Businesses Urged to Embrace Governance and Green Innovation Amid Global Challenges
At a recent cross-border dialogue in Hanoi, experts from academia, industry, and government emphasized that sustainability is no longer optional but essential for long-term business success. Josse Roussel of the Paris School of Business highlighted the need for strong institutional governance, noting that legal frameworks and incentives from governments are crucial in guiding businesses toward sustainability. Echoing this, EY Singapore’s Praveen Tekchandani stressed that resilience, stakeholder expectations, and the drive for net-zero emissions are reshaping business priorities. Companies like Tetra Pak and Lego are already demonstrating the benefits of green innovation through resource efficiency and renewable energy use in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Can Van Luc of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council warned that businesses must first survive amid growing geopolitical risks, but long-term strategies like dual (green and digital) transformation are key to thriving. Business leaders such as Lawrence Chan of VSIP and Yap Kwong Weng of Vietnam SuperPort underscored rising demand for eco-industrial parks and carbon-efficient logistics. Experts agreed that regulatory support, proactive governance, and cross-sector collaboration are vital in turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and ensuring Vietnam’s businesses remain resilient and future-ready.
https://vir.com.vn/dual-goals-imperative-for-businesses-131866.html
Editor’s Note: At a cross-border dialogue in Hanoi, experts stressed that strong governance, legal frameworks, and green innovation are vital for long-term business resilience and sustainability, especially amid rising geopolitical risks. Business leaders and policymakers highlighted the growing demand for eco-industrial solutions and dual transformation strategies to ensure Vietnam’s industries stay competitive and future-ready.
Vietnam Launches Real-Time Customs Data App to Boost Transparency and Digital Governance
Vietnam has launched the Vietnam Customs Data mobile app, a major step towards digitalising trade reporting and improving policy efficiency. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Finance Bui Van Khang praised the initiative for enhancing internal governance, transparency, and the business environment. The app provides real-time import-export data via interactive dashboards, enabling government officials to detect anomalies, simplify trade procedures, and make informed decisions. It supports national statistics used for GDP calculations, trade balance monitoring, and international negotiations, replacing outdated paper-based reports with a modern, mobile solution.
Nguyen Van Tho, director general of the Department of Vietnam Customs, highlighted that the app is designed for leaders and policymakers, offering secure, permission-based access on both Android and iOS platforms. Integration with the Ministry of Finance’s system and VNeID is planned to ensure secure authorisation. Nguyen Trung Tien from the National Statistics Office noted that continuous updates now replace repeated data requests, significantly improving state planning. Developed under Resolution 57, the app reflects Vietnam’s broader push toward digital transformation, positioning the country to establish fully paperless, efficient customs operations in the near future.
https://vir.com.vn/mobile-app-drives-customs-modernisation-and-transparency-131769.html
Editor’s Note: Vietnam has launched the Vietnam Customs Data app to modernize trade reporting and boost transparency, offering real-time dashboards and secure access for policymakers to improve decision-making and governance. Developed under Resolution 57, the app replaces outdated paper systems and reflects the country’s broader digital transformation goals, paving the way for efficient, paperless customs operations.
Apple Ramps Up Hiring and Operations in Vietnam Amid Global Supply Chain Shift
Apple has significantly expanded its presence in Vietnam in 2025, posting around 60 job openings since January—far surpassing the previous year’s recruitment levels. New positions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City include roles in operations, supply chain management, public relations, and sales, signaling Apple’s intent to deepen its footprint beyond outsourced manufacturing. The move reflects a broader strategy to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on any single country, as confirmed by CEO Tim Cook’s May statement that nearly all iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirPods sold in the U.S. this quarter will originate from Vietnam.
A report by Vietnam’s FiinRatings underscores the electronics sector’s growing role in the country’s economy, with foreign-led firms—like Apple and Samsung—dominating exports and contributing heavily to national revenue and profits. While Apple’s suppliers such as Foxconn and Luxshare-ICT are well-established in Vietnam, local content in electronics production remains under one percent. Experts urge Vietnam to enhance supply chain resilience through localization and investment in materials manufacturing. Apple, for its part, is backing its suppliers with new equipment and capacity upgrades, making Vietnam a key hub in its evolving global supply network.
Editor’s Note: Apple is rapidly expanding operations in Vietnam to diversify its supply chain, with new hiring across key cities and plans for most U.S.-sold products to be made there this quarter. Despite low local content in electronics, Apple is investing in supplier upgrades while experts call for stronger localization to boost Vietnam’s role in the global tech ecosystem.
