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Nigeria has launched a sweeping industrial policy aimed at restarting idle factories, boosting domestic manufacturing and positioning Africa’s largest economy as a competitive production hub in global supply chains. Federal authorities say the framework is designed to tackle long-standing structural weaknesses that have undermined output, including erratic power supply, limited access to long-term finance, foreign exchange volatility and infrastructure gaps. Manufacturing accounts for less than 10 per […]

Zilliz has launched a new Zilliz Cloud region in Amazon Web Services’ eu-west-1 data centre in Ireland, expanding its European infrastructure as demand for localised artificial intelligence systems accelerates across Western Europe and the United Kingdom. The move positions the vector database specialist closer to enterprise customers that require data residency, lower latency and regulatory compliance within the European Union. By deploying in AWS’s Ireland region, Zilliz […]

Artificial intelligence is being positioned as a catalytic force in reshaping biomanufacturing, with policymakers, scientists and industry leaders outlining a roadmap that blends computational power with biological science to accelerate drug discovery, industrial enzymes and sustainable materials. Discussions at the India AI Impact Summit placed BioAI at the centre of a strategy aimed at using genomics, in-silico modelling and closed data loops to build scalable and trusted production systems.

The convergence of AI and biology has moved from laboratory experimentation to commercial ambition. India’s biotechnology sector, valued at over $80 billion and targeting significant expansion by the end of the decade under the BioE3 policy framework, is seeking to harness machine learning tools to shorten development cycles that traditionally take years. Speakers at the summit argued that AI-enabled simulation and predictive modelling can reduce trial-and-error experimentation in fields ranging from vaccine development to precision fermentation.

BioAI refers to the integration of artificial intelligence techniques with biological data, particularly genomic sequencing, proteomics and metabolic engineering. The approach relies on large datasets and advanced algorithms capable of identifying patterns invisible to conventional research methods. Advances in protein structure prediction, including breakthroughs in computational biology over the past few years, have demonstrated how neural networks can model complex molecular interactions with remarkable accuracy.

At the summit, researchers described how generative AI systems are being trained to design novel proteins and enzymes tailored for industrial use. By feeding genomic datasets into predictive algorithms, scientists can simulate biological pathways in silico before conducting physical experiments. This method reduces costs and speeds up scaling, particularly in biopharmaceutical production and alternative protein manufacturing.

Government representatives outlined plans to expand national AI infrastructure to support such applications. IndiaAI Mission initiatives include the creation of high-performance computing resources and domain-specific data repositories to ensure that biotech firms and research institutes have access to secure and interoperable datasets. Officials emphasised that trust frameworks and regulatory clarity would be essential to encourage private investment while safeguarding data privacy and biosafety standards.

Industry leaders echoed that sentiment, highlighting that biomanufacturing requires rigorous validation. Unlike digital products, biological outputs interact with living systems, making quality control paramount. AI-driven feedback loops—where laboratory results continuously refine algorithms—were presented as a mechanism to maintain reliability while scaling up production. Data integrity, traceability and auditability were recurring themes, reflecting global debates about AI governance.

The global context underscores the strategic significance of BioAI. The United States and European Union have invested heavily in synthetic biology and AI-assisted drug discovery. China has also advanced computational genomics and large-scale fermentation capabilities. Analysts note that countries able to combine AI talent with robust biotech ecosystems stand to capture a growing share of the global bioeconomy, projected by several industry reports to exceed $4 trillion over the coming decade.

India’s strength in information technology services and pharmaceutical manufacturing offers a foundation for this convergence. The country is a major supplier of generic medicines and vaccines, supported by a network of research institutions and startups. By integrating AI tools into these value chains, stakeholders believe production timelines can be compressed and new therapeutic molecules identified with greater precision.

Academic voices at the summit stressed the importance of interdisciplinary training. Biologists must understand algorithmic thinking, while data scientists need grounding in molecular biology. Collaborative platforms linking universities, startups and established pharmaceutical firms were proposed to ensure knowledge transfer and talent development. Investment in computational biology curricula and shared research facilities is seen as critical to sustaining momentum.

Ethical considerations formed part of the dialogue. AI models trained on genomic data raise questions about consent, ownership and equitable benefit sharing. Experts argued for transparent governance structures aligned with international norms, noting that trust is fundamental when dealing with health-related information. Regulatory agencies are exploring how to evaluate AI-generated biological designs within existing approval pathways.

