Also making its Chinese mainland debut is a nine-metre-tall giant inflatable sculpture featuring Chiikawa, Hachiware and Usagi at the prominent junction of Nanjing West Road and Changde Road. The installation has become a gathering point for fans and residents from across the city, inviting visitors to step further into the everyday world of Chiikawa and friends.

The limited-time pop-up store is located on Level 2 of JAKC, where more than 50 licensed merchandise items will be introduced throughout the exhibition period. Shanghai-exclusive "CHIIKAWA Longtang Eats" themed souvenirs make their global debut, offering fans a broad selection of collectibles. Ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the pop-up store will also launch a range of "Moon-Lantern Fest" themed merchandise. During the exhibition, participating food tenants at JAKC will introduce official CHIIKAWA collaborations. PAPER STONE BAKERY, for example, will offer freshly baked savoury pork mooncakes stamped with Chiikawa, bringing together Shanghai longtang food culture and IP creativity.

Images: Limited-time pop-up store on Level 2 of JAKC

JAKC's collaboration with ARR to bring the Chinese mainland debut of "CHIIKAWA DAYS" Exhibition (Shanghai) to the city represents a significant evolution of its experiential consumption model. By drawing urban footfall and stimulating commercial activity, the exhibition further connects retail with culture and tourism. It reflects JAKC's responsiveness to consumer trends and contemporary cultural moments, while also aligning with the continued growth of inbound tourism and adding a new touchpoint for cultural exchange in Shanghai. As a core landmark of the Jing'an commercial district, JAKC continues to inject creative energy into the Nanjing West Road area through collaborations with leading cultural IPs, supporting its development as a hub where urban culture and new consumption converge. Looking ahead, JAKC will continue to integrate culture, commerce, tourism and exhibitions, contributing to Shanghai's development as a world-renowned tourism city while creating sustained momentum for the city through compelling cultural experiences.

*Special Notice: Display and opening arrangements for certain exhibits, particularly those in outdoor areas, may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the organisers' control. Please refer to actual on-site arrangements.

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

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

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

The Asian Technology Excellence Awards recognise groundbreaking technological projects and innovations across Asia. Presented by Asian Business Review, the programme selects one winner per technology category and industry in each market, with entries judged on uniqueness and innovation, effectiveness and impact, and dynamism.

For ANGEL, the KFC Indonesia project demonstrates a capability that matters across the food and beverage sector. The company begins with on-site water quality testing and assessment, then designs the configuration around actual inlet conditions. That approach is backed by a commercial portfolio that includes microfiltration and UV sterilization, and by local delivery and service teams. It is this combination—not a standard product alone—that allows ANGEL to serve restaurant chains operating across diverse markets.

Sustainability is built into that model in practical ways. ANGEL integrates with existing pre-filtration systems, reducing the need for equipment replacement, water supply modifications and installation waste. Treatment is selected according to actual water quality, so sites receive the configuration they need. The modular design also limits maintenance complexity and supports long-term operating efficiency. For KFC Indonesia, this meant upgrading water quality without interrupting daily operations, while keeping existing infrastructure in service.

The deployment itself follows the same logic. Restaurants with more complex water conditions receive the C11 Microfiltration System together with UV sterilization, while sites with relatively stable inlet water can use UV sterilization alone. This scenario-based approach helps KFC Indonesia maintain consistent water quality across different cities and islands, and reflects how ANGEL works with food and beverage customers more broadly.

Accepting the award, ANGEL's Assistant Vice President Annie Guo said, "This award recognizes the work of our teams and local partners in turning technology into practical value for customers. It reinforces our approach to international growth: understand local needs, deliver the right solution, and support it properly over time. For ANGEL, the responsibility continues after installation."

The KFC project reflects ANGEL's broader commercial strategy. For its global food and beverage business, the project shows that water purification can move beyond a functional utility to become a strategic asset for operators. ANGEL has built a commercial portfolio spanning microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis, enabling tailored solutions for local conditions and customer needs. In markets where complex water conditions could otherwise constrain expansion, these capabilities support safer operations, greater resource efficiency, and more sustainable growth.

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

Figures released on September 21 showed goods trade reached nearly $55 billion in the first 15 days of September alone, bringing cumulative turnover since the beginning of the year to more than $825 billion. The strong growth reflects robust trade flows, with demand for consumer goods and production inputs remaining high.

Exports surpassed $400.8 billion, up 23.2 per cent on-year, while imports stood at almost $424.4 billion, up 36 per cent. The faster growth in imports pushed the trade deficit to around $23.5 billion.

With trade flows expanding by nearly 30 per cent on-year, demand for consumer goods and production inputs remains strong. The National Statistics Office said export growth has been driven by processing and manufacturing, particularly electronics, machinery and equipment, supporting Vietnam’s industrialisation and deeper integration into global supply chains.

If the current momentum is maintained, Vietnam’s total trade turnover could reach or exceed $1.2 trillion this year, marking a significant milestone as the country pursues stronger economic growth.

Processing and manufacturing continued to account for a major share of Vietnam’s trade. Computers, electronic products and components remained the leading category, with exports of $9.6 billion and imports of $13.1 billion in the first half of September.

In the first nine months to September 15, exports of computers, electronic products and components reached about $111 billion, while imports approached $175 billion. Machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts followed, with exports of $50.7 billion and imports of nearly $51 billion.

However, the strong overall trade performance masks growing difficulties among several domestic export sectors, including agriculture, forestry and fisheries, textiles and garments, footwear, and wood products, which are facing weaker export prices and tougher market conditions.

Seafood exporters said the period would normally mark the beginning of a peak season ahead of year-end consumption. This year, however, demand has been subdued amid rising global supply, putting greater pressure on producers to meet stricter quality requirements while maintaining competitive prices.

At the same time, production costs, including electricity, water, financing, interest payments, and wages, have risen sharply.

“We are trying to hold on and get through this difficult period,” an executive at a seafood exporter said.

Analysis from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers also points to mounting pressure. Seafood exports reached $1.1 billion in August, up 6.4 per cent on-year, but growth slowed significantly compared with the 11.9 per cent increase recorded during the first eight months of the year.

The United States, an important market for Vietnamese seafood, saw exports fall 3.8 per cent in August to $182 million. Shrimp exports declined 12.6 per cent, while basa fish exports plunged 49.3 per cent. The EU market also contracted by 6.2 per cent, particularly for shrimp, tuna and octopus.

China, Vietnam’s largest seafood market and an important growth driver, also showed signs of slowing, with growth in August reaching 16.5 per cent, compared with 32 per cent during the first eight months.

Prof. Dr Vo Xuan Vinh, director of the Institute of Business Research at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, said the widening trade deficit could weigh on GDP growth, particularly as Vietnam seeks to achieve double-digit economic growth this year.

However, he noted that the composition of imports remains an important consideration, as machinery, equipment and production inputs account for a large proportion of total imports.

“Imports are mainly serving two purposes: domestic consumption and the processing of goods for export,” Vinh said.

“The greater concern is that although the scale of trade is expanding, domestic businesses have yet to make a stronger breakthrough. High financing costs and difficulties in accessing capital are among the current constraints, alongside other factors related to businesses’ compliance costs,” he said.

