GRECO 2025 Highlights Ho Chi Minh City’s Push for Digital and Green Transformation
Ho Chi Minh City is showcasing cutting-edge digital and green technologies at the GRECO 2025 exhibition, being held until November 30 at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street as part of the 2025 Autumn Economic Forum. The exhibition brings together experts, researchers, and enterprises in digital transformation and green transition, and is divided into three sections: digital technologies such as AI, semiconductors, microchips and high-tech applications; industry-specific solutions for energy, transport, smart cities, finance, tourism and green consumption; and sustainable development initiatives highlighting ESG-focused enterprises and innovative startups.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on November 23, Vice-Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Dung said GRECO 2025 comes at a historic moment following the city’s administrative expansion merging Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau. City leaders reaffirmed the goal of transforming Ho Chi Minh City into a modern, smart megacity by 2030 and a global top-100 innovation hub. Dung emphasized that GRECO 2025 serves as a bridge for businesses, particularly SMEs, to connect with partners and expand investment opportunities, while reinforcing the city’s commitment to green lifestyles, sustainable consumption, digital and green transformation, and deeper integration into global value chains.
Editor’s Note: Ho Chi Minh City is hosting GRECO 2025 at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street until November 30, showcasing digital technologies, industry-specific solutions, and sustainable initiatives to drive digital and green transformation. Vice-Chairman Nguyen Van Dung highlighted the event as a milestone in the city’s expansion and its vision to become a smart megacity and global innovation hub by 2030, while fostering SME partnerships and sustainable growth.
Vietnam Steps Up Efforts to Build Semiconductor Workforce and Ecosystem
Việt Nam is emerging as a competitive destination in the global semiconductor supply chain, with experts stressing the need for stronger coordination between the State, academia and businesses to develop a high-quality workforce and accelerate technology development. These priorities were highlighted at an international seminar on semiconductor training, technology and applications held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 27, as part of the HCM City Autumn Economic Forum 2025. Co-organised by the HCM City Semiconductor Industry Association, the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) Management Board and the city’s Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, the seminar updated participants on global training trends, technological breakthroughs and international cooperation opportunities to support the sector’s sustainable growth.
Speaking at the event, Lê Quốc Cường, deputy head of the SHTP Management Board, emphasised the “three houses+” model linking the Government, scientists, businesses and international investors under Politburo Resolution 57, describing it as key to building a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem covering training, R&D, manufacturing and global supply chains. Delegates highlighted the role of semiconductors in powering AI, IoT, clean energy and automotive industries, noting investments by major corporations such as Synopsys, Marvell, Infineon and Amkor. While the Government aims to train at least 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, experts warned of gaps in advanced chip design expertise and industry-ready training, calling for deeper links between universities, research and enterprises to help Việt Nam integrate more effectively into the global semiconductor value chain.
Việt Nam eyes role as global semiconductor hub
Editor’s Note: Vietnam is positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain, with a focus on strengthening collaboration between government, academia, and businesses to build a skilled workforce and accelerate technology development. At a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City, officials and experts highlighted the “three houses+” model, major corporate investments, and the government’s goal of training 50,000 engineers by 2030, while stressing the need to close gaps in advanced chip design and industry-ready training.
FPT Reaffirms Commitment to Vietnam’s Semiconductor Workforce and Ecosystem
FPT Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Việt Nam’s semiconductor industry at the launch of the Semiconductor Alliance organised by Vietnam National University Hà Nội this week. The Alliance aims to strengthen training, research and the supply of skilled workers in line with Resolution 57-NQ/TW and Decision 1017/QD-TTg on developing a national semiconductor workforce. In its first phase, the initiative brings together more than 20 domestic and international organisations, including leading universities such as VNU Hà Nội, VNU Ho Chi Minh City and FPT University, global academic partners from South Korea, Japan and Russia, and major enterprises including Viettel, FPT, Nisso and MRIV International.
Alliance members will collaborate to share laboratories, enhance training programmes, promote technology transfer and advise the Government on policies to support the semiconductor ecosystem. Nguyễn Vĩnh Quang, Director of FPT Semiconductor, said the initiative addresses key gaps in university–business cooperation and inter-enterprise collaboration. FPT is expanding its training through undergraduate programmes, specialised technical tracks and international partnerships, targeting 10,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030. Since establishing FPT Semiconductor in 2022, the company has developed and exported power management and power IC products designed by Vietnamese engineers, and is now expanding into MCU, AI-on-Edge, IoT and automotive chips while strengthening packaging and testing capabilities to build a comprehensive “Make in Vietnam” semiconductor ecosystem.