Private sector participation is accelerating. Venture capital funding in biotech startups leveraging machine learning has grown steadily, reflecting confidence in AI-assisted discovery platforms. Companies are experimenting with digital twins of biological systems, enabling simulation of fermentation processes before industrial deployment. Such capabilities can enhance efficiency and reduce resource consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.

Sustainability featured prominently in discussions on biomanufacturing. AI-optimised microbes can produce bio-based chemicals and materials that substitute fossil-derived inputs. Precision fermentation techniques, guided by predictive analytics, may lower energy use and waste. As global supply chains face pressure to decarbonise, the combination of AI and biotechnology is viewed as a pathway to cleaner industrial production.

Participants also highlighted challenges. High-quality biological datasets remain fragmented, and interoperability across laboratories is uneven. Ensuring cybersecurity in research networks is another concern, given the sensitivity of genetic information. Scaling laboratory successes to commercial volumes demands capital expenditure and regulatory compliance that can deter smaller enterprises.

Three decades after its modest debut on a handheld console, Pokémon has evolved into one of the most lucrative entertainment properties in history, generating tens of billions of dollars in revenue and emerging as a potent instrument of Japan’s cultural influence abroad. Created by Satoshi Tajiri and launched in 1996 by Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures, the franchise began with Pokémon Red and Green for the Game […]

Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled nearly 12,000 electric sport utility vehicles in the United States after identifying a defect in high-voltage battery cells that could trigger a fire, either while driving or when parked. The recall covers 11,895 EQB vehicles across three variants: 1,708 EQB 350 4Matic models from the 2022 to 2024 model years, 3,674 EQB 250+ units from 2023 and 2024, and 6,513 EQB 300 4Matic […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has test-launched the country’s first hybrid rocket developed entirely within the UAE, signalling a significant advance in its ambition to build an indigenous space technology base. The Technology Innovation Institute confirmed that the rocket’s propulsion system was fully designed, manufactured, integrated and operated by Emirati engineers, a development officials described as a pivotal step towards sovereign launch capability. The suborbital test, […]

PocketBlue, an open-source intelligence platform built for AI-driven research, is drawing growing interest among developers seeking greater control over how machine-assisted analysis is conducted. Hosted on GitHub and designed with a modular, local-first architecture, the project positions itself as an alternative to cloud-dependent research tools that rely heavily on proprietary models and opaque data pipelines. At its core, PocketBlue combines large language model orchestration with structured data […]

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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Supy, the Dubai-based provider of AI-driven inventory management, procurement and business intelligence software for multi-branch restaurant operators, has reported that its revenue more than tripled in 2025 as demand for data-powered back-of-house technology accelerates across the Middle East and beyond. The company, founded in 2021 and now operating in over 30 countries, described the performance as reflecting strong uptake of cloud-based restaurant systems […]

Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company has unveiled plans to establish Judan Financial Holding, an artificial intelligence-enabled global financial services platform expected to oversee more than AED 870 billion in assets under management, marking one of the most ambitious consolidation moves in the Gulf’s financial sector. The proposed entity will bring together financial services assets held by IHC, Alpha Dhabi, 2PointZero Group and Sirius International Holding, spanning banking, […]

Showcasing Spectacular Entertainment and Chinese Cultural Performances, Featuring Renowned Chinese Artist “Zhu Zhengting” to Bless the People of Thailand in the Heart of the City

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – Siam Paragon, Thailand’s premier global landmark and the top destination in the hearts of Thai people and international tourists, has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikornbank, ushers in a grand celebration for the Year of the Horse. The event “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” bringing an array of rare cultural performances from China to offer a magnificent experience in the heart of Bangkok, The celebration also features special performances by leading Thai artists and an exclusive appearance from Chinese superstar “Zhu Zhengting,” who flew in to deliver New Year blessings to Thai fans at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.

Ushering in a Year of Prosperity: Celebrating Thailand’s Chinese New Year Festival Siam Paragon Joins Forces with TAT and Kasikornbank to Launch "Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026"

The Grand Opening Ceremony, held on 14 February 2026, was honored by the presence of Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, who both joined in delivering Chinese New Year blessings. Also in attendance were Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group; and Mayuree Chaipromprasith, President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., all gathered amidst a grand and festive atmosphere. The event captivated the audience with special performances, including “Chinese New Year Welcome Dance” from China and the “Siam Noble Steed Dance” from Thailand, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. The celebration also featured rare and exquisite Chinese cultural showcases from four renowned troupes originating from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan, and Fujian.