These pressures are affecting the competitiveness of domestic exporters, while higher fuel prices and logistics costs are also contributing to the widening trade deficit, according to Vinh.

Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) continue to play a major role in Vietnam’s external trade. As of September 15, FIEs had generated over $321.4 billion in exports, accounting for about 80 per cent of the national total, while their imports approached $312.7 billion, or nearly 74 per cent of the total. The sector therefore recorded a trade surplus of approximately $8.7 billion.

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Bringing Generations Together
Under intergenerational engagement, 16 Little Footprints centres, including its childcare centres at Punggol and Bedok Reservoir, worked with community sites operated by partners including TOUCH Community Services, NTUC Health and REACH Community Services to spend time with the elderly. Families travelled to these sites, where over 40 parents joined their children to lead stretching exercises, sing-alongs, storytelling and the creation of dementia-friendly cognitive activities designed to support memory, thinking and social engagement among seniors.

Supporting Families Through Food Security
Families across Little Footprints' Punggol 168 and Punggol 107 centres came together for a donation drive, collecting over 30kg of food and 20kg of textiles. These were redistributed to community shops and beneficiaries through partners including Food from the Heart and Cloop, and directly to lower-income families at rental flats. Alongside the collection, parents and children took part in food sustainability talks that introduced them to the systems behind what ends up on their plates.

Learning to Care for the Environment
For the environmental sustainability pillar, waste became the raw material. Families across 12 Little Footprints centres joined partners NParks, the Public Hygiene Council and NEA in neighbourhood and beach clean-ups, upcycling workshops and recycled art sessions, turning bottles, chopsticks and T-shirts into tote bags, garden tools, artwork and clean-up equipment.

In particular, Little Footprints' Balestier centre gathered 11 families to jointly upcycle and craft more than a dozen items, including coin boxes, flower vases, play boxes, decorations and shakers.

Practising Kindness in the Community
Lastly, kindness took many forms across 15 Little Footprints centres. At the Depot and Keat Hong 803 centres, over 70 parents gave out thank-you cards to hawkers, clinic staff and helpers around neighbourhood shopping centres. A mental wellness workshop was hosted in partnership with Heartfulness, and in the neighbourhoods surrounding each centre, families hand-delivered care packs to cleaners, security staff, hawkers and bus captains. This included 32 care packs distributed by the Thomson centre to hawkers and cleaners, as well as Milo and biscuit care packs distributed by Bukit Purmei centre to community cleaners.

At Jurong West 976 centre, the team also prepared 100 care packs, including packet drinks, biscuits, fruit, instant cereal and instant coffee. Staff and children gave out the care packs to elderly residents in the neighbourhood as part of the children's learning experience, helping them understand the importance of caring for and contributing to the community.

A Sustained Commitment to Community Engagement
Held annually across the wider Babilou Family Group network, Babilou Cares reflects a longer-term commitment to weaving community engagement into classroom practice year-round.

The Sustainable Education framework guides how children learn across four dimensions: emotional and physical safety, nature-based learning, inclusion and partnering with parents. Community engagement activities run through each of these, giving children opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to the world around them.

In 2025, the initiative raised $43,000 for Ground-Up Initiative, an organisation focused on sustainability and reconnecting people with nature. The funds directly supported the development of its new Kampung Kampus in Khatib, a living classroom where children, families, youths and educators engage in hands-on learning rooted in sustainable living and the kampung spirit.

In May 2024, closure day activities across Little Footprints centres raised $69,343 for World Vision, an international children's charity. The funds provided lunches, medicine, emergency food and vegetable seed packs for children and families in need, while helping children at Little Footprints build empathy for hungry and malnourished children, alongside a deeper sense of gratitude for their food and an early understanding of food sustainability.

The move away from a fundraising figure this year shifts the emphasis to the act of doing, on children, families and educators showing up together, in every neighbourhood, on the same day.

https://littlefootprints.edu.sg/

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

Night view of the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan.

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

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

Under its Medium-Term Management Plan for 2026-2030, AEON has identified Vietnam as a priority market and plans to allocate around 60 per cent of its total ASEAN investment capital to the country. The group aims to triple its business scale and establish a nationwide network of 300 stores by 2030.

Tezuka Daisuke, executive officer and chief Vietnam Business Officer of AEON Group and general director of AEON Vietnam. Photo: AEON Vietnam

Tezuka Daisuke, executive officer and chief Vietnam business officer of AEON Group and general director of AEON Vietnam, said, "With the opening of four new shopping centres this year, 2026 marks the fastest expansion pace in AEON Group's business operations in Vietnam. Against the backdrop of Vietnam's strong development, AEON is continuing to expand to provinces and cities in other regions where a shift towards a modern lifestyle is taking place."

Since entering Vietnam’s retail market in 2014, AEON has expanded its presence and diversified its business formats. As of August, companies under the AEON Group in Vietnam are operating nine shopping centres, 16 general merchandise stores and supermarkets (GMS), 40 supermarkets, 182 convenience stores, 71 speciality and service stores, and two drug stores nationwide.

The group’s multi-format model allows it to expand across markets with different economic scales, population densities and consumer needs.

AEON’s expansion into provinces beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City reflects its focus on Vietnam’s young population, growing middle-class and rapid urbanisation. Rather than waiting for local markets to fully mature, the Group is developing commercial hubs alongside emerging urban areas.

The year 2026 marks a major step in this expansion. Following the opening of AEON Danang Thanh Khe in July, AEON Hai Duong, AEON Thanh Hoa and AEON Halong will further expand the Group’s presence across northern, central and north-central Vietnam, bringing modern retail facilities closer to local communities.

Alongside network expansion, AEON continues to invest in product development, supply chains and its wider retail ecosystem. AEON Vietnam is expanding its portfolio of private-brand products manufactured in Vietnam and promoting Vietnamese products through its domestic and overseas retail network. The company is also working with suppliers to improve product quality, strengthen competitiveness, and create export opportunities through AEON’s global network.

Beyond retail, AEON is developing membership schemes, entertainment, drug stores, and other planned services to expand its ecosystem and improve customer convenience.

AEON Thanh Hoa, expected to open in October, will become the group's 13th GMS in Vietnam, offering shopping, dining, and lifestyle services for local consumers.

AEON Halong, scheduled to open in November, will be the 14^th GMS. Based on a 'One-stop Destination' concept, it will also combine shopping, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle services for residents and visitors while serving Quang Ninh's growing tourism economy.

AEON Halong's 'One-stop Destination' concept brings diverse shopping and lifestyle services under one roof. Photo: AEON Vietnam

Across its spacious floors, visitors will find dedicated brand zones including Mycloset for fashion, Glam Beautique for beauty and wellness, Hóme Cóordy for home living and Kids Republic for children’s products, alongside food courts. AEON will also combine the physical shopping experience with online shopping services.

Together with AEON Danang Thanh Khe and AEON Hai Duong, the upcoming projects will expand AEON’s nationwide presence while the group continues to develop its products, services, supply chains and retail experience for customers across Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Chi warmly welcomed the delegation and highlighted the significance of the visit in learning about Vietnam’s management of the non-state business sector, particularly the registration, management, and operation of private enterprises.

Providing an overview of Vietnam’s domestic economy, the deputy minister said that after nearly 40 years of economic reforms, the business sector has established itself as one of the strategic pillars of the economy.

