Bi-Weekly News Updates: Sep. 29 to Oct. 14, 2025

Ca Mau Accelerates Digital Transformation to Drive Sustainable Growth; VinFast Becomes First Vietnamese Carmaker to Surpass 100,000 Sales in 2025; Vietnam Uses Supercomputer and AI to Revolutionize Storm and Flood Forecasting; Haiphong Ignites Innovation Drive at TECHFEST 2025; Toyota to Invest $360 Million in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Production in Vietnam; Vietnam and Europe to Strengthen Cooperation in Semiconductors, AI, and Digital Technologies; Thailand Emerges as a Global Hub for PCB Production; Thailand Drafts New Power Development Plan Amid Solar Surge; SCG ESG Symposium 2025 Charts Path for Thailand’s Green Transition; Thailand Accelerates Toward Southeast Asia EV Hub Ambitions; Thailand Introduces Electric ‘Flying’ Ferries for Sustainable Water Transport; Thailand Strengthens Automation Leadership at Collaborate 2025

Ca Mau Accelerates Digital Transformation to Drive Sustainable Growth

金甌省提速數位轉型,構築永續增長新引擎

Ca Mau province is emerging as a model for digital transformation and innovation in Vietnam’s southern region, leveraging technology to modernise governance, enhance economic efficiency, and promote sustainability. At the fifth meeting of the provincial Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation, officials highlighted significant progress, with 38 of 65 key 2025 tasks already completed and most others on schedule. The province has achieved notable milestones in digital governance, with online administrative submissions reaching 76 per cent, digital payments 86 per cent, and citizen satisfaction exceeding 95 per cent, ranking Ca Mau among Vietnam’s top performers in public service digitalisation.

In partnership with leading corporations such as Viettel, VNPT, and FPT, Ca Mau is advancing smart governance and high-tech economic initiatives, including AI-driven Party Congress sessions and a $10 million genome sequencing project for its famous Ca Mau crabs in collaboration with the University of Queensland and Vingroup Innovation Foundation. The province has also scaled up circular shrimp farming and strengthened its two-tier government model to streamline administration. With an ambitious target of 8.5 per cent economic growth in 2025, Ca Mau is positioning science, technology, and digital innovation as the core engines of sustainable development.

https://vir.com.vn/digital-transition-powers-ca-mau-to-sustainability-137533.html

小編點評:金甌省(Ca Mau)正迅速推進數位轉型,目前已完成 2025 年半數以上的目標,並在線上政務、數位支付及民眾滿意度方面取得領先排名。透過與各大科技公司及研究機構合作,該省正積極推動智慧政務、高科技農業及創新驅動型增長,以達成其 2025 年 8.5% 的宏偉經濟增長目標。

VinFast Becomes First Vietnamese Carmaker to Surpass 100,000 Sales in 2025

VinFast 2025 年銷量突破 10 萬輛,刷新越南車企紀錄

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has made history by becoming the first domestic brand to sell over 100,000 cars within the first nine months of 2025. From January to September, the company delivered 103,884 vehicles, maintaining its streak as Vietnam’s best-selling car brand for 11 consecutive months. The compact VF 3, dubbed the “national electric car,” led sales with 31,386 units, followed by the VF 5 with 30,956 units, the VF 6 with 14,425 units, the VF 7 with 5,877 units, and the Limo Green MPV with 2,120 units. VinFast’s two manufacturing hubs in Hai Phong and Ha Tinh are ramping up production to meet year-end demand, as the firm eyes new records in the final quarter.

