Aboitiz Power Eyes Renewable Energy and Data Center Investments in Vietnam
Aboitiz Power, one of the Philippines’ largest energy companies, is exploring new investment opportunities in Vietnam, particularly in renewable energy and integrated data center projects. Chairman and CEO Danel C. Aboitiz highlighted the group’s expertise in coal and hydropower, while noting its ongoing research into artificial intelligence (AI) applications to improve plant maintenance and operational efficiency. He made the remarks during a meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung on August 5.
Deputy PM Dung underscored Vietnam’s push for rapid and sustainable economic growth, stressing the need for sufficient, clean, and stable energy to meet rising demand from industries such as AI and big data. Under the National Power Development Plan VIII, Vietnam aims for renewables to make up 28–36% of capacity by 2030 and up to 75% by 2050. The government is committed to refining its legal framework, building a smart grid system, and attracting large-scale projects. Aboitiz Power will soon work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to identify opportunities in wind, solar, and LNG, while also exploring renewable energy models linked with data centers to serve both domestic and international markets.
Editor’s Note: Aboitiz Power is exploring investments in Vietnam’s renewable energy and integrated data center sectors, leveraging its expertise in coal, hydropower, and AI-driven plant efficiency. During talks with Deputy PM Nguyen Chi Dung, the company aligned with Vietnam’s ambitious clean energy goals under Power Development Plan VIII, aiming to collaborate on wind, solar, and LNG projects that support industrial growth and digital infrastructure.
PM Chinh Urges Qualcomm to Deepen High-Tech Cooperation and Semiconductor Investment in Vietnam
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday met with Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon in Hanoi, commending the company’s two decades of collaboration with Vietnam in mobile connectivity, AI research, STEM education, and innovation ecosystem development. The PM encouraged Qualcomm to expand cooperation in high-value areas of the semiconductor supply chain, transfer advanced technologies to train local chip engineers, and strengthen partnerships with Vietnamese corporations in 5G and R&D. He also welcomed the establishment of the VNPT–Qualcomm Excellence Center, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment and attracting top digital technology talent through supportive policies, including visa exemptions for experts.
In response, Amon praised Vietnam’s digital transformation agenda and said the country is well-positioned to become a regional R&D hub, particularly in AI. He reaffirmed Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to Vietnam, highlighting plans to expand cooperation in semiconductors, AI, IoT devices, smartphones, and high-performance computing. Qualcomm has been present in Vietnam for over 20 years, opening its first Southeast Asian R&D center in Hanoi in 2020 and launching its AI R&D center in 2025, now the firm’s third-largest globally. The company has also boosted Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem through the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge, which has supported 29 startups and raised over US$32 million.
https://news.tuoitre.vn/pm-urges-qualcomm-to-expand-investment-in-vietnam-103250813140701784.htm
Editor’s Note: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Qualcomm to deepen its semiconductor and high-tech cooperation in Vietnam, including technology transfer, local talent development, and expanded partnerships in 5G and R&D. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment, highlighting Vietnam’s potential as a regional AI and R&D hub and its growing innovation ecosystem supported by Qualcomm’s initiatives and centers.
Vingroup Unveils Ambitious Plans for High-Speed Rail, Seaports, and Green Energy Projects
Vingroup is set to accelerate Vietnam’s green infrastructure transition with major investments spanning transportation, logistics, and renewable energy. Its affiliate, VinSpeed High-Speed Railway Investment and Development JSC, is preparing to launch two high-speed rail projects in 2025: the 120-kilometer Hanoi–Quang Ninh line in the north and the Ho Chi Minh City–Can Gio line in the south, capable of speeds up to 350 km/h. VinSpeed has also registered interest in the national North–South high-speed railway. Beyond rail, Vingroup plans to invest in seaport and logistics infrastructure, with projects in Hai Phong City and Ha Tinh Province.