The private sector currently contributes more than 50 per cent of Vietnam’s GDP, accounts for over 30 per cent of total state budget revenue, and provides employment for more than 82 per cent of the country’s total workforce.

Resolution No.68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private-sector development identifies the private economy as the most important driving force of the national economy. As of the end of August , Vietnam had more than one million active businesses.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to have two million operating private enterprises nationwide, with the sector’s contribution rising to 55-58 per cent of GDP and around 35-40 per cent of total state budget revenue.

To realise these objectives, the National Assembly and government have moved to institutionalise the policies through key documents, while also revising and supplementing relevant legislation.

The policies focus on creating a more open and transparent investment and business environment, enabling the non-state sector to participate in major national projects, and mobilising financial resources, particularly to support the stronger development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

At the meeting, representatives of MoF's Department of Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development provided a detailed presentation on the legal framework, state management, and policy orientations aimed at encouraging Vietnam’s private sector.

Photo: Duc Minh

Deputy Minister Shitang said the delegation had studied Vietnam’s development plans for 2026-2030, giving it a deeper understanding of the workload and important tasks being undertaken by Vietnam’s finance sector.

The Chinese delegation particularly highlighted the important role of foreign-invested enterprises, including Chinese businesses, in Vietnam’s economy. Chinese investors regard Vietnam as a key strategic destination, with their presence extending from southern areas around Ho Chi Minh City to northern provinces such as Bac Giang and Bac Ninh.

The Chinese side expressed confidence that, with the investment environment continuing to improve and with practical support from the Vietnamese government and the MoF, investment flows from China would continue to increase strongly in the coming period.

Deputy Minister Chi wished China success in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November. The two sides also acknowledged the traditional friendship and effective cooperation between Vietnam and China across the political, economic, and trade spheres. Given the two countries’ geographical proximity, bilateral economic ties are expected to become increasingly close and supportive.

He agreed with the proposal to establish a closer channel for exchanges and cooperation between CPC Central Committee's Social Work Department and Vietnam’s MoF.

He added that the period leading up to 2030 would bring significant challenges. Vietnam is determined to make every effort to achieve its targets, while viewing greater sharing of experience in managing social organisations and businesses as a practical step towards strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Businesses propose fresh growth drivers for second-half GDP expansion The local business community has proposed regulatory and financial reforms, including an FDI-linked sandbox and a small- and medium sized enterprise digital bank, to help accelerate GDP growth in the second half of 2026.

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China Eximbank prioritises financing for Lao Cai-Haiphong railway On August 27, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi held talks with a delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China Eximbank) on financing options for the Lao Cai-Haiphong railway and opportunities to expand financial cooperation between the two sides.

Tuition, rent, food and transportation are expenses that stretch over several years, while the family’s income is limited. For Minh’s family, a loan from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies helped ease that financial burden.

“Having access to the loan takes some of the pressure off the family and gives the children greater peace of mind to focus on their studies,” he said.

Image courtesy: VBSP

This is the need targeted by Decision No.29/2025/QD-TTg on credit for pupils, students, master’s students and doctoral candidates studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Under the policy, eligible students can borrow the full amount of tuition fees, along with up to $200 per month for living expenses and other study-related costs, at an annual interest rate of 4.8 per cent.

The scale of demand can also be seen in this year’s admissions season, when more than 633,000 students enrolled for the 2026-2027 academic year, with about one-third choosing STEM fields. At HUST alone, more than 1,000 students apply for loans each year.

“This is a very good policy to support STEM students, including those at HUST, many of whom come from rural areas and face difficult circumstances,” said Pham Thanh Huyen, head of the Student Affairs Board at HUST.

For families like these, the difficulty is not necessarily that they cannot cover a tuition payment, but that they have to maintain a steady flow of funds throughout the years their children are at university.

A source of financing can help them avoid having to shoulder all education-related costs out of their current income. For students, meanwhile, the loan creates another option: to continue pursuing the field they have chosen rather than allowing financial circumstances to determine their educational path.

What stands out about the policy is not only the provision of capital, but also the timing of repayment.

“After completing their course, students have 12 months before they have to begin repaying the principal. This period gives them time to look for jobs and establish a stable income before taking on their repayment obligations,” said Dang Van Trong, director of Gia Binh Transaction Office under VBSP’s Bac Ninh Branch.

For a loan aimed at people who do not yet have a stable income, this grace period is important.

It gives students time to make the transition from the lecture hall to the labour market rather than facing repayment pressure immediately. During their studies, each student also finds their own way to take a more active role in sharing the financial burden with their family.

Nguyen Xuan Hoa, the son of Nguyen Thi Thuan from Nhan Thang commune, Bac Ninh province, is currently working as a probationary employee, earning about $240 a month. Hoa said he sends about 80 per cent of his income home and keeps part of it as savings.

“I think this approach will allow me to repay the tuition-related costs and the loan,” he said.

Hoa’s story points to another reality: policy-based credit does not mean students simply wait for financial support. The loan gives families additional resources, while students themselves can continue to take initiative in studying and working, gradually sharing financial responsibility with their families.

After more than a year of implementation, nearly 6,500 borrowers have accessed the programme, with outstanding loans totalling nearly $18 million.

The significance of the programme lies in more than the amount disbursed. A loan may begin with tuition and living expenses, but its broader goal is to enable students to acquire knowledge, secure employment, earn an income and ultimately fulfill their repayment obligations.

This is also where policy meets practical needs: families need financing while their children are studying; students need time to build their skills and generate income; and loans need a repayment schedule that matches borrowers’ ability to repay.

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

Expanding credit and livelihoods As the labour market continues to recover, policy credit is helping poor and vulnerable workers improve their livelihoods while supporting small businesses to expand and create jobs.

The ‘infrastructure’ connecting VBSP with borrowers Vietnam’s policy credit system relies on a grassroots network that connects VBSP with borrowers, channels capital to communities, monitors its use and strengthens financial discipline.

Dak Lak takes policy credit to the grassroots as lending surges The Central Highlands province of Dak Lak is expanding policy lending while bringing credit closer to underserved households, with the focus increasingly shifting from disbursement growth to loan quality and sustainable access.

Organised by GLOEX and Informa Markets with support from the Ministry of Health, PHARMEDI VIETNAM provides a platform for businesses to showcase products, technologies, and solutions across healthcare segments while connecting with potential customers and partners. It also aims to help the healthcare community stay updated on industry trends, access new solutions, and strengthen connections with regional and international markets.

The exhibition is being held as the ASEAN healthcare sector enters a period of growth and transformation, driven by rising demand and advances in technology, digital transformation, and AI. In 2025, ASEAN attracted almost $244 billion in foreign investment, with medical devices identified as a priority sector under the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025-2030.

In Vietnam, rising demand for healthcare services, population ageing, improving living standards, and the modernisation of the healthcare system are creating further opportunities for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare solutions. According to the Government News portal, Vietnam's medical device market reached approximately $2 billion in 2025.

With more than 21 years of supporting Vietnam's healthcare sector, PHARMEDI VIETNAM has established itself as an important platform for business exchange and professional networking, connecting businesses, hospitals, healthcare professionals, and organisations in Vietnam with international partners. In 2026, the exhibition continues to expand in scale, professional content, and business networking activities.