Vietnamese AI Platform AI Hay Secures Fresh Funding Amid Rapid Growth
Vietnam-based AI startup AI Hay has secured new funding to accelerate the development of its generative AI-powered knowledge search platform, tailored specifically to the Vietnamese language and culture. Founded by local engineers and digital platform veterans, AI Hay has quickly made waves since its June 2024 launch, amassing over 10 million downloads and processing more than 100 million queries monthly. The platform, which provides cited and reliable answers to user questions, boasts a stellar 4.8/5 user rating from over 140,000 reviews. Existing investors—including Square Peg, Northstar Ventures, AppWorks, and Phoenix Holdings—participated in the latest funding round.
The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand into education and entertainment, and to develop AI-powered virtual assistants aimed at enhancing accessibility for Vietnamese users. Piruze Sabuncu, partner at Square Peg, praised AI Hay’s mission, noting it as proof that Southeast Asia can produce globally competitive technology built by local talent. With its free-to-use model and strong emphasis on supporting everyday learning and information needs, AI Hay is positioning itself as a transformative digital tool for millions across Vietnam.
https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnamese-ai-startup-raises-10mn-in-series-a-funding-103250703165541286.htm
Editor’s Note: Vietnamese AI startup AI Hay has secured fresh funding to expand its popular generative AI search platform, which has achieved over 10 million downloads and 100 million monthly queries since its 2024 launch. With plans to enter education and entertainment, the company aims to boost accessibility for local users while showcasing Southeast Asia’s capacity for globally competitive tech.
Huawei Seeks AI Chip Deals in Middle East and Southeast Asia Amid U.S. Scrutiny
Huawei Technologies is attempting to export limited quantities of its older-generation Ascend 910B AI chips to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Malaysia, in a strategic push to challenge Nvidia’s dominance despite ongoing production constraints. The company has also offered access to its more advanced Ascend 910C chips through a China-based system called CloudMatrix 384, although these chips remain restricted to domestic sales due to limited supply. While Huawei’s outreach has yet to result in finalized deals, discussions with entities such as Saudi Arabia’s SDAIA are reportedly in advanced stages, and efforts continue despite tepid responses from some parties, including the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
U.S. officials have taken notice of Huawei’s moves, warning that even small-scale exports of Ascend chips could pave the way for larger market incursions. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, the U.S. Commerce Department is deliberating new rules to tighten AI chip export controls to Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Although Huawei’s AI chips reportedly trail Nvidia’s by a generation or more, Washington sees the company’s global ambitions as a long-term threat. Meanwhile, delays in approving U.S. chip sales to the Middle East underscore growing uncertainty over how to balance technological competitiveness with national security concerns.
Editor’s Note: Huawei is exploring AI chip deals in the Middle East and Southeast Asia to challenge Nvidia, offering its Ascend 910B and limited 910C chips despite supply and export restrictions. U.S. scrutiny intensifies amid geopolitical tensions, with officials warning these moves could impact global tech competitiveness and national security dynamics.
Thailand Launches AI Platform WebD to Block Illegal Websites Faster and More Efficiently
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has unveiled the WebD AI platform to crack down on illegal websites, with expectations to increase the blocking rate by over 70% compared to last year. DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said WebD operates 31.5 times faster than human officers, cutting court petition processing time by five working days. It automates the search for illicit URLs, gathers evidence, prepares digital court filings, and sends shutdown orders to internet service providers. With more than 100,000 illegal websites surfacing annually in Thailand, the platform is expected to help block an average of 175 URLs daily, significantly improving online crime prevention.
In addition to WebD, the DES Ministry is accelerating the rollout of its DE-fence app, designed to protect users from fraudulent calls and messages. The app, currently in beta testing, screens incoming communications and verifies numbers against telecom databases and official agency lists, such as police and financial institutions. Minister Prasert emphasized that both platforms are developed in line with AI ethical governance principles and represent a critical step in Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance digital security and trust in online spaces.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3067198/webd-rolled-out-to-block-illegal-urls
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s DES Ministry has launched the WebD AI platform to speed up illegal website blocking, automating court filings and enabling faster takedowns of over 175 URLs daily. Alongside WebD, the DE-fence app aims to shield users from digital fraud, marking a major step in Thailand’s push for AI-driven, ethically governed online security.
