Gem Centre in Ho Chi Minh City on November 23, B.Grimm Power Public Co., Ltd. received an Outstanding M&A Deal Award for the demerger of the 420MW Dau Tieng Tay Ninh Solar Power Complex.

C.P. Vietnam is set to strengthen AI adoption across its integrated Feed-Farm-Food value chain under a strategic cooperation agreement signed between Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Public Co., Ltd. and FPT Corporation (FPT).

The cooperation will focus on agriculture, food processing, smart manufacturing, and supply-chain management in Vietnam, with C.P. Vietnam Corporation and FPT set to explore the development and deployment of AI and digital solutions.

Under the agreement, C.P. Vietnam Corporation, a subsidiary under CPF and one of Vietnam’s leading integrated agri-food corporations, and FPT will explore AI and digital solutions across C.P. Vietnam’s integrated Feed-Farm-Food value chain, from farm to family, and its supply-chain networks from 2026 to 2028 and beyond.

The scope of cooperation covers Smart Camera and AI Vision, Smart Scales and Customer Experience, Smart Manufacturing and Smart Supply Chain, Industrial Internet of Things platforms and Centralised Data Integration, Agentic AI for Operational Intelligence, Food Safety and Traceability, and Smart Farm Model and Farmer Ecosystem Expansion.

In the pilot phase, both sides will establish Smart Farm models at selected C.P. Vietnam facilities, targeting about a 20 per cent reduction in operational costs and 100 per cent food safety traceability.

The ambition is to turn the Smart Farm model into a practical engine for wider transformation, bringing FPT’s AI solutions into more C.P. Vietnam facilities and across its contract farmer network. This can create a pathway for Smart Farm and AI AgriTech solutions to reach farmers nationwide, supporting Vietnam’s broader agricultural modernisation agenda.

Pawalit Ua-amornwanit, CEO of C.P. Vietnam, said the company supported the Vietnam-Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Programme 2026-2030, which promotes economic cooperation, investment, technology transfer, and digital transformation.

“We look forward to leveraging digital transformation across C.P. Vietnam’s integrated Feed-Farm-Food value chain, from farm to family. C.P. Vietnam continues its efforts to become a trusted partner in shaping the sustainable future of Vietnam’s agri-food industry and nurturing life by delivering safe, high-quality offerings through innovative and sustainable practices,” Pawalit said.

Levi Nguyen, CEO of FPT Thailand and FPT Taiwan, added, “This partnership reflects a broader opportunity for Vietnam and Thailand to harness next-generation technologies to drive regional impact, strengthen food security, and sustain the growth and competitiveness of Southeast Asia’s agricultural value chains.”

Senior leaders from C.P. Group, CPF, and C.P. Vietnam attend the Thailand-Vietnam Business Forum 2026 alongside Vietnamese business representatives. Photo: CP

The MoU exchange ceremony between CPF and FPT took place at the Thailand-Vietnam Business Forum 2026 on May 28 in Bangkok. The event was attended by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

Held under the theme “Growing Together,” the forum commemorated the 50^th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations and highlighted Vietnam’s strategic commitment to technology-driven growth.

C.P. Vietnam Corporation, a member of Charoen Pokphand Group, has been operating in Vietnam since 1993. Today it is one of the leading agri-food corporations in Vietnam, operating an integrated Feed-Farm-Food business model in accordance with international standards to deliver high-quality and sustainable food solutions from farm to family.

Sustainability is embedded at the core of C.P. Vietnam’s business strategy and is driven through three key commitments: climate protection, improving quality of life, and advancing sustainable food systems. C.P. Vietnam is working towards its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, while continuing to expand renewable energy adoption and strengthen responsible resource management across its operations.

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

Throughout more than three decades of operations in Vietnam, C.P. Vietnam has remained steadfast in its “Three Benefits Principle,” placing the benefits of the country and its people at the centre of its values. C.P. Vietnam continuously strives to be a trusted partner in shaping the future of the agri-food industry.

C.P. Vietnam wins two prestigious ASEAN awards

C.P. Vietnam achieves goal of planting one million trees

C.P. Vietnam's three decades of growth and its journey to global dining tables

C.P. Vietnam accelerates ESG strategy across supply chain

On May 29, Tan See Leng, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Singapore and Le Manh Hung, Minister of Industry and Trade, Vietnam released a joint statement on supply chain resilience.

The two ministers express serious concern over the ongoing situation in the Middle East and its implications for global peace and stability. Accordingly, the conflict has significant repercussions beyond the Middle East, including on global energy markets and supply chains. In this regard, the two ministers reaffirm commitment to work closely together to manage the impact of these developments on the region, particularly in light of Vietnam and Singapore growing bilateral economic footprint, which reached $31.8 billion in merchandise trade in 2025.

"It is of critical importance for the global economy that sea lanes for global trade, energy flows and supply chains, including straits used for international navigation, are kept open. We collectively reaffirm the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the right of unimpeded transit passage, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," the statement noted.

The two sides also reinforced ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening intra-ASEAN trade and supply chain connectivity through improved trade facilitation and reduced logistical costs. Commitments were made to keeping markets open and connected, including through maintaining unimpeded trade flows, and will ensure that airports, seaports, and critical trade infrastructure remain operational to minimise disruptions to trade flows.

Vietnam and Singapore also reaffirmed commitment to diversify sources of trade and investment to support ASEAN businesses, including Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises, by leveraging ASEAN agreements, including through the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN+ FTAs and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and the timely conclusion and signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement within the year.

In addition, efforts will be made to swiftly approve/ratify relevant ASEAN Agreements such as the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, and Upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) within this year when possible, that will strengthen collective resilience to external economic disruptions, while ensuring mutual support in times of crises.

Commitments under the Upgraded ATIGA are reaffirmed, including but not limited to refraining from imposing trade-restricting non-tariff measures (NTMs), and committing to the rollback of all NTMs on essential goods that are inconsistent with rights and obligations under the World Trade Organization Agreements and relevant trade agreements both countries are parties to.

