Schneider Electric Drives Vietnam’s Net-Zero Push with AI-Powered Industrial Automation
At Innovation Day 2025 in Haiphong, Schneider Electric unveiled cutting-edge AI-driven automation technologies to support Vietnam’s industrial sector in scaling sustainable manufacturing. Highlighting innovations such as the EcoStruxure Automation Expert and the new Altivar Process ATV6100, the company showcased solutions aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, reducing costs, and improving operational agility. As electric motors can account for up to 95% of a plant’s energy use, Schneider’s advanced motor control systems, including variable speed drives and soft starters, mark a significant step toward optimising industrial performance.
A key highlight was the introduction of CONNECT, an industrial AI platform that creates a unified digital twin for real-time insights into operations, energy management, and carbon efficiency. By integrating tools from ecosystem partners like AVEVA, CONNECT addresses challenges such as data underutilisation and poor system interoperability. This integration empowers Vietnamese manufacturers to harness predictive analytics, reduce unplanned downtime, and make risk-based decisions. Schneider’s innovations align with the Vietnamese government’s target for manufacturing to contribute over 30% of GDP by 2030 and support the nation’s transition to net zero.
Editor’s Note: Schneider Electric unveiled AI-driven automation technologies at Innovation Day 2025 in Haiphong, showcasing solutions like EcoStruxure and CONNECT to enhance energy efficiency, operational agility, and predictive analytics for Vietnam’s sustainable manufacturing push. These innovations support Vietnam’s net-zero goals and its plan for manufacturing to contribute over 30% of GDP by 2030, offering real-time insights, optimized motor control, and improved system interoperability.
Vietnam Prepares Strong Delegation for U.S. Investment Summit Amid Growing Bilateral Ties
Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc Thang announced Vietnam’s upcoming participation in the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper on Thursday. Thang, appointed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to lead the mission, emphasized the delegation’s large scale and diverse sectoral focus as a testament to Vietnamese enterprises’ growing interest in the U.S. market. The mission will include meetings with U.S. agencies, business associations, and major firms across high-tech, semiconductor, startup, and green finance sectors, reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to fair, sustainable economic cooperation.
Ambassador Knapper praised Vietnam’s robust presence as a reflection of deepening Vietnam–U.S. ties, especially as the two countries approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. Thang acknowledged the U.S. Embassy’s support as indicative of the growing effectiveness of the comprehensive strategic partnership formed in September 2023. The meeting also comes amid ongoing trade negotiations, including a delayed 46-percent reciprocal tariff on Vietnamese goods. Despite this, bilateral trade remains strong, with Vietnam exporting $31.4 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in Q1 2025, a 22 percent year-on-year increase.
Editor’s Note: Vietnam is sending a strong delegation to the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, led by Finance Minister Ho Duc Phoc Thang, to explore opportunities in high-tech, semiconductor, startup, and green finance sectors, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable economic cooperation with the U.S. As Vietnam and the U.S. approach 30 years of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Marc E. Knapper highlighted Vietnam’s growing presence as a sign of deepening bilateral ties, supported by the comprehensive strategic partnership formed in 2023. Despite ongoing trade negotiations and a delayed 46% reciprocal tariff, Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. reached $31.4 billion in Q1 2025, marking a 22% year-on-year increase.
VIB, Visa, and VNPAY Launch Digital Solutions to Empower Vietnamese SMEs
Vietnam International Bank (VIB), in collaboration with Visa and VNPAY, has introduced a comprehensive suite of digital and financial solutions aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and competitiveness of Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Announced in a press release last Friday, the partnership seeks to support SMEs through a unified ecosystem addressing capital access, payment needs, and digital transformation. Key offerings include the VIB Business Card, a working capital loan package, and a digital banking platform, complemented by Visa’s Business Payment Solution Provider via VNPAYB2B, enabling seamless payments even to non-card-accepting accounts.
The initiative also features tools like VNPAY Invoice and VNeDOC for managing e-invoices and digital contracts, supporting SMEs in streamlining workflows. Visa’s country manager for Vietnam and Laos, Dung Dang, stressed the role of modern payment technologies in boosting economic growth, while VIB Deputy CEO Ho Van Long highlighted the importance of customized financial products for optimizing cash flow and capital access. VNPAY’s enterprise division director Tran Manh Nam emphasized the significance of digital transformation in SME development. Together, the trio’s solutions aim to drive sustainable, tech-enabled growth for Vietnamese businesses in the evolving digital economy.
