Australia and Vietnam Launch Strategic Technology Centre to Boost Digital Innovation
Australia and Vietnam have officially launched the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technology Centre, a groundbreaking initiative to drive innovation, digital transformation, and research collaboration between the two nations. Inaugurated by Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy, the launch event saw over 300 attendees from government, academia, and industry. Established through a partnership between the University of Technology Sydney and Vietnam’s Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, the centre will focus on strategic technologies such as 5G/6G, AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided AUD2.1 million in initial funding, with global telecommunications leader Nokia supplying technical equipment.
Highlighting the deepening ties under the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the centre also announced eight seed funding projects worth over AUD400,000 to support joint research, as well as nearly 100 scholarships to inspire young Vietnamese professionals in technology. In collaboration with the Vietnam Women Entrepreneurs Council, the centre also honoured 19 outstanding female scientists and engineers with Women in Technology and Innovation Awards. Officials from both countries emphasized the centre’s role in translating policy into real-world progress, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening Vietnam’s position as a scientific leader in Southeast Asia.
Editor’s Note: Australia and Vietnam have launched the Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technology Centre, a collaborative initiative focusing on 5G/6G, AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity, with AUD2.1 million in funding and support from Nokia. The centre aims to drive innovation, strengthen Vietnam’s scientific leadership, and promote sustainable development through joint research projects, scholarships, and recognition of female scientists.
Vietnam Charts Digital Future in Healthcare with AI, Innovation and Global Partnerships
Facing a rapidly ageing population and rising burden of non-communicable diseases, Vietnam is prioritising the transformation of its healthcare system to become modern, efficient, and equitable. At the HIF 2025 forum, leaders including Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long and industry experts outlined a path driven by digital transformation, public-private partnerships, and AI-powered innovation. Darrell Oh, chairman of Pharma Group, reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to Vietnam’s 2045 vision, calling for collective action to turn policy into progress. FPT Corporation’s chairman Truong Gia Binh highlighted Vietnam’s tech talent pool and urged regulatory reforms to enable faster access to new medicines and position the country as a hub for AI-driven drug development.
The forum aligned with national strategies, particularly Resolution 57-NQ/TW, emphasizing science, innovation, and digital transformation. Experts highlighted the economic and medical potential of AI in clinical trials and drug discovery, forecasting cost reductions of up to 70% and faster development cycles. Hoang Viet Anh of FPT Digital projected AI could generate $60–$110 billion annually for the global pharmaceutical value chain. Drawing parallels with Singapore’s $11 billion investment in biomedical R&D, Hwee Ching Ang of EDDC noted that a strong regulatory framework and talent development are key to regional leadership. Vietnam now aims to replicate this model, building a digitally connected and innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem to meet the demands of its future.
https://vir.com.vn/hif-2025-charts-path-for-ai-and-digital-transformation-in-healthcare-130048.html
Editor’s Note: Vietnam is transforming its healthcare system through AI, digital innovation, and public-private partnerships, addressing challenges like an ageing population and rising non-communicable diseases. At the HIF 2025 forum, leaders emphasized regulatory reforms, AI-driven drug development, and Vietnam’s potential as a regional hub for medical innovation. Experts highlighted AI’s ability to reduce clinical trial costs by 70%, generate $60–$110 billion annually, and accelerate Vietnam’s healthcare transformation, inspired by Singapore’s biomedical R&D success.
Vietnam Emerges as Regional Tech Powerhouse, Eyes Digital Economy Leadership by 2045
Bringing together over 2,500 delegates from 16 Asia-Pacific economies, Vietnam’s latest digital summit showcased the nation’s ambition to become a leading digital services hub and achieve a digital economy contributing 50% to GDP by 2045. VINASA chairman Nguyen Van Khoa emphasised the central role of technology in national development and highlighted the rise of Vietnam’s 54,500-strong digital tech enterprises, generating billions in global markets. With 1.2 million IT workers, Vietnam aims to double its digital workforce to meet future demand, while tech giants like FPT, VNPT, and Viettel continue investing in core technologies to solve national challenges.
Regional leaders, including Stan Singh of the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organisation, hailed Vietnam as a dynamic partner in the Asia-Pacific’s digital transformation, projected to exceed $1 trillion in spending by 2025. Emphasising collaboration, digital talent development, and cross-border innovation, speakers outlined strategic steps to position Vietnam at the forefront of the global digital economy. Business leaders like Nguyen Xuan Hoang of MISA called for interoperable, modular software systems to support scalable growth, while the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged targeted government policies to empower small businesses through co-funded training and transparent, market-aligned support.
https://vir.com.vn/potential-in-reach-for-digital-tech-groups-129975.html
Editor’s Note: Vietnam is positioning itself as a regional tech powerhouse, aiming for a digital economy contributing 50% to GDP by 2045, with over 54,500 digital enterprises and plans to double its IT workforce. At its latest digital summit, leaders emphasized cross-border innovation, talent development, and strategic investments to strengthen Vietnam’s role in Asia-Pacific’s $1 trillion digital transformation.
