In July, the total revenue of the entire science and technology industry reached nearly VND499 trillion ($19.96 billion), an increase of 22.6 per cent over the same period last year, contributing more than VND107 trillion ($4.28. billion) to the national GDP.

During the period, the ICT industry’s revenue reached VND478.54 trillion ($19.14 billion), up 9.4 per cent. Postal output reached 330 million parcels, up 18.7 per cent.

The press meeting on August 5. Photo: MST

Vietnam’s mobile network speed ranked 19th globally (148.64 Mbps), up 29 places. Total transactions on the national data integration and sharing platform (NDXP) reached 3.3 billion.

The VQII infrastructure quality index in June increased by 2.054 per cent, contributing an estimated $0.87 billion to GDP. Mobile game downloads in Vietnam in the first six months of the year reached 5.2 billion, and are expected to exceed 10.3 billion by the end of the year.

Revenue from major e-commerce platforms reached VND387.5 trillion ($15.5 billion), up 21.5 per cent. Vietnam’s AI economic scale is expected to reach $120-130 billion by 2040.

In July, the ministry consulted the government and the prime minister to issue one decree and three important decisions. Decree No.194/2025/ND-CP lays the legal foundation to promote connection and data sharing among state agencies, aiming to build a transparent and effective digital government.

Decisions No.1562/QD-TTg and No.1565/QD-TTg establish technical infrastructure and policies to ensure comprehensive digital transformation, and the personalisation of public services with individuals and businesses at the centre.

The ministry also coordinated with ministries and agencies to develop and submit to the government new decrees on supporting specialised officials in digital transformation and the public-private partnership mechanism in science and technology.

In addition, three new circulars were issued to specify regulations on information systems, and data and telecommunications management, enhancing the effectiveness of state management.

In August, the ministry will focus on developing and submitting to the government four draft laws: the amended Law on High Technology; the amended Law on Technology Transfer; amendments to the Law on Intellectual Property; and the Law on Digital Transformation for approval at the 10^th session of the 15^th National Assembly.

It will also develop, complete, and submit to the government 16 draft decrees guiding the implementation of four laws which were passed by the National Assembly at the 9^th session of the 15^th National Assembly.

The ministry will also develop a project to form large-scale strategic domestic technology enterprises to develop digital infrastructure, digital human resources, digital data, strategic digital technologies, and network security, and support and develop digital technology enterprises to reach out globally.

New decree positions sci-tech as key driver of regional development The Vietnamese government issued a decree on June 12 to decentralise state management of science and technology to local people’s committees.

Vietnam launches science and technology exchange Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) launched a science and technology exchange on June 30, aiming to boost technology transactions, and improve productivity and efficiency.

PPPs in science and technology pave way for private investment New mechanisms are opening up the door for the private sector in science and technology and digital transformation in the form of public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Customs reform to prioritise high-tech and innovative businesses Au Anh Tuan, deputy director general of the Department of Vietnam Customs, outlines key changes to the Customs Law aimed at simplifying procedures and offering more incentives for high-tech, innovative, and semiconductor businesses, and helping to support supply chains and boost the startup ecosystem.

PPP rules to power Vietnam’s innovation Unprecedented regulations on public-private partnerships in the science and technology sector are expected to accelerate innovation and digital transformation across Vietnam’s business community.

On July 31, the White House announced an adjustment to US countervailing duties, reducing tariffs on Vietnamese goods from 46 per cent to 20 per cent, effective from August 7. Goods that are shipped and cleared before 12:01AM on October 5, however, will still be subject to the previous tariff rate.

According to businesses in the textile and garment sector, while the new tariff is still high, it represents a significant improvement compared to the original 46 per cent, reflecting the efforts made by the Vietnamese government during negotiations.

Textiles and garments generated an export value reaching $44 billion in 2024, with the United States accounting for $16.1 billion. Therefore, when the 20 per cent tariff is applied, the increase in product costs will place significant pressure on firms’ competitiveness.

Vietnam, however, is not alone, as many other apparel-exporting countries are facing similar challenges.