The highly anticipated highlight was the appearance of renowned Chinese artist “Zhu Zhengting,” who joined the festivities to wish fans wealth, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead, while delivering a special performance as a New Year gift. Additionally, the celebration featured mini-concerts by leading Thai T-Pop artists, including Better Weather and Daou Pittaya, who brought joy and left a lasting impression amidst the spectacular sight of giant auspicious lanterns illuminating the entire of Parc Paragon.

The grand celebration of “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026″ presents a magnificent parade of entertainment to deliver joy and prosperity for the Year
of the Horse, running from today until 18 February 2026. In addition to the spectacular colors of giant auspicious lanterns and exquisite cultural performances from the People’s Republic of China, there are concerts from leading Thai artists performing on a rotating schedule to provide non-stop fun at Parc Paragon and Fashion Hall.

The lineup includes:

  1. 15 February 2026: Enjoy performances by HERS and MEAN Band;
  2. 16 February 2026: Meet 2Ectasy, Jeffy, Kakagoesbackhome, and Slapkiss;
  3. 17 February 2026: Have fun with SERIOUS BACON and Klear;
  4. 18 February 2026: Concluding with Wanyai and OABNITHI.

Simultaneously, Siam Paragon is packed with activities to enhance luck and wealth across various areas, featuring many more highlights such as:

  • Be mesmerized by the art installation “The Fortune Guardians,” depicting a pair of lions in a rhythmic and lively spirit of celebration, created by Suthipa Kamyam, a renowned artist and illustrator who has collaborated with numerous international brands. She has transformed the Jewel zone and Cascade on the M Floor into an artistic landmark for the Chinese New Year, symbolizing the opening of gates to welcome positive energy, inviting luck and joy to flow in and reach all visitors.
  • The Sculpture Exhibition by Ren Zhe: This exhibition features the work of the renowned Chinese sculptor, celebrated for his masterful fusion of Eastern cultural roots with a contemporary global perspective. His powerful sculptures are imbued with dynamic movement, harmoniously communicating Eastern philosophical values through modern materials. The exhibition will be on display from 5 March 2026 at the Glass Wall on the M Floor.
  • NEXTOPIA, the prototype for the world of tomorrow, welcomes the Chinese New Year festival with the heartwarming concept “Let Good Things Grow: Lucky in Love, Lucky in Green.” This initiative invites everyone to share positive energy through self-care, meaningful connection with others, and sustainable growth alongside the planet. Visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary interactive activities and workshops that are engaging and accessible to all ages. We invite you to fulfill your special moments at NEXTOPIA with eco-friendly, heart-healthy menus amidst a romantic atmosphere and melodies —perfect for hanging out until midnight.
  • For those seeking spiritual guidance and an opportunity to give back, the Siriwattana Cheshire Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen presents the “Siriwattana Fortune Telling for the Disabled” charity event. To welcome the Year of the Horse, the event features 40 renowned experts specializing in various disciplines. The event takes place from February 13–20, 2026, at Crystal Court, 2nd Floor (North Zone), Siam Paragon, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Fortune-telling tickets are available at the venue for 400 THB.

Beyond the exceptional experiences offered across all zones, Siam Paragon delights shoppers with the exclusive “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” promotion, running from today until 22 February 2026, featuring discounts of up to 50% at participating stores. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can receive Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 1,700. Special privileges are also available for Kasikornbank credit cardholders, while ONESIAM members can earn 4x ONESIAM Coins upon qualifying spend, along with up to 15% credit cashback from participating credit cards, or 0% interest installments for up to 6 months on Siam Gift Card purchases.

Additionally, the special “Lucky with Love” promotion will run from today until 17 February 2026. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can redeem Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 31,800, plus an additional bonus of up to 1,550 ONESIAM Coins when spending via ONESIAM KBank Credit Cards. Furthermore, purchases of THB 2,000 or more will be rewarded with an extra Ang Pao (containing gift vouchers or discount coupons from participating stores). For top spenders at participating luxury brands, an exceptional prize of 2 Baht weight of gold, valued at THB 149,500 (price as of 26 January 2026), will be awarded to those with a cumulative spend of THB 4 million or more.