In the energy sector, VinEnergo Energy JSC is set to lead large-scale solar and wind projects while introducing advanced energy storage systems using batteries produced by VinFast. The company plans to develop renewable energy and storage projects in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with a target capacity of up to 80 GW. Vice-chairman and CEO Nguyen Viet Quang stated that these initiatives were in line with Politburo resolutions and demonstrated Vingroup’s commitment to national development. He emphasized that, with Vietnamese resilience, intellect, and a strong sense of national pride, the group was determined to implement these key projects successfully and help position Vietnam for a new era of prosperity and global standing.
Editor’s Note: Vingroup announced major investments in high-speed rail, seaports, and renewable energy to support Vietnam’s green infrastructure transition, including two high-speed rail lines launching in 2025 and logistics projects in Hai Phong and Ha Tinh. Its energy arm, VinEnergo, aims to develop up to 80 GW of solar, wind, and battery storage projects across Vietnam and Southeast Asia, reflecting the group’s commitment to national development and global competitiveness.
Ho Chi Minh City Accelerates Green and Digital Transition After Boundary Expansion
Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up its green and digital transformation following its July 1 merger with Binh Duong Province and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, a move that expanded its population, urban area, and development capacity. At the Ho Chi Minh City–Hyogo Economic Forum 2025, held on August 5 under the theme “Trends in Green and Digital Transition: For the Goal of Sustainable Development”, city leaders highlighted clean energy and sustainability as top priorities. Vice chairman Nguyen Loc Ha emphasized that green and digital transitions are now essential for global cities, while plans include offshore wind projects in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, solar and waste-to-energy initiatives, and the flagship “For a Green Can Gio” program aimed at reaching net-zero emissions within five years.
Alongside its environmental agenda, Ho Chi Minh City is advancing digital transformation to build a high-tech ecosystem anchored by the Quang Trung Software City network, with major players such as FPT, Samsung, and Intel. With 96 percent of residents now using smartphones and extensive fiber-optic coverage, the city aims to raise the digital economy’s share of GRDP to 25 percent by 2025 and 40 percent by 2030. Following its boundary expansion, Ho Chi Minh City has gained new appeal for international investors, including Japanese businesses from Hyogo Prefecture, with Kobe Airport’s upgrade to international status expected to boost trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two regions.
Ho Chi Minh City accelerates green transition after expanding administrative boundaries
Editor’s Note: Following its July 1 boundary expansion, Ho Chi Minh City is accelerating its green and digital transformation with initiatives like offshore wind, solar, waste-to-energy projects, and the “For a Green Can Gio” program targeting net-zero emissions within five years. At the 2025 Ho Chi Minh City–Hyogo Economic Forum, leaders also emphasized building a high-tech ecosystem and boosting the digital economy, attracting international investors and strengthening ties with Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture.
Vietnam’s EV Market Surges as Competition Intensifies
Vietnam’s electric vehicle (EV) market is entering a rapid growth phase, fueled by government policies restricting gasoline vehicles in major cities and surging consumer demand. According to RMIT University, the sector could reach US$6.7 billion by 2030 with annual growth of 18 percent. Ho Chi Minh City is seeing a boom in EV showrooms and motorbike stores, while brands host regular showcases in malls to attract buyers. Domestic manufacturers like VinFast, Yadea, Selex Motors, and Dat Bike are expanding production, while global players such as BYD, Hyundai, Geely, and luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are joining the race. Competitive pricing, financing plans, and expanding charging networks are driving the market, though challenges in infrastructure, capital, and technology remain.
Experts emphasize that EV adoption depends on building full ecosystems rather than just selling vehicles. VinFast currently leads with nationwide charging infrastructure, while startups like EBOOST, DatCharge, and Charge Plus are scaling rapidly. Policies now require charging stations in new urban areas, and major fuel companies are piloting chargers at gas stations. Consumers increasingly demand convenience, financing, and reliable after-sales support, with cafés and shops even offering charging services to attract customers. Analysts stress that tax incentives, subsidies, and green financing will be key to ensuring domestic firms remain competitive against low-cost Chinese EVs, as Vietnam races to make clean mobility a mainstream reality.
https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnams-ev-market-heats-up-amid-intense-competition-103250731154154324.htm
Editor’s Note: Vietnam’s EV market is booming, driven by government restrictions on gasoline vehicles, rising consumer demand, and aggressive expansion by domestic and international brands like VinFast, BYD, and BMW. Success hinges on building full EV ecosystems—including charging infrastructure, financing, and after-sales support—with startups and fuel companies scaling solutions, while policies and incentives aim to keep local firms competitive amid growing pressure from low-cost Chinese imports.