Editor’s Note: FPT Corporation has joined the newly launched Semiconductor Alliance led by Vietnam National University Hà Nội, bringing together over 20 domestic and international partners to strengthen training, research, and workforce development in line with national semiconductor strategies. Building on its 2022 establishment of FPT Semiconductor, the company aims to train 10,000 engineers by 2030 and expand into MCU, AI-on-Edge, IoT, and automotive chips while advancing a comprehensive “Make in Vietnam” ecosystem.
Vietnam Seeks Digital and Green Breakthroughs at Digital Industry and Trade Summit 2025
Việt Nam’s digital economy is emerging as a key driver of productivity, market expansion and economic resilience, as global growth is increasingly powered by services, digital consumption and innovation. Speaking at the third Việt Nam Digital Industry and Trade Summit 2025 in Hà Nội on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Sinh Nhật Tân said retail e-commerce is forecast to surpass US$25 billion, remaining a core pillar of the country’s internet economy. Organised by the Việt Nam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the summit comes at a critical time as Việt Nam accelerates technology adoption and green growth, pushing the industry and trade sector to modernise value chains and strengthen competitiveness through digital and green transformation.
Outlining the sector’s roadmap, iDEA Deputy Director Hoàng Ninh said digital transformation will remain a strategic task closely linked to green and sustainable development through 2030. He noted that e-commerce now accounts for about 10 per cent of total retail sales, while digitalisation in manufacturing has lifted the industrial production index to its highest growth in five years. Around 90 per cent of manufacturing enterprises have partially adopted digital solutions, with increasing use of robots, sensors and smart factory models, alongside rapid progress in smart energy systems and renewable integration. Ninh added that Việt Nam’s digital economy is projected to reach US$39 billion this year, supported by a fast-growing AI ecosystem, and said 2026 would focus on breakthroughs such as standardising national e-commerce data, expanding smart factories to advanced levels and rolling out smart energy management nationwide.
Editor’s Note: Vietnam’s digital economy, projected to reach US$39 billion in 2025, is driving productivity, e-commerce growth, and green transformation, with retail e-commerce alone expected to surpass US$25 billion. At the Digital Industry and Trade Summit 2025, officials outlined a roadmap linking digitalisation and sustainability through 2030, highlighting widespread adoption of smart factories, renewable energy integration, and upcoming breakthroughs in e-commerce data and energy management.
Vingroup Signs MoU for $3 Billion Multi-Sector Investment in India’s Telangana
Vietnam’s largest conglomerate Vingroup on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Telangana state government for a proposed US$3 billion investment to develop a multi-sector ecosystem in southern India. According to the company, the projects will span smart urban development, electric mobility, healthcare, education, tourism and renewable energy across around 2,500 hectares. The Telangana government will facilitate land allocation, fast-track approvals and coordinate project planning, with officials describing the initiative as a step toward positioning Telangana as a gateway for Vietnamese and Southeast Asian investment into India’s fast-growing economy.
The planned investment would be Vingroup’s largest outside Vietnam, exceeding its US$2 billion VinFast factory currently under construction in North Carolina, the United States. It also builds on the group’s growing footprint in India, where its electric vehicle arm VinFast operates a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu and recently announced a US$500 million expansion. Projects under the Telangana plan include a 1,080-hectare smart city, a 350-hectare theme park and a 500 MW solar farm. While Vingroup reported a near doubling of net profit to 7.565 trillion dong (US$287 million) in the first nine months of 2025, the expansion comes alongside rising debt and continued losses at VinFast, underscoring the group’s high-stakes push to capture share in India’s rapidly expanding EV and technology markets.
Editor’s Note: Vingroup has signed a US$3 billion MoU with Telangana to develop a multi-sector ecosystem spanning smart cities, electric mobility, healthcare, education, tourism, and renewable energy across 2,500 hectares. Marking its largest overseas investment, the plan includes a smart city, theme park, and solar farm, expanding Vingroup’s footprint in India amid rising debt and VinFast’s continued losses.
