Vietnam Highlighted as Emerging Tech Hub as GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 Opens in Berlin
GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 opened its doors today in Berlin, marking a historic moment for Europe’s digital future and global tech collaboration. With over 1,400 tech companies, 600 investors, and participants from more than 100 countries, the event has become the region’s largest tech, startup, and digital investment platform. At the core of this momentum is a Europe-wide “Choose Europe” movement, paired with Germany’s push for digital transformation through its new digital ministry. Global tech giants like NVIDIA, IBM, and AWS joined forces with pioneering startups to showcase breakthroughs in AI, green tech, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Among the event’s keynote highlights was Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, who spoke on harnessing AI to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.
Vietnam’s growing presence in the global tech arena was spotlighted as one of the countries within the expanding GITEX global network, which now spans Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. As GITEX strengthens its international footprint, Vietnam emerges as a strategic partner in the digital economy, poised to host future editions of the event and amplify Southeast Asia’s role in tech innovation. With Vietnam’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, young tech-savvy population, and increasing investments in AI and digital infrastructure, its inclusion in the GITEX network underlines its importance as a rising innovation hub connecting Asia with the rest of the world.
Editor’s Note: Vietnam was highlighted as a rising tech hub within the expanding GITEX global network, reinforcing its role in digital transformation and innovation in Southeast Asia. With a fast-growing startup ecosystem and increasing AI investments, Vietnam is positioned to host future GITEX editions and strengthen its global tech influence.
Vietnam Urges Samsung to Expand Investment in High-Tech Sectors, Pledges Policy Support
Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc Thang congratulated Na Ki Hong on his recent promotion and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to supporting Samsung’s long-term investment and expansion in the country. As the largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam, Samsung has significantly contributed to the nation’s socioeconomic development, creating over 90,000 jobs and generating $54.4 billion in export turnover in 2024 — accounting for 14% of the country’s total exports. Minister Thang emphasized the importance of corporate contributions to achieving high economic growth, urging Samsung to continue expanding its production footprint, particularly in high-tech and semiconductor industries, and to increase the localisation rate while building new R&D centres.
Na Ki Hong confirmed Samsung’s investment in Vietnam has reached $23.2 billion and announced a newly approved $1.8 billion OLED display factory project in Bac Ninh. He requested continued support, including additional corporate income tax incentives for factories in Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as a VAT refund for Samsung Electronics HCMC. Minister Thang assured that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) is committed to facilitating administrative procedures and has already communicated with relevant provinces and the National Assembly. He reiterated Vietnam’s non-discriminatory policy for domestic and foreign investors and highlighted the annual conferences organized with the South Korean embassy to address tax and customs issues faced by Korean businesses.
Editor’s Note: Vietnam’s Finance Minister reaffirmed support for Samsung’s expansion, highlighting its $54.4 billion export contribution and urging further investment in high-tech and semiconductor industries. Samsung announced a new $1.8 billion OLED factory in Bac Ninh and requested tax incentives, with Vietnam pledging policy support and streamlined administrative procedures.
Ho Chi Minh City Emerges as Vietnam’s Data Centre Powerhouse with Major Hyperscale Projects
Ho Chi Minh City is solidifying its status as Vietnam’s emerging data centre hub with two major hyperscale projects underway. On April 23, Viettel Group broke ground on a landmark High-Tech Data Centre and R&D facility in Cu Chi district’s Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park. Set to be operational by 2026, the nearly four-hectare facility will be one of Southeast Asia’s top 10 largest data centres, boasting a capacity of 140MW and housing around 10,000 racks. Designed to Uptime Institute Tier III standards, the centre will support high-performance computing and AI applications with rack densities of up to 60kW. City officials hail the project as a crucial driver for smart city development, e-government transformation, and the growth of Vietnam’s digital economy.
In a parallel move, CMC Technology Corporation has been selected to develop another hyperscale DC at Saigon Hi-Tech Park in Thu Duc, with a $250 million investment and a projected capacity of 30MW. Slated to begin construction in 2026, the eight-story facility will host 3,000 racks and has attracted interest from global players including the Coteccons–Eaton consortium, Evolution Data Centres, and Hyosung. These developments come amid regulatory reforms, notably the revised Telecommunications Law effective from January 2025, which classifies data centre and cloud services as official telecom services and permits full foreign ownership—paving the way for increased international investment in Vietnam’s digital infrastructure.
https://vir.com.vn/city-poised-for-data-centre-investments-128666.html
Editor’s Note: Ho Chi Minh City is emerging as Vietnam’s data centre powerhouse with Viettel Group and CMC Technology Corporation developing major hyperscale facilities, including a 140MW centre in Cu Chi and a $250 million project in Saigon Hi-Tech Park. Regulatory reforms, including Vietnam’s revised Telecommunications Law, now allow full foreign ownership, attracting global investments to accelerate the country’s digital infrastructure growth.
