Net profits for Japanese listed companies surged by nearly 70% year-on-year in the second quarter, marking the strongest quarterly growth in five years. This performance was driven by a weaker yen and a boom in AI investment, which benefited the automotive and semiconductor sectors. However, with the yen now trending upwards and rising competition from Chinese tech firms, Japanese businesses may face a more challenging landscape in the near future.
Latest data show that processing and manufacturing remain a key driver of Vietnam's economic growth.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming Vietnam's fashion industry, from accelerating market research to offering virtual fitting rooms. While AI tools are helping local brands boost sales and shorten development cycles, they also raise crucial questions about data privacy and creative ownership. Experts emphasise that as technology advances, preserving cultural identity and human creativity remains the irreplaceable core for Vietnamese designers aiming for global success.
Net profits for Japanese listed companies surged by nearly 70% year-on-year in the second quarter, marking the strongest quarterly growth in five years. This performance was driven by a weaker yen and a boom in AI investment, which benefited the automotive and semiconductor sectors. However, with the yen now trending upwards and rising competition from Chinese tech firms, Japanese businesses may face a more challenging landscape in the near future.
As geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and logistics disruptions continue to threaten global trade, maintaining uninterrupted trade flows has become an increasingly pressing challenge. China has responded by expanding alternative transport corridors.
The Australia-Vietnam Strategic Technologies Centre is driving bilateral innovation by connecting researchers, students and businesses. Focusing on fields such as quantum technology, AI and semiconductors, the hub transforms joint research into practical applications. Bolstered by Australian investment and development programmes, this growing partnership aims to advance low-emissions technologies and help build the industries of the future in both countries.
Six months after its launch on 11 February, the Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC) has secured around US$20 billion in investment commitments and established key legal and institutional foundations. The centre will now focus on attracting members, capital and new financial activities, as highlighted at the VIFC 2026 Investment Promotion Conference on 11 August.