Saigon Hi-Tech Park Set for $725 Million Expansion
西貢高科技園區計畫擴建，總投資達7.25億美元
Ho Chi Minh City has approved a $724.6 million expansion of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP), aiming to transform it into a multidisciplinary hub for science and technology in the city’s eastern region. The expansion, spanning 195 hectares, will be funded through a mix of local and central government budgets, with the latter expected to contribute 30% of the investment. Around $525 million is earmarked for land compensation, clearance, and resettlement, while $175 million will go toward infrastructure development. The project, slated for completion between 2025 and 2033, will also leverage private sector resources to build specialized, fee-based infrastructure.
SHTP has proposed separating land clearance from broader infrastructure development to streamline the process and align the park with sustainable urban models that meet Asian standards. Already home to over 160 projects with investments exceeding $12.3 billion from global tech giants like Intel, Samsung, and NTT, SHTP continues to attract cutting-edge developments. The park recently broke ground on a plasma-based biopharmaceutical production plant, its first project of 2025, which will begin operations in February 2026. This facility will produce 6,000 liters of plasma annually, meeting the medical needs of 250 million people while bolstering Vietnam’s strategic reserves for emergencies and reducing reliance on pharmaceutical imports.
https://vir.com.vn/saigon-hi-tech-park-set-for-725-million-expansion-121803.html
小編點評： 胡志明市已批准西貢高科技園區（SHTP）耗資7.25億美元的擴建計畫，目標在2033年前打造一個佔地195公頃的多功能科學技術中心。該項目包含土地徵收補償、基礎設施建設及私營部門參與，並聚焦於永續城市模式。此次擴建強化了SHTP對外資企業的吸引力，為全球科技與生技投資提供了核心地段。
AI-Driven Smartphones Enhance Daily Life for Vietnamese Users
驅動智慧型手機提升越南使用者日常生活體驗
The rise of AI-powered features in smartphones is revolutionizing convenience and creativity for Vietnamese users, particularly during Tet celebrations. AI-assisted cameras are leading the way, allowing users to effortlessly capture professional-grade photos. Popular features include automatic adjustments, smart subject removal, and enhanced background tools, found in models like the iPhone 16 series, Oppo Find X8, and Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro. For users like Khanh Huyen from Ho Chi Minh City, the technology eliminates the need for professional photographers, enabling spontaneous, high-quality photography. Tech enthusiasts also praise AI’s ability to remove unwanted objects and enhance visuals, ensuring perfect shots every time.
Beyond cameras, AI is transforming smartphones into versatile tools for multitasking and productivity. Devices like the Honor X9c and Oppo Reno13 integrate features such as AI note-taking, smart voice translation, and augmented reality applications, enhancing tasks like content summarization and real-time translation. Marketing director Anh Hong of 24hStore predicts that AI will soon become a standard feature in smartphones, with innovations like natural language search and image creation driving competition in the market. As AI evolves, Vietnamese users are embracing its potential to simplify and elevate their everyday lives.
Vietnam’s 3 telecom giants report hefty profits in 2024
越南三大電信巨頭報告2024年利潤豐厚
Vietnam’s major telecom providers, including Viettel, MobiFone, and VNPT, achieved remarkable business results in 2024, with significant growth in revenue and profits. Viettel led the sector with VND190 trillion ($7.5 billion) in revenue, marking a 10.3% year-on-year increase, and VND51 trillion ($2 billion) in pre-tax profits, surpassing its target by 111%. VNPT reported VND58.5 trillion ($2.3 billion) in revenue and VND6.08 trillion ($24 million) in pre-tax profits, reflecting a 7% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, MobiFone achieved VND2.05 trillion ($80.6 million) in pre-tax profits, exceeding its annual target by 20.6%, bolstered by innovative products like its “Make in MobiFone” national brand initiative.
Despite challenges in the local market, the telecom sector flourished, with workers benefiting from increased incomes. Viettel’s employees saw a 6% year-on-year income rise, with parent company staff earning an average monthly salary of VND48.14 million ($1,895). Across the group, the average salary reached VND32.46 million ($1,278). MobiFone, with over 4,000 employees, reported an average monthly income of VND40 million ($1,575). These positive financial and workforce developments underscore the sector’s resilience and its pivotal role in Vietnam’s economy.
小編點評： Viettel、MobiFone與VNPT在2024年創下獲利紀錄，其中Viettel以75億美元營收及20億美元稅前利潤領跑。儘管面臨本土市場挑戰，該產業仍實現增長且員工收入顯著增加，凸顯其經濟韌性與重要性。這向外商釋放了訊號，顯示越南電信業正蓬勃發展並具備國際合作的龐大潛力。
World Bank Projects Vietnam to Lead Asia-Pacific Growth in 2026
世界銀行預測越南將於2026年領跑亞太地區經濟增長
Vietnam’s economy is set to outpace its regional peers with a projected GDP growth of 6.3% in 2026, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. Despite a slight downgrade from previous forecasts, Vietnam remains the fastest-growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region, surpassing countries like Mongolia (6.1%), the Philippines (6%), and China (4%). The World Bank attributed Vietnam’s robust performance to its strong export capabilities and resilient domestic demand, which continue to bolster its economy. In 2025, the country’s GDP growth is expected to hit 6.6%, an upward revision from earlier estimates.
