Dang Thuy Trang, director of Public Affairs at Grab Vietnam, said that beyond its role as a mobility platform, Grab aims to support Hue in boosting its image and enhancing visitor experiences through digital solutions.

According to Trang, Grab has worked closely with the local tourism sector to implement a range of initiatives showcasing Hue’s destinations, cuisine and distinctive cultural experiences.

“Through features such as renowned local eateries and Travel Pass packages, visitors can more easily access information on attractions, dining, shopping and service promotions,” she said. “Leveraging our strengths in technology, e-commerce and user data, we can better understand travellers’ needs and deliver relevant information to the right audiences. This helps attract more visitors to Hue.”

One initiative highlighted by Grab is Grab Cyclo, a service currently available only in Hue.

“The objective is not to replace traditional cyclos, but to help this culturally distinctive mode of transport reach a wider audience through technology. We want to give the cyclo a new technological layer. In addition to encouraging Hue’s image more broadly, the project helps cyclo drivers access technology, improve service quality and enhance their livelihoods,” said Trang.

Speakers at the workshop

While technology can expand access to heritage, many local businesses believe the long-term vitality of heritage ultimately depends on its ability to adapt to changing times.

Nguyen Thi Dong Phuong, CEO of TPG Hospitality cum founder of Chan Restaurant in Hue, argued that Hue City is not only a capital of architectural heritage but also home to an extraordinary culinary tradition.

“However, for these values to continue thriving, preservation cannot simply mean keeping everything unchanged. Cuisine is also a form of living heritage. If architectural heritage can survive through visitor engagement, there is no reason traditional cuisine cannot continue to evolve and remain relevant in modern life,” she said.

According to Phuong, the greatest challenge lies in preserving the essence of heritage while adapting to changing consumer preferences and lifestyles.

“Change is necessary, provided it moves in the right direction and does not compromise authenticity,” she said. “Digital transformation has fundamentally changed the way businesses connect with customers. In the past, building a brand could take years. Today, a single piece of content on social media can introduce a business to thousands of people within a very short period of time.”

Cooperation between Hue City and Grab Vietnam has brought about many positive impacts

Speaking as a content creator, travel blogger Ngoc Tran said that authenticity is the most important principle in tourism communications. According to her, many promotional campaigns create expectations that exceed the actual experience, ultimately eroding visitors’ trust.

"It is not uncommon for businesses to invite influencers and content creators to review products or services that have been carefully staged to appear more attractive than the actual customer experience. As a result, visitors may arrive with high expectations only to find that reality falls short of what was advertised," she added. “Many establishments invest heavily in creating visually appealing content for promotional purposes, but if the actual experience does not match what has been presented online, it ultimately undermines consumer trust."

Tran stressed that sustainable success in tourism marketing depends not only on businesses but also on the professional ethics of content creators.

“The long term credibility of a destination or brand is built on authenticity. A viral video may generate attention, but trust is what determines whether a business can sustain its reputation over time,” she noted.

Tran also revealed that she holds businesses accountable when customer feedback contradicts the experience she has presented. If visitors report significant discrepancies between the actual service and the review, she is prepared to refund her booking fee and require the business involved to respond directly to customer concerns.

“Content creators have a responsibility to protect the trust of their audiences. Tourism promotion should never be based on exaggerated claims or manufactured experiences. Authenticity must always come first,” said Tran.

“When I agree to promote a product or service, I make it clear that everything I share must accurately reflect the real experience. If visitors receive something completely different from what was advertised, that is unacceptable,” she said.

"Sustainable tourism development depends not only on businesses, but also on the professional responsibility of those working in media and content creation. A video can go viral rapidly, but credibility is what ultimately determines the long-term success and survival of a brand."

Dr Pham Ba Hung, rector of Hue Tourism College, stressed that technology only has value when it enriches cultural experiences rather than replacing them.

“Preservation and development are not opposing goals. The key is to use technology to tell heritage stories in more engaging ways without compromising their original identity,” he said.

“No matter how advanced technology becomes, visitors ultimately seek authentic experiences. Those experiences are what truly set one destination apart from another.”

As competition among destinations intensifies, participants agreed that the future of heritage lies not in resisting digital transformation, but in harnessing technology to bring old stories to new audiences. For Hue, this could provide a pathway to preserve its unique cultural assets while strengthening its appeal to a new generation of travellers.

Exploring Grab’s AI-powered experiences Following the launch of its 13 AI-powered experiences, Grab is offering a closer look at how these solutions come to life in everyday use.

Grab proposes simplified administrative procedures for ridesharing Grab proposes Vietnam to remove administrative procedures that are hindering the sharing economy, as well as promote the development of electric vehicles.

From pioneer to key player: Grab's 10-year milestone in Vietnam This October, Grab is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Vietnam. Alejandro Osorio, managing director of Grab Vietnam, speaks to VIR's Linh Le about the key milestones achieved over the last decade and the company's future vision in Vietnam.

How can the Asia-Pacific wind industry move from scale growth to high-quality growth, and how do you define Goldwind's long-term success in the region?

That's a crucial question. The wind industry in Asia-Pacific has been developing for many years, and as a reliable global strategic partner in clean energy, we've become much clearer about one thing: speed of growth is not the real goal – quality is important for long-term survival and success. Three key shifts are needed.

First, move from generic products to scenario-based solutions. Asia-Pacific is not one market. The Philippines has super typhoons, India has extreme heat, Thailand needs low-wind-speed solutions, and Australia has high grid support requirements. Competing on turbine size or capacity is not enough. High-quality growth means providing the right technical solution for each project's conditions and customer needs.

Second, move from equipment delivery to full lifecycle asset management. High-quality growth means helping customers secure long-term asset performance for 20 years or more. That means getting involved early, from wind resource assessment to quality control, then using digital tools for proactive maintenance, and later helping customers upgrade existing assets. One repowering project in China replaced 155 old turbines with 33 large machines, reducing turbine positions by 78 per cent while increasing power generation by 2.5 times.

Third, move from point-to-point competition to ecosystem co-building. The future is not just about putting up more turbines. It's about building a complete value system across time, geography, and capabilities – including full lifecycle coverage, global capability with local adaptation, and integrated wind-plus-storage and zero-carbon solutions.

Based on this, I define Goldwind's long-term success in Asia-Pacific through three objectives. First, we aim to be a long-term strategic partner for local developers, helping them maximise asset returns while reducing energy costs and operational risks. Second, we are committed to localisation – building local ecosystems including talent, supply chains, service networks, and technology expertise. Third, we do not measure success by short-term installation rankings alone, but by the long-term reliability of the assets we support, the value we create for local industry, and the confidence of customers who continue to choose Goldwind as a trusted partner.

The Vietnam Tan Hop project is equipped with Goldwind turbines

What progress has Goldwind made in localisation across Asia-Pacific, particularly in Vietnam, in terms of talent, supply chain, and partnerships?

The core idea behind Goldwind's localisation in Asia-Pacific is 'global capability, local adaptation'. We are not just copying our China experience – we are combining global technical capabilities with the realities of each local market.

