Vietnam has qualified for five esports disciplines at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, to be held from September 19 to October 4, marking another milestone for the country’s competitive gaming industry.

Do Viet Hung, chairman of the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association, said the national teams are targeting at least one medal, aiming to establish Vietnam among Asia’s top three esports nations.

“It is an ambitious target, but one that could mark a historic breakthrough for Vietnamese esports after narrowly missing the podium at previous editions of the Asian Games,” Hung said.

The growing international presence of Vietnamese teams comes as esports is increasingly recognised as a driver of the sports economy, creating opportunities across tourism, digital content, media, and event organisation.

According to IMARC Group, the global esports market generated around $3 billion in revenue in 2025 and is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 19 per cent. In Southeast Asia, the market reached $77.4 million last year and is projected to nearly double to $154.9 million by 2034, while public awareness of esports has climbed to 94 per cent, surpassing Europe.

In mid-May, the signing ceremony of an MoU on strategic cooperation for national esports development between the Vietnam Department of Physical Education and Sports under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) and VTC Mobile marked a new step in the professionalisation of the esports industry, aiming to make it a link in the cultural industry and sports economy.

Deputy Minister Ho An Phong stated that esports can help create a diverse economic ecosystem, from event organisation, media, design, and content production to image promotion and tourism development.

"Major esports tournaments promote the professional development of esports and contribute to Vietnam's image as a dynamic and attractive destination in the eyes of international friends," Phong said.

According to Statista, the Vietnamese esports market revenue is projected to have reached $7.2 million in 2025 and could increase to $10.4 million by 2029, with an average growth rate of 9.7 per cent.

Vietnam currently has approximately 28.2 million people participating in electronic entertainment, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the population, while the number of esports followers has also reached over 10 million.

Rose Lam, global production director of Riot Studios under Riot Games, noted that Southeast Asia is one of the regions experiencing strong esports growth, with potential comparable to other traditionally strong esports regions such as the US, South Korea, and Europe.

"Vietnamese esports has made significant progress and differentiated itself from other countries in the region by building and developing an esports community that is very effective at translating online interactions into offline activities," Lam said. "Vietnam is also one of the preferred destinations for tourism or filmmaking, with a large and stable audience. I think if a Riot Games film were shot in Vietnam, it would have a very positive effect.”

Last year, Riot Studios surveyed the Cat Ba archipelago in Haiphong for a nine-episode live-action series based on the League of Legends universe. Although production plans have not been officially announced, Vietnam's selection alongside Japan, South Korea, and Thailand demonstrates its growing appeal to global content producers, opening up opportunities for collaboration between esports, the creative industry, and destination promotion.

Beyond generating direct revenue, many countries have transformed esports into a tool for attracting tourists and boosting local economies.

According to London & Partners, the 2024 League of Legends World Championship finals, held at the O2 Arena, contributed approximately $15.5 million to the London economy through tourism, hotel, and service spending.

Before that, the 2022 World Championship in the US generated around $53 million in tourism revenue for host cities such as San Francisco and New York. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the gaming industry currently creates approximately 263,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing over $100 billion to the US economy.

According to the Korea Tourism Organisation, esports fans are a high-spending group of tourists, willing to spend on airfare, accommodation, tournament tickets, meet-and-greets with players, and souvenirs. Therefore, the organisation has launched various tourism programmes combining tournament viewing, gaming centre experiences, and meet-and-greets for international visitors.

In Vietnam, many national and regional tournaments have been moved to tourist centres such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Halong. The Grand Esports Festival, for example, is expected to take place in Hanoi on July 9-12 and will bring together teams from around Asia.

Besides the competition, the event will include activities such as player networking, cosplay performances, career workshops, and digital culture experiences, a model being used by many countries to extend tourist stays and increase spending.

According to Thu Phuong, general secretary of the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic sports Association, esports is considered an important growth driver as Vietnam seeks to boost its sports economy.

"The esports market value has huge room for growth. If combined with tourism, events, and the content industry, the economic impact of tournaments could far exceed the direct revenue from the tournaments," she said.

Phuong noted that for esports to develop, Vietnam needs to build a clear legal framework, ensure a safe and transparent competitive environment, control game products, and strengthen coordination between game publishers and regulatory agencies.

"We envision esports not only serving top-level competition but also becoming a creative economic sector, contributing to the advancement of the digital content industry," Phuong added.

“The Hanoi Local Zone will make real-world impact to Vietnamese enterprises. It comes at a very significant time in Vietnam where its digital economy is developing strongly, and is at an inflection point at $72 billion last year, targeting $300 billion by 2030. This is coupled with nearly 170,000 businesses adopting AI in 2024 alone, a 39 per cent growth in one year,” said Yeo.

Eric Yeo, country general manager of AWS in Vietnam

Talking to VIR, he said Vietnamese businesses relying on low-latency services had to architect around distance – data travelling to AWS Regions and back. For some workloads, that's fine. But for real-time fraud detection, live gaming, and smart factory alerts – milliseconds matter.

"What's different now is that with the Hanoi Local Zone, data is processed and stored inside Vietnam at single-digit millisecond latency," said Yeo.

"That means a bank can catch fraud before the transaction completes. A gaming company keeps players engaged instead of losing them to lag. A manufacturer gets alerts in time to act. A telecom can keep subscriber data local for compliance. And organisations don't have to choose – they can run latency-sensitive workloads locally while tapping the full power of AWS Regions in Asia-Pacific for scale."

“Things that could not be done previously, can now be done with the Local Zone, and that is a true measure of success,” he noted. “Customers now have a choice. They can use the Local Zone for sensitive workloads or applications with very stringent latency requirements. Otherwise, they can continue to use the Region to help them scale better.”

Yeo continued, adding, “I believe this will help companies in Vietnam scale faster while continuing to use the AWS Region and all the services available there, including broad access to AI and the hundreds of models that are available. To me, that is a critical part of helping Vietnam remain competitive and compete globally.”

According to AWS, all industries will find it relevant, but particularly sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, particularly those operating smart factories, which also require instant responses and very low latency, and gaming companies as well.

Banks are also beneficiaries, particularly for sensitive workloads and situations where certain data needs to stay within the country. Fraud detection was cited as one example which is essential and needs to happen almost instantly, and cannot afford too much latency.

VPBank is among the first in Vietnam to deploy workloads on the Hanoi Local Zone, and now is already seeing tangible benefits.

Nguyen Hong Trung, VPBank Group CIO said that in the past, when operating traditional on-premises infrastructure, performance depended heavily on many factors, including hardware procurement, deployment timelines, network connectivity, and the availability of supporting services both locally and internationally.

“With AWS, we only need to focus on maintaining a small number of core components. AWS takes responsibility for designing, operating, and optimizing the underlying infrastructure. In other words, AWS acts as the architect of that infrastructure and continuously delivers the best possible performance. This allows us to move faster and focus more on innovation and business outcomes,” said Trung

He added that previously, organisations were largely responsible for building and maintaining their own security capabilities based on industry standards and recommendations from technology vendors. Considerable effort was required to develop security controls and ensure compliance.

“With AWS, we are able to leverage a mature and highly advanced security foundation. Security is a core priority for AWS, and many security controls and best practices are built directly into the platform. As a result, we can strengthen our own security capabilities by building on top of AWS's existing investments and expertise,” Trung explained. “Speed and security are the two key values that make digital infrastructure a critical enabler for organisations today.”

Nguyen Hong Trung, VPBank Group CIO

According to Eric Yeo, this infrastructure isn't just about today's workloads – it's about tomorrow's. As generative AI accelerates in Vietnam, the Local Zone gives organisations the ability to run AI inference locally – keeping data within Vietnamese borders, while accessing the world's most comprehensive AI platform through Amazon Bedrock.

First, it will solve the challenge about data locality. Many companies are concerned about using AI because of concerns around where the data is at. The Local Zone will allow companies to process the AI inference locally, which in the past has been one of the major stoppers.

Second, it is fundamentally helping every company that uses AI to differentiate and improve their customers' experience.

“Our vision is simple: Vietnamese organisations should be able to build, innovate, and compete at the same speed as anyone, anywhere in the world – without leaving home,” he noted.

In Vietnam, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) account for over 90 per cent of all businesses in the country. These enterprises play an important role in the country’s acceleration of digital transformation. And the Local Zone is well positioned to support their journey.