Products and solutions on show will span pharmaceuticals and ingredients, medical devices, diagnostics and laboratory testing, healthcare technology, infection control and sterilisation, surgery, intensive care and anaesthesia, as well as rehabilitation, home healthcare, elderly care, and digital health. The broad scope reflects the healthcare sector's shift beyond diagnosis and treatment to prevention, rehabilitation, long-term care, and quality-of-life solutions.

PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2025. Photo: Informa Markets

RAVEX – Vietnam International Exhibition of Rehabilitation Products and Assistive Devices for People with Disabilities – will run concurrently with PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026, expanding the showcase of rehabilitation products, technologies, and solutions including physiotherapy, mobility assistance, and active healthcare. The event also connects businesses with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, physiotherapy clinics, care facilities, and professional organisations.

Alongside RAVEX, Eldercare Expo will showcase mobility and daily living aids, medical and rehabilitation equipment, smart home solutions, nutrition products, and home- and community-based care services. Against the backdrop of population ageing, the event supports long-term care, healthy ageing, and independent living.

A key new feature of PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026 is its International Conference, held for the first time as part of the exhibition. Taking place over three days, the programme will focus on investing in healthcare's future through innovation, infrastructure, digital health, and sustainable growth, bringing together experts and leaders from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, and other countries to discuss issues shaping the sector.

PHARMEDI 2025 International Conference at the SECC. Photo: Informa Markets

Day one will examine Vietnam's healthcare over the next decade of growth, including the application of AI. Day two will focus on hospital management and operations, covering governance, efficiency, and operational performance. The final day will address leadership and accountability for safer healthcare, offering regional perspectives on how healthcare leaders can move beyond regulatory compliance to foster a culture of safety and improve care quality.

Alongside the International Conference, PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026 will feature specialised sessions on medical device quality management, elderly healthcare and the silver economy, and a Vietnam–Australia business dialogue, together with discussions on policies, market trends, and the application of technology in healthcare.

Beyond product showcases and professional knowledge exchange, the exhibition will continue to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) networking activities, including B2B Matchmaking, LeadGrab, and group tours, helping businesses connect with buyers, importers, distributors and potential partners. These activities aim to facilitate direct meetings, needs-based discussions, and expanded opportunities for collaboration between Vietnamese businesses and international markets.

B2B Matchmaking Area at PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2025. Photo: Informa Markets

PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2026 continues to serve as a platform connecting businesses, healthcare professionals, hospitals, buyers, and healthcare organisations, while creating opportunities for Vietnam's healthcare sector to access new trends, technologies, and partners from the region and beyond. The exhibition forms part of Informa Markets' Health & Nutrition Portfolio, connecting with a network of international health and nutrition exhibitions across Asia.

PHARMEDI VIETNAM 2027 is already scheduled to take place from September 28-30 next year at the SECC in Ho Chi Minh City, continuing to expand opportunities for businesses, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders to connect, exchange knowledge, and strengthen cooperation across regional and international markets.

Pharmedi Vietnam 2026: Connecting innovation, knowledge and business opportunities Taking place from September 22-24, at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Pharmedi & Healthcare Vietnam 2026 will bring together healthcare solutions, professional knowledge and business networking opportunities.

Medical-pharmaceutical, beauty products exhibitions open in HCM City The 17th International Exhibition on Products, Equipment, and Supplies for Medical, Pharmaceutical, Hospital and Rehabilitation, Pharmedi Vietnam 2022, opened in Ho Chi Minh City on September 14 with more than 350 exhibitors having 400 booths.

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The achievement reflects substantive cooperation between FTSE Russell and Vietnamese regulators in working towards a more developed capital market that can better support Vietnam’s long-term economic development objectives. With a significantly larger number of investors tracking FTSE Russell indices in the emerging market category than in the Frontier Market category, capital flows into Vietnam are expected to strengthen, including both active and passive investment.

The long journey to achieving emerging market status under FTSE Russell’s framework underscores that the upgrade is not an end in itself, but the beginning of a broader and longer-term process of market development. Under the government’s market-upgrading roadmap, Vietnam aims by 2030 to meet MSCI’s criteria for emerging market status and FTSE Russell’s criteria for Advanced Emerging Market status.

With continued efforts by regulators to engage with market participants and index providers, alongside the growing maturity of Vietnam’s investor base, the country’s stock market is poised to make further progress on its market-upgrading journey.

NYSE congratulates Vietnam on its emerging market status. Photo courtesy of the State Securities Commission

Alex Hong Co-head of APAC (ex China) Capital Market, New York Stock Exchange Photo: SSI Securities Congratulations Vietnam. This is a remarkable milestone, the result of years of disciplined reform. This wonderful achievement to the tenacity and talent of your people, the transformative vision of your government, and the trust you have earned from the global community. Reflecting on your journey, from an agrarian economy to manufacturing powerhouse, and now a hub for technology and innovation, all within a single generation. It is hard not to be optimistic when we imagine the possibilities for the next generation. On behalf of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), we commend the people, the government and the businesses of Vietnam. The upgrade is not an ending; it is a gateway to deeper liquidity, enhance access to global capital, a stronger bridge between Vietnamese enterprises and global markets. We look forward to building the bridge together as Vietnam continues its trajectory as a country of consequence and a capital market of significance on the global stage.

Adena Friedman Photo: SSI Securities Chair & CEO, Nasdaq On behalf of all of us at Nasdaq, congratulations to Vietnam, to the country, the market, and to the wonderful community is this historic upgrade to emerging market status. This milestone is a powerful recognition of what you have built. Years of bold reform, a robust economy, and the modernisation of Vietnam’s capital markets. Vietnam has truly become a powerhouse and the world is taking notice and this is only the beginning. Nasdaq is excited for Vietnam’s next chapter, and we look forward to supporting your continued growth in the years ahead. Congratulations Vietnam.

Julia Hoggett Photo: SSI Securities CEO, London Stock Exchange (LSE) To everyone who has contributed to Vietnam’s journey, congratulations on this really significant milestone. On behalf of LSEC, I am delighted to congratulate Vietnam on this achievement. It reflects the strong leadership of the State Securities Commission and the collective efforts of market participants over many years. We look forward to seeing Vietnam’s capital markets continue to grow, attract global investors, and play an ever greater role in the global financial community in the years ahead.

Gokul Laroia Photo: SSI Securities CEO of Asia and co-head of Global Equities, Morgan Stanley On behalf of Morgan Stanley, I would like to warmly congratulate Vietnam on its achievement of emerging market status. This milestone is about far more than a change in market classification. It is a powerful recognition of Vietnam remarkable economic progress and the significant development of its capital markets. The reforms implemented in recent years have strengthened market accessibility, enhanced investor confidence, and increased Vietnam’s appeal to global capital. These efforts are creating new opportunities for businesses seeking growth and for those looking to participate in Vietnam’s continued success. Congratulations once again on this landmark achievement. Morgan Stanley is proud to be a part of Vietnam’s journey, and we look forward to supporting its continued growth and development in the years ahead.