Taking Vietnam as an example, our localisation strategy is built around talent development, supply chain integration, and long-term partnerships.

Goldwind has established offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside a remote operations centre, regional warehouses, and a dedicated training centre. Local employees now account for 75 per cent of our operations team across Vietnam and Laos. Our service team has achieved an average repair response time of just seven hours, while technical availability reached 99.65 per cent in 2025.

One important lesson is that localisation cannot stop at hiring local employees. It must be supported by systematic training and empowerment, enabling local engineers to independently manage the entire process from monitoring to maintenance. Our training centre plays a key role in strengthening technical capabilities and safety standards.

The same philosophy applies to supply chain development. In Vietnam, we have achieved 100 per cent localisation for towers and consumables, while more than 90 per cent of tools are sourced locally. We also help local companies meet international standards by deploying quality engineers to provide process guidance and system audits.

On partnerships, Goldwind has established a deep relationship with GG Power in Vietnam, supporting equipment supply and the development of an energy storage production line. Similar initiatives are under way across the region. In Thailand, the first foundation pour has recently been completed for our pre-assembled hybrid tower project.

Looking back, our localisation experience can be summarised simply: invest in people, help suppliers build capabilities, and create genuine win-win partnerships. Only when local partners succeed alongside us can we build a strong foundation for long-term development.

Philippines Kalayaan 2 is equipped with Goldwind turbines

How is Goldwind differentiating itself in energy storage, O&M, and hybrid towers as it transforms into a comprehensive clean energy solutions provider?

Goldwind has evolved from a wind turbine manufacturer into a comprehensive clean energy solutions provider, underpinned by several differentiated capabilities.

On energy storage, Goldwind's annual production capacity exceeds 10 GWh, with more than 15 GWh already operating globally. What differentiates us is the integration of wind power and storage through grid-forming technologies. A good example is the Moorabool project in Australia, where we deployed an integrated wind-plus-storage solution capable of actively supporting grid frequency and voltage, significantly improving stability in weak-grid environments. In Vietnam, we are also working with GG Power to develop a local energy storage manufacturing base.

On operations and maintenance, we see O&M not as reactive repair work, but as a way of creating long-term value for customers. That process begins before a project is commissioned, through precise wind resource assessment and rigorous quality control.

During operation, we use AI to predict potential faults 30 to 60 days in advance. At our L3 unmanned wind farm in Ningxia, China, more than 300 turbines are monitored remotely, reducing inspection hours by over 3,000 hours and improving labour efficiency by 27 per cent. Beyond the operational phase, we also support customers through repowering projects and asset reuse.

Beyond energy storage and O&M, Goldwind continues to invest in hybrid tower technologies, green energy chemistry, and zero-carbon industrial park solutions.

Goldwind's differentiation can be summarised in three dimensions: all scenarios, all value chain, and all lifecycle. Whether onshore or offshore wind, storage integration, new developments, or asset repowering, our goal is to provide integrated solutions spanning planning, design, customisation, intelligent O&M, and asset optimisation. Throughout that journey, our focus remains on delivering reliability while supporting the long-term development of local energy ecosystems.

Minister Tuan reaffirmed that Vietnam values its strategic relationship with the European Union. In particular, following the entry into force of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement on August 1, 2020 and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026, economic, trade and investment cooperation has entered a new phase with significant growth potential.

The minister stressed that Vietnam’s MoF remained ready to engage in dialogue “anytime, anywhere” to promptly address concerns and create the most favourable environment for European investors.

Ambassador Julien Guerrier shared this view, praising the MoF’s central role in managing macroeconomic policy, taxation, customs and development resources. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working even more closely with Vietnam to advance the strategic objectives of both sides.

He added that the EU currently provides approximately €450 million ($522 million) in direct funding to Vietnam. Combined with financing mobilised from EU member states, the bloc remains one of Vietnam’s leading partners under the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

Amid geopolitical challenges that have constrained access to fossil fuels, the ambassador encouraged Vietnam to maximise its abundant renewable energy resources, including wind, solar and hydropower. He also highlighted the European Investment Bank’s significant investments in sustainable transport infrastructure and port development projects in Vietnam.

The ambassador noted that more than $300 billion worth of green bonds were issued in major financial centres over the past year, describing green finance as a key source of capital for Vietnam’s future development.

Minister Tuan expressed his hope that the EU would continue providing technical assistance to help Vietnamese businesses gain greater access to and familiarity with these preferential financing instruments.

The discussions also covered some technical issues relating to taxation and customs procedures.

Minister Tuan reaffirmed that Vietnam is not a “tax haven” and remains committed to complying with international transparency standards. He cited Prime Ministerial Decision No.948/QD-TTg, issued on May 27, approving the National Action Plan on the Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, as evidence of the government’s commitment.

The MoF is currently working closely with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Global Forum to further strengthen the legal framework. The minister called on the EU Delegation to recognise Vietnam’s substantive efforts and support the country’s removal from the relevant monitoring list during the review scheduled for October 2026.

Ambassador Guerrier confirmed that the EU is actively providing technical assistance through the Global Forum to help Vietnam achieve a positive assessment and avoid adverse impacts on its investment reputation.

Addressing the EU Ambassador’s letter on the draft Special Consumption Tax on alcoholic beverages, Ambassador Guerrier clarified that the EU supported Vietnam’s public health objectives but hoped that tax policies were designed without discriminating against European businesses.

Photo: Duc Minh

Minister Tuan noted that the roadmap for increasing the special consumption tax rates from 2026 had already been clearly outlined in the 2025 law on the special consumption tax to curb harmful consumption. At the same time, he reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to equal treatment of domestic and foreign investors and expressed the country’s willingness to learn from the EU’s regulatory experience.

Recognising that the bilateral Customs Committee mechanism had not operated as actively as expected during the first half of 2026, both sides agreed to strengthen commitments and direct relevant agencies to enhance cooperation to facilitate trade flows as new free trade agreements continue to be implemented.

To better protect and engage high-quality European investment into high technology, digital transformation, 5G and energy sectors, both sides agreed that the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement remained crucial.

Minister Tuan called on Ambassador Guerrier to encourage the remaining six of the EU’s 27 member states to complete the ratification process. The Ambassador confirmed that he would engage directly with those countries in the coming weeks to accelerate progress.

After the meeting, the two sides agreed on a series of concrete action plans to be implemented before the end of 2026. The Ambassador said the EU Delegation would continue working closely with Vietnam’s Tax Department to resolve outstanding technical issues and would cooperate with the National Innovation Centre on plans to establish a Vietnam-Europe Innovation Centre.

European Commissioner to discuss strengthening EU-Vietnam cooperation on science and technology

EU–Vietnam Energy Efficiency Startup Day spotlights innovation for Vietnam’s net-zero transition

Ministry of Finance, EU advance economic governance project

The report pointed out that as of May 25, the total value of equity issuances and IPOs planned by listed companies and those registered for trading is estimated at VND289.5 trillion ($11.13 billion), representing an 86.5 per cent increase compared to 2025 and 2.5 times the average level recorded over the past five years.

