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SK Group Establishes Foundation for AI Collaboration with Vietnam

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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

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Lianlian DigiTech Returns to Money20/20 Asia to Expand Partnerships, Share Industry Trends, and Explore AI-Enabled Global Financial Infrastructure

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BANGKOK, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lianlian DigiTech, a leading global provider of digital payment services, was once again invited to participate in Money20/20 Asia, one of the world’s most influential fintech gatherings, held in Bangkok, Thailand from April 21 to 23. At the event, the company presented its latest developments in cross-border payment infrastructure, technology innovation, and ecosystem collaboration, offering a comprehensive view of its work enhancing global cross-border payment capabilities.

During the conference, Lianlian DigiTech announced a strategic partnership with UK-based fintech company USI Money to further strengthen its global cross-border payment network, delivering more efficient and reliable fund flows for merchants worldwide. Shen Enguang, Co-President of Lianlian DigiTech; Mark Ma, Head of Global Banking Partnership at LianLian Global; and Bryan Jiang, General Manager Hong Kong of LianLian Global, attended the event and engaged with representatives from international financial institutions. They shared perspectives on fintech trends and global payment innovation, offering industry insight into the continued evolution of a more integrated and interoperable cross-border payments ecosystem.

Building a Borderless Payment Network with Global Partners Including USI Money

At the event, Lianlian DigiTech formalized a strategic collaboration with London-headquartered USI Money to further develop its global payment infrastructure.

The partnership will focus on cross-border remittance and foreign exchange services, combining both companies’ technological capabilities and resources to deliver a one-stop payment and collection solution for global businesses. The offering is built to be efficient, secure, and cost-effective, improving overall fund flow efficiency and streamlining foreign exchange execution.

Syed Bukhari, Group Chief Business and Operating Officer at USI Money, said: “Our partnership with Lianlian will strengthen our remittance capabilities, creating greater value for our customers through broader network coverage and improved transaction performance.”

Bryan Jiang, General Manager Hong Kong of LianLian Global, said: “By leveraging the complementary strengths of our ecosystem partners in technology and compliance, Lianlian will continue to scale its global payment network and improve transaction efficiency. We remain committed to enhancing financial connectivity across global financial markets and delivering more efficient and reliable cross-border payment solutions for our customers.”

Founded in 2009 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024 (2598.HK), Lianlian DigiTech is a China-based, globally focused digital payment company with increasingly integrated AI capabilities across its platform. Guided by its mission of “Connecting the world, Empowering global commerce,” the company focuses on developing a trusted and scalable financial infrastructure. As of the end of 2025, Lianlian DigiTech has built a cross-border payment network covering more than 100 countries and regions, serving over 10.4 million customers worldwide.

USI Money is a foreign exchange and international remittance service provider offering tailored cross-border financial solutions for businesses and individuals. With competitive real-time exchange rates and efficient execution as its core strengths, the company delivers fast, secure, and reliable global fund transfers.

In addition, Lianlian DigiTech co-hosted a networking session with Unlimit during the event, providing a forum for industry dialogue. The session brought together a broad group of fintech partners to explore collaborative models and help foster a more connected ecosystem.

Industry Roundtables: Unlocking Layered Collaboration in AI-Driven Cross-Border Payments and Advancing Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets

At the same time, Mark Ma and Bryan Jiang were invited to the themed roundtable discussions, where they shared insights drawn from industry practice and outlined new approaches to aligning fintech innovation with the global financial system.

At the roundtable on “Fintech and Banks,” Mark Ma noted that the global payment system is rapidly shifting from isolated capabilities to a layered, collaborative model. Banks continue to serve as the foundational infrastructure, responsible for clearing networks and liquidity management. Fintech firms like Lianlian, meanwhile, build on top of this foundation to deliver application-layer services for businesses, transforming complex cross-border payment channels into more accessible solutions that support a wider range of practical business scenarios. He also emphasized fintech’s growing role in compliance and value creation. By embedding risk controls and verification processes into technology workflows, fintech companies can act as compliance intermediaries, improving efficiency while filtering risk and enabling banks to operate more effectively at scale. Meanwhile, insights derived from transaction data and business flows allow for more precise evaluation of small and medium-sized businesses, shifting capital allocation from experience-based decisions to data-driven approaches and improving access to financial services.

