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

Vietnam Highlighted as Emerging Tech Hub as GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 Opens in Berlin; Vietnam Urges Samsung to Expand Investment in High-Tech Sectors, Pledges Policy Support; Ho Chi Minh City Emerges as Vietnam’s Data Centre Powerhouse with Major Hyperscale Projects; Viettel and KT Partner to Drive AI Transformation and Talent Development in Vietnam; Thailand Launches Major Push to Boost Game Industry Talent and Exports; Thailand Braces for Rising AI-Driven Cyber Threats, as Global ATO Risks Escalate; Global Telecom AIoT Summit 2025 Catalyzes Thailand’s Role in Smart Technology Revolution; Thailand Positioned to Become Regional Data Hub with Focus on Internet Resilience and Inclusion; Thailand Launches OTOD Smart Living Project to Digitally Empower Rural Communities; Thailand Sees Dip in New Business Registrations Amid Global Uncertainty; ASEAN and GCC Endorse Economic Cooperation to Boost Regional Stability and Growth; Thailand Charts Four-Pronged Strategy to Boost Software and Digital Services Growth

Vietnam Highlighted as Emerging Tech Hub as GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 Opens in Berlin
GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 於柏林開幕,越南被點名為新興科技樞紐

GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 opened its doors today in Berlin, marking a historic moment for Europe’s digital future and global tech collaboration. With over 1,400 tech companies, 600 investors, and participants from more than 100 countries, the event has become the region’s largest tech, startup, and digital investment platform. At the core of this momentum is a Europe-wide “Choose Europe” movement, paired with Germany’s push for digital transformation through its new digital ministry. Global tech giants like NVIDIA, IBM, and AWS joined forces with pioneering startups to showcase breakthroughs in AI, green tech, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Among the event’s keynote highlights was Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, who spoke on harnessing AI to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.

Vietnam’s growing presence in the global tech arena was spotlighted as one of the countries within the expanding GITEX global network, which now spans Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. As GITEX strengthens its international footprint, Vietnam emerges as a strategic partner in the digital economy, poised to host future editions of the event and amplify Southeast Asia’s role in tech innovation. With Vietnam’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, young tech-savvy population, and increasing investments in AI and digital infrastructure, its inclusion in the GITEX network underlines its importance as a rising innovation hub connecting Asia with the rest of the world.

https://vir.com.vn/europes-largest-inaugural-tech-and-startup-event-opens-in-berlin-as-the-continent-spurs-momentum-for-open-innovation-and-ai-leadership-128858.html

小編點評:越南在擴大的 GITEX 全球網絡中被凸顯為崛起中的科技樞紐,進一步強化其在東南亞推動數位轉型與創新的角色。憑藉快速成長的新創生態系與日益增加的 AI 投資,越南具備主辦未來 GITEX 版本的條件,並可進一步提升其在全球科技領域的影響力。

Vietnam Urges Samsung to Expand Investment in High-Tech Sectors, Pledges Policy Support
越南敦促三星擴大高科技領域投資,並承諾提供政策支持

Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc Thang congratulated Na Ki Hong on his recent promotion and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to supporting Samsung’s long-term investment and expansion in the country. As the largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam, Samsung has significantly contributed to the nation’s socioeconomic development, creating over 90,000 jobs and generating $54.4 billion in export turnover in 2024 — accounting for 14% of the country’s total exports. Minister Thang emphasized the importance of corporate contributions to achieving high economic growth, urging Samsung to continue expanding its production footprint, particularly in high-tech and semiconductor industries, and to increase the localisation rate while building new R&D centres.

Na Ki Hong confirmed Samsung’s investment in Vietnam has reached $23.2 billion and announced a newly approved $1.8 billion OLED display factory project in Bac Ninh. He requested continued support, including additional corporate income tax incentives for factories in Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as a VAT refund for Samsung Electronics HCMC. Minister Thang assured that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) is committed to facilitating administrative procedures and has already communicated with relevant provinces and the National Assembly. He reiterated Vietnam’s non-discriminatory policy for domestic and foreign investors and highlighted the annual conferences organized with the South Korean embassy to address tax and customs issues faced by Korean businesses.

https://vir.com.vn/mof-helps-samsung-to-accelerate-administrative-procedures-and-investment-expansion-128758.html