While Vietnam shines as a regional standout, the World Bank flagged potential challenges for the East Asia and Pacific region, including China’s economic slowdown, global trade uncertainties, and rising geopolitical tensions. The report also emphasized the risks posed by inflation and climate change-driven natural disasters, which could pressure growth prospects. Regional GDP growth, excluding China, is forecast at 4.7% in 2026, supported by domestic demand and a recovery in tourism and trade. Globally, economic growth is expected to stabilize at 2.7% through 2024 to 2026.
小編點評： 世界銀行預測越南將以6.3%的GDP成長率在2026年領跑亞太地區，超越蒙古、菲律賓及中國等鄰國。這項成長由強勁出口與韌性十足的內需推動，2025年的成長預期也上修至6.6%。儘管區域面臨中國經濟放緩及地緣政治風險，越南經濟在亞太地區表現依然亮眼。
Thailand’s Green Electricity Scheme Sees Strong Demand from Private Sector
泰國綠電方案獲私營部門強烈需求
Thailand has launched a new green electricity initiative, offering 2 billion units of renewable energy to businesses as part of its push for sustainability and economic competitiveness. The program, led by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in collaboration with three state-owned electricity authorities, has already attracted significant interest, with 600 million units reserved by banks, department stores, and petrochemical companies. This rapid uptake reflects the private sector’s growing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing sustainable practices.
The scheme includes a premium rate for green electricity, slightly higher than standard rates, but businesses remain undeterred, drawn by the opportunity to secure International Renewable Energy Certificates verifying their use of clean energy. By providing green electricity options, Thailand aims to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable development, attract environmentally conscious foreign investors, and drive economic growth while reducing its carbon footprint.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40045517
小編點評： 泰國的綠電倡議提供20億度再生能源，已獲得銀行、百貨公司及石化企業的熱烈需求，反映出企業對永續發展的高度重視。儘管費率較高，企業仍積極取得國際再生能源憑證以驗證其清潔能源使用。此倡議讓泰國成為區域永續領導者，為外資提供投資綠色且具競爭力市場的契機。
Oppo Ordered to Investigate Alleged Data Breach in Thailand
Oppo受命調查泰國境內疑似數據外洩事件
The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) has instructed Chinese electronics giant Oppo to conduct an urgent investigation and risk assessment following allegations of a data breach involving its Thai operations. A post on the dark web reportedly offered 165 gigabytes of Oppo Thailand’s data for sale for $20,000, including sensitive customer details, employee records, and internal operational information. Oppo has been given 72 hours to determine whether a breach occurred and to outline measures taken to address and prevent further risks.
The PDPC’s Eagle Eye unit, tasked with monitoring and investigating potential personal data breaches, is closely monitoring the situation. Using advanced systems to scan search engines, the dark web, and social media platforms, the unit collaborates with agencies like the National Cyber Security Committee to enforce data protection laws. If violations of the Personal Data Protection Act are confirmed, the PDPC has pledged to pursue administrative actions against those responsible.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40045516
Thailand Showcases Readiness for Digital Economy and AI at Davos
泰國於達沃斯論壇展示其數位經濟與AI發展實力
Thailand is prepared to collaborate with global partners to transition into the digital economy and smart technology era, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan announced during his address at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. Highlighting the nation’s potential in artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy, Pichai emphasized Thailand’s focus on infrastructure development, including expanding electricity capacity and investing in data centers and printed circuit board industries to enhance AI efficiency. He also noted interest from multinational investors, such as UAE-based G42, in Thailand’s AI and cloud computing sectors.
Pichai stressed the importance of boosting AI literacy for workers and the elderly to ensure inclusivity during this transition while also attracting digital nomads through Thailand’s advanced infrastructure, public health system, and vibrant tourist attractions. Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister, Gan Kim Yong, commended Thailand for its leadership in ASEAN’s digital transformation efforts, underscoring the region’s collective push with initiatives like the Digital Economy Framework Agreement as a first step toward AI adoption.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40045489
小編點評： 泰國總理白東丹在達沃斯世界經濟論壇會見Google與Salesforce高層，討論擴大對泰國雲端與數據中心的投資。Google分享了在春武里府新建數據中心的計畫，Salesforce則承諾支持泰國的雲端優先政策並提升數位素養。這凸顯了泰國對技術投資的承諾，為尋求參與區域數位轉型的外商提供了絕佳機會。
Chulalongkorn University Joins Forces with Huawei to Boost Thailand’s Digital Talent
朱拉隆功大學與華為聯手培養泰國數位人才
Chulalongkorn University has partnered with Huawei Technologies (Thailand) and Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications to address Thailand’s digital skills gap and support the growing ICT sector. With Thailand’s data center and cloud services market projected to grow from $1.463 billion in 2023 to $3.889 billion by 2032, the collaboration focuses on cultivating talent in cloud computing and AI to meet industry demands. Speaking at the Asia Pacific Cloud AI Forum, Chulalongkorn University President Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat emphasized the partnership’s role in preparing students for Thailand’s digital transformation, while Huawei highlighted its contribution of training nearly 100,000 digital professionals in the country over the past five years.