UAC Global Expands Green Business with New RDF Plant in Indonesia
SET-listed UAC Global is strengthening its international green energy portfolio with the launch of a new refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production facility in Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. Developed and operated by PT Cahaya Yasa Cipta, the plant—named RDF3—was built with a 60% investment from UAC Energy, a subsidiary of UAC Global. With a production capacity of 150 tonnes of RDF per day, the facility can process at least 300 tonnes of community waste daily, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 30,000 tonnes per year. UAC Global president and chief executive Chatchapol Prasopchok said the project reinforces the company’s sustainable energy push in Southeast Asia while supporting the circular economy.
The RDF produced at the new facility will be supplied to PT Semen Jawa, a cement maker under Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand’s largest cement and industrial conglomerate, which is shifting toward cleaner fuel alternatives to coal. RDF not only helps cut fossil fuel use but also reduces methane emissions from landfills by diverting non-recyclable waste into energy production. UAC Global has also invested in an RDF factory in Vientiane, Laos, which began operations in 2023 and supplies SCG Khammouane’s cement plant. The company projects a 15% revenue increase this year, up from 2.3 billion baht in 2024, driven mainly by its trading and green energy businesses.
Editor’s Note: UAC Global has launched a new RDF plant in Sukabumi, Indonesia, capable of processing 300 tonnes of waste daily and reducing CO₂ emissions by 30,000 tonnes annually, reinforcing its green energy push in Southeast Asia. The RDF will supply SCG’s cement operations as a cleaner alternative to coal, while UAC’s similar facility in Laos and projected 15% revenue growth highlight its expanding role in the circular economy and sustainable fuel production.
Thai Telecom Industry Banks on AI to Break Growth Trap
Thailand’s telecom sector is betting on AI adoption to break free from its long-standing “growth trap” and secure new revenue streams. Advanced Info Service (AIS) chief executive Somchai Lertsutiwong said enterprise adoption of AI and 5G-driven applications across vertical industries could be the next breakthrough, similar to how the 4G era transformed the market through video streaming. Without this shift, operators may struggle to post double-digit growth, as current annual revenue gains remain only 1–2 percentage points above GDP. AIS is targeting non-mobile businesses such as digital services, cloud, and upcoming virtual banking to contribute 20% of revenue within three years, while also upgrading its 2025 earnings and core service revenue forecasts following strong second-quarter results.
True Corporation, meanwhile, is pursuing an “AI-first” strategy, restructuring its organisation from September 1, 2025, to simplify operations, accelerate decision-making, and enhance competitiveness. The company has appointed its first chief data and AI officer to lead this transformation and improve staff AI competency. Despite reporting back-to-back profitable quarters and strong Ebitda momentum, True recently downgraded its 2025 revenue targets, citing market pressures. Analysts believe AI integration, ecosystem development, and cost efficiencies will be crucial in helping Thai telecom operators capture new growth opportunities while sustaining profitability.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3085861/telecom-companies-banking-on-ai-for-future-growth
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s telecom industry is embracing AI and 5G to escape stagnant growth, with AIS aiming to boost non-mobile revenue through digital services and virtual banking, while True Corporation restructures under an “AI-first” strategy to enhance agility and competitiveness. Despite market pressures, both firms see AI integration and ecosystem development as key to unlocking new revenue streams and sustaining profitability.