This marks the highest level since the 2021 market boom, signalling that the stock market is increasingly becoming a medium- and long-term capital channel for businesses, rather than a secondary source of funding behind bank credit and corporate bonds.

FiinGroup expects equity fundraising pressure and the market's capacity to absorb new share issuances to intensify in the second half of 2026, with around 70 per cent of planned offerings yet to be executed.

Planned IPOs are estimated at $861.5 million in 2026, down 42 per cent from the 2027 peak. While the market is not expected to see any mega-deals, the IPO landscape is shifting markedly. Unlike previous cycles, growth is no longer being driven by the equitisation and divestment of state-owned enterprises.

Today, IPO activities are increasingly led by the private sector, especially spin-off deals and the restructuring of the corporate ecosystem.

Some planned IPOs in the securities sector include LPBS and KAFI in 2026, along with VPS, VPBankS, and TCBS in 2025.

In addition, Dien May Xanh has filed for an IPO this year, marking one of the few notable deals in the consumer goods sector. Meanwhile, many highly anticipated IPOs, including Golden Gate, Highlands Coffee, The CrownX, and Long Chau, have yet to materialise.

This indicates that the IPO market is still quite selective. Indeed, the market has yet to truly enter a new boom cycle like the previous periods with the value of IPOs reaching $1.25 billion in 2017 and $2.83 billion in 2018

Jollibee subsidiary Highlands Coffee evaluates Vietnam IPO Jollibee Foods Corporation has announced that the board of its subsidiary Highlands Coffee is evaluating a planned public listing in Vietnam.

Dien May Xanh plans $574 million IPO to fund regional expansion Vietnam’s leading consumer electronics retail chain Dien May Xanh is planning to raise more than $574 million through an initial public offering (IPO) to fund its transition towards high-margin service segments and regional expansion.

Securities firms revive IPO plans as Vietnam market upgrade nears As the timing for FTSE Russell’s anticipated upgrade of the Vietnamese stock market draws closer and market liquidity continues to improve, a new wave of IPOs among securities firms is regaining momentum.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

As Singapore and its neighbours plan decades of investment to defend low-lying coasts against rising seas, a local company is proposing a different way to build the structures that do the work − assembling most of the structures on land and finishing the final works in the water.

A coastline problem with no single answer

Singapore has more than 300km of coastline, and no single solution fits all of it. About 70 to 80 per cent is currently protected by seawalls and stone embankments, and the national water agency PUB has said the country needs solutions that are both cost-effective and multifunctional, given its limited land. Sea levels around Singapore could rise by up to about 1m by 2100, and higher still when combined with high tides and storm surges.
Conventional marine construction is slow and expensive, largely because much of the work is done in the water, using heavy equipment, divers and processes such as pile driving that disturb the seabed. Hydrantula, a Singapore-based company, has been developing a method intended to move most of that work back onto land
Building on land, finishing at sea

The system uses a lightweight, permanent formwork built from standard HDPE pipes joined by moulded plastic nodes. The frame is assembled onshore − the company estimates around 90 per cent of the work is done on land − then lowered into position and filled with reinforced concrete pumped from the bottom up, displacing the water inside. Once the concrete hardens, the result is a monolithic reinforced-concrete structure within a plastic shell.

Because the geometry is set by the pipework rather than by custom moulds, the company says the same family of parts can form a range of structures, from floating breakwaters and seawalls to jetty foundations, mooring ramps and terraced, beach-retaining shoreline structures.

Hydrantula says the approach can cut construction time by roughly two to three times, and cost to around a third of conventional methods, for equivalent reinforced-concrete structures. It also estimates the life-cycle carbon of its structures at about 5 tonnes of CO₂ per metre over 60 years, against roughly 25 tonnes for conventional reinforced concrete, based on the company's own assessment to ISO 14040/14044. These are design targets and company estimates rather than independently certified figures.

Designed to host marine life

The open frame is intended to let wave energy pass through rather than reflect it and does not seal the seabed beneath a solid foundation. Over time, the submerged plastic surfaces are colonised by marine organisms, so the structure can also function as an artificial reef − an approach in line with the "hybrid" coastal solutions, combining hard structures with nature, that researchers in Singapore are actively studying. The company targets a service life of more than 60 years.

"Most of the cost, the risk and the environmental disturbance in marine construction comes from working in the water. If you can do the bulk of the work on land and keep the disturbance at sea short, the economics and the footprint both change. We are not trying to out-build nature − we are trying to build with it."− Nikita Shcherbina, Co-Founder of Hydrantula PTE Ltd

Still to be proven at scale

The technology is at an early commercial stage. Hydrantula has proposals and pilot discussions under way in Singapore, elsewhere in Southeast Asia and in California, and is pursuing research collaboration with Singapore academic partners to test its structural performance and ecological behaviour under local conditions. Its performance and durability claims have yet to be verified in long-term field use.

The company will present the system at Singapore International Water Week 2026 (SIWW2026 booth number: L1-A23), which runs from 15 to 18 June at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

At a press conference on June 9 in Ho Chi Minh City, Dan Zou, ATR’s airline marketing manager, said around 70 airlines across the Asia-Pacific region, including India, currently operate ATR aircraft on regional routes.

“Across the region, only Vietnam and South Korea have yet to fully develop regional aviation. South Korea has already begun moving in that direction with ATR 72-600 operations. That shows the market exists, and the demand is real,” he said.

ATR’s assessment is based on previous studies indicating that Vietnam has around 87 potential routes that remain either unserved or underserved by regional aircraft. Many of these routes are not only domestic services, but also connections linking tourism and economic centres across Southeast Asia.

One of the paradoxes of Vietnam’s aviation sector is that many local airports remain underutilised, while major gateways continue to face congestion pressures.

According to ATR, Vietnam’s 10 largest airports account for approximately 90 per cent of the country’s passenger traffic. As a result, aviation activity remains heavily concentrated around major hubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Cam Ranh.

Meanwhile, new airports in destinations such as Phan Thiet, Sa Pa, Quang Tri and Mu Cang Chai are being planned or developed. The challenge is how these airports can be operated efficiently and sustainably.

Zou argued that not every province requires a 3,000-m runway designed for larger jet aircraft. “An ATR aircraft only requires a runway of around 1,300 to 1,500 metres. That significantly reduces infrastructure investment costs and shortens project implementation timelines,” he said.

ATR representatives also believe that public-private partnerships could play an increasingly important role in airport development. Instead of relying entirely on public funding, private investors can participate in building and operating smaller airports, a model that is already emerging in Vietnam.

The development of Long Thanh International Airport, plans for a second airport serving Hanoi, and the expansion of regional airport infrastructure are all expected to create new opportunities for regional aviation in the coming years.

One of the key reasons regional aviation has flourished globally is its ability to optimise costs on short sectors. According to ATR, regional aviation typically focuses on routes below 555km, operated by aircraft with fewer than 80 seats and serving secondary airports.

On such routes, narrow-body jets are not always the most efficient solution. Jean-Daniel Kosowski, ATR’s Aircraft sales director, believes travel time is the most important factor.

