News related to
demand

Negotiators from India and the European Union have moved into the final stretch of talks on a long-pending free trade agreement that both sides now describe as a strategic necessity, as uncertainty over United States trade policy reshapes global supply chains and export strategies. Officials involved in the discussions say most market-access chapters are broadly settled, with remaining work focused on sensitive tariff lines, regulatory safeguards and timelines for implementation.

The proposed pact, under negotiation for more than a decade with several pauses, has regained momentum over the past two years as Brussels and New Delhi seek to reduce exposure to external shocks. For the European Union, diversifying trade ties beyond the US and China has become an explicit policy goal. For India, securing preferential access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets offers a counterweight to potential tariff pressures elsewhere.

Trade specialists say the structure of the deal reflects this shared urgency. India is expected to secure phased tariff reductions on a wide range of labour-intensive exports, including textiles, apparel, leather goods, footwear, gems and jewellery, and certain engineering products. These sectors employ millions and are among the most exposed to changes in external demand. Ajay Srivastava, a former trade official, has said that improved access to the EU market would help exporters partly offset the impact of higher duties or restrictive measures imposed by the US on selected product categories.

European manufacturers, in turn, are seeking lower tariffs and clearer rules for automobiles, high-end machinery, wines and spirits, medical devices and chemicals. Current import duties on some of these products remain among the highest faced by EU exporters in major economies. Brussels has also pressed for stronger commitments on intellectual property protection, government procurement and regulatory transparency, areas that have historically slowed progress.

People familiar with the talks say negotiators have narrowed differences on goods tariffs by agreeing to longer transition periods for politically sensitive items, allowing domestic industries time to adjust. Agriculture remains a delicate chapter, with India resisting broad concessions on dairy and certain farm products, while offering limited quotas and safeguards to protect small producers. The EU has signalled flexibility, recognising the social and political weight of agriculture in India’s economy.

Beyond goods, services and investment provisions are central to the pact’s commercial value. India is pushing for easier movement of professionals in information technology, engineering and healthcare, alongside mutual recognition of qualifications. European counterparts are cautious, balancing labour-market concerns with industry demands for skilled talent. Investment protection rules are also under discussion, with both sides aiming to avoid disputes that have characterised earlier bilateral treaties.

Geopolitics has added another layer to the negotiations. Heightened trade frictions involving the US have reinforced the case for dependable partners and rules-based commerce. European policymakers increasingly view India as a key pillar in their Indo-Pacific strategy, while New Delhi sees the EU as a stable market that complements its manufacturing and export ambitions. The alignment is evident in parallel talks on a separate investment protection agreement and a framework for cooperation on sustainable development.

Environmental and labour standards have emerged as important, though contentious, elements. The EU has sought binding commitments linked to climate goals and workers’ rights, consistent with its newer trade agreements. India has pushed back against provisions it views as intrusive or misaligned with domestic development priorities, arguing for cooperation rather than enforcement-driven clauses. Compromise language is being explored to bridge these positions without derailing the broader deal.

Economists note that the scale of potential gains is significant, though uneven across sectors. The EU is already one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral goods trade running into tens of billions of euros annually. A comprehensive agreement could lift trade volumes further by lowering costs, improving predictability and encouraging investment flows. Export-oriented clusters in states with strong manufacturing bases are expected to be among the main beneficiaries.

Industry groups on both sides have stepped up engagement, urging negotiators to maintain momentum. Indian exporters highlight the risk of losing market share to competitors that already enjoy preferential access to the EU. European businesses argue that delayed agreement leaves them at a disadvantage in a fast-growing market with rising consumer demand and infrastructure spending.

The strategic collaboration focuses on the research and development of enhanced L2++ autonomous driving technologies for future VinFast electric vehicles. VinFast’s current EV passenger lineup is equipped with Level 2 driving assistance features, and the upgraded L2++ system is already undergoing pilot testing on the VF 8 and VF 9 models. This partnership establishes a strong foundation for VinFast to progressively integrate more advanced autonomous capabilities across its full product portfolio, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering safer, smarter, and more intuitive mobility experiences for customers worldwide.

In addition, the partnership will explore and develop the “Robo-Car” system — a first-of-its-kind AI architecture that eliminates the need for costly LiDAR, radar arrays, or HD maps. Instead, the system leverages seven standard cameras and a compact, high-performance computing chip capable of processing approximately 20 trillion operations per second, enabling advanced autonomous functionality at a fraction of the cost and complexity of traditional systems.