Leaders of the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group said that their member units are actively developing a list of raw materials that can be sourced domestically to avoid overseas dependency, and are making production processes more transparent to meet international standards.

To retain orders and secure growth, many businesses have intensified the localisation of raw materials, reinforced domestic supply networks, and sought customers in new markets. This strategy also helps mitigate supply chain risks and bolsters the ability to meet traceability requirements.

In the region, other apparel exporting countries such as Bangladesh, which faces a 20 per cent tariff, and India with 25 per cent tariff, are making competition even fiercer, not just for goods but also in attracting foreign investment.

Vlad Savin, managing director of corporate advisory firm Acclime Vietnam, noted that instead of viewing tariffs as a hindrance, Vietnamese businesses should see this as a catalyst for reforms and transformations.

Alongside this, strategic policy responses are necessary to protect domestic industries, innovate production models, and enhance competitiveness.

“Investing in automation and sustainable production is no longer an option; it is a strategic necessity, especially when it comes to supplier diversification,” he said.

The 2025 Business Confidence Report by the government’s Private Economic Development Research Board reveals that 51.6 per cent of export companies are planning to expand into new markets to cope with tariffs.

In addition, around 35 per cent of local firms are proactively seeking new outlets, 20.8 per cent are focusing on localising production chains, and 14.3 per cent are exploring new raw material suppliers.

Currently, over half of Vietnam’s export value to the US consists of high-tech items such as smartphones and electronic components, along with textiles, footwear, furniture, and agricultural products. This marks a shift in Vietnam’s export structure from simple processing to products with high technology content.

A major advantage for local firms is the country’s 17 free trade agreements (FTAs) signed with more than 60 countries and territories. This not only expands market access but also helps businesses adjust their strategies and reduce dependence on core markets.

According to the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association, companies should effectively leverage FTAs such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to boost exports to the EU, Japan, Canada, Australia, and other developed economies.

Strengthening trade relationships with ASEAN, South Korea, the Middle East, and Africa also offers new advantages for Vietnamese businesses.

Tran Ngoc Anh, a professor at Indiana University (the US), noted that US tariff policies are reshaping global trade flows. The US, however, remains a key market both in terms of scale and long-term potential.

“Vietnam needs to seize this opportunity to increase its purchases from the US, invest more in supporting industries, boost material self-sufficiency, and enhance product design and development capabilities. Only by moving up the value chain will Vietnam be able to compete sustainably,” he noted.

The local business community hopes the government will continue negotiations with the US to adjust tariff policies in a more favourable direction in the forthcoming years.

How Vietnamese logistics can contend with shifting global supply chains In the midst of uncertain trade tensions, among ASEAN countries, Vietnam continues to stand out as one of the most attractive logistics markets.

Businesses urged to invest proactively in face of tariffs As global tariff policies become increasingly complex, Vietnam is being urged to adopt adaptive strategies to mitigate adverse impacts on its export enterprises and safeguard the stability of domestic supply chains.

Vietnamese businesses navigate US tariffs As US tariffs continue to pressure global trade, Vietnamese businesses are undergoing a comprehensive transformation, from supply chains and production to markets and services, to adapt and stay competitive.

Aboitiz Group is seeking opportunities to invest in Vietnam’s power projects. Photo:VGP

Danel C. Aboitiz, chairman and CEO of Aboitiz Power, made the statement during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung on August 5.

“In addition to its expertise in coal power and experience in developing hydropower projects, the group is researching the application of AI to build maintenance systems and enhance the operational efficiency of power plants,” Aboitiz said.

DPM Dung emphasised that Vietnam is striving for rapid and sustainable economic growth, targeting double-digit growth to lay the foundation for achieving its two centennial goals. Consequently, the demand for electricity, particularly for emerging industries such as AI and big data, is significant.

“Vietnam is committed to ensuring energy development meets three key criteria: sufficient, clean, and stable power. In all circumstances, the power supply must be adequate to meet economic development needs,” he said.

To meet the growing electricity demand, Vietnam introduced the National Power Development Plan VIII, aiming for renewable energy sources to account for approximately 28-36 per cent of total capacity by 2030 and 74-75 per cent by 2050.