Where export prohibitions or restrictions on essential goods are instituted in accordance with GATT 1994, due consideration will be given to their potential effects on the domestic supply of essential goods in importing countries. Timely information sharing and consultations will be facilitated, alongside close coordination on joint mitigation strategies such as providing assistance for emergency procurement and transportation of essential goods and energy supplies upon request and where possible, to enhance the resilience of economies.

The two sides resolved to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in food security. Bilaterally, both countries are committed to the expeditious implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Rice Trade. The importance of avoiding unnecessary restrictive measures to boost the rice trade was also acknowledged.

In the face of heightened global uncertainty, both sides remain resolute in their commitment to work together in solidarity to uphold regional stability, strengthen economic resilience, and encourage an international order based on international law, including the UN Charter.

Southeast Asian e-commerce market hit $157 billion in 2025 Southeast Asia’s e-commerce gross merchandise value (GMV) grew 22.8 per cent on-year in 2025 to reach $157.6 billion, as leading platforms returned to growth while continuing to improve infrastructure, fulfilment, and customer experience, according to Momentum Works.

Singapore to expand VSIP presence in Vietnam to 30 parks Singapore will increase the number of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks to 30 this year, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said during phone talks with his Vietnamese counterpart.

Amata City Halong welcomes new project in semiconductor supply chain On May 25, Thai-backed developer Amata City Halong signed an agreement with Mutek Technology Vietnam to develop a manufacturing project serving the semiconductor industry, reinforcing the appeal of Song Khoai Industrial Park as a destination for high-tech foreign direct investment in Quang Ninh province.

Sarrazin will lead Avalara\'s global operations and strategy, focused on scaling the business, strengthening execution, and advancing innovation for customers and partners worldwide. This transition preserves continuity while sharpening Avalara\'s focus on execution and innovation in its next phase of growth. Sarrazin will also join Avalara\'s Board of Directors.

\"I\'m excited to join the leader for tax and compliance that leverages proprietary data and deep domain expertise to deliver intelligent, dynamic solutions for customers worldwide,\" said Sarrazin. \"Avalara is helping define how AI agents can automate and simplify compliance at global scale and already has a leading AI-powered platform and market presence that few companies can replicate. The opportunity now is to accelerate innovation even further, turning that advantage into more seamless outcomes for customers and partners globally.\"

Sarrazin has more than 30 years of experience building and scaling global software and technology businesses, with a strong track record of execution, innovation, and customer focus. He most recently served as President and CEO of Udemy, where he scaled the business through product-led and inorganic growth, advanced AI-driven innovation, and led the company through its sale to Coursera.

Prior to Udemy, Sarrazin was President and Chief Product and Technology Officer at UKG, where he led cloud transformation initiatives, expanded AI-driven solutions, and drove strategic acquisitions. He spent 26 years at McKinsey & Company, advising global organizations on digital transformation and M&A, and co-founded McKinsey Digital Labs.

McFarlane co-founded Avalara in 2004 and has led the company for more than two decades, growing it from a startup on Bainbridge Island, Washington, into the global leader in tax and compliance, supporting more than 1 million businesses worldwide. Under his leadership, Avalara pioneered cloud-based compliance, completed its 2018 initial public offering, and scaled into a global platform with more than $1.3 billion in annual revenue, an ecosystem of more than 1,400 integrations, and deep partnerships across ERP, ecommerce, and financial systems, while helping guide Avalara\'s evolution into an AI-first platform for tax and compliance.

\"Avalara is stronger today than at any point in our history,\" said McFarlane. \"We\'ve built a category leader with real scale and a platform that\'s becoming more critical as tax and compliance grow more complex. The next chapter is about moving faster and delivering more for our customers and partners. Hugo brings the operational and technology leadership needed to accelerate what comes next.\"

Advancing AI in Tax and Compliance
Avalara continues to lead the evolution of tax and compliance through AI-driven innovation. Building on more than two decades of investment in tax content, regulatory coverage, and integrations, Avalara\'s platform processes tens of billions of transactions annually, helping businesses operate with greater accuracy and efficiency in an increasingly complex global environment. Through innovations such as Agentic Tax and Compliance™ and the Avalara LLM framework for agentic applications, Avalara is embedding AI directly into the compliance lifecycle—automating processes and enabling more consistent, real-time outcomes for customers.

The meeting took place in Bangkok on May 28 between State Securities Commission (SSC) chairwoman Vu Thi Chan Phuong and Wisit Wisitsora-at, secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC).

Wisit Wisitsora-at congratulated Vietnam’s stock market on its recent upgrade from frontier market to secondary emerging market status by FTSE Russell.

He also noted that Vietnam was becoming an increasingly attractive destination for investment flows in Southeast Asia, supported by strong growth potential and positive economic prospects in the coming years.

The SEC chairman said the meeting was attended by several specialised departments of the Thai SEC, which were ready to exchange views and share experiences with the Vietnamese delegation on areas of mutual interest, thereby further strengthening practical and effective cooperation between the two countries’ regulators and capital markets.

Speaking at the meeting, Phuong said, alongside the growing friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Thailand, cooperation in the securities and capital market sectors has also achieved positive results in recent years.

According to the SSC chairwoman, Vietnam’s stock market has long attracted major investors from Thailand, while Thai enterprises are increasingly interested in and carrying out listing procedures on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. She welcomed the active participation of Thai businesses in investment activities in Vietnam and expressed hope that Thai investors would continue expanding their presence in Vietnam’s securities market.

Phuong said the SSC and Thailand’s SEC have maintained a close and constructive partnership for many years. The SSC appreciates the SEC’s effective support and coordination, particularly in sharing experiences related to the development of new financial markets and products such as digital asset trading platforms and gold derivatives markets, as well as strengthening market supervision and regulatory capacity.

The SSC chairwoman added that the Vietnamese regulator was studying the introduction of additional financial markets and products to diversify the country’s capital market. She also emphasised the importance of stronger cooperation in market supervision and the development of new financial products to support transparent, safe, and sustainable capital market growth both domestically and across ASEAN.

At the meeting, Wisitsora-at asserted that cooperation between the SSC and the SEC not only contributed to the development of each country’s capital market, but also supported the broader development of Southeast Asia’s financial markets.