Duong Thi Thu Trang, global deputy CEO of sales and marketing, credited the company’s success to customer trust and the growing national commitment to sustainability. Industry experts said VinFast’s performance represents a major shift in Vietnam’s automotive landscape, as electric vehicles move from niche to mainstream. The achievement not only cements VinFast’s leadership in the domestic market but also underscores Vietnam’s transition toward a green, tech-driven mobility future.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/vinfast-sells-100000-vehicles-in-3-quarters-of-2025-103251013095453132.htm

小編點評:VinFast 已成為首家在 2025 年銷量突破 10 萬輛的越南車企。這一紀錄主要受到其微型電動車 VF3 的強勁需求帶動,並使其連續 11 個月穩坐越南最暢銷汽車品牌的寶座。這一里程碑標誌著越南汽車產業格局的關鍵轉變,不僅凸顯了消費者信任度的日益增長,也展現了越南向永續且科技驅動型移動方式轉型的趨勢。

Vietnam Uses Supercomputer and AI to Revolutionize Storm and Flood Forecasting

超級電腦協同 AI 助越南翻轉防災體系,精準預報風暴洪災

The Vietnam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration (VMHA) has deployed a CrayXC40 supercomputer and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) applications to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts for storms, heavy rain, floods, and other natural disasters. Marking the sector’s 80th anniversary, the VMHA highlighted that the supercomputer, with nearly 80 TFLOPS of computing power, can generate high-resolution three-kilometer forecasts for the entire country and East Vietnam Sea in just 30–40 minutes. Coupled with AI-driven models, satellite and radar integration, and deep learning systems, the technology enables ultra-short-term (0–6 hours) warnings, early storm detection, and precise rainfall and landslide forecasts down to the commune level.

Over the past eight decades, the meteorological network has expanded to 2,807 stations nationwide, with significant automation in rainfall, lightning, hydrology, and marine observations. The AI-enhanced forecasting system has halved the average 48-hour storm position error, extended advance warnings to five days, and achieved 75 percent accuracy for heavy rain and flood predictions, while extreme temperature forecasts reach 70–90 percent reliability. The innovations, combined with upgraded radar networks and staff expertise, position Vietnam among the region’s leaders in computational meteorology, significantly improving disaster preparedness and public safety.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnam-deploys-supercomputer-ai-to-boost-storm-flood-forecasts-103251003162657849.htm

小編點評:越南已部署 Cray XC40 超級電腦與 AI 驅動的預報系統,以提升風暴與洪水的預測能力。該系統能提供「極短期」預警,並在 30 至 40 分鐘內實現「村社級」(commune-level)的精準度。隨著自動化程度的擴張、雷達網絡的改良,以及對強降雨預報達到 75% 的準確率,越南正崛起成為區域計算氣象學與災難預防領域的領導者。

Haiphong Ignites Innovation Drive at TECHFEST 2025

海放市點燃創新火種,TECHFEST 2025 展現科技硬實力

TECHFEST Haiphong 2025, held from October 9, brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers to celebrate creativity and collaboration, reinforcing Haiphong’s ambition to position innovation as the key driver of sustainable growth. Since its inception in 2017, the festival has become a major platform for promoting science, technology, and startup development, providing a space for ideas, technologies, and business opportunities to converge. Vice Chairman of Haiphong People’s Committee Hoang Minh Cuong emphasized that TECHFEST Haiphong connects ideas, resources, and markets, inspiring young people, intellectuals, and the business community while highlighting breakthroughs in technology, institutions, and human resources.

The three-day event featured 12 thematic sessions, attracting over 3,000 delegates and showcasing more than 1,000 technology products and innovative solutions from over 200 domestic and international enterprises. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh noted that the festival demonstrates the close connection between innovation, digital transformation, and business development, forming the pillars of a modern economy. TECHFEST Haiphong 2025 also aligns with the city’s long-term vision from the first Haiphong Party Congress for 2026–2030, promoting science, technology, and innovation as engines of rapid and sustainable socioeconomic growth.

https://vir.com.vn/haiphong-ignites-innovation-drive-at-techfest-2025-138488.html