Qualcomm Expands Investment in Vietnam with New Facility to Boost AI and Innovation
At the inauguration ceremony in Hanoi on Tuesday, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh welcomed Qualcomm’s expanded presence as a strong vote of confidence in Vietnam’s IT workforce and a symbol of the strengthening U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The new facility will focus on advancing innovation from fundamental research to platform development, while also fostering local talent and academic collaborations. Dr. An Mei Chen, Qualcomm’s vice-president of engineering, noted that the centre will directly support the company’s global product roadmap and contribute to Vietnam’s rapidly growing AI industry.
Aligned with Vietnam’s national strategies on AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation, Qualcomm’s investment aims to accelerate ecosystem development, technology transfer, and workforce upskilling. The initiative will empower Vietnamese researchers to craft solutions for both domestic and global challenges, bolstering the country’s ambitions to become a regional innovation hub. Having operated in Vietnam since 2003 and opened its first Southeast Asian R&D centre in Hanoi in 2020, Qualcomm continues to play a key role in advancing Vietnam’s capabilities in 5G, chipsets, and next-generation technologies.
https://news.tuoitre.vn/us-tech-giant-qualcomm-opens-ai-rd-center-in-hanoi-103250610172808978.htm
Editor’s Note: Qualcomm has expanded its investment in Vietnam with a new AI research facility in Hanoi, strengthening U.S.-Vietnam ties and supporting the country’s digital transformation goals. The centre will focus on innovation, workforce upskilling, and technology transfer, advancing Vietnam’s AI, semiconductor, and 5G capabilities while fostering local talent and global collaborations.
Thailand May Reclaim Over 2 Billion Baht from Neta EV Maker Over Unmet Subsidy Conditions
Electric vehicle (EV) importers under Thailand’s subsidy programme risk hefty repayments if they fail to meet set conditions, Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul warned on Wednesday. Neta Auto Thailand, a local EV producer under China’s Hozon Auto, may be required to return over 2 billion baht in subsidies if it does not fulfil its commitment to build a manufacturing plant in Thailand. “This issue needs to be considered by a new team of executives because it is a recent development and the amount of money is very high,” a company spokesperson told the Bangkok Post.
The Thai government’s EV subsidy scheme mandates that participating companies eventually replace imports with local production. Hozon Auto is currently undergoing a management restructuring and exploring financial remedies such as debt-to-equity conversion and capital raising to address its financial difficulties. Mr Paopoom reaffirmed that failure to meet manufacturing obligations tied to the subsidies would result in a full reimbursement to the government.
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister warned that EV importers must meet subsidy conditions or face repayments, with Neta Auto Thailand potentially returning over 2 billion baht for failing to establish a local manufacturing plant. Hozon Auto, Neta’s parent company, is undergoing financial restructuring, exploring debt-to-equity conversion and capital raising to address challenges. The Thai government insists that companies must replace imports with local production, or reimburse subsidies in full.
Thailand Backs AI Law Principles to Promote Safe and Inclusive Innovation
The Thai government is throwing its support behind the current draft principles of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) law, aiming to ensure all AI developers and service providers operate under a unified regulatory framework, said Wisit Wisitsora-at, permanent secretary of the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry. He emphasized that the draft is designed not to stifle investment but to enhance trust in AI technologies while encouraging Thai participation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The proposed principles will focus on setting safety standards for AI systems, managing data used in AI development, and categorizing AI risks related to personal data. Mr. Wisit stated that the goal is to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring strong data protection, with the law serving as a tool to empower rather than hinder Thailand’s role in global AI advancement.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3048626/new-ai-law-wins-government-support
Editor’s Note: Thailand is supporting draft AI law principles to create a unified regulatory framework that ensures safe and inclusive innovation while fostering investment. The proposed law will set safety standards, manage AI-related data, and categorize risks to enhance trust in AI technologies. Officials emphasize that the law aims to balance innovation with strong data protection, empowering Thailand’s role in global AI development.