He also expressed hope that the two sides would continue maintaining close cooperation while strengthening support for businesses and encouraging deeper connectivity between the two capital markets in the future.

Following the remarks by the two agency leaders, both sides exchanged experiences and discussed the development, regulatory frameworks, and operational mechanisms for gold derivatives products, digital asset trading markets, risk management practices, and the development of new financial products.

Vietnam steps up market reforms as FTSE Russell reviews upgrade progress On February 5 at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Deputy Minister Nguyen Duc Chi received a working delegation from FTSE Russell, led by CEO Fiona Bassett.

SSC steps up engagement with FTSE Russell on market reforms The State Securities Commission of Vietnam is strengthening its engagement with FTSE Russell to advance market reforms and deepen Vietnam’s integration into global capital markets.

State Securities Commission issues warning on unlicensed capital-raising On March 25, the State Securities Commission issued a warning urging investors to be cautious on cooperative investment activities via the online platforms.

FTSE Russell, SSC discuss next steps after Vietnam market upgrade The State Securities Commission and FTSE Russell have held talks on next steps following Vietnam's stock market upgrade, focusing on index development and regulatory reforms.

Dawning on a decade with the software company, Bennett\'s progression to CEO demonstrates his commitment both to the hospitality industry and in providing high-value solutions addressing emerging commercial challenges. His new team is an investment in former hospitality operators and commercial executives who understand the hospitality sector and the complex macro- and micro-economic changes business leaders face.

With the aligned leadership team, Cendyn has restructured its solution delivery with a new customer partnership commitment to more deeply support hospitality teams. Hoteliers need more than software to embrace the technological and commercial shifts that are reshaping hotel digital commerce: they need a partner who understands both the commercial opportunity and the operational reality.

As the hospitality industry hits an inflection point with AI-powered booking channels, autonomous agents, and conversational commerce, hotels must confidently respond to new demand signals in how travelers discover, evaluate, and book hotels. Understanding that its customers are commercial operators first, Cendyn\'s teams have been equipped to provide proactive account management, commercial consultation, ongoing support and coaching. Cendyn Managed Services closes the service gap with hands-on optimization, strategic commercial guidance, and a partnership model measured by revenue outcomes.

\"Having worked with hospitality businesses for over 25 years, I know that the most common frustration from hotel executives is that vendors don\'t understand what it actually feels like to run a hotel,\" said Michael Bennett, CEO, Cendyn. \"Our new leadership team has sat on both sides of the vendor relationship. They\'ve lived the pressure of RevPAR targets, managed the complexity of distribution, and navigated the gap between what technology promises and what it actually delivers.\"

\"Further, the relationship between hoteliers and SaaS has fundamentally changed,\" continued Bennett. \"We know that experience shapes everything, from how our products are built to how our teams support our customers. That is why we have reoriented the focus of our teams to provide a support culture built on the same principles of hospitality. Success is measured on each of our customers\' commercial successes, not on renewals.\"

\"We\'ve been through a real evolution with Cendyn, Roomzzz Aparthotels has grown massively over the course of our relationship and we\'re in a place of feeling really supported and considered,\" said Victoria Curley, Head of Commercial at Roomzzz Aparthotels. \"We\'ve had the opportunity to have a much more open and structured dialogue around our goals and vision for how we evolve our use of the CRM and our loyalty scheme. That\'s something we find really invaluable.\"

\"We\'ve been working with Cendyn since 2019, and the relationship has always been strong, but the past year has felt like a step change. There\'s a clarity of direction from the leadership team that comes through in every interaction, and it\'s translated into real results. In a market where performance has been genuinely difficult, our direct channel is the one area that continues to grow, and that\'s a direct reflection of the work Cendyn is doing for us. We truly believe in where this is heading, and everything we\'ve seen over the past year has reinforced that confidence,\" said Jenna Villalobos, Senior Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer at Outrigger Hospitality Group.

Our relationship with Cendyn has evolved into a more constructive and collaborative partnership,\" said Pierre Langelotti, Director, E-Commerce, CRM & Loyalty at ONYX Hospitality Group. \"Cendyn\'s leadership team shows stronger engagement, better communication, and a clearer focus on our priorities. The improved level of support in Asia over the past 12 to 18 months has made a tangible difference to our day-to-day experience reducing friction and allowing us to focus more on the opportunities ahead. As we transition to Cendyn\'s latest CRM platform, we see this as an important opportunity to further elevate the digital experience we deliver to our guests.\"

Established in 1996, the Cendyn hospitality product suite continues to evolve to support commercial teams at all stages of the guest journey ensuring hotels are discoverable and bookable across the next generation of AI-powered channels.

For more information, visit Cendyn.com.

In recent years, Fox ESS has achieved significant milestones. According to S&P Global Energy, the company ranked No. 1 globally in residential energy storage market share in 2025. Built on strong performance and customer trust, Fox ESS continues to expand its global footprint, supported by six R&D centers, more than 5,700 employees, and a presence in over 70 countries and regions.

This rebrand reflects a belief that has guided Fox ESS since the beginning: "The sun shines on everyone, so its power should too." As the brand enters a new stage, it will refine how its story is expressed, bringing a clearer visual identity and more immersive brand experiences to the market.

A New Visual Identity Rooted in Solar Energy's Spirit

Inspired by the power and dynamism of solar storms, the new Fox ESS logo captures a bold, evolving spirit, balancing the warmth of light with the limitless potential of clean energy.

Carrying forward Fox ESS's core values while introducing fresh direction for the future, the new logo is built around a refined, flowing form. It represents the continuous circulation and effortless release of energy, reflecting Fox ESS's resilient vitality and upward momentum.

The rebrand also introduces a complete new color palette anchored by two primary tones:

• Energy Purple — inspired by the color often seen at dawn, conveying upward vitality and representing the power of the Sun and the vast potential of the universe. It balances stability with dynamism, an outward expression of the brand spirit.
• Pure White — representing purity, clarity, and minimalism. As a color of absence and reflection, white symbolizes Fox ESS's dedication to delivering better products and solutions.