Editor’s Note: Vietnam International Bank (VIB), Visa, and VNPAY have launched a digital and financial solutions suite to enhance Vietnamese SMEs’ competitiveness, offering tools like the VIB Business Card, working capital loans, and seamless digital payment systems via VNPAYB2B. The initiative supports SMEs in streamlining workflows with e-invoice management and digital contracts, aligning with Vietnam’s push for tech-enabled, sustainable growth in its evolving digital economy.
Vietnam Sets Ambitious 2025 Growth Targets, Eyes 8% GDP Expansion and Higher Per Capita Income
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced revised economic targets for 2025 during the opening session of Vietnam’s 15th National Assembly in Hanoi on Monday, aiming for at least 8 percent GDP growth and a per capita income exceeding $5,000. These upgraded goals surpass the initial National Assembly targets of 7.5 percent growth and $4,900 GDP per capita. The government’s optimism is fueled by strong economic momentum in 2024, which saw 7.09 percent growth and a $4,700 per capita GDP, and a robust 6.93 percent GDP increase in Q1 2025—the highest quarterly rate of the 2020–2025 period.
To meet these ambitious benchmarks, the government plans to prioritize macroeconomic stability, inflation control, and flexible policy responses to global developments, including the delayed 46-percent U.S. tariff on Vietnamese exports. Additional measures include boosting state budget revenues by over 15 percent, expanding preferential credit access for priority sectors, and accelerating public investment disbursement. PM Chinh also emphasized the importance of leveraging Vietnam’s 17 free trade agreements, promoting domestic consumption—particularly of agricultural and OCOP products—and enhancing trade supervision. Strict enforcement will target smuggling, counterfeit goods, and misleading advertising, while special support measures will be introduced for businesses and workers impacted by shifting global trade policies.
Editor’s Note: Vietnam has set ambitious 2025 economic targets, aiming for 8% GDP growth and a per capita income exceeding $5,000, surpassing initial projections amid strong economic momentum. To achieve these goals, the government will focus on macroeconomic stability, inflation control, and policy flexibility, while boosting state revenues, credit access, and public investment. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized leveraging Vietnam’s 17 free trade agreements, strengthening trade supervision, and enforcing strict measures against smuggling and misleading advertising to support economic expansion.
Thailand Sees Surge in CISSP Holders as Cybersecurity Training Expands
Thailand has increased its number of Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) holders to 431 in 2025, up from 385 the previous year, reflecting the country’s rising standards in cybersecurity training, according to the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA). NCSA secretary-general AVM Amorn Chomchoey said the growth highlights the effectiveness of national efforts to promote internationally recognised certifications and equip cybersecurity personnel with high-level expertise applicable to real-world challenges.
This progress aligns with the success of the Thailand National Cyber Academy’s Intensive Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program, which recently completed its second phase. Funded by the Digital Development Fund, the initiative attracted over 13,000 participants—double its original target—across all training levels, from foundational to executive-level courses. The program aims to strengthen cybersecurity across critical infrastructure sectors, government, private organisations, and the general public, with a curriculum covering cyberthreat analysis, penetration testing, digital forensics, and governance. AVM Amorn emphasized that upskilling cybersecurity talent is vital amid increasingly complex cyberthreats.
Editor’s Note: Thailand has expanded its cybersecurity training efforts, increasing the number of Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) holders to 431 in 2025, reflecting the success of national initiatives like the Thailand National Cyber Academy’s Intensive Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program. Funded by the Digital Development Fund, the program attracted over 13,000 participants, aiming to strengthen cybersecurity across critical sectors by equipping professionals with expertise in threat analysis, digital forensics, and governance.
Thailand to Launch 5-Billion-Baht G-Token to Boost Retail Investment in Digital Economy
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance will issue 5 billion baht worth of digital investment tokens, dubbed the G-Token, within the next two months as part of its budget borrowing strategy, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced Tuesday. Designed to democratize access to government-backed investment, the tokens will be available for as little as 100 baht, allowing retail investors to participate in the digital economy while offering returns higher than traditional bank deposits.