Loh Boon Chye Photo: SSI Securities CEO, SGX Group On behalf of SGX Group, congratulations on Vietnam’s historic achievement of attaining emerging market status. This milestone reflects the strong leadership of the State Securities Commission and the collective efforts of market participants across the country. As Vietnam enters its next chapter, we are confident it will continue to grow and attract international capital. This is a significant moment not only for Vietnam, but for ASEAN. Stronger and more connected capital markets create greater opportunities for economies across the region. SGX Group is committed to working alongside partners in Vietnam to deepen collaboration and connectivity, while strengthening ASEAN’s position globally. Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement.

Vietnam's new market status draws global investor confidence Greater access to international capital is only the beginning for Vietnamese companies, with the longer-term opportunity being to turn that access into sustainable growth while meeting higher standards from global investors on transparency, governance, and investor communication.

Vietnam FTSE upgrade raises bar for capital market Vietnam became a meeting point for the world’s leading financial institutions and investment organisations on September 18, as the country moved closer to FTSE Russell’s landmark market-upgrade milestone.

The Vietnam Fund Awards 2026 is co-organised by the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation, VIR, and FiinGroup, under the auspices of the State Securities Commission (SSC) and with the direction of the Ministry of Finance.

The event will take place in the afternoon on September 22 at the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi. This marks the inaugural edition of the VFA, which aims to establish an objective and transparent reference standard for the fund industry, while connecting regulators, fund management companies, investment funds, financial institutions, experts, and the investor community.

In recent years, the number of funds and investment products in the market has become increasingly diverse, ranging from open-ended funds and exchange-traded funds to products pursuing specialised investment strategies. However, compared with the potential of the economy and the development needs of the capital market, there remains considerable room to expand the scale of the fund industry and strengthen the role of institutional investors.

Alongside the growth of the stock market, the need to build a larger institutional investor base, expand professional investment channels, and unlock medium- and long-term capital for the economy has become increasingly evident.

VFA 2026 will focus on opportunities, challenges, and the conditions needed for the fund management industry to play a greater role in mobilising, managing, and allocating long-term capital.

Photo: VIR

VFA 2026 will include:

• Opening and policy orientation session, featuring remarks by representatives of the organising committee, the Ministry of Finance, and the SSC.
• Presentation session on “Overview of Vietnam’s Fund Industry: Opportunities and Challenges.”
• Awards ceremony recognising high-performing funds and outstanding investment funds in 2026.
• Main discussion session, focusing on major issues facing the fund industry, including restructuring the investor base in Vietnam’s stock market through the development of the fund management industry, as well as developing securities products and infrastructure to support the growth of Vietnam’s fund management industry.
• Recognition of organisations supporting the organising committee and contributing to the development of Vietnam’s fund industry.

HSX market capitalisation gains 7.55 per cent in August Vietnam’s stock market extended its gains in August, with major indices rising and HSX stock capitalisation climbing 7.55 per cent amid robust market activity.

Vietnam’s bank stocks enter a new phase of selective gains Bank stocks are attracting renewed interest as market upgrades draw foreign capital, but gains will be selective. Ngo The Hien, deputy director of the Analysis Centre at Saigon-Hanoi Securities, told VIR’s Nhue Man that growth quality, profitability, and management will increasingly drive valuations.

Vietnam enters new phase of capital market competition As Vietnam prepares to open its first trading session as an emerging market on September 21, leading global financial institutions have gathered in Hanoi to mark a milestone that signals a new era for the country’s capital market and its deeper connection to global capital.

SCG Home specialises in the distribution and retail of products and solutions related to home finishing materials, such as wall cladding, tiles, SPC flooring, fibre cement boards, roofing tiles, sanitary ware, and home décor. The flagship destination, spanning 5,500 square metres in Long Bien, was opened on September 19.

The launch reflects Siam Cement Group's (SCG's) long-term commitment to Vietnam, one of ASEAN's most dynamic markets. By understanding local consumers, SCG Home brings integrated home solutions that meet growing demand for a high-quality living environment.

Leveraging SCG's more than 100 years of expertise in building materials and construction, SCG Home Vietnam brings a distinct competitive advantage to Vietnam's retail ecosystem with smart, innovative home solutions. Beyond traditional retail, it aims to provide customers with a diverse range of products as well as professional advice and complete home solutions.

Tananan Decha-Umphai, director of SCG Home Vietnam, said, “Finishing a home is a journey involving numerous choices. We want to bring that journey into a convenient space where customers can enjoy a seamless and inspiring shopping experience with their families, selecting fixtures and materials for their homes. Our goal is to provide a centralised, comfortable, and inspiring shopping environment for Vietnamese consumers.”

Photo: SCG

SCG Home Vietnam gathers trusted local and international brands across tiles, sanitary ware, furniture, and home solutions. The exhibition space is organised by functional zones, including mock-up houses and realistic bathroom showrooms, allowing customers to see, touch, and feel how products will look in real life before making a decision.

Accompanying customers throughout their shopping journey is a team of consultants who listen to their overall needs and budget, helping to connect choices across different product groups. Attention to the specific needs of Vietnamese families is also reflected in small details, such as the inclusion of safety accessories for the elderly in the bathroom.

Photo: SCG

This experiential space reflects SCG's environmental, social, and governance purpose by introducing products and solutions that support energy efficiency, safety, and improved living environments. The opening of SCG Home Vietnam also marks another step in SCG's strategy to expand consumer-facing solutions in Vietnam, responding to growing demand for home improvement and quality living. This move accelerates SCG's Vietnam growth strategy while highlighting a broader business transformation aimed at elevating living standards for Vietnamese people.

This is SCG Home’s first retail chain in Vietnam and its second international chain. The move builds upon the legacy of SCG – a group that has maintained its leadership in the building materials sector in BrandAge’s Thailand's Most Admired Company rankings for 2025–2026, holding the top spot for 18 consecutive years.

Photo: SCG

Photo: SCG

Starting in Thailand, SCG Home now operates in several Southeast Asian markets, including Cambodia and Vietnam. The brand aims to improve living standards by helping Vietnamese consumers enjoy more comfortable, convenient, and safe homes.

At SCG Home, customers can find a comprehensive range of home products, from wall and floor tiles and wall cladding to sanitary ware, furniture, and home décor, all from genuine brands. Product categories are organised by functional zones, allowing customers to experience products in realistic settings and choose options suited to their family's lifestyle.

30-year SCG backs green development as Vietnam enters next phase of net-zero journey After investing more than $7 billion over three decades, SCG now sees the country's net-zero transition as the next defining chapter of its development.

SCG reports stronger H1 results and reaffirms long-term commitment to Vietnam As Vietnam continues to attract manufacturing investment and accelerate its green transition, SCG says it will continue investing in advanced manufacturing, sustainability and workforce development alongside reporting stronger first-half results.

SCG's tour helps SMEs turn ESG ambitions into action On August 12, SCG, in collaboration with the Vietnam Association for Building Materials and Dan Tri, organised ESG Company Tour 2026 at the headquarters of SCG member PRIME Group.

Taking place on September 22 at the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi, the event will focus on unlocking capital flows for high and sustainable growth.

The programme is co-organised by the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (VSDC), VIR, and FiinGroup, under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance and the State Securities Commission (SSC).

VFA 2026 takes place as the fund management industry is expected to play a greater role in expanding medium- and long-term funding sources and professionalising the investor base in the stock market.