Experience the grandeur of the Chinese New Year celebration, a spectacular and radiant start to a prosperous Year of the Horse at “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026.” Join the festivities at Siam Paragon from today until 20 February 2026. For more information, please visit Facebook: SiamParagon

Hashtag: #SiamParagon #SiamParagonCNY2026

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China has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered vehicle inspection system capable of scanning more than 1,000 functions within three hours, a move officials say could reshape quality control standards across the automotive sector and accelerate the country’s push towards smart manufacturing. Developed as part of a broader national drive to integrate advanced computing into industrial processes, the system combines machine vision, real-time diagnostics and automated performance testing to […]

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2026 – The People’s Daily has launched two seasons of the documentary My China Story, featuring 10 foreigners who have pursued their careers in China. Season one features tech entrepreneur Nikk Mitchell, US zoologist Kevin Messenger, US ceramist Matt Watterson and Argentinian motorcycle designer Rodrigo Álvarez. The newly released season two of the series puts the spotlight on Neil Schmid, a US expert on Buddhist studies and Dunhuang; US martial arts lover and Taoist Jake Pinnick; French spelunker Jean Bottazzi and Russian vlogger Anton Butov, all of whom have shared their distinctive life paths in China.

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My China Story gives the world a window into foreign residents who have lived across different regions with a wide range of career choices. This documentary series has gained a significant number of overseas viewers on a variety of social media platforms, including Youtube, Tiktok and X. Among all the episodes, the viewers have shown the most interest in Pinnick, who was born in the 1990s in the US, and came to China following an obsession with Chinese martial arts and Taoism studies. This contrasting background has made viewers more eager to learn why and how he lived in China ‘s Wudang Mountains for over a decade.

2025 marked a remarkable year for Pinnick. In April, he received China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card — the “Five-Star Card” — and in May, he was named an Honorary Citizen of Shiyan City at an inaugural ceremony. These honors stand as powerful testaments to his decade-and-a-half journey of cultural immersion.

Pinnick’s story began in 2010 when, inspired by kung fu movies, the then-20-year-old arrived at the foot of the Wudang Mountains with zero martial arts experience and no knowledge of the Chinese language. He carried only a dictionary and a handwritten note that read, “I want to go to the Wudang Mountains.” Emerging from the morning mist, he found his purpose the moment he saw a master leading disciples in practice.

The path from novice to master has been paved with rigorous discipline. Pinnick mastered Tai Chi and various weapon techniques. Beyond the physical movements, he delved into the spiritual heart of China, studying the Tao Te Ching and learned to play Taoist music. During his toughest moments of exhaustion and homesickness, it was his “kung fu family” that gave him the strength to persevere.

Over the past 16 years, Pinnick has not only transformed personally but also witnessed China’s rapid development. He vividly remembers that reaching Wudang once required a slow train to Yibin; today, the journey is defined by high-speed rail and an expanding airport now welcoming international travelers.

Today, Pinnick serves as a vital cultural bridge. Through social media and live performances, he shares the wisdom of Wudang with a global audience. “I originally came for martial arts,” Pinnick reflects, “but I stayed for the culture and history.” Guided by his master’s philosophy that “Kung fu knows no borders,” Pinnick continues to demonstrate that martial arts is not about conflict, but about inclusivity and connecting a diverse world.

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

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai AD Ports Group has reported a sharp rise in revenue and profit for the year ended 31 December 2025, underlining the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s maritime and logistics sector amid shifting global trade patterns. Preliminary unaudited results released on Friday show revenue climbed 20 per cent year on year to AED20.8 billion, while net profit rose 17 per cent to AED2.1 billion. Earnings […]

Turkey has withdrawn from the 2026 Munich Security Conference, citing what it describes as the unacceptable elevation of a Syrian Kurdish commander it regards as a national security threat. Ankara’s decision follows the participation and high-level meetings of Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces, at the annual security gathering in Germany. Turkish officials objected to Abdi’s engagement with senior Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel […]

Nvidia’s chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, will not attend the India AI Impact Summit scheduled to begin in New Delhi on February 16, the company confirmed over the weekend, citing “unforeseen circumstances” that prevent his planned trip. Nvidia said it remains committed to participating in the five-day event and will instead dispatch a senior leadership delegation to represent its interests at the summit, which is positioned as a global forum on artificial intelligence, semiconductors and technology policy.

