Bi-Weekly News Update: March 15 to March 28, 2025

ACCA Highlights Role of Finance in Sustainable Development at Conference; Vietnam’s IC Design Industry Sees Rising Demand Amid Talent Shortage; Vietnam Leads Asia-Pacific in AI Adoption Among Small Businesses, Survey Finds; Vietnam to Open New Semiconductor Plant Near VNU-HCM in 2025; Thai Businesses Must Embrace AI or Risk extinction, Experts Warn; Tech Moguls Could Replace Elected Leaders as AI Reshapes Workforce, Expert Warns; AI Cyber Threats Could Reach 'Nuclear Bomb' Levels, Experts Warn at Bangkok Seminar; Agentic AI to Reshape Global Workforce by 2028, IBM Executive Predicts; Japanese Carmakers Struggle as EV Shift Reshapes Thailand’s Automotive Exports; Airports of Thailand to Implement AI for Faster Check-Ins and Enhanced Security; NETA AUTO Denies R&D Team Dismissal, Reaffirms Commitment to Thai Market; Tesla Tops EV Satisfaction Survey in Thailand, Leads in Technology and Driving Enjoyment

ACCA Highlights Role of Finance in Sustainable Development at Conference
ACCA在會議上強調金融在永續發展中的作用


A recent conference brought together industry leaders to discuss key topics such as international standards for carbon emission management, technology-driven cost optimisation, and ESG policy evaluation. The event served as a platform for businesses to share insights and challenges in sustainability, featuring contributions from organisations like VACPA, FPT, Unilever, HDBank, PwC, and the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City. Ren Varma, head of Mainland Southeast Asia for ACCA, highlighted Vietnam’s strong trade performance and the growing integration of domestic enterprises into global supply chains, particularly in the EU market, which exceeded $67 billion in trade.

During the event, ACCA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting businesses with the launch of a professional diploma in Sustainability, aimed at equipping professionals with essential expertise in sustainability reporting, strategic management, and compliance with international standards. In collaboration with VACPA and PwC Vietnam, ACCA established a forum to help local firms align with global sustainability practices. Varma emphasised the crucial role of finance professionals in driving sustainable strategies, ensuring transparency, and accurately measuring business impact. ACCA pledged continued support to enhance sustainability competencies, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a responsible and sustainable economy.

https://vir.com.vn/technological-impacts-on-sustainability-practices-laid-bare-for-businesses-124950.html

小編點評:在近期舉行的一次會議上,ACCA強調了財務專業人士在推動永續發展方面所發揮的作用,會議重點討論了碳排放管理、技術驅動的成本優化以及ESG政策。此次會議還推出了永續發展專業文憑課程,旨在提升專業人士在永續發展報告和管理方面的技能,該課程得到了越南會計師公會(VACPA)、普華永道越南和胡志明市經濟大學的支持。

Vietnam’s IC Design Industry Sees Rising Demand Amid Talent Shortage
越南半導體設計產業在人才短缺的情況下需求不斷增長


Industry leaders at an IC design competition in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday highlighted the growing demand for semiconductor engineers in Vietnam, with job opportunities expected to remain strong through 2026. Koh Siang Yong Kevin, CEO of Faraday Technology Vietnam, emphasized the surge in semiconductor projects, particularly in automotive and AI computing, while citing MediaTek’s ongoing struggle to fill engineering roles despite employing 20,000 engineers. David Nghiem, founder of Global Wireless Technology, urged Vietnam to invest in advanced training programs to equip engineers with specialized skills crucial for the industry’s growth.

Assoc. Prof. Le Quoc Cuong of the Saigon High-Tech Park Management Authority underscored the importance of semiconductors in AI, IoT, and digital transformation, calling them key to Vietnam’s economic future. The annual IC design competition, now a national event, reflects the enthusiasm of Vietnam’s young engineers, with 68 teams from across the country competing. Preliminary rounds took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang on Sunday, with the final showdown set for May.