小編點評:越南財政部長重申支持三星擴張,並指出三星對越南出口貢獻達 544 億美元,同時呼籲三星在高科技與半導體產業加碼投資。三星宣布在北寧新建 18 億美元 OLED 工廠並提出稅務優惠需求;越南則承諾提供政策支持並簡化行政程序,以協助其投資擴大。

Ho Chi Minh City Emerges as Vietnam’s Data Centre Powerhouse with Major Hyperscale Projects
胡志明市以多項超大型資料中心計畫崛起,成為越南資料中心重鎮

Ho Chi Minh City is solidifying its status as Vietnam’s emerging data centre hub with two major hyperscale projects underway. On April 23, Viettel Group broke ground on a landmark High-Tech Data Centre and R&D facility in Cu Chi district’s Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park. Set to be operational by 2026, the nearly four-hectare facility will be one of Southeast Asia’s top 10 largest data centres, boasting a capacity of 140MW and housing around 10,000 racks. Designed to Uptime Institute Tier III standards, the centre will support high-performance computing and AI applications with rack densities of up to 60kW. City officials hail the project as a crucial driver for smart city development, e-government transformation, and the growth of Vietnam’s digital economy.

In a parallel move, CMC Technology Corporation has been selected to develop another hyperscale DC at Saigon Hi-Tech Park in Thu Duc, with a $250 million investment and a projected capacity of 30MW. Slated to begin construction in 2026, the eight-story facility will host 3,000 racks and has attracted interest from global players including the Coteccons–Eaton consortium, Evolution Data Centres, and Hyosung. These developments come amid regulatory reforms, notably the revised Telecommunications Law effective from January 2025, which classifies data centre and cloud services as official telecom services and permits full foreign ownership—paving the way for increased international investment in Vietnam’s digital infrastructure.

https://vir.com.vn/city-poised-for-data-centre-investments-128666.html

小編點評:胡志明市正成為越南資料中心核心基地,Viettel 集團與 CMC 科技公司正建置大型 hyperscale 設施,包括古芝(Cu Chi)140MW 的資料中心,以及西貢高科技園區 2.5 億美元的專案。隨著越南修訂《電信法》帶來監管改革並允許外資 100% 持有,全球投資正加速湧入,推動越南數位基礎建設成長。

Viettel and KT Partner to Drive AI Transformation and Talent Development in Vietnam
Viettel 與 KT 攜手推動越南 AI 轉型與人才培育

Vietnam’s Viettel Group and South Korea’s KT Corporation have formed a strategic alliance to advance AI-driven digital transformation, aiming to boost Vietnam’s technological edge in the region. The two tech giants will collaborate on developing AI ecosystems, digital platforms, and data infrastructure to embed AI across business operations—from decision-making to organizational design. Central to their efforts is the construction of a dedicated AI data center and GPU server clusters, alongside the establishment of a global development center in Hanoi focused on cultivating high-quality AI and IT talent.

The partnership also includes initiatives to expand training programs for Vietnam’s next generation of AI professionals. Leveraging Viettel’s robust digital infrastructure and KT’s AI expertise, the alliance will develop solutions tailored to Vietnam’s digital landscape with plans to scale globally. Viettel chairman Tao Duc Thang emphasized the synergy between KT’s cutting-edge technology and Viettel’s local insight, while KT CEO Kim Young Shub expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to position both Vietnam and South Korea as global AI leaders.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/top-tech-firms-from-vietnam-skorea-partner-for-ai-transformation-103250528125745897.htm

小編點評:Viettel 集團與 KT 公司合作推動越南 AI 轉型,將在 AI 生態系、資料基礎設施與人才培育方面展開協作,包括建置專用 AI 資料中心與在河內設立全球研發樞紐。結合 Viettel 的數位基礎建設與 KT 的 AI 專業,該聯盟旨在加速越南以 AI 驅動的數位成長,並將越南定位為全球科技領導者之一。

Thailand Launches Major Push to Boost Game Industry Talent and Exports
泰國大力推動遊戲產業人才與出口成長


Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry, in partnership with the National Soft Power Development Committee and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), has launched the OFOSGAME initiative to enhance game development skills and elevate the nation’s digital content industry on the global stage. Under the One Family One Soft Power Skill (OFOS) policy, the program aims to increase the sector’s economic value from 40 billion to 100 billion baht. The effort is part of the Thai Digital Content Go Global project, focused on fostering a robust ecosystem for game development through practical, industry-aligned training and partnerships with top academic and industry institutions.

