Technology

SK Group Establishes Foundation for AI Collaboration with Vietnam

Published

4 hours ago

April 24, 2026

SK Telecom and SK Innovation sign separate MOUs with Vietnam’s Nghe An Province and the National Innovation Center (NIC) to foster artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem development.From AI data center (AIDC) construction to stable power supply, Korea’s full-stack AI is poised for its first overseas expansion.SK Chairman Chey Tae-won: “SK Group will contribute to the advancement of Vietnam’s AI industry through its comprehensive AI portfolio.”

SEOUL, South Korea, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK Group announced it will collaborate with Vietnam to build the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry ecosystem and develop core AI infrastructure.

At the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum held in Hanoi on April 23, SK Group signed separate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the Nghe An Provincial Government and Vietnam’s National Innovation Center (NIC) to foster AI ecosystem development.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources of Korea, and Ngo Van Tuan, Minister of Finance of Vietnam.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee and SK Group was signed by Vo Trong Hai, Chairman of the Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee; Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation; and Jung Jai-hun, President & CEO of SK Telecom.

Another MOU between the National Innovation Center (NIC) and SK Group was signed by Vu Quoc Huy, Director General of NIC; Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation; and Jung Jai-hun, President & CEO of SK Telecom.

Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group and Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), also attended the ceremony.

Earlier, at the Korea–Vietnam Summit, the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in future growth sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and energy. SK Group’s MOUs with Vietnam represent this bilateral cooperation being put into action by the private sector.

Through these partnerships, SK Group plans to support Vietnam’s growth as a key partner in its national AI strategy. In addition, building on AI data center development and stable power supply, SK Group is expected to lay the groundwork for the first overseas expansion of its “Korean-style AI full-stack” model, linking AI model development and validation with the rollout of industry-specific AI services.

Joint AIDC feasibility study in Nghe An linked to the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed an MOU with the Nghe An provincial government to jointly explore developing an AIDC and related infrastructure projects in the region. Nghe An is a major economic hub in north-central Vietnam and has emerged as a fast-growing region for manufacturing, energy and advanced industries, supported by its port and logistics infrastructure.

SK Innovation will explore broad cooperation opportunities in energy solutions, including supplying electricity to the data center and building dedicated generation facilities connected to the Quynh Lap LNG Power Project, for which it was recently selected as the developer.

SK Telecom plans to review options for developing, building, and operating the AIDC while also seeking to secure global demand. The Nghe An provincial government agreed to discuss support measures to help advance the partnership, including permits, administrative procedures, inter-ministerial coordination and incentive programs.

In February, SK Innovation was selected as a developer for the Quynh Lap LNG power project in Nghe An Province, together with PV Power, a power generation subsidiary of Vietnam’s state-owned oil and gas group PVN, and local company NASU. The project is a large-scale energy infrastructure initiative that includes the development of a 1,500-MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant, an LNG terminal, and a dedicated port, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completion targeted for 2030. From the proposal stage, SK Innovation also presented a model to foster high value-added industries by integrating SK Group’s AI and semiconductor capabilities in areas near the power plant, thereby laying the foundation for the current partnership.

At the forum, the Nghe An government also presented the SK Innovation consortium with the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) for the Quynh Lap Power Project, reaffirming its commitment to the development.

“Drawing on SK Group’s experience in operating large-scale power generation and diverse energy solution businesses, we will ensure the successful development of the local power infrastructure,” said Choo Hyeong-wook, President & CEO of SK Innovation, during a presentation titled “Vietnam’s Economic Leap through AI + Energy Innovation.”

Cooperation with NIC to Build Vietnam’s AI Ecosystem

SK Telecom and SK Innovation also signed a comprehensive MOU with Vietnam’s NIC to support the development of the country’s AI ecosystem.

The two sides agreed to cooperate on AIDC development, energy infrastructure development and the establishment of policy and institutional frameworks to foster the AI industry.

