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Ministry of Finance to encourage AI and semiconductor R&D

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Vietnam holds great potential for businesses from all over the world who wish to invest in the semiconductor and AI industries, according to Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam.

As part of the wider 2025 International AI-Semiconductor Conference (AISC), a policy forum on Vietnam’s strategy for semiconductors and AI took place at the National Innovation Centre’s (NIC) Hoa Lac campus on March 14.

MoF to raise solutions to boost AI and semiconductor development
Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam

Deputy Minister Tam said that Resolution No.57/NQ-TW set a goal of raising the technological capacity and innovation of Vietnamese companies to a level higher than the world average.

“Vietnam is now among the top three countries in Southeast Asia in terms of the research and development (R&D) of AI. We have become a centre for the development of the digital technology industry in the region,” said Tam.

Several specific solutions have been implemented to entice investment and encourage the comprehensive development of the innovation ecosystem, such as the national strategies on R&D and application of AI, the strategy for developing the semiconductor industry, and Vietnam’s semiconductor human resource development initiative.

“Therefore, in a short time, Vietnam has made impressive steps, being selected by the United States as one of the six countries participating in the Chips Act to develop the global semiconductor supply chain, attracting many large international technology corporations,” Tam said.

The NIC has coordinated with research institutes, universities, and technology firms from all over the world, such as the University of Arizona, Siemens, Google, Meta, Samsung, and Nvidia to implement many specific initiatives to boost research in AI and semiconductors. Local corporations such as Viettel, Vingroup, and FPT are also implementing numerous relevant projects.

Tam declared that the Ministry of Finance will continue to seek the opinions of experts and collaborate with the relevant ministries and agencies to propose to the government the best way to utilise these two technologies in growing Vietnam’s economy by the targeted 8 per cent or more.

“All partners in the semiconductor and AI ecosystem should work more closely to advance and enable Vietnam to become an important link in the global semiconductor and AI supply chain,” he said.

The forum attracted the participation of more than 1,000 delegates, including leaders and senior technology experts from Nvidia, Meta, IBM, Google, Intel, MediaTek, Tokyo Electron, Panasonic, along with many more representatives from the US, China, South Korea, Japan, India, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

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Asia Clean Capital Vietnam receives prestigious awards

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Two leaders from Asia Clean Capital Vietnam (ACCV) have been recognised with prestigious awards at Green Finance Week 2025 – Asia Edition. The event, organised by FirstVIEW, a leading global business intelligence company, took place on March 5, 2025, in Singapore.

Asia Clean Capital Vietnam receives prestigious awards and sets ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond
Khanh Le receives the Top CFO Award

Leong Wei Lik, CEO of ACCV, was awarded the Team & Leadership Excellence Award for his exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions, earning him the title of Leader of the Year in Renewable Energy Finance.

Additionally, Khanh Le, ACCV’s chief operations officer, received the Top CFO Award for her exceptional leadership in sustainable finance, significantly advancing renewable energy investments and green infrastructure development in Vietnam.

“We are incredibly proud of Khanh and Leong for their outstanding contributions and leadership,” said Bruce Hicks, chairman of Asia Clean Capital Vietnam. “These awards are a testament to their dedication and the collective efforts of our entire team. We are thrilled to receive this recognition and are dedicated to furthering our contributions to Vietnam’s renewable energy sector. Our commitment to ESG principles remains steadfast, and we are focused on driving growth and positive impact within the community and the nation.”

ACCV is currently focusing on industrial parks, leveraging Direct Power Purchase Agreements to supply large customers. Additionally, ACCV independently develops projects for smaller facilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet diverse energy needs.

With a strong emphasis on high-quality delivery, digital transformation, and customer-centric services, ACCV aims to help businesses transition to cleaner energy sources while meeting sustainability targets. Its goal is to become a leading clean energy solution provider in Southeast Asia and to contribute to sustainable growth in the region.