At the roundtable titled “Different Worlds, Shared Challenges: Bridging Emerging Markets,” Bryan Jiang pointed out that the core of financial inclusion is shifting from scale of coverage to practical usability in everyday financial activity. The ability to serve underserved segments such as small and micro merchants and overseas workers in a sustained and reliable manner ultimately depends on continuous improvements in product design and operational capabilities. Using emerging markets as an example, Jiang explained that small and medium-sized businesses in these regions often face challenges such as difficult account setup, complex cross-border collections, high foreign exchange costs, and multi-layered tax requirements. Many existing solutions still follow traditional business-focused models, resulting in cumbersome KYB processes and lengthy review cycles that are misaligned with the asset-light, high-frequency, fast-turnover nature of these businesses. In response, Lianlian has lowered barriers to fund flows by offering local collection accounts, optimizing foreign exchange mechanisms, and improving settlement efficiency. The company has also restructured account architecture, streamlined review processes, and enhanced fund visibility, creating a more seamless and intuitive user experience that better aligns financial services with its clients’ business operations and day-to-day activities.

As digital technologies increasingly integrate with the real economy, innovations in AI and blockchain are reshaping the foundations of global financial services. Lianlian DigiTech has long invested in AI capabilities, global compliance, and the growth of its international service network. Its broad licensing coverage, regulatory track record, localized service capabilities, and technical reliability have earned the trust of regulators, customers, and partners worldwide.

Looking ahead, Lianlian DigiTech will continue to build on its cross-border expertise and compliance experience to further develop its AI capabilities and deepen collaboration with global partners. The company aims to extend its role beyond payment network services into more integrated financial infrastructure solutions. Lianlian DigiTech remains committed to serving as a trusted platform for global financial transactions in an increasingly digital environment, enabling businesses and individuals worldwide to access faster, more efficient, and more seamless cross-border financial services.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/lianlian-digitech-returns-to-money2020-asia-to-expand-partnerships-share-industry-trends-and-explore-ai-enabled-global-financial-infrastructure-302753667.html

SOURCE LianLian Global

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The Building & Furniture Category Highlights Sustainable and Human‑Centric Design at the 139th Canton Fair

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GUANGZHOU, China, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phase 2 of the 139th Canton Fair has seen the Building & Furniture category emphasize green Infrastructure and human-centric design.

A major highlight of the building and decorative materials section is the introduction of photovoltaic marble-textured cladding. This innovative surfacing material bridges the gap between high-end aesthetics and renewable energy. Unlike traditional solar panels that rely on glass, this non-opaque cladding uses precise microscopic structures to guide light to internal PV cells.

This technology offers 60% higher efficiency than traditional transparent solar systems while reducing carbon emissions by over 50%. Its ability to reproduce stone, wood, or brick‑like 3D textures allows architects to integrate power generation into a wide range of building styles without the industrial appearance of traditional solar panels.

Indoor environments are also becoming smarter and safer. Manufacturers are showcasing high-efficiency antibacterial surfacing, utilizing visible light catalysis to provide 24-hour protection against mold and bacteria. These advanced decorative papers and panels are becoming the new standard for high-end interior decoration, prioritizing long-term hygiene in residential and commercial spaces.

The sanitary ware sector is increasingly focused on the aging global population and those with limited mobility. A standout innovation is the electric lift-and-rotate shower chair. Designed for the dry-wet separation bathroom layout, it allows users to sit in a dry area and be safely rotated and lifted into the shower via remote control. This waterproof, low-voltage system provides dignity and independence for the elderly while reducing the physical strain on caregivers.

Hygiene and ease of maintenance have also seen a breakthrough with wall-mounted toilets. By moving the lid connection to the tank wall and adopting a mortise‑and‑tenon structure, the design eliminates the hard‑to‑clean areas where bacteria typically accumulate. Many of these units also incorporate ergonomic grab bars directly into the frame, blending safety with a minimalist aesthetic.