The total net asset value of securities investment funds in recent years has been around 0.7–0.8 per cent of GDP, while the target is to raise this ratio to 5 per cent by 2030. The significant gap between the current level and the target calls for an increase in the number of funds along with the simultaneous development of products, infrastructure, and the investor base.

As part of the programme, the VFA 2026 conference will open with a presentation on the opportunities and challenges facing Vietnam's fund industry, delivered by a representative of FiinGroup.

Building on an overview of the industry's scale, structure, and growth rate, the discussion will delve deeper into these issues at a panel on building the fund industry ecosystem through strong infrastructure, diverse products, and professional investors. The panel will feature:

• Nguyen Thi Bich Nga, deputy head of the Division for Management of Fund Management Companies and Securities Investment Funds under the SSC;
• Duong Ngoc Tuan, deputy general director of the VSDC;
• Bui Van Huy, general director of FIDT Investment Consulting and Asset Management JSC;
• Nguyen Thi Hang Nga, general director of Vietcombank Fund Management;
• Ngo Thuy Linh, chairwoman of AAS Securities;
• Nguyen Nghia Tuan, deputy general director of SSI Asset Management;
• Nguyen Hai Binh, head of Client Management, Securities Services at HSBC Vietnam.

Representing different parts of the fund industry ecosystem, the speakers are expected to discuss the development of infrastructure, expansion of investment products, distribution channels, and the role of institutional investors, with a view to channelling more long-term capital into professional investment vehicles.

VFA 2026 will also mark the inaugural edition of the Vietnam Fund Awards. According to the organisers, the programme aims to establish an objective and transparent reference framework for the fund industry, support investors in evaluating and selecting products, and strengthen connections among market participants.

For the inaugural edition, 94 funds with combined net assets of around VND90 trillion ($3.5 billion) as of the end of 2025 were included in the assessment. The awards will recognise high-performing equity, bond, exchange-traded, and balanced funds, as well as outstanding environmental, social, and governance/pension funds and open-ended funds that have performed well in developing their investor bases.

The assessment methodology is based on three groups of criteria: returns, accounting for 70 per cent of the weighting; risk, 25 per cent; and stability, 5 per cent. The assessment is primarily conducted over three- and five-year periods, with the 10-year period initially applied to open-ended equity funds.

VFA 2026 serves as an occasion to recognise funds with strong performance while aiming to establish a reference framework capable of tracking fund performance over time, contributing to greater transparency and professionalism in Vietnam's fund management industry.

Capital mobilisation essential for Vietnam's growth targets Vietnam needs a more balanced financial system that reduces reliance on bank lending while strengthening capital markets to finance long-term investment, government officials said at a conference in Hanoi.

Vietnam’s fund industry seeks stronger growth momentum The State Securities Commission held the Smart Investment in the Digital Era conference in Hanoi on August 25, highlighting the need to boost fund investment, encourage longer-term investment strategies and develop a more balanced investor base.

SSC pushes for greater FIE participation in Vietnam's stock market Vietnam's capital market is entering a new phase of development as demand for medium- and long-term capital grows, with internationally backed companies seen as key to adding quality listings and increasing market size.

MTA Hanoi 2026 returns from October 13–15 at the VEC, Hanoi. Photo: MTA Hanoi 2024

Thai Nguyen is emerging as a major destination for foreign investment. As of June 2026, foreign direct investment (FDI) into the province’s industrial parks had reached $8 billion, the highest level recorded to date, placing Thai Nguyen among Vietnam’s leading FDI destinations in the first half of the year.

These investment inflows are not only expanding existing manufacturing capacity but are also driving growth in more technology-intensive sectors, ranging from electronics and advanced materials to supporting industries.

Meanwhile, Bac Ninh continues to strengthen its position as one of Northern Vietnam’s key electronics and high-tech manufacturing hubs. Its industrial parks have attracted an extensive network of global players, from Samsung, Foxconn, Amkor and Canon to numerous other international companies, creating a manufacturing ecosystem spanning electronic components, semiconductors and a wide range of high-tech products. In the first six months of 2026, newly registered and adjusted FDI in Bac Ninh’s industrial parks exceeded $2.2 billion.

At the same time, Haiphong and Hanoi are expanding their respective roles within the industrial value chain along different paths. Haiphong is accelerating its development in processing and manufacturing, high technology and logistics, recording more than $3.1 billion in FDI and a 14.79 per cent increase in IIP. Hanoi, meanwhile, is focusing on higher-value sectors such as semiconductors, AI, R&D and supporting industries, attracting approximately $3.44 billion in FDI during the same period.

These developments indicate that manufacturing in Northern Vietnam is entering a new phase, characterised by increasingly stringent requirements for precision, automation, quality control and integration into global supply chains. As a new generation of factories begins to take shape, the need to identify technologies capable of addressing real-world production challenges is becoming increasingly evident. Against this backdrop, MTA Hanoi 2026 aims to connect manufacturers with technology providers, solutions and industry experts to address real-world production challenges.

This year, MTA Hanoi 2026 – The 11^th International Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Exhibition takes place from October 13–15 at Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC), Dong Anh, Hanoi.

The expo features 10,000 square metres of exhibition space with five international pavilions. More than 300 exhibitors come from over 20 countries and territories, including China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and more. It is expected to welcome more than 8,000 trade visitors.

Significantly, MTA Hanoi 2026 will be co-located with ProPak Hanoi 2026 and SemiTronics Vietnam 2026, creating a multi-sector business platform where precision engineering, electronics and semiconductors, as well as processing and packaging technologies, converge.

Photo: MTA Hanoi 2024

When the “factory” becomes the centre of connections at MTA Hanoi 2026

Beyond serving as a technology showcase, MTA Hanoi 2026 aims to build a more focused business and industry networking platform connecting solution providers, manufacturing enterprises and the factory community across Northern Vietnam:

Focusing on the real-world needs of businesses, “Speed Matching” at MTA Hanoi 2026 connects companies with the right partners based on their specific requirements for technologies, solutions and supply capabilities. Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings of approximately 10–15 minutes enable businesses to quickly assess potential fit and open the door to deeper collaboration opportunities beyond the exhibition.

Introduced for the first time at MTA Hanoi, Factory Champion – The Factory Ambassador Programme brings together key leaders, managers and engineers from manufacturing plants. Beyond visiting the exhibition, Factory Champions will share their real-world needs, challenges and production priorities, while providing insights into the relevance and practical applicability of technologies and solutions in actual manufacturing environments.

Through these insights, the programme contributes to shaping more industry-relevant content and networking activities at MTA Hanoi, while creating a meaningful bridge between manufacturers and technology providers.

At MTA Hanoi 2026, industry seminars and forums will bring together leading industry associations, including Vietnam Automation Association, Hanoi Supporting Industries Business Association, Vietnam Association of Mechanical Industry, and Vietnam Federation of Mechanical Engineering Associations, to discuss key manufacturing priorities such as smart factories, industrial AI, supporting industries, mechanical engineering, clean energy and sustainable supply chains.

By bringing practical perspectives to the forefront, the programme helps businesses explore relevant solutions and actionable approaches to strengthen their competitiveness and deepen their participation in global supply chains.

Industry seminars and forums will address key topics shaping the sector. Photo: MTA Hanoi 2024

Register today to stay updated on industry developments, find the right manufacturing solutions, and build valuable connections for long-term growth!

