Knowledge & Innovation
This category covers advancements in technology, education, and research, including startups, AI, fintech, and digital transformation. It highlights government policies on innovation, investment in R&D, and digital economy trends. As economies transition to knowledge-based industries, this section explores emerging technologies, automation, AI, and blockchain, showcasing how businesses and policymakers adapt to rapid innovation.
Vietnam’s Economy in May: Unpacked
Last Friday, the National Statistics Office (NSO) released its May economic update. For the most part, the data was on trend, however, it comes amidst broad trade uncertainty and a generally hazy global economic picture. Against this backdrop, this article breaks down the key data points and policy factors that shaped Vietnam’s economic landscape in May.
Investment: FDI commitments to Vietnam top US$18 billion by end-May
Vietnam’s total registered foreign investment had reached US$18.39 billion as of May 31, 2025, up 51.2 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
Economy: Vietnam CPI hits 3.24 percent in May, up .16 percent month-on-month
Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) in May 2025 rose 0.16 percent month-on-month, driven mainly by higher housing, electricity, and dining-out costs. Compared to December 2024, CPI is up 1.53 percent, and 3.24 percent compared to May 2024, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
Vietnam News Roundup: May 30 to June 5
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers the Trump Tower in Ho Chi Minh City, the dong’s continued slide even, the Saigon Square raid on counterfeit goods, trade tensions with the US, moves to speed up foreign work permits, and more…
Economy: OECD projects Philippines GDP growth 5.6 percent in 2025
The Philippines is forecast to grow by 5.6 percent in 2025 and 6.0 percent in 2026, driven by resilient household consumption and a gradual investment recovery, according to the latest OECD Economic Outlook 2025.
Economy: Indonesia’s OECD outlook sees steady growth through 2025, 2026
Indonesia’s real GDP is projected to grow by 4.7 percent in 2025 and 4.8 percent in 2026, according to the OECD Economic Outlook 2025.
Economy: Vietnam’s growth to moderate amid rising inflation and global uncertainty: OECD
Vietnam’s GDP growth is expected to ease to 6.2 percent in 2025 and 6.0 percent in 2026, as global trade tensions and policy uncertainty weigh on exports and foreign investment, according to the latest OECD Economic Outlook.
Currency: Vietnam central exchange rate reaches record high, breaks VND 25,000/US$1
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) raised the central exchange rate to VND 25,004 per US$1 on June 4, marking the first time it has crossed the 25,000 mark since the bank shifted to a floating peg in 2016, CafeF has reported.
Trade: US Commerce Secretary rules out zero-tariff deal with Vietnam over China concerns: Politico
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told a hearing Wednesday the Trump administration would not accept a reciprocal zero-tariff agreement with Vietnam, citing fears that Chinese goods could enter the US through Vietnam to bypass tariffs, according to a report from Politico.
Trade: Vietnam hires US$15K a month PR firm to tackle tariff threats
As trade tensions escalate with Washington, Vietnam has enlisted the help of two politically connected US firms—Crowell Global Advisors and Tactic Global—to manage its response to the Trump administration’s proposed 46 percent tariff on Vietnamese imports, O’Dwyer PR has reported.
Labour: Vietnam Ministry proposes cutting foreign work permit processing time to 10 days
Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is proposing to reduce the processing time for issuing work permits to foreign workers in Vietnam from 36 days to 10 days, English language news site, Vietnam News has reported.
What The Economist Episode Says About Public Debate in Vietnam
The edition of The Economist featuring General Secretary To Lam — literally pictured with stars in his eyes — offered more than just sharp analysis of Vietnam’s economic trajectory. It also, indirectly, proffered valuable insights into how Vietnam’s public space for debate operates.
Policy: Vietnam GS calls for national culture of thrift to drive sustainable development
General Secretary To Lam has called for greater thrift and efforts at fighting waste in Vietnam, in a wide-ranging article published Sunday. This, however, comes amid a push to grow Vietnam’s economy through domestic consumption.
Vietnam News Roundup: May 23 to May 29
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers Telegram’s looming ban, rising foreign concerns over retroactive solar subsidy cuts, and the global rollout of hit horror film Detective Kien. Plus: a gold market shake-up, new JETP funding, the US$10B worth of deals reached during Macron’s Vietnam visit, and more…
Vietnam Shoots the (Telegram) Messenger: Implications & Impacts
Telegram is set to be banned in Vietnam because it is allegedly being used for nefarious activities. Foreign firms should see this as a reminder of the often arbitrary and unpredictable nature of Vietnam’s digital regulatory environment.
Minimum Wage in Thailand 2025: Daily & Monthly
Thailand’s minimum wage structure reflects a regionally adjusted approach designed to balance economic growth with social equity. This article breaks down the minimum wage in Thailand by the different wage regions.
Minimum Wage in Indonesia 2025: Monthly & Daily
Indonesia’s minimum wage system is set annually and varies by province, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living disparities. This article breaks down the key rates by region.
Minimum Wage in the Philippines 2025: Daily & Monthly
In the Philippines, minimum wages are determined on a regional basis rather than through a single national rate. This article outlines those rates.
Technology: Vietnam facing cybersecurity workforce crisis
Vietnam is projected to face a shortfall of 700,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2028, driven by rapid digitalisation and rising cyber threats, Vu Ngoc Son, Head of Technology and International Cooperation at the National Cybersecurity Association has told a conference, VietnamNet has reported.
Technology: Insights into Vietnam’s black market for personal data
Personal data of millions of Vietnamese citizens is being sold for as little as VND 1,000 (4 US cents) to VND 4,000 (16 US cents) per record on Telegram, Zalo, and Facebook fan pages, Viettimes has reported.
In today’s Vietnam news: Research prosecution exemption, Fuel retailer losses, Semiconductor degree requirements, Eurocham BCI, Government bond auction Wednesday, Australia tourist visa problems, Coffee
In today’s Vietnam news: Accor-Sun Group agreement, US largest ethanol supplier, Demographic dividend to end 3 years early, Maritime economy development, ACV looking to
In today’s Vietnam news: Vietnam Airlines trading restrictions removed, Insurance payouts VSS, Car sales June, 23+ years prison term recommended counterfeit supplements, Counterfeit shoes
This is an interview with Chris Walker, a Vietnam Sourcing Expert with Vietnam Factory Tours how rising oil prices and the Middle East crisis are
This is an interview with John Gardner, CEO and Founding Partner, at Optimum Hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers fuel price impacts on:
This is an interview with Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, Associate Professor, International Tourism & Hospitality Management at Copenhagen Business College, formerly of RMIT Vietnam. It