Unesco Backs Thailand as AI Capacity Hub, Calls for Asean Policy Unity
Unesco has spotlighted Thailand as a strategic hub for building artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in Southeast Asia, urging Asean nations to prioritise regional cooperation in computing capacity, data interoperability, and policy harmonisation. Speaking at the first Asia-Pacific edition of the Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, Irakli Khodeli, head of Unesco’s Ethics of AI Unit, emphasised that AI governance must shift from abstract ethical principles to tangible impact. Thailand’s AI Governance Practice Centre and its hosting of two new global AI networks—focused on supervisory authorities and civil society participation—reflect its growing leadership in AI governance and capacity-building in the region.
Khodeli stressed the importance of coordinated investments to unlock AI’s potential in solving socio-economic challenges, including in healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning. However, he warned of existing risks such as bias, misinformation, and job displacement. Asean nations, he said, should pool data to create inclusive, accurate AI models and avoid policy fragmentation that could drive talent and technology to less regulated environments. By harmonising cross-border data policies and expanding access to compute infrastructure, the region can build stronger, fairer AI systems while reinforcing ethical standards at both local and global levels.
Editor’s Note: Unesco has recognized Thailand as a regional AI hub and urged Asean nations to strengthen cooperation on computing infrastructure, data standards, and policy harmonization to build responsible and impactful AI systems. By pooling resources and addressing risks like bias and job displacement, the region can unlock AI’s socio-economic potential while maintaining ethical governance.
FTI Urges Urgent Action as US Tariffs Threaten Thai Exports and Competitiveness
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is mobilising data from 47 industry groups to help the Finance Ministry negotiate lower US retaliatory tariffs set to take effect on August 1, warning that failure to act could lead to export losses of up to 900 billion baht. FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said the move comes amid concerns that recent trade deals between the US and countries like Vietnam and the UK could erode Thailand’s competitiveness unless similar tariff reductions are secured. With exports comprising 58% of GDP and industrial goods making up nearly half of that, a newly imposed 36% tariff on Thai products could seriously undermine investor confidence and global positioning.
The FTI outlined four urgent policy responses: relief measures such as low-interest loans and tax cuts for exporters; expansion of free trade agreements and domestic consumption via the “Made in Thailand” initiative; promotion of local content through enhanced BOI incentives; and exchange rate management to maintain competitiveness. Sectors at highest risk include machinery, electronics, rubber, auto parts, and furniture—industries heavily reliant on the US market. Mr. Kriengkrai emphasised that swift government intervention is vital, calling this an “unprecedented crisis” and urging coordinated national action to safeguard Thailand’s economic resilience.
Editor’s Note: The Federation of Thai Industries is urging swift government action to counter new U.S. tariffs that could cost Thailand up to 900 billion baht in exports, especially in key industrial sectors. Proposed measures include financial relief, expanded trade agreements, local content promotion, and currency management to protect competitiveness and economic resilience.
Thailand’s E-Commerce Soars to 1.1 Trillion Baht in 2024, TikTok Emerges as Disruptive Force
Thailand’s e-commerce market surged by 14% in 2024 to reach 1.1 trillion baht, positioning it as ASEAN’s second-largest digital marketplace, according to a Priceza.com report. Shopee led the pack with 75% user engagement, followed by Lazada (67%) and the fast-rising TikTok (51%), which is reshaping online shopping through its seamless blend of short-form video content and in-app purchases. Forecasts suggest the market could hit 1.6 trillion baht by 2027, driven by growing consumer demand and a strategic shift by brands towards social commerce and influencer-driven marketing.
Despite TikTok’s impressive growth, experts have raised concerns about its monopolistic tendencies, such as restricting visibility of rival-linked content and pressuring merchants to adopt its internal systems. Small retailers, while benefitting from higher sales, face rising hidden costs and limited control. Logistics remain a weak link, with TikTok partnering with Thailand Post in mid-2024 to improve deliveries. However, Thailand Post president Danan Suphatthaphan noted difficulty in gauging the partnership’s revenue impact due to the platform’s opaque data-sharing practices.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40052525
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s e-commerce market reached 1.1 trillion baht in 2024, with TikTok emerging as a disruptive force alongside Shopee and Lazada, thanks to its video-driven shopping experience and rising user engagement. While TikTok boosts sales, concerns persist over its monopolistic practices, data transparency, and logistics challenges despite a partnership with Thailand Post.