小編點評:2025 年海防創新創業節匯聚了超過 3,000 名代表及 200 家企業,共同展示創新、技術應用與新創發展成果,進一步鞏固了海防市透過創意與協作實現永續增長的願景。此次活動共舉辦了 12 場專題會議,並現場展示超過 1,000 項技術解決方案,凸顯了海防市對數位轉型的堅定承諾,以及其 2026 至 2030 年的策略發展藍圖。

Toyota to Invest $360 Million in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Production in Vietnam

豐田深耕越南,斥資 3.6 億美元擴產油電混合車

Toyota Motor Vietnam (TMV) announced plans to invest over $360 million to modernize its new head office and plant to begin production of hybrid electric vehicles, marking a significant step in the company’s 30-year journey in Vietnam. The announcement was made during TMV’s 30th-anniversary ceremony in Hanoi on September 25, where President Nakano Keita highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and carbon-neutral mobility solutions for Vietnamese consumers. Over the past three decades, Toyota has produced more than 700,000 vehicles locally, delivered over one million cars, generated nearly $1 billion in export revenue from parts, and contributed more than $14.4 billion to the state budget.

Looking ahead, TMV aims to strengthen its local supply chain, which currently includes 61 suppliers and over 1,000 localized components, while supporting the development of higher-value technology and sustainable operations. Deputy CEO of Asia and CEO of Toyota Financial Services Asia, Hao Quoc Tien, emphasized Vietnam’s dynamic and youthful population, noting the country’s promising future and Toyota’s commitment to leveraging its multi-pathway technologies to meet the nation’s mobility needs. The investment underlines Toyota’s role in advancing Vietnam’s automotive industry toward innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.

https://vir.com.vn/toyota-to-inject-over-360-million-to-produce-hybrid-electric-vehicles-in-vietnam-137716.html

小編點評:越南豐田汽車(Toyota Motor Vietnam)將投資超過 3.6 億美元(約新台幣113.4 億元) 啟動混合動力電動車的本土化生產,這不僅是其深耕越南 30 年路程中的重要里程碑,也進一步強化了其對永續移動的承諾。憑藉強大的在地供應鏈以及對先進技術的關注,此舉使豐田成為推動越南汽車產業創新與長期增長的關鍵引擎。

Vietnam and Europe to Strengthen Cooperation in Semiconductors, AI, and Digital Technologies

越歐深化戰略夥伴關係,共建半導體、AI 與數位科技新高地

Vietnam and European partners are set to deepen collaboration in semiconductors, space technology, artificial intelligence, 5G/6G connectivity, and undersea cables, the Ministry of Science and Technology announced. An international forum titled “Expanding Digital Investment: Connecting European Tech Strengths with Vietnam’s Digital Future” will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 21, bringing together over 300 delegates including government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts. Co-organized by D4D Hub, the EU Delegation to Vietnam, AVSE Global, and EuroCham Vietnam, the event will feature sessions on semiconductor supply chains, AI, cloud and data sovereignty, advanced connectivity, and space technology, aiming to foster strategic partnerships and promote the European Tech-Business Solution Package in Vietnam.

The forum underscores Vietnam’s ambitious digital transformation goals, including a target to rank among the world’s top 30 digital nations by 2030, the establishment of its first semiconductor facility with a projected investment of US$500 million, and the training of 50,000 semiconductor engineers and 5,000 AI specialists. Vietnam also plans to expand submarine cable infrastructure with at least 10 new routes by 2030, increasing total capacity to 350 Tbps. The event will facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue across public, private, academic, and financial sectors, reinforcing Vietnam’s emergence as a dynamic partner for European technology and investment in the region.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnam-europe-eye-deeper-cooperation-in-semiconductors-undersea-cables-ai-103251010154731519.htm

小編點評:越南與歐洲合作夥伴正致力於深化半導體、人工智慧、太空科技及連網基礎設施等領域的合作。雙方預計於 10 月 21 日在胡志明市舉辦大型論壇,旨在促成策略性夥伴關係,並推廣「歐洲科技商業解決方案包」。在多項雄心勃勃的目標支持下,包括於 2030 年前躋身全球前 30 大數位國家,以及大幅擴展海底電纜基礎設施,越南正將自身定位為歐洲科技與投資進入區域市場的關鍵合作夥伴。