Vietnam will continue to refine its legal framework, create a favourable legal corridor, and develop a synchronised, smart grid system to promote the implementation of large-scale, high-impact power projects.

“Aboitiz will promptly engage in detailed discussions with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant localities to identify suitable investments, particularly in wind power, solar power, and LNG. The group should explore investments in renewable energy power plant models integrated with data centres, and develop supporting industries to serve the group’s projects in Vietnam, with an eye towards exporting to international markets,” the DPM said.

Established in 1988, Aboitiz Power currently operates nearly 50 power plants in the Philippines, with a total capacity of approximately 5,000 MW, including thermal power, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar power sources.

In Vietnam, since 2014, the group has invested in the agricultural sector, operating animal feed production plants in various localities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh and Dong Thap provinces.

British International Investment commits $50 million to VPBank British International Investment (BII), a UK development finance institution (DFI) and impact investor, on July 29 announced a $50 million loan to VPBank, supporting Vietnam’s green energy transition.

Green finance the key to unlocking Vietnam’s energy future As Vietnam strengthens its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the challenge is not whether a clean energy transition will occur, but how it will be financed. Green finance is no longer a niche concept. It is now the foundational mechanism required to mobilise the trillions of VND needed to reshape the national energy landscape.

Zoe Energy Retains BNEF Tier 1 Battery Status Consistency is power — Zoe holds its spot among the world’s energy storage elite.