Thailand to Launch AI-Powered Central Data System to Combat Online Scams by 2026art Technology Revolution
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) will establish a centralized data management system for the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC), aiming to strengthen Thailand’s efforts in tackling digital fraud. DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced that the AI-driven system, with a budget of 200 million baht, is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. He credited the AOC for significantly improving the nation’s fraud prevention ecosystem, especially following the revised emergency decree requiring banks and telecom providers to share liability for losses caused by tech crime.
In parallel, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) hosted the Global ISO Conference 2025 to advance Thailand’s digital infrastructure and promote international software standards. The event highlighted depa’s Thailand Digital Catalog initiative, designed to certify local digital products and services, and its efforts in helping over 520 Thai entrepreneurs obtain ISO/IEC 29110 certification. Additionally, depa is spearheading a Digital Skill Roadmap to upskill and reskill Thais for the evolving tech landscape, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a secure and sustainable digital future.
Editor’s Note: Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) is launching a 200 million baht AI-powered central data system for the Anti Online Scam Operation Center (AOC) by 2026 to combat digital fraud. The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is advancing Thailand’s digital infrastructure through initiatives like the Thailand Digital Catalog and ISO certification for local entrepreneurs. Additionally, depa is driving a Digital Skill Roadmap to upskill Thais, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a secure and sustainable digital future.
B.Grimm Power and Digital Edge to Invest Billions in Thailand’s Largest AI-Ready Data Centre
B.Grimm Power Plc and Digital Edge DC have announced a joint investment of several billion baht to build a 100-megawatt data centre in Thailand’s Chon Buri province, targeting surging demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services across Southeast Asia. Slated to begin commercial operations by the fourth quarter of 2026, the project highlights Thailand’s growing appeal as a digital infrastructure hub. The announcement was made at a joint press briefing by B.Grimm Group President Harald Link and Digital Edge CEO John Freeman, who praised the country’s strategic location and clean energy focus.
B.Grimm Power is also exploring an additional investment of at least 1.6 billion baht in future data centre projects with 200MW total capacity, as revealed by Usa Nuetap, head of data centre development. With commitments from global tech giants like Amazon, Alphabet, ByteDance, and Alibaba, and tax incentives from the Thai government, the country is positioning itself as a key player in AI infrastructure. Freeman added that Thailand offers one of Asia’s most compelling markets for digital growth, driven by rising AI and machine learning needs and a strong push for renewable energy adoption.
Editor’s Note: B.Grimm Power and Digital Edge are investing several billion baht to build a 100-megawatt AI-ready data centre in Thailand’s Chon Buri province, set to begin operations by late 2026, reinforcing Thailand’s role as a digital infrastructure hub. With additional investments of 1.6 billion baht, support from global tech giants, and government incentives, Thailand is emerging as a key player in AI and cloud computing.
Thailand Backs Green Tech Startups for Global Expansion Amid Sustainability Boom
Thailand is ramping up support for climate and green technology startups to ride the global sustainability wave, with the National Innovation Agency (NIA) accelerating efforts through initiatives like the Unicorn Factory Thailand project. Executive Director Krithpaka Boonfueng highlighted the country’s ambition to nurture homegrown unicorns in green and food tech sectors, backed by workshops, funding, and international exposure. The global green tech market is projected to triple to US$73.9 billion by 2030, driven by AI-based carbon tracking and blockchain reporting, offering Thai startups a major opportunity to scale.
Four startups — AltoTech.AI, Ion Energy, Vekin (Thailand), and MUI Robotics — showcased their innovations at Web Summit Qatar 2025, reflecting Thailand’s push into AI-driven sustainability. Vekin’s AI carbon auditor, which won the Geneva Invention Award 2023, automates emissions reporting, while MUI Robotics’ sensory AI monitors environmental quality in real-time. NIA support has also helped these firms access global markets. Officials say continued government backing will be critical to sustaining momentum and positioning Thailand as a key player in the global green tech ecosystem.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3045191/green-tech-startups-touted-on-world-stage
Editor’s Note: Thailand is accelerating support for green tech startups through initiatives like Unicorn Factory Thailand, aiming to nurture homegrown unicorns in sustainability-focused sectors. At Web Summit Qatar 2025, four Thai startups—AltoTech.AI, Ion Energy, Vekin (Thailand), and MUI Robotics—showcased AI-driven innovations, including carbon auditing and environmental monitoring. With the global green tech market projected to reach $73.9 billion by 2030, continued government backing will be crucial in positioning Thailand as a leader in sustainable technology.