Under the agreement, SK Telecom will support AI ecosystem development in Vietnam through technology collaboration and investment promotion, and SK Innovation will provide energy solutions for AIDCs and related industries. The NIC will provide institutional support, such as coordinating with government agencies, improving regulations and developing policy, while also identifying and connecting local partners to facilitate project execution.

Established in 2019 by the Vietnamese government, NIC serves as the country’s national innovation hub, leading initiatives in AI, semiconductors and investment promotion. SK Group has maintained a close partnership with NIC, including a previous $30 million contribution toward its establishment.

Jung Jai-hun, President and CEO of SK Telecom, said, “AI data centers are key infrastructure that underpins the growth of the AI industry. Building on SK Group’s accumulated capabilities in the development, construction, and operation of AI data centers, we will further refine a collaboration model tailored to the Vietnamese market.”

First Overseas Expansion of Chairman Chey Tae-won’s “AI Full-Stack Provider” Vision

This partnership in Vietnam is significant as it could mark SK Group’s first overseas expansion of the “AI full-stack provider” strategy, integrating capabilities in AIDC, power, and energy solutions.

Chairman Chey Tae-won has consistently articulated his vision of transforming SK Group into an “AI full-stack provider.” Leveraging SK Group’s strengths across the AI value chain—including semiconductors, data centers, power and energy solutions, and AI services—the Group aims to build the most efficient AI infrastructure model.

Under this vision, SK Group is advancing the development of the 100-MW hyperscale “SK AI Data Center Ulsan,” targeted for completion in 2027. The Group has also been laying the groundwork for Korea to emerge as an Asia-Pacific AI hub by engaging in discussions with OpenAI on collaboration for AI data center development in Korea.

Ahead of the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum, Chairman Chey Tae-won said at a business roundtable, “AI will play a critical role in Vietnam’s continued growth. SK Group has a portfolio spanning the entire AI ecosystem—from energy and semiconductors to AI models and applications—and we will leverage this to make tangible contributions to the development of Vietnam’s AI industry.”

About SK Telecom

SK Telecom has been leading the growth of the mobile industry since 1984. Now, it is taking customer experience to new heights by extending beyond connectivity. By placing AI at the core of its business, SK Telecom is rapidly transforming into an AI company with a strong global presence. It is focusing on driving innovations in areas of AI Infrastructure, AI Transformation (AIX) and AI Service to deliver greater value for industry, society, and life.

For more information, please contact skt_press@sk.com or visit our LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom.

About SK Innovation

Founded in 1962 as Korea Oil Corporation, SK Innovation has been at the forefront of Korea’s energy industry for over six decades. The company has pioneered numerous milestones, including Korea’s first overseas oil field development, the vertical integration of its energy and chemical businesses, the nation’s first private LNG import, and a strategic entry into the electric vehicle battery business.

Now, SK Innovation has reached a transformative turning point in its journey to become a Comprehensive Global Energy Company. Extending beyond its traditional oil business to encompass the entire energy value chain -spanning LNG & Power, Renewable Energy, and Energy Solutions- the company is driving global expansion, including in Vietnam.

For more information, please visit the official SK Innovation website at www.skinnovation.com.

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SOURCE SK Group; SK Telecom

Technology

TestGrid Wins ‘Best Use of AI’ at India Digital Enabler Awards 2026, Powered by Entrepreneur India

Published

28 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

Recognition from one of India’s most prominent technology award platforms underscores a systems-first approach to enterprise AI — focused on control, reliability, and cost predictability

SURAT, India, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TestGrid has been named the winner of the ‘Best Use of AI’ category at the India Digital Enabler Awards (IDEA) 2026, organized by Entrepreneur India and held at Sheraton Grand, Bengaluru.

The award, judged by a panel including representatives from NITI Aayog, the Department of Science and Technology (Government of India), and IvyCap Ventures, highlights applied innovation across digital technology, enterprise systems, and artificial intelligence.

This result places TestGrid among IDEA honorees such as Reliance Foundation, Swiggy, Zepto, Groww, and Tata Teleservices—organizations known for translating technology into measurable enterprise impact.