Thailand Emerges as a Global Hub for PCB Production

泰國強勢崛起,晉升全球印刷電路板製造重鎮

Thailand is rapidly positioning itself as a major regional and global hub for printed circuit board (PCB) production, with the Board of Investment (BOI) reporting 180 PCB projects valued at over 200 billion baht. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the BOI, highlighted that the surge in investment reflects global reliance on data, smart devices, and high-speed electronics, placing Thailand as the leading PCB producer in ASEAN and among the top five worldwide. Between 2022 and June 2025, the country saw 517 investment promotion applications in the semiconductor and advanced electronics sector totaling over 700 billion baht, demonstrating strong investor confidence in Thailand’s capabilities and ecosystem.

PCBs, the “main artery” of modern electronic devices, are critical for smartphones, AI servers, electric vehicles, medical equipment, and other smart technologies. Thailand’s complete ecosystem—from circuit design, PCB wafer production, testing, and assembly to finished smart products—enables the country to serve as a strategic link in the global semiconductor supply chain. Supported by stable clean energy, specialized industrial estates, skilled personnel, and government incentives, Thailand is attracting global firms seeking reliable, high-tech production bases. The country’s focus now includes workforce development and R&D hubs to sustain long-term growth and strengthen its position in the global electronics and semiconductor industries.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/investment/40056642

小編點評:泰國正崛起成為全球印刷電路板的生產樞紐,目前已有超過 180 個計畫案,總價值達 2,000 億泰銖(約新台幣2,020 億元)。自 2022 年以來,高達 517 件半導體相關的投資申請案,反映出投資者的強大信心。在完整的電子產業生態系、清潔能源、專業人才以及政府獎勵政策的支持下,泰國正吸引全球大型企業進駐,並透過投資研發與勞動力培訓,鞏固其在全球半導體供應鏈中的地位。

Thailand Drafts New Power Development Plan Amid Solar Surge

因應光電發展熱潮,泰國啟動新版電力發展計畫修訂

Thai authorities have begun drafting a new version of the nation’s power development plan (PDP) to manage long-term electricity supply, responding to a rapid rise in solar power generation, according to the Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo). Wattanapong Kurovat, Eppo’s director-general, said the PDP is expected to be introduced in 2026. The surge in solar installations, driven by declining panel costs and rising electricity bills, has pushed Thailand’s solar capacity to over 2 gigawatts last year, up from just a few kilowatts between 2015 and 2018. Officials noted that the intermittent nature of solar energy complicates grid management and requires robust backup systems to prevent supply disruptions.

The new plan also considers the aging of existing solar power facilities and Thailand’s modest economic growth outlook, which has slowed electricity consumption despite increases in electric vehicle use and data centre investments. Wattanapong emphasized the importance of preventing power shortages similar to blackouts seen earlier this year in Spain and Portugal, where reliance on renewables without adequate backup systems caused supply failures. Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) expects electricity tariffs to remain stable at 3.94 baht per kilowatt-hour for the first four months of next year, with imported liquefied natural gas prices unlikely to fluctuate significantly despite higher winter demand.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3120492/new-power-plan-to-look-at-future-supply

小編點評:泰國目前正草擬新版的電力開發計畫,以因應太陽能發電量突破 2 吉瓦的飛速成長,並透過強化的備援系統確保電網穩定。該計畫預計於 2026 年發布,其中也納入對太陽能基礎設施老舊、經濟成長平緩等因素的考量,旨在防止電力短缺。儘管面臨季節性液化天然氣的需求波動,預計電價仍將維持穩定。