Vietnam Industry and Trade Summit Calls for Deeper Digital and Green Transformation
The Việt Nam Digital Industry and Trade Summit 2025 opened amid rapid technology adoption and efforts to promote green growth, underscoring the need for the industry and trade sector to continue innovating, modernising value chains and enhancing competitiveness as international integration deepens. Speaking at the opening session, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Sinh Nhật Tân said the ministry has advanced digital transformation across three pillars—digital government, the sector-specific digital economy and data infrastructure. Key achievements include the development of nearly 40 sectoral databases, the expansion of end-to-end online public services, and the application of data in areas such as energy management, smart manufacturing and tighter oversight of e-commerce activities.
Nguyễn Sinh Nhật Tân stressed that in 2025 the sector must pursue more comprehensive and intensive innovation to seize opportunities from the dual transformation of digitalisation and green transition. He said the summit provides a vital platform for policymakers, local authorities, technology firms and enterprises in production, energy, logistics and e-commerce to review progress and propose solutions for the next phase of development. Discussions focused on applying emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, big data and cloud computing, building a safe and sustainable e-commerce market, strengthening cross-border management and regional linkages, and advancing local digital economy models, particularly for small and household businesses. Participants agreed that modernising value chains, improving transparency and optimising operations through data are critical to boosting the competitiveness of Việt Nam’s industry and trade sector.
Editor’s Note: The Việt Nam Digital Industry and Trade Summit 2025 highlighted the sector’s progress in digital transformation across government, economy, and data infrastructure, with achievements such as 40 sectoral databases, expanded online services, and applications in energy and smart manufacturing. Officials and participants emphasized the need for deeper innovation through AI, IoT, big data, and cloud computing to modernize value chains, strengthen e-commerce, and advance sustainable digital economy models.
GPSC, Polytechnology and Huawei Join Forces to Advance Smart Renewable Energy in Thailand
Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited (GPSC), through its subsidiary Combined Heat and Power Producing Co., Ltd. (CHPP), has strengthened its commitment to sustainable energy growth by partnering with Polytechnology Co., Ltd., an authorised distributor of Huawei Digital Power solutions, and Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The collaboration, formalised by CHPP General Manager Reungpong Reunghirun, Polytechnology Vice President Alisa Thipsuwan, and Huawei Digital Power President Jack Zeng, aims to accelerate adoption of advanced renewable energy technologies, including Smart PV inverters and energy storage systems, supporting CHPP’s mission to provide high-efficiency, reliable clean energy solutions.
A key feature of the partnership is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into renewable energy systems to enhance performance, reliability and operational efficiency. AI-powered functions such as power generation forecasting, intelligent battery management, predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring via an Energy Management Dashboard are expected to strengthen system stability, lower operating costs and extend equipment lifespan. By combining cutting-edge digital power and AI-enabled innovations, CHPP, Polytechnology and Huawei aim to deliver low-carbon solutions that support Thailand’s transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
Editor’s Note: GPSC, through its subsidiary CHPP, has partnered with Polytechnology and Huawei Thailand to accelerate renewable energy adoption using Smart PV inverters and energy storage systems. The collaboration integrates AI for forecasting, battery management, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring to deliver efficient, low-carbon solutions supporting Thailand’s sustainable energy transition.
Thailand Unveils First AI-Enabled Digital Twin Architecture Project at Chulalongkorn University
Thailand’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled, responsive digital twin architecture project, CU Living ARCH 5.0, has been unveiled, integrating data from sensors and building systems to enhance energy efficiency, space utilisation, and environmental quality. The initiative is a collaboration between Chulalongkorn University, Cisco, and tech integrator MFEC, and forms part of Thailand’s Society 5.0 vision for a sustainable, technology-driven future. The 2,000-square-metre pilot project serves as a living laboratory, using IoT sensors, IT and operational technology systems, and building information to deliver real-time insights that optimise resources and improve well-being for students, faculty and administrators.
The project leverages Cisco’s secure network infrastructure, intelligent IoT solutions, and analytics platforms to monitor environmental conditions, power usage, occupancy, and footfall, enabling informed decisions on energy and space management. Chulalongkorn University plans to expand the initiative to 28,000 sq m and share best practices with other Thai universities, government agencies, and industries. Officials highlighted the project’s role as both a research and learning platform, supporting curriculum modernisation through Cisco Networking Academy courses and providing a scalable blueprint for smarter, sustainable living spaces across schools, businesses, and cities in Thailand.