TestGrid was selected for its approach to embedding AI within software testing—not as a standalone capability, but as part of a structured system built on real-device infrastructure, automation, and controlled execution environments.

As enterprise adoption of AI accelerates, organizations are increasingly encountering challenges around unpredictable, usage-based costs and limited execution control.

At the core of TestGrid’s approach is CoTester, its AI testing agent designed to operate within the software development lifecycle.

CoTester learns from product requirements, generates test scenarios, and executes them across real device and browser environments—while maintaining human oversight, traceability, and execution discipline.

Rather than replacing existing systems, CoTester operates as an integrated layer within TestGrid’s platform, where infrastructure, automation, and intelligence work together to deliver predictable outcomes at scale.

“AI in testing is only useful when it operates within systems that teams can trust,” said Harry Rao, Founder & CEO of TestGrid. “Our focus has been on building a foundation where intelligence is controlled, execution is consistent, and costs remain predictable. This validates the approach we’ve taken.”

This outcome comes at a time when enterprises are re-evaluating AI adoption models, particularly as token-based and usage-driven pricing introduces cost variability at scale. Testing environments—already fragmented across tools and workflows—become harder to manage when intelligence is introduced without system-level control.

TestGrid addresses this by consolidating testing infrastructure, automation, and AI into a single platform. This enables teams to execute tests on real devices, integrate with frameworks such as Selenium, Appium, and Cypress, and apply AI-driven capabilities without introducing operational unpredictability.

Following this milestone, TestGrid will continue expanding its AI capabilities within enterprise environments, with a focus on structured adoption, workforce enablement, and deeper integration into software delivery workflows.

To schedule a demo or explore TestGrid’s testing platform, visit testgrid.io.

About TestGrid

TestGrid is a leading provider of enterprise-grade testing infrastructure and automation solutions, trusted by the top Fortune 100. From infrastructure to software delivery intelligence, TestGrid empowers organizations to deliver high-quality software faster with cost-effective, scalable testing across web and mobile platforms.

Media Contact
Harry Rao
Founder & CEO, TestGrid
harry@testgrid.io

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Technology

NX China Pursues Industry-academia Collaboration at Beijing Wuzi University

Published

28 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

– Fostering Next Generation of Logistics Professionals through Endowed Lectures, Scholarship Awards, and Tree-planting Activities –

TOKYO, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nippon Express (China) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “NX China”), a group company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., presented its 18th endowed lecture and conducted a scholarship award ceremony at Beijing Wuzi University on Thursday, March 26.

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Founded in 1980, Beijing Wuzi University (hereinafter “BWU”) is an institution of higher learning specializing in logistics and distribution, and about 8,000 students are currently enrolled in its nine undergraduate faculties and 28 departments. One of these faculties, the School of Logistics established in 2006, ranks among China‘s best in its field and offers well-equipped educational facilities and an outstanding research environment.

NX China signed a letter of intent on strategic cooperation with BWU in 2012 and has since established “NX Scholarships,” presented endowed lectures, organized “NX International Logistics Classes,” and engaged in efforts of various formats designed to continually deepen industry-academia collaboration. Endeavoring to bring its long-standing cooperative relationship with BWU still closer, NX China has further introduced a comprehensive human resource development program titled the “Nippon Express Series.”

In the 18th endowed lecture, Business Division General Manager Zuo Jingcheng from NX China‘s Management Strategy Headquarters delivered a presentation on “NX China‘s Organizational Structure and Digital Transformation/Innovation” that introduced students to practical aspects of the logistics industry and cutting-edge initiatives. At the scholarship award ceremony that followed, certificates were presented to the ten recipients for the 2026 academic year. Their achievements to date were commended and they were encouraged to contribute to both industrial and social development by showcasing their talents on the global logistics stage in the future. This year‘s scholarship recipients also participated in a new initiative: planting six cherry trees in an on-campus tree-planting activity. Having these next-generation leaders take part in the tree planting proved a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation while helping green the campus.

The NX Group will continue actively engaging in social contribution activities in the East Asia Region to foster talent capable of excelling in the logistics industry.