With Thailand’s digital games sector valued at 34 billion baht but facing heavy reliance on imports—97% of games are foreign-made—the OFOSGAME program targets skill-building in areas such as storytelling, game design, and Unreal Engine development. It aims to train 50,000 individuals, support 20 game development teams, and guide 1,500 professionals toward careers in gaming. The initiative includes collaborations with Suranaree University of Technology, Sripatum University, the Thai Game Software Industry Association, and others to deliver both online and hands-on courses. Depa’s broader efforts also include school-level infrastructure, student education, accelerators, and content integration in business.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3035065/digital-skills-push-to-grow-game-sector

小編點評:泰國數位經濟與社會部攜手多方夥伴推出 OFOSGAME 計畫,提升遊戲開發技能並擴大數位內容產業規模,目標將產業經濟價值從 400 億泰銖提升至 1,000 億泰銖。鑑於目前 97% 遊戲依賴進口,該計畫將培訓 5 萬人、扶植 20 支遊戲開發團隊,並協助 1,500 名專業人士投入遊戲職涯。透過與大學、產業協會合作以及 depa 的整體配套,泰國希望強化遊戲生態系並加速走向國際市場。

Thailand Braces for Rising AI-Driven Cyber Threats, as Global ATO Risks Escalate
全球 ATO 風險升高之際,泰國嚴陣以待 AI 驅動的資安威脅上升

Thailand’s cybersecurity landscape faces mounting pressure as artificial intelligence (AI) agents emerge as a serious global threat, capable of halving the time required to exploit exposed online accounts by 2027, according to Gartner Inc. The warning comes amid concerns over rising account takeover (ATO) attacks, which remain a major vulnerability due to the widespread use of weak authentication credentials. Gartner analyst Jeremy D’Hoinne notes that cybercriminals are increasingly automating login attempts using bots, often targeting reused passwords—an issue particularly relevant in Thailand, where digital transformation and growing online adoption have expanded the attack surface.

The evolution of AI agents is expected to bring advanced capabilities, including the use of deepfake audio for social engineering and fully automated exploitation of user credentials. In anticipation, cybersecurity firms in Thailand and globally are preparing new tools to monitor and counter AI-driven threats across websites, apps, APIs, and voice channels. As Thailand continues to strengthen its digital economy under national strategies, experts stress the need for upgraded authentication systems, proactive threat detection, and AI-resilient security frameworks to protect both public and private digital infrastructures.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3032486/ai-agents-a-double-edged-sword

小編點評:泰國面臨日益升高的 AI 驅動資安威脅,帳號接管(ATO)攻擊加速,因網路罪犯使用機器人自動化登入嘗試與深偽(deepfake)社交工程手法。因應之道上,資安公司正研發更先進的工具以對抗風險,專家則呼籲強化身份驗證系統並建立具 AI 抗性的安全框架,以保護泰國持續擴張的數位基礎設施。

Global Telecom AIoT Summit 2025 Catalyzes Thailand’s Role in Smart Technology Revolution
全球電信 AIoT 高峰會 2025 催化泰國在智慧科技革命中的角色


The Global Telecom AIoT Summit 2025, held in Bangkok on May 23 and co-hosted by T3 Technology, Tuya Smart, Skyworth, and the Telecommunications Association of Thailand, showcased Thailand’s central role in the AIoT revolution. Under the theme “New Era of Intelligence for All Industries,” the summit brought together key government figures and industry leaders to accelerate intelligent transformation and expand the global AIoT ecosystem. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong emphasized the country’s digital ambitions, while industry experts highlighted collaborative efforts to drive AI integration across telecom, smart home, and industrial sectors.