Editor’s Note: Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with Cisco and MFEC, has launched Thailand’s first AI-enabled digital twin architecture project, CU Living ARCH 5.0, to improve energy efficiency, space use, and environmental quality as part of the country’s Society 5.0 vision. The 2,000 sq m pilot will expand to 28,000 sq m, serving as a research and learning platform while offering a scalable model for smart, sustainable living spaces across universities, government, and industry.
Google Thailand Unveils AI-Focused Strategy to Boost Digital Economy and SME Exports
Google Thailand has announced a strategic blueprint centred on artificial intelligence (AI) integration, infrastructure investment, and upskilling initiatives aimed at strengthening Thailand’s digital economy and helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand globally. Rafael Scislowski, the company’s new country manager, highlighted plans to train 150,000 Thais by 2026, invest in cloud development, new data centres, regional expansion, and subsea cable projects to reinforce the country’s digital backbone. With Thailand’s digital economy valued at US$56 billion in 2025 and projected to grow to $90–160 billion by 2030, Google seeks to support enterprises in integrating AI into products and services and drive growth across clients, enterprises, and infrastructure.
Scislowski emphasised export enablement for SMEs, leveraging AI to help businesses navigate international markets, create multilingual content and websites, and expand globally. Thailand’s booming e-commerce sector, projected at $33 billion in 2025 and driven by a 175% surge in video commerce sellers, offers fertile ground for these efforts. Google’s strategy focuses on integrating the country into the global large language model ecosystem, enhancing AI applications in sectors like agriculture, and partnering with policy and infrastructure initiatives to support the entire local ecosystem.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3152610/google-thailand-sets-out-plan-to-focus-on-ai
Editor’s Note: Google Thailand has unveiled an AI-driven strategy to strengthen the country’s US$56 billion digital economy, with plans to train 150,000 people by 2026, expand cloud and data infrastructure, and support enterprises in adopting AI. The blueprint emphasizes SME export enablement, e-commerce growth, and integration into the global large language model ecosystem, while advancing AI applications in agriculture and sustainable development.
EGAT Leads Thailand’s Carbon-Neutral Push at IEEE PES GTD Asia 2025
Thailand showcased its commitment to a carbon-neutral future at the IEEE PES GTD Asia 2025 held from 26–29 November at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. Hosted by the IEEE Power & Energy Society (Thailand) with support from public and private partners, the forum drew over 10,000 participants and 400 global companies, highlighting advanced technologies to accelerate the green transition. Energy Minister Athapol Rerkpiboon presided over the opening under the theme “Accelerating the Energy Transition toward Carbon Neutrality – A Sustainable Energy Future for All.” The event coincides with Thailand’s NDC 3.0, which advances the Net Zero target from 2065 to 2050 and sets an interim goal of reducing emissions by 47% from 2019 levels by 2031–2035.
Dr Narin Phoawanich, Governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), outlined initiatives supporting the green transition, including Direct PPA, Utility Green Tariff, Community Solar, grid modernisation, and expansion of EV infrastructure. EGAT is also investing in clean-energy technologies such as 600 MW Small Modular Reactors, floating solar projects totalling 2,725 MW, pumped-storage hydropower, battery-integrated solar farms, and large-scale BESS, alongside AI-enabled grid management and carbon capture studies. Supported by MEA, PEA, PTT Group, Hitachi Energy Thailand, Schneider Electric Thailand, and industry agencies, the summit provided a platform for engineers, researchers and global energy leaders to exchange knowledge and shape Thailand’s renewable and carbon-neutral energy strategies.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3152388/egat-drives-carbonneutral-future-at-ieee-summit
Editor’s Note: Thailand underscored its carbon-neutral ambitions at IEEE PES GTD Asia 2025 in Bangkok, where over 10,000 participants and 400 companies discussed advanced technologies under the country’s updated NDC 3.0, which moves the Net Zero target to 2050 with interim emission cuts by 2031–2035. EGAT highlighted initiatives such as Direct PPA, Utility Green Tariff, Community Solar, EV infrastructure, and investments in clean-energy projects including floating solar, small modular reactors, hydropower, battery storage, and AI-enabled grid management.