The initiative addresses the nation’s need for over 100,000 IT professionals annually by modernizing university curricula and integrating hands-on training from the first year of study. The partnership’s potential was showcased at the Asia Pacific Cloud AI Forum, where industry leaders and developers demonstrated innovative applications of cloud technology, such as AI-powered speech therapy systems. Huawei President Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s Cloud-First and AI strategies, aiming to position the country as a regional leader in digital innovation and specialized tech solutions across industries.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40045429
Thai PM Courts Google and Salesforce for Digital Investments in Thailand
泰國總理爭取Google與Salesforce對泰數位投資
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with top executives from Google and Salesforce during the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss investments in Thailand’s cloud and data centre industry. Ruth Porat, Google’s president and chief investment officer, shared updates on the company’s data centre project in Chonburi, set to be operational within two years, and plans to expand the production of Google products in Thailand. Porat also highlighted Google’s collaboration with Thailand’s Education Ministry in providing digital skills training for students and small business operators. Paetongtarn reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting technology investments and invited Google to deepen its presence in the country.
In a separate meeting, Salesforce President Sabastian Niles expressed the company’s readiness to support Thailand’s “Cloud First” policy, modernising public services and enhancing digital literacy among government officials. The discussions included strategies to boost the digital economy by promoting SMEs, startups, and AI solutions, which both parties agreed were critical for future growth. Niles also reiterated Salesforce’s commitment to sustainable initiatives, including its collaboration with Thailand to combat plastic pollution, while Paetongtarn highlighted Thailand’s success in attracting $4.8 billion in investments for digital infrastructure in 2024.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/investment/40045466
小編點評： 泰國總理白東丹在達沃斯世界經濟論壇會見Google與Salesforce高層，討論擴大對泰國雲端與數據中心的投資。Google分享了在春武里府新建數據中心的計畫，Salesforce則承諾支持泰國的雲端優先政策並提升數位素養。這凸顯了泰國對技術投資的承諾，為尋求參與區域數位轉型的外商提供了絕佳機會。
Thailand Urged to Collaborate with ASEAN to Strengthen Trade Negotiations with US
泰國受促與東協合作以加強對美貿易談判
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has recommended that Thailand join forces with other ASEAN nations to negotiate trade agreements with the United States in light of expected high tariffs under the new Trump administration. NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan emphasized that Thailand alone lacks the bargaining power to secure favorable trade terms with the US, particularly given the likelihood of increased tariffs on countries with trade surpluses. He suggested that ASEAN countries could collectively leverage their combined power to improve negotiation outcomes.
Danucha also addressed concerns that Thailand could face penalties if Chinese companies relocate to avoid US tariffs. He proposed that the Board of Investment (BOI) encourage Chinese firms to form partnerships with Thai businesses, making it clear that their investments are legitimate rather than efforts to sidestep tariffs. He stressed that such collaborations would demonstrate genuine investment intentions and could help Thailand avoid potential penalties in industries suspected of tariff evasion.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/trade/40045368
ASEAN Strengthens Digital Cooperation with Focus on Cybersecurity and Online Scams
東協強化數位合作，聚焦網路安全與打擊網路詐騙
Thailand took the lead in shaping ASEAN’s digital future at the 5th ASEAN Digital Ministerial Meeting, held on January 16-17 in Bangkok. Chaired by Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chantararuangthong, the meeting gathered representatives from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to discuss key issues impacting the region’s digital economy. Among the main topics were combating online scams, enhancing cybersecurity, and advancing digital transformation. The meeting endorsed the ASEAN Online Scam Survey Report and emphasized cross-border collaboration to combat scams, particularly those originating from neighboring countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
In addition, the meeting approved several initiatives, including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement to accelerate regional digital transformation, as well as the ASEAN CERT in Singapore and the ASEAN Checklist on Cyberspace Norms to establish cybersecurity standards. Delegates also discussed the development of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and the promotion of responsible AI practices. Bilateral agreements were signed between Thailand and Cambodia, and Thailand and the Philippines, aimed at fostering regional digital cooperation, enhancing e-government services, and combating online scams. The next ASEAN Digital Ministerial Meeting is scheduled for 2026 in Vietnam.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40045300
小編點評： 在曼谷舉行的第5屆東協數位部長會議上，泰國帶領各國討論強化數位合作，聚焦於打擊網路詐騙、網路安全及數位轉型。會議通過了東協數位經濟框架等倡議，並在AI治理與跨境網安合作上達成協議。這些努力突顯東協強化數位經濟的決心，為區域夥伴關係與技術投資創造了機會。