About the NX Group: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P317xr3Z9BzmG15Uqfv2iaVmWmhlmsqS/view?usp=drive_link

NX Group official website: https://www.nipponexpress.com/

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SOURCE NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC.

Technology

KuCoin Launches KuCard on Mastercard’s Global Network in Australia, Advancing Real-World Crypto Payments

Published

28 minutes ago

April 24, 2026

First KuCard rollout in Australia brings seamless crypto payments to millions of Mastercard merchants.

SYDNEY, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform, today announced the launch of direct crypto payments via Mastercard’s global network for eligible users in Australia, enabling users to make everyday purchases using crypto wherever Mastercard is accepted. Through a partnership with Immersve, a principal member of the Mastercard network, the solution allows users to make crypto-backed purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted, including via Apple Pay and Google Pay—advancing KuCoin’s commitment to trust-first infrastructure and the real-world utility of digital assets.

Through the integration, USDC can be used to fund everyday spending in real time at the point of sale. At launch, the service supports 37 USDC trading pairs, enabling eligible users to pay with supported digital assets. At checkout, digital assets are converted to fiat currency for settlement through Mastercard’s global payment network—so users can pay with a familiar card experience without manually pre-converting funds ahead of time.

The launch reflects KuCoin’s broader trust-first strategy—strengthening security, transparency and compliance while expanding practical, real-world crypto usage. KuCoin continues to invest in resilient infrastructure for users and partners, focused on reinforcing confidence in the digital-asset ecosystem through security and accountability initiatives.

BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, said: “Making digital assets useful in the real world requires trusted infrastructure—secure rails, clear compliance standards, and user-first protections. This launch brings Mastercard acceptance to our users in Australia, builds on our AUSTRAC DCE registration, reflecting KuCoin’s commitment to responsible innovation and the everyday utility of crypto as it integrates into global finance. This solution empowers our users to spend their assets easily, securely, and globally—wherever Mastercard is accepted.”

James Pinch, Australian Managing Director of KuCoin, added: “Australia is a fast-moving market for digital asset adoption. For everyday users, utility is the turning point. KuCard helps connect digital assets to real commerce through a familiar Mastercard payment experience—supporting broader adoption while reinforcing the importance of security, governance, and responsible innovation.”

“Collaborating with well-known and trusted brands like Mastercard and KuCoin is a major step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets for everyday purchases,” said Jerome Faury, CEO of Immersve. “Immersve is building the bridges between web3 and traditional finance on a global scale that enable individuals to spend crypto everywhere Mastercard is accepted. It’s a game-changer for everyone.”

Christian Rau, Senior Vice President of Digital Commercialization of Mastercard, added: “The partnership with KuCoin and Immersve is another example of Mastercard’s ongoing commitment to responsible innovation in the Web3 space. By enabling the spending of digital assets at scale in a safe, secure, and compliant way, we’re helping digital assets become truly usable in everyday life.”

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

About Immersve

Immersve is a principal member of the Mastercard network. Its issuing-as-a-service platform supports both centralised and decentralised payment experiences. Exchanges, web3 wallets and DeFi protocols can easily integrate with Immersve’s APIs and smart contracts to transact everywhere Mastercard is accepted, with no bank or fiat involved. Immersve is a regulated entity.

For more information go to www.immersve.com.

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
www.mastercard.com

Axis One Markets Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Immersve Pty Ltd (ACN 658 192 057, AFSL No. 545925) and is authorised to provide certain financial services in respect of ‘KuCard’ on Immersve’s behalf, limited to the scope of its Corporate Authorised Representative agreement with Immersve Pty Ltd. ‘KuCard’ is issued or provided by Immersve Pty Ltd, and it is solely responsible for the issuance of that product, including all associated disclosures and obligations under its Australian financial services licence. Immersve Pty Ltd is not responsible for any financial products or services issued by Echuca Trading Pty Ltd. Before acquiring or using any such financial product or service, you should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (“PDS”), Financial Services Guide (“FSG”), Target Market Determination (“TMD”), and any other disclosure documents issued by Immersve Pty Ltd.

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