Bi-Weekly News Updates: Aug. 15 to Aug. 28, 2025

CMC Corporation Launches CMC OpenAI to Drive Vietnam’s AI Leadership; Battery-Swapping Race Intensifies in Vietnam’s Electric Motorbike Market; PM Phạm Minh Chính Urges Samsung to Expand High-Tech Investment in Việt Nam; AnyMind Launches Thailand’s First AI Creator Avatar with BT Beartai’s “Nui”; Thailand on Track to Sell 100,000 Battery EVs in 2025 Amid Shift from ICE Vehicles; GPTBots Partners with Vonosis to Accelerate Enterprise AI Adoption in Thailand; Thai Labour Market Faces AI Disruption, Tariffs and Global Layoffs; Thailand Targets 105 Smart Cities by 2027, Phuket Silicon Valley Gains Certification; Thailand Emerges as Regional Leader in Energy Transition, ABB Study Finds; ADB Provides THB900 Million Green Loan for Thailand’s First Sustainable Data Center; Thailand Urged to Leverage Technology and Talent to Boost Competitiveness

CMC Corporation Launches CMC OpenAI to Drive Vietnam’s AI Leadership

越南科技大廠 CMC 發表「CMC OpenAI」,力拼亞洲 AI 領導地位

Hanoi, August 21, 2025 – CMC Corporation officially launched its new subsidiary, CMC OpenAI (C-OpenAI), at the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel in the presence of Minister of Science and Technology Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, senior government representatives, and key domestic and international partners. The move marks a pivotal step in CMC’s 32-year journey as one of Vietnam’s leading technology enterprises, aligning with the Government’s vision to accelerate national digital transformation, strengthen innovation, and position Vietnam among the top three ASEAN nations in AI research and development by 2030.

CMC OpenAI, built on 25 proprietary core AI technologies, will focus on applications across critical sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public administration. With its AI-X vision of “Connecting Intelligence, Shaping the Future,” the company commits to delivering reliable, secure, and Vietnam-centric AI solutions. By 2028, CMC aims to surpass USD 1 billion in revenue and expand its workforce to over 10,000, with 40% specializing in AI, reaffirming its role as a pioneer in the global digital and AI transformation era.

https://cmcglobal.com.vn/news-event/cmc-officially-launches-cmc-openai-a-strategic-milestone-in-vietnams-ai-journey

小編點評:越南科技大廠 CMC 集團正式成立「CMC OpenAI」子公司,作為領軍國家 AI 發展的領頭羊,旨在協助越南於 2030 年前躋身東協(ASEAN)AI 產業的前三強。該子公司憑藉 25 項自主研發技術,將提供具備高度安全性的產業專用 AI 解決方案。CMC 訂下宏大目標,預計在 2028 年前將團隊擴張至萬人規模,並力拼營收突破 10 億美元。

Battery-Swapping Race Intensifies in Vietnam’s Electric Motorbike Market

越南電動機車競爭白熱化,「換電模式」引發產業卡位賽

As Vietnam’s electric motorbike market gathers momentum, battery swapping is emerging as a practical alternative to slow charging, promising greater convenience for users. VinFast has taken the lead by announcing plans to roll out battery-swappable motorbikes alongside 1,000 swapping stations from October, with an ambitious target of 50,000 stations by year-end and 150,000 nationwide by 2025. Each swappable battery offers a range of up to 85km, with rental and swap costs designed to rival or even undercut monthly fuel expenses of gasoline-powered bikes such as the Honda Vision.

Other players are also stepping into the race. Honda Vietnam has introduced battery swapping for its CUV e: model through its HEAD dealership network, though availability remains limited with just 19 active locations. TMT Motors is preparing to launch five new electric motorbikes and a fully automated swapping system, while Selex Motors has focused on logistics and delivery, already installing around 90 stations in major cities. Despite challenges and risks tied to consumer adoption, battery-swapping infrastructure is expected to become a decisive factor shaping the future of Vietnam’s two-wheeler market.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/battery-swapping-race-heats-up-in-vietnams-electric-motorbike-market-103250825175315623.htm