Supporting colors include Starlight Purple, Tech Purple, Pro Gray, and Innovation Green, highlighting the brand's belief that technology and nature can coexist in harmony.

New Typefaces for Consistency and Brand Voice

To express simplicity, stability, and rhythm, Fox ESS has selected dedicated typefaces for both English and Chinese to strengthen brand consistency across markets:

• Poppins for English branding
• Foundertype Lantinghei for Chinese branding

Every detail is designed to keep the brand voice clean, confident, and instantly recognizable.

A Brand Story That Evolves Into New Experiences

Fox ESS has rolled out refreshed brand storytelling and immersive experiences, including updated websites and new brand touchpoints designed to let audiences truly feel and connect with the brand.

Earlier this month, the company introduced its new brand mascot, "Maimai," as an engaging teaser for the rebrand. With the new identity now taking shape, the full brand journey is just beginning.

First Rebrand Area to Debut at SNEC Exhibition

Notably, Fox ESS will debut its first immersive rebrand area at Booth 7.1H-D610 during the SNEC Exhibition, alongside a Fox Party event on June 2. Visitors will be able to experience the new brand identity firsthand, discovering the energy, inspiration, and surprises behind the next brand journey.

"Our rebrand is more than a new look, it's a reflection of how we've evolved, the bold vision we carry, and the deeper impact we're committed to creating for our clients and communities." said Michelle Li, Director of Global Brand & Marketing.

As demand for K-beauty continues to rise rapidly in the United States, OLIVE YOUNG US is expected to become one of the leading retail platforms introducing curated Korean beauty brands to global consumers. Through this partnership, Purito Seoul plans to strengthen its offline presence in North America while providing consumers with more opportunities to directly experience its products in person.

Recently, Purito Seoul has been rapidly increasing its visibility across North America and Europe following the appointment of actress Natalia Dyer as its first global muse.

Moving beyond the conventional concept of "clean beauty," Purito Seoul has gained positive recognition among global consumers through its refined ingredient philosophy and scientifically designed skincare solutions focused on low-irritation formulas. As skincare trends such as "Skin Barrier" care and minimalist skincare continue gaining momentum worldwide, consumer interest in brands prioritizing long-term skin health and gentle formulations has also grown significantly.

Purito Seoul's hero products—including the Oat-in Calming Gel Cream, Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream, and Centella Unscented Serum—have attracted strong attention across TikTok and social media platforms through organic reviews and consumer-driven recommendation content shared globally.

In addition, the Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream was recognized in the Rookie Category within the Global Trend Division at the 2025 Olive Young Awards, which are selected based on Olive Young's annual customer purchasing data. The award further demonstrated the brand's growing popularity among consumers across North America and Europe. Global consumers have responded positively to the products' balance of affordability, skin-soothing benefits, hydration-focused performance, and overall user experience.

Building on strong word-of-mouth growth, Purito Seoul also successfully hosted a large-scale pop-up event in New York earlier this March—widely considered one of the key global hubs for K-beauty expansion—drawing significant attention from international consumers.

A representative from Purito Seoul commented, "We are increasingly seeing strong enthusiasm and affection for K-beauty and Korean skincare brands within the U.S. market. We are excited that more local consumers will now have the opportunity to directly experience Purito Seoul's product quality and brand philosophy through OLIVE YOUNG US offline stores."

The representative added, "We will continue introducing trusted products and differentiated brand experiences that can build lasting connections with global consumers."

DaSouChe Holdings Ltd. ("DSC") publicly filed its registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2026, in connection with a proposed listing on Nasdaq, underwritten by Deutsche Bank (DB), China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC), China Renaissance Holdings Limited (CR), and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC).

Anchored by an operating system with over 90% market share among China's used-car dealers, and comprehensive transaction services embedded in dealer workflows, DSC positions itself as the AI application infrastructure for China's used-car industry — built not only to inform decisions but to execute them — with the aim of moving the industry from a traditional, experience-driven model into a new era of digitalization, networked collaboration, and AI.

From 2023 to 2025, DSC reported revenue of RMB 909 million, RMB 948 million and RMB 677 million, respectively; the disclosed reason for the 2025 revenue decline is the divestiture of the B2B financial product referral business. Net loss over the same period was RMB 187 million, RMB 157 million and RMB 94.6 million, respectively, narrowing year over year.

The assessment was authorized by DJI but conducted independently. To preserve the integrity of the evaluation, consumer units were procured directly from retail outlets without pre-notification to DJI, and enterprise units were sourced from existing dealer stock. All tested devices reflect standard U.S. market distribution.

Key Findings

The assessment produced zero critical, high, and medium-risk findings. Specifically:

• No evidence of data transmission outside the United States was identified. All observed connections from DJI flight control applications resolved to U.S.-based infrastructure.
• No backdoors or unauthorized remote access mechanisms were found. Controllers resisted all jailbreak and firmware modification attempts.
• No unexplained radio frequency emissions were identified. All detected signals were traced to known system functions. Emissions not previously documented in FCC filings were confirmed to be standard artifacts of signal generation methods, not covert channels.
• No supply chain tampering or unauthorized hardware modifications were detected.

Low-Risk Findings and Remediation

Ten low-risk findings and thirteen observations were identified, consistent with industry norms for complex mobile and embedded systems. They were primarily related to application security configurations, session handling, and wireless hardening. None presented a realistic risk to safe drone operation or to widespread exposure of confidential information. DJI collaborated with OnDefend on potential remediation during the engagement and is working to address remaining items in subsequent software releases.

"During the window of testing, OnDefend's assessment of the Air 3S and Matrice 4E drone systems identified no clear evidence of hidden backdoors, no data transmissions outside the United States, and no viable pathways for hijacking or weaponization. No critical or high-risk findings were observed. To maintain national security assurance, ongoing testing of firmware, software updates, and verification of hardware and chip integrity are recommended for continuous and ongoing validation." — OnDefend 2026 DJI Security Assessment

"This is the most comprehensive independent security assessment ever undertaken on our products," said Adam Welsh, Head of Global Policy at DJI. "These findings confirm what DJI has consistently maintained: our products are secure, our data practices are transparent, and the concerns underlying our FCC Covered List designation are not supported by technical evidence. We commissioned this independent assessment because we believe facts should inform policy decisions. We are calling on the FCC to consider these findings carefully as part of our ongoing appeal, and we remain committed to engaging constructively with relevant authorities."

