Weekly News Updates: May. 15 – May. 28

【ASEAN 最新科技趨勢 / 越南︰GITEX亮相、TOP500 AI工廠與首部獨立數位科技產業法;泰國︰全國AI法案與測試中心、AIS超大規模雲平台與54億美元AI投資、綠能驅動資料中心擴張】

Vietnam Highlighted as Emerging Tech Hub as GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 Opens in Berlin
GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2025 在柏林開幕,越南成為新興科技中心

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.

https://vir.com.vn/europes-largest-inaugural-tech-and-startup-event-opens-in-berlin-as-the-continent-spurs-momentum-for-open-innovation-and-ai-leadership-128858.html

小編點評】:越南作為不斷擴張的GITEX全球網絡中新興的科技中心,備受矚目,進一步鞏固了其在東南亞數位轉型和創新領域的地位。憑藉快速發展的新創企業生態系統和不斷增長的人工智慧投資,越南有望主辦未來的GITEX,並增強其全球科技影響力。

Vietnam Urges Samsung to Expand Investment in High-Tech Sectors, Pledges Policy Support
越南敦促三星在高科技領域擴大投資,並承諾提供政策支持。

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.

https://vir.com.vn/mof-helps-samsung-to-accelerate-administrative-procedures-and-investment-expansion-128758.html

【小編點評】越南財政部長重申支持三星擴大投資,指出三星出口額達544億美元,並敦促其在高科技及半導體產業進一步加大投入。三星宣布將在北寧省新建一座18億美元的OLED工廠,並提出稅收優惠請求;越南方面則承諾給予政策支持,並簡化行政程序。

Ho Chi Minh City Emerges as Vietnam’s Data Centre Powerhouse with Major Hyperscale Projects
胡志明市崛起為越南資料中心重鎮,推動重大超大規模專案。

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

【小編點評】胡志明市正崛起為越南資料中心重鎮,Viettel 集團與 CMC 科技公司正開發多個重大超大規模設施,包括古芝的 140MW 資料中心及西貢高科技園區的 2.5 億美元專案。監管改革——包括越南修訂後的《電信法》——現允許外資全資持有,吸引全球投資,加速該國數位基礎設施的成長。

Viettel and KT Partner to Drive AI Transformation and Talent Development in Vietnam
Viettel 與 KT 攜手推動越南 AI 轉型與人才培育。

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.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/top-tech-firms-from-vietnam-skorea-partner-for-ai-transformation-103250528125745897.htm

【小編點評】Viettel 集團與 KT 公司攜手,推動越南的 AI 轉型,雙方合作打造 AI 生態系統、數據基礎設施及人才培育,並在河內設立專屬的 AI 數據中心與全球開發樞紐。憑藉 Viettel 強大的數位基礎設施與 KT 的 AI 專業技術,該聯盟旨在加速越南的 AI 驅動數位成長,並將其定位為全球科技領導者。

Thailand Launches Major Push to Boost Game Industry Talent and Exports
泰國宣布重大政策以提升遊戲產業人才與出口。
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

【小編點評】泰國數位經濟與社會部與主要夥伴推出 OFOSGAME 計畫,提升遊戲開發技能並擴大該國數位內容產業,目標將其經濟價值從 400 億增長至 1,000 億泰銖。目前97% 的遊戲依賴進口,此計畫著眼於培訓 5 萬人、支援 20 支遊戲開發團隊,並為 1,500 名專業人士做好遊戲職涯準備。透過與大學、產業協會合作,並結合 depa 的更廣泛倡議,期望強化泰國遊戲生態系統,加速全球拓展。

Thailand Braces for Rising AI-Driven Cyber Threats, as Global ATO Risks Escalate
泰國因應日益增長的 AI 驅動網絡威脅,並為全球帳戶接管風險升高做好準備。

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
2025全球電信AIoT高峰會催化泰國在智慧科技革命中的角色。


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

【小編點評】2025年全球電信AIoT高峰會於曼谷盛大舉行,匯聚政府領袖與產業專家,共同推動電信、智慧家庭與工業領域的AIoT轉型,進一步鞏固泰國在數位創新中的關鍵角色。True Digital Group與Google Cloud等主要業者紛紛發表AI驅動的創新方案,會議最終也達成擴大區域合作並建立永續AI生態系統的共識。

Thailand Positioned to Become Regional Data Hub with Focus on Internet Resilience and Inclusion泰國定位為區域數據樞紐,著重網路韌性與包容性

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.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3031655/proposal-for-additional-data-centres-in-the-provinces

【小編點評】泰國正崛起為區域資料中心樞紐,擁有強大的網際網路基礎設施、37座營運中資料中心,以及偏鄉地區高比例的網路普及率,但在網路交換中心(IXP)連結方面仍有改進空間。Internet Society 執行長 Sally Wentworth 讚揚泰國 ISP 的多元化,同時強調本地內容創作與網域註冊的重要性。持續的合作夥伴關係與衛星技術的進展,旨在增強連結性,確保全國範圍內的包容性數位成長。

Thailand Launches OTOD Smart Living Project to Digitally Empower Rural Communities
泰國推出 OTOD 智慧生活專案,以數位化方式賦能農村社區。


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

【小編點評】泰國數位經濟與社會部推出 OTOD 智慧生活倡議,以提升鄉村社區的數位採用,惠及 2,700 人,並推廣太陽能照明、農業無人機及物聯網解決方案等技術。培訓將於六月開始,該計畫將支援 40 個位於智慧城區的社區及 5 座指定的智慧城市,推動泰國鄉村數位轉型與經濟成長。

Thailand Sees Dip in New Business Registrations Amid Global Uncertainty
泰國在全球不確定性中,新企業註冊量出現下滑。


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

【小編點評】泰國因全球經濟不確定性,2025年4月新企業註冊數下降3.14%,註冊資本則激增17.86%,達321.4億泰銖,其中建築、房地產及餐飲服務為最活躍行業。企業關閉數量上升0.49%,反映行業趨勢;儘管資本投入增加,核心行業仍承受經濟壓力的影響。

ASEAN and GCC Endorse Economic Cooperation to Boost Regional Stability and Growth
東協與海合會支持經濟合作,以促進區域穩定與成長。
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

【小編點評】在吉隆坡舉行的東協–海合會峰會上,各國領導人批准了《經濟合作聯合宣言》,泰國總理賴達卓琳·西那瓦強調,面對全球不確定性,需擴大貿易、投資清潔能源並深化區域合作;她同時呼籲就氣候變化採取聯合行動,推進自由貿易協定談判,並落實實際步驟以促成長效的東協–海合會合作,包括參與加沙停火談判及支持兩國方案。

Thailand Charts Four-Pronged Strategy to Boost Software and Digital Services Growth
泰國制定四管齊下策略,以促進軟體和數位服務成長。
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

【小編點評】泰國軟體及數位服務業在2023年增長近10%,達5,670億泰銖,但對GDP的貢獻仍相對偏低,中小企業面臨智慧財產權所有受限及資金取得困難等挑戰。為此,貿易政策與策略辦公室(TPSO)提出四管齊下策略,聚焦於數位基礎建設、資金支持、智慧財產權保護,以及將泰國定位為區域數位投資樞紐。這些舉措旨在加速產業成長,並鞏固數位服務成為國家經濟的重要驅動力。