Asia Clean Capital Vietnam receives prestigious awards and sets ambitious goals for 2025 and beyond

Leong Wei Lik receives the Team & Leadership Excellence Award

ACCV is a subsidiary of Asia Clean Capital, a company committed to advancing renewable energy solutions across Asia. ACCV specialises in financing, developing, and operating solar and wind energy projects in Vietnam, primarily serving multinational corporations and industrial clients including Universal Alloy Corporation Vietnam, Schindler, Mapletree, Motul, Freetrend, and many more.

ACCV excels in Vietnam’s dynamic and competitive renewable energy sector by offering high-quality, innovative decarbonisation solutions across the country.

Focused on carbon reduction and energy efficiency, ACCV invests all project costs and provides comprehensive services, including design, engineering, equipment, government approvals, installation, and long-term operation and maintenance of solar and wind energy, energy storage, and data management systems.

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VISTA Eye Specialist Enhances Cataract Surgery with Advanced Technology and Strategic Partnerships

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Klinik Pakar Mata VISTA Eye Specialist, a well-established name in eye care in Malaysia , continues to improve its cataract surgery services through collaborations with recognized ophthalmic technology providers such as Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision and Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG.

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Klinik Pakar Mata VISTA Eye Specialist (VISTA), a well-established name in eye care in Malaysia, continues to improve its cataract surgery services through collaborations with recognized ophthalmic technology providers such as Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision (Johnson & Johnson) and Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG (Ziemer). These collaborations reaffirm VISTA’s commitment to investing in innovative technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to support safe and effective patient care.

Cataract: A Leading Cause of Visual Impairment

Cataracts remain a common cause of vision loss worldwide, affecting millions annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17% of people with cataract have received access to an appropriate intervention (WHO, 2023). While this condition is often associated with aging, genetics, diabetes, or prolonged UV exposure may contribute to its development.

Fortunately, cataract surgery has been shown to be safe and effective. However, individual outcomes may vary depending on pre-existing eye conditions and overall health. Patients are encouraged to consult with qualified eye specialists to determine their suitability for treatment.

For more than 25 years, VISTA has been providing comprehensive ophthalmic care, attracting patients from Malaysia and beyond, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia.

“Cataract surgery today is about precision, patient safety, and personalized care. By working with recognized partners like Johnson & Johnson and Ziemer, we can introduce advanced solutions, including AI-assisted technologies, to improve patient treatment options,” said Grace Heng, Chief Growth Officer of VISTA.

Advancing Cataract Surgery Through Technology

VISTA integrates advanced technology into cataract surgery, including:

  • Johnson & Johnson’s VERITAS™ Vision System
  • TECNIS PureSee™ Intraocular Lens – Patients should discuss with their doctor to determine the most suitable lens option for their needs.
  • Ziemer Femtosecond Laser Technology

“Our goal is to combine modern surgical techniques, technological advancements, and patient-centered care. However, it is important for patients to understand that results can vary depending on individual eye health and other medical conditions,” added Dr. Aloysius Joseph Low, Founder and Medical Director of VISTA.

The Role of Partnerships in Cataract Surgery

In the evolving field of cataract surgery, partnerships with leading vision care companies play an essential role in:

  • Providing Surgeons with Access to Modern Technology – Ensuring eye specialists have access to advanced surgical tools to support efficient and precise procedures.
  • Enhancing Patient Safety—Modern cataract surgery techniques use minimally invasive approaches, which reduces recovery times for eligible patients.
  • Supporting Continuous Medical Advancements – Ongoing research and innovation in ophthalmology enable continuous improvements in patient outcomes.

“Advancements in eye care depend on responsible innovation and the adoption of well-researched medical technologies. At VISTA, we aim to provide evidence-based treatments that align with international ophthalmic standards,” said Dr. Aloysius.