US AI Chip Export Curbs Raise Alarm for Thailand’s Digital Ambitions
Speculation over potential US restrictions on AI chip exports to Thailand and Malaysia has rattled investor confidence in Southeast Asia, casting uncertainty over Thailand’s goal of becoming ASEAN’s digital hub. While no formal decision has been announced by the Trump administration, industry leaders such as Gulf Development (GULF) say operations remain unaffected for now. GULF’s AI data centre joint venture with AIS and Nvidia is progressing as planned, with phase one launching mid-2025, and further expansion and collaboration with Google Cloud underway. CFO Yupapin Wangviwat affirmed the company’s commitment to growth despite geopolitical risks, forecasting 20–25% revenue growth this year.
However, industry experts warn that if Thailand is perceived as a weak link in technology transfer controls to China, it could deter future investments from major tech firms. While the immediate impact may be minimal—given Thailand’s limited AI chip imports and focus on packaging and testing—analysts recommend establishing a national AI chip monitoring system, strengthening strategic ties with US allies, and diversifying Thailand’s digital strategy. With the global spotlight on AI infrastructure, Thailand must ensure it balances innovation with regulatory transparency to maintain its investment appeal.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40052296
Editor’s Note: Speculation over U.S. AI chip export curbs is creating uncertainty around Thailand’s digital ambitions, though major projects like GULF’s Nvidia-backed data center remain on track. Experts caution that perceived tech transfer risks could hurt investment prospects, urging Thailand to boost transparency, monitor AI chip flows, and strengthen ties with U.S. allies.
Pertama Digital launches initiatives to bridge digital divide
KUALA LUMPUR: Pertama Digital Bhd is accelerating its efforts to bridge the digital divide in Malaysia, particularly for underserved groups, including schoolchildren and micro-enterprises. At a press conference on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer Designate Lim Nasrul Halim revealed that current core projects underway include Kocek Pintar and BizKecil, part of its push for inclusive digitalisation.
Nasrul added that the rollout includes providing digital payment infrastructure for school canteens, bookshops, and administrative offices, helping public schools modernise their operations with minimal barriers. Meanwhile, BizKecil targets micro and small business owners, especially those in the B40 group, providing simple digital finance tools and access to microloans in partnership with a local financial institution.
Pertama Digital is targeting a return to profitability in financial year 2025, backed by a RM32.4 million profit guarantee over two years from D-Ron and growing contributions from its digital projects. Pertama Digital is now executing a 100-day integration plan, combining surveillance and analytics technologies to strengthen its smart city and enforcement technology offerings.
Editor’s Note: Pertama Digital’s initiatives aim to reduce Malaysia’s digital divide by providing financial tools and digital access to underserved communities, especially students and micro-entrepreneurs. This supports financial inclusion and boosts small business growth. However, challenges like limited rural infrastructure and low digital literacy remain. Malaysia can improve by expanding internet access, strengthening digital education, and fostering public-private partnerships.
Anwar holds bilateral talks with leaders from China, Australia and five other countries
PUTRAJAYA, July 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today held a series of bilateral meetings with senior leaders and representatives from seven countries and international entities, on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings currently taking place here. The meetings, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, involved China, Australia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Palestine, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union.In his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Anwar said both sides discussed various aspects of Malaysia–China ties, which continues to be strengthened following President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia in April, during which 31 memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed.
The prime minister also said he looks forward to the official visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Malaysia in October, which is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations based on trust, shared values and aspirations for a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. In a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Anwar said discussions revolved around the upcoming official visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Malaysia, during which several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed.
According to Anwar, Turkiye is currently Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in West Asia, and Malaysia is keen to encourage further investments in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, digital and green economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and aerospace. Meanwhile, Anwar’s meeting with United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Lammy focused on enhancing cooperation across various areas, including investment, energy transition, education, climate change, defence, digitalisation and AI.
Editor’s Note: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s bilateral talks with leaders from China, Australia, and other nations are set to strengthen Malaysia’s global partnerships, especially in trade, technology, and education. To benefit fully, Malaysia must enhance its digital and green economy, while addressing challenges like geopolitical tensions and ensuring local industries thrive amid foreign investments.
