CMC Corporation Launches CMC OpenAI to Drive Vietnam’s AI Leadership
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.
Editor’s Note: CMC Corporation has launched CMC OpenAI to spearhead Vietnam’s AI advancement, aligning with national goals to become a top-three ASEAN leader in AI by 2030. Built on 25 proprietary technologies, the new subsidiary will deliver secure, sector-specific AI solutions and aims to exceed USD 1 billion in revenue with a 10,000-strong workforce by 2028.
Battery-Swapping Race Intensifies in Vietnam’s Electric Motorbike Market
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.
Editor’s Note: Vietnam’s electric motorbike market is rapidly embracing battery swapping as a faster, more cost-effective alternative to charging, with VinFast leading the charge through plans for 150,000 stations by 2025. Competitors like Honda Vietnam, TMT Motors, and Selex Motors are also investing in swapping infrastructure, which is poised to become a key driver of two-wheeler adoption despite consumer challenges.
PM Phạm Minh Chính Urges Samsung to Expand High-Tech Investment in Việt Nam
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.
Editor’s Note: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính urged Samsung to deepen its high-tech investment in Việt Nam, emphasizing mutual benefit, technology transfer, and the inclusion of Vietnamese talent in leadership roles. With US$23.2 billion already invested and 2 billion phones produced, Samsung reaffirmed its long-term commitment, as both sides celebrated the company’s impact on Việt Nam’s economic and technological growth.
AnyMind Launches Thailand’s First AI Creator Avatar with BT Beartai’s “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.
Editor’s Note: AnyMind Group has partnered with Thai tech creator Pongsuk “Nui” Hiranprueck to launch Thailand’s first AI avatar for 24/7 live commerce, marking a breakthrough in the country’s creator economy. The initiative enables passive income for creators and cost-effective engagement for brands, while reinforcing that AI supports—rather than replaces—human creativity.
Thailand on Track to Sell 100,000 Battery EVs in 2025 Amid Shift from ICE Vehicles
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.
Editor’s Note: Thailand is projected to sell 100,000 battery EVs in 2025 as demand surges and ICE vehicle sales decline, with MG leading the shift through affordable models and a 750km-range IM6 launch. MG now produces 70% BEVs and aims for a 50-50 BEV-hybrid split, reflecting its commitment to net-zero goals amid growing consumer interest and industry transformation.
GPTBots Partners with Vonosis to Accelerate Enterprise AI Adoption in Thailand
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.
Editor’s Note: GPTBots.ai has partnered with Vonosis Co., Ltd. to accelerate enterprise AI adoption in Thailand, offering no-code AI agent tools to automate workflows and enhance customer service across key sectors. The collaboration strengthens GPTBots’ regional presence while supporting Vonosis’s vision to become an AI-driven digital enabler and modernize business operations through intelligent automation.
Thai Labour Market Faces AI Disruption, Tariffs and Global Layoffs
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
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s labour market is facing mounting challenges from global layoffs, AI-driven restructuring, and U.S. tariffs, prompting a shift toward contract work and early retirements. Despite low unemployment, experts warn of growing risks for unskilled workers and urge large-scale reskilling as AI replaces administrative roles and demographic shifts deepen labour shortages.
Thailand Targets 105 Smart Cities by 2027, Phuket Silicon Valley Gains Certification
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
Editor’s Note: Thailand aims to establish 105 smart cities by 2027, with Phuket Silicon Valley newly certified and 16 others renewed for surpassing 50% progress. Backed by over 30.9 billion baht in private investment since 2021, the initiative promotes urban innovation across seven development dimensions through public-private collaboration.
Thailand Emerges as Regional Leader in Energy Transition, ABB Study Finds
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
Editor’s Note: Thailand is emerging as a regional leader in energy transition, with stable policies and strategic planning driving investor confidence and aligning with its goal of 51% renewable power by 2037. ABB’s study highlights strong optimism among Thai energy leaders and growing global tech investment, supported by long-term PPAs and sustained government backing.
ADB Provides THB900 Million Green Loan for Thailand’s First Sustainable Data Center
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
Editor’s Note: The Asian Development Bank has granted a THB900 million green loan to GSA for Thailand’s first sustainable data center, designed for high energy efficiency and targeting LEED Gold and Tier III certifications. Set to launch in 2025, the project supports Thailand’s climate goals and digital economy, backed by major partners and offering renewable energy options for tech and AI firms.
Thailand Urged to Leverage Technology and Talent to Boost Competitiveness
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.
Editor’s Note: Thailand is urged to boost competitiveness by investing in advanced technologies, attracting foreign talent, and strengthening its digital infrastructure, as foreign investment surges past US$32 billion in early 2025. With strong logistics, free trade agreements, and a skilled STEM workforce, the country is poised to become a regional innovation hub—if it maintains political stability and accelerates digital and sustainable transformation.