“For SMEs, the bigger challenge is often skills rather than cost. They may not have the people or expertise needed to implement AI solutions. That’s why we provide technical support, and we also have a strong ecosystem of business partners who can help them,” he said.

To date, AWS has trained more than 157,000 people in Vietnam in cloud and AI skills since 2017, and partnered with 25 universities through its First Cloud Journey initiative.

“AI needs to run on the cloud, which enables SMEs to experiment quickly and affordably. If something works, they can scale it. If it doesn't, they can simply stop and move on,” he added.

Sharing about the company’s next plans, Eric Yeo shared that senior leaders from Amazon and AWS recently visited and met with General Secretary and President To Lam. One of the key priorities he highlighted for Amazon is its commitment to help develop Vietnam's digital infrastructure. As a result, AWS committed to continual engagement with customers such as VPBank and many other organisations across Vietnam.

“We take a long-term view. We will continue listening to our customers, evaluating demand, and investing to ensure Vietnamese businesses have access to the infrastructure they need to innovate and compete globally,” he noted.

Groundbreaking ceremony attended by Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee representatives and local officials

The investment structure reflects the spirit of Politburo Resolution No.68-NQ/TW on private sector development under the guiding principle of the city’s committee: “Ho Chi Minh City for the whole country, and the whole country for Ho Chi Minh City.”

According to Hoang Nguyen Dinh, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the eight groundbreaking projects represent strategic building blocks within the city's broader infrastructure development plan, supporting its vision of innovation and sustainable growth.

Among them, the most significant and symbolic is the Ben Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Cultural Park and Bach Dang Riverside Public Green Space project, which commenced construction at the historic harbour where, 115 years ago, President Ho Chi Minh embarked on his journey to seek a path for Vietnam's national liberation.

Under the investment policy approved by Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, the project has a preliminary investment capital of nearly VND30 trillion ($1.15 billion) and will be implemented under a build-transfer contract within the PPP framework. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for mid-2029.

The large-scale public infrastructure project will require approximately 73.3 hectares of land and water surface, encompassing parks, public squares, cultural spaces, heritage conservation facilities, green areas, sports amenities, commercial and service facilities, transport infrastructure, and other community-oriented public utilities.

“Once completed, the project will become a regional cultural, historical, and tourism landmark while addressing long-standing transport issues and creating a modern riverside urban landscape. More importantly, it will serve as a symbol connecting the past, present, and future, a place where Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant contemporary life converges with its rich historical heritage, preserving the nation's proud memories while embracing future development," Dinh said.

A key highlight of the project is the reconstruction of the 'Amiral Latouche-Tréville', the vessel associated with the historic departure of the young patriot Nguyen Tat Thanh from Nha Rong Wharf in 1911 on his journey to seek a path for Vietnam's national liberation. The reconstructed ship is planned to serve as a floating exhibition, tourism, and service venue, helping to preserve the site's historical and cultural significance while enhancing the city's tourism offering.

The project will also create an interconnected network of riverside green spaces and landscaped public areas, renovate existing structures such as steel-frame buildings and former warehouses, and develop a cruise passenger terminal, parking facilities, and supporting infrastructure. Together, these components will form a continuous waterfront park stretching from Ba Son to Bach Dang Wharf, Nha Rong Wharf, and Khanh Hoi.

Meanwhile, a series of strategic transport infrastructure projects is expected to generate new growth momentum for the city.

Ho Tram-Long Thanh Expressway, Can Gio-Vung Tau Sea Bridge, the Binh Tien bridge and road project, and interchanges linking to Ben Luc-Long Thanh Expressway are expected to ease major urban traffic issues while opening up new development corridors towards the coast, strengthening connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City, the Southern Key Economic Region, and Long Thanh International Airport.

At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City–Moc Bai Expressway will establish a vital northwestern transport corridor, enhancing overland connectivity between Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.

“The workload ahead is immense. The city's leadership calls on all municipal departments, agencies, and local administrations overseeing these projects to demonstrate the highest level of political responsibility and ensure there is absolutely no passing of responsibility, administrative delays, or reluctance in handling procedures. They must also take a proactive approach in resolving issues related to planning, site clearance, the relocation of technical infrastructure, and the supply of construction materials,” Dinh said

"Project developers, contractors, and investors are urged to mobilise maximum resources, machinery, and advanced technologies while implementing detailed and well-coordinated construction plans. They should work with the determination to overcome all weather conditions, accelerate construction to the greatest extent possible, deliver the highest quality standards, and ensure absolute workplace safety," he added.

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Quynh Nguyen, consultant, Hoa Sen University

AI is reshaping industries from banking to manufacturing, making workforce adaptability a critical factor in Vietnam’s competitiveness. The country needs to foster cross-functional skills and career mobility, as human capital is becoming as important to foreign investors as infrastructure, energy supply, and tax incentives. Without an adaptable workforce, investment quality will ultimately be constrained.

The classic career ladder once assumed stable, promotion-based career advancement as well as increases in salary and status. However, the emergence of AI as a general-purpose technology is fundamentally altering the above calculus.

AI is beginning to flatten organisational hierarchies and make domain-specific expertise susceptible to being displaced by technology. AI doesn’t simply destroy jobs. Rather, it breaks with cherished routines. At the same time, those who combine sound judgement and adaptability will come out on top.

According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, 92 million jobs will be displaced globally by 2030, while 170 million new jobs will be created, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs. Additionally, job disruption will equate to 22 per cent of jobs by 2030.

Like other countries around the world, Vietnam’s labour force is also impacted by these pressures. However, the country’s current talent development system continues to focus on vertical career advancement within a static organisational structure.

The issue of human resources is now at the heart of Vietnam’s next phase of development. The next stage must now also reform the skills architecture. Vietnam’s industrialisation target for 2045 requires a workforce that is practice-oriented, adaptable and digitally competent, and able to work across traditional functional boundaries.

An alternative to traditional vertical career advancement is lateral career movement, where professionals intentionally move across functions, industries or organisations to build what we call 'career resilience'. Unlike job hopping, these moves are strategic and help individuals develop diverse skills that span traditional boundaries.

For example, a financial analyst moving into fintech gains expertise in finance, technology and organisational dynamics. Such cross-functional capabilities make professionals more adaptable and resilient, enabling them to continue creating value even as AI automates specific roles.

Vietnam has structural strengths that position it as particularly well-suited to lead in this change. According to projections by the National Statistics Office, the working-age population will increase steadily from 65.4 million in 2024 to 69.5 million in 2038.

Vietnam has been remarkably successful in attracting foreign direct investment, with the quality of growth having improved significantly in recent times compared to mere quantity.

In the next phase, however, the focus will be on further increasing the domestic value added of these projects. This requires engineers, technicians, finance specialists, logistics managers and middle managers who can work across traditional functional boundaries.

However, Vietnam’s talent ecosystem still largely prepares students and employees for vertical career progression. University degree programmes are generally designed to prepare students for specialisation in a particular field. This mismatch between potential opportunities and current practice poses a strategic risk. As AI accelerates globally, countries that successfully transform their talent ecosystems into ones capable of facilitating lateral career movement will be rewarded disproportionately.

For all investors, this has a direct impact on project implementation, productivity, localisation rates, technology transfer and the ability of Vietnamese companies to move up the value chain. The creation of horizontal talent architecture requires systemic changes in four main areas.

Firstly, universities and vocational schools must equip graduates with systems thinking, technological literacy, and collaborative problem-solving skills to thrive amid constant technological change. Businesses, especially in export and technology sectors, should therefore play a direct role in shaping curricula and training standards.

Secondly, corporate need to facilitate lateral career paths by implementing organisational structures that allow professionals to follow their interests without harming career prospects. Companies must also be willing to invest in programmes that enable employees to gain new sets of skills that will help the company stay ahead of rapidly changing technological trends

Thirdly, Vietnam’s reform agenda lays a solid foundation for this transformation. The challenge now is to translate reform momentum into effective policies and implementation, recognising talent development as a national competitiveness strategy rather than solely an education issue.

Lastly, some Vietnamese companies are already promoting lateral career development, particularly in the financial sector. The future belongs to professionals with cross-functional skills who can combine expertise in business, technology and regulation. In an AI-driven economy, employees who can adapt across roles and disciplines will be far more resilient than narrowly focused specialists.