What Was Tested and How

The engagement ran from October 2025 through March 2026 and was structured around three national security concerns: data sovereignty, hardware vulnerabilities, and drone manipulation risks.

As part of the independent assessment, OnDefend conducted hardware and firmware testing that extended far beyond conventional cybersecurity validation. Leveraging its proprietary hardware testing technology and capabilities to perform advanced teardown, RF, and silicon-level analysis designed to identify unauthorized transmission pathways, covert RF channels, counterfeit components, undocumented modifications, hidden antennas, and broader supply chain integrity risks.

On the software side, OnDefend conducted static and dynamic application security testing of the DJI Fly and Pilot 2 applications, full network traffic analysis across standard and local data mode operation, and adversary simulation including meddler-in-the-middle attacks, certificate bypass, privilege escalation, and jailbreak attempts.

On the hardware side, the OnDefend team, enabled by their proprietary hardware testing technology, performed full-spectrum radio frequency scanning from 1 MHz to 6 GHz, PCB-level hardware teardown and component analysis, supply chain integrity verification, and RF exploitation testing including replay, jamming, and injection attacks.

Why OnDefend Was Selected as the Independent Security Inspector

OnDefend's offensive security team includes U.S. military and government professionals with deep operational experience in national security. The firm specializes in advanced adversarial testing designed to identify national security, supply chain, and technology integrity risks across software, hardware, and supply chain environments. Its proprietary testing technology uses AI-driven imaging and silicon-level analysis to identify unauthorized transmission pathways, counterfeit components, and undocumented hardware modifications, testing capabilities typically not part of standard hardware security assessments.

Testing Engagement

The findings reflect a defined window of testing. As with any point-in-time assessment, findings are specific to the software, firmware, and hardware versions evaluated during the engagement period. OnDefend has recommended that continuous independent validation be conducted as updates are released.

Context: FCC Covered List Designation

DJI's inclusion on the FCC Covered List in December 2025 was not accompanied by the identification of a specific, documented security vulnerability. DJI has appealed this designation and has consistently requested a transparent, evidence-based technical review.

DJI drones are widely used across public safety, agriculture, infrastructure, and creative industries in the United States. Restrictions on access to its technology would have downstream impacts on operational capability, business continuity, and cost structures for users across these sectors:

• More than 80%^[1] of the 1,800-plus state and local law enforcement agencies that use drones rely on DJI for search and rescue, accident reconstruction, crime scene documentation, and tactical overwatch.
• 43% of drone business users believe they would face an extremely negative or business-ending impact from DJI restrictions^[2].
• DJI is the industry standard for aerial cinematography, news gathering, and documentary production.

For more information on this audit, read the executive summary and visit the DJI Trust Center to learn more about DJI's continued investments in product security and independent validation.

"The average connected home is becoming increasingly complex, more like a corporate network, and threats like this one illustrate the need for significantly enhanced levels of intelligence and security," said Chris Griffiths, Chief Technology Officer at Plume. "ISPs are better situated than ever to be on the forefront of detecting and resolving these issues. By leveraging AI and large-scale network orchestration across hundreds of millions of devices, we can help ISPs spot anomalies that individual households or traditional security tools often miss, and act on them before they spread."

Plume manages one of the most comprehensive data sets in the telecommunications industry, monitoring more than 500 million connected devices across 40 million households globally. After an alert from a customer, Plume's Network Operations Center flagged anomalous outbound traffic from an unusually high number of streaming devices across its network. The traffic volume was sufficient to destabilize residential networks, prompting Plume's Security Labs to launch a comprehensive technical investigation into streaming devices, spanning multiple models, across its user base.

"The SuperProxy investigation is a wake-up call," said Eric Svenson, Vice President, Technology Engineering and Operations at Armstrong, (a multi-state operator based in Pennsylvania). "Consumer devices are being weaponized inside our subscribers' homes, and as their ISP, we have both the responsibility and the vantage point to do something about it. Plume's research is the kind of partnership our industry needs more of; work that protects Armstrong customers today and sets a higher standard for what every subscriber should expect from their provider."

"These devices ship with remote access and full administrative control, wide open and require no password, no authentication, no user approval," said Griffiths. "Unfortunately, this isn't limited to a single product. The same residential proxy software was used in other types of consumer media streaming devices and also used in other malicious campaigns such as the Vo1d botnet, which demonstrates this is a broader supply-chain problem across the streaming ecosystem."

Five Key Findings

A streaming app secretly turns the device into a proxy network node. One of the apps available through SuperBox's custom application store, Cyberflix TV, contains hidden proxy software called Popanet that silently registers the device with a remote command server and begins relaying foreign internet traffic through the subscriber's home connection. Plume's telemetry recorded tens of thousands of outbound connections per device per day to thousands of distinct destinations.

Sensitive credentials and security bypass attempts are flowing through subscriber homes. Researchers intercepted the actual traffic being routed through the proxy and found sensitive login credentials for gaming platforms, messaging app verification codes that could be used for real-time account takeovers, deliberate attempts to defeat enterprise security systems and large-scale automated web scraping, all passing through consumer broadband connections without the subscriber's knowledge.

Plume mapped more than 250 proxy server addresses. Researchers fully reverse-engineered Popanet's command-and-control protocol — the first publicly known teardown of this system — and mapped more than 250 verified server addresses across multiple hosting providers, revealing a professionally built proxy operation.

A security flaw in the proxy's own code exposes the home network. The proxy attempts to block access to the subscriber's local network, but contains a bypass that was confirmed through live testing. Remote proxy users can exploit this flaw to reach the device's own internal services, potentially extending the compromise beyond the device to the home network itself.

SuperBox's custom app store bypasses all standard Android safety checks. The store installs software silently with full administrative privileges: no security verification, no warnings and no user approval. Its catalog is controlled by the store's operator, not by Google nor the device owner.