The Robo-Car system is powered by Autobrains’ Agentic AI architecture, which adapts to real-time driving scenarios with humanlike precision while minimizing computational demand and removing the need for costly hardware. Combined with Autobrains’ Air-to-Road localization, a camera-based mapping technology that fuses real-time visual data with satellite imagery to eliminate HD map dependence, this foundation enables a scalable and affordable Level 4 autonomous solution for both emerging and advanced markets. VinFast and Autobrains are now testing the Robo-Car in controlled zones in Hanoi, with plans to expand trials to larger cities and international markets.

Prof.-Dr. Nguyen Van Duong, Global Deputy CEO of VinFast and Director of ADAS/AD Research Institute, said:”VinFast’s strategic partnership with Autobrains is helping shape a disruptive approach to affordable autonomous driving that fits our long-term vision for global mobility. We aim to move advanced driving technology from early adopters to everyday drivers. VinFast is committed to making autonomous mobility safe, affordable, and available to all.”

Mr. Igal Raichelgauz, CEO of Autobrains, said: “The Robo-Car we’re developing with VinFast is performing autonomous driving in real traffic with confidence and precision. It marks meaningful progress toward a future where drivers everywhere can enjoy safety, comfort, and freedom through autonomy. It also reflects our shared mission of making advanced autonomous capability accessible to everyone.”

VinFast is accelerating its global growth by expanding production capacity, broadening its product portfolio, and strengthening its presence in key international markets. The company continues to build momentum by working with leading local and international partners to integrate advanced technologies, enhance service quality, and elevate the overall vehicle experience. These collaborations allow VinFast to combine global expertise with its own rapid innovation, supporting the company’s mission to deliver high-quality, intelligent, and accessible electric vehicles to customers worldwide.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

About VinFast

VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.

VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Learn more at: https://vinfastauto.com/

About Autobrains

Autobrains is a leading AI company in the automotive industry. The company developed a paradigm-shifting AI technology called Agentic AI, backed by more than 300 patents addressing core autonomous driving challenges. Autobrains’ solutions for ADAS and autonomous driving offer advanced perception capability, low compute requirements, and sensor and SoC flexibility. The company is supported by strategic investors including Temasek, Knorr-Bremse AG, BMW i Ventures, Toyota Ventures, VinFast, Continental AG, and Autel.

Learn more at: http://www.autobrains.ai/

Advancing R&D, talent development and the region’s energy transition

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), one of the world’s fastest growing data centre colocation providers headquartered in Singapore, today announced two significant initiatives that strengthen Singapore’s position in the global digital and energy transition: the launch of the FutureGrid Accelerator, Southeast Asia’s first live High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)-powered AI infrastructure testbed; and a suite of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with four Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to advance skills development and expand internship and early career pathways for Singaporeans entering the workforce. These initiatives align with national efforts to support talent graduating into a challenging job market, while building the specialised capabilities required for next generation power and digital infrastructure.

Officiated by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry, the announcement underscores a national push to build capabilities not only for AI-ready data centres, but also for the wider energy ecosystem, as Singapore and the region pursue net-zero ambitions.

FutureGrid Accelerator: HVDC innovation for AI and the wider energy transition
Located at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) Electrification and Power Grids Centre (EPGC) on Jurong Island, the FutureGrid Accelerator is a pioneering initiative jointly developed by STT GDC and LITEON, supported by the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) and NTU deep-tech spinoff Amperesand. It is the region’s first live testbed demonstrating HVDC integration with real AI workloads, addressing the high-density and high-resiliency requirements of next-generation AI computing.

While central to the future of AI data centre architecture, HVDC represents a broader opportunity: it is a foundational technology that supports more efficient, resilient and integrated power systems. This is critical for Singapore’s long-term energy strategy, its transition to low-carbon energy grids and the region’s increasing need for sustainable power delivery.

Why HVDC Matters: A scalable platform beyond the data centre
As AI and high-performance computing workloads scale, traditional alternating current (AC) power systems face inherent limitations. HVDC overcomes these constraints and delivers several transformative benefits:

• Up to 30% overall energy savings compared to conventional AC systems
• A reduction of up to 400 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) per megawatt per year
• 45% lower copper consumption and a 30–40% smaller power-infrastructure footprint
• The ability to support ultra-high-density racks exceeding 1,000kW, with higher reliability and lower cost
• Native compatibility with renewable power sources able to feed directly to the direct-current system, avoiding inefficient power conversions

“The FutureGrid Accelerator is a strategic investment in Singapore’s long-term digital leadership,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. “By bringing together global industry leaders like LITEON with local deep-tech talent such as Amperesand, we are building infrastructure that is ready for future AI workloads while pioneering sustainable practices and setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon-conscious innovation. This initiative reflects our commitment to future-ready technologies and reinforces Singapore’s position as a global Centre of Excellence for advanced sustainable digital infrastructure. It is a bold step forward in shaping the future of data centres and accelerating energy transition across the region.”

Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & Trade and Industry, said: “The FutureGrid Accelerator demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to drive innovation and strengthen Singapore’s global leadership in cutting-edge technologies. I also welcome STT GDC’s partnerships with ITE and SP, which will add to the suite of training options for the rapidly growing areas of AI and energy-efficient systems.”

The FutureGrid Accelerator will validate HVDC system performance at power loads of at least 325kW, incorporating the latest AI servers. The environment incorporates LITEON’s data centre reference architecture with Amperesand’s Solid State Transformer (SST) technology—an enabling innovation for next-generation HVDC deployment. STT GDC plans to deploy this technology in future data centres in Singapore and progressively scale adoption across its global operations.

“LITEON is committed to advancing the frontier of power management efficiency, and our collaboration with STT GDC and Amperesand is key to establishing the next standard for sustainable AI infrastructure in Asia,” said Jason Tsao, Head of Direct Current Microgrid at LITEON. “By deploying an end-to-end data centre reference architecture and integrated power management system in a live environment with STT GDC and partners, we are validating a high-density, energy-saving solution ready to meet the extreme demands of global technology leaders.”

“The FutureGrid Accelerator underscores NTU’s role as a strategic partner in shaping the future of sustainable AI infrastructure”, said Prof Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Vice President (Industry). “By integrating cutting-edge HVDC technologies with our research capabilities and the entrepreneurial drive of NTU spin-offs like Amperesand, we are advancing impactful solutions that can significantly enhance energy efficiency and grid resilience. This collaboration showcases how universities can drive transformative innovations at the intersection of energy, digitalisation and sustainability.”

“Amperesand is obsessed with revolutionising Medium Voltage to critical load power delivery for next-generation AI data centres, defence, and other essential electrified assets. We focus on first principles to achieve market leading power density, efficiency, and reliability,” said Brian Dow, CEO and Co-Founder of Amperesand. “In this era of AI data centre and other critical power systems becoming economic and national security interests for many countries, Amperesand’s MV SST Platform enables in-country cyber-secure controls and data, regionally available supply chains, and low CAPEX intensity local manufacturing. Our solution is an intelligent, universal Medium Voltage power source that works on-and-off grid to improve critical infrastructure resilience as new large electrical loads come online.”

Developing Energy-Ready Skills: Partnerships with ITE, SP, NTU and NUS
STT GDC signed MOUs with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), NTU Singapore and National University of Singapore (NUS). These partnerships will benefit more than 8,000 Singaporeans over five years through industry-aligned training in AI infrastructure and sustainable energy systems. This ensures the scaling of HVDC—and the broader energy transition—is matched by the transformation and availability of skills, jobs and talent development pathways.

Mr Lopez added, “Talent is the decisive enabler as we advance AI and sustainability infrastructure. These partnerships build a skilled workforce needed to strengthen Singapore as a global hub for advanced digital and energy systems.”

Key initiatives and impact:

• Building a talent pipeline: STT GDC will provide internship placements across ITE, SP, NTU and NUS over the next five years, with support from Enterprise Singapore. The programme offers immersive, hands-on experience in data centre operations and corporate functions such as IT, sustainability, finance and marketing, supported by mentoring from industry professionals. In addition, STT GDC will offer 100 sponsorships for Data Centre Foundation Certificate (DCFC®) offered by EPI, a global certification body for data centre facilities, data centre operations and industry professionals, accelerating entry into the sector.
• Developing industry-ready talent with ITE: The collaboration with ITE will benefit approximately 800 students annually — totalling 2,400 students over three years — from ITE’s engineering and information and communications technology (ICT)-related Higher Nitec and Work-Study Diploma courses. Key initiatives include co-developing industry-relevant curricula for full-time and Continuing Education & Training (CET) courses in data centre operations and sustainability; deploying a data centre virtual reality system at the ITE Extended Reality Centre for immersive training; supporting lecturer attachments and student internships; and enabling students to pursue the sponsored DCFC® course.
• Sustainability leadership with SP: The partnership with SP develops expertise in environmental sustainability and green data centre solutions. Initiatives include joint exploration of green technologies and practices; industry seminars and events to promote sustainable solutions; and targeted programmes for training, mentorship, applied projects and internships.
• Innovation and research leadership with NTU: The partnership with NTU combines cutting-edge joint R&D of solutions for AI data centres powered by direct current sources; training, curriculum and talent development for the AI data centre sector; industry and career talks; and internship opportunities across STT GDC’s group of companies.
• Graduate pathways with NUS: STT GDC’s collaboration with NUS supports accessible entry points for graduates through internships, training opportunities and ongoing career and industry engagement to raise awareness of digital infrastructure pathways.