小編點評:越南電動機車市場正掀起一場「換電」革命。相較於耗時的充電模式,電池交換技術因其快速、省錢的優勢,正迅速成為市場主流。越南本土品牌 VinFast 領頭衝刺,計畫在 2025 年前佈建 15 萬個換電站;而本田(Honda)、TMT Motors 與 Selex Motors 等競爭對手也紛紛加碼投資換電基礎設施。儘管消費者仍面臨一些使用習慣上的挑戰,但「換電模式」預計將成為推動越南電動兩輪車普及的關鍵動能。

PM Phạm Minh Chính Urges Samsung to Expand High-Tech Investment in Việt Nam

越南總理范明正呼籲三星集團,持續擴大在越的高科技領域投資

Hà Nội, August 26 – Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday called on Samsung Group from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to further expand its investment in Việt Nam, particularly in high technology, semiconductors, research and development, and digital transformation. Meeting with Roh Tae Moon, acting head of Samsung Electronics’ Device Experience Division, the PM highlighted the principle of “mutual benefit, harmonised risks and shared gains,” stressing that Samsung should remain a trusted partner in Việt Nam’s economic and technological growth. He also encouraged greater technology transfer, localisation, and training of high-quality human resources, while suggesting the appointment of Vietnamese executives to senior management roles.

Samsung, which has invested US$23.2 billion in Việt Nam, has become one of the country’s largest foreign investors, employing 90,000 Vietnamese and contributing significantly to exports. By June 2025, its factories in Bắc Ninh and Thái Nguyên had produced 2 billion mobile phones since 2009, with its latest flagship Galaxy Z Fold 7 receiving strong global reception. Roh reaffirmed Samsung’s long-term commitment to Việt Nam and expressed gratitude for government support, while PM Chính applauded the group’s contributions to socio-economic development and signed a commemorative plaque marking the milestone 2 billionth handset produced in the country.

小編點評:越南總理范明正最近向三星集團喊話,呼籲該集團擴大在越南的高科技投資。他強調雙方應該要互利共贏,希望三星能多分享技術,並讓越南優秀人才有機會進入公司的高層。目前三星在越南已經投下 232 億美元,累計生產 20 億支手機;三星也對此表示,會持續深耕越南市場,共同帶動當地的經濟與技術成長。

AnyMind Launches Thailand’s First AI Creator Avatar with BT Beartai’s “Nui”

AnyMind 聯手泰國知名媒體 BT Beartai,發表全泰首位 AI 虛擬分身「Nui」

Bangkok – AnyMind Group has announced that Pongsuk “Nui” Hiranprueck, the host, creator and CEO of BT Beartai (Show No Limit), has become the first Thai participant in its AnyLive for Creators programme. The collaboration introduces an AI avatar that can host 24/7 live commerce streams, offering brands continuous engagement opportunities while marking a milestone in Thailand’s fast-growing creator economy. With over 30 years in the IT industry and a strong following across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and X, Nui is regarded as one of the country’s leading technology creators.

According to AnyMind, the initiative will make live commerce more accessible, enabling creators to generate passive income through AI-powered avatars while giving brands cost-effective, round-the-clock streaming capabilities. Emphasising that the technology supports rather than replaces human creators, Nui said the AI avatar allows sales to continue even outside working hours. AnyMind executives highlighted the move as a step toward advancing AI integration in live commerce, strengthening links between businesses, advertisers, creators and consumers.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3094565/anymind-launches-first-ai-creator-avatar-in-thailand

小編點評: 數位行銷科技集團 AnyMind Group 與泰國知名科技創作者 Pongsuk “Nui” Hiranprueck 聯手,推出泰國首位 「AI 虛擬分身(AI Avatar)」,並投入 24/7 全天候直播帶貨。此舉標誌著泰國創作者經濟(Creator Economy)的重大突破,不僅能為創作者帶來被動收入,也為品牌方提供更具成本效益的互動方式。同時,這項計畫也再次強調,AI 的角色是「輔助」而非「取代」人類的創造力。

Thailand on Track to Sell 100,000 Battery EVs in 2025 Amid Shift from ICE Vehicles

泰國電動車(EV)市場捨棄傳統內燃機轉向電能,2025 年銷量預計突破 10 萬輛。

Bangkok – Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Thailand are expected to hit 100,000 units this year, according to MG Sales (Thailand), as demand for cleaner transport surges while internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles face steep declines. In the first half of 2025, passenger BEV sales jumped 61% year-on-year to 54,084 units, compared with a 12% drop for oil-fuelled passenger cars and a 17% decline in pickup trucks, data from the Federation of Thai Industries showed. Despite economic headwinds and tight auto financing, BEVs — particularly affordable B-segment models — continue to attract strong consumer interest, prompting expectations that Japanese automakers will soon join Chinese and local brands in the fast-growing sector.