Thailand Accelerates Data Center Growth with Clean Energy Push and Global Investments
Thailand is fast-tracking its vision to become a regional digital hub, as Siemens and Krungthep Turakij hosted the “Siemens Data Center Conference 2025” to spotlight future infrastructure needs. Officials from the Ministry of Energy unveiled an updated Power Development Plan (PDP), targeting 50% renewable energy by 2037, a 30–40% cut in carbon emissions, and 2,000 MW in demand-response initiatives. Amid soaring energy demands from data centers — projected to more than double globally by 2030 — the plan emphasizes smart grids, green electricity rates, and clean energy procurement. Industry leaders like Siemens and B.Grimm highlighted the urgent need for efficient cooling systems and stronger clean power integration, especially as data centers grow in scale and complexity.
Thailand’s data center boom is being fueled by surging foreign investment, with over 240 billion baht committed in 2024 alone from tech giants like AWS, Google, and Microsoft. The momentum continues in 2025, with TikTok and Chinese firms injecting over 120 billion baht in Q1. Krungsri Research projects the sector will grow 7.5%–8.5% annually through 2027, driven by rising e-payments, widespread cloud adoption, and AI integration. The government’s upcoming “Cloud First Policy” and pilot Direct PPA projects aim to support this growth, but stakeholders caution that broader policy reforms and infrastructure upgrades are essential to maintain competitiveness and meet clean energy demands.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40050878
Editor’s Note: Thailand is accelerating its data center growth with a clean energy push, targeting 50% renewable energy by 2037 and securing over 240 billion baht in foreign investment from tech giants like AWS, Google, and Microsoft. With AI integration, cloud adoption, and e-payments driving 7.5%–8.5% annual growth, the government’s Cloud First Policy and Direct PPA projects aim to strengthen Thailand’s position as a regional digital hub.
Thailand Sees Surge in AI Adoption as Push for Ethical Governance Gains Momentum
Thai organisations are rapidly embracing artificial intelligence (AI), with a growing number implementing or planning to adopt the technology, according to a survey by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA). The proportion of organisations actively using AI rose from 15.2% in 2023 to 17.8% in 2024, while those planning to implement AI jumped from 56.6% to 73.3%. Meanwhile, the share of organisations with no intention of using AI dropped sharply to just 8.9%. Rojana Lamlert, head of the AI Governance Centre (AIGC), said the shift reflects increasing awareness of AI’s transformative potential, with readiness expanding across data infrastructure, workforce skills, strategic planning, and governance.
Amid this momentum, the Thai government is working to ensure AI adoption aligns with ethical, legal, and human-centred principles. The AIGC is helping organisations navigate responsible AI practices, focusing on fairness, data protection, bias reduction, and system transparency. A national AI governance framework is being developed to guide developers and businesses in deploying AI safely and inclusively. ETDA is also spearheading efforts to draft AI legislation, currently under public consultation, as the private sector calls for faster development of a specialised digital workforce to support Thailand’s digital transformation.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40050634
Editor’s Note: Thailand is experiencing a surge in AI adoption, with organisations actively using AI rising to 17.8% in 2024, while those planning implementation jumped to 73.3%, reflecting growing awareness of AI’s transformative potential. To ensure ethical and responsible AI deployment, the government is developing a national AI governance framework, drafting AI legislation, and promoting fairness, data protection, and transparency in AI systems.
AIS and True Set to Face Off in High-Stakes Mobile Spectrum Auction
Thailand’s telecom giants, Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd. (AIS) and True Move H Universal Communication Co., Ltd., prepared to compete in a major mobile spectrum auction held on June 29, 2025. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) officially opened applications for licenses across four key frequency bands: 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz. Deputy Secretary-General Sutthisak Tantayothin announced that both companies had submitted their bids at the NBTC headquarters. The auction included premium low-band and mid-band frequencies, with starting bids ranging from 1.057 billion baht to 7.738 billion baht per lot.
The NBTC assessed bidder qualifications between May 30 and June 5, with official results reviewed by the NBTC Board and announced by mid-June. Bidders were allowed to file appeals from June 16 to 18, and the final list of qualified participants was confirmed on June 19. A mock auction was held on June 23 to familiarise participants with the bidding process ahead of the official auction day. The spectrum auction was a critical move in expanding 5G infrastructure and enhancing mobile network capabilities across Thailand, marking another pivotal step in the country’s digital transformation.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40050631
Editor’s Note: AIS and True are competing in Thailand’s high-stakes mobile spectrum auction on June 29, 2025, with bids submitted for 850 MHz, 1500 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2300 MHz frequency bands. The auction, a key step in expanding 5G infrastructure, follows a rigorous qualification process, appeals, and a mock auction on June 23 to prepare participants.