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/business/20250324/vietnam-s-semiconductor-industry-sees-golden-opportunity-amid-surging-demand-for-chip-design-engineers/85465.html

小編點評:在胡志明市舉辦的半導體設計大賽上,業界領袖強調了越南對半導體工程師日益增長的需求,預計到2026年,就業機會將保持強勁。法拉第科技越南公司執行長許祥勇強調了汽車和人工智慧領域半導體專案的激增,而聯發科則面臨著工程師職位空缺的困境。包括副教授Le Quoc Cuong在內的專家呼籲加大對高階培訓專案的投入,使工程師掌握越南在人工智慧、物聯網和數位轉型領域所需的專業技能。

Vietnam Leads Asia-Pacific in AI Adoption Among Small Businesses, Survey Finds
調查顯示,越南在亞太地區小型企業人工智慧應用方面處於領先地位


Vietnam’s small businesses are at the forefront of digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific region, ranking first in AI investment and technology adoption, according to CPA Australia’s 2024-25 Small Business Survey. The report, released in Ho Chi Minh City, revealed that 44% of Vietnamese small firms prioritized AI investment in 2024, doubling from the previous year, while 47% used AI tools for business decision-making, the highest in the region. E-commerce, social media, and digital payments also saw widespread adoption, with 91% of businesses generating significant revenue from online sales and 84% relying on platforms like MoMo and ZaloPay for transactions. These digital initiatives contributed to increased profitability, with 88% of businesses reporting financial gains, the highest among the 11 surveyed markets.

However, Vietnam’s rapid tech adoption has also heightened cybersecurity risks. The country ranked second in cyberattack-related losses, with 60% of small businesses reporting financial or operational damage—well above the survey average of 40%. In response, 62% reviewed their cybersecurity measures last year, yet 68% still anticipate attacks in 2025. Despite these challenges, optimism remains strong, with 92% of Vietnamese small firms expecting growth in 2025, the highest among the surveyed economies. Additionally, their international revenue is projected to nearly double from 15% in 2024 to 28% in 2025, underscoring Vietnam’s growing global competitiveness. CPA Australia’s CEO, Chris Freeland, emphasized that proactive cybersecurity measures are crucial to sustaining this momentum and ensuring long-term success.

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/business/20250323/vietnams-small-businesses-lead-asiapacific-in-ai-investment-survey/85446.html

小編點評:根據澳洲註冊會計師協會 (CPA Australia) 發布的《2024-2025 年小型企業調查》,越南在人工智慧應用方面領先亞太地區,44%的小型企業將人工智慧投資列為優先事項,47% 的小型企業使用人工智慧工具進行決策。儘管存在網路安全風險,60%的小型企業報告遭受網路攻擊損失,但92%的小型企業仍然對2025年的成長持樂觀態度,這主要得益於數位化應用的普及和國際收入的增加。

Vietnam to Open New Semiconductor Plant Near VNU-HCM in 2025
越南將於2025年在胡志明市國家大學附近開設新的半導體工廠


CT Group has announced plans to open a semiconductor plant near Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) in 2025, marking a significant step in the country’s semiconductor industry. The announcement, made at a seminar on semiconductor advanced packaging last Friday, highlighted Vietnam’s potential to integrate into the global chip supply chain. CT Group chairman Tran Kim Chung revealed that the company is developing three semiconductor plants specializing in assembly, testing, and packaging, with the first facility set to support both production and research, offering hands-on opportunities for students and instructors. A second plant is planned for Ho Chi Minh City by 2026, with another in northern Vietnam by 2027.

VNU-HCM director Assoc. Prof. Vu Hai Quan emphasized the critical role of outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing in the global supply chain and underscored the need for structured training and international collaboration. Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Vo Van Hoan reiterated the city’s commitment to becoming a regional semiconductor hub through investment attraction and workforce development. The event also saw a partnership agreement signed between VNU-HCM, CT Group, and Taiwan’s Minghsin University of Science and Technology to advance research and talent cultivation in the sector.

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/business/20250318/vietnam-set-to-open-semiconductor-plant-in-ho-chi-minh-city-this-year/85312.html

小編點評:CT集團宣布計畫於2025年在越南國家大學胡志明市分校(VNU-HCM)附近開設半導體工廠,標誌著越南半導體產業邁出了重要一步。該工廠將專注於組裝、測試和封裝,並計劃在2027年前在胡志明市和越南北部地區增設其他設施。該計劃還包括與VNU-HCM和臺灣明新科大的合作,旨在推進該領域的研究和人才培養。

Thai Businesses Must Embrace AI or Risk extinction, Experts Warn
專家警告:泰國企業必須擁抱人工智慧,否則將面臨滅頂之災


Thai businesses must shift from reliance on cheap labor to AI-driven efficiency or risk being left behind in the global economy, experts stressed at the “AI Revolution 2025: A New Paradigm of New World Economy” seminar in Bangkok. Looloo Technology co-founder Parith Rangsimanond compared AI to past industrial revolutions, warning that businesses failing to integrate AI will struggle to survive. He cited global firms like Schneider Electric and Fujitsu, which have leveraged AI to cut costs by 50% and boost productivity by up to 50%. Despite AI’s transformative potential, Thailand’s adoption rate remains low, with Parith urging businesses to move beyond discussion and actively implement AI solutions to remain competitive.