“If travelling from point A to point B takes only two hours by road, there may be no need for an aircraft. But if the journey takes four hours or more by road while a flight takes just 45 minutes, the benefits become obvious,” he said.

He cited destinations in mountainous regions such as Dien Bien as examples. Although Vietnam’s road infrastructure continues to improve, travel times to certain areas remain significantly longer than by air.

Many countries across Asia have adopted this model to improve connectivity between provinces and cities without waiting for the full development of road networks. Cambodia provides one of the clearest examples of how smaller aircraft can support regional connectivity.

Air Cambodia currently deploys ATR aircraft on most domestic routes linking Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, while also serving destinations with relatively limited demand such as Ratanakiri.

According to Eng Molina, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Cambodia, the airline’s strategy is built around matching the right aircraft to the right market. “We chose ATR because it is the right aircraft for our market. With 68 to 72 seats, it is easier to fill flights and allows us to offer higher frequencies,” he said.

Today, ATR aircraft account for around 94 per cent of Air Cambodia’s domestic operations and approximately 62 per cent of its short-haul international services departing from Cambodia.

The same model is increasingly being applied on routes between Vietnam and Cambodia. According to Air Cambodia, the short distance between the two countries makes turboprop aircraft a highly efficient solution from an operational cost perspective. Their smaller capacity enables airlines to offer multiple departures throughout the day, rather than concentrating demand on one or two larger jet services.

“Because we are smaller, we can fly more often. Passengers can choose morning, afternoon or evening departures,” Molina said.

The airline currently connects Phnom Penh with Ho Chi Minh City and links Vietnamese destinations such as Dalat and Phu Quoc with Cambodian cities, while additional routes remain under consideration.

Vietnam’s rapidly expanding motorway network has raised questions about whether regional aviation still has room to grow. Industry observers argue that the answer depends on passenger segments and travel purposes.

Price-sensitive travellers may continue to choose coaches or private vehicles. However, for business travellers, short-stay tourists and passengers seeking same-day return trips, aviation retains a significant advantage in terms of time savings.

Molina cited the Ho Chi Minh City-Phnom Penh route as an example. Flight time is only around 30 to 40 minutes, allowing passengers to travel for medical treatment, business meetings or personal errands and return on the same day.

Meanwhile, Dan Zou believes the biggest advantage of smaller aircraft lies in frequency. He referred to a South Korean operator that uses a single ATR aircraft on the Gimpo-Sacheon route, operating up to eight flights per day.

“Previously, another airline operated a jet on the same route but only once a day. When ATR entered the market with eight daily flights, the jet operator eventually withdrew. On short-haul routes, frequency is often the deciding factor,” he said.

Higher frequencies provide passengers with greater flexibility while allowing airlines to better match capacity with demand. According to ATR, regional aircraft currently account for only around 2-3 per cent of Vietnam’s domestic fleet, far below the global average of approximately 25 per cent.

With new airports under development, aviation policies under review and growing demand for inter-regional connectivity, many industry participants believe the conditions are increasingly favourable for the emergence of a dedicated regional aviation sector in Vietnam.

The main challenge may not be technology or infrastructure, but rather developing an operational ecosystem tailored to short-haul routes, one where success is driven not by larger aircraft, but by better connectivity, higher frequencies and greater flexibility.

After years of focusing primarily on major routes, Vietnam’s aviation industry may now be approaching a new phase of growth, one centred on shorter flights connecting provincial cities, tourism destinations and neighbouring countries across Southeast Asia.

ATR sees strong potential for regional air connectivity in Vietnam

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MTA Vietnam 2026 officially returns this July 1-4, 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: MTA Vietnam 2025

Amid this transformation, MTA Vietnam 2026, slated to take place from July 1-4 in Ho Chi Minh City, has emerged as a prominent technology convergence point, where businesses gain direct access to advanced manufacturing solutions and help shape the direction for the next development phase.

According to Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office, the first quarter of 2026 marked a period of robust economic momentum, with growth hitting a five-year high at 8.27 per cent, supported by an 11 per cent hike in the Industrial Production Index.

Within this, mechanical engineering – one of the city’s industrial pillars – grew by 11.3 per cent, continuing to affirm its foundational role in the shift toward smart manufacturing and automation.

Notably, many enterprises have gradually moved from basic processing to the production of high-tech products, reflecting an ongoing upgrade in technical capabilities and deeper integration into supply chains.

At the same time, digital transformation, supply-demand connectivity, and trade promotion activities have also been intensified, creating better conditions for businesses to expand cooperation and pursue sustainable development.

Against this backdrop, the imperative to access emerging technologies and forge strategic alliances has become more critical than ever.

MTA Vietnam 2026 continues to serve as a strategic convergence point for the entire industry – where trends are translated into reality, technologies are applied on-site, and collaboration opportunities are formed directly.

It is a platform for enterprises not only to keep pace, but to proactively shape their position within the next-generation manufacturing supply chain.

Celebrating its 22^nd edition, MTA Vietnam 2026 will return to centre stage at SECC from July 1 to 4, 2026.

The event will expand its exhibition space to 13,200 square metres and feature more than 450 prestigious exhibiting brands from 21 countries and territories, with strong participation from industrial leaders including Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Thailand and the United States.

Organisers expect the exhibition to pull in over 13,100 industry specialists and trade visitors.

With this expansion, the exhibition continues to position itself as a high-calibre marketplace, bridging enterprises with breakthrough technologies ranging from multi-axis CNC systems and precision metrology to emerging trends in sustainable manufacturing.

A strategic highlight of this year’s event is the Supporting Industry Show 2026, a collaborative initiative between the Japan External Trade Organization in Ho Chi Minh City, the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, and the Center for Supporting Industries Development.

Driven by the collaboration of 44 supporting sector enterprises from Japan and Vietnam, this showcase transcends a conventional exhibition, serving as a 'strategic gateway' for global integration.

It provides a unique platform where domestic suppliers can align with international standards, engage with high-potential partners, and carve their path into global value chains.

This presence not only expands cooperation opportunities but also creates a strong driving force for upgrading production capabilities and increasing localisation rates – key factors enabling Vietnam’s mechanical engineering industry to make a breakthrough in the coming period.

In addition, a dedicated “Ho Chi Minh City Pavilion” for the supporting industries sector was organised by the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC), in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Supporting Industries Association (HASI). In this exhibition area, businesses were able to showcase their manufacturing capabilities, seek potential partners, and gradually increase localisation rates.

MTA Vietnam 2026 is set to host over 450+ prestigious exhibitors from 21 countries and territories. Photo: MTA Vietnam 2025

Moving beyond the boundaries of a conventional trade show, MTA Vietnam 2026 solidifies its role as a strategic nexus, where cutting-edge technological solutions materialise through immersive experiences and high-level networking initiatives

Departing from traditional networking formats, ‘Speech Matching’ at MTA Vietnam 2026 introduces a new approach to connectivity: the Organising Committee will arrange 10-15 minute quick exchange sessions, where companies briefly present their capabilities and needs, enabling partners to quickly assess compatibility.

Each meeting is carefully curated and clearly structured – optimising time, enhancing efficiency, and fostering meaningful collaboration opportunities directly at the event.