Implementation will require coordination between government, companies, universities, vocational schools and professional associations.

Vietnam could consider crating a national talent architecture taskforce made up of government, educational, and professional association representatives, which would provide the leadership needed to establish competency standards and design career paths consistent with Vietnam’s economic growth objectives.

In addition, corporations must be organised around managing talent. This will require transforming the traditional hierarchical systems for paying compensation. Corporations need to transform into competency-based systems of compensation that pay individuals as they grow in competency – not in position.

With its demographic advantage, growing economy and increasing opportunities for foreign investment, Vietnam is in a unique position to develop a cross-sector, lateral career structure. The next wave of competitiveness will be shaped by people who can move between disciplines, technologies, and sectors without losing their professional identity.

For anyone keeping a close eye on Vietnam’s economic development, particularly investors, the message is clear: Vietnam’s next competitive advantage will be the ability to build a workforce that can learn, develop, and create added value across all sectors in an AI-driven economy.

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The agreement was signed on June 30. The facility increased from $1.2 billion to $1.44 billion following strong demand during general syndication, with a three-year tenor. The loan is structured as a sustainability-linked loan (SLL), with financial terms tied to VPBank's performance against annual sustainability performance targets related to expanding lending to green and social sectors.

Performance against these targets will determine adjustments to financial terms under the agreements with the MLAUBs and other lenders.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) played a central role in the transaction as Coordinator, MLAUB, Facility Agent, and Sustainability Coordinator. This collaboration further reinforces the long-standing strategic partnership between VPBank and SMBC, while enhancing VPBank’s standing in regional and international financial markets.

Alongside existing partners that have previously acted as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Underwriters and Bookrunners, including Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Cathay United Bank, Commerzbank, CTBC Bank, Mashreq Bank, Maybank Securities, and Standard Chartered Bank, the transaction also attracted several new-to-bank and existing financial institutions that pivoted to lead roles, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, National Bank of Kuwait, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank, HSBC, and The Bank of East Asia, accounting for nearly half of the participating institutions.

With the partnership of 15 international financial institutions, this facility represents VPBank’s largest-ever transaction in terms of the number of MLAUBs involved. The scale of the transaction and the breadth of participation underscore the strong confidence of the international financial community in VPBank’s financial strength, growth prospects and sustainable development orientation.

In addition to the MLAUBs, the transaction also received strong market support, with participation from 19 international financial institutions following a series of investor roadshows in two major regional financial markets, Singapore and Taiwan.

"This $1.44 billion syndicated loan, supported by 15 leading global financial institutions, is a clear testament to the strong confidence that the international financial community places in VPBank," said Nguyen Duc Vinh, CEO of VPBank. "It also marks an important step forward in the bank's implementation of sustainability-linked financing instruments, serving as both an affirmation of our commitment and a catalyst for VPBank to further contribute to sustainable growth objectives, institutionalise environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, create long-term value for shareholders and customers, and make positive contributions to society."

Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and tighter liquidity conditions in global financial markets, the transaction secured commitments from several leading financial institutions in the Middle East, including FAB, Mashreq, NBK, Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade and Doha Bank. Their participation is a strong testament to VPBank’s growing reputation and standing in international capital markets.

The successful completion of the transaction marks an important milestone in VPBank’s strategy to diversify its medium- and long-term funding sources, providing momentum for the bank to pursue its ambitious growth objectives in 2026. It also significantly expands VPBank’s network of financial partners, laying a strong foundation for the bank to access large-scale offshore funding in the future, support sustainable growth, and deliver on the sustainability commitments embedded in the SLL framework.

The facility also marks a new milestone in VPBank’s long-term journey, further reinforcing the integration of sustainability into its financial strategy, in line with Vietnam’s transition towards a low-carbon and inclusive economy.

In recent years, VPBank has advanced its sustainable development strategy by integrating ESG standards into its business operations, expanding green finance and enhancing access to high-quality international funding sources.

In 2025, the bank successfully secured its largest-ever international syndicated loan of $1.56 billion, and issued $300 million in international sustainable bonds, bringing its total international fundraising volume to $2.36 billion.

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Signed on June 30, the agreement will see the centre use 3D printing to manufacture complex components for drilling and pumping equipment through rapid prototyping, reducing downtime and dependence on imported spare parts while accelerating maintenance and repair of large-scale equipment.

The project is scheduled to be implemented in several phases: starting with a technical audit of Petrovietnam’s production processes conducted by Russian specialists, followed by the configuration agreement for the centre and a list of additive equipment, leading up to the centre's official opening.

“Collaboration in additive technologies is a promising avenue for expanding bilateral partnerships between Russia and Vietnam. We expect to implement the project successfully to create a national Additive Technologies Centre. The exploration of potential sites for the centre is scheduled for July of this year, with the opening anticipated as early as 2027,” said a Petrovietnam representative.

For the Fuel Division of Rosatom, this project extends beyond a one-time export deal. Russian specialists offer their international partners not just equipment supply, but a comprehensive industry ecosystem: from scientific and technical support and raw material supply to engineering education.

"We already have a successful experience in exporting Russian additive technologies," said Ilya Kavelashvili, director of the Additive Technologies Business Unit at Rosatom's Fuel Division.

"The first foreign Additive Technologies Centre of Rosatom, equipped with Russian technology, has been established in Belarus, and a large-scale industrial 3D printer for the aerospace sector has been supplied to India. This proves that Russian solutions – equipment, materials, and software – are competitive on the global market. In the future, we are open to considering localisation of 3D printer assembly in Vietnam for further promotion in Southeast Asian markets," he added.

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According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), seafood exports generated nearly $1.1 billion in June alone, marking a 21 per cent increase on-year and extending the sector's solid growth momentum. The figures were released by VASEP on June 30 on its website.

The association said the first-half performance reflected recovering global demand and Vietnamese exporters' ability to diversify markets, optimise product portfolios, and capitalise on regions offering geographical and cost advantages.

Shrimp remained the sector's largest export earner. June exports rose 20.7 per cent on-year to $445.9 million, bringing first-half turnover to $2.3 billion, up 13.6 per cent and accounting for more than 40 per cent of total seafood exports.

Growth was mainly supported by robust demand from China and Hong Kong, particularly for black tiger shrimp, lobster, and frozen shrimp. However, exporters continued to face stiff competition in the US market from suppliers in Ecuador, Indonesia, and India, while anti-dumping and countervailing duties, along with stricter traceability requirements, increased compliance costs.

Basa fish remained the second-largest export category. Exports reached $209.1 million in June, up 7.7 per cent, while first-half shipments climbed 12.1 per cent to $1.1 billion, representing 19.4 per cent of the industry's total export value.

VASEP said basa fish continued to benefit from competitive pricing, stable supply, and broad consumer appeal. Expanding value-added, convenience, and smaller-packaged products would be key to sustaining future growth.

Exports of other fish species, mainly marine fish and selected freshwater species, also posted solid results. June exports increased 19.8 per cent to $198.8 million, while first-half turnover reached around $1.1 billion, up 12 per cent. Nevertheless, the segment continued to face challenges related to raw material supply, legal catch certification, traceability, and anti-illegal fishing regulations.

Tuna exports showed mixed performance. June shipments surged 28 per cent to $85.9 million, but first-half exports edged down 2 per cent on-year to $452.7 million, indicating that the recent recovery had yet to offset weaker sales earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, cephalopods and crustaceans remained bright spots. Squid and octopus exports rose 18.8 per cent to $380.2 million in the first six months, while crab and other crustacean exports climbed 26.2 per cent to $206.2 million. Shellfish exports increased 33.1 per cent to $155.3 million, and other molluscs, although from a smaller base, surged 84.4 per cent.

China and Hong Kong remained Vietnam's strongest growth market. June exports to the region increased 32.2 per cent to $256.6 million, while first-half turnover reached $1.5 billion, up 37.9 per cent and accounting for nearly 26 per cent of total seafood exports.

Exports to the US rebounded strongly in June, rising 48.3 per cent to $195.3 million. However, first-half exports totalled $897.9 million, remaining broadly unchanged from a year earlier. VASEP attributed the recovery mainly to short-term orders, while consumer demand remained fragile amid high inventories, price competition, and ongoing tariff and technical barriers.