Siam AI Corporation CEO Ratanaphon Wongnapachant called for Thailand to become an AI creator rather than just a consumer, advocating for the development of a Thai Large Language Model (ThaiLLM) to safeguard national data and cultural identity. He outlined key pillars for AI sovereignty, including AI ecosystems, infrastructure, and workforce readiness. Reflecting on global AI advancements from the GTC 2025 conference in San Jose, he highlighted the rapid progress toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the emergence of vision-language-action (VLA) models. Both speakers underscored that AI is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for Thai businesses to survive and thrive in the evolving digital economy.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40047985

小編點評:在曼谷舉行的「2025年人工智慧革命」研討會上,專家警告泰國企業,未能採用人工智慧驅動的效率提昇技術可能導致其被淘汰。他們列舉了全球一些公司利用人工智慧提高生產力並降低成本的案例。專家強調,泰國需要發展自己的人工智慧生態系統和人才,重點是創建泰語大型語言模型,以保護國家數據和文化。

Tech Moguls Could Replace Elected Leaders as AI Reshapes Workforce, Expert Warns
專家警告:人工智慧重塑勞動市場,科技巨頭或將取代民選領導人


At the AI Revolution 2025 seminar, Bitkub CEO Jirayut Srupsrisopa warned that AI could render 39% of global workforce skills obsolete within five years, significantly disrupting industries like healthcare, finance, and education. Speaking on the “AI-Powered Workforce of the Future” panel, he highlighted insights from the World Economic Forum, predicting a shift from Large Language Models to advanced visual model-based AI. He emphasized that AI will soon surpass human capabilities in various fields, fundamentally altering employment and governance.

Jirayut also cautioned that AI’s rapid development may outpace government regulation, leading to increased control by private tech companies. He suggested that 2025 might mark the last year of human-elected presidents, as those who control AI will hold unprecedented influence. Echoing similar concerns, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman and Bill Gates have warned of AI’s destabilizing impact on jobs, with Gates predicting that AI advancements will soon make human expertise redundant in many areas.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40047969

小編點評:在「2025年人工智慧革命」研討會上,Bitkub執行長Jirayut Srupsrisopa警告,人工智慧可能在五年內使全球39%的勞動力技能過時,從而顛覆醫療保健、金融和教育等行業。他還警告,人工智慧的快速發展可能會超越政府監管,使科技公司擁有前所未有的影響力,甚至有可能取代民選領導人。微軟人工智慧執行長Mustafa Suleyman和比爾蓋茲也表達了類似的擔憂,他們警告,人工智慧可能很快就會使人類在許多領域的專業知識變得多餘。

AI Cyber Threats Could Reach ‘Nuclear Bomb’ Levels, Experts Warn at Bangkok Seminar
專家在曼谷研討會上警告:人工智慧網路威脅可能達到「核彈」級別


The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is fueling a new wave of cyber threats, with AI-driven attacks posing catastrophic risks to businesses and society, experts warned at the “AI Revolution 2025: A New Paradigm of New World Economy” seminar in Bangkok. Tanajak Watanakij, CTO of Thai cybersecurity start-up Cynclair, highlighted five major AI threats, including autonomous hacking, AI-generated malware, and deepfake-powered phishing scams. He warned that AI could also be weaponized for social manipulation, allowing bad actors to control public opinion and spread disinformation at an unprecedented scale.