Viettel and KT Partner to Drive AI Transformation and Talent Development in Vietnam
Vietnam’s Viettel Group and South Korea’s KT Corporation have formed a strategic alliance to advance AI-driven digital transformation, aiming to boost Vietnam’s technological edge in the region. The two tech giants will collaborate on developing AI ecosystems, digital platforms, and data infrastructure to embed AI across business operations—from decision-making to organizational design. Central to their efforts is the construction of a dedicated AI data center and GPU server clusters, alongside the establishment of a global development center in Hanoi focused on cultivating high-quality AI and IT talent.
The partnership also includes initiatives to expand training programs for Vietnam’s next generation of AI professionals. Leveraging Viettel’s robust digital infrastructure and KT’s AI expertise, the alliance will develop solutions tailored to Vietnam’s digital landscape with plans to scale globally. Viettel chairman Tao Duc Thang emphasized the synergy between KT’s cutting-edge technology and Viettel’s local insight, while KT CEO Kim Young Shub expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to position both Vietnam and South Korea as global AI leaders.
Editor’s Note: Viettel Group and KT Corporation have partnered to drive AI transformation in Vietnam, collaborating on AI ecosystems, data infrastructure, and talent development, including a dedicated AI data center and global development hub in Hanoi. With Viettel’s strong digital infrastructure and KT’s AI expertise, the alliance aims to accelerate Vietnam’s AI-driven digital growth and position it as a global tech leader.
Thailand Launches Major Push to Boost Game Industry Talent and Exports
Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry, in partnership with the National Soft Power Development Committee and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), has launched the OFOSGAME initiative to enhance game development skills and elevate the nation’s digital content industry on the global stage. Under the One Family One Soft Power Skill (OFOS) policy, the program aims to increase the sector’s economic value from 40 billion to 100 billion baht. The effort is part of the Thai Digital Content Go Global project, focused on fostering a robust ecosystem for game development through practical, industry-aligned training and partnerships with top academic and industry institutions.
With Thailand’s digital games sector valued at 34 billion baht but facing heavy reliance on imports—97% of games are foreign-made—the OFOSGAME program targets skill-building in areas such as storytelling, game design, and Unreal Engine development. It aims to train 50,000 individuals, support 20 game development teams, and guide 1,500 professionals toward careers in gaming. The initiative includes collaborations with Suranaree University of Technology, Sripatum University, the Thai Game Software Industry Association, and others to deliver both online and hands-on courses. Depa’s broader efforts also include school-level infrastructure, student education, accelerators, and content integration in business.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3035065/digital-skills-push-to-grow-game-sector
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry, alongside key partners, has launched the OFOSGAME initiative to enhance game development skills and expand the country’s digital content industry, aiming to grow its economic value from 40 billion to 100 billion baht. With 97% of games currently imported, the program focuses on training 50,000 individuals, supporting 20 game development teams, and preparing 1,500 professionals for gaming careers. Collaborations with universities, industry associations, and depa’s broader initiatives seek to strengthen Thailand’s gaming ecosystem and accelerate global expansion.
Thailand Braces for Rising AI-Driven Cyber Threats, as Global ATO Risks Escalate
Thailand’s cybersecurity landscape faces mounting pressure as artificial intelligence (AI) agents emerge as a serious global threat, capable of halving the time required to exploit exposed online accounts by 2027, according to Gartner Inc. The warning comes amid concerns over rising account takeover (ATO) attacks, which remain a major vulnerability due to the widespread use of weak authentication credentials. Gartner analyst Jeremy D’Hoinne notes that cybercriminals are increasingly automating login attempts using bots, often targeting reused passwords—an issue particularly relevant in Thailand, where digital transformation and growing online adoption have expanded the attack surface.
The evolution of AI agents is expected to bring advanced capabilities, including the use of deepfake audio for social engineering and fully automated exploitation of user credentials. In anticipation, cybersecurity firms in Thailand and globally are preparing new tools to monitor and counter AI-driven threats across websites, apps, APIs, and voice channels. As Thailand continues to strengthen its digital economy under national strategies, experts stress the need for upgraded authentication systems, proactive threat detection, and AI-resilient security frameworks to protect both public and private digital infrastructures.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3032486/ai-agents-a-double-edged-sword
Editor’s Note: Thailand faces rising AI-driven cyber threats, with account takeover (ATO) attacks accelerating as cybercriminals automate login attempts using bots and deepfake social engineering. In response, cybersecurity firms are developing advanced tools to counter these risks, while experts call for stronger authentication systems and AI-resilient security frameworks to safeguard Thailand’s expanding digital infrastructure.