Japan generated $787.5 million in seafood imports from Vietnam in the first half, up just 0.7 per cent, as weak consumer spending and a depreciating yen constrained demand. Exports to the EU slipped 0.8 per cent to $536.7 million, weighed down by the ongoing European Commission yellow card warning on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and stricter catch certification requirements. Shipments to the Middle East edged down 0.1 per cent to $166.6 million.

Other markets maintained healthy growth. Exports to South Korea increased 9 per cent to $419.4 million, ASEAN rose 15.8 per cent to $380.2 million, and other markets expanded 17.1 per cent to around $1.1 billion, highlighting the effectiveness of Vietnam's market diversification strategy.

Despite the positive outlook, VASEP warned that logistics costs would pose a major challenge in the second half of the year. As a sector heavily dependent on refrigerated container shipping, seafood exporters remain vulnerable to rising freight rates, fuel surcharges, insurance costs, container shortages, and port congestion.

International container freight rates have approached their highest levels in nearly two years, particularly on routes to the US and EU, as importers accelerate shipments ahead of potential new tariff measures.

VASEP said the first-half result provided a solid foundation for achieving double-digit export growth in 2026. However, sustaining momentum will require exporters to strengthen their presence in high-growth markets such as China, ASEAN, and South Korea, while improving compliance in the US, EU, and Japan, controlling logistics costs, and expanding higher value-added processed products.

The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index posted 51.8 points in June, down from 52.8 in May but still above the 50.0 no-change mark, indicating continued improvement in the sector. Business conditions have strengthened on a monthly basis throughout the past year.

After returning to growth in May, new orders increased again in June as panellists reported improvements in customer demand. The latest expansion was solid, albeit softer than in the previous survey period. New export orders also rose, albeit only slightly and to a smaller extent than total new business.

The latest rise in new orders helped to support sustained growth of manufacturing production. Output rose for the fourteenth successive month, and at a marked pace that was the fastest since February

Higher new orders and rising output requirements encouraged manufacturers to expand their purchasing activity for the second month running in June. As was the case with output, the rate of growth was slightly quicker than that seen in May.

Despite another marked rise in purchasing, stocks of inputs decreased at a sharp and accelerated pace in June. In fact, the fall was the most marked for a year. In some cases, inputs had been used to support production growth rather than being held in stock, while challenges in importing goods were also mentioned.

Indeed, sourcing inputs in general again proved difficult for firms as suppliers' delivery times lengthened further. The latest deterioration in vendor performance was only modest and the least marked in four months, however.

Input costs continued to rise sharply in June, but the rate of inflation was much softer than that seen in May and the lowest since the start of the year. Where input prices increased, panellists linked this to material supply shortages and higher transportation costs. Similarly, the rate of output price inflation also eased in June and was at a six-month low.

Contrasting with the generally positive picture in June, employment continued to decrease, the fourth month running in which this has been the case. Although modest, the latest fall was sharper than that seen in May as a number of firms reported employee resignations. Despite lower workforce numbers, outstanding business decreased again, and at a solid pace.

Manufacturers remained optimistic that output will rise over the coming year, and confidence ticked up to the highest in four months. Hopes for further increases in new orders, new product development and efforts to expand operations were among the factors supporting optimism. That said, sentiment remained below the level seen before the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

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US giant Coherent expands business in Vietnam US-headquartered technology group Coherent, a leading supplier of advanced materials and components, has expanded its presence in Vietnam by leasing land for a second manufacturing plant in Dong Nai city.

Trung Nguyen Legend expands coffee production in Dak Lak On June 25, Trung Nguyen Legend held the ground-breaking and construction commencement for its world-leading coffee factory in Dak Lak.

A national conference was held in Hanoi on June 30 to disseminate and implement Resolution 10, which brought together government leaders, local authorities, and representatives of international businesses and investment funds.

Drawing on Japan's experience, Takuya Sahashi, vice chairman of Mitsubishi Corporation Vietnam, said Resolution 10, together with Resolution 68 on private sector development, would serve as the "two wheels" driving Vietnam's next phase of economic growth.

He welcomed the resolution's emphasis on attracting high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) while strengthening linkages between foreign-invested and domestic enterprises, stressing that Vietnam's long-term development should not rely solely on foreign capital.

"Vietnam's economic development should not depend only on attracting foreign investment, but also on enabling Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in global value chains," Sahashi said. "Through this process, advanced technologies, modern management practices, and international standards will gradually spread to domestic businesses, creating stronger spillover effects and reinforcing the country's industrial base."

To help realise the resolution's objectives, Sahashi called for a national programme to nurture domestic suppliers with strong growth potential, arguing that helping foreign-invested enterprises identify capable local partners is critical to expanding supply chains.

He also proposed improving supplier databases, expanding business-matching platforms and trade exhibitions, simplifying support programmes for SMEs, strengthening upstream industries, and encouraging closer collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to develop a highly skilled workforce. He added that tax incentives for corporate investment in vocational training and education should also be considered.

Citing a recent survey by a Japanese government agency, Sahashi noted that 57 per cent of Japanese companies operating in Vietnam plan to expand their businesses, the highest proportion among ASEAN countries.

"This demonstrates Japanese companies' confidence in Vietnam's long-term investment prospects," he said.

Representatives of international investment funds also welcomed Resolution 10, describing it as a strong signal of Vietnam's commitment to improving FDI quality and developing the capital market as a strategic channel for mobilising international resources.

Dominic Scriven, chairman of Dragon Capital, described Resolution 10 as "a very important resolution for foreign investors" because it clearly recognises the foreign-invested sector as "an inseparable part of Vietnam's economy," reinforcing the principle of equal treatment for all investors.

He also welcomed the resolution's shift from attracting capital by volume to prioritising investment quality, saying, "It is no longer just about capital, but about technology, management expertise, international standards, and sustainable development."

Scriven added that the resolution's commitment not to sacrifice the environment, natural resources, or social welfare for investment would strengthen Vietnam's long-term competitiveness.

Scriven said he was particularly encouraged that the resolution identifies the capital market as an important component of the foreign-invested economy. However, he warned that high financing costs remain a major constraint.

"The gap in the cost of capital between the public and private sectors is still too wide," he said, noting that while the State Treasury can issue long-term bonds at around 4 per cent annually, many businesses still pay 10-12 per cent on three-year corporate bonds.

Dragon Capital therefore proposed incentives for foreign-invested enterprises to retain profits for reinvestment in Vietnam, faster progress towards emerging market status, completion of the central counterparty framework, improvements to foreign exchange mechanisms, a review of foreign ownership limits where appropriate, and more flexible listing requirements for innovative technology and AI companies with accumulated losses.

Meanwhile, Michael Kokalari, chief economist at VinaCapital, said Vietnam was becoming "an increasingly attractive destination for international investors" and argued that the country should maintain momentum in developing large-scale infrastructure projects.

"These projects require substantial long-term capital, and this is an area where VinaCapital and international investors can partner with Vietnam," he said.

Kokalari added that Resolution No10 would further strengthen the economy by encouraging closer linkages between foreign-invested enterprises and domestic suppliers, enhancing Vietnam's competitiveness and attractiveness to global investors.

On June 29-30, the Department of Climate Change (DCC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment organised the workshop entitled "Training on the facility-level GHG inventory reporting system and GHG emission mitigation for thermal power, cement and iron and steel sectors".

The workshop took place in the context of Vietnam highlighting the roadmap for building a carbon market, including completing the measurement-reporting-verification (MRV) system, allocating emission quotas, and establishing a carbon credit trading mechanism.

Dr Luong Quang Huy, head of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management and Ozone Layer Protection Division at the DCC said, “The goal of GHG inventory is to comply with regulations, and to help businesses clearly identify their “emission footprint” throughout the entire production chain, thereby building an emission reduction roadmap suitable to their actual conditions.”

“Although the legal framework and basic technical tools have been completed, the foundation of the emission quota and carbon credit trading system remains GHG inventory and emission reduction at each facility. The most important thing is to conduct accurate inventories, ensuring that emission figures accurately reflect reality,” Huy said.

Makiko Inamori, project formulation advisor, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), said, “Besides establishing a GHG reporting system and preparing for the Emission Trading System, Vietnam is also implementing a domestic carbon market. With these efforts, we recognise that the country is playing a leading role in carbon pricing in the ASEAN region.”