Unlike traditional debt instruments, the G-Token is classified as an investment token and will be tradable on licensed digital asset exchanges. The move aligns with broader regional trends in digital finance and follows earlier calls by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to explore government bond-backed stablecoins. Director-General of the Public Debt Management Office Patchara Anuntasilpa confirmed that the token meets all Bank of Thailand conditions, positioning the initial issuance as a market test to gauge investor response and expand digital asset accessibility.
Bangkok Post – Thailand to issue B5 billion in investment tokens
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s Ministry of Finance will issue 5 billion baht worth of G-Tokens in the next two months to democratize access to government-backed digital investments, allowing retail investors to participate with as little as 100 baht while earning returns higher than bank deposits. Unlike traditional debt instruments, these tokens will be classified as investment assets and tradable on licensed digital exchanges, aligning with regional trends in digital finance. The initial issuance serves as a market test to gauge investor response, ensuring compliance with Bank of Thailand conditions while expanding digital asset accessibility.
Thai Retailers Oppose VAT Threshold Cut, Cite Burden on Small Businesses
The Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association has voiced strong opposition to a government proposal to lower the VAT registration threshold, warning it would place an undue burden on small retailers already struggling with weak consumer spending and growing competition. Under current rules, only businesses earning 1.8 million baht or more annually must register for VAT. Somchai Pornrattanacharoen, honorary advisor to the association, said the change would force small shops to manage complex monthly VAT filings, increasing their costs and administrative load.
Somchai argued that many small business owners lack familiarity with VAT procedures and already pay other taxes, such as property tax. He suggested the government focus on closing tax loopholes exploited by the wealthy—such as misclassifying land for lower farm-use taxes—and shift the revenue burden to large corporations expanding into new markets. Calling the proposal poorly timed, he urged policymakers to protect smaller businesses instead of overwhelming them with additional tax responsibilities.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3024941/warning-over-new-vat-threat
Editor’s Note: The Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association opposes the proposed VAT threshold cut, arguing it would burden small retailers with complex tax filings amid weak consumer spending and rising competition. Instead, they urge the government to close tax loopholes benefiting the wealthy and shift the revenue burden to large corporations rather than small businesses.
XSpring and Orbix Invest Join Forces to Develop Regulated Digital Asset Funds
XSpring Asset Management (XAM) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Orbix Invest to jointly develop regulated digital asset fund solutions, aiming to set new standards in Thailand’s digital asset management industry. The partnership seeks to bridge traditional finance and the digital world by creating secure, transparent mutual fund structures, reinforcing XAM’s leadership in alternative investments. Orbix Invest, a subsidiary of Orbix Holdings and majority-owned by Kasikornbank, holds a license from the Finance Ministry to operate as a digital asset fund manager under SEC oversight.
Yosakorn Follett, CEO of XAM, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to unlock new investment opportunities for Thai investors, supported by strong governance and risk management. Tanapoom Damraks, managing director of Orbix Invest, emphasized that the venture would enhance Thailand’s investment infrastructure by offering professionally managed digital asset funds. With Orbix’s crypto expertise and custody through Coinbase, both companies are confident the agreement sets the foundation for the country’s next generation of compliant digital mutual funds.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3023331/xspring-orbix-unite-to-develop-fund-solutions
Editor’s Note: XSpring Asset Management (XAM) and Orbix Invest have partnered to develop regulated digital asset fund solutions, aiming to set new standards in Thailand’s digital asset management industry by bridging traditional finance with secure, transparent mutual fund structures. With Orbix’s crypto expertise and SEC oversight, the collaboration seeks to unlock new investment opportunities, enhance governance, and strengthen Thailand’s investment infrastructure for compliant digital mutual funds.
Thailand Showcases Investment Strength at SelectUSA 2025 Summit in Washington
Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, President of Thailand Trade Representatives, led a high-level delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C., on May 11, underscoring Thailand’s growing role as a major investor and job creator in the U.S. market. Joined by officials from key Thai government agencies and executives from leading corporations such as CPF, Indorama Ventures, and PTTEP, the delegation aims to deepen Thai-U.S. economic ties and promote Thai companies as strategic partners in sectors like energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. With Thailand’s cumulative investment in the U.S. surpassing $17 billion and generating over 15,000 jobs, Dr. Nalinee emphasized the shift toward long-term partnerships and plans for further investment expansion.