National energy master plan revision task approved The guiding principle for revising the national energy master plan is that energy development must align with the country’s socio-economic development strategy. The energy system should be optimised as a whole, targeting sustainable and diverse development to ensure stable and adequate energy supply to meet national goals.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 August 2025 – Cyberport led a delegation of its FinTech start-ups to participate in MyFintech Week 2025 (MyFW 2025), held in Kuala Lumpur from 4 to 7 August. During the event, Cyberport witnessed its community start-ups signing multiple Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with international and local FinTech partners, promoting cross-border innovation and strengthening ties between Hong Kong and the ASEAN region in FinTech and innovative technology applications.
Themed “Ideate, Innovate, Co-create: Shaping the Future of Finance,” MyFW 2025 focused on regional collaboration and reshaping the financial landscape to drive a more innovative and inclusive future. Cyberport organised a series of exclusive side events throughout the week, including: a start-up pitch session showcasing innovative solutions to Malaysian and regional investors; panel discussions fostering in-depth exchanges between Hong Kong and local FinTech ecosystems; and MoU signing ceremonies for five cross-border partnership agreements. Among these partnerships was the launch of a groundbreaking digital insurance programme with the potential to benefit over 100 million users, underscoring Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in advancing regional FinTech collaboration.
Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, “As a key economy in ASEAN, Malaysia is experiencing rapid growth in FinTech, offering significant opportunities for Hong Kong’s technology enterprises to expand into the ASEAN market. Cyberport, as Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and key incubator, is committed to connecting local start-ups with regional opportunities, helping them showcase their innovative capabilities and explore international markets. By leading our start-ups to MyFW 2025, we aim to deepen I&T exchange between Hong Kong and ASEAN, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a regional digital economy and FinTech hub.”
Cyberport Start-ups Sign Multiple MoUs in Malaysia
Cyberport start-up Coded Solution, a blockchain project consulting and Blockchain as-a-Service (BaaS) technology service provider, has parented with Malaysia’s leading FinTech company VSure Tech to officially launch the “Flexi Benefits” pilot programme. This initiative marks a significant integration of the traditional insurance industry with Web3.0 blockchain technology. The programme will be trialled with SMEs on the VSure.life platform and is expected to expand across Southeast Asia. It adopts an on-demand, embedded insurance model that offers flexible coverage tailored to business needs. Leveraging VSure’s extensive regional partner network in Southeast Asia, the programme has the potential to reach over 100 million users, demonstrating substantial scalability.
In the area of green and sustainable finance, Coded Solution signed an MoU with Malaysian e-payment provider AsiaPay Malaysia to introduce the Green Assets Reward Program (GARP) — a tokenised carbon credit reward solution—to the Malaysian market. The GARP programme will officially launch in Hong Kong during “Hong Kong Green Week” on 11 September, followed by its promotion in Malaysia and other regional markets. The initiative aims to showcase Hong Kong’s successful green finance innovation model to Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region. In addition, the two parties plan to sponsor a recent Green and Sustainable Fintech Proof-of-Concept Funding Support Scheme with Bizteg Solutions Limited, under the Carbon Trading Analytics and Technology category.
At the same time, Coded Solution signed an MoU with Sinegy DAX Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s first homegrown and regulated digital asset exchange, to jointly develop a secure and user-friendly platform for secondary market trading of tokenised financial products. This collaboration will introduce new investment opportunities in innovative financial products, injecting vitality into capital markets and expanding investor access to asset tokenisation in the region.
Cyberport incubatee BRDGX, a cross-border payment solutions provider, has signed an MoU with global payment service provider Visa Direct. The collaboration aims to blends Visa’s global network with BRDGX’s expertise in local currency enablement for Southeast Asia, regulatory compliance, and payment orchestration—empowering businesses to make faster, more secure cross-border transactions. Supported by the Cyberport Incubation Programme (CIP), BRDGX has successfully expanded into multiple Southeast Asian markets, with Malaysia as a key growth market, showcasing Cyberport’s commitment and strategic support for its community start-ups and FinTech innovation.
Another Cyberport start-up, BlueOnion, a FinTech and RegTech solution provider, signed an MoU with ESG Malaysia. The agreement covers multiple areas, including ESG capacity building and training, policy advocacy and engagement, and pilot programme development aimed at advancing corporate’s ESG awareness and sustainable business practices. BlueOnion is recognised for its unified FinTech and RegTech platform, excelling in sustainability data collection, greenwashing detection, and compliance workflow automation. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable business practices in Southeast Asia and supporting the establishment of regional ESG standards.
Cyberport Hosts Exclusive Side Events to Support Start-ups Expanding into the Southeast Asian market
Cyberport hosted the “MyFintech Week 2025 – Cyberport Side Event” on 4 August, with support from the Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), and the Securities Commission Malaysia. The programme featured start-up pitches, pilot programme launches, MoU signing ceremonies, and two panel discussions on “Bridging Traditional & Digital Finance” and “Financial Resilience and Tech Inclusion for an Aging Society. These panels included contributions from senior representatives of Vsure, CoKeeps, KAMI, Sunway Sanctuary, Care Concierge, and ＭHub. Cyberport representatives also attended MoU signing ceremonies on 5 August and facilitated investor meetings on 6 August with GoBi Partners, The Hive, HeliCap, Artem Ventures Sdn Bhd, and Vynn Capital. These meetings introduced innovative solutions from Hong Kong FinTech start-ups to Malaysian investment institutions. Through these activities, Cyberport aims to lay a strong foundation for its start-ups’ growth in Malaysia, further enhancing Hong Kong’s FinTech influence in Southeast Asia.
Cyberport is Committed to Fostering the FinTech Ecosystem, Strengthening its Role as “Super Connector”
Cyberport is actively expanding its overseas network and has signed cooperation agreements with innovation institutions from multiple countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. It is actively promoting the establishment and development of local start-ups in the ASEAN market and has achieved significant results. To date, over 80 Cyberport companies have successfully entered Malaysia and the broader ASEAN market, including markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
As Hong Kong’s largest FinTech community, Cyberport is home to over 440 FinTech enterprises spanning virtual assets, digital banking, electronic payments, wealthtech, and insurtech. In alignment with national and HKSAR government strategies to actively expand into Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets, the delegation to Malaysia further reinforces Cyberport’s role as a bridge connecting Hong Kong’s vibrant FinTech ecosystem with regional markets.
Looking ahead, Cyberport is committed to strengthening its role as a catalyst for collaboration between ASEAN and Hong Kong. It will continue to support park companies in expanding into Mainland China and other high-potential, high-growth overseas markets, while also attracting top talent and leading tech enterprises from abroad to develop in Hong Kong. Together, these efforts will drive innovation and technology development, solidifying Hong Kong’s position as both a “super connector” and a “super value-adder.”
For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en

With a graduating cohort of 109 students, ISHCMC achieved an impressive 98 per cent diploma pass rate, far exceeding the global average of 81 per cent.