Global Telecom AIoT Summit 2025 Catalyzes Thailand’s Role in Smart Technology Revolution
The Global Telecom AIoT Summit 2025, held in Bangkok on May 23 and co-hosted by T3 Technology, Tuya Smart, Skyworth, and the Telecommunications Association of Thailand, showcased Thailand’s central role in the AIoT revolution. Under the theme “New Era of Intelligence for All Industries,” the summit brought together key government figures and industry leaders to accelerate intelligent transformation and expand the global AIoT ecosystem. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong emphasized the country’s digital ambitions, while industry experts highlighted collaborative efforts to drive AI integration across telecom, smart home, and industrial sectors.
With over 20 high-level executives presenting, the summit highlighted how AI and IoT technologies are transforming digital economies, particularly in Southeast Asia. Key partners, including True Digital Group, Google Cloud, and National Telecom Plc, unveiled initiatives to enhance AI-driven services, from cybersecurity and network optimisation to smart living and generative AI applications. The event concluded with a joint commitment to deepen regional cooperation, establish sustainable AI ecosystems, and position Thailand as a hub for future digital innovation and industrial growth.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3034380/tech-leaders-gather-in-bangkok-for-aiot-summit
Editor’s Note: The Global Telecom AIoT Summit 2025 in Bangkok brought together government leaders and industry experts to drive AIoT transformation across telecom, smart home, and industrial sectors, reinforcing Thailand’s role in digital innovation. Major players, including True Digital Group and Google Cloud, unveiled AI-driven initiatives, with the event concluding in a commitment to expand regional cooperation and establish sustainable AI ecosystems.
Thailand Positioned to Become Regional Data Hub with Focus on Internet Resilience and Inclusion
Thailand is emerging as a strong contender for becoming a regional data centre hub, driven by its solid internet infrastructure and government initiatives to boost resilience. With 37 operational data centres, 12 internet exchange points (IXPs), and one of Southeast Asia’s highest rural internet penetration rates at 85%, the country is making strides in digital connectivity. However, the Internet Society notes that only 12% of Thai networks connect to IXPs—an area needing improvement to enhance internet speed, lower costs, and reduce vulnerability to outages. Expanding data centres beyond Bangkok and improving mobile broadband, which still trails behind fixed-line performance, are also crucial steps forward.
Sally Wentworth, CEO of the Internet Society, praised Thailand’s lack of internet shutdowns and diverse ISP options, while stressing the importance of creating more local content and encouraging .th domain registrations. Partnerships with groups like THNIC and BKNIX continue to support Thailand’s digital development, including the expansion of IXPs in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. As new technologies such as Low Earth orbit satellites and advanced protocols improve connectivity and security, Ms Wentworth highlighted the importance of inclusive growth to ensure disconnected communities are not left behind in the AI-driven future.
Editor’s Note: Thailand is emerging as a regional data centre hub with strong internet infrastructure, 37 operational data centres, and high rural internet penetration, though improvements in internet exchange point (IXP) connectivity are needed. Internet Society CEO Sally Wentworth praised Thailand’s ISP diversity while emphasizing the importance of local content creation and domain registrations. Ongoing partnerships and advancements in satellite technology aim to enhance connectivity and ensure inclusive digital growth across the country.
Thailand Launches OTOD Smart Living Project to Digitally Empower Rural Communities
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry has rolled out the One Tambon, One Digital Smart Living (OTOD Smart Living) initiative across Thailand to boost digital adoption among rural communities and farmers. Spearheaded by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the project aims to benefit over 2,700 people from 900 households, generating at least 170 million baht in annual economic value. The programme promotes the use of digital tools such as smart solar-powered lighting, agricultural drones, IoT solutions, and carbon credit platforms to enhance productivity, lower costs, and improve quality of life, especially in underserved agricultural areas.