Recognition in Ophthalmic Care

VISTA’s contributions to eye care have been acknowledged through its inclusion in Newsweek Asia’s Top Private Hospitals 2025, as well as its recognition as a B Corp-certified organization for its commitment to sustainability and ethical medical practices.

Guiding Patients Towards Better Vision and Quality of Life

At the core of VISTA’s patient care philosophy is Ikigai—a principle that promotes living with clarity and purpose. VISTA helps patients restore their vision and maintain an active lifestyle by offering advanced cataract surgery options.

“While cataract surgery is widely performed, each patient’s journey is unique. Our role is to provide informed guidance, safe procedures, and high standards of patient care so individuals can make the best choices for their eye health,” said Grace Heng.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovation in Eye Care

VISTA remains dedicated to advancing eye care services in Malaysia by continuing investments in new technology, fostering industry collaborations, and prioritizing patient education. Patients considering cataract surgery are advised to seek professional medical consultations to determine their suitability for available treatment options.

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Semiconductor industry rapidly evolving due to AI

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Technology experts at the international conference on AI and Semiconductors (AISC) 2025, held in Hanoi, have discussed the relationship between AI development and AI-driven semiconductors, suggesting a symbiotic relationship.

The three-day conference, which began on March 12, is organised by US-based Aitomatic and the National Innovation Centre. It highlighted that AI and semiconductors are now pillars of the digital economy’s future.

Notably, the two elements, “AI” and “Semiconductors” are advancing in tandem, with AI automating semiconductor manufacturing, predicting and detecting product defects, and improving production quality and efficiency.

Semiconductor industry rapidly evolving due to AI
Experts exchanging ideas on the matter

Christopher Nguyen, CEO of Aitomatic, stated that by 2030, some manufacturing plants, especially advanced production facilities, will require stricter standards, necessitating high-precision tools.

“In plasma processing, parameters such as fuel diameter, pressure, temperature, and dozens of other factors demand near-perfect accuracy. AI will help ensure these requirements are met,” he said. “AI cannot develop without semiconductors, and conversely, the semiconductor industry is evolving rapidly thanks to AI advancements. This is a symbiotic relationship where both drive each other forward.”

Anna Goldie, a senior staff research scientist at Google, sought to draw attention to the gap between software and hardware, pointing out that chip manufacturing has yet to reach its highest potential.

“While AI’s computing demands are growing exponentially, hardware capabilities are not keeping pace, creating an ever-widening gap,” she said. “To unlock AI’s full potential, we must shorten the chip design cycle, refine algorithms, and fully leverage data. In the future, AI will not only enhance hardware but also drive breakthroughs in various fields, from healthcare and finance to industrial production.”

Goldie introduced AlphaChip, an AI-driven method that optimises chip component layouts to reduce latency, save energy, and maximise production area. AlphaChip has already been integrated into recent generations of Google TPUs, delivering significant efficiency gains over traditional design methods.

As the world continues striving to enhance AI and semiconductor technologies, Prof. Tran Thanh Long of Warwick University in England discussed the use of memory storage and Bayesian theory, a statistical inference method where new evidence updates probability estimates, to improve AI performance and scalability.

“Bayesian theory supports AI in adjusting predictive probabilities based on new data, allowing systems to learn faster and more efficiently. This combination reduces computing resource requirements while maintaining high accuracy,” Long said.

Meanwhile, Ngan Vu of Google DeepMind introduced a research direction that proposes using circuit neural networks to create efficient logic circuit designs. By applying simulated annealing and other optimisation techniques, she and her team aim to shorten the circuit design cycle from concept to final product.

“One of the biggest challenges is balancing circuit accuracy and performance, ensuring that designs are not only precise but also resource-efficient. However, bridging the gap between AI software and hardware will unlock many new opportunities in the semiconductor industry,” Ngan said. “Applying AI to circuit design promises to revolutionise the semiconductor industry, accelerating development cycles and enabling more optimal designs.”

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