True Corporation Predicts AI-Driven Technology Megatrends for Thailand in 2026
True Corporation has identified artificial intelligence (AI) as the key driver of upcoming technology megatrends in 2026, including tech convergence, practical innovation at scale, and accelerated delivery of results from technology adoption. Ekaraj Panjavinin, Chief Digital Officer of True Corporation, urged Thai enterprises to urgently upgrade their digital infrastructure to remain competitive, describing digital transformation driven by AI as no longer optional but a critical condition for business survival. He highlighted that technologies will become increasingly integrated and interconnected, making the adoption of new digital infrastructure essential for organisations to achieve operational efficiency and strategic growth.
To support this shift, True Digital Group recently unveiled its Digital Intelligence Fabric, a comprehensive digital infrastructure integrating eight components: vertical cloud systems with embedded security, connectivity and IoT platforms, computer vision AI, connected building and energy management, smart logistics and supply chain, data and AI platforms, managed cybersecurity, and digital skills development. Panjavinin emphasised that platform-as-a-service models now allow businesses to adopt technology flexibly, starting small, scaling up, or terminating as needed, reducing costs and enabling organisations to quickly harness AI-driven innovation for significant business outcomes.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3152790/true-highlights-technology-megatrends
Editor’s Note: True Corporation forecasts AI as the driving force behind Thailand’s 2026 tech megatrends, urging enterprises to upgrade digital infrastructure for competitiveness and growth. Its Digital Intelligence Fabric integrates cloud, IoT, AI, smart logistics, cybersecurity, and skills development, enabling flexible platform-as-a-service adoption to accelerate innovation and efficiency.
Southeast Asia Sees Surge in Spyware Attacks, Thailand Records Over 21,000 Incidents
A sharp rise in targeted spyware attacks across Southeast Asia has highlighted urgent cybersecurity risks for businesses in the region, according to Kaspersky. From January to June 2025, the company detected 427,265 spyware incidents targeting enterprises, a 70.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Vietnam recorded the highest number of attacks at 191,976, followed by Malaysia (96,539), Indonesia (85,560), and Thailand, which reported 21,014 attacks. Spyware, software installed secretly on devices to monitor activity and capture sensitive information, can steal login credentials, PINs, credit card numbers, browsing habits, and email addresses, often without the user’s knowledge.
Simon Tung, General Manager for ASEAN at Kaspersky, warned that the rise of commercial spyware—capable of infecting devices without any user interaction—makes spyware a critical strategic risk for organisations, not just an IT issue. He advised businesses to adopt proactive, multi-layered defences, including regularly updating software, avoiding suspicious links, using VPNs, rebooting devices, installing reliable security solutions, and leveraging up-to-date threat intelligence. The report underscores the growing need for enterprises in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, to strengthen cybersecurity measures as AI-powered and zero-click spyware technologies continue to evolve.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/tech/40058137
Editor’s Note: Kaspersky reported a 70.7% surge in spyware attacks across Southeast Asia in early 2025, with Vietnam leading at nearly 192,000 incidents and Thailand recording over 21,000. Experts warned that evolving AI-powered, zero-click spyware poses a strategic risk, urging businesses to adopt multi-layered cybersecurity measures and proactive defences.
Canva Thailand and OBEC Streamline Access to Free Canva Education for Over 6 Million Students and Teachers
Canva Thailand has simplified access to its Canva Education platform for students and teachers nationwide through a partnership with the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). Under a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), users with @ndlp.go.th email accounts from the National Digital Learning Platform (NDLP) will automatically gain free premium access to Canva Education, eliminating the lengthy verification process previously required. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 6 million teachers and students, with full access to the platform’s educational tools and premium content provided over the next three years.
In addition to streamlined access, Canva and OBEC will roll out structured training and skill-development programmes. These include nationwide teacher training to enhance interactive teaching, a “Train the Trainer” programme for master educators, dedicated Canva courses to strengthen student design and communication skills, and a national creative competition. Canva Education offers premium resources such as images, fonts, videos, audio, templates for lesson plans, classroom presentations, infographics, certificates, and classroom management tools, allowing teachers to assign projects, review work, and provide feedback directly on the platform.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40058702
Editor’s Note: Canva Thailand, in partnership with OBEC, is providing over 6 million students and teachers free premium access to Canva Education via the NDLP platform, streamlining the signup process for the next three years. The initiative also includes nationwide training, “Train the Trainer” programmes, student courses, and creative competitions, supported by Canva’s full suite of educational tools and resources.