“Japan, with its extensive experience in managing facility-level reporting and implementing energy-saving measures for the thermal power, cement, and steel industries, is always ready to cooperate and share useful lessons with Vietnam. This will be a useful reference source, helping Vietnam transition to a low-carbon economy," he added.

The training session consisted of two parts. The first part focused on updating the core legal framework. The representatives of state management agencies presented a specialised topic on updated legal regulations.

Technical experts on GHG emission reduction planning from JICA shared international lessons learned on emission cataloguing. In addition, technical experts guided the process of developing and implementing grassroots-level GHG emission reduction plans, helping to transform raw data into mitigation solutions.

Vietnam's legal system is strictly implemented, including Article 91 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection, Decree No.06/2022/ND-CP, and Decree No.119/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing regulations, creating a mandatory legal framework shifting from voluntary to strict compliance.

The second session focused on practical guidance on the GHG Inventory Reporting System at the grassroots level. JICA's technical expert on the online greenhouse gas inventory system introduced the interface and features of the online GHG inventory reporting system at the grassroots level.

This electronic system integrates calculation methods that have been validated by ministries and sectors, simplifying the calculation process for businesses. Through the practical session, delegates practised step-by-step, from accessing the system, entering specific industry-specific operational data, to generating reports and submitting trial applications.

Previously, the prime minister issued Decision No.263/QD-TTg approving the total greenhouse gas emission quota for the pilot phase during 2025–2026. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment continued to issue Decision No.699/QD-BNNMT allocating quotas to 110 facilities in three major emitting sectors: thermal power, cement, and iron and steel.

According to the regulation, by 2025-2026, 110 facilities will participate, including 34 thermal power plants, 25 iron and steel production facilities, and 51 cement facilities.

Agricultural enterprises focus on emissions mitigation Many agricultural enterprises, especially food exporting and processing enterprises, are working to save energy, contributing to meeting the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target.

Training on GHG emissions for private cement companies 50 cement manufacturers joined a 2-day training course on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and mitigation from December 14 to 15.

Vietnam operates greenhouse gas reporting system online A reporting system for facilities to upload their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data online has been completed, and will be updated when the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of Transport issue detailed guidance for their respective areas, according to a recent consultation meeting.

Citi volunteers in Hanoi Branch joined hands to build a new playground and library at Huong Nha Primary School in Phu Tho province

The new playgrounds provide safe and engaging spaces where students can develop physical strength, coordination, confidence and social skills.

The libraries will open doors to knowledge and discovery, offering books, educational games, quiet study areas and community reading activities.

Through these education-related projects, Citi Vietnam aims to create real and lasting impact for children and local communities, while encouraging employees to participate actively in volunteerism and community engagement.

“At Citi, our mission is to enable growth and economic progress. We believe that volunteerism is a key way that we deliver on our shared mission to enable economic growth and progress at the local level,” said Minh Ngo, Citi Vietnam’s country officer and banking head.

“By volunteering with schools and supporting libraries and safe playgrounds, we contribute to the skills, confidence and opportunities they will need for the future. Global Community Day is meaningful for Citi colleagues to live our mission through practical action in the communities we serve.”

Citi volunteers in Ho Chi Minh City carried out a similar initiative at Tuoi Tho Kindergarten in Lam Dong province

Global Community Day is Citi’s annual tradition of coming together across the world through volunteerism, building lasting connections with each other and the communities. In Vietnam, Citi’s 2026 activities reaffirm the bank’s continued commitment to creating positive community impact.

Citi sharpens its focus on institutional banking Citi boasts strength in cross-border payments and supply chain finance. Minh Ngo, newly appointed Citi country officer and banking head for Vietnam, discussed the bank’s strategic priorities in this country with VIR’s Thien Huong.

Citi Vietnam named Best Commercial Bank 2026 by The Asset Triple A Citi Vietnam on May 7 announced that Citi Vietnam has been awarded "Best Commercial Bank 2026" at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards.

Citi Vietnam named Best Sustainable Bank by FinanceAsia Citi Vietnam has been named Best Sustainable Bank in Vietnam at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026, reinforcing the bank’s role in supporting clients and the country’s long-term sustainable development agenda. The award ceremony took place in Hong Kong on June 25.

With product carbon footprint management at its core, Sinopec has established a comprehensive carbon management system spanning the full product lifecycle and aligned with both Chinese and European standards. The company has also become the first to achieve mutual recognition with BASF on carbon footprint accounting, creating a replicable model for cross‑border green collaboration.

Sinopec's efforts in green energy supply, low‑carbon technology R&D, and supply chain carbon assessment demonstrate the group's commitment to advancing China's "dual carbon" goals and set a practical benchmark for ESG implementation in the global energy and chemical industry.

At the conference, a Sinopec representative delivered a keynote titled Cleaner Energy, Better Life: Deepening China-Europe Green Cooperation for a Low-Carbon Energy Future. The phrase Cleaner Energy, Better Life serves as both Sinopec's guiding principle for green and low-carbon development and its solemn commitment to the world. The speech noted that green and low-carbon development is a shared pursuit of all humanity and that China and Europe have vast potential for cooperation in this field.

The conference, as an open and professional exchange platform, takes the role of encouraging Chinese and European enterprises to work together in advancing sustainable development and jointly charting a blueprint for a greener future.

Aligned with its "Dual Carbon" goals, Sinopec has made product carbon footprint management a strategic pillar of its ESG agenda, driving international standards alignment and enhancing global competitiveness. The company has built a comprehensive carbon management framework underpinned by strong top-level governance, full lifecycle coverage, and integrated alignment with domestic and international carbon management systems.

Committed to open collaboration, Sinopec has proactively advanced mutual recognition of carbon footprint methodologies with European counterparts, reaching accounting standard alignment with BASF to support the low-carbon transformation of the global chemical industry.

Meanwhile, Sinopec has embedded low-carbon requirements throughout its procurement processes, extending carbon footprint management from its internal operations to the broader industrial chain, continuously driving green upgrades across its entire supply chain.

Please visit http://www.sinopec.com/listco/en/ for more information from Sinopec.

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In operational technology (OT) environments, third-party remote access is essential for maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment support. However, as ransomware groups increasingly target manufacturing organizations, security teams are facing growing pressure to balance operational continuity with cybersecurity, compliance, and vendor access control.

"Many organizations focus on keeping attackers out, but far fewer examine how much access is available once someone gets in," said Knud Kegel, CTPO at Secomea. "In manufacturing environments, remote access is essential for keeping operations running. The challenge is making sure that access is controlled, temporary, and visible."

Manufacturers rely on machine builders, system integrators, and service providers to support critical equipment remotely. However, always-on access, shared credentials, and limited oversight can create opportunities for attackers to move through environments once an initial compromise occurs.

While the specific circumstances vary from incident to incident, recent attacks highlight a common challenge: balancing operational access with security and oversight.

According to Secomea, organizations should focus on three areas:

Reduce standing access
Vendor access should be granted only when needed and removed when the task is complete. Limiting access windows reduces the opportunity for misuse, credential abuse, and unauthorized activity.

Improve visibility and accountability
Organizations should be able to see who accessed systems, when they connected, and what actions were performed. Detailed audit trails support investigations, compliance requirements, cyber insurance reporting, and incident response.

Prepare for containment
When suspicious activity is detected, security and operations teams need practical ways to isolate affected assets and prevent disruptions from spreading across production environments.

Effective OT access governance combines least-privilege access, just-in-time vendor access, auditability, and rapid containment to reduce cyber risk while maintaining operational continuity.

These measures have become increasingly important as manufacturers face growing regulatory scrutiny, rising cyber insurance requirements, and continued pressure to maintain operational uptime.

Practical steps for ransomware-ready OT remote access

As manufacturers review their cyber resilience strategies, Secomea recommends assessing whether the following controls and processes are in place:

• Just-in-time vendor access instead of persistent remote connections
• Approval-based workflows for access to critical systems
• Least-privilege permissions for users and vendors
• Audit trails that support investigations, compliance, and forensic analysis
• The ability to quickly isolate affected assets during an incident

"The conversation is shifting from simply enabling remote access to governing it," said Knud Kegel. "Manufacturers do not need less connectivity. They need better governance of that connectivity. Organizations that can limit, monitor, and contain access are often better positioned to reduce operational impact when incidents occur."