Tanajak compared the potential danger of AI-driven cyberattacks to a “nuclear bomb,” urging businesses and governments to take immediate action. He stressed the need for stronger cybersecurity protocols, corporate investment in AI security, and public awareness campaigns to combat these evolving threats. Pointing to Finland’s proactive approach to media literacy education, he called for similar efforts in Thailand to equip citizens—especially children—with the skills to navigate an AI-driven digital landscape safely.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40047976

小編點評:在「2025年人工智慧革命」研討會上,專家警告稱,人工智慧驅動的網路威脅,例如自主駭客攻擊和深度偽造技術驅動的網路釣魚,可能對企業和社會構成災難性風險。 Cynclair首席技術長Tanajak Watanakij將這些潛在危險比作「核彈」,並呼籲採取更強有力的網路安全措施、加大對人工智慧安全的投入,以及提高公眾意識,以應對這些不斷演變的威脅。

Agentic AI to Reshape Global Workforce by 2028, IBM Executive Predicts
IBM主管預測,到2028年,代理型AI將重塑全球勞動市場。


The rise of Agentic AI—capable of autonomous planning, decision-making, and task execution—will revolutionize the workforce by 2028, according to IBM Thailand’s country general manager, Anothai Wettayakorn. Speaking at the “AI Revolution 2025: A New Paradigm of New World Economy” seminar, he highlighted that AI Agents, powered by Large Language Models, are already being explored by 99% of developers for enterprise applications. Gartner predicts that by 2028, one-third of organizations will integrate Agentic AI into their operations, enabling automation, enhanced decision-making, and streamlined workflows.

Despite its potential, Anothai emphasized the need for rigorous AI governance to mitigate risks associated with autonomy. He warned that “Autonomy Without Accountability is Chaos,” stressing the importance of transparency, auditability, and ethical AI development. While AI advancements in reasoning, efficiency, and integration continue, he maintained that human judgment remains critical, particularly in complex and sensitive roles. IBM advocates for open-source collaboration to ensure responsible AI scaling, reinforcing that the future of AI-driven productivity hinges on robust governance frameworks.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40047956

小編點評:IBM泰國總經理Anothai Wettayakorn預測,到2028年,能夠自主規劃和決策的代理型AI(Agentic AI)將重塑全球勞動力市場,預計三分之一的組織會將其整合到營運中。他承認人工智慧在自動化和增強決策方面具有巨大潛力,但同時強調需要嚴格的人工智慧治理來防範風險,並指出「沒有問責的自主性就是混亂」。 IBM倡導開源協作和健全的治理框架,以確保負責任的人工智慧開發,同時堅持在複雜的工作中,人類的判斷仍然至關重要。

Japanese Carmakers Struggle as EV Shift Reshapes Thailand’s Automotive Exports
電動車轉型重塑泰國車出口格局,日本汽車製造商舉步維艱


Thailand’s once-dominant internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle export sector is facing mounting challenges as global demand shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs). Data from the Ministry of Commerce and the Customs Department shows a decline in export rankings for major Japanese automakers, with Toyota Motor Thailand falling to second place in 2024, overtaken by electronics giant Western Digital Storage Technologies. Experts attribute this decline to increasing global demand for EVs, stringent emission regulations, and growing competition from Chinese EV manufacturers, which are aggressively expanding their presence in Thailand and its key export markets.

Industry leaders, including Toyota and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), are calling for government support to stimulate domestic sales and help traditional automakers transition. Toyota Motor Thailand has revised its export targets for 2025 and is focusing on cost-cutting measures and hybrid EV investments. Meanwhile, the FTI has maintained its production target of 1.5 million units for 2025 but warns that ongoing export declines and geopolitical uncertainties could further impact the industry. The Thai government is exploring stimulus measures, including SME loan guarantees, to bolster local vehicle sales amid these shifting market dynamics.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/automobile/40047891

小編點評:隨著全球需求轉向電動車,泰國傳統汽車出口產業正面臨困境,豐田汽車泰國公司出口量已跌至第二位。業內人士呼籲政府提供支持,幫助汽車製造商轉型。同時,泰國政府也在探索刺激本地汽車銷售的措施,以應對日益嚴格的排放法規和來自中國電動車製造商日益激烈的競爭所帶來的挑戰。

Airports of Thailand to Implement AI for Faster Check-Ins and Enhanced Security
泰國機場將引進人工智慧技術,以加快報到速度並提升安全性


Airports of Thailand (AOT) is set to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, including automated check-in kiosks and biometric verification systems, to streamline passenger services and enhance security. Speaking at the “AI Revolution 2025” seminar, Worawut Saentaweesuk from AOT’s Digital Solutions Development Department emphasized that AI-powered identity verification will reduce wait times, allowing passengers to move through check-in and immigration more efficiently. The system will collect and use passenger data across multiple checkpoints, eliminating redundancies and improving the overall airport experience.