MG has positioned itself at the forefront of Thailand’s EV market, with BEVs now making up 70% of its total production. In the first seven months of this year, the company’s domestic sales rose 37% year-on-year to 13,795 units, led by the MG4 hatchback. At the 2025 Big Motor Sale in Bangkok, MG launched the IM6 Premium Long Range, boasting a 750km driving range, as part of its push to reach 25,000 units sold by year-end. MG says it will gradually scale down ICE output and target a balanced 50-50 split between BEV and hybrid production in line with its net-zero policy.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/motoring/3092448/thais-on-course-to-buy-100-000-battery-electric-vehicles-in-2025

小編點評: 隨著市場需求噴發且傳統燃油車(ICE)銷量下滑,泰國預計於 2025 年達到 10 萬輛純電動車(BEV) 的銷售里程碑。其中,MG(名爵) 憑藉多款親民車型及續航里程達 750 公里的新車 IM6 領跑市場。目前 MG 生產線中的純電動車佔比已達 70%,未來目標將調整為「純電與油電混和車(Hybrid)」各半,展現其在產業轉型浪潮下,對達成淨零排放目標與回應消費者熱度的堅定承諾。

GPTBots Partners with Vonosis to Accelerate Enterprise AI Adoption in Thailand

GPTBots 強強聯手泰國數位轉型龍頭 Vonosis,助攻泰企加速導入生成式 AI

Bangkok – GPTBots.ai, a leading enterprise-grade AI agent building platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Vonosis Co., Ltd., a premier digital transformation and cloud solutions distributor in Thailand. The collaboration strengthens GPTBots’ presence in Southeast Asia, with a focus on empowering Thai businesses in healthcare, retail, and manufacturing through enterprise-grade AI capabilities. By integrating GPTBots’ no-code AI agent platform, Vonosis will equip its clients with tools to automate complex workflows, enhance customer service, and generate data-driven insights.

Vonosis, a subsidiary of Get On Technology founded in 2016, is advancing its strategy to become an “AI-driven digital enabler,” having already adopted AI internally to optimize operations. The partnership provides GPTBots with a significant foothold in the Thai market by leveraging Vonosis’s strong industry expertise and established customer base. “Together, we will set a new benchmark for digital enablement in the region,” said Chris Lo, Founder and CEO of GPTBots, highlighting the joint ambition to modernize operations and future-proof business models with intelligent automation.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/08/27/3139804/0/en/GPTBots-Announces-Strategic-Partnership-with-Vonosis-to-Accelerate-Enterprise-AI-Adoption-in-Thailand.html

小編點評: 企業級 AI 平台 GPTBots.ai 正式與泰國數位轉型服務商 Vonosis 達成策略合作,共同推動泰國企業導入 AI 應用。雙方將提供無程式碼(No-code)AI 代理工具,協助各大核心產業實現工作流自動化並優化客戶服務。此項合作不僅強化了 GPTBots 在東南亞的區域佈局,更助力 Vonosis 實踐其成為「AI 驅動數位賦能者」的願景,透過智慧自動化協助企業邁向營運現代化。

Thai Labour Market Faces AI Disruption, Tariffs and Global Layoffs

泰國勞動市場面臨 AI 自動化、國際關稅壓力與全球裁員潮多重挑戰

Thailand’s labour market is under mounting pressure as global layoffs accelerate, artificial intelligence adoption reshapes industries, and U.S. tariffs weaken export competitiveness. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) reported in its Q2 2025 review that firms are increasingly shifting from permanent to contract work, while some, including Kasikorn Bank, are offering early retirement to staff over 45. Meanwhile, 8,069 companies have deregistered in the first seven months of the year, and U.S. import duties of 19% on Thai goods are expected to further hit employment in the second half.