Chinese Carmakers Gain Ground in Indonesia and Thailand as Japanese Share Declines
Competition in Southeast Asia’s auto market is intensifying as Chinese carmakers aggressively expand electric vehicle (EV) sales in Indonesia and Thailand, the region’s largest and third-largest auto markets. Government subsidies and tax incentives aimed at boosting EV adoption have enabled companies such as BYD, Wuling, Chery, and Beijing Auto Works to rapidly increase their market presence. In Indonesia, EV sales surged to 43,000 units in 2024, 2.5 times higher than the previous year, though still only 5% of total vehicle sales due to limited charging infrastructure. Wuling, once holding 41% of Indonesia’s EV market, saw its share fall to 30% in 2024 as BYD gained ground. To recover, Wuling is diversifying its lineup with new EV and plug-in hybrid models produced locally.
In Thailand, EVs accounted for over 10% of the 573,000 new vehicles sold in 2024, with BYD capturing 40% of the EV segment by offering steep discounts. Between January and June 2025, BYD rose to fourth place in overall sales with a 7.8% share, surpassing Mitsubishi Motors. The dominance of Japanese automakers, once exceeding 90% in Thailand, has dropped to 70.6% this year, raising concerns about their long-term competitiveness. While Japanese brands like Toyota plan to start EV production in both Indonesia and Thailand by the end of 2025, they currently lag behind their Chinese rivals, relying heavily on hybrid vehicles that receive limited government support. Analysts warn that unless Japanese automakers accelerate their EV strategies, their market share in Southeast Asia will continue to erode.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/automobile/40053937
Editor’s Note: Chinese carmakers like BYD, Wuling, and Chery are rapidly gaining market share in Indonesia and Thailand’s EV sectors, aided by government incentives and aggressive pricing, while Japanese automakers face declining dominance. With EV adoption rising and infrastructure improving, analysts warn that Japanese brands must accelerate local EV production or risk further erosion of their Southeast Asian market share.
BYD Welcomes New Car Carrier in Thailand, to Begin EV Exports to Europe
Chinese automaker BYD has deployed its latest car carrier, the BYD Zhengzhou, to Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri, delivering 300 Sealion 7 SUVs from China to Thailand on Saturday. The roll-on/roll-off vessel, measuring 199 metres long and 38 metres wide with capacity for up to 7,500 vehicles, is the seventh ship in BYD’s growing logistics fleet. Powered primarily by LNG, the vessel made its maiden voyage on July 26, calling at ASEAN destinations including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore before arriving in Thailand.
BYD confirmed that the Zhengzhou will return to Thailand at the end of August, when it will deliver another batch of EVs and then load plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) produced at the company’s Rayong factory for export to Europe. The company has not disclosed the volume or specific models to be shipped, though possibilities include the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i or Seal 5 DM-i. The exports mark a significant step in BYD’s strategy to expand from its Thai production base into global markets.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40053841
Editor’s Note: BYD’s new LNG-powered car carrier, the Zhengzhou, delivered 300 Sealion 7 SUVs to Thailand and will soon return to export plug-in hybrids from its Rayong factory to Europe, marking a key milestone in its global expansion strategy. The vessel, part of BYD’s growing logistics fleet, has already visited multiple ASEAN ports and underscores the company’s push to leverage Thailand as a regional production and export hub.
Thailand Secures 19% Reciprocal Tariff Deal with US After Complex Negotiations
Thailand has successfully reduced its tariff rate with the United States to 19%, aligning with several ASEAN neighbors such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia, while Vietnam remains slightly higher at 20%. According to Pongsaran Assawachaisophon, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, the outcome reflects months of careful preparation, data-driven strategy, and well-timed negotiations. The talks were conducted under a multi-tier framework involving the Prime Minister, Commerce and Foreign Ministers, the Thai Ambassador to Washington, and a joint public-private working group, ensuring that both political and trade dimensions were addressed.