SCG ESG Symposium 2025 Charts Path for Thailand’s Green Transition

泰國暹羅水泥 2025 年度國際永續發展論壇:擘劃泰國綠色轉型新藍圖

The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG) convened its ESG Symposium 2025 to accelerate Thailand’s shift toward clean energy, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth. Held under the theme “Green Breakthrough Amid the Perfect Storm: Accelerating with Green, Surviving Together,” the event brought together over 300 participants from government, business, and civil society to discuss actionable solutions for sustainable development. SCG President and CEO Thammasak Sethaudom emphasized the urgency of structural reforms in energy markets, promoting renewable adoption, and leveraging advanced technologies such as energy storage and hydrogen to strengthen grid stability, while also highlighting climate risks to urban areas through the Future Bangkok simulation.

The symposium also focused on empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which comprise 99.5% of Thailand’s businesses and employ over 13 million people. Experts called for targeted support including low-interest microfunds, green skills training, and One Stop Service centres to connect SMEs with finance, innovation, and global markets. SCG pledged to share its knowledge, data, and resources to help smaller enterprises benefit from scale and expertise, while pilot public-private partnership projects like the Saraburi Sandbox demonstrate practical models for low-carbon industry, renewable energy, and circular economy integration. The forum underscored that a collective, multi-sector effort is essential for Thailand to achieve a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive green economy.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3117761/esg-symposium-charts-path-to-green-transition

小編點評:泰國暹羅水泥集團舉辦的「2025 年 ESG 論壇」匯聚了超過 300 位利害關係人,共同推進泰國透過清潔能源、氣候韌性及對微型與中小信貸企業(MSMEs)的支持,來達成綠色轉型。該論壇強調能源市場的改革,以及氫能與儲能系統等技術的開發。透過「北標府沙盒計畫」(Saraburi Sandbox)與針對中小企業的定向支援,論壇突顯了採取集體行動以建立具競爭力、包容性且永續經濟的必要性。

Thailand Accelerates Toward Southeast Asia EV Hub Ambitions

泰國加速落實東南亞電動車樞紐野心

Thailand is rapidly positioning itself as Southeast Asia’s premier electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub, driven by government incentives, foreign investment, and rising industrial real estate demand. The government’s 30@30 policy, targeting 30% of domestic vehicle production to be electric by 2030, along with the EV 3.5 incentive package for 2024–2027, has spurred a wave of investment and land development. Analysts from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) forecast that Thailand’s EV industry will generate a real estate market worth at least $6.5 billion (THB 220 billion) by 2030, reflecting growing interest in manufacturing facilities, R&D centers, and supporting infrastructure.

Foreign automakers and suppliers are increasingly establishing a presence, with Chinese and Japanese firms investing tens of billions of baht and Tesla opening a service and parts hub in Bangkok. Industrial estates in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) are enabling foreign-majority companies to purchase land with regulatory flexibility, while developers consolidate large tracts to streamline entry for EV manufacturers. As Thailand seeks to produce over 34 GWh of batteries and expand advanced R&D by 2030, experts emphasize the importance of continued investment in manufacturing, real estate, and innovation to sustain momentum. With more than 167,000 EVs already on the roads by 2023, the kingdom is on track to cement its role as a regional EV leader, leveraging skilled labor, established automotive infrastructure, and a growing domestic market.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/motoring/3112580/thailand-accelerates-ev-hub-ambitions-with-65bn-boost

小編點評:泰國正加速推動自身成為東南亞領先的電動車製造樞紐。在政府「30@30 政策」與「EV 3.5 獎勵方案」的驅動下,泰國成功吸引了大量外資進駐,並預計將帶動房地產市場在 2030 年前迎來高達 65 億美元(約新台幣 2,047.5 億元)的增長潮。隨著超過 16.7 萬輛電動車已在路上行駛,加上電池生產與研發規模的不斷擴大,泰國正充分利用其熟練的勞動力與完善的基礎設施,鞏固其在區域電動交通領域的領導地位。