"Ransomware resilience in manufacturing increasingly depends on how organizations govern remote access to OT systems," added Knud. "Just-in-time vendor access, visibility into remote sessions, and the ability to contain affected assets are becoming foundational cybersecurity controls."

The system fully complies with the latest EU RoHS Directive and mercury-free environmental regulations. Combining advanced semiconductor UV technology with sustainability, it is designed for a wide range of applications including industrial production lines, commercial water purification, and centralized water supply systems. This innovation accelerates the global transition from traditional mercury-based UV lamps to UVC LED solutions, offering an efficient, intelligent, and environmentally friendly disinfection alternative.

1. High-Flow Design for Diverse Water Applications

With the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, mercury-free UVC LED water treatment technologies are rapidly becoming the industry standard, replacing conventional mercury lamp systems. This new product utilizes solid-state UVC LED semiconductor light sources, completely free of mercury and compliant with EU RoHS Directive. It is also registered with the U.S. EPA for device establishment, eliminating mercury contamination risks at the source and supporting sustainable development goals.

Designed specifically for high-flow applications, the system integrates UVC LED technology with optimized structural engineering to achieve over 99.999% inactivation of bacteria and viruses. The design supports a water flow rate range from 24 LPM to 200 LPM (6–52 GPM), combined with a wide range of voltage input (100–240V), ensuring high adaptability across various application project requirements. It can be flexibly deployed in commercial buildings, large residential communities, industrial processing plants, and centralized water supply systems, significantly reducing system selection complexity and costs. Additional advantages include instant on/off operation, long service life, and low maintenance requirements, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional mercury UV disinfection systems such as contamination risks and complex upkeep.

2. Verified Disinfection Performance with Third-Party Certification

Disinfection efficacy is the core performance indicator of water treatment systems. The MASSPHOTON MP-UVC-200LP series has been rigorously tested and certified by internationally recognized third-party organizations HKCC and SGS. Test results confirm that under standard operating conditions, the system consistently achieves over 99.999% inactivation of common microorganisms, including Escherichia coli. Notably, for Bacillus subtilis spores (ATCC 6633), the system achieved a >99.999% inactivation rate at a flow rate of 48 LPM, as verified by SGS. These third-party test results provide strong, objective validation of the system's disinfection performance, ensuring safe water supply for commercial and industrial applications while reinforcing market confidence in the technology.

3. Intelligent Monitoring and Reduced O&M Costs

To meet the needs of modern smart water management systems, the MP-UVC-200LP series is equipped with an intelligent control system for real-time monitoring and management. The system continuously tracks key parameters such as UVC intensity/power density, delivered UVC dose, LED lifetime, and cumulative operating hours. It also features a self-diagnostic module to simplify troubleshooting and maintenance. A user-friendly interface combined with remote IoT monitoring via a mobile app allows operators to easily manage system performance and status.

This intelligent design enhances operational stability, facilitates system integration, and significantly reduces both engineering and long-term maintenance costs.

4. Rapid Market Growth and Inevitable Mercury-Free Transition

The global UVC LED water disinfection market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by environmental regulations and the phase-out of mercury-based UV light sources. Demand for compliant, stable, and certified mercury-free disinfection solutions continues to rise.

Key market insights include:

The UV disinfection system market in water and wastewater treatment reached USD 1.49 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 4.3 billion by 2035.

The UVC LED segment reached USD 1.06 billion in 2025, with a projected CAGR exceeding 33.8% from 2026 to 2035.

Across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, demand is accelerating for high-performance, compliant, and scalable mercury-free solutions. The launch of MASSPHOTON's high-flow UVC LED system precisely aligns with this trend, filling a critical gap in the high-end, large-capacity water disinfection market.

For product information, technical consultation, or business inquiries, please visit our official website at www.massphoton.com.

The approval was granted under Malaysia's National Regulatory Sandbox framework for autonomous delivery vehicles. Road trials are expected to begin in the coming weeks in Cyberjaya, the country's flagship smart city and technology hub.

The milestone positions Malaysia as a strategic launchpad for Neolix's broader Southeast Asia growth strategy, following the company's ongoing expansion efforts in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region. Neolix has been actively advancing deployment initiatives in Singapore, where the company has been working with regional partners to explore autonomous urban logistics and smart-city delivery applications.

Neolix's autonomous delivery vehicles are designed to redefine urban logistics, driving down operational costs, boosting delivery efficiency, and unlocking a new standard for how goods move through cities.

The Malaysia approval comes as governments across Southeast Asia accelerate investment in AI, robotics and smart mobility infrastructure.

The region has emerged as a critical global manufacturing and technology base, with expanding demand for automated logistics solutions driven by e-commerce growth, labor shortages and increasing pressure on urban fulfilment networks. According to DBS Bank, Southeast Asia's e-commerce economy is projected to grow from USD 184 billion in 2024 to USD 410 billion by 2030.

"Malaysia represents an important next step in Neolix's international expansion strategy," said the Head of Southeast Asia Operations at Neolix. "We see strong long-term demand for autonomous logistics infrastructure across the region, and Malaysia provides an ideal environment to validate technologies designed specifically for dense urban Asian markets."

Testing will span closed-road, semi-open and public-road environments in Cyberjaya and several other locations, evaluating vehicle performance across real-world urban conditions including traffic signals, intersections and speed bumps.

Malaysia's left-hand traffic system also provides a valuable testing environment for deployment across many Asia-Pacific markets.

Cyberjaya is home to Malaysia's official Malaysia Autonomous Vehicle (MyAV) testing route, developed jointly by the Ministry of Transport and Futurise under the National Regulatory Sandbox initiative. Companies participating in the program must undergo technical and safety evaluations by the MyAV Evaluation Committee before operating on public roads.

Neolix's Malaysia pilot will be conducted together with a consortium of local and regional partners, including:

• Tiong Nam Logistics, a major logistics service provider in Malaysia and across ASEAN
• Asia Mobiliti, a Malaysia-based Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) technology company
• MindHub, an AI infrastructure company focused on Southeast Asia

The company expects to wrap up sandbox testing with its initial partners in phases throughout the second half of this year. Together, the partners will evaluate multiple use cases including express parcel delivery, campus logistics and on-demand e-commerce fulfilment. The initiative is expected to help establish operational standards and deployment models that could support future commercial expansion across Southeast Asia.

Neolix has rapidly expanded its international autonomous delivery footprint over the past two years. In 2025, the company became the first autonomous delivery operator to receive a commercial vehicle licence in Abu Dhabi and has since deployed hundreds of autonomous delivery vehicles across the UAE in partnership with regional e-commerce platform Noon and express delivery company iMile.

The company expects to deploy more than 10,000 vehicles across the UAE by the end of 2026, while simultaneously expanding operations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman.

To date, Neolix has deployed autonomous delivery systems across 15+ countries and regions and more than 300 cities worldwide, with cumulative autonomous driving mileage exceeding 170 million kilometres.

The company is actively advancing localization programs across China, the UAE, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, Portugal and Australia as it builds what it sees as the next generation of intelligent urban delivery infrastructure.

Sustaining Market Transparency

IDX continues to actively scale disclosure initiatives on its website, granting public access to listed companies' share ownership data, free-float information, and High Shareholding Concentration disclosures. Since March, IDX has been publishing share ownership information for shareholders holding over 1% of a listed company's shares. Furthermore, listed companies continue to comply with requirements to disclose ultimate beneficial owners with holdings exceeding 10%, along with updated free-float data, in monthly reports.

To strengthen engagement, the SROs provide IDX Hotdesk (hotdesk@idx.co.id), an open communication channel for investors to obtain information and provide feedback. These long-term initiatives further align the Indonesian capital market with international best practices while steadily enhancing competitiveness and governance.

Strong Market Activity Amid Global Uncertainty

Indonesia's capital market continues to demonstrate resilience despite heightened global uncertainty. Although the IDX Composite (IHSG) closed at 5,883.88 on June 24, trading remains robust. Average daily trading value reached USD 1.44 billion (IDR 24.6 trillion), a 36.3% increase year-to-date, while average daily trading frequency rose 49.4% to 2.67 million transactions.