Plume's Approach

Plume is identifying and isolating these proxies for blocking at multiple levels and sharing intelligence with its ISP customers. Monitoring these proxies is extending Plume's detection capabilities to additional threat types including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) tools and botnets.

Multi-phased Research

This is Part 1 of a three-part investigative series into SuperBox and the hidden security risks it presents inside subscriber homes. Part 2 will expose the malware ecosystem exploiting subscriber devices, including botnet agents and competing proxy SDKs, and detail how Plume helps ISPs detect and block these threats. Part 3 will examine the content delivery infrastructure behind SuperBox's "latest movies" promise, presenting technical evidence that raises serious questions about the origin of that content.

The full research paper is available at:

plume.com/resources/superproxy-the-unhealthy-marriage-of-superbox-and-residential-proxies

For more information on Armstrong's Advanced Fiber Network, please visit ArmstrongOneWire.com/network.

Spotlight on Chinese Design: A Quarter-Century of Creative Evolution

Over the past 25 years, Shanghai Bridal Fashion Showroom has launched China's most influential bridal designers. The 2026 edition continues this legacy, featuring leading domestic names including WANGFENG BRIDAL, LAFINE and ST.WHITE. These designers will showcase their unique fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary aesthetics, reaffirming Shanghai as a key hub for Eastern bridal design.

A Global Convergence of Bridal Excellence

Shanghai Bridal Fashion Showroom 2026 stands as Asia's most comprehensive platform for international bridal design. Returning exhibitors feature Vera Wang (USA), Saiid Kobeisy (Lebanon) and Yumi Katsura (Japan), as well as Korean brands Vanilla Milla, Blossomveil and Turkish label Didem Kinail. These global designers jointly present an extraordinary cross-border showcase of bridal art, blending timeless elegance with avant-garde creativity.

Consumer-Driven Trends: Quality, Smart Spending & Value-for-Money Prevail

Today's bridal consumers are more discerning, with "value-for-money" becoming the decisive factor. In response, the 2026 exhibition curates a lineup of brands balancing design and accessibility. Domestic designer brands — including MUZI, PERFECT, WEST SUNNY, BangYi, YUNI, TRAVIS YOUNG, and ShaLa Chinese Wear — use local insights and flexible supply chains to offer quality at accessible prices.

End-to-End Integration: VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2026

VISION & IMAGE SHANGHAI 2026 will be held concurrently, bringing together every segment of the bridal industry — from wedding dresses and groom's suits to makeup and accessories. This strategic collaboration offers buyers and professionals a one-stop sourcing experience.

Makeup & Fashion Accessories: Enhance Your Bridal Style

Dedicated zones for makeup and accessories return for 2026. Renowned artists and designers showcase their expertise and collections on-site, offering brides and buyers a seamless journey.

Bridal Fashion Show 2026: A Runway Spectacle

Mark your calendars: The Bridal Fashion Show 2026 will take place June 30^th at the SWEECC. Partnering with industry leaders, the show features cutting-edge stage design and interactive light technology, allowing attendees early access to global trends through:

• Heritage couture houses
• Rising independent talents
• Exclusive 2026 AW collections

2026 China Fashion Beauty Outstanding Makeup & Styling Artist Competition & Makeup Artist Development Forum

Hosted by Shanghai Bridal Fashion Showroom 2026, the competition and forum will take place on July 2^nd at the SWEECC. Competitors include independent artists, influencer MUAs, and rising stars from top academies. This event gathers top resources, creates new branding and business opportunities, and empowers beauty entrepreneurs to expand their market presence and creative reach.

Sustainable Booth Design and Simplified Exhibition Setup

Since August 2024, Shanghai Bridal Fashion Showroom has introduced a sustainable booth initiative aimed at achieving "zero-waste and zero-carbon." The standardized booth designs are safer, higher quality, and more environmentally responsible while simplifying exhibitor setup — demonstrating that exceptional bridal events can also embrace sustainability.

Visitor registration is available at:

https://shanghaibridalfashionweek.digitalexpo.com/main-h5/sign/form?exhibitionId=10015032025121000017653373972513126231557087702&identityId=100131042026021200017708601739468069381241075587&channelId=0022059460361666494464&ignorePublish=1&language=en-us

Event Information:

SHANGHAI BRIDAL FASHION SHOWROOM 2026

Date: July 1^st to 3^rd, 2026
Venue: Hall 4, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Address: No. 850 Bocheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Organizers:

Shanghai International Exhibition Management Co., Ltd.
Email: bridalSH@siec-ccpit.com
Web: www.bridalfashionweek.com.cn

25 Hong Kong Artists Under HKCSP — Five Attending In Person

The Hong Kong Pavilion showcased comic works from 25 Hong Kong artists under the Hong Kong Comics Support Programme (HKCSP). The Pavilion offered a comprehensive overview of the breadth and diversity of contemporary Hong Kong comics, bringing the vibrant storytelling traditions, artistic innovation, and dynamic independent comics scene of Hong Kong to Spanish audiences for the very first time.

Among these 25 artists, five were invited to participate in person at Comic Barcelona 2026, including Bonnie Pang, Kwong Chi Kit, Linus Liu, Pen So and Rex Koo, engaging directly with festival attendees through a rich program of interactive activities, including live drawing, art jamming, workshops and portrait drawing. These activities drew enthusiastic participation from Spanish and international audiences, fostering direct cultural exchange and providing an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the creative energy of Hong Kong's comics community.

Pen So's See You in Memories — Spanish Edition Published by Planeta

In a significant milestone for Hong Kong comics in the Spanish-speaking world, Hong Kong artist Pen So's acclaimed work See You in Memories was published in Spanish by Planeta, one of Spain's leading publishing houses. During the festival, Pen So held the signing sessions at the publisher's booth, offering Spanish readers the opportunity to meet the artist behind this evocative work and have their copies signed.

A Strategic Cultural Bridge

The Hong Kong Pavilion represented a strategic cultural bridge between Hong Kong and Europe. By bringing 25 HKCSP artists' works to Barcelona, HKCAF successfully opened doors for publishing collaborations and long-term partnerships between Hong Kong creators and the European comics industry. The positive reception from festival attendees, publishers, and media underscores the growing international appeal of Hong Kong comics and paves the way for future engagements on the global stage.