Thailand Introduces Electric ‘Flying’ Ferries for Sustainable Water Transport

邁向綠色航運,泰國引入電動「飛行」渡輪,翻轉水路運輸

Thailand is set to transform its water transport sector with the introduction of advanced electric hydrofoil ferries, following a deal signed in Bangkok between Swedish manufacturer Candela and Thai ferry operator Seudamgo, a service provider for Leopard Transportation Co., Ltd. The agreement covers the procurement of ten Candela P-12 vessels, which will initially operate on the route between the mainland and the tourist destination of Koh Kood in Trat province. The P-12’s innovative hydrofoil technology lifts the hull above the water, reducing drag and enabling the vessel to “fly” above waves, using up to 80% less energy than conventional speedboats while producing zero emissions, minimal noise, and negligible wake.

The ferries, designed for luxury and comfort, feature the upscale ‘Business’ version with seating for 20 passengers and a smooth ride powered by Candela’s digital Flight Control System, which automatically adjusts the hydrofoils to counteract pitching and slamming. Cruising at over 25 knots, the vessels can cover the 20-nautical mile route in just 40 minutes. Leopard Transportation CEO Surachai Suwanthanakul described the technology as a “game-changer” for sustainable maritime travel, highlighting its environmental benefits, superior passenger experience, and alignment with global trends in AI, IoT, and eco-friendly transport solutions in the speedboat market.

https://www.nationthailand.com/sustainability/net-zero/40056409

小編點評:泰國正引進瑞典 Candela 公司的電動水翼渡輪,徹底革新其水路運輸。這種渡輪能減少 80% 的能源消耗並實現零排放,同時在泰國本土與閣骨島(Koh Kood)之間提供平穩且高速的航行體驗。這款豪華型 Candela P-12 船隻配備了先進的飛行控制系統,標誌著永續海上旅行的重大飛躍,並與全球 AI、物聯網(IoT)及環保移動轉型的趨勢接軌。

Thailand Strengthens Automation Leadership at Collaborate 2025

2025泰國協作機器人論壇登場:泰國鞏固區域自動化技術領導地位

Universal Robots reinforced Thailand’s growing status as a regional automation hub by hosting Collaborate Thailand 2025, Southeast Asia’s largest collaborative robot (cobot) conference, in Bangkok on October 8. The event brought together over 350 industry leaders and decision-makers to explore the future of manufacturing automation, featuring live demonstrations of more than 15 cobots and AI-powered solutions designed to address challenges such as labour shortages, cost pressures, and complex production demands. Poi Toong Tang, Vice President for Asia Pacific at Teradyne Robotics, Universal Robots’ parent company, emphasized that automation is now a strategic imperative, shifting the conversation from “why” to “how fast” as Thailand advances its Industry 4.0 goals.

The conference showcased next-generation hardware, including the globally launched UR8 Long and the UR15, alongside regionally tailored models UR7e and UR12e. A highlight was Universal Robots’ AI Accelerator, powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin, enabling developers to build adaptive automation solutions for object detection, smart path planning, defect detection, and workspace calibration. Live demonstrations with ecosystem partners illustrated practical applications in pick-and-place operations, assembly, welding, inspection, and spraying, while Japanese automotive supplier Toyoda Gosei Thailand showcased a successful integration of cobots with traditional Karakuri craftsmanship. Colin Soh, Sales Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania at Teradyne Robotics, noted Thailand’s strong government support, skilled workforce, and robust manufacturing base as key factors positioning the country as a regional leader in automation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40056751

小編點評:在2025 年泰國協作機器人論壇上,泰國再次展現其作為區域自動化領航者的地位。活動聚集了超過 350 名產業專家,共同探討先進的協作機器人技術與 AI 驅動型製造解決方案。在政府強力支持與高素質技術人才的雙重優勢下,論壇展示了新一代硬體設備及其在產線上的實際應用,凸顯了泰國邁向「工業4.0」目標的卓越進展。