Domestic participation also continues to expand. As of June 23, Single Investor Identification accounts reached 28.70 million, with retail investors contributing 52.5% of daily trading value. Net subscriptions into equity mutual funds reached IDR21.98 trillion (USD 1.35 billion) as of April 20, substantially exceeding the same period in 2025 (IDR6.27 trillion).

Overall, five CU Medicine disciplines rank among Asia's top three – Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging – while seven are ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong, namely Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging, Neuroscience & Behaviour, and Oncology, underscoring the Faculty's broad excellence in research, clinical care, and education.

Driving Breakthroughs in Gastroenterology & Hepatology

CU Medicine's sustained global prominence is driven by pioneering research and clinical innovation that continue to shape international clinical practice.

In gut microbiome research, CU Medicine leads the region through its Asia's first Microbiota Transplantation and Research Centre, pioneering in fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), early-life microbiome research, and non-invasive diagnostics. Landmark discoveries include identifying novel microbiome biomarkers for autism spectrum disorders, as well as demonstrating that modulating gut microbiota may alleviate anxiety symptoms. In another world-first breakthrough, faculty researchers revealed that Streptococcus anginosus can cause gastric cancer, providing new insights for future clinical intervention.

CU Medicine has also been at the forefront of non-invasive and endoscopic innovation, transforming patient care by reducing surgical trauma and speeding recovery. The Faculty is the first in the world in pioneering endoluminal robotics for treatment of GI cancers. Today, CU Medicine also serves as the world's first testing ground for a novel AI-powered upper gastrointestinal endoscopy system, enhancing early cancer detection with greater precision using robotic technology.

The Faculty has also led major international initiatives, notably The Lancet Commission on liver cancer, marking a historic first in the journal's 200-year history as a major cancer report spearheaded by Hong Kong scholars. Five CU Medicine scholars, including one as the first author, formed the 51-strong commission with experts from the US, Europe, and Asia. This pivotal role reflects the powerful recognition of CU Medicine's contribution to and leadership in global liver cancer and disease research.

Bringing these bench-to-bedside capabilities directly to patient care, CU Medicine was the first in the world to define stool microRNA and bacterial biomarkers for the early, non-invasive diagnosis of colorectal cancer. In tandem with these diagnostic advancements, researchers recently revealed a novel "clear out–feed in" function of the macrophage subtype "TREM2+ LAM", which provides nutrients to cancer cells during the process of clearing apoptotic cells (efferocytosis), highlighting a new drug target for liver cancer immunotherapy.

Professor Philip Chiu, Dean of Medicine at CUHK, stated, "Sustaining a top-three position globally for four consecutive editions underscores the broad and enduring excellence of CU Medicine. True medical advancement requires the courage to pioneer what has never been done before, and our teams have proven that Hong Kong scholars can lead the world in clinical and scientific breakthroughs. Building on this momentum, we will continue to break boundaries, accelerate the translation of frontier research, and cultivate the next generation of globally minded, empathetic medical leaders."

Please visit http://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk for more information.

METiS TechBio will receive a $20 million upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to $1.6 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to tiered royalties on product sales.

METiS TechBio's proprietary NanoForge platform has achieved deep integration across AI-based protein design, drug delivery system engineering, and therapeutic innovation, reflecting validation from top-tier global capital and industry partners. This transaction marks a shift in AI-enabled drug delivery platforms from early technological validation toward global commercialization value realization.

MTS-128 is a next-generation trispecific T-cell engager developed by METiS TechBio through its NanoForge platform. Unlike traditional antibody discovery approaches, MTS-128 is designed and optimized end-to-end through NanoForge-enabled AI-driven molecular engineering, representing a key example of AI-enabled therapeutic innovation at METiS TechBio.

Compared with conventional bispecific T-cell engagers, trispecific TCEs can simultaneously engage multiple biological mechanisms, with the potential to enhance target cell killing efficiency, increase therapeutic window and reduce off-target toxicity. The development of MTS-128 reflects METiS TechBio's integrated capabilities in artificial intelligence and protein engineering, while also demonstrating NanoForge's ability to continuously generate novel therapeutic assets.

METiS TechBio's proprietary AI-enabled nanodelivery platform, NanoForge, is built on an integrated "dry lab + wet lab + agent-based intelligence" innovation framework, powering four core solution engines: AiLNP (AI-driven lipid nanoparticle design), AiRNA (AI mRNA sequence design), AiProtein (AI protein and antibody design), and AiTEM (AI small molecule formulation design).

NanoForge enables an end-to-end innovation chain spanning AI-based protein generation, in vivo delivery technologies, and next-generation immunotherapy development. In particular, the AiProtein platform supports rapid discovery and optimization of novel therapeutic proteins, including T-cell engagers, in vivo protein therapeutics, and other advanced immunomodulatory modalities.

"This transaction represents an exciting development in the strategic alliance between METiS and Deerfield at a pivotal moment for AI-driven drug delivery innovation in China," said Chris Lai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of METiS TechBio. "The MTS-128 program demonstrates NanoForge's ability to enable next-generation drug discovery and development. This is only the beginning. Leveraging NanoForge as our core engine, we will continue to generate globally competitive therapeutic assets. As AI converges with drug delivery technologies, we aim to advance transformative therapies from concept to global development, bringing more accessible innovative treatments to patients worldwide."

Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology. METiS Technologies (7666.HK) is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms. On May 13, 2026, METiS successfully listed on HK exchange as the first listed AI-powered drug delivery company.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed NanoForge, the world's first AI-drive nano-delivery platform and four proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; AiProtein - AI platform for protein and antibody design and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

METiS' platforms simulate, predict, and interpret nanoscale interactions to enable rational design, optimization, and validation of next-generation nanomaterials and their payloads. By advancing AI-enabled nanotechnology, METiS strives to unlock new therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, metabolic and autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions, and improve the health of lives. For more information, please visit www.metistechbio.com.

"The Gulf of America is one of our highest-value basins, and we are actively shaping our portfolio to ensure our Upstream business continues to be resilient and increasingly competitive," said Peter Costello, Shell's Upstream President. "We remain focused on sustaining our material liquids production into the next decade."

Shell's deep-water business is differentiated by its scale, efficiency, and infrastructure. Shell is the only international oil company with a leading portfolio position in both the Gulf of America and Brazil, two of the highest-margin and lowest-carbon production basins in the world.

The transaction has an effective date of July 1, 2025, and is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

• Pharmaceutical-Grade 95% High Concentration : WHC fish oil sets a clear boundary against generic alternatives that offer only 30%-50% purity. This made in Europe, GMP-compliant High-concentration fish oil delivers clinical-grade efficacy directly to the cells.
• Joint R&D with KD Pharma: As a GOED member, WHC partners with pharmaceutical giant KD Pharma, utilizing Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) technology to pioneer a new era in high-purity extraction.
• Patented rTG Form & Certifications: Sourced from short-cycle small deep-sea fish to ensure purity, WHC uses the highly bioavailable rTG form, delivering a 4x higher absorption rate than standard oils. Efficacy and safety are guaranteed by IFOS 5-star and Labdoor top rankings.
• Localized Formulation Strategy : WHC addresses the chronic Vitamin D deficiency prevalent among Southeast Asian urban professionals due to air-conditioned offices. Its flagship UnoCardio 1000 combines high-purity Omega-3 with Vitamin D3, offering the perfect synergy for modern lifestyles.

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

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

Building Performance Modelling as a Strategic Tool
Integrated modelling uses computer-based simulations to predict how a building will perform even before it is constructed. By analysing factors such as energy consumption, indoor comfort, daylight access, airflow, and operational efficiency, it helps project teams understand how design decisions may affect a building's long-term performance.

Traditionally, this approach has been used to support compliance with building regulations and sustainability certification frameworks. However, its role is expanding as project teams increasingly seek data-driven insights during the design process.

One factor contributing to this trend is the growing focus on measurable operational outcomes. Frameworks such as NABERS Commitment Agreements and Section J Performance Solutions require project teams to demonstrate expected building performance before construction begins. As a result, modelling is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for evaluating whether design targets can realistically be achieved.

The approach is already widely adopted across Australia's construction sector. Research indicates that approximately 90% of new residential developments and 85% of non-office commercial projects now incorporate building performance modelling. At the same time, around 53% of standard projects and 49% of premium projects are using modelling primarily for compliance-based assessments.