From these initial connections, the parties can easily continue in-depth discussions, opening up concrete partnership opportunities after the event.

‘Speech Matching’ – Professional business matchmaking at MTA Vietnam. Photo: MTA Vietnam 2025

Making its debut at MTA Vietnam, the Mechanical Engineering in The Intelligent Age Summit is not merely a conference, but a declaration of a new vision for the industry –placing engineers at the centre of every transformation.

From ‘hands-on craftsmanship’ to ‘digital intelligence’, it is a space to honour those who have laid the foundations of the mechanical engineering sector, while also opening dialogue on the role of the new generation of engineers – those who master technology, data, and smart manufacturing ecosystems.

Building on the resounding success of its 2025 show, the Sourcing Fair for Supporting Industries 2026 – hosted by Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade in collaboration with HEPZA, SHTP, and CSID – continues to serve as a strategic bridge between foreign-invested enterprises and domestic suppliers.

The event creates a direct networking platform where Vietnamese businesses have the opportunity to access real demands from international corporations, thereby enhancing their technological capabilities, product quality, and management capacity.

With a legacy spanning over 22 years, MTA Vietnam has defined its position as the premier trade platform for precision engineering and manufacturing in Vietnam. It also serves as a launchpad for enterprises to access innovation and integrate into global value chains in the era of smart manufacturing.

Register now to experience breakthrough advancements firsthand and network with a community of leading experts driving Vietnam’s Precision Engineering and Manufacturing sector.

Mechanical engineering industry needs more incentives: PM Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized the need to facilitate the development of the mechanical engineering industry while addressing a conference in Hanoi on September 24.

Two major expos pave the way for foreign brands to enter Vietnam Two mega shows, which are taking place in Ho Chi Minh City, are opening opportunities for foreign brands to penetrate the Vietnamese market.

MTA Vietnam 2025: 21-year journey towards global integration The International Exhibition for Precision Engineering and Manufacturing (MTA Vietnam 2025) is scheduled to take place from July 2-5 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC).

PV Power Services and Soosan will establish a framework for cooperation in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for power plants in Vietnam. The two sides will research, develop, and implement technical service packages while sharing expertise in the mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation and control fields.

In addition, they will jointly explore business opportunities and develop suitable consortium models for specific ventures. This is coupled with sharing technical resources, experts, and management experience to enhance execution capacity for large-scale initiatives.

The partnership will cover technical maintenance and repair services for nuclear power. With international experience in the operation, maintenance, overhaul, and technical services of large-scale power plants, Soosan will team up with PV Power Services to research and prepare technical and human resources to meet the stringent requirements of the nuclear power sector.

The South Korean company will provide training for PV Power Services employees on regular maintenance, scheduled repairs, and troubleshooting of power plant equipment and systems. After completing the training programmes, the employees can take part in the large-scale overhaul and repair projects implemented by Soosan at least once a year. Thus, they can maintain their skills and update with the new technologies.

Han Bong Seob, vice chairman and CEO of Soosan Industries, said, “We appreciate the position of PV Power Services in the Vietnamese market. We expect the combination of Soosan’s advanced technologies and PV Power Services’ local capabilities will create a synergy of strength.”

“Beyond ventures in Vietnam, we hope this partnership will expand into international markets. We will become reliable partners to jointly deliver new value to the energy technical services industry.”

Vu Anh Tuan, director of PV Power Services, said, “The partnership with Soosan marks an important step in our strategy to enhance technical capabilities and access advanced technologies worldwide. The partnership follows Vietnam's efforts to develop new energy sources and prepare for nuclear power development.”

“PV Power Services hopes to receive Soosan’s support, including the delivery of advanced training for its management team and engineers and the expansion of service business into international markets. This is particularly important as PV Power Services aims to supply skilled technical personnel for a nuclear power plant in late 2026 and early 2027,” he said.

South Korea and Vietnam agree deal on nuclear power development Korea Electric Power Corporation and the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group have signed an MoU on potential cooperation in new nuclear power development.

New MoU sets stage for Vietnam’s first nuclear power project Vietnam is advancing plans for its first nuclear power plant through a strategic partnership with a top Russian energy company, aiming to strengthen expertise, infrastructure, and project readiness.

Russia to build 2,400 MW nuclear plant in Vietnam under new deal An intergovernmental agreement on cooperation to build the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Vietnam has been signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Moscow.

In his role, Hai will report directly to the country CEO of UOB Vietnam. Leveraging his extensive experience and proven leadership, he will support the bank in accelerating sustainable growth, advancing strategic priorities, and further strengthening governance and risk management.

Hai brings more than 30 years of experience in banking and financial services, with senior leadership roles across both local and international markets. Most recently, he served as CEO of Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OCB), where he reinforced the bank’s foundations, delivered strong business performance, and drove its transformation agenda.

Prior to that, Hai spent 28 years at HSBC, where he held key positions including country CEO of HSBC Vietnam, as well as senior leadership roles in Global Banking and Markets in Vietnam and Canada. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in driving business growth, enhancing client segmentation, and building high-performing teams.

Hai holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and a Diploma in Financial Services Management from the Institute of Financial Services, United Kingdom.

Victor Ngo, CEO of UOB Vietnam, said, “Vietnam is a key market in UOB’s ASEAN strategy and continues to offer strong opportunities for growth. The appointment of Pham Hong Hai reflects our commitment to strengthening our leadership team as we deepen our presence in the market."

"With his extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry, Hai will play an important role in advancing our strategic priorities, supporting our clients’ growth, and contributing to Vietnam’s continued development and regional connectivity," he said.

UOB CEO mulls new headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City and joining VIFC UOB vice chairman and CEO Wee Ee Cheong met with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam during his state visit to Singapore to discuss the bank's long-term commitment to Vietnam's growth.

UOB sees resilience amid cost pressures and external strains According to a June 12 report by UOB (United Overseas Bank), recent data paint a mixed near-term picture, with higher energy costs dampening momentum.

Vietnam leads ASEAN in consumer optimism Vietnam continues to lead the region in consumer optimism, according to the sixth edition of the ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Study (ACSS) released by UOB on November 20.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Developed through decades of Formula One-winning experience and Fluid Technology Solutions™ expertise, the new range is designed to deliver enhanced engine protection, fuel efficiency and performance, bringing motorsport-proven technology into everyday reliability for motorists.

Rather than offering a single catch-all solution, the portfolio comprises four purpose-built variants, each developed to meet specific driving needs, from high-performance and Japanese engines to everyday vehicles and hybrid powertrains. The new range simplifies the choice for consumers, offering a streamlined selection of oils that meet the latest industry standards while supporting improved fuel efficiency and engine performance.