Huang’s absence removes one of the most high-profile speakers from a programme that is expected to bring together global leaders, technology executives and policymakers. Nvidia has been at the centre of international attention this year as its graphics processing units and specialised chips have powered significant advances in AI model training and deployment worldwide. Despite his cancellation, the company’s executive vice-president Jay Puri is set to lead Nvidia’s delegation in New Delhi.

The India AI Impact Summit has been framed by its organisers as a strategic platform for discussions on AI’s impact on economies, governance, and society. With over 20 heads of government and multiple chief executives from major technology firms slated to take part, the absence of Nvidia’s CEO is unlikely to derail the summit’s broader agenda but does shift attention to the array of other leaders expected on stage. Summit organisers have emphasised that the event will focus on actionable frameworks for AI governance and international cooperation rather than immediate regulatory commitments.

India’s push to host the summit reflects the growing emphasis placed on its AI ecosystem, both domestically and internationally. The event at Bharat Mandapam is intended to spotlight innovation, human capital and collaborative initiatives that leverage artificial intelligence for economic and social development. Heads of state from Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as senior executives from leading technology companies, are planning to contribute to sessions addressing ethical AI, inclusive growth, and public-private partnerships.

Nvidia’s statement confirmed that Huang will not be able to travel to India at this time, but stopped short of elaborating on the specific reasons for the change in plans. The company’s leadership team reiterated its support for the summit’s objectives and expressed confidence in the delegation’s ability to engage constructively with participants across sectors. Nvidia’s central role in the global AI supply chain — particularly through its GPUs, which underpin much of the world’s AI compute infrastructure — has made its presence significant at forums shaping the future of the industry.

For many tech observers, Huang’s decision underscores the intense demands on executives at the helm of firms that are pivotal to AI’s evolution. As Nvidia continues to navigate a landscape marked by rapid technological change, supply chain pressures and geopolitical scrutiny, its leadership choices are closely watched by investors, partners and policymakers alike. The company has maintained that its strategic focus on AI remains undiminished, even as senior personnel adjust their engagement in global events.

The summit is expected to feature a range of high-level engagements, including discussions on AI’s implications for labour markets, national competitiveness, and regulatory cooperation among nations. Organisers have highlighted sessions aimed at bridging gaps between emerging markets and established technology hubs, while also addressing concerns about safety, privacy and equitable access. Participants will include chief executives from major AI and cloud-computing firms, senior government officials from participating countries, and representatives of international organisations.

Despite the absence of Nvidia’s CEO, interest in the India AI Impact Summit remains strong among industry stakeholders. Discussions are slated to explore how public-sector frameworks can align with the dynamic pace of innovation in the private sector, with particular emphasis on fostering trust and transparency in AI systems. The summit’s agenda also places emphasis on skills development, research collaboration, and the role of AI in addressing societal challenges such as healthcare, climate and education.

Executives attending the summit will face intense scrutiny from delegates keen to understand how technology firms plan to balance commercial imperatives with ethical responsibilities. As governments around the world refine their approaches to AI governance, the outcomes of deliberations at gatherings such as the India AI Impact Summit could inform future policy frameworks and cross-border cooperation on technology standards and norms.

By K Raveendran The unfolding political narrative around the Indo-US trade treaty has done more than spark debate on tariffs, market access and diplomatic alignment: it has reshaped the contours of India’s domestic political landscape, particularly by elevating Rahul Gandhi’s stature as the principal opposition leader. The Modi government has positioned the trade agreement as […]

The article Indo-US Trade Deal Has A Most Unlikely Winner: Rahul Gandhi appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

OpenClaw, the open-source autonomous AI agent framework that has attracted both widespread interest and intense scrutiny, has rolled out version 2026.2.12, a major update that resolves over 40 security flaws and strengthens core components of the platform. The release aims to address an array of risks—from remote code execution exposures to prompt-injection weaknesses—that researchers and operators have flagged as critical for safe deployment of agentic AI systems. […]

For 12 days, the Spring Fair transformed VEC into a walkable map of 34 provinces, blending cuisine, culture and commerce inside Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition complex.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2026 – For nearly two weeks, the Spring Fair 2026 turned the Vietnam Exhibition Center into something few destinations manage to become: a condensed, high-definition portrait of an entire country.