The US made four main requests in the talks: greater market access for American products, stronger rules of origin enforcement, more imports of US goods, and increased Thai investment in the US. Thailand responded by pledging to import more US raw materials for re-export, energy products, and agricultural goods, while tightening customs procedures to prevent false origin claims. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, head of Team Thailand, also emphasized the goal of cutting Thailand’s US$35.22 billion trade deficit with the US in half within five years. By swiftly addressing concerns and demonstrating sincerity—such as signing MOUs with US farmers and reforming certificate of origin processes—Bangkok secured a competitive tariff rate that officials say will protect domestic interests while deepening bilateral trade ties.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40053826
Editor’s Note: Thailand secured a 19% reciprocal tariff rate with the US after months of strategic, multi-tier negotiations, aligning with key ASEAN peers and aiming to strengthen bilateral trade ties. In response to US requests, Thailand pledged increased imports of American goods and tighter customs enforcement, with plans to halve its US$35.22 billion trade deficit over five years.
Thai Semiconductor Industry Pushes for National Strategy to Boost Competitiveness
The Thai Semiconductor Industry Trade Association (THSIA) has urged the government to draft a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen exports and navigate global trade challenges. At a seminar hosted by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, THSIA vice president Naiyavudhi Wongkomet warned that Thailand lags behind regional peers like Malaysia, which already have national semiconductor master plans. He stressed that the sector faces mounting risks from shifting global production bases and US transshipment issues, calling for a long-term plan that emphasizes local procurement, technology know-how, and cross-ministerial cooperation. Naiyavudhi proposed that the Board of Investment (BOI), the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly drive the effort, given the industry’s complexity.
Private sector leaders echoed the call, with Delta Electronics (Thailand) senior director Kittisak Ngern-ngok-ngam highlighting the importance of innovation and domestic supply chains. Delta invests around 8.3% of annual revenue into R&D, developing products tailored to local manufacturing needs. Kittisak said Thailand must adopt more targeted strategies to strengthen “Made in Thailand” products, not just rely on business-matching activities. He added that boosting local suppliers and encouraging government-backed incentives would help shield the industry from risks linked to US tariff policies and global market shifts, while reinforcing Thailand’s position in the semiconductor value chain.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/manufacturing/40054025
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s semiconductor industry is calling for a national strategy to boost competitiveness, address global trade risks, and catch up with peers like Malaysia, emphasizing cross-ministerial coordination and local procurement. Industry leaders, including Delta Electronics, stress the need for innovation, stronger domestic supply chains, and targeted government incentives to reinforce Thailand’s role in the global semiconductor value chain.
Sluggish Renewable Policy Could Cost Thailand THB 1 Trillion in Lost Investment, TDRI Warns
Thailand risks losing up to THB 1 trillion (USD 30.9 billion) in foreign investment due to delays in implementing Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) regulations, according to the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI). Researcher Areeporn Asawinpongphan cautioned that industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor, a hub for high-tech manufacturing, face limited renewable energy access, undermining the country’s ability to attract investors. Many foreign companies, particularly data centers and cloud service providers, are pressing the government to speed up renewable market liberalization to meet export-driven decarbonization requirements. While the National Energy Policy Council approved a DPPA pilot in June 2024, progress has been slow, raising investor concerns.
TDRI also warned that inadequate preparation for the energy transition could hurt workers in high-carbon industries unless green jobs are created. Although the government has rolled out the Utility Green Tariff (UGT1), enabling firms such as Nestlé Indochina and Google to procure clean power via state utilities, analysts argue that deeper reforms are needed. A TDRI study pointed to two main obstacles: fragmented energy policies across five separate sectoral plans and a lack of transparency in policymaking. The institute recommended stronger cross-sector coordination and greater stakeholder participation to ensure a stable and credible transition to clean energy.
https://www.reccessary.com/en/news/thailand-slow-dppa-progress-risks-billions-foreign-investment
Editor’s Note: Thailand could lose up to THB 1 trillion in foreign investment due to delays in Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) implementation, hindering renewable energy access in key industrial zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor. The Thailand Development Research Institute warns that fragmented policies and slow reforms threaten investor confidence and workforce stability, urging coordinated action and transparent policymaking to support a credible clean energy transition.