Opportunities for Vietnamese manufacturing industry In the framework of MTA Hanoi 2019, the largest international trade show for precision engineering, machine tools, and metalworking taking place on October 16-18, the conference “From Manufacturing in Vietnam to Made-in-Vietnam Products” attracted a great deal of interest.

Excellent opportunities for engineering and manufacturing community at MTA exhibition A major engineering and manufacturing community exhibition is set to take place in Hanoi next month, which will play a vital role as a trade bridge in the field of engineering and manufacturing industry in the north.

MTA Hanoi 2022 welcomes hundreds of local and international exhibitors The eighth international precision engineering machine tools and metalworking Exhibition & Conference – MTA Hanoi – organised by Informa Markets Vietnam on October 12-14, attracted hundreds of local and international exhibitors.

The flagship anniversary event was held in the presence of Guest of Honour Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law Singapore, who witnessed representatives from key beneficiaries receive donation cheques from GSG. The donations will primarily enhance accessibility features in special education schools across East Coast GRC and support inclusive community spaces, including the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), President's Challenge, and the People's Association via the Siglap South Community Centre redevelopment.

GSG also announced new long-term community partnerships with the North East Community Development Council (CDC) and the Community Chest.

Centering on the theme "One Global Community. Shaping the Future," the GSG event featured a student-led experiential exhibition and the official launch of a commemorative publication, unveiled by Minister Tong to mark the network's quarter-century journey from a single local campus to a global system of 64 campuses across 11 countries.

Reflecting on the milestone, Atul Temurnikar, Chairman and Co-Founder of Global Schools Group, said: "Twenty-five years ago, we began our journey with just forty-eight students, driven by a commitment to establish an institution anchored in Singapore's core principles of academic rigour, meritocracy, and continuous learning. Translating this home-grown educational model across sixty-four global campuses in eleven nations demonstrates the universal appeal of these foundational values. As we embark on introducing our next twenty international locations, our steadfast mission is to empower young leaders for future industries while instilling a profound sense of civic duty and social responsibility."

Driving Academic Excellence and Real-World Innovation

GSG's 25-year trajectory is backed by industry-leading academic achievements and global quality recognition. The network recently became the first education group globally to receive Japan's prestigious Deming Prize for Total Quality Management, bringing its total to more than 650 international awards.

Recent academic and industry milestones across the network include:

• Top Academic Outcomes: In recent International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, over 150 GSG students achieved top scores of 44 and 45 points, earning the "IB World Topper" designation and securing placements at institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, NUS, and NTU.
• Industry Impact: GSG alumni are actively leading advancements in critical sectors, including Kanika Gakhar, Launch Engineer for the SpaceX/NASA Falcon 9 rocket, and Samanyu Okade, Satellite Design Engineer.
• Student-Led Innovation: Current 15-year-old GSG students recently developed LumaBand, an AI-powered wearable device designed to detect and mitigate fall risks among elderly citizens.
• Next-Generation Curricula: To prepare its 45,000+ students for emerging technological shifts, GSG is establishing specialised research hubs, including the Centre for AI and Quantum Education, alongside a Silicon Valley Innovation Immersion programme for high-performing students.

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

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

Green SM hands over the first Limo Green vehicles to driver partners in Jakarta.

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

Fourth Forum on China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Successfully Held in Nanning, Drawing Over 700 Delegates

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This year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership, the inaugural year of the "Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030)", and a critical year for accelerating the implementation of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol following its signing.

The 23rd CAEXPO has a total exhibition area of approximately 170,000 square meters, showcasing the latest achievements of cooperation between China and ASEAN countries, as well as new business opportunities under the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA). More than 3,400 enterprises from over 70 countries and regions are participating, with the total number of exhibitors increasing by 5.3% compared to the previous session. Timor-Leste made its debut as a formal ASEAN member state and co-organizer of the CAEXPO. This marks the first time that all 11 ASEAN countries have gathered in Nanning, Guangxi, since ASEAN's expansion, representing a historic moment for the CAEXPO's circle of friends. In addition to the main exhibition area at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, two other exhibition areas are set up at CAAIC Community and the Guilin International Conference & Exhibition Center.

For the first time, an ASEAN country demand exhibition is set up during the event, and an ASEAN demand list is released for the first time, focusing on showcasing projects and application needs of ASEAN countries in areas such as transportation, smart logistics, artificial intelligence applications, urban management, and park construction, creating a new one-stop precise matchmaking platform for China and ASEAN.

In addition, more than 50 economic and trade promotion activities will be held during the event, focusing on trade and investment facilitation and regional economic integration, cross-border industrial and supply chain cooperation, "Shop in China", "Export to China", "Invest in China", and other topics.

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Dr. Peter Zhou, Director of the Board at Huawei and CEO of Huawei Cloud, delivering the keynote

• The latest AICS is built on a five-level fast recovery mechanism with full-chain observability. It supports over 40 days of stable training on cloud and is capable of fault recovery within 10 minutes. Furthermore, supported by coordinated optimization across scheduling, cache, and algorithms, it delivers 20% higher token throughput than the previous generation of compute service. The latest AICS will be commercially available in China on September 30 and in markets outside China on November 30.
• The Context Memory Storage (CMS) solution addresses the needs of long-horizon agent tasks for memory capacity and access efficiency. It provides a petabyte-scale memory space, twice the storage capacity of comparable industry products, and supports high-speed terabyte-scale memory reads with 50% higher performance than industry peers.
• Agentic MaaS brings together diverse models, enabling developers to invoke state-of-the-art (SOTA) models from leading providers with just one click and no deployment required. At the event, MiniMax demonstrated its advanced multimodal model, which, combined with Huawei Cloud, delivers open, cutting-edge multimodal capabilities.

Building an enterprise-grade agent platform to help enterprises develop and use agents effectively

Huawei Cloud is advancing its enterprise-grade agent platform through a dual approach: commercial and open source. Built on AgentArts and its open-source edition openJiuwen, the platform opens up more than 5,000 general Model Context Protocol (MCP) assets and over 1,000 industry-specific MCP assets, making it easier for enterprises to develop, use, and manage agents. To date, the platform has served more than 100 customers, including the Shenzhen Longgang District Government, China Southern Power Grid, Guangzhou Laboratory, the University of Science and Technology of China, Kingsoft Office, Sichuan Yingu Carbon Sink Renewable Resources Co., Ltd., Changsha Thunder Cloud Network Technology Co., Ltd., and KingMed Diagnostics. At the event, Kingsoft Office shared its implementation practices based on Huawei Cloud's agent platform. By deeply integrating the agent platform with the WPS 365 Document Center and WPS Comate, Kingsoft Office has built vertical office agents that are now deployed across multiple industries, including finance and government.

Huawei Cloud has announced that AgentArts will be commercially available in markets outside China on December 30. To date, the openJiuwen open-source community has surpassed 50,000 stars and 3.29 million downloads. Together with Chinasoft International, iSoftStone Group, and Beiming Software, Huawei Cloud has launched partner commercial editions and shared a broad market space, helping partners thrive on Huawei Cloud's silicon bedrock.