• PETRONAS Syntium Supreme: Designed for high-performance vehicles. Featuring CoolTech+™ technology, it cuts engine wear and maximises fuel efficiency by up to 13%*.
• PETRONAS Syntium Supreme GLV2: Made ideally for Japanese engines. JASO GLV-2 approvals assure up to 19%** better fuel efficiency and a higher shear stability for highly demanding Japanese cars.
• PETRONAS Syntium Prime: Reliable, long-lasting engine defence for everyday vehicles, featuring Active Defense™ technology to ensure consistent performance across everyday driving conditions for stress-free driving.
• PETRONAS Syntium Hybrid: Specifically engineered to meet the unique demands of hybrid powertrains. CoolTech-H™ technology delivers targeted protection during frequent stop-start cycles and across the lower operating temperatures typical of hybrid operation.

*Based on industry standard testing, where PETRONAS Syntium Supreme exceeded the ACEA C5 fuel economy limit. Actual performance may vary by vehicle and driving conditions.

**Based on field trial data over a 12,000km test under real-life driving conditions, comparing 0W-20 JASO GLV2a against API SQ/GF-7 reference oil. Actual fuel efficiency may vary depending on vehicle model, driving behaviour and operating conditions.

PETRONAS Lubricants International Regional Managing Director Asia, Noorhana Abdul Habib said, "The new PETRONAS Syntium range marks a defining step in advancing lubricant innovation, delivering uncompromising quality solutions to workshops and motorists across Malaysia and Asia. Powered by next-generation formulations aligned with the latest API SQ standard, it enhances fuel efficiency and engine performance, empowering motorists with cutting-edge technology that delivers excellence in every drive."

The all-new PETRONAS Syntium range has been launched in Malaysia, Japan and selected European markets. The rollout will expand across key Asia-Pacific markets throughout the year, making the range available at PETRONAS AutoExpert locations and authorised workshop networks in countries including China, Indonesia and Thailand by the end of 2026.

http://www.pli-petronas.com/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• Ocean Blue: Symbolizing the city's harbor spirit and maritime soul.
• Passionate Orange: Representing the legendary warmth and hospitality of the locals.
• Modern Purple: Highlighting the city's creative edge and technological innovation.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

XTransfer processed more than US$60 billion in total payment volume (TPV) in 2025 and, as of 31 March 2026, has served approximately 897,000 registered clients, with payment services covering more than 200 countries and regions. The platform is scaling as a critical infrastructure layer, connecting SMEs to secure and compliant cross-border payment capabilities traditionally reserved for larger corporates.

The new collaborations support XTransfer's long-term strategy to deepen X-Net, its unified B2B cross-border settlement network and risk management platform. X-Net links financial institutions and import-export enterprises through end-to-end, cross-bank payment connections and centralised risk controls. By combining bank-grade resilience and regulatory expertise with platform-enabled digital connectivity, XTransfer aims to deliver faster, more predictable, and easier-to-automate cross-border payment experiences across major trade corridors.

The initiatives also align with XTransfer's focus on addressing persistent pain points that constrain trade and cash flow for SMEs, particularly those operating in and with emerging markets. Businesses often face fragmented local collection options, limited transparency over fees and FX, lengthy and unpredictable settlement cycles, and complex onboarding and compliance processes. By expanding local-currency collection, improving FX conversion reliability, and strengthening regulated settlement connectivity, XTransfer aims to reduce friction for SMEs trading into and out of fast-growing markets, supporting a shift from informal channels to secure, compliant payment rails.

At Money20/20 Europe 2026, XTransfer brought the momentum of its partnership announcements to the official Money20/20 stage and hosted a fireside chat featuring Violas Xiao, Singapore & Latin America CEO of XTransfer, titled "Across Borders & Beyond Boundaries: Women Shaping the Next Era of Global Payments," with speakers from BBVA, HSBC, Visa and BNP Paribas.

https://www.xtransfer.com

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

1. End-to-end IoT device control software and embedded systems integration

2. AI-driven health data collection, processing, and analytics platforms

3. Cross-platform mobile applications for personalized health companion experiences

4. Cloud-based remote device management and real-time monitoring systems

5. Healthcare data security compliance aligned with applicable international standards

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Decree No.112/2026/NĐ-CP, issued in April, is the first instrument to operationalise – in concrete legal terms – how emission reduction results and carbon credits generated in Vietnam, including internationally transferred mitigation outcomes, may be accounted for and transferred across borders. While it gives effect to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, its significance lies in how those mechanisms are embedded within domestic law.

Rather than treating carbon trading as a purely market-driven or externally governed activity, the decree integrates it into a framework of regulatory approvals, national emissions accounting, and sectoral oversight. In doing so, it reshapes the legal character of carbon assets. These are no longer merely project-based outputs capable of commercialisation, but regulated units whose transferability, timing, and value are conditioned by compliance requirements and alignment with national climate commitments.

How the decree works

The decree establishes a unified framework for participation in international carbon markets through three principal channels: cooperative approaches under Article 6.2, the centralised mechanism under Article 6.4, and projects implemented under independent carbon standards. Its scope also extends to transactions outside formal Article 6 mechanisms, ensuring that both compliance and voluntary carbon market activities fall within its regulatory perimeter.

This breadth is accompanied by a clear allocation of regulatory authority. The decree does not replace international rules; instead, it positions Vietnamese law as the governing interface through which such mechanisms operate domestically. Participation in global carbon markets is therefore contingent on compliance with Vietnamese procedures, rather than determined solely by contractual arrangements or external standards.

A central feature of the decree is its distinction between transfers requiring prior approval and those subject to post-transaction notification.

Transfers involving corresponding adjustment require prior approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE) and must be recorded in the national registry system. Transfers without corresponding adjustment do not require prior approval, but must be notified to the ministry within a prescribed timeframe. In all cases, registry recording is mandatory.

This creates a tiered regulatory model. Transactions affecting Vietnam’s national emissions accounting are subject to ex ante control, while others are governed through ex post transparency and reporting.

Vietnam is not adopting a purely market-driven carbon trading model. Instead, it is embedding carbon transactions within a framework of national accounting, regulatory approval and policy alignment.

Illustration photo/ Shutterstock

What this means in practice is that carbon credits cannot be analysed in isolation as financial instruments. Their value, transferability and timing are directly linked to regulatory processes and Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) trajectory. For investors, the key shift is that execution risk moves upstream – project structuring, documentation and regulatory alignment will determine bankability as much as the underlying asset.

The decree incorporates corresponding adjustment as a binding domestic requirement. Where emission reductions or carbon credits are transferred internationally with corresponding adjustment, Vietnam must add back an equivalent volume of emissions to its national inventory, ensuring that those reductions are counted exclusively towards the acquiring party’s targets.

Responsibility for implementing this adjustment lies with the MoAE, creating a direct legal link between project-level transactions and Vietnam’s NDC. Corresponding adjustment is therefore no longer a technical accounting concept – it is a regulatory constraint with material implications for transaction structuring.

The decree introduces quantitative limits on international transfers. For transactions involving corresponding adjustment, up to 90 per cent of credits may be transferred for certain mitigation activities and 50 per cent for others, as specified in Annex I. For transfers without corresponding adjustment, a 90 per cent cap applies.

The remaining portion must be retained domestically and may be used within Vietnam’s emerging carbon market. These limits function as policy tools, ensuring that part of the carbon value supports domestic climate objectives and market development.