In the sports and leisure industry, the shift toward sustainability is seen in non-infill synthetic turf. This next-generation football grass eliminates the need for rubber granules or sand, providing a natural touch and superior shock absorption while significantly reducing maintenance costs and microplastic pollution.

All these innovations demonstrate how the Building & Furniture sector is advancing toward greener materials, smarter functionality, and more human‑centered design, setting new benchmarks for the future of living spaces.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

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Nexteer’s Global First Steer-by-Wire Goes into Production

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BEIJING, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nexteer Automotive helped a leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer bring the world’s first production passenger vehicle with a full drive‑by‑wire chassis to market. The vehicle features Nexteer’s steer‑by‑wire (SbW) system as a key enabler.

The SbW featured in this vehicle marks Nexteer’s first SbW system in mass production, representing a major step forward for the technology — moving from development and validation to full-scale production. Certified in late 2025, this system achieved the world’s first ASIL D functional safety approval from DAkkS (German Accreditation Body) through close collaboration with the OEM. This certification reflects global top-tier performance in fault diagnosis, redundancy, and safety monitoring. Key features include:

Multi-layered redundancy design: Dual controllers, dual power supplies, multiple communication links, and dual actuation paths — achieving redundancy at system, hardware, and software levels. This ensures that in the event of a single fault, the backup path takes over within milliseconds with no loss of steering function.Full‑scenario functional safety mechanism: Multi‑level monitoring and fault handling strategies covering sensors, controllers, actuators, and communication links.Variable steering ratio: Automatically adjusts steering angle and effort based on vehicle speed and driving mode, balancing agility and comfort.Intuitive road‑feel simulation technology: Software‑defined steering feedback delivers a more responsive and precise driving experience, adaptable to a wide range of driving scenarios.Open interface for autonomous driving: As a key actuation layer for ADAS and autonomous driving systems, it provides real‑time, precise control capabilities, supporting the development of intelligent transportation systems.

Steer-by-Wire: Electronic Signals Replace Mechanical Links, Flexible Configurations for Diverse Needs

By decoupling the mechanical link between the hand wheel and the road wheels, steer-by-wire replaces conventional mechanical connections with electronic signals and actuators — and is quickly becoming a foundational technology for next-generation intelligent chassis and autonomous driving platforms. As a motion control technology company with 120 years of engineering heritage, Nexteer offers a flexible, off-the-shelf portfolio of steering feel simulators and road wheel actuators. This modular approach allows us to meet the diverse needs of different vehicle models and driving scenarios efficiently and cost-effectively.

From Steering to Braking: Expanding Full-Stack Motion Control Capabilities

Building on its deep expertise in steering systems, Nexteer has expanded into braking with its Brake-by-Wire solution, the Electro-Mechanical Brake (EMB). EMB has completed full development and rigorous validation and is ready for mass production. Together with SbW, Brake-by-Wire (EMB), Rear-Wheel Steering, and the MotionIQ™ Software Suite make up Nexteer’s broader Motion-by-Wire™ portfolio.

With Nexteer, OEMs get more than steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire components: they get a complete, proven, production-ready and cost-effective drive-by-wire chassis motion control solution that’s shaping the future of the software-defined chassis and enabling faster development, lower costs and safter, smarter and more exciting driving experiences.

During Auto China 2026, we cordially invite you to visit Nexteer at Booth W1B03, Hall W1, China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi) in Beijing, to experience firsthand the breakthrough innovations of steer-by-wire and Motion-by-Wire™ technologies.

ABOUT NEXTEER AUTOMOTIVE

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316) is a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our innovative portfolio supports Motion-by-Wire™ chassis control, including electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering systems, steering columns and intermediate shafts, driveline systems, software solutions and brake-by-wire. Celebrating 120 years of automotive innovation in 2026, Nexteer builds on a strong legacy of engineering excellence while continuing to shape the future of mobility. The company solves motion control challenges across all megatrends – including electrification, software/connectivity, ADAS/automated driving and shared mobility – for global and domestic OEMs around the world including BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China including BYD, Xiaomi, ChangAn, Li Auto, Chery, Great Wall, Geely, Xpeng and others. www.nexteer.com  

Links to Nexteer Media Center

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