Advancing the Industry AI Foundry to accelerate AI adoption at scale across industries

Through the Industry AI Foundry, Huawei Cloud brings together assets such as industry scenarios, models, data, knowledge, and agents, turning industry know-how from isolated project experience into reusable industry capabilities. It has built five industry-specific zones — Smart Healthcare Zone, Embodied AI Zone, AI for Science (AI4S) Zone, Smart Manufacturing Zone, and Smart Finance Zone — with over 1,000 industry-specific assets and more than 1,000 deployed projects.

Two new zones have been launched within the Industry AI Foundry: Smart Government Zone and AI Hardware Zone. The Smart Government Zone has already brought together 24 founding partners, covering a range of scenarios such as government office operations, public services, urban governance, and industry development. The AI Hardware Zone has onboarded 15 core partners, covering more than 20 device types, including AI glasses, AI toys, and AI recording cards, along with over 10 scenario templates and more than 110 scenario skills.

From infrastructure and enterprise-grade agent platforms to industry ecosystems, Huawei Cloud is committed to building an open agentic cloud, with open infrastructure to power AI, an open platform to support enterprises in effectively developing and using agents, and an open industry ecosystem to accelerate AI adoption at scale. Ultimately, Huawei Cloud looks to move forward with customers and partners to build and grow together in the agentic era.

Themed Advancing the Agentic World, HUAWEI CONNECT 2026 will delve into AI across three dimensions: strategy, technology, and ecosystems. You can expect an in-depth look at our latest strategic initiatives, and we'll also be unveiling our all-new digital and intelligent infrastructure products, scenario-specific solutions for industries, and development tools. The event will run from September 17 to 19 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center and Shanghai Expo Center. For more information, please visit HUAWEI CONNECT 2026 online at

https://www.huawei.com/en/events/huaweiconnect

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Asia's Aerospace Growth Accelerates, Singapore Plays Central Role

Asia's aerospace sector is expanding at a pace unmatched by any other region, according to the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). Singapore's aerospace output exceeded S$18 billion in 2024, up 19% year on year, EDB figures show.

Singapore accounts for about 10% of global MRO output and close to 20% of global engine MRO output, the equivalent of one in 10 aircraft and one in five engines worldwide serviced in the country, according to EDB. It is against this backdrop that Allinton is expanding its presence in the aviation MRO sector.

Allinton's New Capabilities Span the Aerospace Value Chain

MRO Asia-Pacific 2026 brings together airlines, MRO providers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), lessors and suppliers across the aviation aftermarket ecosystem. Allinton Group's participation marks its entry into the aviation aftermarket ecosystem, where it will present its new aviation engineering capabilities, developed through a structure that spans three business functions addressing this range of needs: Allinton Engineering & Trading, which provides industrial supply and engineering solutions; Allinton Ventures, which handles business development and strategic partnerships; and Aik Lee, which focuses on automation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Within this structure, Aik Lee's work in AI and digital automation forms one part of Allinton's broader offering and remains at an exploratory stage, the company said.

Together, Allinton's three functions cover sourcing and supply, engineering execution, and long-term growth and expansion to support a range of aviation MRO needs. These capabilities aim to address both internal operational needs, such as workflow and process efficiency, and external aerospace applications.

"The MRO sector is under growing pressure to improve turnaround times, manage supply challenges and work more efficiently," said Chin Chit Loong, Chief Executive Officer of Allinton. "By combining our sourcing and industrial supply experience with engineering, automation and digital capabilities, Allinton can help address these operational gaps with practical solutions built around how our customers actually work." This approach reflects the broader growth trajectory of Asia's aerospace sector, particularly in Singapore.

https://allinton.com.sg/

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Factsheets: Hong Kong's New Chapter / The Story Begins

Hong Kong's status as world-renowned international financial, maritime and trade centres as well as an international aviation hub underpin the city's high-quality development and provide a firm foundation for the city's long-term stability and prosperity.

"We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre, and stay committed to our global positioning," Mr Lee said. "Hong Kong will deepen the development of its global offshore Renminbi business and capital market, develop an international asset and wealth management centre and international risk management centre, enhance the securities market and expand fixed income and commodity trading."

Hong Kong has become the world's largest cross‑boundary wealth management centre this year, and the HKSAR Government will continue to develop a more attractive asset and wealth management ecosystem, Mr Lee said.

Hong Kong will develop a commodity trading ecosystem with gold as an entry point by driving the development of the clearing system, storage, supply, and infrastructure related to gold trading. The city's central clearing and settlement system for gold will be officially launched in the first quarter of 2027.

"The significance of the First Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong lies in a mindset shift; we must plan Hong Kong's financial development with a longer-term vision and broader perspective to adapt with flexibility and diversity," said Christopher Hui, Hong Kong's Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury. "Each of our initiatives centres around one objective, which is to elevate Hong Kong from a 'corridor of capital' to a 'destination of choice'."

Hong Kong was ranked the world's fifth‑largest entity in merchandise trade in 2025. The HKSAR Government announced plans to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international trade centre, playing a greater role in the high‑level opening up of the Chinese Mainland.

Since the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global was established last October, it has provided assistance, including listing and raising capital in Hong Kong, aligning with overseas standards, acquiring industry certifications and fulfilling compliance requirements for more than 340 Mainland enterprises.

The Task Force will strengthen collaboration with professional organisations to train talent for the GoGlobal initiative and enhance professional services, among other areas.

"In alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan's call to advocate and practise true multilateralism, the First Five-Year Plan proposes to continue expanding international economic and trade network," said Algernon Yau, Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.

"We will actively forge free trade agreements and investment agreements with economies that are of development potential or strategic locations. Meanwhile, we will expand our network of overseas offices, and leverage the combined networks of our overseas Economic and Trade Offices, InvestHK, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council offices globally to deepen overseas ties and step up trade and investment promotion."

As an international maritime centre, Hong Kong has ranked fourth globally in maritime comprehensive strength for seven consecutive years. The Five-Year Plan will drive a "volume to value" transformation of the Hong Kong Port, capitalising on its strengths in high value‑added maritime services, to develop Hong Kong into a "Global Maritime Capital".

To promote high value-added services, the industry will develop "Finance + Shipping".

Taking advantage of the city's well‑established maritime finance, insurance and maritime arbitration under common law, Hong Kong will build an integrated ecosystem under which Hong Kong‑invested enterprises adopt Hong Kong law, take out Hong Kong insurance and choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong.

Regarding aviation, Hong Kong's passenger throughput recorded a year‑on‑year increase of 15% last year, to 61 million, with flights to over 220 destinations. The city's air cargo throughput reached 5.07 million tonnes, making its airport the world's busiest cargo airport for the 15th year since 2010.

To strengthen development as international aviation hub, Hong Kong will expand its aviation network, and diversify business opportunities.

The HKSAR Government will continue to take the initiative to visit South America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Caucasus to expedite the conclusion of new air services agreements and the expansion of traffic rights, thereby assisting the industry in exploring new passenger and cargo sources.

As for building Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology centre, the HKSAR Government will step up its efforts to promote artificial intelligence (AI) applications across various trades, and continue to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting security, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's international competitiveness in AI development.

In alignment with the national strategic technology areas, Hong Kong will focus on core technologies such as life and health, AI and robotics, microelectronics, new energy, advanced manufacturing and new materials. It will also continue to raise the ratio of Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities to Gross Domestic Product, striving to reach 3% after 2030.

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/

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