Technology

SK Group Establishes Foundation for AI Collaboration with Vietnam

Published

5 months 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

Emmy Winner Bob Odenkirk Lends His Name to Global Remember Me Thursday® Pet Adoption Campaign!

Published

19 minutes ago

September 9, 2026

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In just over two weeks, the world’s largest global pet adoption awareness campaign will once again unite animal lovers across social media to shine a spotlight on homeless pets. Observed annually on the fourth Thursday in September, Remember Me Thursday® (RMT) brings together celebrities, animal welfare organizations, rescue groups, shelters, and advocates to become one powerful online voice for orphan pets awaiting loving homes. This year, Emmy Award-winning actor Bob Odenkirk, is lending his name to the cause.

Remember Me Thursday® is honored to welcome Odenkirk along with other acclaimed performers and lifelong animal advocates. Pet-lovers everywhere are invited to join the movement on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to raise awareness for shelter pets around the world.

Remember Me Thursday® was founded in 2013 by Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO Mike Arms. Moved by the heartbreaking reality that more than one million homeless pets lose their lives each year in U.S. shelters, Arms envisioned a worldwide movement that would unite animal welfare organizations behind one simple message: every orphan pet deserves a loving home.

Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, and comedian Bob Odenkirk is best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, performances that earned multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice nominations. His career also includes co-creating HBO’s acclaimed Mr. Show with Bob and David, starring in films including The Post, Little Women, and Nobody, and directing several feature films.

In his personal life, Odenkirk has become a dedicated voice for shelter pets and disaster-relief efforts to benefit animals. His family has long adopted rescue animals, and he frequently credits his rescue dog, Olive, with bringing joy and comfort to their lives. He has supported Petco Love Stories by highlighting inspiring rescue success stories, partnered with Best Friends Animal Society during the Los Angeles wildfire response to help relocate displaced animals, and worked with The Dodo to promote the adoption of rescue dogs. This year, he joins the Remember Me Thursday® campaign.

Also new to the campaign this year, Remember Me Thursday® is proud to welcome Morgan Fairchild, Alan Tudyk, Scoot McNary, and Los Angeles Chargers Daiyan Henley, Omarion Hampton and Teair Tart, among others. (For the full list of 2026 luminaries, click on www.RememberMeThursday.org)

The 2026 celebrities join an extraordinary roster of actors, athletes, musicians, animal behaviorists, and social media personalities who have aligned themselves with Remember Me Thursday® since the campaign’s launch, including Alicia Silverstone (this year’s 2026 Featured Luminary), Andie MacDowell (2023 Official Spokesperson), Diane Keaton, Kristin Chenoweth (2017 Official Spokesperson), Rainey Qualley (2023 Official Spokesperson), Wynonna Judd (2018 Official Spokesperson), and many others.

Now entering its fourteenth year, Remember Me Thursday® has inspired participation in 180 countries, with more than 1,000 animal welfare organizations and hundreds of thousands of individuals holding candle-lighting ceremonies, and sharing adoption stories to promote pet adoption. The campaign has generated more than 2 billion social media impressions, while consistently trending across major social media platforms each year.

Animal-lovers are invited to join the movement by posting a message about pet adoption on social media this Thursday, September 24th. Use the hashtag #RememberMeThursday and #ShineALight to connect with others honoring the important day.

For more information about Remember Me Thursday®, including a complete list of participating celebrities and organizations, visit www.remembermethursday.org.

For media inquiries regarding the U.S. West Coast Remember Me Thursday® event, contact: PR Manager Jessica Gercke at (858) 756-4117 x 335 or jessicag@animalcenter.org.

About Remember Me Thursday®

Animal lovers and organizations across the globe unite on the fourth Thursday in September to light a candle in remembrance of the millions of orphan pets who lost their lives without the benefit of a loving home and to shine a light via social media on the millions of orphan pets still waiting for their forever homes. The Remember Me Thursday® global awareness campaign is championed by Mike Arms, President of Helen Woodward Animal Center, and creator of both the International Pet Adoptathon and successful Home 4 The Holidays program which, in partnership with national animal organizations, has placed over 20 million pets in homes since 1999. For more information, please visit www.remembermethursday.org or via hashtags #RememberMeThursday and #ShineALight on social media.