Industry leaders warn that unprepared workers risk being left behind as businesses restructure. Rawit Hanutsaha of Srichand United Dispensary urged national-scale reskilling efforts, while FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said AI is already replacing administrative roles to cut costs. Though unemployment remains near record lows at 0.7%, labour shortages persist due to ageing demographics and younger generations favouring freelance work. With global tech giants and even U.S. government agencies slashing jobs, analysts caution that AI-driven disruption could intensify in the months ahead.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40054565

小編點評: 泰國勞動市場正正面臨全球裁員潮、AI 驅動的組織重組以及美國關稅等多重挑戰,迫使就業型態向約聘化(Contract work)與提早退休轉移。儘管目前失業率仍處低點,但專家警告,低技術勞工面臨的風險正持續攀升,且隨著AI 逐步取代行政職能,加上人口結構改變加劇缺工問題,泰國亟需展開大規模的「勞工轉職培訓(Reskilling)」**計畫。

Thailand Targets 105 Smart Cities by 2027, Phuket Silicon Valley Gains Certification

泰國目標 2027 年前打造 105 座智慧城市,「普吉島矽谷」獲官方認證

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE Ministry) is stepping up efforts to expand Thailand’s smart city network, aiming to establish 105 smart cities nationwide by 2027. Digital Economy Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced the granting of a new smart city symbol to “Phuket Silicon Valley” and the renewal of certification for 16 other cities, bringing the total to 37 across 16 provinces. Renewals are only given to projects showing more than 50% progress to ensure momentum and measurable development.

Since 2021, Thailand’s smart city drive has attracted over 30.9 billion baht in private investment, generating jobs and income in multiple regions. Key projects include transforming the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex into a Smart Government Complex, serving as a model for urban innovation in areas such as traffic management, green space expansion, environmental improvements, and livability. The initiative follows seven dimensions of smart city development — environment, mobility, living, citizenship, energy, economy, and governance — requiring collaboration between public and private sectors to create sustainable, modern cities.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40054629

小編點評: 泰國目標在 2027 年前建立105 座智慧城市。最新進展顯示,「普吉島矽谷(Phuket Silicon Valley)」 已正式獲得智慧城市認證,另有 16 座城市因開發進度突破 50% 而獲准續展認證。自 2021 年以來,該計畫已吸引超過 309 億泰銖 的民間投資,透過公私協力(PPP)模式,圍繞「七大發展維度」推動城市創新轉型。

Thailand Emerges as Regional Leader in Energy Transition, ABB Study Finds

ABB 研究顯示,泰國脫穎而出,成為東南亞能源轉型之區域領導者

Thailand is strengthening its role as a key player in Asia’s energy transition, supported by stable policies and strategic planning, according to ABB’s Asia Pacific Energy Transition Readiness Index 2025. The study found that 80% of Thai energy leaders say their transition plans remain on track despite global uncertainties, underlining the country’s regulatory stability. Optimism is high for renewables, with 77% of executives expecting their organisations’ renewable energy use to grow by more than 20% within five years, aligning with Thailand’s carbon neutrality and net-zero goals and its draft Power Development Plan (PDP2024), which targets a 51% share of renewables in power generation by 2037.

The report highlights strong investor confidence, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like data centres, where long-term certainty is crucial. ABB’s Asia Energy Industries President Anders Maltesen noted that stability in laws, policies, and market conditions makes Thailand an attractive low-risk destination for foreign investors, even if returns are modest. The growing adoption of long-term renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) is also seen as a signal of security for global tech firms such as Microsoft and Amazon, which are increasingly investing in or partnering with local renewable projects. Government support, ABB stressed, will remain central to sustaining this investment momentum.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40054481