This accomplishment underscores the school’s dynamic learning culture and dedication to supporting students on their individual educational journeys.

The Class of 2025 achieved an average score of 34 points, outperforming the global mean of 30.58. Nearly half the cohort, 44 per cent, attained scores of 35 points or higher, demonstrating a breadth of strong performance across the board.

Remarkably, six students achieved the prestigious 40+ points milestone, a reflection of their perseverance and the expert guidance of ISHCMC’s educators.

In addition to academic success, ISHCMC celebrates its robust culture of multilingualism and international-mindedness.

This year, 53 per cent of graduates earned the IB Bilingual Diploma, more than double the global average of 23 per cent. This achievement highlights the school’s dedication to fostering cultural fluency and preparing students to engage with a diverse, interconnected world.

“These results reflect more than numbers,” said Marco Longmore, head of school. “They represent countless stories of determination, creativity, and growth. Our students are developing the curiosity and resilience that will carry them into their future endeavours.”

Many graduates began their educational journey at ISHCMC as young learners in the Early Years Programme, progressing seamlessly through the IB continuum from the Primary Years Programme to the Middle Years Programme, and finally into the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).

This pathway has allowed students to grow in confidence, critical thinking, and compassion, equipping them with the tools to contribute meaningfully to society.

The accomplishments of the Class of 2025 extend well beyond academics. Students have demonstrated leadership and empathy through initiatives such as Theory of Knowledge essays that challenge conventional thinking, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects that create real-world impact-from environmental campaigns and social entrepreneurship ventures to artistic performances and mental health awareness drives.

Their CAS projects alone touched countless lives in Ho Chi Minh City and beyond, with efforts to promote sustainability, build community engagement, and support underprivileged groups.

ISHCMC’s educators have been integral to this success, providing not just academic instruction, but also mentorship and guidance. Teachers and IB coordinators have cultivated an environment where inquiry and innovation thrive, supporting students to pursue their passions and achieve their best.

The Class of 2025 is now preparing to join prestigious universities around the globe, from the United States and the United Kingdom to Canada, Australia, and beyond.

Their destinations include top-tier universities such as the University of California system, Imperial College London, University of Toronto, and Seoul National University.

Many graduates have also secured scholarships and awards, including a remarkable $56 million in scholarships, recognising their academic potential and community service contributions.

Yet, beyond their academic qualifications, these students take with them a mindset rooted from ISHCMC’s core values: curiosity, achievement, resilience, and empathy.

These qualities will enable them to lead, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully in a fast-changing world where adaptability and compassion are essential.

ISHCMC extends heartfelt congratulations to every graduate, their families, and the dedicated faculty who have supported them throughout this journey.

The school remains steadfast in its mission to inspire and empower young people to become confident, compassionate global citizens who will shape the future with vision and purpose.

As ISHCMC reflects on this milestone, it also looks forward, continuing to innovate and strengthen their programmes to ensure every learner is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s world.

With plans to further enhance student wellbeing initiatives, invest in state-of-the-art learning spaces, and expand partnerships with global institutions, ISHCMC is building a future where excellence is not just achieved but sustained for generations to come.

The first steps: How early years at ISHCMC build a foundation for life The Early Years programme at International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is designed to be the starting point for lifelong learning.

ISHCMC celebrates 30-year legacy International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) held its 30th Anniversary Gala Event on December 2, a momentous occasion commemorating three decades of educational excellence and innovation.

ISHCMC celebrates 30 years with launch of new Student Grant Programme In celebration of 30years of providing exceptional education, the International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) has proudly announced the launch of its 30 Year Grant, designed to recognise and support students who exhibit exceptional talent, determination, and potential.