With over 20 high-level executives presenting, the summit highlighted how AI and IoT technologies are transforming digital economies, particularly in Southeast Asia. Key partners, including True Digital Group, Google Cloud, and National Telecom Plc, unveiled initiatives to enhance AI-driven services, from cybersecurity and network optimisation to smart living and generative AI applications. The event concluded with a joint commitment to deepen regional cooperation, establish sustainable AI ecosystems, and position Thailand as a hub for future digital innovation and industrial growth.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3034380/tech-leaders-gather-in-bangkok-for-aiot-summit

小編點評:在曼谷舉行的 Global Telecom AIoT Summit 2025 匯聚政府領袖與產業專家,推動 AIoT 在電信、智慧家庭與工業領域的轉型,並強化泰國在數位創新中的地位。True Digital Group、Google Cloud 等主要業者提出多項 AI 驅動倡議,會議最終也承諾擴大區域合作並建立可持續的 AI 生態系。

Thailand Positioned to Become Regional Data Hub with Focus on Internet Resilience and Inclusion
泰國以網路韌性與數位包容為重點,蓄勢成為區域資料中心樞紐


Thailand is emerging as a strong contender for becoming a regional data centre hub, driven by its solid internet infrastructure and government initiatives to boost resilience. With 37 operational data centres, 12 internet exchange points (IXPs), and one of Southeast Asia’s highest rural internet penetration rates at 85%, the country is making strides in digital connectivity. However, the Internet Society notes that only 12% of Thai networks connect to IXPs—an area needing improvement to enhance internet speed, lower costs, and reduce vulnerability to outages. Expanding data centres beyond Bangkok and improving mobile broadband, which still trails behind fixed-line performance, are also crucial steps forward.

Sally Wentworth, CEO of the Internet Society, praised Thailand’s lack of internet shutdowns and diverse ISP options, while stressing the importance of creating more local content and encouraging .th domain registrations. Partnerships with groups like THNIC and BKNIX continue to support Thailand’s digital development, including the expansion of IXPs in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. As new technologies such as Low Earth orbit satellites and advanced protocols improve connectivity and security, Ms Wentworth highlighted the importance of inclusive growth to ensure disconnected communities are not left behind in the AI-driven future.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3031655/proposal-for-additional-data-centres-in-the-provinces

小編點評:泰國正崛起為區域資料中心樞紐,具備強健的網路基礎建設、37 座運作中的資料中心,以及高水平的鄉村網路滲透率,但仍需改善網際網路交換中心(IXP)的連結度。Internet Society 執行長 Sally Wentworth 肯定泰國 ISP 多元性,同時強調本地內容生產與網域註冊的重要性。透過持續的合作與衛星技術等進展,泰國將提升連結能力並確保全國包容性的數位成長。

Thailand Launches OTOD Smart Living Project to Digitally Empower Rural Communities
泰國啟動 OTOD 智慧生活計畫,以數位化賦能偏鄉社區


The Digital Economy and Society Ministry has rolled out the One Tambon, One Digital Smart Living (OTOD Smart Living) initiative across Thailand to boost digital adoption among rural communities and farmers. Spearheaded by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the project aims to benefit over 2,700 people from 900 households, generating at least 170 million baht in annual economic value. The programme promotes the use of digital tools such as smart solar-powered lighting, agricultural drones, IoT solutions, and carbon credit platforms to enhance productivity, lower costs, and improve quality of life, especially in underserved agricultural areas.

Deputy permanent secretary Piyanuch Wuttisorn highlighted that applications are open until May 30, with training to begin in June. The initiative, which builds on DEPA’s 2023 efforts, includes two tiers of support: “smart living” for 40 communities in smart city promotion zones, and “smart living plus” for five communities in officially designated smart cities. Both will receive advanced digital technologies to address challenges like high production costs and climate-related disruptions. DEPA president Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin called the project a milestone in extending Smart City benefits to rural Thailand and strengthening the country’s digital economy.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3030620/otod-smart-living-project-set-in-motion

小編點評:泰國數位經濟與社會部推出 OTOD Smart Living 計畫,提升偏鄉社區的數位採用,預計嘉惠 2,700 人,並推廣太陽能照明、農業無人機與 IoT 解決方案等技術。訓練將於 6 月展開,計畫將支援智慧城市區域內 40 個社區與 5 個指定智慧城市,推動泰國鄉村數位轉型與經濟成長。

Thailand Sees Dip in New Business Registrations Amid Global Uncertainty
全球不確定性升高之際,泰國新公司登記數量下滑


Thailand’s Department of Business Development reported a 3.14% decline in new business registrations in April 2025, totalling 6,325 businesses, as investors delay ventures due to global economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, shifting trade policies, and U.S. tariffs. Despite the dip in numbers, registered capital surged by 17.86% to THB32.14 billion, with two companies—Gulf Development Public Company Limited and Idemitsu Apollo (Thailand) Co., Ltd.—accounting for THB16.52 billion of that total. The most active sectors for new registrations were general building construction, real estate, and restaurants and catering.