For Article 6.2 projects, the decree establishes a sequenced lifecycle: project concept registration, submission and approval of project documentation, monitoring and reporting of emission reductions, and issuance or recognition of credits. Only after completion of these stages may international transfer be pursued.

Each phase is governed by defined procedures and timelines, with involvement from relevant sectoral authorities. The framework emphasises procedural standardisation and shifts the burden towards upfront compliance. Project developers are expected to demonstrate completeness and internal consistency in their submissions, reducing reliance on iterative regulatory engagement.

For Article 6.4 projects, the decree largely defers to the international framework established under the Paris Agreement, while retaining domestic oversight over participation, reporting, and transfer.

For projects under independent carbon standards, participation is permitted subject to minimum criteria, including governance, transparency, methodological clarity, additionality, and data-sharing capability. Where corresponding adjustment is involved, only methodologies recognised by competent Vietnamese authorities may be applied.

This approach allows engagement with voluntary carbon markets while ensuring consistency with Vietnam’s regulatory and accounting framework.

The decree clarifies the treatment of carbon assets generated from public investment and public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

For public ventures, proceeds from carbon transactions are treated as state budget revenue and managed in accordance with public finance laws, with decisions to monetise subject to inter-agency consultation. For PPP projects, carbon revenue forms part of project income and is governed by the applicable PPP framework, with flexibility to adjust contractual arrangements.

These provisions integrate carbon value into existing fiscal and contractual systems rather than creating a standalone regime.

The national registry system is a central element of the decree. All projects, emission reductions, carbon credits, and international transfers must be recorded as a matter of legal compliance.

The registry supports regulatory oversight, national emissions accounting, and international reporting obligations. Over time, it is expected to underpin the development of Vietnam’s domestic carbon market, providing transparency and institutional coherence.

Taken together, decree 112 establishes a carbon market that is accessible but regulated. Participation in international carbon trading is permitted, but subject to approval requirements, transfer limits, and alignment with national climate commitments.

The decree does not restrict participation – it defines the conditions under which participation occurs. For investors and project developers, this creates a clearer, but more structured, operating environment requiring careful navigation of procedural and regulatory requirements.

Decree 112 establishes the core legal infrastructure for Vietnam’s participation in international carbon markets in a manner that is both enabling and controlled. It embeds carbon trading within national climate governance while creating a credible pathway for market engagement.

For investors, the implication is not constraint but precision. Opportunities remain – but they must be approached with a clear understanding of approval pathways, transfer limits, and accounting consequences.

The shift is not towards restriction, but towards clarity. And in that clarity lies both the opportunity – and the discipline – that will define Vietnam’s carbon market in the years ahead.

The signing ceremony took place in Hanoi on June 12, attended by Deputy Minister Tran Quoc Phuong, Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) deputy chief representative Ikeda Hiroyuki.

The agreements were signed with Cao Bang, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Son La, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang provinces.

The signing of the on-lending agreements marks the initial step in implementing loans VN24-P1 and VN25-P1, which will finance the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Development Project to Support Production Activities of Ethnic Minority Communities in the Northern Mountainous and Midland Provinces, as well as the Disaster-Resilient Rural Development Project. Both initiatives will be carried out across the eight provinces.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong explained these are the first on-lending agreements to be implemented under the first bilateral loan arrangements signed after Vietnam completed its administrative restructuring and introduced the two-tier local government model.

"These projects carry profound socioeconomic significance, aiming to strengthen resilience to climate change and natural disasters, improve rural infrastructure, promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance the living standards of ethnic minority communities in disadvantaged areas. These objectives represent the core mission of official development assistance and are among the highest priorities of the Vietnamese state and government," he said.

He added that the signing of the on-lending agreements is not just a legal requirement under the Law on Public Debt Management and relevant government decrees, but also serves as a basis for clearly defining the responsibilities and obligations of people’s committees in managing and effectively utilising borrowed funds, achieving project objectives, and fulfilling debt repayment obligations to the central budget.

The agreements will help strengthen the proactivity and accountability of local authorities, enhance coordination between central and local governments in the management and utilisation of foreign loans, and contribute to ensuring public debt sustainability and national fiscal discipline.

In the presence of Deputy Minister Phuong, Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki, and JICA deputy chief representative Ikeda Hiroyuki, Nguyen Quoc Phuong, director general of the Department of Debt Management and External Finance, together with leaders of the eight people's committees, signed the on-lending agreements.

Provinces sign agreement to implement and disburse JICA loan funds. Photo: Duc Minh

Vietnam and JICA discuss new direction for Japanese ODA cooperation Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong has met with a senior Japanese official to discuss future directions for Japan's official development assistance to Vietnam.

JICA pledges continued support for Vietnam's sustainable economic growth The Japan International Cooperation Agency will continue to support Vietnam's sustainable economic growth and help deepen bilateral ties, its president said during a visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

According to food and beverages (F&B) research firm Decision Lab's 'Best F&B Rankings 2026' report released in late May, many companies, including some leading coffee chains, are losing favour with consumers.

The rankings show that KFC retained its position as Vietnam’s top F&B brand for the fourth consecutive year, with a Brand Health Index score of 27.1 points, up 0.6 points from the previous year. Jollibee ranked second with 23.6 points, recording the strongest growth among all brands in 2026 with an increase of 6.3 points.

The picture was markedly different for coffee and beverage brands. Highlands Coffee remained in third place, but its Index score fell from 22.6 to 21.4 points, a decline of 1.2 points. Trung Nguyen Legend also lost ground, dropping from 19.9 to 18 points, down 1.9 points year-on-year.

Phuc Long Coffee & Tea and The Coffee House recorded the steepest declines among coffee brands, each losing 2.3 points. Starbucks fell by 1.2 points, from 12.6 to 11.4 points. All five coffee brands featured in the top 10 recorded lower scores this year.

By contrast, quick-service restaurant brands demonstrated greater resilience. In addition to gains by KFC and Jollibee, McDonald’s increased its score by 0.3 points. Lotteria slipped slightly by 0.3 points but maintained its fifth-place ranking.

According to Decision Lab, the findings suggest consumers are becoming increasingly demanding of beverage-focused chains. Brand awareness and familiarity alone are no longer sufficient to sustain a competitive advantage. Instead, product quality, perceived value, service experience and differentiation are emerging as the key factors shaping customer loyalty.

The report also highlights growing polarisation in Vietnam’s F&B market. Seven of the 10 brands in this year’s ranking posted lower scores than a year earlier. Meanwhile, the gap between the top-ranked brand and the brand in 10th place widened from 13.9 points in 2025 to 16.8 points in 2026, reflecting an increasingly pronounced divide between market leaders and the rest of the industry.

Thue Quist Thomassen, CEO of Decision Lab, said brand health is more than a marketing metric; it reflects the strength of a company’s relationship with consumers through factors such as quality, value, customer experience and reputation.

“Consumers do not evaluate brands through a single lens. They assess them across multiple touchpoints, from pricing, quality and service to overall experience and reputation, before deciding whether to remain loyal and recommend the brand to others,” he said.