For more details about the Hong Kong Pavilion, please visit the website www.hkcomicspavilion.hk

The authors tested the association between 84 commonly used supplements, drugs and commercial compounds taken in an attempt to affect the aging process, using the same DNA methylation clock to uniformly determine the biologic age of over 4,000 initial subjects. Those results were then compared and ranked against one another. In their cross sectional analysis, only Rejuvant, a commercially available, delayed release CaAKG plus vitamins supplement, which was associated with an average 1.8 year lower age residual and was the primary study endpoint, achieved statistical significance.

In contrast, participants taking regular CaAKG/AKG showed a benefit that was eight times less effective, and was statistically insignificant. All forms of NAD+ supplements, such as NMN and NR were nine times less effective. Additionally, all of the non-Rejuvant cohorts were statistically insignificant for this endpoint, and Rejuvant remained significant in models adjusted for age, sex, smoking, health status and additional covariates.

Dr. Brian Kennedy, the Director for the Center of Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore, and senior author of the paper, stated "This is a unique study that compares the effects of 84 different common supplements in a larger population of generally healthy individuals actively measuring their biologic age. While a few supplements were significant for reducing biologic age, the biggest effects by far were associated with Rejuvant, whereby users were 5.74 years younger than their chronologic age. After correction for possible confounders, only Rejuvant produced a statistically significant effect. These findings reinforce my belief, supported by personally using the product for several years, that Rejuvant is effectively and meaningfully reducing biologic age".

Dr. Nir Barzilai, President of the Academy of Geroscience and Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, said "While many nutraceuticals have generated more enthusiasm than meaningful geroscience-based evidence, Rejuvant has at least a plausible mechanism of action and supportive preclinical data. In addition, post-marketing experience suggests a more reassuring profile for use, safety, and user satisfaction than the sweeping claims made for many other supplements. In today's longevity marketplace, that may not be a gold standard—but it is about as close as one gets to an adult in the room."

The instrument will be available on MT5 from 28 May 2026, with STARTRADER App trading going live on 1 June 2026.

SpaceX has drawn significant market attention as speculation around a potential IPO continues to build. Current projections place the company's valuation between USD 1.75 trillion and USD 2 trillion, which would make it one of the most valuable private-to-public listings transitions ever recorded. The successful Starship V3 test flight on 22 May has has only added to the momentum, reinforcing confidence in the company's long-term role in next-generation connectivity and the broader space economy.

For traders, the timing matters. SPCXUSD offers a way to build exposure to the space infrastructure theme before a formal listing.

Instrument Details

• Symbol: SPCXUSD
• Description: Space Exploration Technologies
• Leverage: 20x
• Trading Hours: Monday to Sunday, 00:00-24:00

The strategic collaboration brings together Innovent's scientific discovery and clinical capabilities in oncology innovation with Pfizer's deep scientific expertise, global clinical development capabilities, regulatory leadership and commercial scale, which are highly complementary to each company's core areas of interest.

The agreement spans a portfolio of 12 programs comprising eight Innovent-originated early-stage programs and four Pfizer-proposed discovery programs. The companies will co-develop and share costs for select programs as they advance these programs through clinical development.

"This agreement brings together best-in-industry expertise of Pfizer and Innovent to advance novel cancer medicines to patients at a global scale," said Dr. Hui Zhou, Chief R&D Officer (Oncology Pipeline) of Innovent. "By leveraging both companies' complementary resources, we can develop our early-stage oncology pipeline with greater speed and impact to help bring innovative therapies to patients more efficiently worldwide. Furthermore, co-developing and co-commercializing key projects in the U.S. and Europe expands Innovent's global reach. At Innovent, we are laying the foundation for a truly global oncology platform that can deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for patients around the world."

"At Pfizer, everything we do starts with patients and the urgency to change what's possible for people living with cancer," said Jeff Legos, Chief Oncology Officer, Pfizer. "This collaboration brings together two highly complementary engines of innovation with a shared ambition to move faster, go further and deliver truly transformative medicines to patients who are waiting. By combining Innovent's discovery and early clinical development with Pfizer's global research and development and commercialization capabilities, we have an opportunity not only to strengthen our pipeline, but to accelerate the delivery of breakthroughs that can redefine standards of care and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives."

According to the agreement, Innovent will conduct development of these programs through Phase 1, powered by its proprietary discovery engine and robust early clinical capabilities, after which Pfizer will lead future global development. The agreement also sets out the following licensing and commercialization structure:

• Innovent and Pfizer will co-develop four programs globally and share the development costs. The companies will co-commercialize in the United States and Europe*, and share the profits. Innovent will retain Greater China rights to these programs.
• Pfizer will receive an exclusive license outside Greater China for four programs, and will be responsible for the majority of the development costs; and
• Pfizer will receive an exclusive global license for four programs, and will be responsible for the global development costs.

Under the financial terms of the agreement, Innovent will receive a $650 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to $9.85 billion in development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, bringing the total value of the deal to up to $10.5 billion. Additionally, Innovent will receive up to double-digit royalties on sales of each licensed product if approved. For the 'co-developed, co-commercialized' programs, the two companies will share the profits in the U.S. and Europe.

The closing of the transaction is subject to fulfillment of required regulatory approvals.

* Europe refers to the European Union and the United Kingdom

Taking place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City from May 28 to 30, IEAE 2026 features more than 500 booths across 10,000 square metres, bringing together hundreds of brands, thousands of products, and the latest technologies.

Products showcased at IEAE 2026 reflect the strong growth of smart electronics trends, particularly in areas such as AI-powered Internet of Things, smart home devices, consumer electronics, electronic components, and energy-saving equipment.

A representative of Guangdong Chunmi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd said, “Southeast Asia is an increasingly dynamic region on the global map. Consumer demand and purchasing power in this market are growing rapidly, which is why we chose Vietnam as our destination. We hope Vietnamese consumers will increasingly welcome our home appliance products.”