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SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center

Technology

AT&T Elects Fazal F. Merchant to Board of Directors

Published

19 minutes ago

September 9, 2026

Key Takeaways:

Fazal F. Merchant joined the AT&T Board, effective Sept. 8.Merchant will serve on the Audit Committee and the Corporate Development and Finance Committee.

DALLAS, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T (NYSE:T) elected Fazal F. Merchant to its board of directors, effective Sept. 8. He will serve on the Audit Committee and the Corporate Development and Finance Committee.

Merchant most recently served as President and Chief Financial Officer of Wiz, Inc. – a leading cloud and AI security company. He previously was Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Tanium Inc.

“Fazal is a great addition to our board, bringing deep expertise across corporate development, finance and technology,” said John Stankey, AT&T Chairman and CEO. “Fazal’s experience scaling high-growth businesses and helping companies navigate periods of transformation will be invaluable as we continue to evolve, invest for growth, and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

Merchant previously held senior leadership roles at DreamWorks Animation and DIRECTV, including Chief Financial Officer of DIRECTV Latin America. During his tenure at both companies, he oversaw major strategic transactions. Earlier, he worked in investment banking at Barclays Capital and the Royal Bank of Scotland. He began his career at Ford Motor Company.

Merchant serves on the board of Warner Bros. Discovery and previously served on the boards of Ariel Investments, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. and Meritor, Inc. He also spent several years serving as a senior advisor to Sixth Street Partners.

Merchant holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Indiana University.

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About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 150 years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

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SOURCE AT&T

Technology

Radiance Technologies Wins Position on $14B MSIC COMET Contract

Published

19 minutes ago

September 9, 2026

Employee-owned Huntsville contractor continues long-standing support of the Missile and Space Intelligence Center.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Radiance Technologies, a 100% employee-owned prime contractor, announced today that it has been selected as an awardee on the $14 billion Contract Operations for Missile Evaluation and Testing (COMET) Multi-Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) supporting the Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC).

“This win belongs to our employee-owners,” said Radiance Technologies CEO, Bill Bailey. “They built the technical intelligence expertise that got us here, and now they get to put it to work on a mission that’s right in our backyard. We’re excited to keep supporting MSIC and the vital work they do for the Warfighter.”

Under the contract, Radiance will provide research, development, and sustainment services for new and existing hardware, software, and systems that are foundational to military intelligence upon successful awarded contract.

COMET spans five mission task areas: foundational and technical intelligence analysis, foreign materiel exploitation, information technology operations, modeling and simulation, and business processes. It carries a 10-year period of performance, running from July 21, 2026, through January 1, 2037.

In addition to leading its own team, Radiance holds positions on two other winning COMET teams: one led by SAIC and one through its Radiance Ignite Technologies joint venture.

MSIC, part of the Defense Intelligence Agency, provides policymakers, homeland security and intelligence community organizations, weapons developers, and warfighters with intelligence assessments of foreign weapons systems. This includes. anti-tank guided missiles, ground-based air defense and missile defense systems, short-range and close-range ballistic missiles, and ground-based direct-ascent and directed-energy anti-satellite missile systems.

About Radiance Technologies:

Radiance Technologies is an employee-owned prime contractor founded in 1999 and headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. Radiance has over 1200 employee-owners across the United States serving the Department of War, the national intelligence community, and other government agencies. From concepts to capabilities, Radiance leads the way in developing customer-focused solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, systems engineering, prototyping, and integration, as well as operational and strategic intelligence, including scientific and technical intelligence. For more information, please visit www.radiancetech.com.

Media Contact:

Julia Parrish
Director, Strategic Branding & Communications
julia.parrish@radiancetech.com

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SOURCE Radiance Technologies