According to Thomassen, brand health serves as a critical management compass for F&B businesses. The metric helps companies understand whether consumer perceptions and market positioning are strengthening, weakening or becoming more vulnerable over time.

The rankings were compiled using online survey data from YouGov Vietnam, collected between March 2025 and February this year from respondents aged 18 and above.

Vietnamese to spend $29 billion on F&B in 2026 Vietnam's food and beverage market is projected to reach 333,600 outlets with a total revenue of VND760 trillion ($29.23 billion) in 2026, according to a report by iPOS.vn and Nestlé Professional released on April 8.

Vietnam emerges as strategic hub for premium beverage growth Foreign beverage companies and producers are increasingly drawn to Vietnam’s fast-growing market, driven by rising demand and evolving consumption trends.

Highlands Coffee opens 1,000th store in Hanoi Highlands Coffee has opened its 1,000th store in Hanoi, marking a significant milestone in the brand's nearly three-decade journey.

In mid-May, we had a substantive and productive working session with Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade to discuss how Karpowership could support PDP8, particularly by addressing rising short-term electricity demand to sustain economic growth momentum. Following the discussion, the ministry assigned relevant agencies to coordinate with Petrovietnam, Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI), Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Karpowership to further evaluate flexible floating LNG regasification solutions and rapidly deployable power generation capacity that could help provide additional system flexibility during peak periods of electricity demand while other long-term LNG-to-power projects are completed.

We position ourselves as a provider of flexible, complementary bridge solutions rather than a replacement for permanent infrastructure. Under the proposed model, Petrovietnam would supply fuel, while Karpowership would provide floating LNG infrastructure, including storage and regasification units, and power generation capacity tailored to operational demand.

This model enhances grid reliability, improve system flexibility, and enable rapid deployment using our pre-manufactured and class-certified floating assets, including combined-cycle Powerships and Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs). Our FSRUs can import LNG at a scale without requiring lengthy construction timelines or significant upfront capital expenditure required by conventional LNG terminals. We look forward to strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, VPI, Petrovietnam, EVN, and other stakeholders as technical and commercial discussions continue over the next few weeks.

What energy solution is Karpowership proposing to help Vietnam address its short-term power needs while supporting long-term energy goals?

Vietnam is targeting double-digit GDP growth, and sustaining that ambition requires power solutions that can be deployed at the same speed. We have already deployed similar solutions across multiple markets seeking flexible and rapidly deployable energy infrastructure to support economic growth and evolving energy requirements. In Brazil, for example, we deployed a scheme in Rio de Janeiro within just two to three months, delivering 560MW immediately alongside an LNG carrier functioning as an FSRU, eliminating the need for onshore LNG terminal construction.

Today, Karpowership operates in more than 20 countries, with a fleet of 45 Powerships and 11 FSRUs currently in operation and around 10 additional assets in the growth pipeline. This existing fleet allows us to deliver 1–2GW of electricity to Vietnam in less than two months post-contract.

Globally, around seven out of every 1,000 people receive electricity supplied by Karpowership. Our key competitive advantage is that we invest in advance, rather than waiting for individual projects to be awarded. As a privately held company, we are willing and able to make decisions and commit Powership projects to Vietnam worth over $1billion faster than other listed competitors.

We help countries like Vietnam implement energy plans over a two-to-three-year period while permanent, large-scale LNG-to-power projects are being developed. Looking ahead, we see strong potential for deeper cooperation, including co-investment and shipbuilding partnerships with local firms. We are confident that our model is highly competitive, particularly when considering the elimination of construction delays, upfront capital expenditure, and the economic cost of power shortages.

Indonesia is host to Karpowership’s first project in Southeast Asia

How feasible is a Powership project marketed as deployable in just 30 days, and what regulatory and technical support would be required to make it work?

Vietnam is an ideal market for Powerships. While long-term infrastructure development plans are essential, utility-grade turbines currently face five-to-seven-year supply chain backlogs due to global AI-driven demand. PDP8 aims to increase installed capacity from 80-85GW to 180GW within five years, a significant challenge. Our fleet of FSRUs and Powerships offer the only viable, near-term, complementary solution alongside Vietnam’s broader energy development plans. They are highly efficient, combined-cycle assets that can be deployed together, which is a capability few providers offer at this scale.

Regulatory support is moving in the right direction, with the prime minister and the Ministry of Industry and Trade actively simplifying processes. EVN is already collaborating with us on grid interconnection feasibility studies. We believe our first location would be in the north, where demand from manufacturing is highest. Following the necessary commercial, legal, and regulatory approvals, we can mobilise and deliver capacity within approximately 60 days.

What specific grid support functions can Powerships provide, and how do they help stabilise the grid?

Karpowership’s first Dominican Republic project delivers affordable and reliable power to the national grid

Our Powerships can operate in multiple modes, including base load, peaking power, and spinning reserve. They provide crucial voltage and frequency regulation to stabilise the grid and feature "black start" capability, allowing them to restore power independently of the grid in under two minutes.

Our systems are designed for high redundancy and efficiency. For example, our 450 MW Powership utilises 24 Wärtsilä gas engines, each with 18MW output, and two steam turbines in combined-cycle mode. Each engine functions independently, allowing the plant to maintain continuous generation and high availability even while individual units undergo maintenance, ensuring the reliability the grid demands.

How competitive is the cost of electricity from Powerships compared to traditional onshore plants, especially given LNG price volatility?

Our solution eliminates construction risk, long development timelines, and large upfront capital expenditure (CapEx). We operate on a rental model: you pay for electricity as you consume it, with an all-inclusive price and no surprise costs. We do not require the long-term 25-year power purchase agreements (PPA) standard in traditional LNG projects; instead, we operate on a two-to-three-year basis, allowing countries to start with 40MW and scale as needed. When considering the total lifecycle costs and the economic value of preventing power shortages, our solution is highly competitive.

It is important to consider not only the cost of electricity, but also the value of maintaining sufficient reserve capacity, operational flexibility, and reliable infrastructure to support Vietnam's continued economic growth and industrial development. Preventing such losses is more valuable than focusing only on electricity price. Overall, when comparing total lifecycle costs, including CapEx and long-term PPA, our solution is often more competitive.

With geopolitical tensions affecting global energy security, how can Karpowership help Vietnam strengthen supply resilience and avoid potential energy disruptions?

We source LNG from multiple origins and maintain long-term contracts with over 15 countries. If one supply route is disrupted, we have the flexibility to redirect LNG from others, such as the United States. Because our assets are already built and globally mobile, fuel supply is highly adaptable.

Currently, we have operations across four continents with around 8,5 GW of capacity including LNG to Power projects in different geographies ranging from Indonesia to Brazil and Senegal. LNG can be provided through our global network or sourced locally from Petrovietnam. As we do not generate profit from the fuel itself, it is a pass-through cost, this creates a stable, low-risk operational environment that helps insulate Vietnam from geopolitical supply shocks.

Vietnam’s power sector poised to trigger a new investment cycle Vietnam’s power sector is undergoing a critical reform phase aimed at reactivating a new investment cycle in generation capacity, ensuring the dual objectives of meeting energy demand for development while fulfilling strong environmental commitments.