“As this is our first time participating in the exhibition, we would like to introduce a wide range of products to Vietnamese consumers. Our flagship products are rice cookers with diverse designs and functions. In addition, we are showcasing electric stoves and microwave ovens featuring modern, youthful designs tailored to Vietnamese consumer preferences.”

Nguyen Thi Nhu Phuong, head of the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association’s representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that many Chinese enterprises showcased highly refined products at the expo, featuring AI integration, modern designs, and competitive pricing supported by large-scale manufacturing capabilities and well-developed industrial ecosystems.

“These companies are no longer competing solely on price, but also on technology, speed of innovation, and large-scale OEM/ODM capabilities,” she said.

“Compared to Vietnamese companies, the gap mainly lies in core technologies, research and development (R&D) capacity, component mastery, and production scale. However, Vietnamese enterprises have strengths in flexibility, in-depth understanding of the domestic market, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing customer demand.”

Amid the rapid growth and continuous innovation of Vietnam’s electronics market, IEAE 2026 is expected to offer immersive technology experiences while fostering business connections and expanding market opportunities for both domestic and international enterprises.

IEAE 2026 to showcase electronics, smart appliances in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City is set to host the return of a major event showcasing electronics and smart appliances from domestic and international manufacturers.

Construction begins on $600 million electronics component plant On May 22, AVC Vietnam Science and Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of AVC Group - a leading Taiwanese corporation, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an electronic component manufacturing plant with a total investment of up to $600 million.

Dien May Xanh plans $574 million IPO to fund regional expansion Vietnam’s leading consumer electronics retail chain Dien May Xanh is planning to raise more than $574 million through an initial public offering (IPO) to fund its transition towards high-margin service segments and regional expansion.

Phuong stressed that Vietnam could no longer rely on traditional growth drivers and instead must prioritise innovation powered by sci-tech.

“After 2025 laid the groundwork through the completion of key legal frameworks such as the Law on Digital Transformation, the Law on Artificial Intelligence, and the Law on Data, 2026 has been identified as the acceleration phase with a strong focus on execution,” he said. “The priority now is to translate institutional foundations into tangible outcomes that directly benefit individuals and businesses.”

The deputy minister emphasised that digital transformation is fundamentally about changing mindsets and ways of working.

“Government agencies and businesses should not sit back waiting for policies or fully completed legal frameworks in every sector. They need to proactively use technology to solve real-world issues,” he said. “Businesses must work directly from the ground up, from the day-to-day difficulties faced by citizens and enterprises, to propose breakthrough solutions, even if that means redesigning workflows and operational processes rather than simply focusing on legal amendments.”

Bui Hoang Phuong, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology

He added that pilot initiatives should initially target specific problems, but once proven effective, their implementation models should be scaled up more broadly to create wider spillover effects.

Regarding regulatory sandbox mechanisms, Phuong said a dedicated legal framework had already been incorporated into the Law on Science and Technology. The ministry is prepared to work closely with local authorities to pilot new models, including allowing exemptions from certain standards and regulations within legally permitted boundaries to facilitate innovation and research.

“The Ministry of Science and Technology is directly instructing specialised agencies to coordinate with localities in implementing sandbox models,” Phuong said. “For example, the ministry is currently working on a pilot programme in Dien Bien province involving unmanned aerial vehicles. Within the sandbox framework, certain standards and regulatory requirements under existing laws may be temporarily exempted to help businesses overcome obstacles when deploying new technologies.”

He added that the ministry remained committed to supporting businesses and local governments in conducting such trials to accelerate the practical adoption of technology.

Ngo Dien Hy, vice president of VINASA and deputy general director of VNPT Group, said this year’s forum represented an urgent call to action for Vietnam’s digital technology business community.

“Two critical strategic priorities are using technology as a core engine to improve labour productivity across the economy, and pioneering emerging sectors such as AI, the low-altitude economy, and robotics technology,” said Hy. “The Vietnamese digital business community has shifted from passive technology adoption to mastering ‘Make in Vietnam’ capabilities, ranging from AI infrastructure and cloud infrastructure to large language models.”

However, he also warned of mounting challenges, including workforce constraints, limitations in clean energy infrastructure, and legal gaps surrounding deep-tech development. Hy stated that VINASA would continue acting as a connector between institutions, businesses, and markets to support Vietnam’s next growth phase.

Ngo Dien Hy, vice president of VINASA and deputy general director of VNPT Group

Hoang Huu Hanh, deputy director general of the National Digital Transformation Agency under the Ministry of Science and Technology, argued that economic productivity was not determined by application layers alone, but by the quality of foundational infrastructure and the economy’s capacity to absorb technology.

According to Hanh, these foundational layers include shared infrastructure and data systems, enabling institutions that create room for innovation while minimising legal risks, and an implementation apparatus capable of translating policies into practical outcomes.

“The Law on Digital Transformation is gradually building a resilient foundational layer,” he said. “One notable feature is its dual mechanism, strengthening governance discipline while simultaneously creating leverage through safe regulatory corridors designed to protect individuals and organisations willing to innovate and experiment with unprecedented models.”

Tran Thi Lan Huong, senior digital specialist at the World Bank Group, warned against the surface-level technology trap, where AI appears across multiple sectors without becoming deeply embedded in the real economy.

“To close the gap and create a breakthrough in growth, Vietnam needs to develop five pillars simultaneously: connectivity, computing, context, competency, and responsible AI,” she said.

“Many economies began building these foundations early, instead of waiting for AI technologies to fully mature before deploying applications. Once the AI wave accelerated, those foundations became multipliers that significantly increased the value generated from digital infrastructure investments.”

Vietnam recognised as a dynamic digital leader The Global System for Mobile Communications Association presented Vietnam with the highest global honour for digital policy on May 26, at the Digital Nation Summit in Hanoi.

Vietnam enhances cooperation in digital economy and AI with regional partners Vietnam will increase cooperation in digital economy, AI and innovation with Thailand and Singapore as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Vietnam maintains stable AI outlook in 2026 survey Vietnam’s AI adoption and public sentiment remained broadly stable in 2026, with the country scoring 58.4 points in the latest WIN World AI Index, compared to 58.5 points a year earlier.