Hashtag: #STTelemedia

https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/

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

About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, Italy, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/

Appendix: Partner Quotes

Mr Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Technical Education (ITE): “At ITE, our focus is on equipping our students with future-ready skills for Singapore’s evolving economy. Through the partnership with STT GDC, our students gain valuable real-world training and exposure to advanced tools in data centre operations. This strengthens our efforts to prepare career-ready students and develop talent for Singapore’s growing digital infrastructure sector.”

Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of SP: “Singapore Polytechnic is committed to developing a future-ready workforce that can support Singapore’s growing demand for sustainable and resilient data centre operations. This partnership with STT GDC brings together our strengths in training, applied learning and industry collaboration to nurture talent in environmental sustainability and green solutions for data centres. Through co-developed programmes, mentorship, student projects and internships, we will build deeper capabilities and broaden pathways for learners to contribute to this important sector. SP looks forward to advancing this effort with STT GDC to support Singapore’s long-term industry and sustainability goals.”

Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technological University: “STT GDC is a partner that shares our commitment to advancing impactful research and developing future-ready talent. Leveraging NTU’s strengths in artificial intelligence, energy-efficient systems and translational innovation, this partnership will accelerate the co-development of next-generation AI data centre technologies while providing our students and researchers with valuable real-world experience. Together, we are helping to build a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who will support Singapore’s ambitions in sustainable and AI-driven digital infrastructure.”

Ms Joan Tay, Senior Director, NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates: “NUS’ partnership with STT GDC is timely, as demand grows for skilled professionals to manage complex, high-density AI infrastructure. Through internships, training, industry engagement and access to recognised certification, we bridge education and industry to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital infrastructure space.”

The event highlighted key developments shaping international trade flows, including geopolitical tensions, evolving sourcing strategies, capacity dynamics, and cost developments across air and sea freight markets. The discussions also underscored the growing importance of structured Supply Chain Optimization as companies adapt their logistics networks to changing market conditions.

“After several years of volatility, the air freight market is gradually moving toward a more balanced environment,” said Daniel Chua, Head of Air Freight, Air & Sea Logistics Asia Pacific at Dachser. “While demand fundamentals remain positive, careful capacity planning and realistic forecasting will be increasingly important as the market continues to normalize.”

In air freight, Dachser expects demand in 2026 to grow at a single-digit rate, supported by moderate capacity expansion and a normalization of rate patterns. While stable yields are anticipated, growth will continue to be driven by e-commerce, electronics – particularly AI-related components – and pharmaceuticals, alongside a structural shift of trade lanes toward Southeast Asia.

In sea freight, Dachser forecasts global demand growth to slow below three percent in 2026, despite continued strength in intra-Asia trade and Asia-Europe volumes. While fleet growth remains significant, supply and demand are relatively balanced, supported by blank sailings and vessel scrapping. Freight rates are expected to stabilize into early 2026, although uncertainty remains due to high operating costs and ongoing geopolitical developments.

“Even as rates soften, the market remains far from predictable,” said Eunice Yu, Head of Ocean Freight, Air & Sea Logistics Asia Pacific at Dachser. “Flexibility, diversified routing options, and realistic lead-time planning are essential for building resilient supply chains in the year ahead.”

Beyond outlooks: enabling resilience through Supply Chain Optimization

Beyond market analysis, Dachser sees that supply chains increasingly depend on structured, data-driven planning by taking a Supply Chain Optimization approach, which supports customers in analyzing, modeling, and redesigning logistics networks based on real operational data.

Philipp Ramsbacher, Team Leader of Supply Chain Optimization at Dachser says, “By applying Supply Chain Optimization with data-driven simulation, Dachser enables customers to evaluate scenarios, align stakeholders, and develop optimized and implementable supply chain solutions. These solutions help design logistics networks that are robust, efficient, and sustainable.”

Projects showcased during the event demonstrated measurable improvements, including cost savings, reduced CO₂ emissions, and enhanced delivery performance, underscoring the value of a structured Supply Chain Optimization approach.

With integrated air, sea, and contract logistics solutions and its strong presence across Asia Pacific as well as a well-established European road logistics backbone, Dachser continues to support customers navigate changing market conditions while strengthening long-term supply chain performance.

Hashtag: #Dachser

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

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.2 million shipments with a tonnage of 44.1 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

In the DACHSER magazine, you will regularly find up-to-date reports, articles, and interviews on topics that concern us today and tomorrow: magazine.dachser.com