MCMC identifies 10 instruments to support Online Safety Act rollout, says deputy minister
PETALING JAYA, July 12 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has identified 10 subsidiary instruments, including regulations and codes, to facilitate the effective implementation of the Online Safety Act 2024, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said that the instruments were at various stages of development, with prioritisation guided by the need to ensure alignment with the act’s objectives and scope. According to Teo, the development of the regulations is contingent upon completion of the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), followed by approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
She said child sexual grooming was one of the core concerns addressed under the Online Safety Act 2024, a landmark legislation aimed at creating a safer digital space, especially for young and vulnerable users. Teo also mentioned MBR’s upcoming 13-episode television series, Malaysia Luar Biasa, produced in collaboration with Bernama, noting that the programme would spotlight 30 to 40 national records featuring extraordinary Malaysians.
She said Bernama TV, then known as Bernama News Channel (BNC), was one of the key platforms delivering the historic 25-hour non-stop national broadcast in four languages, held from Sept 16 to 17, 2019, in conjunction with Malaysia Day. Meanwhile, Teo also lauded the National Information Dissemination Centre’s (NADI) achievements at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Awards 2025 in Geneva earlier this week, through its Pulau Banggi Initiative and Pulau Ketam Stingray II Project. She said as of June 30, a total of 1,097 NADI centres had been successfully established out of the 1,099 planned nationwide, while the remaining two centres in Sabah were in the final stages of implementation.
Editor’s Note: The Online Safety Act 2024 aims to strengthen Malaysia’s digital safety, especially for children, by introducing 10 regulatory instruments. While it promises better protection against online threats, Malaysia faces challenges like regulatory delays and balancing safety with freedom of expression. To improve, the country must accelerate policy implementation, raise public awareness, and enhance enforcement capabilities.
Neutral but firm: Malaysia upholds Zopfan-based foreign policy to maintain peace and balance, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — Malaysia maintains a balanced and neutral foreign policy approach in managing strategic relations with major powers such as the United States (US) and China, in line with the principles of the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. As a trading nation, he said Malaysia cannot be seen as leaning towards any bloc, but must maintain a neutral stance for the sake of the country’s stability and interests.
Mohamad said the neutral policy aligns with Malaysia’s commitments under ZOPFAN and Asean, which aim to maintain the region as a peaceful and stable zone.“ZOPFAN is very important for Malaysia and Asean. We are in a zone of peace. Therefore, we cannot be seen to lean towards any side, and that is our approach in balancing relations with all major powers,” he said. When asked about the outcome of the Asean-US meeting on Thursday, Mohamad explained that no specific list of demands was presented by either party; instead, the discussions focused more on regional security issues and long-term cooperation.
The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held over four days in Kuala Lumpur, focused on strengthening regional cooperation and jointly addressing global geopolitical and economic challenges. According to Mohamad, the successful organisation of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings by Malaysia as Asean Chair 2025 demonstrates that the bloc continues to be respected and trusted by the world’s major powers.
Editor’s Note: Malaysia’s ZOPFAN-based foreign policy helps maintain regional peace and balance by staying neutral amid global power rivalries. This approach boosts Malaysia’s diplomatic credibility and economic stability. However, challenges include navigating geopolitical pressure and trade tensions, especially with major powers. To improve, Malaysia must strengthen ASEAN ties and enhance its diplomatic and economic resilience.
Malaysia acts to avoid US sanctions amid escalating global AI chip war
KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) has announced that all exports, transhipments, and transit of high-performance AI chips of US origin now require a Strategic Trade Permit, effective immediately. The new requirement falls under Section 12 of the Strategic Trade Act 2010, which serves as a catch-all control provision for items not explicitly listed in the Strategic Items List. Companies and individuals must notify authorities at least 30 days before moving these AI chips if they know or suspect potential misuse or restricted activities.
Malaysia has warned it will take strict legal action against any violations of the Strategic Trade Act 2010 or related laws. The ministry emphasised that while Malaysia supports investments and trade aligned with international best practices, all entities must comply with relevant international obligations to avoid secondary sanctions. Miti also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, transparent, and rules-based trading environment with all trade partners.
Despite Malaysia’s previous pledges to tighten import scrutiny, chip exports to the country have surged, drawing US attention and prompting proposed curbs that may include temporary exemptions for American and allied firms operating there.
Editor’s Note: Malaysia is tightening controls on AI chip exports to avoid US sanctions amid the global tech rivalry, especially between the US and China. As a key player in the semiconductor supply chain, Malaysia must improve enforcement and transparency to maintain trust. However, it faces challenges in balancing geopolitical pressures, monitoring complex logistics, and protecting its reputation in the tech sector.