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As the fair drew to a close, what remains is not simply a tally of booths or sales figures, but the impression of a place that allowed visitors to move ‘through Vietnam’ at remarkable speed. Within a single afternoon, one could travel from the northern mountains to the Mekong Delta without leaving a 90-hectare venue on the outskirts of Hanoi.

Framed as “A Marketplace of 34 Provinces,” the event gathered regional economies, culinary traditions and cultural performances under one monumental roof. For many international visitors in Hanoi this spring, it became a defining stop on the city’s New Year cultural calendar.

A Country in One Afternoon

The scale was unapologetically large. More than 3,000 standard booths. Around 2,500 enterprises. Participation from 34 provinces and cities across Vietnam. Over 12 continuous days, the fair aimed for direct revenue of 1,000 billion VND and operated at a pace that rarely slowed.

Inside, the exhibition floor was organized into thematic zones such as “Vietnamese Cultural Essence” and “Vietnamese Agricultural Products – Connecting Spring”. The layout encouraged visitors to drift geographically. One moment, they stood in the northern region. Minutes later, they were tasting specialties from the south.

In the section representing Bắc Ninh, trays of bánh phu thê (sticky rice cake filled with mung bean paste, traditionally served at weddings) glowed under warm light. Nearby, vendors rolled out bánh cuốn Mao Điền (thin rice sheets wrapped around seasoned minced pork and wood ear mushrooms), the steam rising gently into the air. Nem chua (fermented pork sausage) was sliced into neat portions, while bundles of mì gạo chũ (sun-dried rice noodles from Bắc Giang) were arranged in pale, orderly stacks.

Further along, the scent shifted. At a booth from Sơn La, strips of thịt trâu gác bếp (smoked buffalo meat) were cut from darkened slabs and dipped into a dense sauce flecked with mắc khén (wild mountain pepper with a citrusy heat). The taste was smoky, slightly sweet and sharply spiced. At another stand, mắm tôm chua (fermented shrimp paste with chili and garlic) from Huế was wrapped with boiled pork belly and green banana slices, layered with fresh herbs to soften its tang.

In the southern cluster, bánh pía (flaky pastry filled with mung bean, salted egg yolk and durian) from Sóc Trăng were sliced while still warm, their layered crust collapsing delicately to reveal a rich interior. The aroma of durian lingered in the air, unmistakable and confident.

“I really liked how the space was designed according to each province’s characteristic… not only products, but also culture – music, people, traditional dress. It clearly shows very thoughtful experiential design,” said an American visitor during the event.

For business delegations, the appeal went beyond atmosphere.

“We came here to find Vietnamese partners for cashew nuts, cacao and coffee,” said Mandel V. Panizares, representative of Green Agricultural Products Trading in the Philippines. “Seeing the products directly and discussing at the booth; this ‘see and touch’ approach helps us evaluate quality and production capacity more clearly than just looking at profiles or images.”

Cultural performance threaded through the marketplace. Visitors found themselves mesmerized watching more than 50 performers in restored Nguyễn-era garments entered the main corridor for the “Hundred Flower Parade”. Gold embroidered nhật bình (formal imperial robes) shimmered beneath the hall’s lights. Ceremonial horses stepped carefully across polished floors as shoppers paused mid-conversation to watch.

“The parade is not just a performance, but a living cultural experience, where traditional Vietnamese attire, rituals, aesthetics and people exist together within the flow of daily life and commerce,” said Nguyen Thanh Nam, a member of the project team.

Across the 12 days, more than 40 cultural programs and hundreds of performances unfolded, including shows by the Vietnam Circus Federation and the Vietnam Puppet Theatre. Music, acrobatics and folk art existed in easy proximity to contract discussions and product demonstrations.

By the final weekend, it was clear that the Spring Fair had evolved into something more than an exhibition. It functioned as a temporary indoor festival city, layered with sound, flavor and movement.

The Platform Powering the Experience

The intensity of the experience was made possible by the Vietnam Exhibition Center itself.