Highlighting Thailand’s commitment to a “Win-Win Partnership,” Dr. Nalinee noted that Thai firms increasingly view the U.S. not only as an export destination but also as a global manufacturing base. She affirmed Thailand’s readiness to boost imports from the U.S. in key areas like agriculture, energy, and digital technology to foster a more balanced and sustainable trade relationship. The Thai delegation will engage in high-level meetings with U.S. officials and business leaders throughout the summit, with a focus on future industries including clean energy, biotech, healthcare, and AI — positioning Thailand as a dynamic and forward-looking economic partner.
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s high-level delegation, led by Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, showcased the country’s investment strength at the SelectUSA 2025 Summit, emphasizing its $17 billion cumulative investment in the U.S. and plans for long-term partnerships in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. The delegation aims to deepen Thai-U.S. economic ties through increased imports, strategic collaboration in future industries like clean energy and biotech, and positioning Thailand as a dynamic global manufacturing base.
Mitsubishi to Sell Electric Vehicles from Foxconn in 2026
Mitsubishi Motors Corp. announced on Wednesday that it will begin selling electric vehicles supplied by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (Foxconn) under its own brand, marking the Taiwanese manufacturer’s first collaboration with a Japanese automaker. The partnership, aimed at reducing production costs and expanding Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle lineup, will see the vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand starting in the second half of 2026. This move will also allow Foxconn to leverage Mitsubishi’s established sales networks in Oceania, where environmental regulations are tightening.
The collaboration is part of Mitsubishi’s broader strategy to enhance its competitiveness in the electric vehicle market, particularly in regions like Oceania where regulatory pressures on environmental standards are increasing. Mitsubishi has also planned to source electric vehicles from French automaker Renault SA for the European market, further broadening its global electric vehicle portfolio. With Foxconn’s expertise in electric vehicle and semiconductor technologies, the partnership is expected to strengthen Mitsubishi’s position in the growing global electric vehicle market.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/automobile/40049702
Editor’s Note: Mitsubishi Motors will sell electric vehicles from Foxconn under its own brand starting in 2026 in Australia and New Zealand, leveraging Foxconn’s expertise and Mitsubishi’s established sales networks amid tightening environmental regulations. This collaboration, along with Mitsubishi’s planned EV sourcing from Renault for Europe, aims to boost its global competitiveness in the growing electric vehicle market.
Tech Industry Faces Surge in Layoffs as Major Companies Cut Jobs
The tech industry is experiencing a sharp rise in layoffs, with over 52,000 workers losing their jobs in 2025 so far. Prominent companies like Panasonic, Match Group, Google, CrowdStrike, and Symbotic have all announced significant job cuts in recent days. Panasonic will lay off 10,000 employees, or 4% of its workforce, as part of a strategy to focus on growth areas like artificial intelligence. Match Group, the parent company of Tinder and Hinge, will cut 13% of its workforce, approximately 325 positions, in an effort to accelerate product development. Meanwhile, Google has laid off 200 employees as part of a restructuring process to improve efficiency, and CrowdStrike is reducing its staff by 500 to maintain its leadership in cybersecurity.
These recent layoffs push the total number of tech job cuts in 2025 to 52,340, according to data from Layoffs.fyi, signaling a tough year for the sector. Although the number of layoffs remains lower than in previous years, such as 152,922 in 2024, the ongoing trend reflects the continued volatility within the industry. The wave of job cuts is driven by shifting company priorities, cost pressures, and the need to adapt to evolving technologies, underscoring the challenges faced by tech companies as they navigate a rapidly changing landscape.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/tech/40049834
Editor’s Note: The tech industry has seen over 52,000 layoffs in 2025, with major companies like Panasonic, Match Group, Google, and CrowdStrike cutting jobs due to shifting priorities, cost pressures, and a focus on AI and efficiency. While layoffs remain lower than in 2024, the trend highlights ongoing volatility as companies adapt to evolving technologies and market conditions.