"Modelling is increasingly viewed not just as a compliance requirement, but as a practical tool for evaluating whether design targets can realistically be achieved," shared Erika Yuniarti, Managing Director of Afogreen Build.

Integrated Modelling Provides a Broader View of Building Performance
Many project teams are also moving beyond assessments that focus on a single performance metric.

Integrated modelling evaluates multiple aspects of building performance together, including:

• Energy use
• Thermal comfort
• Daylight access
• Ventilation
• Occupant experience

This approach allows stakeholders to better understand how different building systems and design decisions interact with one another.

By identifying potential issues earlier in the design process, project teams can make more informed decisions before significant design resources are committed. This can help reduce design revisions, improve overall efficiency, and provide greater confidence that performance objectives can be achieved once the building is operational.

Applications Across Multiple Sectors
The growing adoption of building performance modelling can be seen across a variety of project types. Recent projects undertaken by Afogreen Build highlight how simulation-based assessments are helping project teams evaluate performance, improve design outcomes, and support sustainability objectives.

a. Large-Scale Hotel Development
One project involved the transformation of a former police station site into a two-tower hotel complex with a gross floor area of approximately 25,000 sqm. The development combines a 131-room boutique luxury lifestyle hotel with a 451-room budget-friendly hotel, creating a diverse hospitality offering designed to serve different traveller segments.

To support both guest comfort and sustainability objectives, Afogreen Build conducted integrated daylight, glare, and energy modelling throughout the project. Daylight simulations showed that approximately 94% of guest rooms met daylight performance requirements, while glare assessments helped optimise visual comfort within occupied spaces.

Energy modelling indicated an overall reduction in energy consumption of 30.2% compared to baseline building performance. The analysis also identified key areas of energy use, providing valuable insights that can support future operational and system optimisation efforts.

b. Train Station Project
For a train station project, Afogreen Build adopted an integrated modelling approach to evaluate factors such as daylight access, thermal comfort, glare, and natural ventilation across key passenger areas, including the concourse and platforms.

The simulations helped project stakeholders better understand how environmental conditions would affect the passenger experience throughout the day. Findings from the study informed façade design strategies, balancing natural daylight with measures to reduce excessive glare and solar heat gain in occupied spaces.

The assessments also identified opportunities to improve thermal comfort and air movement within the station, supporting a more comfortable environment for commuters while maintaining energy-efficient design principles.

c. High-Performance Data Centre
Afogreen Build also applied building performance modelling to a 50 MW data centre project, where energy efficiency was a key design consideration.

The study evaluated the interaction between IT equipment, cooling systems, power distribution infrastructure, and other supporting building systems. By analysing how these components work together under operational conditions, the project team was able to gain a clearer understanding of the facility's overall energy performance and identify opportunities for optimisation.

The modelling contributed to an optimised Category 2 Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) range of 1.19 to 1.31, reflecting a highly efficient approach to managing energy consumption within a large-scale, energy-intensive facility.

Together, these projects demonstrate how building performance modelling can be applied across diverse sectors, each with its own operational requirements and performance priorities.

The Future of Performance-Driven Design
As sustainability frameworks and performance expectations continue to evolve, Afogreen Build expects modelling to become an increasingly important part of project planning and design across a wide range of sectors.

"There is increasing emphasis on understanding how buildings are likely to perform before they are built, rather than waiting until they are operational to identify challenges," said Ms. Erika. "The ability to evaluate performance early in the design process is becoming increasingly valuable as projects face more complex sustainability and operational requirements. The team should work closely with project stakeholders to establish realistic assumptions and evaluate likely performance outcomes from the outset. This process helps reduce unnecessary design iterations, improve modelling efficiency, and increase the likelihood of achieving targeted performance objectives. By integrating performance considerations earlier in the design process, project teams are better positioned to deliver buildings that meet both compliance requirements and long-term operational goals."

For more information about building performance modelling and sustainability consulting services, visit Afogreen Build's website.

https://www.afogreenbuild.com/au/

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The culinary campaign features a high-profile partnership between "Yang Ming Spring"—a prominent Taiwanese pure vegan culinary group honored with the Michelin Green Star—and Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant at PARKROYAL on Beach Road under the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. From July 1 to September 30, this exclusive plant-based menu highlights premium fresh ingredients sourced directly from Taiwan, including water snowflake, green bamboo shoots, cabbage, tea leaves, and the rising export star, the "Mango Pineapple," elevating Taiwanese produce onto international five-star tables.

The launch was attended by MOA Deputy Minister Hu Jong-I, Ministry counselor Wu Wen-ling, Pan Pacific Hotels Group Executive Director Ms. Wee Wei Ling, and Yang Ming Spring Founder Mr. Chen Chien-Hung. Deputy Minister Hu noted that this festival marks a critical milestone for Taiwanese agriculture as it integrates with green gastronomy globally. The MOA aims to connect Singaporean consumers with Taiwan's top-tier produce, establishing a premium brand image rooted in food safety and trust to unlock future export channels.

The launch elegantly incorporated Taiwan's Phalaenopsis orchid floral aesthetics to create a "five-sensory feast" that harmonized taste, vision, and cultural narrative, solidifying Taiwan's premium brand image. The event successfully drew over 80 distinguished guests, including mainstream Singaporean media, food critics, business chamber representatives, and executive chefs.

Concurrently, the official residence of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore hosted the festival's thematic opening reception, serving as a premier venue for cultural diplomacy and showcasing the narrative of Taiwan's agricultural excellence. The exhibition focused on three themes: Taiwanese orchid aesthetics, Mango Pineapple innovation, and sustainable agriculture tourism. This space demonstrated Taiwan's agricultural evolution from precision R&D to green sustainability, highlighting its export potential to foreign diplomats and Singaporean trade buyers.

The MOA emphasized that the initiative's core strategy is to "drive tangible procurement through engaging and immersive experiences in our target markets." By bridging high-end dining with diplomatic prestige, the three-month campaign will maximize the visibility of Taiwanese agri-products across Southeast Asian markets. Aligning with global net-zero sustainability trends, the festival establishes a safe, premium brand image, paving the way for Taiwanese agriculture to integrate into global high-end supply chains and broader Asia-Pacific channels.

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It gathered around 400 delegates from government departments, industry associations, financial institutions, AI enterprises and OPC startup operators across the country. Participants exchanged insights on AI innovation pathways and cross-industry integration strategies, injecting strong impetus into Hangzhou's ambition to develop a national benchmark hub for AI+OPC entrepreneurship.

A series of key launches and milestone ceremonies took place during the opening segment. Official releases included the 2026 national OPC development observation report, Hangzhou's 2026–2028 action plan and supporting policies to build a national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub, and a catalog of actionable AI+OPC application scenarios. Attendees also received an in-depth interpretation of the specifications for AI-enabled OPC community services and evaluation.

The ceremony featured multiple landmark initiatives: plaque awarding for Hangzhou's priority AI+OPC incubation communities and dedicated observation sites, the official launch of the AI+OPC Community Alliance initiative, and a kickoff marking the official construction of the national AI+OPC entrepreneurship hub.

The open forum session featured keynote speeches from distinguished industry and academic leaders. Speakers included Pan Yunhe, former executive vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Zhejiang University; Liang Gui, former executive vice governor of Jiangxi Province and ex-director of the Torch High Technology Industry Development Center under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; and Zou Ling, head of Hong Hub, Shangcheng District's single-member unicorn startup acceleration community, who shared cutting-edge insights from varied perspectives.

A panel dialogue followed, bringing together representatives from Moshu OPC Community (Beijing E-Town), the School of Future Science and Engineering at Soochow University, Qingju Hub · Future Digital Intelligence Port (Shangcheng District), and Puhua Capital for in-depth industry exchanges.

Complementary concurrent events held throughout the conference included an OPC capital-industry matchmaking salon, a symposium on industry-education integration for AI-powered OPC sectors, and a national exchange forum for AI+OPC community practitioners.

OPC has emerged as a vibrant new engine driving economic vitality and underpinning high-quality development. Against the backdrop of a new development era, the inaugural Hangzhou AI+OPC Innovation and Development Conference unites OPC innovators nationwide.

Drawing on the creative energy of millions of independent super-individual operators, the event delivers sustained digital momentum to fuel Hangzhou's super-individual economy, while rolling out replicable local practices and actionable Hangzhou solutions to advance high-quality growth of smart economies nationwide.

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