Deputy permanent secretary Piyanuch Wuttisorn highlighted that applications are open until May 30, with training to begin in June. The initiative, which builds on DEPA’s 2023 efforts, includes two tiers of support: “smart living” for 40 communities in smart city promotion zones, and “smart living plus” for five communities in officially designated smart cities. Both will receive advanced digital technologies to address challenges like high production costs and climate-related disruptions. DEPA president Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin called the project a milestone in extending Smart City benefits to rural Thailand and strengthening the country’s digital economy.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3030620/otod-smart-living-project-set-in-motion
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry launched the OTOD Smart Living initiative to boost digital adoption in rural communities, benefiting 2,700 people and promoting technologies like solar-powered lighting, agricultural drones, and IoT solutions. With training set to begin in June, the program will support 40 communities in smart city zones and five designated smart cities, advancing Thailand’s rural digital transformation and economic growth.
Thailand Sees Dip in New Business Registrations Amid Global Uncertainty
Thailand’s Department of Business Development reported a 3.14% decline in new business registrations in April 2025, totalling 6,325 businesses, as investors delay ventures due to global economic uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, shifting trade policies, and U.S. tariffs. Despite the dip in numbers, registered capital surged by 17.86% to THB32.14 billion, with two companies—Gulf Development Public Company Limited and Idemitsu Apollo (Thailand) Co., Ltd.—accounting for THB16.52 billion of that total. The most active sectors for new registrations were general building construction, real estate, and restaurants and catering.
From January to April 2025, new business registrations declined by 4.39% to 30,148, though total registered capital rose 17.70% to THB112.06 billion. During this period, seven companies registered with capital exceeding THB1 billion, totalling THB37.5 billion. Meanwhile, business closures in April increased slightly by 0.49% to 814, but their registered capital fell by nearly 19% to THB4.13 billion. The top three sectors for closures mirrored the registration trends—construction, real estate, and food services—highlighting the ongoing economic pressure faced by core industries.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/economy/40050541
Editor’s Note: Thailand saw a 3.14% decline in new business registrations in April 2025 due to global economic uncertainty, while registered capital surged 17.86% to THB32.14 billion, with construction, real estate, and food services as the most active sectors. Business closures rose 0.49%, mirroring industry trends, as economic pressures continued to impact core sectors despite increased capital investment.
ASEAN and GCC Endorse Economic Cooperation to Boost Regional Stability and Growth
At their second summit in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) approved a Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation aimed at strengthening ties in trade, investment, and sustainable development. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking at the summit, underscored the urgency of regional collaboration amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. She proposed a “3Ps” approach—Prosperity, People, and Planet—emphasising economic diversification, deeper business engagement in sectors such as halal industries and clean energy, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges in tourism and healthcare. She also called for progress on a potential free trade agreement between ASEAN and the GCC.
On environmental cooperation, the Prime Minister advocated for joint action on climate change and green economy transitions, proposing collaboration between the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development in Bangkok and GCC agencies on initiatives like green finance. Addressing global concerns, she urged ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and reaffirmed Thailand’s support for a two-state solution. Paetongtarn concluded by stressing the need for ASEAN-GCC cooperation to move beyond declarations toward practical, sustained implementation for mutual prosperity and security.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40050521
Editor’s Note: At the ASEAN-GCC Summit in Kuala Lumpur, leaders approved a Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation, with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasizing the need for trade expansion, investment in clean energy, and deeper regional collaboration amid global uncertainties. She also called for joint action on climate change, progress on a free trade agreement, and practical steps toward lasting ASEAN-GCC cooperation, including ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and support for a two-state solution.
Thailand Charts Four-Pronged Strategy to Boost Software and Digital Services Growth
Thailand’s software and digital service industries posted nearly 10% growth in 2023, reaching a market value of 567 billion baht, yet their contribution to GDP remains relatively low, according to a new analysis by the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO). Key growth sectors identified include Software and Software Services, Digital Services, and Digital Content, with Software and Software Services leading in both revenue and growth at 12.8% year-on-year. Despite this momentum, challenges such as limited intellectual property (IP) ownership and restricted funding access continue to constrain smaller digital businesses.
In response, the TPSO has proposed a strategic four-pronged policy plan to unlock the sector’s full potential. The strategy includes strengthening digital infrastructure through projects like Digital Park Thailand, improving funding mechanisms for digital entrepreneurs, enhancing IP protections to support Thai innovation, and promoting Thailand as a regional digital investment hub. These measures aim to expand the sector’s economic footprint and establish digital services as a new engine for national growth.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40050401
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s software and digital services sector grew nearly 10% in 2023 to 567 billion baht, but its GDP contribution remains relatively low, with challenges like limited IP ownership and funding access affecting smaller businesses. In response, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) has proposed a four-pronged strategy focusing on digital infrastructure, funding support, IP protection, and positioning Thailand as a regional digital investment hub. These initiatives aim to accelerate growth and solidify digital services as a key driver of the national economy.