In addition to AI-driven efficiency, AOT is expanding airport infrastructure at key hubs like Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to accommodate rising air traffic. These developments, combined with digital modernization, are part of AOT’s strategy to position Thailand as a leading aviation hub. Worawut highlighted that while AI enhances operational speed and convenience, maintaining security remains a top priority. By fostering innovation among its workforce, AOT aims to ensure a smooth transition to AI-powered airport management while improving passenger experience and boosting airport revenue.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40047942

小編點評:泰國機場集團(AOT)將整合人工智慧解決方案,例如:自助報到和生物辨識驗證系統,以簡化旅客服務並提升安全性。人工智慧身份驗證將縮短旅客等待時間,提高安檢效率。同時,AOT也在擴大機場基礎設施​​,以應對日益增長的航空客運量。這些創新旨在將泰國打造成為領先的航空樞紐,在提升旅客體驗、增加機場收入的同時,確保安全。

NETA AUTO Denies R&D Team Dismissal, Reaffirms Commitment to Thai Market
NETA AUTO否認解散研發團隊,重申對泰國市場的承諾


Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NETA AUTO has strongly denied rumors that it has scrapped its research and development team, insisting that Thailand remains a key market. In a statement issued Wednesday, the company emphasized that it is optimizing its organizational structure to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, while also warning that it will take legal action against those spreading false information that could damage its reputation. NETA reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development in Thailand, promising to continue offering high-quality EVs and cutting-edge technology to local consumers.

Since launching its first model, the NETA V, in Thailand in 2021, the company has benefited from the government’s “EV 3.0” incentive program, which provides tax exemptions for imported EVs in exchange for local production commitments. As part of this initiative, NETA AUTO manufactures its vehicles at the Bangchan General Assembly plant in Bangkok. The automaker reiterated its mission of “Tech For All,” pledging to develop innovative yet affordable EV solutions for Thai consumers while maintaining a strong presence in the country’s growing EV market.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/automobile/40047632

小編點評:NETA AUTO否認了有關裁撤研發團隊的傳聞,並重申了對泰國市場的承諾,強調將專注於提升效率並繼續在泰國本地生產。該公司承諾在政府「電動車3.0」激勵計畫的支持下,為泰國消費者提供高品質的電動車和技術,並保持強大的市場地位。

Tesla Tops EV Satisfaction Survey in Thailand, Leads in Technology and Driving Enjoyment
特斯拉在泰國電動車滿意度調查中名列榜首,在技術和駕駛樂趣方面領先


A recent survey by NielsenIQ Thailand has crowned Tesla as the top brand in Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) market, earning the highest satisfaction score of 890 and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 81. The Electric Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction (EVOSS) study, which surveyed 1,060 EV owners, evaluated key factors such as driving experience, ownership costs, charging convenience, and after-sales service. Tesla outperformed competitors in critical areas, scoring 905 points in safety and technology, 899 in driving enjoyment, 894 in quality and reliability, and 883 in driving range, solidifying its dominance in Thailand’s EV sector.

The overall satisfaction score for EV ownership in Thailand stood at 880 points, with home charging convenience receiving the highest rating at 895. However, ownership costs—including electricity, maintenance, and vehicle prices—received the lowest score of 863. The study also found that most EV owners purchase their vehicles as an addition rather than a replacement, with design, driving performance, and reliability being top decision factors. Manenatta Jirasevijinda, Senior Director at NielsenIQ, emphasized that manufacturers must go beyond advertising and provide accurate data on driving range and performance to build consumer confidence and enhance brand reputation in the competitive EV market.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/automobile/40047638

小編點評:特斯拉在泰國電動車市場排名第一,在尼爾森IQ泰國調查中以890分的最高滿意度得分和81分的淨推薦值(NPS)位居榜首。該調查強調了特斯拉在技術、駕駛樂趣、安全性和可靠性方面的領先地位,該品牌在關鍵領域超越了競爭對手。儘管消費者對便利性和技術方面滿意度很高,但擁有成本卻是評分最低的因素,調查敦促製造商提供準確的數據以增強消費者信心。