小編點評: 根據全球電力與自動化技術巨頭 ABB 的最新研究顯示,泰國正躍升為東南亞能源轉型的領航者。受惠於穩定的政策環境與前瞻性戰略規劃,泰國大幅提升了投資者信心,並正朝向 2037 年再生能源發電占比達51% 的目標穩步邁進。ABB 的研究指出,泰國能源產業領袖對未來抱持高度樂觀,且全球科技巨頭的投資正持續湧入;此外,長期的購電協議(PPA)以及政府持續性的政策支持,更為這場綠能變革提供了強大後盾。

ADB Provides THB900 Million Green Loan for Thailand’s First Sustainable Data Center

亞洲開發銀行(ADB)提供 9 億泰銖綠色貸款,資助泰國首座永續資料中心

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a THB900 million ($26.8 million) local currency green loan with GSA Data Center 01 Company Limited (GSA) to develop a 25.6-megawatt colocation green data center in Samut Prakan, Thailand. Designed with a power usage effectiveness rating of 1.4, the facility will hold Tier III certification for 99.982% uptime and is targeting LEED Gold certification for sustainability. This marks ADB’s first lending in the data center sector in Thailand and the wider region, with ADB Country Director Anouj Mehta stressing the importance of energy efficiency and renewable sourcing in digital infrastructure to meet climate goals.

Set to begin operations in 2025, the data center will serve major technology, AI, and graphics processing firms, offering tenants options for renewable energy procurement. Backed by ADB’s Bio Circular Green Growth technical assistance and co-owned by Gulf Development, Singtel, and AIS, the project aligns with Thailand’s climate commitments of cutting emissions by 30% by 2030, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and reaching net zero by 2065. GSA CFO Yupapin Wangviwat said the green loan underscores strong investor confidence in sustainable digital development, supporting both Thailand’s digital economy and its long-term environmental goals.

https://orissadiary.com/adb-gsa-sign-deal-to-open-green-data-center-in-thailand

小編點評: 亞洲開發銀行(ADB)已核撥一筆 9 億泰銖的「綠色貸款(Green Loan)」 給 GSA 公司,用於建設泰國首座永續數據中心。該中心以高能源效率為設計核心,目標取得 LEED 金級認證及 Tier III 等級標準認證。此計畫預計於 2025 年啟用,不僅獲得多家重量級合作夥伴支持,更為科技與 AI 企業提供再生能源選項,全力支持泰國的氣候目標與數位經濟發展。

Thailand Urged to Leverage Technology and Talent to Boost Competitiveness

專家籲泰國加速整合技術與人才優勢,以應對全球競爭力挑戰

Thailand should strengthen its talent pool and embrace advanced technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the face of global challenges, according to speakers at the “Thailand Focus 2025” forum hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Board of Investment secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi highlighted a surge in foreign investment, with applications exceeding 1 trillion baht in 2024—a 10-year high and a 35% increase from 2023. In the first half of 2025 alone, investment applications rose 139% year-on-year to more than US$32 billion, underscoring strong investor confidence. He said Thailand’s robust digital infrastructure, world-class logistics, and free trade agreements position it as a key player in sectors like EVs, semiconductors, and advanced electronics, while new green energy initiatives aim to attract sustainable investment.

Charoen Pokphand CEO Suphachai Chearavanont and Huawei Thailand president Chawapol Jariyawiroj emphasized the need to attract foreign talent, empower local enterprises, and modernize traditional industries. They called for greater investment in R&D, AI, and digital infrastructure to lift Thailand’s competitiveness and strengthen its position as a regional hub for trade and innovation. With geopolitical advantages, growing foreign data center investment, and a skilled STEM workforce, Thailand is seen as well-placed to become a resilient, technology-driven economy—provided it fosters political stability and accelerates efforts in digital transformation and sustainability.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/investment/3094412/leveraging-advanced-tech-key-to-lifting-competitiveness

小編點評: 隨著 2025 年初外國投資金額飆升突破 320 億美元,專家呼籲泰國應加碼投資前瞻技術、吸引國際頂尖人才並強化數位基礎設施,以全面提升國家競爭力。憑藉強大的物流體系、廣泛的自由貿易協定(FTA)以及具備 STEM 專業素養的勞動力,泰國已具備成為區域創新中心的絕佳條件;然而,維持政治穩定並加速推動數位與永續轉型,將是決定泰國能否成功突圍的關鍵。