Spanning 90 hectares, VEC is the largest exhibition complex in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top ten globally. At its core stands the Kim Quy Exhibition Hall, a 130,000 square meter column-free structure that provides uninterrupted interior space on a scale rarely seen in the region.

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Built in just 10 months by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, and officially opened on August 19, 2025, the center welcomed 1.2 million visitors within its first three days of operation. Managing that volume required advanced crowd coordination, robust security systems and integrated logistics capable of operating at metropolitan scale.

The infrastructure extends well beyond the main hall. An 18-hectare parking area accommodates more than 10,000 vehicles. Nearly 1,200 electric vehicle charging ports form the largest EV charging station in Vietnam. Integrated storage zones, transport logistics and modern electronic payment systems allowed thousands of booths to operate simultaneously without visible strain.

VEC is also a member of the Bureau International des Expositions and serves as Vietnam’s official representative at global exhibition events, positioning it within the international exhibition circuit.

“We believe that, building upon this foundation, VEC will continue to thrive and evolve into a premier hub for major regional and international events. When operated at its full potential, VEC will emerge as a new symbol of a connected, prosperous, integrated, innovative, and sustainable Vietnam, thereby elevating our national standing in the country’s new era of ascent.”, said Mr. Tran Le Phuong, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Vietnam Exhibition Fair Center Joint Stock Company (VEFAC JSC).

During the Spring Fair, that capacity was visible in every operational detail. Corridors remained fluid at peak hours. Multiple stages operated without acoustic conflict. International delegations moved seamlessly between provincial booths.

“I highly appreciate the handicraft products of Hue and high-tech agricultural products of Thanh Hoa and Dong Thap,” said Ozasa Haruhiko, Chief Representative of JETRO Hanoi. “The diversity and quality here strengthen my confidence in Japan-Vietnam trade potential.”

As the 2026 edition concludes, the Spring Fair leaves behind more than transactions and photographs. It has demonstrated that Vietnam can stage large-scale exhibitions with cultural depth and operational precision inside world-class infrastructure.

Hashtag: #VEC #Vingroup

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OpenAI has launched GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark, an ultra-fast version of its coding artificial intelligence that runs on specialised hardware from Cerebras Systems, marking its first major production deployment outside of the long-dominant Nvidia-based infrastructure. The Codex-Spark release delivers more than 1,000 tokens per second in interactive coding workflows, designed to give developers near-instant responsiveness for editing and iterative tasks while maintaining competitive capabilities for real-world software development. The debut […]

Microsoft has unveiled a new security feature in Windows 11 that fundamentally alters how administrator privileges operate on personal computers, signalling a decisive shift in the company’s approach to endpoint protection. The feature, known as Administrator Protection, removes persistent administrative rights from user accounts and replaces them with a tightly controlled, task-based elevation model. Instead of granting broad and continuous access to system-level controls, Windows 11 now […]

A coalition of major Hollywood studios and industry bodies has accused ByteDance of exploiting copyrighted film and television material to train its artificial intelligence video tools without permission, intensifying a widening legal confrontation between the entertainment sector and generative AI developers. The dispute centres on ByteDance’s fast-evolving video generation systems, integrated into platforms linked to TikTok and its editing suite CapCut, which allow users to create cinematic […]

Blackstone’s private equity fund tailored for wealthy investors registered a hefty net 20 per cent return last year, propelled by strategic investments tied to artificial intelligence platforms and infrastructure, according to financial industry figures. The performance marks one of the strongest showings across alternative asset strategies targeting individual high-net-worth portfolios amid a broader industry push to deliver private markets access beyond institutional clients. The Blackstone Private Equity […]

Cyclone Gezani has carved a devastating path through Madagascar, leaving at least 38 people dead and displacing more than 12,000 as the powerful storm made landfall on the country’s east coast this week. The cyclone struck the port city of Toamasina, home to around half a million residents, with sustained winds estimated at up to 250 kilometres per hour, flattening vast swathes of infrastructure and triggering widespread […]

Berlin is tightening controls on its defence sector as it expands military spending and confronts strategic risks posed by deep economic ties with China and reliance on foreign suppliers, especially from the United States. The federal government’s action reflects growing anxiety that Germany’s defence companies, including key suppliers and manufacturers, could be exposed to undue influence or supply chain disruptions if anchored too closely to geopolitical rivals. […]

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