From January to April 2025, new business registrations declined by 4.39% to 30,148, though total registered capital rose 17.70% to THB112.06 billion. During this period, seven companies registered with capital exceeding THB1 billion, totalling THB37.5 billion. Meanwhile, business closures in April increased slightly by 0.49% to 814, but their registered capital fell by nearly 19% to THB4.13 billion. The top three sectors for closures mirrored the registration trends—construction, real estate, and food services—highlighting the ongoing economic pressure faced by core industries.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/economy/40050541

小編點評:由於全球經濟不確定性,泰國 2025 年 4 月新公司登記數量下滑 3.14%,但登記資本總額卻大增 17.86% 至 321.4 億泰銖,且以營建、房地產與餐飲服務為最活躍產業。公司歇業數增加 0.49%,也呈現相似的產業分布;在核心產業持續承壓之際,資本投入增加與企業數量下滑形成對比。

ASEAN and GCC Endorse Economic Cooperation to Boost Regional Stability and Growth
ASEAN 與 GCC 背書經濟合作,以促進區域穩定與成長


At their second summit in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approved a Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation aimed at strengthening ties in trade, investment, and sustainable development. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking at the summit, underscored the urgency of regional collaboration amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. She proposed a “3Ps” approach—Prosperity, People, and Planet—emphasising economic diversification, deeper business engagement in sectors such as halal industries and clean energy, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges in tourism and healthcare. She also called for progress on a potential free trade agreement between ASEAN and the GCC.

On environmental cooperation, the Prime Minister advocated for joint action on climate change and green economy transitions, proposing collaboration between the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development in Bangkok and GCC agencies on initiatives like green finance. Addressing global concerns, she urged ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and reaffirmed Thailand’s support for a two-state solution. Paetongtarn concluded by stressing the need for ASEAN-GCC cooperation to move beyond declarations toward practical, sustained implementation for mutual prosperity and security.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40050521

小編點評:在吉隆坡舉行的 ASEAN–GCC 高峰會上,領袖們通過《經濟合作聯合宣言》。泰國總理佩通坦・欽那瓦強調在全球不確定性下擴大貿易、投資潔淨能源並深化區域合作的重要性。她亦呼籲共同因應氣候變遷、推動自由貿易協定進展,並採取務實步驟落實長期 ASEAN–GCC 合作,同時提及加薩停火談判與支持兩國方案。

Thailand Charts Four-Pronged Strategy to Boost Software and Digital Services Growth
泰國規劃四大策略推動軟體與數位服務成長


Thailand’s software and digital service industries posted nearly 10% growth in 2023, reaching a market value of 567 billion baht, yet their contribution to GDP remains relatively low, according to a new analysis by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Key growth sectors identified include Software and Software Services, Digital Services, and Digital Content, with Software and Software Services leading in both revenue and growth at 12.8% year-on-year. Despite this momentum, challenges such as limited intellectual property (IP) ownership and restricted funding access continue to constrain smaller digital businesses.

In response, the TPSO has proposed a strategic four-pronged policy plan to unlock the sector’s full potential. The strategy includes strengthening digital infrastructure through projects like Digital Park Thailand, improving funding mechanisms for digital entrepreneurs, enhancing IP protections to support Thai innovation, and promoting Thailand as a regional digital investment hub. These measures aim to expand the sector’s economic footprint and establish digital services as a new engine for national growth.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40050401

小編點評:泰國軟體與數位服務產業 2023 年成長近 10%,市場規模達 5,670 億泰銖,但對 GDP 的貢獻仍偏低,且小型企業面臨智慧財產權(IP)持有不足與資金取得受限等挑戰。為此,貿易政策與策略辦公室(TPSO)提出四大策略,聚焦數位基礎建設、資金支持、IP 保護,以及將泰國定位為區域數位投資樞紐,以加速成長並讓數位服務成為國家經濟的新引擎。